Fetal magnetic resonance hydrography: evaluation of a single-shot thick-slab RARE (rapid acquisition with relaxation enhancement) sequence in fetal thoracoabdominal pathology

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the potential of a single-shot thick-slab RARE (rapid acquisition with relaxation enhancement) sequence in fetal thoracoabdominal magnetic resonance (MR) examinations compared with multislice T2-weighted sequence and postnatal imaging.

METHODS

RARE sequence is rapid and provides very heavily T2-weighted images. Twenty-seven fetal thoracoabdominal MR imaging examinations were performed at 23-38 weeks using our conventional protocol. This included thin multislice T2-weighted half-Fourier acquired single-shot turbo spin-echo (HASTE) sequence and thin-slice GE (gradient echo) T1-weighted images with a 1.5-T MR unit. A single-shot thick-slab (60 mm) RARE sequence was added to all MR examinations. The acquisitions were obtained with the mother breath-holding. The thick-slab heavily T2-weighted images were compared with HASTE sequence images and with postnatal imaging in all cases.

RESULTS

The thick-slab RARE sequence did not show additional abnormalities compared with the conventional protocol but displayed an overall view of the urinary tract, tracheobronchial tract and small bowel. It gave information that was highly correlated with postnatal imaging, such as abdominal plain films, chest film or cystography. The quality of the thick-slab RARE images was considered as good in 13 cases (48%), moderate in 12 cases (45%) and poor in two cases (7%).

CONCLUSION

Although thick-slab RARE sequence does not show additional abnormalities compared with the conventional protocol, it illustrates very nicely static fluids such as those in urinary dilatation, the esophagus and small bowel (normal or dilated) and thoracic cystic masses. It is very rapid (5 s) to perform, allows fetal hydrography, and correlates well with postnatal imaging.

Duodenal duplications. Clinical characteristics, embryological hypotheses, histological findings, treatment

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to analyse different clinical aspects and embryologic hypotheses of duodenal duplications.

METHODS

Duodenal duplications occurring since 1995 were recorded. The age of the children at the time of diagnosis, the sex, location of the duplication, type of mucosa, clinical signs, associated lesions, and the type of surgical intervention were defined.

RESULTS

We identified 5 patients (3 girls and 2 boys) who presented with histological or intraoperative findings of duodenal duplication. Their ages ranged from 4 days to 9 years, with the exception of two prenatal diagnoses. Three children were symptomatic: high intestinal obstruction (1 case), digestive bleeding (2 cases). In 1 case we found a palpable abdominal mass and 1 case was completely asymptomatic (prenatal detection). The abnormality was located on the duodenal concavity, originating from the third part in 2 cases and from the second part in 3 cases. All cases were non communicating types, 4 of which were cystic duplications and 1 was a tube-like variety. The epithelial lining was duodenal mucosa in all patients, but gastric heterotopies were identified in 2 cases. We performed two complete resections and 3 intraduodenal derivations. The outcome was uneventful in 5 cases with an average follow-up of 2 years.

CONCLUSION

Duodenal duplications are rare malformations with several anatomical varieties. The preferred treatment for duodenal duplications is complete removal when the location allows it without endangering nearby anatomical structures.

[Prenatal MRI diagnosis of esophageal atresia]

The diagnosis of esophageal atresia may be suspected on prenatal ultrasonography in fetuses with absent or small stomach, upper esophageal dilatation and unexplained polyhydramnios. However, the diagnostic value of these findings is relatively poor. Two cases are reported where MRI appeared to be accurate for establishing the diagnosis of this congenital anomaly.

[Tracheal agenesis: CT diagnosis]

Tracheal agenesis is an exceptional congenital malformation of the airway with fatal consequences. A case of a newborn infant presenting with respiratory distress is reported. Laryngoscopy and helical CT of the airway confirmed the diagnosis of tracheal agenesis with tracheo-esophageal fistula and laryngeal agenesis.

Voiding cystourethrography in boys. Does the presence of the catheter during voiding alter the evaluation of the urethra?

PURPOSE

We determined whether the presence of the catheter during the voiding phase of voiding cystourethrography alters the evaluation of the urethra concerning the normal structures as well as pathological findings, especially posterior urethral valves.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 123 males 3 days to 16 years old (median age 2.6 months) underwent voiding cystourethrography. Urethral catheterization was performed in all cases. Four views were taken during the voiding phase with and without the catheter in place. Only 80 patients had available results. These examinations were studied with special attention to the normal structures and pathological findings.

