Unicentric Portocaval Castleman Disease in an Adolescent: Challenges in Diagnosis and Management

Castleman disease is an unusual, benign disorder of unknown etiology, characterized by the proliferation of the lymphoid tissue. It can have a unicentric or multicentric presentation, depending on the number of lymph nodes involved. On clinical examination and imaging, it can imitate a malignancy and the diagnosis can only be confirmed on histopathological examination. Retroperitoneal location and presentation in the pediatric age group are extremely rare. We report a case of an adolescent girl with a unicentric lymph nodal mass in the portocaval space which was completely excised.

Laparoscopic Transperitoneal Adrenalectomy for Adrenal Tumors in Children: Technical Considerations and Surgical Experience

Aims: This study aimed to review our surgical experience of laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) for adrenal masses in the pediatric age group. Materials and Methods: The electronic medical records of all patients younger than 18 years of age who underwent LA between 2016 and 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Children with adrenal tumors localized to the site of origin without evidence of encasement of major vasculature or involvement of adjacent organs were considered for LA. Patients with diagnosis of malignant adrenal tumor on preoperative work-up underwent open adrenalectomy. Data were collected regarding demography, clinical presentation, hormonal workup, imaging, duration of surgery, transfusion requirement, conversion rate, postoperative recovery, duration of intravenous (i.v.) analgesia and hospital stay, pathology, complications, and status at follow-up. Results: Between 2016 and 2023, LA adrenalectomy was performed in 11 patients (6 boys and 5 girls) with a mean age of 46.3 (8-120) months. A functional tumor was detected in 6 (54.5%) children, manifesting clinically with Cushing's syndrome (3), virilization (1), feminization (1), or Conn's syndrome (1). Seven (63.6%) tumors originated from the right adrenal, and 4 (36.4%) from the left adrenal gland. The mean tumor weight and size was 49.1 (10-80) g and 5.6 (3-8) cm, respectively. Histopathology included adrenal adenoma (5), ganglioneuroma (3), ganglioneuroblastoma (1), myelolipoma (1), and intermediate adrenocortical tumor (1). The mean surgery duration was 186.6 (120-265) minutes. Intraoperative blood transfusion was required in 2 (18.2%) patients and none required conversion. Full feeds were resumed at 42.7 (24-60) hours, i.v. analgesia requirement was for 54.5 (36-72) hours and mean hospital stay was 5.1 (3-8) days. All patients were symptom-free with no recurrence at mean follow-up period of 50.6 (3-83) months. Conclusions: In children with well-circumscribed, localized, and noninvasive adrenal tumors, LA is feasible, effective, and safe with all advantages of minimally invasive surgery.

Physiological and Anesthetic Considerations of Safe and Optimal Pneumoperitoneal Pressures for Laparoscopic Surgeries in Children

Context

In the era of minimally invasive surgeries, pediatric laparoscopic surgeries are now becoming the standard of care.

Aim

In this study, we aim to determine the safe and optimal pneumoperitoneal pressures (PPs) for laparoscopic surgery in children aged 1-5 years, along with the technical ease for the surgeon.

Settings and Design

Prospective, randomized, single-blinded study was conducted at SGPGI Lucknow.

Materials and Methods

Children aged 1-5 years were randomized into Group I (n = 24): PP = 6-8 mmHg and Group II: (PP) = 9-10 mmHg. Hemodynamic, ventilatory, and blood gas changes were measured before CO2 insufflation (T0), 20 min after insufflation (T1), before desufflation (T2), and 10 min after desufflation (T3). Surgeon's technical ease of surgery, postoperative pain, the requirement of rescue analgesia, time to resume feeding, and complications were recorded and analyzed.

Statistical Analysis Used

Paired t-test, Mann-Whitney test, and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used for nonparametric/parametric data. Chi-square/Fisher's test was used for nominal data.

Results

Partial pressure of CO2 (PaCO2) was significantly higher in Group II at T1, T2, and T3, requiring frequent changes in ventilatory settings. Postoperative pain scores were higher in Group II at 1, 6, and 12 h, requiring rescue analgesia. Surgeon's scores and hemodynamics were similar in both groups.

