Gastrointestinal tract duplications: clinical, pathologic, etiologic, and radiologic considerations

An isolated intestinal duplication cyst masquerading as a mucinous cystic neoplasm of the pancreas: A case report and review of the literature

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Intestinal duplications cysts are rare congenital anomalies that can occur throughout the gastrointestinal tract.

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Isolated intestinal duplication cysts can present with vague abdominal complaints.

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Diagnosis can be challenging even with imaging.

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Our clinical workup was suggestive of a mucinous cystic neoplasm (MCN) of the pancreas.

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This represents the first reported case of an enteric duplication cyst that mimicked an MCN of the pancreas.

Introduction

Enteric duplication cysts presenting in adulthood are rare. Isolated enteric duplication cysts, which lack a connection to the GI tract or the adjacent mesenteric vasculature, have only been cited in six previous case reports.

Case presentation

A 48-year-old female presented with a four-year history of intermittent nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen revealed a 7 cm multi-lobular, calcified, cystic lesion intimately involved with the pancreas. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) was non-diagnostic; however, the cyst fluid Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) level was significantly elevated leading to a presumed diagnosis of a mucinous cystic neoplasm (MCN) of the pancreas. Intraoperatively, the cystic mass was identified and notably did not have any true attachments to the neighboring pancreas, gastrointestinal tract or vasculature. Final pathology demonstrated an isolated small bowel duplication cyst.

Discussion

In this case a patient presented with a clinical picture consistent with an MCN of the pancreas. However, intraoperatively and on final pathology the mass was found to be an isolated enteric duplication cyst. This represents only the seventh such case report in an adult.

Conclusion

Although rare, isolated enteric duplication cysts can be considered in a patient presenting with chronic abdominal pain and an abdominal mass on imaging. In this case we demonstrate that an isolated enteric duplication cyst can clinically mimic an MCN of the pancreas.

The presentation and management of choledochocele (type III choledochal cyst): A 40-year systematic review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Choledochoceles may cause biliary obstruction and harbor malignancy. We conducted a 40-year systematic review of the literature for this rare anomaly.

METHODS

PubMed and Cochrane databases were accessed 1975-2015 using terms "choledochocele" or "choledochal cyst". Studies reviewed that met the following criteria: English language, published 1975-2015 with human subjects.

RESULTS

325 patients with a choledochocele were identified, including 71 case reports and 254 cases within institutional reviews. 13 pediatric case reports of choledochocele exist, with abdominal pain being the most common symptom (n=11). The most frequent diagnostic and treatment modalities were ultrasound (n=10), and endoscopic sphincterotomy (n=5). No malignancies were reported. 58 adult case reports exist, with the most common presenting symptom being abdominal pain (n=54). Ultrasound was the frequently employed diagnostic modality (n=32). Open procedures were performed more often (n=30). Malignant lesions were identified in 5. In 42 institutional reviews, the frequency of choledochocele was 0.7%. Of those for whom treatment was reported, 69% underwent endoscopic sphincterotomy.

CONCLUSION

Choledochocele is a rare malformation. Similarities exist between pediatric and adult patients, but malignancy has only been reported in adults. An algorithm based on patient age, cyst size, lining and amenability to endoscopic resection may be considered as a treatment strategy for this uncommon condition.

Esophageal duplication and congenital esophageal stenosis

Esophageal duplication and congenital esophageal stenosis (CES) may represent diseases with common embryologic etiologies, namely, faulty tracheoesophageal separation and differentiation. Here, we will re-enforce definitions for these diseases as well as review their embryology, diagnosis, and treatment.

Jejunal Occlusion Caused by Heterotopic Gastric and Duodenal Mucosa: A Late Complication of a Complex Intestinal Malformation

We report a rare case of late complication of a complex intestinal malformation. At day 1 of life, a baby girl underwent resection of an atretic jejunal segment, associated with an enteric duplication harboring foci of gastric and duodenal heterotopia. After an asymptomatic period of 19 years, the patient presented with acute bowel obstruction. Recurrence of the jejunal occlusion at the previous anastomotic site was caused by mucosa hyperplasia in association with heterotopic gastric and duodenal tissue. A Wnt/β-catenin pathway deregulation was hypothesized but not confirmed by CTNNB1 exon 3 mutation analysis. This case illustrates a rare association of 3 pathologies-namely, intestinal atresia, enteric duplication, and heterotopia, with a late-occurring acute complication.

