Management of abdominal and pelvic abscess in Crohn’s disease

Spanish Working Group in Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis (GETECCU) position paper for the management of non-perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease consists on a complex condition where, despite most patients initially present with an inflammatory behavior, a significant proportion develop complicated lesions such as strictures, fistulas, abscesses, or even perforations. These lesions progressively increase over time and are associated with a higher risk of surgery and hospitalization. Despite significant advances in their management after the introduction of biological therapies, particularly anti-TNF agents, these complications continue to pose challenges for the multiple professionals involved in their care. Fistulas that do not involve the perianal region (entero-enteric, entero-urinary, or entero-cutaneous) require a multidisciplinary strategy that combines medical, interventional, and surgical approaches. Their treatment ranges from general supportive measures to the use of antibiotics or, frequently, advanced therapies. Nevertheless, in cases of certain septic complications or those refractory to medical treatment, percutaneous drainage or surgical intervention remains essential. Although these lesions have a significant impact, evidence regarding the best strategies in this context, as well as the efficacy and safety of different therapies in these patients, remains limited. This is highlighted by the absence of specific recommendations in current guidelines. The objective of this document is to provide a comprehensive overview of non-perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease, addressing its epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic aspects from a multidisciplinary perspective.

The physical biogeography of Fusobacterium nucleatum in health and disease

Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn) is an oral commensal inhabiting the human gingival plaque that is rarely found in the gut. However, in colorectal cancer (CRC), Fn can be isolated from stool samples and detected in metagenomes. We hypothesized that ecological characteristics of the gut are altered by disease, enabling Fn to colonize. Multiple genomically distinct populations of Fn exist, but their ecological preferences are unstudied. We identified six well-separated populations in 133 Fn genomes and used simulated metagenomes to demonstrate sensitive detection of populations in human oral and gut metagenomes. In 9,560 samples from 11 studies, Fn population C2 animalis is elevated in gut metagenomes from CRC and Crohn's disease patients and is observed more frequently in CRC stool samples than in the gingiva. Polymorphum, the most prevalent gingival Fn population, is significantly increased in Crohn's stool samples; this effect was significantly stronger in male hosts than in female. We find polymorphum genomes are enriched for biosynthetic gene clusters and fluoride exporters, while C2 animalis are high in iron transporters. Fn populations thus associate with specific clinical and demographic phenotypes and harbor distinct functional features. Ecological differences in closely related groups of bacteria inform microbiome impacts on human health.

IMPORTANCE

Fusobacterium nucleatum is a bacterium normally found in the gingiva. F. nucleatum generally does not colonize the healthy gut, but is observed in approximately a third of colorectal cancer (CRC) patient guts. F. nucleatum's presence in the gut during CRC has been linked to worse prognosis and increased tumor proliferation. Here, we describe the population structure of F. nucleatum in oral and gut microbiomes. We report substantial diversity in gene carriage among six distinct populations of F. nucleatum and identify population disease and body-site preferences. We find the C2 animalis population is more common in the CRC gut than in the gingiva and is enriched for iron transporters, which support gut colonization in known pathogens. We find that C2 animalis is also enriched in Crohn's disease and type 2 diabetes, suggesting ecological commonalities between the three diseases. Our work shows that closely related bacteria can have different associations with human physiology.

Role of Endoscopic Ultrasound in the Diagnosis and Management of Complications of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease-related complications are associated with a decreased quality of life, requirement for surgery, and increased morbidity. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is accurate at identifying and characterizing perianal fistulae and abscesses and helps guide treatment decisions. EUS also allows us to accurately assess for mucosal and transmural inflammation and thus can help differentiate Crohn's disease from ulcerative colitis (UC). EUS use can help predict dysplasia in UC, and monitoring transmural inflammation can help assess response to treatment. In addition to diagnostic EUS, therapeutic EUS techniques have been used to endoscopically drain abscesses and bypass strictures in Crohn's disease.

[Emergency diagnoses in the gastrointestinal tract]

Gastrointestinal emergencies are a frequent reason for presentation in the emergency department and involve patients of all ages. The patients must undergo an immediate cross-sectional imaging as in many cases the underlying pathology is a life-threatening condition, which often needs surgical or in some cases also interventional radiological treatment. In this overview, the most important differential diagnoses and their characteristics on cross-sectional imaging are presented.

