Ischemia-modified albumin as a predictor of the severity of acute appendicitis

BACKGROUND

The early prediction of gangrenous/perforated appendicitis is of great importance for the surgical planning, further treatments, and predicting the course of disease. Ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) was previously reported as a biomarker of various ischemia-based diseases. Our aim is to determine the predictive value of serum IMA in the severity of acute appendicitis.

METHODS

Sixty-two patients who underwent urgent appendectomy were included in the study. Plasma level of IMA was measured after diagnosis and before treatment. All patients were classified as noncomplicated (acute) appendicitis and complicated (gangrenous/perforated) appendicitis according to histopathological findings, and comparisons were made between the groups.

RESULTS

The data of 62 patients with a mean age of 30.1 years were statistically evaluated. The pathological diagnoses were acute appendicitis in 33 (53.2%), and gangrenous/perforated appendicitis in 29 (46.8%) patients. There were significant differences in computed tomography (CT) findings (P = .031) and IMA (P = .012) levels between the groups. A strong positive correlation between IMA levels and CT findings was also found (Spearman ρ = +0.688, P = .003).

CONCLUSIONS

The IMA can be considered as a novel and useful marker to distinguish gangrenous/perforated appendicitis from noncomplicated appendicitis. The correlation of IMA with CT findings also enhances the predictive value of IMA.

Henoch-Schönlein purpura from vasculitis to intestinal perforation: A case report and literature review

Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is generally a self-limited vasculitis disease and has a good prognosis. We report a 4-year-old Thai boy who presented with palpable purpura, abdominal colicky pain, seizure, and eventually developed intestinal ischemia and perforation despite adequate treatment, including corticosteroid and intravenous immunoglobulin therapy. Imaging modalities, including ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced computed tomography, could not detect intestinal ischemia prior to perforation. In this patient, we also postulated that vasculitis-induced mucosal ischemia was a cause of the ulcer, leading to intestinal perforation, and high-dose corticosteroid could have been a contributing factor since the histopathology revealed depletion of lymphoid follicles. Intestinal perforation in HSP is rare, but life-threatening. Close monitoring and thorough clinical evaluation are essential to detect bowel ischemia before perforation, particularly in HSP patients who have hematochezia, persistent localized abdominal tenderness and guarding. In highly suspicious cases, exploratory laparotomy may be needed for the definite diagnosis and prevention of further complications.

[Jejunal perforation secondary to pulmonary mucoepidermoid carcinoma metastasis. Case report and review]

BACKGROUND

The first reported case of intestinal perforation secondary to metastatic lung carcinoma was reported in 1957. Intestinal metastases are present in up to 1.8% of the cases, with small bowel obstruction as the most common clinical presentation.

CLINICAL CASE

An 89 year-old male, who was diagnosed with a high-grade pulmonary mucoepidermoid tumour 2 months previously. The patient was admitted to the hospital for 3 days due to diffuse colic abdominal pain of moderate to severe intensity, accompanied by nausea and gastric vomiting, as well as 2 episodes of bloody bowel movements. On physical examination, the patient was noted to have tachycardia and tachypnoea, as well as clinical signs of acute abdomen. He had white cells of 24,900 per mm³, and 87% neutrophils. Exploratory laparotomy was performed, which showed a bowel perforation associated with a tumour mass 15cm beyond the angle of Treitz. Bowel resection and primary anastomosis were performed. The histopathological analysis reported the diagnosis of a high-grade mucoepidermoid tumour with small bowel and mesentery with disease-free surgical margins. Unfortunately the patient had a fatal outcome secondary to hospital-acquired pneumonia.

CONCLUSION

The cases of metastases to small bowel are extremely rare, and to our knowledge this is first case reported in Mexico. The patient described went to the emergency room with gastrointestinal bleed and intestinal perforation that required urgent surgical intervention with small bowel resection and primary anastomosis. Unfortunately the patient died secondary to hospital acquired pneumonia.

Draining T-Tube Jejunostomy: A Technique to Get Out of Trouble

A perforated viscus in the postpancreaticoduodenectomy setting is a rare phenomenon and a devastating complication. In this situation, adherence to damage-control principles demands minimizing the operative intervention while addressing the intestinal perforation as a way to mitigate the injurious effects on a complex gastrointestinal reconstruction. Herein, we describe our intraoperative decision-making with an unconventional approach in the management of a perforated viscus in the postpancreaticoduodenectomy setting using a draining T-tube jejunostomy. Our patient recovered remarkably well from this and was discharged from the hospital in six days with a controlled draining T-tube jejunostomy, which was subsequently removed on postoperative day 35. Our case illustrates an important option when dealing with a perforated viscus in the complex gastrointestinal surgery patient that has minimal morbidity, adequate source control, and the potential for an excellent clinical outcome. As surgical care continues to be delivered in a specialty-driven manner, a draining T-tube jejunostomy presents the ideal technique to get out of trouble for the general surgeon practicing in the community who may not be as experienced with complex gastrointestinal surgery.