RESULTS

A total of 36 examinations (45%) were normal. Pathological findings were observed in 44 patients (55%), with abnormal vesical findings and/or vesicoureteral reflux in 33 (41.25%). In 11 patients (13.75%) 12 urethral abnormalities were found (posterior urethral valves 3, hypospadias 4, prostatic utricle 1, verumontanum polyp 1, prune belly syndrome with urethral dilatation 1, imperforate anus with urethral fistula 1 and urethral duplication 1). In all cases excluding those involving hypospadias there was no difference between the views with and without the catheter. However, concerning the normal structures, the verumontanum and fossa navicularis were better delineated without the catheter in 27% and 33% of cases, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows that a urethral catheter does not alter the diagnosis of abnormalities of the posterior urethra but may hamper the observation of normal structures or abnormalities of the anterior urethra.

Congenital anterior urethrocutaneous fistula associated with urethral duplication

Congenital anterior penile urethral fistula is a rare anomaly; only seven cases have been reported to date. This report outlines the clinical presentation and the embryologic mechanism of a case associated with urethral duplication.

[Treatment of anterior hypospadias: comparison of modified Mathieu and Duplay techniques (report of 840 children)]

PURPOSE

The objective of this study is the comparison of 2 surgical procedures in the treatment of primary anterior hypospadias including the evaluation of short-term and long-term results.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective study of the results of the modified Mathieu procedure performed in 392 patients presenting with previously untreated anterior hypospadias at one center by the same experienced surgeon is compared with the results of the modified Duplay procedure performed in 457 patients in a second center by a second experienced surgeon, both series spanning a period of 10 years.

RESULTS

Follow-up ranged from 21 months to 10 years. Overall, 7 of 392 patients (1.7%) treated by the Mathieu procedure had complications requiring surgery compared to 32 of 457 patients (7%) treated by the Duplay procedure, a difference that is statistically significant (P < 0.05). Patient satisfaction was excellent in both groups and cosmetic results were considered satisfactory by the parents in all 843 patients.

CONCLUSION

Both the modified Duplay and the Mathieu techniques are reliable procedures with reproducible results, a minimal risk of fistula formation as well as excellent cosmetic and functional results.

[Tumorlike form of bladder schistosomiasis in children]

Two tumorlike forms of urinary schistosomiasis are reported. Diagnosis was suspected as the patients exerted haematuria while they originated from a geographic area where schistosomiasis is endemic. Terminal urine samples were positive for Schistosoma haematobium. Cystoscopy revealed an hemorrhagic granulomatous polyp in one case and villous polyps in the other case, associated with suggestive lesions of schistosomiasis. Schistosoma haematobium infection in children is uncommon in Europe and rarely considered in the diagnosis of haematuria.

The cholecystocolic bypass with jejunal interposition graft for bile acid depletion in bile and portal blood in guinea pigs

Ileal bypass and cholecystostomy are used in children with selected cholestatic diseases to lower the bile acid (BA) levels in bile and blood and improve outcome. The efficacy of a cholecystocolic bypass in achieving the same goals was investigated in guinea pigs. In the study group (n=7), a cholecystocolic bypass was performed using a jejunal graft interposed between the gallbladder and the cecum. In the control group (n=5), a cholecystojejunal bypass was performed with a similar graft implanted in the proximal jejunum. Total BA concentration was measured in bile and portal blood at surgery (D0) and 30 days later (D30) by pooling the concentrations of 7 individual BA. D30/D0 BA ratios were compared. All animals developed normally without clinical symptoms. A 76% reduction in the bile T-BA levels was observed in both groups (p<0.05). A 80% decrease of T-BA levels was observed in portal vein in study group (p<0.05), suggesting that ileal bile flow and BA ileal reabsorption were highly impaired. No change in portal vein BA levels was observed in control group. Cholecystocolic bypass led to a significant loss of bile acids in guinea pigs and might be considered for bile diversion in pediatric patients with selected cholestatic diseases.