Conclusions

Higher PP in Group II caused significant changes in PaCO2, end-tidal CO2, and postoperative pain requiring rescue analgesia, but blood gas changes were clinically insignificant and there were no significant changes in hemodynamic parameters. Since the surgeon's ease of performing surgery was similar in both groups, we recommend that laparoscopy in children aged 1-5 years can be started with lower PPs of 6-8 mmHg, which can be increased if needed based on the surgeon's comfort and the patient's body habitus.

Hydrometrocolpos: antenatal diagnosis and postnatal management

Hydrometrocolpos is a rare finding in newborns. It can be an isolated finding or may be associated with syndromes. Antenatal diagnosis is possible. It is due to the accumulation of secretion in the uterus, distending it and resulting in abdominal swelling. In case of suspected syndromes, an attempt should be made to look for other organ involvement and genetic diagnosis. We here report a term neonate with hydrometrocolpos, which was antenatally diagnosed and was managed conservatively.

Portosystemic Shunt Surgery for Extrahepatic Portal Venous Obstruction Beyond Endoscopic Variceal Eradication: Two Decades of Pediatric Surgical Experience

Background

This exclusively surgical series on pediatric extrahepatic portal venous obstruction (EHPVO) defines surgical indications beyond endoscopic eradication of esophageal varices (EEEV), the selection of an appropriate surgical procedure, and the long-term post-surgical outcome.

Methods

EHPVO management protocol at the reporting institute has been endotherapy until esophageal variceal eradication and surgery for select adverse sequelae manifesting after EEEV.

Results

One hundred and thirty-nine EHPVO cases underwent surgery for the following indications in combination: i) massive splenomegaly with severe hypersplenism (n = 132, 95%); ii) growth retardation (GR, n = 95, 68%); iii) isolated gastric (IGV) and ectopic varices (n = 49, 35%); iv) Portal cavernoma cholangiopathy (PCC) (n = 07, 5%). A portosystemic shunt (PSS) was performed in 119 (86%) cases. Types of PSS performed were as follows: central end-to-side splenorenal shunt with splenectomy (n = 104); side-to-side splenorenal shunt (n = 4); mesocaval shunt (n = 1); inferior mesenteric vein (IMV) to left renal vein shunt (n = 2); IMV to inferior vena cava shunt (n = 3); H-graft interposition splenorenal shunt (n = 1); spleno-adrenal shunt (n = 3); makeshift shunt (n = 1). Esophagogastric devascularization (n = 20, 14%) was opted for only for non-shuntable anatomy. At a median follow-up (FU) of 41 (range: 6-228) months, PSS block was detected in 13 (11%) cases, with recurrent variceal bleeding in 4 cases. PCC-related cholestasis regressed in 5 of 7 cases. Issues of splenomegaly were resolved, and growth z-scores improved significantly.

Conclusions

Endotherapy for secondary prophylaxis until EEEV has resulted in a shift in surgical indications for EHPVO. Beyond EEEV, surgery was indicated predominantly for non-variceal sequelae, namely massive splenomegaly with severe hypersplenism, GR, and PCC. Varices warranted surgery infrequently but more often from sites less amenable to endotherapy, i.e., IGV and ectopic varices. The selection of PSS was tailored to anatomy and surgical indications. On long-term FU post surgery, PSS block was detected in 13% of patients. PCC-related cholestasis regressed in 71%, and issues of splenomegaly resolved with significantly improved growth Z scores.

Congenital colonic stenosis: an unusual cause of colonic obstruction masquerading as Hirschsprung's disease in infancy

Congenital colonic stenosis (CCS) is an extremely rare cause of large bowel obstruction in early infancy. Only 35 cases of CCS have been reported in literature to date. CCS often causes a diagnostic quandary as it is difficult to distinguish it clinically from Hirschsprung's disease. We report a case of an infant with CCS who was managed with resection of the diseased colonic segment with critical stenosis at two sites and colo-colonic anastomosis. In our report, we discuss the challenges faced in the diagnosis and surgical management of this unusual case.

Fetal Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber Syndrome: Antenatal Diagnosis and Postnatal Management

Context

Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome (KTWS) is a rare disease characterized by a triad of venous malformations, vascular skin nevus and asymmetric hypertrophy of bone and soft tissue. The spectrum of disease in utero varies from asymptomatic nevus flammeus to life threatening complications like Kasabach-Merritt phenomena.

Aim

The aim of this study was to review our experience of antenatal diagnosis of KTWS and it's postnatal management.

