Acute perforation of the colon associated with chronic corticosteroid therapy

An Unusual Cause of Necrotising Fasciitis in a Young Male with Juvenile Dermatomyositis

Juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) is a rare condition worldwide, affecting children younger than 16 years. It is characterized by weakness in the proximal skeletal muscles and a pathognomonic skin rash. Patients with JDM develop complications that are usually a consequence of vasculopathy affecting multiple organ systems. Occult gastrointestinal (GI) perforation is an uncommon complication and is associated with an increased risk of mortality due to a delay in diagnosis. We report on a 14-year-old male with JDM with an aggressive course over two years and severe clinical manifestations. The patient developed necrotizing fasciitis, an unusual rapidly progressing lethal infection of the fascia resulting from bowel contents seeping from multiple intestinal perforations. This case, less commonly seen in males, highlights the occurrence of multiple phenomena—JDM complicated by skin and gastrointestinal vasculopathy with resultant development of multiple GI perforations and consequently life-threatening necrotizing fasciitis of the leg. Physicians need a high index of suspecting GI perforation in JDM patients as the delayed recognition of this complication can result in significant morbidity and/or mortality since the typical symptoms of perforation may be absent.

MODULATION OF INTESTINAL BARRIER FUNCTION BY GLUCOCORTICOIDS: LESSONS FROM PRECLINICAL MODELS

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are widely used drugs for their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant effects, but they are associated with multiple adverse effects. Despite their frequent oral administration, relatively little attention has been paid to the effects of GCs on intestinal barrier function. In this review, we present a summary of the published studies on this matter carried out in animal models and cultured cells. In cultured intestinal epithelial cells, GCs have variable effects in basal conditions and generally enhance barrier function in the presence of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF). In turn, in rodents and other animals, GCs have been shown to weaken barrier function, with increased permeability and lower production of IgA, which may account for some features observed in stress models. When given to animals with experimental colitis, barrier function may be debilitated or strengthened, despite a positive anti-inflammatory activity. In sepsis models, GCs have a barrier-enhancing effect. These effects are probably related to the inhibition of epithelial cell proliferation and wound healing, modulation of the microbiota and mucus production, and interference with the mucosal immune system. The available information on underlying mechanisms is described and discussed.

Colon perforation in multiple myeloma patients - A complication of high-dose steroid treatment

Gastrointestinal complications of multiple myeloma (MM) treatment are common and include nausea, constipation, and diarrhea. However, acute gastrointestinal events like perforations are rare. We aimed to describe the characteristics and outcomes of patients with MM that had colonic perforations during their treatment. This is a retrospective study that included patients from all three Mayo Clinic sites who had MM and developed a colonic perforation. All patients were diagnosed with colonic perforations based on CT scans and were surgically treated. Patients diagnosed with AL amyloidosis, a perforated colon complicating neutropenic colitis during ASCT and those with perforation due to colonic cancer were excluded. A high dose of dexamethasone was defined as ≥40 mg dexamethasone once a week. Thirty patients met inclusion criteria. All patients received steroids at doses ≥10 mg once weekly prior to the perforation, while four (11%) were on high-dose dexamethasone without chemotherapy. Fourteen patients were given high doses of dexamethasone. Twenty-five patients required ostomies with all surviving surgery. Twenty-four perforations (80%) were associated with diverticulitis. Treatment with steroids was resumed in 23 patients with no further gastrointestinal complications. The median OS was 20 months following perforation (IQR 8-59). Within the same timeframe 5854 patients were treated at Mayo Clinic for MM, making the risk of bowel perforation 0.5%. Intestinal perforations in MM are rare and, in our series, always occurred with dexamethasone ≥10 mg per week. Urgent surgery is lifesaving and resumption of anti-myeloma treatment appears to be safe.

Intestinal Perforation in ACTH-Dependent Cushing's Syndrome

Previous studies have linked systemic glucocorticoid use with intestinal perforation. However, the association between intestinal perforation and endogenous hypercortisolism has not been well described, with only 14 previously published case reports. In this study, we investigated if intestinal perforation occurred more frequently in patients with ectopic ACTH syndrome and in those with a greater than 10-fold elevation of 24-hour urinary free cortisol level. Of 110 patients with ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome followed in two clinics in Canada, six cases with intestinal perforation were identified over 15 years. Age of patients ranged from 52 to 72, five females and one male, four with Cushing's disease and two with ectopic ACTH production, one from a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor and one from medullary carcinoma of the thyroid. Five had diverticular perforation and one had intestinal perforation from a stercoral ulcer. All cases had their lower intestinal perforation when the cortisol production was high, and one patient had diverticular perforation 15 months prior to the diagnosis of Cushing's disease. As in previously reported cases, most had hypokalemia and abdominal pain with minimal or no peritoneal symptoms and this occurred during the active phase of Cushing's syndrome. Whereas all previously reported cases occurred in patients with 24-hour urinary free cortisol levels greater than 10-fold the upper limit of normal when measured and 11 of 14 patients had ectopic ACTH production, only one of our patients had this degree of hypercortisolism and four of our six patients had Cushing's disease. Similar to exogenous steroid use, patients with endogenous hypercortisolism also have a higher risk of intestinal, in particular diverticular, perforation and should be monitored closely for its occurrence with a low threshold for investigation and surgical intervention. Elective colonoscopy probably should be deferred until Cushing's syndrome is under control.

Critical Care Aspects of Lung Transplant Patients

Major strides have been made in lung transplantation during the 1990s and it has become an established treatment option for patients with advanced lung disease. Due to improvements in organ preservation, surgical techniques, postoperative intensive care, and immunosuppression, the risk of perioperative and early mortality (less than 3 months after transplantation) has declined [1]. The transplant recipient now has a greater chance of realizing the benefits of the long and arduous waiting period.

Despite these improvements, suboptimal long-term outcomes continue to be shaped by issues such as opportunistic infections and chronic rejection. Because of the wider use of lung transplantation and the longer life span of recipients, intensivists and ancillary intensive care unit (ICU) staff should be well versed with the care of lung transplant recipients.