[Appendix-ureteroplasty in a child: report of a case]

The use of vermiform appendix as a tube to replace right ureteral segment has been reported, rarely in child. Herein is reported a case of right ischemic ureteral stenosis following a reimplantation of the ureter for high grade reflux secondary to posterior urethral valves with only one functioning kidney. A long ureteral defect was bridged successfully by appendix interposition and then reimplanted in the bladder at four years of age. The interest of ureteroappendiculoplasty provides temporary solution to repair long ureteral defect, in spite of uncertain future, especially in childhood.

[Prenatal screening of kidney pelvis ectasia, frequently caused by vesico-ureteral reflux detected after birth. Analysis of a series of 159 cases in 4 years at a maternal-child unit]

To describe the pre- and post-natal management of vesico-ureteric reflux in a prospective study of babies presenting with vesico-ureteric reflux suspected from pre-natal ultrasonography in a tertiary paediatric center.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 1997 and 2001, 35 children (25 boys and 10 girls) with were vesico-ureteric reflux followed for 12 to 36 months after the pre-natal detection of urinary tract anomalies. Ultrasound examination was realized at the 5th of life, retrograde cystography at the 15th if the renal pelvic dilatation measured at least 10 mm of diameter. In 11 the reflux was bilateral and 46 refluxing units were reviewed.

RESULTS

According to the international classification of, 7% vesico-ureteric reflux were grade I, 20.5% were grade II, 32% were grade III, 18% were grade IV, 22.5% were grade V. Fourteen patients (17 refluxing units) underwent ureteric-reimplantation. Four total and two partial nephrectomics were carried out in patients < 2 years old; in 8 patients the VUR resolved spontaneously. Of the latter, 7 patients (ten refluxing grade III-IV units) are still being followed and awaiting a decision on treatment.

CONCLUSION

This study confirms the predominance of boys in those with antenatally suspected vesico-ureteric reflux. The spontaneous resolution or improvement during the first 3 years of life was apparent in most cases, even in those with severe reflux (grade III-V).

[Bilateral vas deferens agenesis and inguinal hernia in a child. A rare, early presentation of cystic fibrosis]

Epididymal and ductal anomalies can be discovered incidentally during inguinal herniorraphy in children. The congenital bilateral absence of vas deferens is frequently associated with cystic fibrosis.

CASE REPORT

This agenesia of vas deferens was detected in a 5-month-old boy who underwent an inguinal herniorraphy. Although the child did not present any symptoms, he actually presented cystic fibrosis: the sudoral test showed high levels of chloride (95 mmol/L) and an isolated homozygous delta F 508 deletion on the gene CFTR was evidenced on genetic investigations.

CONCLUSION

The congenital bilateral absence of vas deferens is the most frequent anomaly of the male genital tract discovered in adults investigated for azoospermia. Relations with cystic fibrosis are well established but congenital bilateral absence of vas deferens discovered during infancy is an exceptional situation that requires genetic investigations to show evidence of a likely underlying cystic fibrosis.

[Pre- and postnatal diagnosis of omphalo-xiphopagus conjoined twins]

We report a case with successful surgical separation of female omphalo-xiphopagus conjoined twins. Ultrasonographic examination at 20 weeks of gestation showed twins joined at the abdomen from the xiphoid process to the umbilicus. Conjoined structures included liver. Karyotype was normal. The parents refused interruption of the pregnancy. Plain films, US and MRI confirmed findings at prenatal ultrasound examination. There was no cross circulation into the livers and the gastrointestinal tract was not conjoined. In our observation, postnatal MRI did not offer additional information.

[Expression of sexual dimorphism in the fetal pelvic girdle]

The objective of this study was to analyse the development of the foetal pelvis in order to define normal anatomic reference values as a function of gender and gestational age. The study population included 500 stillborn foetuses between the gestational ages of 18 and 41 weeks. Those foetuses without known demographic histories were strictly excluded. For each case studied, an AP radiograph was performed with the following parameters measured by two independent observers: pelvic width, inter-iliac width, inter-sciatic nodes, inter-pubic width and bi-ischial width. The correlation between these radiographic measurements and the gestational age as well as the gender was analysed. The result indicated that the inter-ischiatic distance is significantly greater in the female foetus after the 26-27th week of gestation (P < 0.0062). Standard growth for the female and the male foetal pelvis is proposed with potential application in the study of normal and pathological development of the foetus.

