Subcapsular Biloma following Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography and Endoscopic Biliary Sphincterotomy: A Case Report with a Mini Review of Literature

A biloma is a loculated, extrahepatic, intra-abdominal bile collection. It is an unusual condition with an incidence of 0.3-2% and is usually a result of choledocholithiasis, iatrogenic injury or abdominal trauma causing disruption to the biliary tree. Rarely, it will occur spontaneously, resulting in spontaneous bile leak. We herein present a rare case of biloma as a complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). A 54-year-old patient experienced right upper quadrant discomfort, following ERCP, endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy and stenting for choledocholithiasis. Initial abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography revealed an intrahepatic collection. Percutaneous aspiration under ultrasound guidance of yellow-green fluid confirmed the diagnosis, indicated infection and contributed to effective management. Most likely, a distal branch of the biliary tree was injured during the insertion of the guidewire through the common bile duct. Magnetic resonance image/magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography contributed in the diagnosis of two seperate bilomas. Even though post ERCP biloma is an unusual complication, differential diagnosis of patients with right upper quadrant discomfort following an iatrogenic or traumatic event should always include biliary tree disruption. A combination of radiological imaging for diagnosis and minimal invasive technique to manage a biloma can prove to be successful.

Outcomes of C-arm cone-beam CT-guided percutaneous procedures for thoracolumbar spondylodiscitis: a comparison between with and without intradiscal drainage

INTRODUCTION

Percutaneous intradiscal drainage had little established evidence to date. We assessed the outcomes of C-arm cone-beam CT-guided (CBCT-guided) procedures for spondylodiscitis and compare procedures with and without intradiscal drainage.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted on patients who underwent CBCT-guided procedures for spondylodiscitis with fluid collection in the intradiscal space between January 2010 and September 2021. Included patients were divided into two groups: with and without 'intradiscal drainage' (ID and non-ID, respectively).

RESULTS

A total of 87 patients with thoracolumbar discitis (mean age 73.4 ± 12.3 years, 35 females) were included. There was no significant difference in clinical outcomes between groups. Although insignificant, a subgroup analysis of patients with discitis and psoas abscess showed a higher infection control success rate (81% (17/21) vs 58% (7/12), p = .23) and faster median C-reactive protein improvement (CRP <3 mg/dL: 12 vs 42 days, p = .11, CRP <1 mg/dL: 27 vs 45 days, p = .097) of ID than of non-ID.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings did not clarify the role of intradiscal drainage when it was indicated in all cases of spondylodiscitis with fluid collection. Future studies with larger sample sizes of selected discitis cases are expected to demonstrate the superiority of intradiscal drainage.

Percutaneous Drainage vs. Surgery as Definitive Treatment for Anastomotic Leak after Intestinal Resection in Patients with Crohn's Disease

BACKGROUND

Anastomotic leak (AL) remains one of the most relevant complications after intestinal resection for Crohn's disease (CD). While surgery has always been considered the standard treatment for perianastomotic collection, percutaneous drainage (PD) has been proposed as a potential alternative.

METHODS

Retrospective study in consecutive patients treated with either PD or surgery for AL after intestinal resection for CD between 2004 and 2022. AL was defined as a perianastomotic fluid collection confirmed by radiological findings. Patients with generalized peritonitis or clinical instability were excluded.

PRIMARY AIM

To compare the success rate of PD vs. surgery. Secondary aims: To compare the outcomes at 90 days after the procedures; to identify the variables associated with the indication for PD.

RESULTS

A total of 47 patients were included, of which 25 (53%) underwent PD and 22 (47%) surgery. The success rate was 84% in the PD and 95% in the surgery group (p = 0.20). There were no significant differences between the PD and surgery group in postoperative medical and surgical complications, discharge, readmission or reoperation rates at 90 days. PD was more likely to be performed in patients with later diagnosis of AL (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.03-1.53, p = 0.027), undergoing ileo-colic anastomosis alone (OR 3.72, 95% CI 2.29-12.45, p = 0.034) and treated after 2016 (OR 6.36, 95% CI 1.04-39.03, p = 0.046).