In this clinical review, issues related to organ donation will be briefly mentioned. The remaining focus will be on the critical care aspects of lung transplant recipients in the posttransplant period, particularly ICU management of frequently encountered conditions. First, the groups of patients undergoing transplantation and the types of procedures performed will be outlined. Specific issues directly related to the allograft, including early graft dysfunction from ischemia-reperfusion injury, airway anastomotic complications, and infections in the setting of immunosuppression will be emphasized. Finally nonpulmonary aspects of posttransplant care and key pharmacologic points in the ICU will be covered.

Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Is Safe in Patients Before and After Lung or Heart Transplantation

BACKGROUND

Gastrointestinal complications are common in patients after lung and heart transplantation. Endoscopy is a standard method for the assessment of gastrointestinal morbidities. The aim of this study was to analyze the number and type of complications during endoscopic procedures in patients before and after lung or heart transplantation.

METHODS

A retrospective single centre analysis of endoscopic procedures in patients before and after lung and heart transplantation from May 1999 to September 2012 was performed compared to a control group.

RESULTS

Four hundred fifty-nine endoscopic procedures were performed in 175 patients after transplantation (84 lung and 91 heart) and 213 procedures in 160 transplant candidates on the waiting list for lung (n = 126) or heart (n = 34) transplantation. In 26% (n = 56/214) of the endoscopic examinations, an intervention was necessary in the lung transplant group compared to 32% (n = 79/245) in the heart transplant group and 27% (n = 43/160) and 21% (n = 11/53) in the lung and heart transplant candidates, respectively. In the control group, endoscopic interventions were performed in 24% (n = 195/805) of the examinations. Overall, 14 (1%) complications resulted from 1,477 endoscopic examinations. Only four (0.9%) of 459 endoscopic examinations were followed by complications in the transplant recipients, whereas in the control group, 10 complications (1.2%) of 805 endoscopies were documented. No endoscopic complication occurred in the lung and heart transplant candidates.

CONCLUSION

Diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopies can be safely performed after lung and heart transplantation and in patients on the waiting list for these organs.

A systematic review of complicated diverticulitis in post-transplant patients

BACKGROUND

Immunosuppression could increase the complication rate in patients with acute diverticulitis. This would justify a low threshold for elective sigmoid resection in these patients after an episode of diverticulitis. Well-documented groups of immunocompromised patients are transplant patients, in which many prospective studies have been conducted.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this systematic review is to assess the incidence of complicated diverticulitis in post-transplant patients.

DATA SOURCE

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Cochrane databases for papers published between January 1966 and January 2014.

STUDY SELECTION AND INTERVENTION

Publications dealing with post-transplant patients and left-sided diverticulitis were eligible for inclusion. The following exclusion criteria were used for study selection: abstracts, case-series and non-English articles.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary outcome measure was the incidence of complicated diverticulitis. Secondary outcome was the incidence of acute diverticulitis and the proportion of complicated diverticulitis. Pooling of data was only performed when more than five reported on the outcome of interest with comparable cohorts. Only studies describing proportion of complicated diverticulitis and renal transplant studies were eligible for pooling data.

RESULTS

Seventeen articles met the inclusion criteria. Nine renal transplant cohorts, four mixed lung-heart-heart lung transplant cohorts, two heart transplant cohorts, and two lung cohorts. A total of 11,966 post-transplant patients were included in the present review. Overall incidence of complicated diverticulitis in all transplantation studies ranged from 0.1 to 3.5%. Nine studies only included renal transplant patients. Pooled incidence of complicated diverticulitis in these patients was 1.0% (95% CI 0.6 to 1.5%). Ten studies provided proportion of complicated diverticulitis. Pooled incidence of acute diverticulitis in these studies was 1.7% (95% CI 1.0 to 2.7%). Pooled proportion of complicated diverticulitis among these patients was 40.1% (95% CI 32.2 to 49.7%). All studies were of moderate quality using the MINORS scoring scale.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of complicated diverticulitis is about one in 100 transplant patients. Additionally when a transplant patient develops an episode of acute diverticulitis, a high proportion of patients have a complicated disease course.

The impact of abdominal complications on the outcome after thoracic transplantation--a single center experience

BACKGROUND

Abdominal complications after thoracic transplantation (Tx) are potentially associated with an increased risk of mortality. We recently reported about the severe outcome after bowel perforation in patients following lung transplantation (LuTx). The aim of the present study was to likewise identify the risk factors with an impact on patient survival following heart transplantation (HTx).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis for the frequency and outcome of abdominal interventions following HTx was performed in 342 patients, and these data thereafter compared to a re-evaluated pool of 1,074 patients following LuTx. All patients were transplanted at Hanover Medical School, Germany, between January 2000 and October 2011.

RESULTS

The incidence for abdominal surgery was comparable between patients following HTx (n = 33; 9.6 %) and LuTx (n = 90; 8.4 %). Elective operations were more frequently performed in patients after HTx (8.5 vs. 5.1 %). In contrast, the incidence of emergency interventions was higher after LuTx (5.3 %) than that following HTx (2.3 %). Herewith associated was the mortality observed in these transplant recipients (15.3 and 9.9 % for LuTx and HTx, respectively). Leading diagnosis for emergency surgery was bowel perforation (n = 18, regarding all cases). In 11 of these patients, perforation occurred within the first 6 months after Tx and eight of them died in the course of this complication (one patient after HTx and seven patients after LuTx).

CONCLUSIONS

Abdominal complications after HTx are less frequently than after LuTx but equally correlate with a high mortality rate. In finding or even reasonable suspicion of an acute abdomen after thoracic Tx, a broad practice for extended diagnostics and a low barrier for an early explorative laparotomy thus are recommended.