Treatment of a case of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia-fibular osteosynthesis

We report the results of a case of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia treated by tibiofibular synthesis. A 1-year old girl was first treated by intramedullary fixation followed by an intertibiofibular bone graft. This method failed. She then underwent a new operation that was associated two simultaneous approaches, correction of the axis, tibiofibular synthesis and a new intertibiofibular bone graft. Union was achieved four months later. The child has now been followed up for 20 years. During this time, she has led a normal life as we have observed a "tibialisation" of the fibula. Intramedullary fixation has a success rate of 75% but requires repetitive insertion of intramedullary or telescopic rods. Transplantar intramedullary rods are responsible for significant ankle stiffness. Tibiofibular synthesis associated with an intertibiofibular bone graft after correction of the axis is the equivalent of vascularised graft of the fibula but with neither the difficulties of microsurgery nor valgus deformities of the ankle.

[Trauma of the renal pedicle in children. Report of 2 cases of late revascularization with endovascular prosthesis]

OBJECTIVE

The diagnosis of renal pedicle rupture in children is difficult and often delayed. Ultrasound alone is insufficient in the assessment of all cases of renal contusion. This often leads to nephrectomy, due to the uncertain results of a late surgical revascularization procedure. A minimally invasive endovascular approach is therefore sometimes useful.

CASE REPORTS

1st case: a 6-year-old boy was admitted to the emergency department with contusion of the right flank caused by a road accident. The immediate test for haematuria was negative. Twenty-four hours after trauma, renal duplex ultrasound was performed due to the appearance of microscopic haematuria and it demonstrated trunkal thrombosis of the right renal artery, while the initial ultrasound was normal. 2nd case: a 15-year-old girl who jumped out of a window. 48 hours after the trauma, IVU was performed because of persistent microscopic haematuria and revealed a silent kidney, while the initial ultrasound was normal. Renal arteriography showed complete dissection of the right renal artery in both cases. Stenting was performed. The postoperative course was uneventful. In the first case, follow-up duplex ultrasound revealed a modification of the echostructure of the superior pole (absence of blood supply) while the lower pole had a normal interlobular blood supply. CT scan at the 2nd month confirmed normal excretion from the lower pole. In the first case, revascularization was satisfactory on the follow-up duplex ultrasound. After 20 months of follow-up, the kidney presented a normal functional and morphological appearance.

CONCLUSION

The diagnosis of renal pedicle lesions remains difficult and is based on emergency CT angiography. Treatment by vascular stenting can be performed in children. In some cases of renal artery dissection, it can constitute an alternative to surgery. However, it raises the question of the medium- and long-term repercussions of renal artery stenosis on the child's growth.

[CT imaging of pelvic injuries in polytrauma patients]

CT has become a major tool in the management of multiple trauma. Concerning pelvic trauma, visceral and bone injuries can be detected. We review here the different pelvic injuries focusing on CT diagnostic approach.

[Exceptions to the rule concerning conservative treatment of polycystic renal dysplasia in children]

The authors report three cases of antenatally diagnosed polycystic renal dysplasia (PRD) associated with homolateral anomalies of the ureter and vas deferens requiring surgical exploration. The antenatal and postnatal diagnosis of polycystic renal dysplasia is based on ultrasound. It is recommended to look for associated vesicoureteric reflux by retrograde cystography. Conservative management is advised due to the natural involution of PRD. The authors emphasize the need for a more detailed ultrasound analysis of the lower genitourinary tract during the antenatal and postnatal period in order to identify an abnormal ureteric orifice, constituting the cause of the dysplasia. As dysplasia is predominant and the only anomaly detected on the antenatal examination, the associated lower tract anomalies will probably only be identified at birth. A better understanding and neonatal detection of associated lower urinary tract malformations probably justify a review of the current, systematic conservative approach, in a certain number of cases.