Small bowel perforation: a rare complication of ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement

Small bowel perforation is a rare complication of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placement. When seen, it most commonly affects the stomach or colon. We describe a case and image findings of an 8-year-old female who presented with sepsis and erosion of the VP shunt into the small bowel. The imaging findings were confirmed surgically. We also provide an overview of the current literature discussing previously reported cases, clinical features, and treatment.

Isolated Ileum Perforation Following Veal Attack in a Pacient with an Undiagnosed Inguinal Hernia: Case Report and Review of the Literature

We present a rare case of a 74 year old man admitted by ambulance to our department following a blunt minor abdominal trauma (veal attack). He complained of pain in the left abdominal flank and in the lower abdomen. The lower abdomen was tender, moderate distended but not rigid. He also had a left inguinal uncomplicated hernia. Because he was hemodynamic stable we performed a CT - scan who revealed several pockets of free air anteriorly in the midline. One hour and a half after admission the pacient underwent exploratory laparotomy, revealing a antimesostenic perforation of the ileum about 120 cm from the ileo-cecal valve. Simple closure in one layer was performed. The inguinal hernia wasn't repaired at the time of the first surgery. The postoperative course was favorable, the pacient being discharged on the 8th postoperative day.

Endoscopic diagnosis of asymptomatic perforation of colonic diverticulum

Colonic perforation as complication of acute diverticulitis is a relatively frequent pathology and generally very symptomatic. Nevertheless, when it occurs in the mesenteric border the course can be indolent.

Contained colonic perforation due to cecal retroflexion

Complications of cecal retroflexion performed during colonoscopy have not previously been reported to occur. We report a case of contained colonic perforation secondary to using cecal retroflexion technique to examine the colon, and review available published reports of complications associated with this technique. We conclude that complications may rarely occur with use of cecal retroflexion, and that the clinical benefit of this technique is uncertain.

Transmural penetration of sigmoid colon and rectum by retained surgical sponge after hysterectomy

Gossypiboma is a surgical sponge that is retained in the body after the operation. A 39-year-old female presented with vague lower abdominal pain, fever, and rectal discharge 15 mo after hysterectomy. The sponge remaining in the abdomen had no radiopaque marker. Therefore a series of radiographic evaluations was fruitless. The surgical sponge was found in the rectosigmoid colon on colonoscopy. The sponge penetrated the sigmoid colon and rectum transmurally, forming an opening on both sides. The patient underwent low anterior resection and was discharged without postoperative complications.

Rupture of sigmoid colon caused by compressed air

Compressed air has been generally used since the beginning of the 20^th century for various applications. However, rupture of the colon caused by compressed air is uncommon. We report a case of pneumatic rupture of the sigmoid colon. The patient was admitted to the emergency room complaining of abdominal pain and distention. His colleague triggered a compressed air nozzle against his anus as a practical joke 2 h previously. On arrival, his pulse rate was 126 beats/min, respiratory rate was 42 breaths/min and blood pressure was 86/54 mmHg. Physical examination revealed peritoneal irritation and the abdomen was markedly distended. Computed tomography of the abdomen showed a large volume of air in the abdominal cavity. Peritoneocentesis was performed to relieve the tension pneumoperitoneum. Emergency laparotomy was done after controlling shock. Laparotomy revealed a 2-cm perforation in the sigmoid colon. The perforation was sutured and temporary ileostomy was performed as well as thorough drainage and irrigation of the abdominopelvic cavity. Reversal of ileostomy was performed successfully after 3 mo. Follow-up was uneventful. We also present a brief literature review.

One hundred and one over-the-scope-clip applications for severe gastrointestinal bleeding, leaks and fistulas

AIM: To investigate the efficacy and clinical outcome of patients treated with an over-the-scope-clip (OTSC) system for severe gastrointestinal hemorrhage, perforations and fistulas.

METHODS: From 02-2009 to 10-2012, 84 patients were treated with 101 OTSC clips. 41 patients (48.8%) presented with severe upper-gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, 3 (3.6%) patients with lower-GI bleeding, 7 patients (8.3%) underwent perforation closure, 18 patients (21.4%) had prevention of secondary perforation, 12 patients (14.3%) had control of secondary bleeding after endoscopic mucosal resection or endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and 3 patients (3.6%) had an intervention on a chronic fistula.