Cushing's disease presenting with gastrointestinal perforation: a case report

Gastrointestinal perforation is a complication associated with steroid therapy or hypercortisolism, but it is rarely observed in patients with Cushing's disease in clinical practice, and only one case has been reported as a presenting symptom. Herein, we report a rare case of Cushing's disease in which a patient presented with gastrointestinal perforation as a symptom. A 79-year-old man complained of discomfort in the lower abdomen for 6 months. Based on the endocrinological and gastroenterological examinations, he was diagnosed with Cushing's disease with a perforation of the descending colon. After consultation with a gastroenterological surgeon, it was decided that colonic perforation could be conservatively observed without any oral intake and treated with parenteral administration of antibiotics because of the mild systemic inflammation and lack of abdominal guarding. Despite the marked elevated levels of serum cortisol, oral medication was not an option because of colonic perforation. Therefore, the patient was submitted to endonasal adenomectomy to normalize the levels of serum cortisol. Subsequently, a colostomy was successfully performed. Despite its rarity, physicians should be aware that gastrointestinal perforation may be associated with hypercortisolism, especially in elderly patients, and immediate diagnosis and treatment of this life-threatening condition are essential. If a perforation can be conservatively observed, endonasal adenomectomy prior to laparotomy is an alternative treatment option for hypercortisolism.

High-dose intravenous corticosteroids for ocular inflammatory diseases

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effectiveness and risk of complications of high-dose intravenous pulsed corticosteroids for noninfectious ocular inflammatory diseases.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study in which 104 eyes of 70 patients who received high-dose intravenous corticosteroids for treatment of active ocular inflammation were identified from five centers. The main outcome measures were control of inflammation and occurrence of ocular or systemic complications within 1 month after treatment.

RESULTS

Within ≤1 month of starting treatment, 57% of eyes achieved complete control of inflammation (95% confidence interval (CI): 33-83%), improving to 82% when near-complete control was included (95% CI: 61-96%). Most eyes (85%; 95% CI: 70-95%) gained clinically significant improvement in anterior chamber inflammation. One patient developed a colon perforation during treatment. No other major complications were recorded.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of ocular inflammation with high-dose intravenous corticosteroids resulted in substantial clinical improvement for most cases within 1 month. Complications of therapy were infrequent.

Clinical presentation and risks

BACKGROUND

A recurrent episode of diverticulitis is a new distinct episode of acute inflammation after a period of complete remission of symptoms. Outdated literature suggested a high recurrence rate (>40%) and a worse clinical presentation with less chance of conservative treatment. More recent studies showed a more benign course with no need toward an aggressive policy of treatment.

METHODS

We report data from revised literature and from our study: a 4-year multicenter retrospective and prospective database analysis of 743 patients hospitalized for acute diverticulitis (AD) treated medically or surgically and then followed for a minimum of 9 years.

RESULTS

The literature showed a recurrence rate of 25-35% at 5 years of follow-up, with a reduced risk of severe complications (i.e. perforations), a risk of subsequent emergency surgery of 2-14% and a risk of stoma and related death of 0-2.7%. Several risk factors of recurrence have been advocated: family history, abscess, severe CT stage, comorbidities (renal failure, collagen vascular disease) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Young age is still a matter of debate. These studies have different limitations: retrospective, lack of definition of AD, small number of patients, long recruiting time, short follow-up, study population or hospital-system based. In our study of 320 followed-up, medically treated patients, 61% were asymptomatic and 22% complained of chronic symptoms: the 12-year actuarial risk of recurrence, emergency surgery, stoma and death was 21.2, 8.3, 1 and 0%, respectively. Recurrence was related to very young age (<40 years) and more than 3 previous episodes of AD.

CONCLUSION

This study confirms the benign course of diverticulitis treated conservatively, with a low long-term risk of serious complications and death, and does not support an aggressive surgical policy to prevent them.

Necrotising fasciitis of the thigh secondary to colonic perforation: the femoral canal as a route for infective spread

A 57 year-old man with a history of corticosteroid use presented with abdominal pain and diarrhoea. He was initially treated for presumed Clostridium difficile colitis, but later developed a left inguinal mass with spreading erythema. A CT scan showed gas within the retroperitoneal tissues, with surgical emphysema of the left groin. Necrotising fasciitis was diagnosed, and the patient underwent extensive debridement of the left thigh and inguinal region. The femoral vein was covered in infected fascia in the femoral canal, and a laparotomy revealed a posterior perforation of the sigmoid colon. Necrotising fasciitis of the thigh is a rare complication of colonic perforation. Our case highlights the femoral canal as a potential channel for the spread of intra-abdominal infection into the thigh.

Duodenal perforation in a patient with non-small cell lung cancer receiving Pemetrexed-Cisplatin combination

Pemetrexed is increasingly used in combination with platinum antineoplastic agents for the treatment of certain lung malignancies. Its use was associated with favorable hematological adverse reaction compared to standard regimens. Non-hematological life-threatening complications such as gastrointestinal perforations are extremely rare with pemetrexed use and tend to develop in the distal bowel in patients at risk.

We report the case of a 56-years old Arab male, heavy smoker newly diagnosed with Stage IV non-small cell lung cancer with no comorbidities, treated with pemetrexed-cisplatin combination. Four days after the first cycle of chemotherapy, the patient developed a small duodenal perforation that required emergency laparoscopy repair.

Clinicians should have a high index of suspicion should be taken for alimentary tract perforation in patients presenting with acute abdominal pain during pemetrexed therapy.

Incidence and outcome of abdominal surgical interventions following lung transplantation--a single center experience

PURPOSE

Abdominal complications after lung transplantation (LuTx) are associated with a high mortality risk. Aim of the present study was to analyse frequency and outcome of abdominal interventions following LuTx.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of the requirement of abdominal surgery including data of 754 patients undergoing LuTx at the Hannover Medical School, Germany, between January 2000 and December 2008.

RESULTS

In the course of lung transplantation, 55 patients (7%) were in need of surgical interventions due to abdominal complications. Following LuTx, 35 individuals were operated in 43 cases of emergency indication. The leading diagnosis was bowel perforation (n = 10) with surgery performed 10.4 months after LuTx, although 7 of 10 patients were operated within the first 4 weeks post-transplantation. Emergency interventions were associated with a mortality rate of 28%, 42% thereof after bowel perforation. Elective surgical treatments (n = 31) were diverse and had no influence on mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Early abdominal complications after LuTx correlate with a high mortality rate. Perforation of the bowel was the leading diagnosis with a severe impact on the outcome. Thus, in cases of an acute abdomen after LuTx, we recommend the broad use of further diagnostic measures as well as an early decision for explorative laparotomy.