[Abdominal cystic lymphangiomas in children. Clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects: apropos of 21 cases]

Twenty-one abdominal cystic lymphangiomas were observed in paediatric patients during a 15-year period, in 11 boys and 10 girls. Diagnosis was prenatal in 2 cases; the mean age of the other 19 children was 4.7 years (range: 3 months-8 years). Tumours were intraperitoneal in 16 cases and retroperitoneal in 5 cases. Symptoms were variable: abdominal pain in 15 cases, palpable tumour in 6 cases (excluding the two cases of prenatal diagnosis). Complications included obstruction in 7 cases (including 3 by volvulus), infection in 6 cases, and intracystic haemorrhage in 3 cases. Abdominal ultrasonography correctly established the diagnosis in all children. Surgical treatment included 20 complete resections and one incomplete resection, including 6 with bowel resections. With a follow-up ranging from 6 months to 10 years, one recurrence occurred and was successfully reoperated. Intraabdominal cystic lymphangioma in childhood is a rare tumour with a variable presentation. An accurate diagnosis can be established by abdominal ultrasound. Complete resection should be performed whenever possible.

Umbilical one-puncture laparoscopic-assisted appendectomy in children

To perform a laparoscopic appendectomy, three trocars are usually needed. In order to reduce abdominal wall trauma, we have adopted an umbilical one-puncture laparoscopic-assisted appendectomy (UOPLAA). We did a retrospective study of UOPLAA performed during last 2 years on 200 children aged from 5 to 18 years (median, 9 years). The patients were selected after clinical examination. No child with advanced generalized peritonitis or an abscess with a palpable mass was a candidate for this technique. UOPLAA was successful in 184 patients (92%). In 16 cases (8%), an additional trocar was required to manage perforated or retrocecal appendicitis. The mean operative time was 15 min, and the mean hospital stay was 2 days. There were no intraoperative complications. There were 10 (5%) postoperative complications (three parietal and seven intraabdominal). Four patients (2%) needed reoperation under general anesthesia. The UOPLAA is our preference in cases of acute nonperforated appendicitis because it is simple and fast, with good cosmetic results; but in 8% of our cases, an intraoperative difficulty (retrocecal location, abnormal adhesive band, peritonitis, etc.) arose that required the introduction of additional devices to ensure the safety of the laparoscopic procedure.

[Drug-resistant genito-urinary rhabdomyosarcoma in children with primary psoas abscess. Apropos of a case]

We report an unusually uncommon case of genitourinary rhabdomyosarcoma in a child which was chemoresistant and complicated by a primary psoas abscess which presented as a pelvic mass associated with an abscess of the right iliac fossa. Ultrasound and CT investigations suggested the diagnosis of a centropelvic tumor which was confirmed at puncture-aspiration. MRI was most contributive giving a precise description of the local extension. Intensive multi-drug chemotherapy would appear to have improved outcome in patients with poor-prognosis Maurer group III tumors. In exceptional cases when no tumor response is obtained, carcinological surgery with large dissection, possibly with adjuvant radiotherapy, is indicated. Percutaneous drainage of the deep psoas abscess is as effective as classical surgery and spares the abdominal wall, particularly important if a second operation should be needed. Multidisciplinary management is required for the treatment of this highly malignant tumor.

Anterior approach versus posterior approach to surgical treatment of children's supracondylar fractures: comparative study of thirty cases in each series

The purpose of this study was to consider the surgical treatment of severe supracondylar fractures of the elbow in children, and to compare the anterior approach with the posterior approach used in two homogeneous groups of 30 cases each by two experienced surgeons. Control procedures were maintained with the children of both groups when the plaster was removed, during the fourth month after surgery, and throughout the follow-up that continued for more than 1 year. A posterior approach to surgery is simpler than an anterior approach, but it creates supplementary anatomic damage that can cause circulatory disorders in the external condyle and a higher percentage of limitation in articulation mobility. Thus, although the anterior approach is more technically demanding, it gives better functional results. Because this approach concerns a zone already damaged by the trauma, it eliminates hematoma in the anterior brachial muscle and again places the fragments in the untouched shell of the periosteum.

Is diffuse xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis a contraindication to retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy? A case report

Diffuse xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGP) is a rare form of chronic infection of the child's kidney. The clinical presentation is nonspecific, and investigation often reveals a nonfunctional kidney. Preoperative diagnosis is very difficult even with ultrasonography and computed tomography. Total nephrectomy is the treatment of choice, but it is considered very difficult and is usually contraindicated for laparoscopic or retroperitoneoscopic techniques. Reported here is a case of retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephroureterectomy for XGP.