CONCLUSION

The present study suggests that PD is a safe and effective procedure to treat anastomotic leak and perianastomotic collection in CD patients. PD should be indicated in all eligible patients as an effective alternative to surgery.

Bilateral Page kidney in a postpartum female: a case report

Page kidney results from external compression of the kidney by a subcapsular hematoma and is one of the rare but treatable causes of secondary hypertension. The majority are traumatic or iatrogenic and often unilateral. Spontaneous bilateral Page kidney is rare.

Case Presentation

A 35-year P1 with gestational hypertension presented with a persistent postpartum elevation of blood pressure (BP). Imaging studies revealed bilateral renal subcapsular hematoma (left>right). She was managed with an angiotensin receptor blocker initially and ultrasound-guided percutaneous drainage of the collection for the optimal control of elevated BP.

Clinical Discussion

Ultrasonography and computed tomography of the kidneys are the most frequently used for diagnosing a Page kidney. Medical management with antihypertensive and regular follow-ups form the first line of treatment in Page kidneys. Percutaneous drainage, surgical decortication, laparoscopic intervention, and nephrectomy are necessary in cases of organized late hematomas.

Conclusion

Spontaneous bilateral Page kidney is a rare but potentially treatable and curable form of hypertension. Percutaneous drainage is an effective method to drain the hematoma and control elevated BP.

Clinical outcomes of image-guided percutaneous drainage of pericardial effusion in cancer patients: A single-center retrospective analysis

AIM

Catheter removal, survival, and recurrence rates after percutaneous pericardial effusion drainage in cancer patients are not fully understood. We evaluated the clinical outcomes of image-guided percutaneous pericardial effusion drainage in cancer patients.

METHODS

From January 2014 to September 2017, 113 percutaneous drainages for symptomatic pericardial effusion were performed in 100 cancer patients (median 60 years; range, 7-84 years) using ultrasound or angio-computed tomography. An 8-Fr drainage catheter was placed using the Seldinger technique via the subxiphoid (n = 73), apical (n = 23), or left parasternal (n = 17) routes. Success rates, complications, and postprocedural clinical outcomes of drainages were retrospectively assessed.

RESULTS

The technical and clinical success rates were 100% and 99%, respectively, without major complications. The median duration of catheterization and evacuated pericardial effusion volume were 6 days (range, 1-72 days) and 970 ml (range, 140-7635 ml), respectively. Catheters were removed after the first drainage in 86 cases (86%). Symptomatic pericardial effusion recurred in nine patients after catheter removal, in whom redrainages were performed 13 times with a median duration to redrainage time of 48 days (range, 13-529 days). During the follow-up period (median 106 days [range, 1-1396 days]), 61 patients died. The median survival was 140 days (95% confidence interval [CI], 95-276 days), and the median catheter-free survival was 111 days (95% CI, 60-152 days).

CONCLUSIONS

Image-guided percutaneous pericardial effusion drainage for cancer patients is safe and helps alleviate symptoms. Additionally, catheter removal is possible in most patients, allowing a catheter-free period for patients.

Case report: Ultrasound-guided percutaneous drainage combined with lavage using urokinase: An economical and effective treatment for muscular hematomas in hemophiliacs

This was an initial effort to treat hemophiliac hematoma by ultrasound-guided intratumoral drainage and lavage with urokinase after adequate supplementation of coagulation factors. Two patients with severe hemophilia underwent ultrasound-guided percutaneous drainage in combination with lavage using urokinase. After 5-day and 3-day treatments, respectively, intramuscular hematomas in both patients disappeared, compression symptom was relieved, and no obvious adverse reactions or serious complications were observed during the treatment or follow-up. These findings suggest that ultrasound-guided drainage combined with lavage using urokinase is an immediate, safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment for intramuscular hematomas in hemophiliacs, avoiding potential complications by surgical resection with relatively low treatment cost.