Antibiotics for inflammatory bowel disease: Current status

There is abundant literature reporting about the use of antibiotics in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but their role in the management of IBD is not entirely clear. Diverse infectious organisms have been implicated in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease. Also, infections are believed to be a trigger for flares of ulcerative colitis. The benefit of the routine use of antibiotics in IBD is equivocal. However, there are certain situations, where antibiotics have a clear role and evidence of benefit: perianal fistula, intra-abdominal abscesses in Crohn's disease, acute pouchitis and infection-related flares. However, there is a lack of supportive evidence for the routine use of antibiotics in all disease-related flares. Evidence indicates a lack of benefit of intravenous antibiotics in acute severe ulcerative colitis and only limited benefit in active ulcerative colitis. Limited evidence suggests the role of a combination of oral antibiotics in pediatric ulcerative colitis. Certain targeted antibiotic regimens have been used in IBD. In ulcerative colitis, limited evidence suggests the benefit of the use of an antibiotic cocktail directed against Fusobacterium varium. Therapy directed against Escherichia coli does not seem to have a benefit in inflammatory Crohn's disease. In Crohn's disease, antimycobacterial therapy may result in symptomatic improvement but no durable benefit. Antitubercular therapy (ATT), on the contrary, may result in fibrotic transformation, suggesting a need to avoid misdiagnosis and limit the duration of ATT in Crohn's disease. This review assesses the published literature with respect to antibiotic use and provides guidance to clinicians in appropriate antibiotic use in various situations in the setting of IBD.

Pelvic Abscess Caused by Ureteral Calculus and Abscess Treatment through Aspiration by Transperineal Puncture

Pelvic abscess is mostly caused by gynecological inflammation or digestive system diseases such as appendicitis or Crohn's disease. This case of pelvic abscess originates from ureteral calculus and is not commonly seen in clinical practice. This is mainly due to the patient's ureteral stones not being actively treated. After local puncture and pus extraction, as well as the application of effective antibiotics, the patient recovered. Therefore, this case provides clinical doctors with experience that ureteral stones may cause serious complications and should be actively treated after detection.

In-hospital management of inflammatory bowel disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The management of hospitalized patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is complex. Despite considerable therapeutic advancements in outpatient ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease management, the in-hospital management continues to lag with suboptimal outcomes. The purpose of this review is to provide a brief overview of our approach to managing patients hospitalized with acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) and Crohn's disease-related complications, followed by a summary of emerging evidence for new management approaches.

RECENT FINDINGS

ASUC has seen the emergence of well validated prognostic models for colectomy as well as the development of novel treatment strategies such as accelerated infliximab dosing, Janus kinase inhibitor therapy, and sequential therapy, yet the rate of colectomy for steroid-refractory ASUC has not meaningfully improved. Crohn's disease has seen the development of better diagnostic tools, early Crohn's disease-related complication stratification and identification, as well as better surgical techniques, yet the rates of hospitalization and development of Crohn's disease-related complications remain high.

SUMMARY

Significant progress has been made in the in-hospital IBD management; however, both the management of ASUC and hospitalized Crohn's disease remain a challenge with suboptimal outcomes. Critical knowledge gaps still exist, and dedicated studies in hospitalized patients with IBD are needed to address them.

Gluteal and Presacral Abscess Due to Crohn's Disease with Multiple Fistulas

The abscess is a common complication of Crohn's disease (CD), with the perianal form more frequent than gluteal or presacral which is relatively rare. There are few case reports of gluteal abscess combined with presacral abscess caused by CD and the treatment has not been established. A 21-year-old male was admitted with right buttock and lower back pain with a duration of 3 months. He had a history of CD in the small intestine diagnosed 10 months previously. He had poor compliance and had not returned for follow-up care during the previous 6 months. Abdominopelvic CT indicated newly developed multiple abscess pockets in right gluteal region, including piriformis muscle and presacral space. Additionally, fistula tracts between small bowel loops and presacral space were observed. Patient's CD was moderate activity (273.12 on the Crohn's Disease Activity Index [CDAI]). Treatment was started with piperacillin/ tazobactam antibiotic but patient developed a fever and abscess extent was aggravated. Therefore, surgical incision and drainage was performed and 4 Penrose drains were inserted. Patient's pain and fever were resolved following surgery. Infliximab was then administered for the remaining fistulas. After the induction regimen, multiple fistula tracts improved and patient went into remission (CDAI was -0.12).

Imaging Evaluation of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Complications

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory condition that can progress to fibrostenotic and penetrating complications. Cross-sectional imaging is often needed for accurate diagnosis of IBD complication and for planning the appropriate management strategy. Computed tomography enterography, magnetic resonance enterography, and IBD ultrasound have become key tools for clinicians and interventional endoscopists. This article highlights and discusses various radiologic imaging techniques and their application to the diagnosis and management of IBD complications.