Diverticulitis in transplant patients and patients on chronic corticosteroid therapy: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

The clinical course of diverticular disease in immunosuppressed patients is widely believed to be more severe than in the general population. In this study we systematically reviewed the literature regarding the epidemiology and clinical course of diverticulitis in immunosuppressed patients. Our goal was to develop recommendations regarding the care of this group of patients.

METHODS

Using PubMed and Web of Knowledge we systematically reviewed all studies published between 1970 and 2009 that analyzed the epidemiology, clinical manifestation, or outcomes of treatment of diverticulitis in immunosuppressed patients. Keywords of "transplantation," "corticosteroid," "HIV," "AIDS," and "chemotherapy" were used.

RESULTS

Twenty-five studies met our inclusion criteria. All of these studies focused on the impact of diverticulitis in patients with transplants or on chronic corticosteroid therapy. The reported incidence of acute diverticulitis in these patients was approximately 1% (variable follow-up periods). Among patients with known diverticular disease the incidence was 8%. Mortality from acute diverticulitis in these patients was 23% when treated surgically and 56% when treated medically. Overall mortality was 25%.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study summarizes evidence that patients with transplants or patients on chronic corticosteroid therapy 1) have a rate of acute diverticulitis that is higher than the baseline population and 2) a mortality rate with acute diverticulitis that is high. Further research is needed to define whether these risks constitute a mandate for screening and prophylactic sigmoid colectomy.

Medical management of brain tumor patients

Brain tumors can present challenging medical problems. Seizures, peritumoral edema, venous thromboembolism, fatigue, and cognitive dysfunction can complicate the treatment of patients who have primary or metastatic brain tumors. Effective medical management results in decreased morbidity and mortality and improved quality of life for affected patients.

Platelet-derived growth factor receptor inhibition and chemotherapy for castration-resistant prostate cancer with bone metastases

PURPOSE

To further assess preclinical and early clinical evidence that imatinib mesylate, a platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) inhibitor, modulates taxane activity in prostate cancer and bone metastases, a randomized study was conducted.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Men with progressive castration-resistant prostate cancer with bone metastases (n = 144) were planned for equal randomization to i.v. 30 mg/m(2) docetaxel on days 1, 8, 15, and 22 every 42 days with 600 mg imatinib daily or placebo, for an improvement in median progression-free survival from 4.5 to 7.5 months (two-sided alpha = 0.05 and beta = 0.20). Secondary end points included differential toxicity and bone turnover markers, tumor phosphorylated PDGFR (p-PDGFR) expression, and modulation of p-PDGFR in peripheral blood leukocytes.

RESULTS

Accrual was halted early because of adverse gastrointestinal events. Among 116 evaluable men (57 docetaxel + imatinib; 59 docetaxel + placebo), respective median times to progression were 4.2 months (95% confidence interval, 3.1-7.5) and 4.2 months (95% confidence interval, 3.0-6.8; P = 0.58, log-rank test). Excess grade 3 toxicities (n = 23) in the docetaxel + imatinib group were principally fatigue and gastrointestinal. Tumor p-PDGFR expression was observed in 12 of 14 (86%) evaluable bone specimens. In peripheral blood leukocytes, p-PDGFR reduction was more likely in docetaxel + imatinib-treated patients compared with docetaxel + placebo (P < 0.0001), as were reductions in urine N-telopeptides (P = 0.004) but not serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (P = 0.099).

CONCLUSIONS

These clinical and translational results question the value of PDGFR inhibition with taxane chemotherapy in prostate cancer bone metastases and are at variance with the preclinical studies. This discordance requires explanation.

Gastrointestinal-Related Complications After Major Lung Surgery

Numerous factors increase the risk for GI complications in patients undergoing lung resection. It seems that the more debilitated the patient and the more extensive the COPD, the higher the risk. The most commonly reported cause of mortality after lung surgery is multi-organ failure accompanying respiratory failure. The trigger site for multi-system failure is often the GI system. Some risk factors cannot be altered, such as diabetes and the cardiovascular effects of long-term smoking. Other factors, such as steroid dose, anemia, hypoxia, narcotics, and other medications, can be modified. In addition, a high suspicion and early recognition of GI problems in the postoperative period can decrease their mortality. Severe GI complications after lung resection may be frustrating and poorly tolerated in high-risk patients, with little margin for error. Heightened awareness along with early recognition can prevent these complications and alter their outcome.

Rectal perforations after barium enema: a review

PURPOSE

Rectal injuries during barium enema are rare but life-threatening complications. The last review about this subject was published more than ten years ago. In the present review, we present an overview on the subject and especially focus on changes in treatment strategies and developments of less risky visualization techniques.

METHODS

A literature search was performed in the PubMed library using the key words-barium enema, complications, peritonitis, and rectal perforation-as well as related articles and other references obtained from these articles.

RESULTS

The most frequent cause of perforation is iatrogenic and catheter-related. Other causes are related to weakness of the colorectal wall or obstruction. Five types of perforations have been described: 1) perforations of the anal canal below the levator; 2) incomplete perforations; 3) perforations into the retroperitoneum; 4) transmural perforations into adjacent viscera; 5) perforations into the free intraperitoneal cavity. Most incomplete perforations and one-half of the retroperitoneal perforations have minimal clinical signs. Intraperitoneal perforations lead to the most catastrophic course, starting with rectal bleeding and mild abdominal complaints. This is rapidly followed by progressive sepsis and peritonitis, and leads to a high mortality rate. Surgery is not always required for intramural or small retroperitoneal perforations. These can be treated conservatively and require surgical debridement only in case of large amounts of extravasation or abscesses. Surgical repair of large rectal mucosal lesions or anal sphincter lesions is advised. Perirectal abscesses require drainage. Intraperitoneal perforations with gross extravasation need immediate aggressive surgical treatment in a critical care setting, because the threat of shock is high. Intraperitoneal perforations, neglected perforations, gross barium extravasation, poorly prepared colon, and venous intravasation of barium are prognostically unfavorable. The severest late complication in intraperitoneal perforations is ileus. Meticulous technical performance of the barium enema is the most important factor in prevention.