A Retroperitoneal Isolated Enteric Duplication Cyst Mimicking a Teratoma: A Case Report and Literature Review

Enteric duplication cysts lacking anatomic association with the gastrointestinal tract are called isolated enteric duplication cysts (IEDCs). We present an atypical case of a retroperitoneal IEDC with a tortuous tubular complex shape that enfolded the surrounding retroperitoneal fat and mimicked a retroperitoneal teratoma. Multiplanar reconstruction images should be used to evaluate such a lesion correctly. A tortuous tubular complex shape could be a key finding to differentiate from other retroperitoneal cysts.

Gastrointestinal Duplication Presenting as Neonatal Intestinal Obstruction: An Experience of 15 Years at Tertiary Care Centre

Background: Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) duplications are one of the rare congenital anomalies and can occur in any portion of the gastrointestinal tract but are more commonly encountered in small intestine. The duplication cysts cause symptoms like abdominal mass and intestinal obstruction requiring surgery or may remain asymptomatic. We are reporting our 15 years’ experience duplication cysts presenting in neonates.

Methods: It is a retrospective study undertaken in the department of pediatric surgery between 2001 and 2015 for GIT duplications in neonates. Patients were analyzed for their antenatal diagnosis, age, sex, clinical diagnosis, investigatory approach, operative management and surgical outcomes.

Results: Total number of neonates, diagnosed with gastrointestinal duplication in the last 15 years, was 17. Male to female ratio was 3.3:1. The most common location was found to be the ileum occurring in 71% of cases. Apart from ileum, 2 cases of duodenal and 1 case each of gastric, colonic and cecal duplication cyst were encountered. Majority cases presented with sub-acute intestinal obstruction and were managed successfully by resection and end to end anastomosis. Associated gut atresia was found in 4 cases while 1 case was found to be associated with perforation of gut.

Conclusion: Gastrointestinal tract duplications often present with typical symptoms of gastrointestinal tract obstruction. Early diagnosis and management is required to prevent postoperative morbidity and mortality.

A Foregut Duplication Cyst of the Stomach in Association with a Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor and a Leiomyoma: A Case Report

Objectives. Duplication cysts are rare benign lesions usually arising in the gastrointestinal tract. We report a case of a 52-year-old woman with an incidental gastric mass found on computed tomography during a pregraft workup for a familial cardiomyopathy. Methods. The mass was completely excised by partial gastrectomy and gross examination revealed a cystic lesion containing two small solid nodules in its wall. Microscopic evaluation and immunohistochemistry study were performed to further characterize the cyst and the nodules. A comprehensive literature review of the NCBI database PubMed was also carried out. Results. While the cyst was diagnosed as a foregut duplication cyst, the solid nodules proved to be concomitant gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) and leiomyoma. Both morphologic features and immunohistochemistry stains, including CD117, smooth muscle actin, and CD34 supported the diagnosis. Clinical course was benign and the patient had no clinical evidence of relapse ten months following the surgical procedure. The literature search did not reveal any other published case of a foregut duplication cyst presenting in combination with a GIST and a leiomyoma. Conclusions. To our knowledge, this is the first case of a composite lesion comprising a foregut duplication cyst of the stomach along with a leiomyoma and a GIST.

Duplicate appendix with acute ruptured appendicitis: a case report

Duplication of the appendix is a rare congenital anomaly that, in adults, is most often found incidentally during surgery for other reasons. Appendicitis in the duplicated appendix is very rare and has been reported less than 10 times in the medical literature. We describe a 33-year-old woman with worsening periumbilical pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Physical examination showed localized peritonitis in the right lower quadrant. She had an elevated white blood cell count with neutrophilia. Computed tomography showed acute ruptured appendicitis. Diagnostic laparoscopy showed 2 appendices attached via separate bases to a single cecum with no other concurrent anomalies. Both appendices were removed laparoscopically. Histopathology confirmed normal appendiceal tissue in one and severe acute transmural appendicitis in the other. Awareness of appendiceal duplication and a thorough intraoperative inspection are critical to assess the presence of significant associated anomalies and avoid life-threatening complications.