RESULTS: In 78/84 patients (92.8%), primary treatment with the OTSC was technically successful. Clinical primary success was achieved in 75/84 patients (89.28%). The overall mortality in the study patients was 11/84 (13.1%) and was seen in patients with life threatning upper GI hemorrhage. There was no mortality in any other treatment group. In detail OTSC application lead to a clinical success in 35/41 (85.36%) patients with upper GI bleeding and in 3/3 patients with lower GI bleeding. Technical success of perforation closure was 100% while clinical success was seen in 4/7 cases (57.14%) due to attendant circumstances unrelated to the OTSC. Technical and clinic success was achieved in 18/18 (100%) patients for the prevention of bleeding or perforation after endoscopic mucosal resection and ESD and in 3/3 cases of fistula closure. Two application-related complications were seen (2%).

CONCLUSION: This largest single center experience published so far confirms the value of the OTSC for GI emergencies and complications. Further clinical experience will help to identify optimal indications for its targeted and prophylactic use.

Liver abscess secondary to duodenal perforation by fishbone: Report of a case

Liver abscesses usually arise from amoebian or bacterial origin, being rarely secondary to foreign bodies (1-3). We report the case of a 72-years-old female complaining from abdominal pain located in epoigastrium and right hypochondrium during the last 48 hours. Laboratory data revealed leukocytosis with neutrophilia and pain located in the mentioned locations at physical examination. Ultrasonography showed a liver abscess involving segments 2 and 3. CT scan revealed that the abscess was secondary to a fishbone perforating the duodenum and inlaid in the liver (Figure 1). The fishbone was surgically extracted from the hepatic lobe with hemostasia and a duodenal suture with epiploplastia was performed. Antibiotic was added to the treatment. The patient presented an uneventful postoperative course. The intake of foreign bodies is a frequent event, representing bones and fishbones the most frequent foreing bodies in the adults. Sometimes, the diagnosis may be difficult because the symptoms are not specific. Imaging test are very usefol for the diagnosis, as in the case we present.

[Perforated jejunal diverticulitis]

Jejunal diverticulosis is a rare disorder and the course of the disease is mostly asymptomatic. Surgical treatment is generally needed in case of complications in the acute phase of the disease, when the disease symptoms most commonly include bleeding and perforation. Jejunum is difficult to examine using the common visualization methods and endoscopic methods. The authors present case reports of a 92 years old female patient and a 66 years old male patient operated for perforated jejunal diverticles.Key words: acute abdomen jejunal diverticulitis perforation.

Characteristic imaging findings of duodenal perforation

Two patients were admitted to emergency room with complaint of abdominal pain with abrupt onset and retroperitoneal free air was detected in pararenal area on CT. In this paper, characteristic CT findings of patients diagnosed with duodenal perforation are presented under the light of literature data.

Accidental ingestion of magnetic spheres in children

Magnetic foreign body ingestion can have a very serious sequale if multiple or combined with another metal object inside the abdomen. We report 2 cases of ingestion of rare-earth magnets with a very different consequences. This adds to the world's literature on this topic.

[Treatment of acute purulent diverticulitis is still not clarified]

Inflammation in colonic diverticula can develop into acute diverticulitis. Treatment varies depending on illness severity. Perforated diverticulitis with faecal peritonitis is treated surgically and Hartmann's procedure is the preferred operation. Peritoneal lavage might be an alternative to resection for purulent peritonitis. However, ongoing randomized trials are awaited to clarify this.

Predictors of Urgent Findings on Abdominopelvic CT in Patients with Crohn's Disease Presenting to the Emergency Department

BACKGROUND

Patients with Crohn's disease (CD) are frequently exposed to diagnostic radiation, mainly as a result of abdominopelvic computed tomography (APCT) examinations. However, there are limited data on the impact of APCT on clinical management in this population.

AIM

To investigate clinical predictors of urgent findings on APCT in patients with CD who presented to the emergency department (ED).

METHODS

A retrospective study was performed among patients with CD presenting to 11 EDs with a gastrointestinal complaint. The primary outcome, OPAN (obstruction, perforation, abscess, or non-CD-related urgent findings), included new or worsening CD-related urgent findings or non-CD-related urgent findings that required urgent or emergency treatment. Variables with P < 0.1 in univariate analyses were included in a multivariable logistic regression model.

RESULTS

Of the 266 APCTs performed, 103 (38.7 %) had OPAN and 113 (42.5 %) required changes in treatment plan. Stricturing or penetrating disease (odds ratio [OR] 2.72, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.21-6.13), heart rate >100 beats/min (OR 2.33, 95 % CI 1.10-4.93), leukocyte count >10,000/mm(3) (OR 4.38, 95 % CI 2.10-9.13), and CRP >2.5 mg/dL (OR 3.11, 95 % CI 1.23-7.86) were identified as the independent predictors of OPAN, whereas biologic agent use (OR 0.37; 95 % CI 0.15-0.90) was identified as the negative predictor in patients with CD.