CONCLUSIONS

Rectal perforations after barium enema are rare. The overall mortality rate decreased in recent decades from approximately 50 to 35 percent as the result of advances in supportive and intensive care. Because of these advances, more aggressive surgical strategies were undertaken. With the advent of endoscopy, less barium enemas are performed. Consequently, the absolute incidence of complications has decreased. It is expected that in the future barium enemas will be replaced by more sensitive and less risky techniques, such as CT colonography and magnetic resonance colonography.

Diverticule géant du côlon sigmoïde fistulisé dans le jejunum

An 80-year-old woman with sigmoïd diverticula was treated by corticosteroid for Horton disease. She presented abdominal pain, and abdominal mass in left iliac fossa. Radiological examinations revealed a colo-jejunal fistula. At laparotomy it was a giant diverticulum of colon sigmoid with fistula in the jejunum. The pathogeny of giant diverticulum and the role of corticosteroid are discussed.

Drug Therapy in Transplant Recipients

Elderly patients with end-stage organ failure are now more frequently undergoing transplantation. Medication management in this population is challenging because of the combination of multiple comorbidities, polypharmacy, and immunological, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes attributable to the aging process. Immunosuppressive medications can exacerbate pre-existing medical conditions and promote the development of disease processes. Cardiovascular disorders, such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure and arrhythmias are common in elderly transplant recipients, and account for most of the deaths in this population. Blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol control is of particular concern because elderly transplant recipients frequently have or develop these complications. Elderly transplant recipients are commonly receiving anticoagulation therapy with warfarin and are at a higher risk of bleeding, especially if they have renal dysfunction. Infectious complications occur frequently in the transplanted population, with pneumonia being the most common infection seen in hospitalised patients. Attention to vaccination for the prevention of influenza and pneumococcal infections is important because of the increased risk of these diseases in this population. Depression itself has been associated with decreased survival in older individuals, and depression in elderly transplant recipients may be reversible with the administration of pharmacological agents. Effective long-term care of transplant recipients demands an understanding of how particular medications affect clinical evaluation and treatment. This article addresses some of the practical issues surrounding medication management and prevention of these particular problems in elderly transplant recipients.

Gastrointestinal complications in lung transplant survivors that require surgical intervention

BACKGROUND

Lung transplantation is widely accepted as a treatment for end-stage lung disease. At present, information regarding the incidence and outcome of acute gastrointestinal complications in lung transplant survivors is limited.

METHODS

Since 1990, 127 lung transplantations have been performed in 125 patients: 73 males (58 per cent) and 52 females (42 per cent) of median age 43 (range 9-64) years. Patients received a standard induction and maintenance regimen of immunosuppression.

RESULTS

At a median follow-up of 2.6 (range 0-8.6) years the overall survival rate was 68 per cent. An acute abdomen requiring surgical intervention was diagnosed in 12 patients (10 per cent). The median time following lung transplantation was 19 (range 3-68) months. Eight cases of bowel perforation, two of appendicitis, one of colitis, one of cholecystitis, and one pneumoperitoneum were encountered. Four Hartmann procedures, two sigmoid resections, one small bowel resection, two appendicectomies, a subtotal colectomy, a cholecystectomy and an exploratory laparotomy were performed with minimal morbidity and no postoperative death.

CONCLUSION

Lung transplant survivors are at increased risk of developing an acute abdomen because of the use of high-dose immunosuppressive agents. Physicians who evaluate lung transplant patients for an acute abdomen should have a low threshold for surgical intervention.

Complicated diverticulitis following renal transplantation

PURPOSE

Colonic perforations in renal transplant recipients have historically been associated with mortality rates as high as 50 to 100 percent. However, these previous series generally predate the use of cyclosporine-based immunosuppressive protocols.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all patients who had undergone renal transplant from our institution and who developed complicated diverticulitis. Complicated diverticulitis was defined as diverticulitis involving free perforation, abscess, phlegmon, or fistula. Factors analyzed included the time interval since transplantation, use of cyclosporine, living-related vs. cadaveric donor, cause of renal failure, and presenting signs and symptoms.

RESULTS

Between August 1969 and September 1996, 1,211 kidney transplants were performed in 1,137 patients. The first 388 patients (1969-1984) received prednisone and azathioprine, with cyclosporine added to the immunosuppressive regimen for the subsequent 823 recipients (1984-1996). Thirteen (1.1 percent) patients had episodes of complicated diverticulitis, occurring from 25 days to 14 years after transplant; all required surgical therapy. Clinical presentation was highly variable, ranging from asymptomatic pneumoperitoneum (2 patients) to generalized peritonitis. There was one perioperative mortality (7.7 percent). Patients with polycystic kidney disease as the cause of renal failure had a significantly higher rate of complicated diverticulitis. Specifically, patients with polycystic kidney disease (9 percent of the total transplant population) accounted for 46 percent of the cases of diverticulitis (P < 0.001, Fisher's exact probability test). Neither treatment with cyclosporine nor donor source had a significant effect on the rate of diverticular complications (P = 0.36 and P = 0.99, respectively, Fisher's exact probability test).

CONCLUSION

Complicated diverticulitis following renal transplantation is rare, and the clinical presentation may be atypical in the immunosuppressed transplant recipient. Patients with polycystic kidney disease experience a significantly higher rate of complicated diverticulitis than do other transplant patients and, therefore, warrant aggressive diagnostic evaluation of even vague abdominal symptoms. In addition, pretransplant screening and prophylactic sigmoid resection in this high-risk population deserve consideration and further study.

Gastrointestinal perforation after pediatric orthotopic liver transplantation

PURPOSE

The aim of this review was to determine the incidence of gastrointestinal perforation after pediatric liver transplantation and to identify risk factors and clinical indicators that may lead to an earlier diagnosis.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of all children who presented with gastrointestinal perforation after liver transplantation at our institution between January 1, 1987 and August 1, 1996 was performed.