Entrapped Malecot catheter removal: Our experience

Some surgeons use a Malecot catheter for drainage of intra-abdominal or mediastinal collections. These tubes are usually removed after 2-3 weeks. If left later, they may become entrapped due to the ingrowing of tissue, and fibrosis within the flower-like tip of the Malecot's catheter. Its removal then needs careful manipulation to prevent organ damage. We present our experience in ensuring the safe removal of such entrapped Malecot's catheters in liver abscess patients.

Splenic Abscesses in Endocarditis: A Rare Disease with High Mortality. The Experience of a Heart Institute in Brazil

INTRODUCTION

Splenic abscess secondary to endocarditis is a rare complication with high mortality. The treatment modality, splenectomy versus percutaneous drainage, and the best time, before or after valve replacement, are controversial. In the literature, there are only a few small case series about the subject. The objective of this study is to analyze the experience of a referral center in treating such condition.

METHODS

Patients with splenic abscesses due to endocarditis from 2006 to 2020 were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients (mean age 46 years old, 69% male) were identified. Eight patients (62%) had at least 2 comorbidities and 5 (38%) had a history of cardiac surgery. The diagnosis was incidental in 6 (46%). The mean time of abscess diagnosis after endocarditis definition was 14 days. Six patients (46%) had at least two organ dysfunctions. The median APACHE II score was 12 overall, and 24.5 in patients who died. Six patients (46%) had a valve replacement, and in two the abscess was diagnosed postoperatively. Of the other four patients, splenectomy was performed before the cardiac operation in three and at the same time in one. Splenectomy was performed immediately in 9 (69%) patients while three patients had percutaneous drainage (23%), one of which underwent splenectomy due to drainage failure. Exclusive antibiotic treatment was performed on only one patient. The median length of hospitalization was 24 days and mortality was 46%.

CONCLUSION

Splenic abscess due to endocarditis is a life-threatening condition with controversial treatment that results in a prolonged length of stay and high mortality.

Demographics, Radiological Findings, and Clinical Outcomes of Klebsiella pneumonia vs. Non-Klebsiella pneumoniae Pyogenic Liver Abscess: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis with Trial Sequential Analysis

Pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) is a common cause of hepatobiliary sepsis. Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP) is the most common organism causing PLA. Evidence is scarce on the demographics, radiological findings, and outcomes of KPPLA versus non-KPPLA (N-KPPLA). PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and Scopus were systematically searched until 14 May 2022 for studies comparing KPPLA and N-KPPLA. Exclusion criteria were single-arm studies. Primary outcomes were mortality (30-day/in-hospital) and metastatic complications. There were 16 studies, including 5127 patients (KPPLA n = 3305, N-KPPLA n = 1822). Patients with KPPLA were younger (mean difference: −2.04 years, p = 0.02). History of hepatobiliary disease (Odds ratio (OR) 0.30, 95% CI: 0.20, 0.46) and malignancy (OR 0.26, 95% CI: 0.16, 0.42) were less common in KPPLA. KPPLA was associated with lower incidence of multiple abscesses (OR 0.52, 95% CI: 0.35, 0.76, p < 0.001) and bilobar abscesses (OR 0.60, 95% CI: 0.49, 0.74, p < 0.001). KPPLA has higher overall metastatic complications (KPPLA 9.7% vs. N-KPPLA 4.8%, OR 3.16, 95% CI: 2.00, 4.99, p < 0.001), but lower mortality (KPPLA 3.9% vs. N-KPPLA 7.6%, OR 0.51, 95% CI: 0.34, 0.78, p < 0.001). Trial sequential analysis showed conclusive evidence that KPPLA has lower mortality than N-KPPLA. In conclusion, KPPLA has lower mortality than N-KPPLA.

[Pancreatic duct stenting in acute severe pancreatitis]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic retrograde stenting of the pancreatic duct for acute severe pancreatitis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We analyzed 94 patients with acute severe pancreatitis who underwent surgery (n=87, 92.6%) and endoscopic retrograde pancreatic stenting (n=28, 29.8%). The first group included 15 patients (16%) after pancreatic duct stenting in aseptic phase of acute pancreatitis. The second group enrolled 13 patients (13.8%) who underwent pancreatic duct stenting in the phase of sequestration and infection. The third group consisted of 66 patients (70.2%) after open surgery without pancreatic duct stenting.