[Position paper on reporting of intestinal ultrasound findings in patients with inflammatory bowel disease]

BACKGROUND

Intestinal ultrasound is increasingly used for primary diagnosis, detection of complications and monitoring of patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Standardization of reporting is relevant to ensure quality of the methodology and to improve communication between different specialties. The current manuscript describes the features required for optimized reporting of intestinal ultrasound findings in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

METHODS

An expert consensus panel of gastroenterologists, radiologists, pathologists, paediatric gastroenterologists and surgeons conducted a systematic literature search. In a Delphi- process members of the Kompetenznetz Darmerkrankungen in collaboration with members of the German Society for Radiology (DRG) voted on relevant criteria for reporting of findings in intestinal ultrasound. Based on the voting results statements were agreed by expert consensus.

RESULTS

Clinically relevant aspects of intestinal ultrasound (IUS) findings have been defined to optimize reporting and to standardize terminology. Minimal requirements for standardized reporting are suggested. The statements focus on description of disease activity as well as on complications of IBD. Attributes of intestinal inflammation are described and illustrated by exemplary images.

CONCLUSION

The current manuscript provides practical recommendations on how to standardize documentation and reporting from intestinal ultrasound findings in patients with IBD.

Therapeutic strategies in Crohn's disease in an emergency surgical setting

Crohn's disease (CD) remains a chronic, incurable disorder that presents unique challenges to the surgeon. Multiple factors must be considered to allow development of an appropriate treatment plan. Medical therapy often precedes or complements the surgical management. The indications for operative management of CD include acute and chronic disease complications and failed medical therapy. Elective surgery comes into play when patients are refractory to medical treatment if they have an obstructive phenotype. Toxic colitis, acute obstruction, perforation, acute abscess, or massive hemorrhage represent indications for emergency surgery. These patients are generally in critical conditions and present with intra-abdominal sepsis and a preoperative status of immunosuppression and malnutrition that exposes them to a higher risk of complications and mortality. A multidisciplinary team including surgeons, gastroenterologists, radiologists, nutritional support services, and enterostomal therapists are required for optimal patient care and decision making. Management of each emergency should be individualized based on patient age, disease type and duration, and patient goals of care. Moreover, the recurrent nature of disease mandates that we continue searching for innovative medical therapies and operative techniques that reduce the need to repeat surgical operations. In this review, we aimed to discuss the acute complications of CD and their treatment.

ECCO-ESGAR Topical Review on Optimizing Reporting for Cross-Sectional Imaging in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The diagnosis and follow up of patients with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] requires cross-sectional imaging modalities, such as intestinal ultrasound [IUS], magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] and computed tomography [CT]. The quality and homogeneity of medical reporting are crucial to ensure effective communication between specialists and to improve patient care. The current topical review addresses optimized reporting requirements for cross-sectional imaging in IBD.

METHODS

An expert consensus panel consisting of gastroenterologists, radiologists and surgeons convened by the ECCO in collaboration with ESGAR performed a systematic literature review covering the reporting aspects of MRI, CT, IUS, endoanal ultrasonography and transperineal ultrasonography in IBD. Practice position statements were developed utilizing a Delphi methodology incorporating two consecutive rounds. Current practice positions were set when ≥80% of the participants agreed on a recommendation.

RESULTS

Twenty-five practice positions were developed, establishing standard terminology for optimal reporting in cross-sectional imaging. Assessment of inflammation, complications and imaging of perianal CD are outlined. The minimum requirements of a standardized report, including a list of essential reporting items, have been defined.

CONCLUSIONS

This topical review offers practice recommendations to optimize and homogenize reporting in cross-sectional imaging in IBD.

Trocar Puncture With a Sump Drain for Crohn's Disease With Intra-Abdominal Abscess: A 10-Year Retrospective Cohort Study

Background

Traditional percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD) and surgical intervention could not always achieve satisfactory results for patients with Crohn's disease (CD) who have complications with intra-abdominal abscess. We proposed a trocar puncture with sump drainage for the treatment of CD with intra-abdominal abscess and compared it with the conventional PCD and surgical intervention.

Methods

Crohn's disease patients with intra-abdominal abscess and admitted to our hospital from 2011 to 2020 were identified by reviewing the electronic medical records. We divided them into Trocar, PCD, and fecal diverting (FD) groups, according to the ways of treating an abscess. Outcomes, risk factors for abscess recurrence, and postoperative complications were compared among the three groups.