Update on endoscopic management of gastric outlet obstruction in children

Endoscopic balloon dilatation (EBD) and surgical intervention are two most common and effective treatments for gastric outlet obstruction. Correction of gastric outlet obstruction without the need for surgery is an issue that has been tried to be resolved in these decades; this management has developed with EBD, advanced treatments like local steroid injection, electrocauterization, and stent have been added recently. The most common causes of pediatric gastric outlet obstruction are idiopathic hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, peptic ulcer disease followed by the ingestion of caustic substances, stenosis secondary to surgical anastomosis; antral web, duplication cyst, ectopic pancreas, and other rare conditions. A complete clinical, radiological and endoscopic evaluation of the patient is required to make the diagnosis, with complimentary histopathologic studies. EBD are used in exceptional cases, some with advantages over surgical intervention depending on each patient in particular and on the characteristics and etiology of the gastric outlet obstruction. Local steroid injection and electrocauterization can augment the effect of EBD. The future of endoscopic treatment seems to be aimed at the use of endoscopic electrocauterization and balloon dilatations.

Congenital double pylorus with duodenal ulcer: A case report and review of the literature

Congenital double pylorus (CDP) is an extremely rare congenital disease in which both the prosopyle and apopyle are intercommunicated with the gastric antrum and duodenal bulb. The pylorus of CDP is composed of normal mucous epithelium, the lamina propria, and the muscularis mucosae. However, a few CDP operations have proved the lack of the muscularis mucosae but the existence of heterotopic pancreas tissues in the pylorus of CDP. This article reports a case of CDP complicated with duodenal ulcer in a 67-year-old man. He presented with repeated epigastric pain for 8 years and melena for 6 years, with recurrence for 3 d. He was positive for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) antibody. Gastroendoscopy performed 8 years ago revealed double pylorus, bile reflux gastritis, and duodenal bulbar inflammation. Gastroendoscopy performed 6 years ago revealed double pylorus with a duodenal bulbar ulcer lesion, and pathological examination suggested chronic inflammation in the duodenal bulbar mucosa, accompanied with low grade gland dysplasia. A second gastroendoscopy performed 6 years ago also revealed double pylorus with a duodenal bulbar ulcer (A2 stage). Gastroendoscopy at our hospital revealed double pylorus and pyloric canal inflammation, and pathological examination suggested pyloric canal mucosal inflammation accompanied with erosion and mild intestinal metaplasia. He was then given proton pump inhibitor therapy combined with anti-H. pylori therapy, and his symptoms were obviously improved. This case suggests that gastroendoscopy is the most direct and accurate method for the diagnosis of CDP.

[Duodenal duplication revealed by acute pancreatitis]

INTRODUCTION

Duodenal duplications are rare congenital malformations whose revealing signs are highly variable and nonspecific.

OBSERVATION

We report the case of a female infant who presented with neonatal acute pancreatitis complicated by recurrent ascites, profound hypoalbuminemia responsible for pleural and pericardial effusions, revealing a duodenal duplication cyst. The unusual and original clinical presentation as well as the difficulty detecting the duplication radiologically delayed the diagnosis. A prolonged medical treatment with octreotide, albumin infusions, and exclusive parenteral nutrition led to an almost total disappearance of the ascites before surgery. The outcome was favorable after surgical removal of the duplication with 1 year of follow-up.

CONCLUSION

The diagnosis of duodenal duplication can be difficult and it may be necessary to repeat the ultrasound examinations. Surgical resection is delicate, especially when there is an abundant pancreatic ascites. Therefore, an adequate prolonged medical treatment to reduce this ascites is recommended before the surgery.

A colonic duplication cyst causing bowel ischaemia in a 74-year-old lady

Colonic duplication cysts are rare congenital malformations that predominantly present before the age of 2 years. We report the case of a 74-year-old lady who presented with sudden onset abdominal pain. A computed tomography scan noted a calcified structure adjacent to abnormal loops of bowel. Intraoperative findings revealed an ischaemic loop of small bowel wrapped around a mass in the mesentery adjacent to the sigmoid colon. Final histology revealed a colonic duplication cyst. Colonic duplication cysts are rare entities that most commonly cause obstruction or perforation. We present the very rare case of a colonic duplication cyst causing bowel ischaemia in an elderly female.

Mesenteric Meckel's diverticulum or intestinal duplication cyst: A case report with review of literature

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Mesenteric Meckel’s diverticulum and intestinal duplication cyst both are congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract.