RESULTS

In the 1^st group, we recanalized the necrosis zone up to distal pancreas via stenting. Infection was detected in 14 out of 15 patients. Surgical treatment was performed in 13 patients (13.8%). In the second group, pancreatic duct stenting was carried out in the phase of infected pancreatitis. We applied stenting to block the area of duct destruction or restore outflow in case of distal defect. No infection was observed in 1 out of 13 patients. Pancreatic duct stenting was not performed in 66 patients of the third group. Surgical treatment was performed in 59 patients (62.8%). In general, 11 of 94 patients (11.7%) were free from infection.

CONCLUSION

Better postoperative outcomes were observed in patients with damage to pancreatic duct, pancreatic drainage through percutaneous drains installed at the first stage of treatment. Early pancreatic duct stenting did not lead to significant improvement in treatment outcomes.

Clostridium perfringens splenic abscess treated with percutaneous drainage and antibiotic therapy: a case report

INTRODUCTION

Splenic abscesses are a rare medical entity with high mortality, with Clostridium perfringens being an exceptional pathogen. We present the first case describing an abscess of the spleen in a patient undergoing treatment with adalimumab, an anti-tumour necrosis factor commonly used in inflammatory bowel diseases.

PATIENT

We describe the case of a 73-year-old woman, treated with adalimumab therapy, who was found to have a splenic abscess, caused by C. perfringens.

RESULT

After antibiotic treatment and percutaneous drainage, the patient recovered both clinically and radiographically.

DISCUSSION

We reviewed literature about C. perfringens splenic abscesses. In all cases identified, a splenectomy was performed. This is the first case description of splenic abscess caused by C. perfringens where a percutaneous drainage was performed, leading to complete recovery in our patient. This seems to indicate that a splenectomy is not necessary in all C. perfringens splenic abscesses.

Splenectomy versus Imaging-Guided Percutaneous Drainage for Splenic Abscess: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Splenic abscess (SA) is a rare, life-threatening illness that is generally treated with splenectomy. However, this is associated with high mortality and morbidity. Recently, percutaneous drainage (PD) has emerged as an alternative therapy in select patients. In this study, we compare mortality and complications in patients with SA treated with splenectomy versus PD. Patients and Methods: A systematic literature search of 13 databases and online search engines was conducted from 2019 to 2020. A bivariate generalized linear mixed model (BGLMM) was used to conduct a separate meta-analysis for both mortality and complications. We used the risk of bias in non-randomized studies of interventions (ROBINS-I) tool to evaluate risk of bias in non-randomized studies, and the Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach for assessing quality of evidence and strength of recommendations. Results were presented according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Results: The review included 46 retrospective studies from 21 countries. For mortality rate, 27 studies compared splenectomy and PD whereas 10 used PD only and nine used splenectomy only. Data for major complications were available in 18 two-arm studies, seven single-arm studies with PD, and seven single-arm studies with splenectomy. Of a total of 589 patients, 288 were treated with splenectomy and 301 underwent PD. Mortality rate was 12% (95% confidence interval [CI], 8%-17%) in patients undergoing splenectomy compared with 8% (95% CI, 4%-13%) with PD. Complication rates were 26% (95% CI, 16%-37%) in the splenectomy group compared with 10% (95% CI, 4%-17%) in the PD group. Conclusions: Percutaneous drainage s associated with a trend toward lower complications and mortality rates compared with splenectomy in the treatment of SA, however, these findings were not statistically significant. Because of the heterogeneity of the data, further prospective studies are needed to draw definitive conclusions.

Splenic Abscess in Qatar: A Single-Center Experience

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

Splenic abscess (SA) is a rare clinical entity. There is a lack of information on SA in most Arab and Gulf countries, including Qatar. This study describes the demographics, clinical features, microbiologic etiologies, treatments, and outcomes of patients with SA at the largest tertiary medical center in Qatar over the previous six years.

METHODS

This retrospective observational study was conducted at Hamad general hospital. It involved all patients of 18 years old or above who were admitted with the diagnosis of SA for the period between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2020.