Results

A total of 69 patients were included and they were divided into Trocar (n = 18), PCD (n = 29), and FD (n = 22) groups. Four patients in the PCD group were transferred to receive the FD surgery due to the failure of initial treatment. The incidence of abscess recurrence was significantly higher in the PCD (48%) and FD (50%) groups compared to the patients using the trocar puncture with the sump drain (Trocar group) (16.7%). There were 8 patients in Trocar, 22 in PCD, and 20 s in the FD group who received enterectomy. None of the patients in the Trocar had an ultimate stoma and the incidence of postoperative complications was statistically lower [0% (Trocar) vs. 31.8% (PCD) vs. 45% (FD), P < 0.05]. The way of initial treating of the abscess was significantly correlated with the abscess recurrence and postoperative complications.

Conclusions

Trocar puncture with a sump drain had a lower incidence of abscess recurrence, abdominal adhesions, postdrainage, and postoperative complications compared to the conventional PCD or surgical intervention.

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Transrectal Drainage of Perirectal Abscess in a Patient with Crohn Disease

Patient: Male, 58-year-old

Final Diagnosis: Perirectal abscess

Symptoms: Body aches • chills • intermittent pyrexia • myalgias • perirectal pain

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: —

Specialty: Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Intra-abdominal and Anorectal Abscesses

Intra-abdominal and anorectal abscesses are common pathologies seen in both inpatient and outpatient settings. To decrease morbidity and mortality, early diagnosis and treatment are essential. After adequate drainage via a percutaneous or incisional approach, patients need to be monitored for worsening symptoms or recurrence and evaluated for the underlying condition that may have contributed to abscess formation.

Factors influencing cumulative radiation dose from percutaneous intra-abdominal abscess drainage in the setting of inflammatory bowel disease

PURPOSE

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at risk for intra-abdominal abscesses requiring CT-guided drainage. These patients are at baseline risk of high cumulative radiation exposure from imaging, which may be exacerbated by CT-guided drainage. This study aimed to determine the radiation dose associated with percutaneous drainage in the setting of IBD and identify risk factors associated with high exposure.

METHODS

An IRB-approved single-center retrospective study was performed to identify patients with IBD who underwent percutaneous abscess drainage over a 5-year period. An episode of drainage was defined from drain placement to removal, with all intervening procedures and diagnostic CT scans included in the cumulative radiation dose.

RESULTS

The mean cumulative effective dose for a drainage episode was 47.50 mSv. The mean duration of a drainage episode was 68.7 days. Patients with a cumulative dose greater than 50 mSv required higher number of follow-up visits compared to patients with less than 50 mSv (6.9 vs. 3.5, p = 0.003*). Patients with higher cumulative dose were also more likely to require drain upsize (54% vs. 13%, p = 0.01*) or additional drain placement (63% vs 24%, p = 0.03*) compared to patients with lower dose.

CONCLUSION

Intra-abdominal abscess drainage may be associated with significant cumulative radiation exposure. Requirement of drain upsizing or additional drain placement were associated with higher cumulative radiation dose, which may be related to more severe underlying inflammatory bowel disease.

Large presacral abscess in a patient with Crohn's disease

A presacral abscess with sacral osteomyelitis and gluteal abscesses is a very rare complication of Crohn’s disease and is often clinically unsuspected or overlooked. We report a case of a 58-year-old male who presented for right hip pain after a fall. An abdominal and pelvic CT scan showed an atypical presacral abscess with a fistulizing tract extending through the sciatic notch and lateral to the gluteus medius and minimus muscles forming an intramuscular abscess. The endoscopic transanal approach was used to drain the presacral abscess. This method of drainage was successful and the patient had a favorable prognosis.

A Challenging Case of Retroperitoneal Abscess in a Post-Partum Crohn's Disease Patient

Patient: Female, 29

Final Diagnosis: Retroperitoneal abscess

Symptoms: Flank bruising • flank pain

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: Incision • drainage • debridement of the necrotizing soft-tissue infection

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

The Management of Intestinal Penetrating Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease (CD) leads to the development of complications through progressive uncontrolled inflammation and the transmural involvement of the bowel wall. Most of the available literature on penetrating CD focuses on the perianal phenotype. The management of nonperianal penetrating complications poses its own set of challenges and can result in significant morbidity and an increased risk of mortality. Few controlled trials have been published evaluating this subgroup of patients for clinicians to use for guidance. Utilizing the available evidence, we review the epidemiology, presentation, and modalities used to diagnosis and assess intestinal fistulas, phlegmons, and abscesses. The literature regarding the medical, endoscopic, and surgical management options are reviewed providing physicians with a therapeutic framework to comprehensively treat these nonperianal penetrating complications. Through a multidisciplinary evidence-based approach to the complex sequela of CD outcomes can be improved and patient's quality of life enhanced.10.1093/ibd/izx108_video1izx108_Video5754037501001.