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Preoperative diagnosis is very hard to establish even after Surgery.

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Ectopic gastric or pancreatic mucosa can be found in both these pathologies.

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Surgical treatment is gold standard of both because of their complictions.

Introduction

A Meckel’s diverticulum (MD) is the most common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. They arise from the middle-to-distal ileum. Contrary to MD, intestinal duplication cyst (IDC) is uncommon congenital anomaly of GI, but can occur anywhere from the tongue to the anus.

Presentation of case

Here we report an 18-year-old male who presented to the department of abdominal surgery with chronic abdominal pain, frequent vomiting and mild abdominal distension. Following radiological investigation, a laparotomy was performed with the preoperative diagnosis of a mesenteric cyst. Intraoperativelly it became apparent that the cystic mass was on the mesenteric aspect of the small bowel without intestinal communication. Resection of the cyst was performed. Histological examination of the specimen revealed the presence of gastric tissue, which resembles MD. Although, the exact diagnosis of this cystic mass is ambiguous between MD and IDC, because of similar clinical signs, their complications and presence of gastric mucosa, however surgical treatment is gold standard of both.

Conclusion

This case report underlines the necessity of how to differentiate between MD and IDC, although, surgical management is recommended for both.

Asymptomatic adenocarcinoma arising from a gastric duplication cyst: A case report

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Adenocarcinoma arising from a gastric duplication cyst is extremely rare.

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This is the 2nd asymptomatic case in the English literature.

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During our close observation of 4 years, malignant transformation had occurred from a gastric duplication cyst.

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When morphological change appears, we strongly recommend surgical treatment without delay.

Introduction

Duplication of the alimentary tract is a relatively uncommon congenital anomaly and most cases occur in childhood. Malignancy arising from a gastric duplication cyst is extremely rare. We herein report a very rare case of malignant transformation of a gastric duplication cyst.

Presentation of case

A 47-year-old asymptomatic Japanese woman was referred to our hospital with a large abdominal mass adhered to the stomach. Since there was a possibility of malignant transformation, complete resection of the cyst and segmental gastrectomy without regional lymphadenectomy were performed.

Discussion

To our knowledge, this is the 2nd report of asymptomatic adenocarcinoma arising from a gastric duplication cyst in the English-language literature. Unfortunately, the patient developed peritoneal metastasis and ascites seven months after the surgery and died.

Conclusion

From our long-term follow-up experience of this gastric duplication cyst, we recommend making accurate diagnosis as soon as possible with biopsy using endoscopic ultrasonography. When the disease is diagnosed as malignant, we recommend gastrectomy with lymphadenectomy. Even if the disease is diagnosed as benign, we recommend close observation with imaging modalities.

[Duplication of the gallbladder with heterotopic mucosa: A case report and proposal for a classification for gastrointestinal duplications]

BACKGROUND

Gastrointestinal duplications are rare congenital malformations that can occur anywhere between the mouth and the anus, including the digestive annexes. Numerous classifications of these malformations exist, varying from one author to another. This study describes a rare case of gallbladder duplication and suggests a unified classification of gastrointestinal duplications in order to merge epidemiological and clinical considerations.

CASE REPORT

A 13-year-old boy presented with acute abdominal pain. Investigations revealed a cystic structure located in the gallbladder combined with lithiasis. Following an elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the diagnosis of gallbladder duplication in association with heterotopic gastrointestinal mucosa and pancreatic micro-clusters was made. The patient is in excellent health 4 years after surgery.

COMMENTARY AND CONCLUSION

This atypical duplication is rare and can most likely be explained by the proximity between the pancreas and gastrointestinal tract during their development: the intestinal metaplasia and the development of the gastric mucosa may further represent congenital lesions due to aberrant migration of normal tissue, or could be secondary to a chronic inflammatory response in the gallbladder. The revised standardized classification we propose is based on the accurate identification, precise location and detailed histology of the lesions.

Communicating Tubular Esophageal Duplication Combined with Bronchoesophageal Fistula

Esophageal duplication (ED) is rarely diagnosed in adults and is usually asymptomatic. Especially, ED that is connected to the esophagus through a tubular communication and combined with bronchoesophageal fistula (BEF) is extremely rare and has never been reported in the English literature. This condition is very difficult to diagnose. Although some combinations of several modalities, such as upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, esophagography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and endoscopic ultrasonography, can be used for the diagnosis, the results might be inconclusive. Here, we report on a patient with communicating tubular ED that was incidentally diagnosed on the basis of endoscopy and esophagography during the postoperational evaluation of BEF.