RESULTS

One hundred fifty-seven orthotopic liver transplants were performed in 128 children. Fifty-eight reexplorations, excluding those for retransplantation, were performed in 38 children. Ten perforations occurred in six children (incidence, 6.4%). Two children required multiple reexplorations because of several episodes of perforation. The sites of perforation were duodenum (n=1), jejunum (n=8), and ileum (n=1). A single-layer closure was used to repair five perforations, two-layer closures in four, and resection with primary anastomosis in another. The type of repair did not affect the occurrence of subsequent perforations. All the children were less than 18 months old. Four children had undergone prior laparotomy. All children had choledochoenteric anastomoses, but only one had a perforation associated with it. One child sustained bowel injury during the dissection for the liver transplant, but none of the perforations occurred at this site. Bowel function had returned before perforation in five children. Five children were receiving systemic antibiotics at the time of their perforation, and none had been dosed with pulse steroids for rejection. All of the children had significant changes in their temperature. Acute leukopenia developed in one child. A leukocytosis developed in the rest of the children. Abdominal radiographs demonstrated pneumoperitoneum in only one child. All children had positive culture findings from their abdominal drains. Cytomegalovirus developed in one child. Although the diagnosis of gastrointestinal perforation after pediatric liver transplant remains difficult, positive drain culture findings and significant alterations in temperature and leukocyte counts suggest its presence. Pneumoperitoneum is rarely present.

CONCLUSION

A high index of suspicion and timely laparotomy, especially in children less than 2 years of age, may be the only way to rapidly diagnose and treat this potentially devastating complication of liver transplant.

Anaesthesia for patients after lung transplantation

PURPOSE

The purpose of this article is to review the literature on post lung transplant patients presenting for surgery and anaesthesia and to provide insight into their perioperative management.

SOURCE

Articles and books were identified via a Medline search and through a review of the bibliographies of these sources.

PRINCIPLE FINDINGS

Single and double lung transplantation is becoming more common and the period of survival is increasing. As a result, more of these patients are presenting for surgery and anaesthesia. Also, it is increasingly likely that these patients may present, either for emergency or elective surgery, to anaesthetists with limited experience in this field. These patients have considerable medical, physiological and pharmacological problems which need to be understood.

CONCLUSION

Anaesthesia, local, regional, or general, can be safely delivered to these patients provided that the physiology and pathophysiology of the transplanted lung, the pharmacology of the immunosuppressive agents, and the underlying surgical condition are understood.

Colon perforation after lung transplantation

BACKGROUND

Colon perforation has been previously described after solid organ transplantation. Since the inception of the lung transplant program at the University of Colorado 60 isolated lung transplantations have been performed. Four of these patients have suffered spontaneous colonic perforation.

METHODS

The case history of each lung transplant patient with a colon perforation and the literature were reviewed.

RESULTS

An increased incidence of colon perforation in lung transplant patients was identified. Diverticulitis was found to be the predominant cause, and an association with steroids was noted. The two deaths in this series were in patients receiving high-dose steroids in whom invasive Aspergillus infections developed.

CONCLUSIONS

Careful screening of the gastrointestinal tract before transplantation is advocated. A steroid-sparing immunosuppressive regimen is recommended. All lung transplant patients with abdominal complaints require an aggressive work-up, and surgeons should have a low threshold for laparotomy. Conservative surgical principles, including resection of the perforated segment of colon and proximal end-colostomy rather than primary anastomosis, are necessary for the optimal outcome.

Diverticular disease. Epidemiology and pharmacological treatment

Diverticular disease is worldwide in distribution, but the incidence is highest in industrialised countries. It is associated with aging and low intake of dietary fibre. There is a broad range of clinical manifestations--from asymptomatic diverticula to life-threatening complications. Elderly patients often present with complicated diverticular disease, and may lack typical symptoms and signs. Treatment includes fibre supplementation, drugs or antibiotics for complications, and surgery for refractory disease. Proper diagnosis and treatment requires knowledge of the full range of presentations and careful selection and timing of medical versus surgical intervention.

A case of toxic megacolon in ulcerative colitis associated with cytomegalovirus infection

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, which has been shown to complicate the course of ulcerative colitis (UC), has been implicated as a possible etiologic factor in the exacerbation of UC, especially in toxic megacolon. However, CMV infection in patients with UC accompanied by toxic megacolon has rarely been reported. Here we report a case of CMV infection of the colon accompanied by toxic megacolon occurring in UC. A 38-year-old woman had been treated with intravenous hydrocortisone, rectal steroid, and central venous alimentation for 6 weeks under the diagnosis of UC. She was transferred to Akita University Hospital because of increasing bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain. Toxic megacolon was identified by examinations on admission, and she underwent a total colectomy. Examination of the surgical specimen showed severe inflammation of the colon. Microscopically, cytomegalic inclusions were observed in and around the endothelial cells in the inflamed submucosal layer. It can be assumed that CMV infection was a secondary, opportunistic invader superimposed on UC, and that it played an important role in altering the clinical course of the patient.

Posttransplant gastrointestinal perforation in pediatric liver transplantation

The results of 119 consecutive orthotopic liver transplants in 105 pediatric recipients were reviewed to determine the incidence and management of posttransplant gastrointestinal perforation (PTGIP). Transplantation of 22 children (21%) having had no previous surgery resulted in no PTGIP. However, 15 patients (14%) had PTGIP, and this group had had a greater number of previous laparotomies than did 68 children without PTGIP (2.3 +/- 0.9 v 1.5 +/- 0.8; P < .01). Up to 31% of children with two or more previous operations developed PTGIP. The incidence of PTGIP in patients with a preexisting stoma (26%, n = 23) was not significantly different from that in children whose previous portoenterostomy consisted of a simple Roux loop (15%, n = 60). A total of 32 laparotomies were performed for 35 PTGIP. The operative procedures included an oversewing of the perforated site (n = 22), segmental bowel resection/primary anastomosis (n = 5), creation of enterostomy (n = 7), and drainage (n = 1). After these laparotomies, reperforation occurred in 31% of patients, varying from none after defunctioning enterostomy for colonic perforations to 63% after simple oversew of perforated small bowel. Bolus methylprednisolone therapy or cytomegalovirus infection did not show any link with PTGIP. Children having undergone multiple laparotomies before liver transplantation are more susceptible to PTGIP. There was no death directly caused by PTGIP, but morbidity was considerable.