RESULTS

We recruited 25 patients, of which 14 (56%) were males, and 11 (44%) were females. The mean age ( ±  SD) of them was 48.64 ± 19.08 years. The mean illness duration was 22.88 ± 11.88 days. Fever was the most common presenting symptom and was found in 21 (84%) cases, whereas bacteremia was the most predisposing factor found in 15 (60%) patients. The etiology of SA was bacterial in 16 cases (64%), mixed (fungal and bacterial) in one (4%), and tuberculous in one (4%), whereas the etiological agent was unidentified in seven (28%) cases. Intravenous antimicrobial therapy was administered empirically in all patients. However, seven patients (28%) received intravenous antibiotics as the only treatment modality for SA, 15 patients (60%) underwent percutaneous drainage with a pigtail catheter, and two patients underwent splenectomy. The inhospital mortality was three (12%).

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that SA could be caused by various organisms that should be isolated to guide the choice of antimicrobial agents. An abdominal computed tomography is a good diagnostic modality, whereas computed tomography- and ultrasonography-guided percutaneous drainage were efficient therapeutic options that reduce the need for surgery.

Percutaneous Drainage for Aortic Graft Infection Post-aneurysm Repair: A Viable Option?

Purpose

Non-operative management of aortic graft infection is usually only considered in a palliative context. We describe the safety, efficacy, and clinical outcomes of percutaneous drainage of aortic graft infections (AGI) following either open or endovascular repair of aneurysmal disease.

Methods

Twelve consecutive patients (11 males, 1 female, mean age 72.7 ± 10.3 years, age range 52-88 years) between January 2010-July 2020 who underwent percutaneous drain insertion in either an infected aortic sac or periaortic abscess cavity following endovascular or open surgical graft repair were identified. Patient and procedural characteristics as well as clinical outcomes were determined.

Results

Of the 12 patients who underwent percutaneous drain insertion, five (41.7%) had undergone open abdominal aneurysm repair, one (8.3%) open thoracoabdominal aneurysmal repair, and six (50%) endovascular abdominal aneurysm repairs. Drain size ranged from 10-20 French. All were inserted under ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT), and/or fluoroscopic guidance. Median duration of drain placement was 55.2 days (range 3-174). Five patients (41.7%) had the drain in place as a stabilizing bridge until or after definitive surgical explantation and aortic reconstruction. Seven patients (58.3%) were managed with drain placement and antibiotic therapy without surgical intervention. Six (50%) were alive at the most recent time of follow-up (median, 732 days, range 166-1650 days). Three patients (25%) died during follow-up with causes including erosion of aortic reconstruction into sigmoid colon, unrelated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation, and severe clostridium difficile colitis and pseudomonal pneumonia (median 1244 days, range 992-1597 days). Three (25%) patients were lost to follow-up. No drain-related complications were noted.

Conclusion

Percutaneous drainage of AGI following endovascular or open aneurysm repair is a safe and viable management option either as a temporizing measure as a bridge to surgical graft explantation or as a non-surgical therapy for long term management.

Suppurative Pylephlebitis With Portal Vein Abscess Mimicking Portal Vein Thrombosis: A Report of Two Cases

Suppurative pylephlebitis, that is, infected thrombosis of the portal vein and its branches is a rare condition with a high incidence of mortality and is often difficult to diagnose. We report two cases of suppurative pylephlebitis secondary to acute pancreatitis wherein the whole of the portal vein and its branches were transformed into an abscess cavity. The diagnosis was made after pus was seen coming out while the patient was taken up for portal vein thrombolysis. The pus was drained and the cavity was completely evacuated leading to recovery from this infection. These two cases highlight the fact that suppurative pylephlebitis is rare and extremely difficult to diagnose as it mimics portal vein thrombosis, but a high degree of suspicion in critically ill patients with thrombus-like appearance in portal vein having a uniform and homogeneous portal venous content on magnetic resonance imaging not responding to antibiotic therapy may be considered for aspiration for differentiating from thrombus and management.