Settings and Design

This was a retrospective observational study of all pregnant women who were antenatally diagnosed with KTWS and postnatally confirmed at a tertiary care center in north India between 2012 and 2021.

Subjects and Methods

The electronic medical records were reviewed and data were collected regarding demographic information, obstetric history, clinical presentation, sonographic findings, mode of delivery, fetal outcome, and follow-up.

Results

During the study period, four fetuses were diagnosed with KTWS on sonography. Three women were multigravida whereas one was a primigravida. Two women opted for medical termination of pregnancy and one each had liveborn child and an intra-uterine fetal death. KTWS was confirmed in all cases. The liveborn child underwent treatment for the vascular malformation and is alive at 4 years of age.

Conclusions

This study attempts to add onto the available literature regarding the spectrum of prenatal presentations of KTWS. It emphasizes the importance of prenatal diagnosis and follow-up of the fetus/neonate.

How to suspect the presence of high-risk esophageal varices and when to start endoscopic surveillance in children with biliary atresia?

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Portal hypertension determines the outcome of children with biliary atresia (BA) and is common even after a successful Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE). However, there are no clear-cut guidelines on the age of starting surveillance and the modality (endoscopy vs non-invasive tests [NITs]). In this cohort study, we analyzed our database to find out the utility of NITs in detecting high-risk esophageal varices in BA.

METHODS

From June 2010 to May 2022, consecutive children of BA who underwent upper gastrointestinal (UGI) endoscopy were included. Esophageal varices were classified as high-risk (grade II with red-color signs or grade III or IV irrespective of red-color signs. NITs such as splenomegaly (clinical and USG), platelet count, aspartate transaminase to platelet ratio index (APRI), and platelet-to-spleen diameter ratio were compared between cases with high-risk and low-risk varices.

RESULTS

A total of 110 children, 75 boys (66 successful KPE and 44 failed/KPE not performed) were enrolled. The median age at KPE was 85 days (IQR 63-98). Thirteen (11.8%) children presented with UGI bleeding. The first endoscopy revealed gastroesophageal varices in 75.4% of cases, and 32% of them had high-risk varices. Multivariate analysis revealed failed KPE, history of UGI bleeding, bigger spleen size (> 3.5 cm), lower platelet count (< 150 000), and higher APRI (> 2) are independent predictors of the presence of high-risk esophageal varices.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopy is the best in predicting the presence of high-risk varices that might bleed; hence, early surveillance endoscopy should be started in children with splenomegaly, thrombocytopenia, and high APRI score to prevent variceal bleeding.

Achalasia cardia sub-types in children: Does it affect the response to therapy?

BACKGROUND

Achalasia sub-types affect treatment response in adults, but there is no similar data in children. We studied the differences in clinico-laboratory features and response to therapy between achalasia sub-types in children.

METHODS

Forty-eight children (boys:girls-25:23, 14 [0.9-18] years) with achalasia (clinical, barium, high-resolution manometry [HRM], gastroscopy) were evaluated. The sub-type was determined by Chicago classification at HRM. Pneumatic dilatation (PD) or surgery was the primary therapy. Success was defined as Eckhardt score of ≤ 3.

RESULTS

Dysphagia (95.8%) and regurgitation (93.8%) were the most common symptoms. Forty of 48 cases had an adequate HRM study: Type I (n-19), II (n-19) and III (n-2). Types I and II had similar clinical profile. Type II had higher basal lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure (30.5 [16.5-46] vs. 22.5 [13-43] mmHg; p = 0.007) and less dilated esophagus on timed barium esophagogram (TBE, 25 [13-57] vs. 34.5 [20-81] mm; p = 0.006) than type I. Both types had similar success (86.6% [13/15] vs. 92.8% [13/14]; p = 1) after first PD and need of post-PD myotomy (5/17 vs. 1/16; p = 0.1) in follow-up. Twenty-three cases had TBE before and after PD; 15 (65.2%) had good clearance. These subjects required myotomy (1/15 vs. 4/8; p = 0.03) and repeat PD (5/15 vs. 4/8; p = 0.08) less often than those with poor clearance on TBE.

CONCLUSION

Types I and II achalasia have similar frequency and clinical profile. Type II has higher LES pressure and less dilated esophagus than Type I. Both respond equally well to initial PD. Type I required post-PD myotomy more often, though not significantly. TBE is useful for assessing therapeutic response.