Therapeutic effects of local delivery of dexamethasone on experimental brain tumors and peritumoral brain edema

To determine if dexamethasone administered by osmotic pump directly to brain tumors would control peritumoral edema and at the same time suppress tumor growth and prolong survival, the authors studied experimental brain tumors produced in 102 rabbits by implanting VX2 carcinoma cells. Of these, 58 animals were separated into three treatment groups: Group 1 included 15 untreated rabbits; Group 2 included 18 rabbits treated with systemic dexamethasone (4 mg/kg/day); and Group 3 included 25 rabbits treated with local dexamethasone (0.24 mg/day) delivered by osmotic pump. Systemic or local dexamethasone was administered from Day 3 or Day 7 after tumor implantation, and animals were sacrificed on Day 13. A survival study was performed with 44 rabbits separated into the same treatment groups, beginning drug delivery on Day 7. Brain water content in the white matter of sacrificed animals was measured by the specific gravity method. The length and width of the brain tumors in all animals were measured and the tumor volume estimated. Findings showed that systemic and local dexamethasone administered from Day 3 or Day 7 was associated with a significant (5% level) inhibition of tumor volume as well as a mean reduction of brain edema in most tested sites. Systemic and local dexamethasone therapy also resulted in a significant (5% level) increase in survival time relative to the untreated group. These short-term results suggest that locally delivered dexamethasone may constitute a clinically important therapeutic modality.

Sigmoid diverticular perforation in neurosurgical patients receiving high-dose corticosteroids

Perforation of colonic diverticula is a complication of corticosteroid use that has not been described in the neurosurgical literature. Between 1987 and 1992, 719 patients who underwent surgery for primary and metastatic brain and spinal tumors of the central nervous system received 2246 to 4936 mg of methylprednisolone given over at least 7 days. Five patients in this group (all men, ages 50-69 yr) experienced a sigmoid diverticular perforation at a mean dose of 3947 mg of methylprednisolone (range, 2240-6160 mg). Of these five, two had a known history of diverticular disease. In contrast, during this same period, 3749 patients who underwent neurosurgical procedures for non-neoplastic conditions did not receive corticosteroids and experienced no colonic perforations. All five patients with colonic perforations presented with abdominal pain and had free intraperitoneal air that was revealed on radiographs of the abdomen. Perforation of a sigmoid diverticulum was confirmed in all five at exploratory laparotomy. Four patients had good outcomes, and one died. We conclude the following: 1) patients over age 50 who receive high-dose corticosteroids are at risk for sigmoid colonic perforation, and these medications should be used with caution in such patients; 2) if possible, lower total doses of perioperative corticosteroids should be used in patients with known diverticular disease; and 3) because corticosteroids mask many of the inflammatory signs of perforation, this diagnosis should be considered in any patient with abdominal discomfort, fever of unknown origin, or unexplained leukocytosis.

Unusual gastrointestinal complications in neurosurgery

Nine neurosurgical patients with unusual gastrointestinal complications are presented. Their diagnostic clinical features, as well as pitfalls in their diagnosis are highlighted. A high index of clinical suspicion of these unusual complications is important as patients' decreased level of consciousness and concomitant steroid therapy often complicates the clinical presentation. Progressive abdominal distension and absent or sluggish bowel sounds were the most consistent clinical features in comatose patients with peritonitis, whereas, high fever and markedly elevated white cell counts were often absent.

Syndrome of multiple bowel perforations in liver transplant recipients

In an analysis of surgical complications following 500 consecutive orthotopic liver transplants, we identified 12 patients who developed the syndrome of multiple bowel perforations that was not due to iatrogenic injury. All cases occurred in small children (mean weight: 9.0 kg), who represented 7% of the pediatric population. Each patient had a minimum of three perforations. The typical intraoperative findings were pin-point perforations in areas of normal-appearing bowel. With only one possible exception (a patient with cytomegalovirus enteritis), no specific etiology could be determined. Management was based on multiple exploratory laparotomies and individualized operative procedures. All patients are currently alive (mean follow-up: 34.9 months). The pathogenesis of the syndrome of multiple bowel perforations remains unclear but is possibly multifactorial or related to high doses of steroids. Aggressive surgical management with semiopen treatment of peritonitis and frequent explorations has afforded excellent results.

The efficacy and safety of low-dose corticosteroids for rheumatoid arthritis

Low-dose corticosteroids (defined as less than or equal to 10 mg/d of prednisone or equivalent) are used increasingly for the management of rheumatoid arthritis. They are frequently substituted for nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), particularly in patients with gastrointestinal or other intolerance to NSAIDs, or as "bridge therapy" while patients await the benefits of delayed-acting, disease-modifying agents. Despite their clinical acceptance, published data concerning efficacy are meager. Adverse effects to low-dose corticosteroids are not so frequent nor so severe as those that occur with higher doses. Nevertheless, alterations in glucose metabolism, cutaneous atrophy, cataracts, and glaucoma are common. Osteoporosis, steroid-myopathy, a steroid-withdrawal syndrome, and dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis appear in some patients. Osteonecrosis, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, infectious, or neurological complications probably do not occur. Fetal wastage, prematurity, or congenital malformations have not been proven with this dosage.