Safety and efficacy of USG-guided catheter drainage in liver abscesses

Background:

This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of USG-guided percutaneous drainage in liver abscesses of >5 cm. A lot of literature is available on the minimally invasive treatment of liver abscesses since its introduction in the early 1980s. This study focuses on the eastern Indian population and the outcome of treatment of liver abscess of >5 cm by means of catheter drainage and the use of antibiotics.

Patients and Methods:

This is a retrospective study conducted on a total of fifty patients over a period of 1 year, 1 month (from June 2017 to June 2018). Only patients with liver abscess with size >5 cm were included in the study. The demographic characteristics; comorbidities; and clinical, radiological, and bacteriological characteristics of liver abscesses in the eastern Indian population and the safety and efficacy of catheter drainage were evaluated.

Results:

It was found that because of preprocedural empirical antibiotic intake, 70% of the patients had no growth in the pus, whereas 12% had Entamoeba histolytica, 8% had Escherichia coli, and 6% had Klebsiella pneumoniae as the causative agent. The total duration of hospital stay ranged from 3 to 22 days, and the duration of intravenous antibiotics ranged from 1 to 9 days with a clinical success rate of 96% without any drainage-related complications.

Conclusion:

In contradiction to the earlier belief, percutaneous drainage is a safe and effective means of treatment in liver abscesses of >5 cm with high clinical success rate and reduced duration of intravenous antibiotic requirement as well as hospital stay.

Current status of treatments of pancreatic and peripancreatic collections of acute pancreatitis

Pancreatic and peripancreatic collections are the main local complications of acute pancreatitis with a high incidence. In the early phase, most acute pancreatic and peripancreatic collections can resolve spontaneously with supportive treatment. However, in some cases, they will develop into pancreatic pseudocyst (PPC) or walled-off necrosis (WON). When causing symptoms or coinfection, both PPC and WON may require invasive intervention. Compared to PPC, which can be effectively treated by endoscopic ultrasound-guided transmural drainage with plastic stents, the treatment of WON is more complicated and challenging, particularly in the presence of infected necrosis. In the past few decades, with the development of minimally invasive interventional technology especially the progression of endoscopic techniques, the standard treatments of those severe complications have undergone tremendous changes. Currently, based on the robust evidence from randomized controlled trials, the step-up minimally invasive approaches have become the standard treatments for WON. However, the pancreatic fistulae during the surgical step-up treatment and the stent-related complications during the endoscopic step-up treatment should not be neglected. In this review article, we will mainly discuss the indications of PPC and WON, the timing for intervention, and minimally invasive treatment, especially endoscopic treatment. We also introduced our preliminary experience in endoscopic gastric fenestration, which may be a promising innovative method for the treatment of WON.

Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae Endogenous Endophthalmitis-A Global Emerging Disease

The review aims to document the new emerging hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (Kp) endogenous endophthalmitis (EKE) in terms of incidence, microbiological characterization of the pathogenic agent, associated risk factors, management, and outcomes. Hypervirulent (hv) strains of KP (hvKp) induce invasive liver abscesses (LA) with specific clinical features. Up to 80–90% of cases have hepatic liver abscess as a primary focus of infection, followed by renal or lung hvKp infections. However, the incidence of EKE in patients with KPLA varied between 3.4% (19) and 12.6% (13), with a total of 95 cases of endophthalmitis in 1455 cases of KPLA (6.5%). Severe visual loss was encountered in 75% of cases, with 25% bilateral involvement. Intravitreal antibiotics are the mainstay therapeutic approach. Pars plana vitrectomy is a subject of controversy. HvKp strains present mostly natural “wild-type” antibiotic resistance profile suggestive for community-acquired infections, being highly susceptive to the third and fourth generation of cephalosporins and carbapenems. Antimicrobial resistance in hypervirulent strains was recently documented via plasmid transfer and may result in extremely difficult to treat cases. Global dissemination of these strains is a major epidemiologic shift that should be considered in the diagnostic and therapeutic management of patients with endogenous endophthalmitis. Ophthalmologic screening in patients with KPLA and other hvKp infections and a multidisciplinary therapeutic approach is extremely important for early diagnosis and preservation of the visual function.

Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Drainage of Abdominal Abscess in a Patient With Crohn's Disease: A Case Report

Introduction: The autoimmune process in Crohn's disease exacerbates destructive changes in the intestinal wall and leads to complications such as bleeding (21. 9%), strictures (21.6%), and abscesses (19.7%).

Case Presentation: The case of a 32-year-old male patient with an 8-year history of Crohn's disease is presented. He was admitted for emergency indications with severe pain in the right lower quadrant, chills, and a fever reaching 39.0°C. The patient had anemia, hypocoagulation and immunodeficiency. Ultrasound and CT scans of the abdominal organs revealed an abscess in the right iliac region. It was immediately drained under ultrasound control and X-ray. A fistulogram showed the fistula between the abscess and the ileum. Routine antibiotic therapy selected in accordance with the sensitivity of the microflora and sanitization of the abscess cavity were not effective. The immunomodulatory therapy, intravenous administration of cryoprecipitate, and the introduction of fibrin glue into the abscess cavity were added to the treatment. After the treatment, the patient's immune status corresponded to normal, the abscess healed, and the fistula was closed.

Conclusion: In patients suffering from Crohn's disease with the formation of an abscess and a long-term non-healing intestinal fistula, it is essential that the diagnostic algorithm includes the examination of the immune status. Treatment should include immunomodulators, intravenous administration of cryoprecipitate. To close the fistula in these patients, it is advisable to use fibrin glue that has a local immunomodulatory effect.

Giant splenic abscess caused by Salmonella enterica

Splenectomy is the gold standard for treating a splenic abscess, when percutaneous drainage fails or is less likely to be successful.

Early on-demand drainage or standard management for acute pancreatitis patients with acute necrotic collections and persistent organ failure: A pilot randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

The current standard care for acute pancreatitis with acute necrotic collections (ANC) is to postpone invasive intervention for 4 weeks when indicated. However, in patients with persistent organ failure (POF), this delayed approach may prolong organ failure. In this study, we aimed to assess the feasibility and safety of earlier drainage for acute pancreatitis patients with ANC and POF.

METHODS

A single-center, randomized controlled trial was conducted. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to either the early on-demand (EOD) group or the standard management (SM) group. Within 21 days of randomization, early drainage was triggered by unremitted or worsening organ failure in the EOD group. The primary endpoint was a composite of major complications/death during 90-days follow-up.

RESULTS

Thirty patients were randomized. Within 21 days of randomization, eight of the 15 patients (53%) in the EOD group underwent percutaneous drainage compared to four of the 15 patients (27%) in the SM group (P = 0.26). The primary outcome occurred in three of the 15 (20%) patients in the EOD group and seven of the 15(46.7%) in the controls (P = 0.25, relative risk 0.43, 95%CI 0.14 to 1.35).

CONCLUSIONS

Although the EOD approach did not result in significant differences between groups, the primary outcome assessed in this trial demonstrated the potential for clinical benefits favoring early drainage.

Infected hepatic cyst complicating urinary sepsis

Congenital hepatic cysts are a common disorder. Usually they are asymptomatic and do not have to be treated. However, some serious complications can occur. We report here the case of an 86-year old patient who has been treated by a percutaneous drainage for an infected solitary hepatic cyst due to urinary sepsis. She was admitted to the Department of Internal Medicine for epigastric pain with fever and chills. The patient was treated for a urinary tract infection 3 weeks ago by her General Practitioner. On admission, blood tests showed 21 620 neutrophils per microliter with a C-reactive protein level at 443.7 mg/L, procalcitonin > 200 ng/mL, total bilirubin at 1.43 mg/dL, lactate dehydrogenase at 666 U/L and alanine aminotransferase at 227 U/L. Urinalysis and hemocultures highlighted the presence of Escherichia coli and Streptococcus constellatus. The abdominal tomodensitometry indicated the presence of a left hepatic biliary cyst with banal appearance. She was first treated with intravenous amoxicillin clavulanic acid. After a few days, another abdominal tomodensitometry with contrast pinpointed a large abscess of 11 centimeters in diameter extending to liver segments II and IV with a similar small lesion in segments IV and V. clindamycin per os was added to the treatment because of its good diffusion in tissues. Percutaneous drain was inserted under tomodensitometric control and stayed in place until the follow-up at three weeks. Bacteriologic culture on the fluid sample demonstrated the presence of Escherichia coli and Streptococcus constellatus. The abscess completely regressed after 6 weeks of treatment and the biologic abnormalities resolved at the same time.