Dysphagia revisited: common and unusual causes

Dysphagia is a common clinical problem whose prevalence is increasing with the aging population in the United States. The term dysphagia is commonly used to describe subjective awareness of swallowing difficulty during the passage of a bolus from the mouth to the stomach or the perception of obstruction during swallowing. Dysphagia may be further classified as oropharyngeal or substernal, depending on the location of this sensation. It can be due to benign or malignant structural lesions, esophageal motility abnormalities, oropharyngeal dysfunction (including aspiration), neuromuscular disorders, or postsurgical changes and is also associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease. Pathologic conditions of the oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus, and proximal stomach can manifest with dysphagia. Imaging remains the preferred method for evaluating patients with dysphagia, and dysphagia is an increasingly encountered indication for radiologic evaluation. Fluoroscopic studies, including the modified barium swallow and esophagography in particular, are often used in the assessment of patients with dysphagia, and the techniques used for these studies should be tailored to the patient's needs. Fluoroscopic studies can be used to evaluate the esophagus for structural abnormalities (eg, webs, diverticula, strictures, masses) and to assess function (eg, the swallowing mechanism and esophageal motility). Knowledge of the imaging spectrum of disease entities that may cause dysphagia and thorough radiologic assessment with a tailored approach may help avoid misdiagnosis.

Complete gastric duplication in an adult with associated anomalies

Gastric duplication is a rare congenital developmental abnormality usually encountered in children. Nearly all reported cases of this entity describe noncommunicating-type duplication cysts. We present an extremely rare case of complete gastric duplication, involving two separate gastric lumens with proximal and distal communication, incidentally discovered in an elderly male in association with various congenital anomalies not previously reported in literature, as diagnosed with computed tomographic scan and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

MRI Findings of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Duodenal Abnormalities and Variations

This pictorial review aims to illustrate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and presentation patterns of anatomical variations and various benign and malignant pathologies of the duodenum, including sphincter contraction, major papilla variation, prominent papilla, diverticulum, annular pancreas, duplication cysts, choledochocele, duodenal wall thickening secondary to acute pancreatitis, postbulbar stenosis, celiac disease, fistula, choledochoduodenostomy, external compression, polyps, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, ampullary carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. MRI is a useful imaging tool for demonstrating duodenal pathology and its anatomic relationships with adjacent organs, which is critical for establishing correct diagnosis and planning appropriate treatment, especially for surgery.

Developmental lung malformations in children: recent advances in imaging techniques, classification system, and imaging findings

Congenital lung anomalies represent a diverse group of developmental malformations of the lung parenchyma, arterial supply, and venous drainage, which may present anywhere from the prenatal period through adulthood. It is imperative for radiologists to be aware of imaging techniques and imaging appearance of these anomalies across the pediatric age range. This review presents the spectrum of these lesions that are often encountered in daily clinical practice. Each anomaly is discussed in terms of underlying etiology, clinical presentation, and imaging characterization with emphasis on the most up-to-date research and treatment. Knowledge of these areas is essential for accurate, timely diagnosis, which aids in optimizing patient outcomes.

Tubular Colonic Duplication Presenting as Rectovestibular Fistula

Complete colonic duplication is a very rare congenital anomaly that may have different presentations according to its location and size. Complete colonic duplication can occur in about 15% of all gastrointestinal duplications. Double termination of tubular colonic duplication in the perineum is even more uncommon. We present a case of a Y-shaped tubular colonic duplication which presented with a rectovestibular fistula and a normal anus. Radiological evaluation and initial exploration for sigmoidostomy revealed duplicated colons with a common vascular supply. Endorectal mucosal resection of theduplicated distal segment till the colostomy site with division of the septum of the proximal segment and colostomy closure proved curative without compromise of the continence mechanism. Tubular colonic duplication should always be ruled out when a diagnosis of perineal canal is considered in cases of vestibular fistula alongwith a normal anus.

