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Romero P, Burger A, Wennberg E, Schmitteckert S, Holland-Cunz S, Schwab C, Günther P. Clinical Relevance of Pathological Diagnosis of Hirschsprung's Disease with Acetylcholine-Esterase Histochemistry or Calretinin Immunohistochemistry. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:428. [PMID: 38671645 PMCID: PMC11049477 DOI: 10.3390/children11040428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hirschsprung disease (HD) manifests as a developmental anomaly affecting the enteric nervous system, where there is an absence of ganglion cells in the lower part of the intestine. This deficiency leads to functional blockages within the intestines. HD is usually confirmed or ruled out through rectal biopsy. The identification of any ganglion cells through hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining rules out HD. If ganglion cells are absent, further staining with acetylcholine-esterase (AChE) histochemistry or calretinin immunohistochemistry (IHC) forms part of the standard procedure for determining a diagnosis of HD. In 2017, our Institute of Pathology at University Hospital of Heidelberg changed our HD diagnostic procedure from AChE histochemistry to calretinin IHC. In this paper, we report the impact of the diagnostic procedure change on surgical HD therapy procedures and on the clinical outcome of HD patients. METHODS We conducted a retrospective review of the diagnostic procedures, clinical data, and postoperative progress of 29 patients who underwent surgical treatment for HD in the Department of Pediatric Surgery, University of Heidelberg, between 2012 and 2021. The patient sample was divided into two groups, each covering a treatment period of 5 years. In 2012-2016, HD diagnosis was performed exclusively using AChE histochemistry (AChE group, n = 17). In 2017-2021, HD diagnosis was performed exclusively using calretinin IHC (CR group, n = 12). RESULTS There were no significant differences between the groups in sex distribution, weeks of gestation, birth weight, length of the aganglionic segment, or associated congenital anomalies. Almost half of the children in the AChE group, twice as many as in the CR group, required an enterostomy before transanal endorectal pull-through procedure (TERPT). In the AChE group, 4 patients (23.5%) required repeat bowel sampling to confirm the diagnosis. Compared to the AChE group, more children in the CR group suffered from constipation post TERPT. DISCUSSION Elevated AChE expression is linked to hypertrophied extrinsic cholinergic nerve fibers in the aganglionic segment in the majority of patients with HD. The manifestation of increased AChE expression develops over time. Therefore, in neonatal patients with HD, especially those in the first 3 weeks of life, an increase in AChE reaction is not detected. Calretinin IHC reliably identifies the presence or absence of ganglion cells and offers multiple benefits over AChE histochemistry. These include the ability to perform the test on paraffin-embedded tissue sections, a straightforward staining pattern, a clear binary interpretation (negative or positive), cost-effectiveness, and utility regardless of patient age. CONCLUSIONS The ability of calretinin IHC to diagnose HD early and time-independently prevented repeated intestinal biopsies in our patient population and allowed us to perform a one-stage TERPT in the first months of life, reducing the number of enterostomies and restoring colonic continuity early. Patients undergoing transanal pull-through under the age of 3 months require a close follow-up to detect cases with bowel movement problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Romero
- Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 430, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (A.B.); (E.W.); (S.S.); (S.H.-C.); (C.S.); (P.G.)
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Beltman L, Windster JD, Roelofs JJTH, van der Voorn JP, Derikx JPM, Bakx R. Diagnostic accuracy of calretinin and acetylcholinesterase staining of rectal suction biopsies in Hirschsprung disease examined by unexperienced pathologists. Virchows Arch 2022; 481:245-252. [PMID: 35513609 PMCID: PMC9343274 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-022-03334-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Rectal suction biopsy (RSB) is a gold standard for diagnosing Hirschsprung disease (HD). Calretinin staining of RSB is increasingly used by experienced pathologists due to non-complex examination and comparable diagnostic accuracy with acetylcholinesterase (AChE). However, the diagnostic accuracy of calretinin examined by unexperienced pathologists remains to be elucidated. Therefore, we aim to compare diagnostic accuracy of calretinin with AChE on RSB for diagnosing HD when examined by unexperienced pathologists. We prospectively analyzed sections from RSB stained with AChE + HE and calretinin. Blinded examination was done by five unexperienced pathologists (pathology residents) and three experienced pathologists (senior pediatric gastro-enterology pathologists) assessing for the presence of HD. Cases for the study included ones proven to be HD on resection specimens and cases without HD. Diagnostic accuracy was determined calculating area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratio, and posttest probability. Fleiss’ kappa analysis was performed to assess interobserver agreement between reviewers. Eleven of 18 included patients (61%) were diagnosed with HD. Comparing the diagnostic accuracy of unexperienced pathologists, calretinin versus AChE + HE showed sensitivity of 80.0% versus 74.5% and specificity of 100% versus 65.4%, AUC of 0.87 (0.78–0.96) versus 0.59 (0.45–0.72). Unexperienced pathologists showed substantial agreement with calretinin (kappa 0.72 [0.61–0.84]) and fair agreement with AChE + HE (kappa 0.34 [0.23–0.44]). We found calretinin having higher diagnostic accuracy in diagnosing HD compared to AChE + HE when examined by unexperienced pathologists. Therefore, we recommend to use calretinin as the standard technique for staining RSB in diagnosing HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Beltman
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. .,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
| | - J D Windster
- Department of Pediatric Surgery and Intensive Care, Erasmus University Medical Center, Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J J T H Roelofs
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - J P M Derikx
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - R Bakx