Percutaneous Drainage in Hepatic Hydatidosis-The PAIR Technique: Concept, Technique, and Results

Over decades, surgery has been the only accepted mode of treatment for liver hydatid cysts. It had been a surgical dogma for a long that hydatid disease is an absolute contraindication for needle puncture/aspiration as it can cause anaphylaxis, death, and dissemination. We envisaged prospectively perform percutaneous drainage as a primary form of treatment for hepatic hydatidosis. Through extensive and very careful experimentation, we proved that aspiration of hydatid cysts can be performed safely and is the ideal way to manage a subset of patients with hydatid cysts in the liver. The patient and cyst characteristics good and not good for percutaneous drainage were carefully selected. The procedure of percutaneous drainage of hepatic hydatid cysts involves four sequential steps as defined in the alphabets of the title PAIR, denoting puncture (P), Aspiration (A), Instillation (I), and Reaspiration (R). During and postprocedure, we enforced strict monitoring given the anticipated anaphylaxis. The first PAIR procedure was performed in June 1988. The results of percutaneous drainage of 21 cysts in 12 patients were reported in 1991. Next, a prospective study was done to show that concomitant Albendazole therapy is recommended as an adjuvant to percutaneous drainage for hepatic hydatidosis. In a seminal prospective study comparing percutaneous drainage and surgery, we showed that percutaneous drainage is as good as surgery in the management of uncomplicated hydatid cysts with fewer complications and shorter hospital stays. Lastly, long-term follow-up results of percutaneous drainage on a large cohort of patients with hepatic hydatid cysts were reported, with excellent results and no evidence of local, peritoneal or systemic dissemination. Based on these data percutaneous drainage, the so-called PAIR technique has established itself as a novel therapeutic advance in hepatic hydatid disease.

Splenic abscess in a tertiary care centre in India: clinical characteristics and prognostic factors

BACKGROUND

Splenic abscess has been an uncommon entity which is now being encountered more frequently due to increased prevalence of immunodeficiency disorders and chronic illnesses. This study was aimed to audit our experience with splenic abscesses at a tertiary care centre in India highlighting usefulness of an algorithmic approach.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of data of patients (January 2014 to December 2019) with splenic abscess was done. Data were retrieved for clinical characteristics, radiological findings, organism spectra, abscess characteristics, therapeutic measures and clinical outcome.

RESULTS

The mean age of the study population (n = 36) was 41.3 ± 19.0 years with 50% males. Comorbidities were identified in 17 (47.2%) patients, with diabetes mellitus being the commonest. Fever and abdominal pain were the most common presenting features. Multiple splenic abscesses were present in 21 (58.3%) patients. Extra-splenic abscesses in liver were seen in five (13.9%) patients while nine (25%) patients had ruptured splenic abscess. Microorganisms were identified in 24 (66.7%) patients, with Salmonella typhi being the commonest (n = 9, 25%) followed by Escherichia coli (n = 7, 19.4%) and Staphylococcus aureus (n = 4, 11.1%). Six patients received only antimicrobials, 24 were managed with percutaneous aspiration or catheter drainage and six required surgery. Five (13.9%) patients died, with highest mortality being seen in those who received only antimicrobial (50%), compared to percutaneous aspiration or catheter drainage (8.3%) and surgery (0%), P = 0.017.

CONCLUSION

Using percutaneous aspiration or drainage in conjunction with antibiotics, followed by surgery in non-responder, patients with splenic abscesses can be managed successfully with acceptable mortality.

Minimally invasive management of pyoperitoneum in a COVID-19 patient: A therapeutic dilemma

A case report of successful minimally invasive management of puerperal sepsis with pyoperitoneum and acute peritonitis in a COVID‐19‐positive patient.