Enteric Duplication Cysts in Children: A Clinicopathological Dilemma

AIM

Enteric duplication cysts are rare and uncommon congenital malformations formed during the embryonic period of the development of human digestive system and are mainly encountered during infancy or early childhood, but seldom in adults. The clinical presentation is extremely variable depending upon its size, location and type. We present six cases of enteric duplication cysts with diverse clinico-pathological features.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was carried out in the Department of Pathology and Department of Paediatric Surgery, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India for a period of 2 years (January 2013 - December 2014). We retrospectively analyzed six patients of enteric duplication cysts based on data obtained, which consisted of patient's age, sex, clinical presentation, radiological features, operative findings and histopathology report. The data collected was analyzed by descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

Six children between age range of 3 days to 10 years had enteric duplication cysts. Two had ileal and one each were of pyloroduodenal, colonic and rectal duplication cyst. In one patient a presumptive diagnosis of enteric duplication cyst was made. Radiology played an important contributory role in diagnosis of these cysts in all the patients but histopathology proved to be gold standard for its confirmation. All these patients were managed by surgical excision. The postoperative and follow up period in all the cases was uneventful.

CONCLUSION

It is important to be aware and make a definitive diagnosis of this rare congenital anomaly as they can present in various clinical forms and can cause significant morbidity and even mortality if left untreated by causing life threatening complications.

Systematic Imaging Module in Complete Hindgut Duplication

Complete hind gut and anal canal duplication is a rare entity, usually remaining asymptomatic till the disease comes to light due to associated anomalies or due to cosmetic reasons. Classical imaging consisting of barium enema examination served a limited role, in terms of depicting the length of gut segment involved. Technical advances in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with three-dimensional (3D) reformations cannot only solve the above purpose but further evaluate key points needed for surgical planning. The present technical report lays out a systematic module for evaluation of various aspects of complete hindgut duplication, critical for management. The role of 3D MRI is emphasized upon, for evaluation of pelvic floor and anorectum, even in infants with a distorted anatomy.

Five neonatal cases of pyriform sinus fistula with cervical cystic lesion: a comparison between sonography and other modalities

Pyriform sinus fistulas are an unusual cause of neck cystic lesions in neonates. A definitive diagnosis requires detection of the fistula, which originates from the pyriform sinus and extends to the cystic lesion. Sonography has been reported to be useful for detecting fistulas. However, there have been no reports of neonatal cases in which sonography could detect fistulas not detected by other modalities, such as barium esophagography, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We describe five neonatal patients with pyriform sinus fistula-appearing cervical cystic lesions. All patients were examined by sonography; of these, three patients were also examined by barium esophagography, two by CT, and one by MRI. The fistula was detected by sonography but not CT in one patient and by barium esophagography but not MRI in one. Two patients whose fistulas were detected by sonography had an oval-shaped and relatively small cystic lesion. One patient whose fistula could be detected only by barium esophagography had a relatively large cystic lesion. In two patients, whose fistulas were not detected by sonography or barium esophagography, sonography revealed air bubbles within the cystic lesions, and a pyriform sinus fistula was suspected. Without requiring ionizing radiation, sonography was thus useful in diagnosing pyriform sinus fistula-appearing cervical cystic lesions in neonatal cases. On the other hand, in two patients whose fistulas were not detected by sonography, the shape of the cystic lesion was polygonal or multicystic. In two of three patients with infectious signs, a fistula could not be detected. The shape and size of the cystic lesion and the presence of infectious signs may be important factors for detecting fistulas.

An efficient nano-based theranostic system for multi-modal imaging-guided photothermal sterilization in gastrointestinal tract

Since understanding the healthy status of gastrointestinal tract (GI tract) is of vital importance, clinical implementation for GI tract-related disease have attracted much more attention along with the rapid development of modern medicine. Here, a multifunctional theranostic system combining X-rays/CT/photothermal/photoacoustic mapping of GI tract and imaging-guided photothermal anti-bacterial treatment is designed and constructed. PEGylated W18O49 nanosheets (PEG-W18O49) are created via a facile solvothermal method and an in situ probe-sonication approach. In terms of excellent colloidal stability, low cytotoxicity, and neglectable hemolysis of PEG-W18O49, we demonstrate the first example of high-performance four-modal imaging of GI tract by using these nanosheets as contrast agents. More importantly, due to their intrinsic absorption of NIR light, glutaraldehyde-modified PEG-W18O49 are successfully applied as fault-free targeted photothermal agents for imaging-guided killing of bacteria on a mouse infection model. Critical to pre-clinical and clinical prospects, long-term toxicity is further investigated after oral administration of these theranostic agents. These kinds of tungsten-based nanomaterials exhibit great potential as multi-modal contrast agents for directed visualization of GI tract and anti-bacterial agents for phothothermal sterilization.