Malignant Tumours Mimicking Complicated Appendicitis and Discovered upon Follow-Up after Percutaneous Drainage: A Case of Two Patients

The conservative management of periappendiceal abscesses is gaining favour due to decreased morbidity and improved clinical outcomes for patients. Occasionally however an abscess can mask underlying sinister pathology. In this article, we highlight two cases of appendiceal adenocarcinoma that were initially diagnosed as periappendiceal abscesses and managed conservatively with percutaneous drainage. We also discuss clinical and imaging features that may assist with identifying a hidden malignancy when presented in these situations.

Role of percutaneous abscess drainage in the management of young patients with Crohn disease

BACKGROUND

Intra-abdominal abscess is a common complication of Crohn disease in children. Prior studies, primarily in adults, have shown that percutaneous abscess drainage is a safe and effective treatment for this condition; however, the data regarding this procedure and indications in pediatric patients is limited.

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to determine the success rate of percutaneous abscess drainage for abscesses related to Crohn disease in pediatric patients with a focus on treatment endpoints that are relevant in the era of biological medical therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 25 cases of patients ages ≤20 years with Crohn disease who underwent percutaneous abscess drainage. Technical success was defined as catheter placement within the abscess with reduction in abscess size on post-treatment imaging. Clinical success was defined as (1) no surgery within 1 year of drainage or (2) surgical resection following drainage with no residual abscess at surgery or on preoperative imaging. Multiple clinical parameters were analyzed for association with treatment success or failure.

RESULTS

All cases were classified as technical successes. Nineteen cases were classified as clinical successes (76%), including 7 patients (28%) who required no surgery within 1 year of percutaneous drainage and 12 patients (48%) who had elective bowel resection within 1 year. There was a statistically significant association between resumption of immunosuppressive therapy within 8 weeks of drainage and both clinical success (P < 0.01) and avoidance of surgery after 1 year (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous abscess drainage is an effective treatment for Crohn disease-related abscesses in pediatric patients. Early resumption of immunosuppressive therapy is statistically associated with both clinical success and avoidance of bowel resection, suggesting a role for percutaneous drainage in facilitating prompt initiation of medical therapy and preventing surgical bowel resection.

Magnetic resonance enterography in evaluation and management of children with Crohn's disease

The role of radiologic evaluation in Crohn's disease (CD) has undergone a recent paradigm shift in which the radiologist adds value to the multidisciplinary team by longitudinally assessing therapeutic response and identifying treatment-modifying subtypes, such as fibrostenotic or fistulizing disease. Magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) has become the primary imaging modality used. The combination of multiplanar, multiparametric, and multiphasic contrast-enhanced imaging with the high spatial resolution and very high tissue contrast of MR imaging allows for detailed evaluation of intra-abdominal pathology, without the risk of cumulative radiation exposure. MRE provides the benefit of a complete evaluation of mural, extramural, and even extraintestinal manifestations and complications of CD in a single examination. Cine motility sequences and diffusion-weighted imaging may further increase sensitivity and specificity. MRE represents an ideal imaging modality for initial evaluation, assessment of therapeutic response, and evaluation of complications in patients with CD.

Comparative Outcomes of Trocar Puncture With Sump Drain, Percutaneous Drainage, and Surgical Drainage in the Management of Intra-abdominal Abscesses in Crohn’s Disease

Background. Intra-abdominal abscess is a common complication in Crohn’s disease (CD). Traditional percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD) and surgical intervention could not obtain satisfactory results in some cases. We herein demonstrate a novel management option and compare it with traditional strategies. Methods. A total of 77 patients were retrospectively collected into 3 groups. Postoperative complication, postoperative recurrence of abscess, subsequent surgery, ultimate stoma creation rate, and survival rate were analyzed. Results. Patients were divided into the trocar group (n = 21), PCD group (n = 25), and surgery group (n = 31). The incidences of postoperative complication as well as the incidence of recurrent abscess were lowest in trocar group, and ultimate stoma creation rate was highest in the surgery group. Subsequent surgery after initial intervention and survival rate during the follow-up period were similar among the 3 groups. Conclusions. Trocar puncture with sump drain had lower incidence of postoperative complication, postoperative recurrence of abscess, and ultimate stoma creation compared with conventional PCD and surgical interventions. This novel technique might be an optimal option in the management of intra-abdominal abscesses in CD.