CONCLUSIONS

Only 39 % of the APCTs performed in the ED among patients with CD showed urgent findings. Stricturing or penetrating disease, tachycardia, leukocytosis, and high CRP level were predictors of urgent CT findings, while biologic agent use was a negative predictor. To reduce unnecessary radiation exposure, the selection process for CD patients referred for APCT must be improved.

Statement of the section internal medicine of the DEGUM - ultrasound obtains pole position for clinical imaging in acute diverticulitis

This paper reviews and interprets the role of ultrasonography in view of the recently published Guideline on diverticular disease of the Consensus conference of the German Societies of Gastroenterology (DGVS) and Visceral Surgery (DGAV) implying a new classification of diverticular disease (CDD). Qualified US is not only equipotent to qualified CT and frequently effectual for diagnosis but considers relevant legislation for radiation exposure protection. Unsurpassed resolution allows detailed resolution thereby allowing to differentiate and stratify the relevant types of diverticular disease. Subsequently, US is considered the first choice of imaging in diverticular disease. Vice versa, CT has definite indications in unclear / discrepant situations – or insufficient US-performance.

Use and accuracy of computed tomography scan in diagnosing perforated appendicitis

Perforated appendicitis has major implications on patient care. The ability of computed tomography (CT) scan to distinguish perforation in the absence of phlegmon or abscess is unknown. The purpose of this study is to assess the use and accuracy of CT scans in diagnosing perforated appendicitis without phlegmon or abscess. A retrospective chart review of 102 patients who underwent appendectomy from 2011 to 2013 was performed. Patient demographics and operative and postoperative course were recorded. Two radiologists were then blinded to operative findings and CT scans reread and results correlated. Findings on CT scan were also analyzed for correlation with perforation. Univariate and multivariate statistical analysis was performed. Of the 102 patients, 49 were perforated and 53 nonperforated. Analysis of patient populations demonstrated patients with perforation were significantly older (45 vs 34 years, P = 0.002), had longer operative times (132 vs 81 minutes, P = 0.001), and longer length of stay (8.2 vs 1.5 days, P < 0.001). Nineteen perforations (37%) were correctly diagnosed by CT scan. The sensitivity of CT scan to detect perforation was 38 per cent, specificity 96 per cent, and positive predictive value of 90 per cent. After multivariate analysis of significant variables, three were demonstrated to significantly correlate with presence of perforation: presence of extraluminal air (odds ratio [OR], 28.9; P = 0.02); presence of intraluminal fecalith (OR, 5.7; P = 0.03); and wall thickness greater than 3 mm (OR, 3.2; P = 0.02). CT scan has a low sensitivity for diagnosing perforated appendicitis without abscess or phlegmon. Presence of extraluminal air bubbles, increased wall thickness, and intraluminal fecalith should increase suspicion for perforation and are highly correlated with outcomes after appendectomy.

Computed tomography attenuation values of ascites are helpful to predict perforation site

AIM: To evaluate the effect of computed tomography (CT) attenuation values of ascites on gastrointestinal (GI) perforation site prediction.

METHODS: The CT attenuation values of the ascites from 51 patients with GI perforations were measured by volume rendering to calculate the mean values. The effect of the CT attenuation values of the ascites on perforation site prediction and postoperative complications was evaluated.

RESULTS: Of 24 patients with colorectal perforations, the CT attenuation values of ascites were significantly higher than those in patients with perforations at other sites [22.5 Hounsfield units (HU) vs 16.5 HU, respectively, P = 0.006]. Colorectal perforation was significantly associated with postoperative complications (P = 0.038). The prediction rate of colorectal perforation using attenuation values as an auxiliary diagnosis improved by 9.8% compared to that of CT findings alone (92.2% vs 82.4%).

CONCLUSION: The CT attenuation values of ascites could facilitate the prediction of perforation sites and postoperative complications in GI perforations, particularly in cases in which the perforation sites are difficult to predict by CT findings alone.

[Diagnostic imaging and acute abdominal pain]

Acute abdominal pain is a common clinical condition. Clinical signs and symptoms can be difficult to interpret, and diagnostic imaging may help to identify intra-abdominal disease. Conventional X-ray, ultrasound (US) and computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen vary in usability between common surgical causes of acute abdominal pain. Overall, conventional X-ray cannot confidently diagnose or rule out disease. US and CT are equally trustworthy for most diseases. US with subsequent CT may enhance diagnostic precision. Magnetic resonance seems promising for future use in acute abdominal imaging.