Recognition and prevention of barium enema complications

The barium enema is a safe and accurate diagnostic study of the colon but, in rare cases, complications may result. Many of these can be prevented by proper equipment and careful attention to technique. When a complication does occur, prompt recognition and management is vital in decreasing morbidity and mortality. Perforation of the bowel is the most frequent serious complication, occurring in approximately 0.02% to 0.04% of patients. Rarely the colon may burst due to excessive transmural pressure alone. However, a colon weakened by iatrogenic trauma or disease is more likely to perforate during an enema than is a normal healthy bowel. Injury to the rectal mucosa or anal canal due to the enema tip or retention balloon is probably the most common traumatic cause of barium enema perforation. Inflation of a retention balloon within a stricture, neoplasm, inflamed rectum, or colostomy stoma is particularly hazardous. Recent deep biopsy or polypectomy with electrocautery makes the bowel more vulnerable to rupture. The tensile strength of the bowel wall is impaired in elderly patients, patients receiving long-term steroid therapy, and in disease states including neoplasm, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and ischemia. Intraperitoneal perforation leads to a severe, acute peritonitis with intravascular volume depletion. The ensuing shock may be rapidly fatal. Prompt fluid replacement and laparotomy are essential. If the patient survives the initial shock and sepsis, later complications caused by dense intraperitoneal adhesions may develop. Extraperitoneal perforation is usually less catastrophic but may result in pain, sepsis, cellulitis, abscess, rectal stricture, or fistula. Intramural extravasation often forms a persistent submucosal barium granuloma which may ulcerate or be mistaken for a neoplasm. The most dramatic complication of barium enema is venous intravasation of barium. Fortunately, this is quite rare as it may be immediately lethal. Most cases have been attributed to trauma from the enema tip or retention balloon, mucosal inflammation, or misplacement of the tip in the vagina. Bacteremia has been found in as many as 23% of patients following barium enema and, in rare cases, may cause symptomatic septicemia. Other less common complications include barium impaction, water intoxication, allergic reactions, and cardiac arrhythmias. Preparatory laxatives and cleansing enemas have been implicated in some instances of dehydration, rectal trauma, water intoxication, and perforation. Careful review of the indications for examination, previous radiographs, and clinical history will identify many of the patients at greater risk for complications so that appropriate precautions may be observed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Diverticular complications of renal failure

Ten patients with chronic renal failure presented with complications of colonic diverticula. Five had acute diverticulitis, 4 perforated diverticula, and 1 lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Symptoms were less severe than expected. In 3 the diagnosis was first suspected when free intra-abdominal air was detected. Seven patients had laparotomy, 5 emergently. Radiologists should be aware of the potential for diverticular complication in patients with renal failure, even with minimal or absent symptoms. Suspicion of colonic pathology either clinically or radiographically should be evaluated promptly so that aggressive therapy can begin.

Acute postoperative diverticulitis

Acute diverticulitis following surgery is a severe condition reported previously only after heart surgery. Four cases of diverticulitis in the early postoperative period are presented, three of them after non-cardiac procedures (tracheostomy, inguinal hernia repair and laminectomy). Advanced age, administration of morphine, treatment with steroids, postoperative constipation and intestinal mucosal ischaemia are discussed as possible aetiological factors leading to diverticular perforation. Although the diagnosis is often difficult, early treatment offers the best chance of survival.

The effects of steroids upon the gastrointestinal tract

The steroid hormones and bile acids are important to digestive tract structure and function. Glucocorticoids administered during pregnancy have been shown to induce cleft palate in the offspring in several species. Postnatally, a significant rise in corticosterone during week 3 in the rat coincides with profound morphological and biochemical changes in the small intestine toward the adult state. Exogenous glucocorticoids given suckling rats leads to precocious development of these changes. In the adult, glucocorticoids increase brush border enzyme levels, while adrenal insufficiency decreases mucosal weight, enzyme activity, and absorptive functions. Water and sodium absorption and potassium excretion are enhanced in both small and large intestine. The jejunum, through its sense of food, provides the entraining signal that governs corticosterone rhythm. In the stomach, high doses of glucocorticoids inhibit prostaglandin biosynthesis, thereby inhibiting the gastric alkaline response and producing severe gastric lesions. However, in man, peptic ulcer disease is not clearly associated with glucocorticoid therapy. Exacerbation of subclinical intestinal infections and perforative lesions have been observed in both animals and man given glucocorticoids. The female sex hormone estrogen, when given to rats, stimulates intestinal enzyme levels and facilitates absorption. Progesterone inhibits both circular and longitudinal smooth muscle contractile activity. Virtually the entire pool of bile acids is found in the enterohepatic circulation. The dihydroxy secondary bile acids, regardless of their conjugation states, are physiologically and morphologically more damaging to mucosal cell membranes than are the trihydroxy primary bile acids.

Corticosteroid toxicity in neuro-oncology patients

Hospital charts from 59 patients with intracranial malignancy or epidural spinal cord compression were reviewed to establish the frequency of clinically important corticosteroid toxicities and to determine treatment or patient characteristics which were predictive for toxicity. Thirty patients (51%) developed at least one steroid toxicity and eleven (19%) required hospital admission for diagnosis and/or management of steroid-related complications. In this retrospective analysis the duration of steroid therapy and the total administered dose predicted for toxicity. Patients with toxicity also had a significant fall in the serum albumin level. Important corticosteroid toxicity occurs frequently in neuro-oncology patients. Further research should be directed at developing non-toxic alternatives to corticosteroids.

Perforated diverticulitis in a Hartmann rectal pouch

The Hartmann procedure is the surgical treatment of choice for perforated diverticulitis. Modifications leaving a long rectal pouch or mucous fistula and a variable length of bowel that contains inactive diverticula have been described. A steroid-dependent patient presented with perforated diverticulitis in residual disease in the Hartmann rectal pouch ten months after initial sigmoid resection for a perforated diverticulum. Because steroid-treated patients are at high risk for complications and recurrent disease, all diseased bowel should be resected during the initial procedure.

Perforation of the colon in renal homograft recipients. A report of 11 cases and a review of the literature

Colon perforation in renal transplant recipients is a potentially lethal condition that is amenable to appropriate medical and surgical treatment. The 11 cases seen at the Cleveland Clinic (incidence 1.1% of all renal transplant patients) and previous reports in the literature have been reviewed. The pathogenesis is related to a high incidence of diverticular disease in patients with polycystic kidneys and/or chronic renal failure, the effects of long-term immunosuppression, and the transplant procedure itself. The high mortality of this condition (61% overall) is related to the effects of immunosuppression on the response to sepsis and the surgical procedure used. Mortality has fallen from 88% (1970-1974) to 53% (1975-1979), and there are indications that it is continuing to fall. All four cases operated on here since 1980 have survived, giving a total operative mortality of 2/6, and all have maintained excellent allograft function. A high clinical index of suspicion, prompt exteriorization of the perforated colon, reduction of immunosuppression to minimal levels, and effective antibiotic coverage have all contributed to the declining mortality.