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Greenberg A, Aizic A, Zubkov A, Borsekofsky S, Hagege RR, Hershkovitz D. Automatic ganglion cell detection for improving the efficiency and accuracy of hirschprung disease diagnosis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:3306. [PMID: 33558593 PMCID: PMC7870950 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-82869-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Histopathologic diagnosis of Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) is time consuming and requires expertise. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in digital pathology is actively researched and may improve the diagnosis of HSCR. The purpose of this research was to develop an algorithm capable of identifying ganglion cells in digital pathology slides and implement it as an assisting tool for the pathologist in the diagnosis of HSCR. Ninety five digital pathology slides were used for the construction and training of the algorithm. Fifty cases suspected for HSCR (727 slides) were used as a validation cohort. Image sets suspected to contain ganglion cells were chosen by the algorithm and then reviewed and scored by five pathologists, one HSCR expert and 4 non-experts. The algorithm was able to identify ganglion cells with 96% sensitivity and 99% specificity (in normal colon) as well as to correctly identify a case previously misdiagnosed as non-HSCR. The expert was able to achieve perfectly accurate diagnoses based solely on the images suggested by the algorithm, with over 95% time saved. Non-experts would require expert consultation in 20–58% of the cases to achieve similar results. The use of AI in the diagnosis of HSCR can greatly reduce the time and effort required for diagnosis and improve accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel Greenberg
- Institute of Pathology, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, 6 Weizmann Street, 6423906, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Asaf Aizic
- Institute of Pathology, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, 6 Weizmann Street, 6423906, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Asia Zubkov
- Institute of Pathology, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, 6 Weizmann Street, 6423906, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Sarah Borsekofsky
- Institute of Pathology, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, 6 Weizmann Street, 6423906, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Rami R Hagege
- Institute of Pathology, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, 6 Weizmann Street, 6423906, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Dov Hershkovitz
- Institute of Pathology, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, 6 Weizmann Street, 6423906, Tel Aviv, Israel. .,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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Kyrklund K, Sloots CEJ, de Blaauw I, Bjørnland K, Rolle U, Cavalieri D, Francalanci P, Fusaro F, Lemli A, Schwarzer N, Fascetti-Leon F, Thapar N, Johansen LS, Berrebi D, Hugot JP, Crétolle C, Brooks AS, Hofstra RM, Wester T, Pakarinen MP. ERNICA guidelines for the management of rectosigmoid Hirschsprung's disease. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2020; 15:164. [PMID: 32586397 PMCID: PMC7318734 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-020-01362-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) is a serious congenital bowel disorder with a prevalence of 1/5000. Currently, there is a lack of systematically developed guidelines to assist clinical decision-making regarding diagnostics and management. AIMS This guideline aims to cover the diagnostics and management of rectosigmoid HSCR up to adulthood. It aims to describe the preferred approach of ERNICA, the European Reference Network for rare inherited and congenital digestive disorders. METHODS Recommendations within key topics covering the care pathway for rectosigmoid HSCR were developed by an international workgroup of experts from 8 European countries within ERNICA European Reference Network from the disciplines of surgery, medicine, histopathology, microbiology, genetics, and patient organization representatives. Recommendation statements were based on a comprehensive review of the available literature and expert consensus. AGREE II and GRADE approaches were used during development. Evidence levels and levels of agreement are noted. RESULTS Thirty-three statements within 9 key areas were generated. Most recommendations were based on expert opinion. CONCLUSION In rare or low-prevalence diseases such as HSCR, there remains limited availability of high-quality clinical evidence. Consensus-based guidelines for care are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristiina Kyrklund
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Cornelius E J Sloots
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Erasmus MC - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ivo de Blaauw
- Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Radboudumc-Amalia Children's Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Kristin Bjørnland
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Udo Rolle
- Department of Pediatric Surgery and Pediatric Urology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt/M, Germany
| | - Duccio Cavalieri
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, A.Mor.Hi, The Italian Association for Hirschsprung's disease, Florence, Italy
| | - Paola Francalanci
- Pathology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCSS, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Fusaro
- Neonatal Surgery Unit - Department of Medical and Surgical Neonatology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCSS, Rome, Italy
| | - Annette Lemli
- SoMA, The German patient support organization for anorectal malformations and Hirschsprung Disease, Munich, Germany
| | - Nicole Schwarzer
- SoMA, The German patient support organization for anorectal malformations and Hirschsprung Disease, Munich, Germany
| | - Francesco Fascetti-Leon
- Pediatric Surgery, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Nikhil Thapar
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health; Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
| | | | - Dominique Berrebi
- Department of Pediatric Pathology, Hôpital Universitaire Robert Debré, Paris Diderot University, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Pierre Hugot
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hôpital Universitaire Robert Debré, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Célia Crétolle
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital Necker-Enfants Malades, APHP centre, Paris University, Paris, France
| | - Alice S Brooks
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Robert M Hofstra
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tomas Wester
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mikko P Pakarinen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
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