Giant chylous cyst and ileal duplication in a young adult

Alimentary tract duplications are rare congenital anomalies that usually present in childhood and occasionally in adults. They are most common in the ileum, but can occur anywhere along the alimentary tract from the mouth to the anus. We report a 24-year-old woman who presented with a giant chylous ileum cyst duplication. To our knowledge, there is only one other report of a patient with a giant chylous cyst in the literature.

Sonography of the pediatric gastrointestinal system

Sonography is a commonly used modality for the investigation of abdominal symptoms in the pediatric population. It is a highly sensitive, readily available imaging modality that does not require ionizing radiation, iodinated contrast material, or anesthesia and can be performed at the bedside if necessary. Abdominal ultrasound is therefore often the first examination performed. This article presents an overview of the ultrasound characteristics of some of the most frequently encountered pathologies as well as some more rarely encountered entities. Our aim was to present a series of characteristic images of a wide gamut of pediatric abdominal conditions. The goal was to familiarize the reader with key sonographic features of both congenital and acquired gastrointestinal pathologies in children, making them more easily recognizable.

Alimentary tract duplications in newborns and children: diagnostic aspects and the role of laparoscopic treatment

Alimentary tract duplications are rare congenital lesions normally diagnosed in newborns and children that can occur anywhere from the mouth to the anus and have a reported incidence of approximately 1 in 4500 life births. Symptoms and clinical presentation vary greatly. The presentation varies according to age and location. The treatment finally is surgical; total resection when possible should be the aim of the intervention. In pediatric surgery minimally invasive surgical procedures became more and more important over the last decades. In consequence the operative procedure on alimentary tract duplications changed in this manner. We review on case reports and clinical reports on minimally invasive surgery in the treatment of alimentary tract duplications, determine the importance of minimally invasive techniques in the treatment of this rare entity and rule out that further studies in the field should be performed.

Upper gastrointestinal barium evaluation of duodenal pathology: A pictorial review

Like other parts of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), duodenum is subject to a variety of lesions both congenital and acquired. However, unlike other parts of the GIT viz. esophagus, rest of the small intestine and large intestine, barium evaluation of duodenal lesions is technically more challenging and hence not frequently reported. With significant advances in computed tomography technology, a thorough evaluation including intraluminal, mural and extramural is feasible in a single non-invasive examination. Notwithstanding, barium evaluation still remains the initial and sometimes the only imaging study in several parts of the world. Hence, a thorough acquaintance with the morphology of various duodenal lesions on upper gastrointestinal barium examination is essential in guiding further evaluation. We reviewed our experience with various common and uncommon barium findings in duodenal abnormalities.

Use of diagnostic imaging in the evaluation of gastrointestinal tract duplications

Background

Gastrointestinal tract duplication is a rare malformation associated with the presence of additional segment of the fetal gut. The aim of this study was to retrospectively review clinical features and imaging findings in intraoperatively confirmed cases of gastrointestinal tract duplication in children.

Material/Methods

The analysis included own material from the years 2002–2012. The analyzed group included 14 children, among them 8 boys and 6 girls. The youngest patient was diagnosed at the age of three weeks, and the oldest at 12 years of age.

Results

The duplication cysts were identified in the esophagus (n=2), stomach (n=5), duodenum (n=1), terminal ileum (n=5), and rectum (n=1). In four cases, the duplication coexisted with other anomalies, such as patent urachus, Meckel’s diverticulum, mesenteric cyst, and accessory pancreas. Clinical manifestation of gastrointestinal duplication cysts was variable, and some of them were detected accidently. Thin- or thick-walled cystic structures adjacent to the wall of neighboring gastrointestinal segment were documented on diagnostic imaging.

Conclusions

Ultrasound and computed tomography are the methods of choice in the evaluation of gastrointestinal duplication cysts. Apart from the diagnosis of the duplication cyst, an important issue is the detection of concomitant developmental pathologies, including pancreatic heterotopy.