Shear Wave Elastography: A Reliable Secondary Parameter for Diagnosing Biliary Atresia in Infants With Neonatal Cholestasis

Objective In this study, we aimed to optimize various grayscale, Doppler, and elastography parameters and evaluate their diagnostic performance in the preoperative diagnosis of biliary atresia (BA). Materials and methods A total of 158 infants aged <6 months with neonatal cholestasis (NC) were enrolled in the study and sonography was performed after four hours of fasting. For comparison of elastography, 31 exclusively age-matched controls, not suffering from liver disease, were included separately. Triangular cord and gallbladder (GB) parameters were considered as primary parameters, while right hepatic artery (RHA) caliber, RHA-to-right portal vein (RPV) ratio, hepatic subcapsular flow (HSF), and shear wave elastography (SWE) were considered as secondary parameters. Diagnosis of infants with BA was confirmed on histopathology. Data were presented as mean ±standard deviation (SD) and frequency. Differences between groups were compared using the Chi-square test and the unpaired student t-test. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was done for individual ultrasound/Doppler/SWE parameters to calculate the optimal cutoff value. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy were calculated for each parameter and their combinations. Results Of the primary parameters, GB contractility index (CI) and length showed the highest sensitivity and specificity respectively. A cutoff of 14 kPA was derived for SWE for the diagnosis of BA. Among secondary parameters, SWE had the best diagnostic performance, better than even the individual primary parameters. A combination of primary parameters with SWE in series showed the highest accuracy. Conclusion Among secondary parameters, elastography can prove to be highly useful. The highest accuracy in diagnosing BA can be obtained by combining primary parameters with SWE.

Evolution of Antenatally Diagnosed Bronchogenic Cyst in an Infant

Bronchogenic cyst is one of the rare developmental lung conditions. Depending on the location, it can cause significant compression of the mediastinal structures, especially airways leading to atelectasis, emphysema, wheezing, and stridor. Computerized tomography helps in the confirmation of diagnosis. Surgery is definitive management. We present a case of bronchogenic cyst which presented as emphysema leading to respiratory emergency in an infant.

Effectiveness of Preoperative Therapeutic Play on Anxiety Among Children Undergoing Invasive Procedure: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Play is an indispensable part of growing up and by using play to distract children while undergoing invasive procedures can have a positive impact. Play can help children to cope with painful procedures and long-term treatment. The aim of the review was to evaluate the evidence concerning the effect of play on anxiety among children undergoing invasive procedures. This is a systematic review and meta-analysis. Data sources: PubMed, The MEDLINE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Clinical Key, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were searched between 2012 and 2020. Review methods: randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effectiveness of play on anxiety among children undergoing invasive procedures were included. Meta-analysis was done using Revman v5.3 software. A total of 451 participants from 5 trials were involved in the systemic review and meta-analysis. Self-reported anxiety, parents reported anxiety, and self-reported pain were found significant in intervention [χ2 = 7.57, df = 2 at P < 0.02]. When compared with control group, the review result revealed that experimental group reduced the anxiety and pain (P < 0.05).

Posterior Cloaca: Multicenter Experience of a Very Rare and Unusual Anorectal and Genitourinary Malformation

Aim

Posterior cloacal malformations (PCMs) are distinguished from classical cloacal malformations by the posterior location of the common opening in the perineum. We aim to describe our experience of management of these rare and complex malformations.

Methods

This study was a retrospective chart review of all patients with PCM who underwent treatment at Kalawati Saran Children's Hospital (KSCH), New Delhi, and Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow, between 2013 and 2021. Individual anatomical variations and their impact on the clinical presentation, management, and final outcome (cosmesis and function) were recorded and analyzed.

Results

During the study period, four girls with a median age of 2 (range: 0-5) years presented to us with PCM. Three patients were referred to KSCH as ambiguous genitalia whereas one patient was born at SGPGIMS with an antenatal diagnosis of "urorectal septal defect." On examination, three patients had the urogenital sinus (UGS) opening immediately anterior to the normally located anal opening (2 orifices), whereas one had a single orifice at the normal location of the anus with the UGS opening in the anterior rectal wall. Associated anomalies included: (a) hydrocolpos (n = 3), which was managed by a tube vaginostomy; (b) urethral duplication with dorsal atretic urethra (n = 3); (c) uterine didelphys (n = 1); (d) bilateral grade 5 vesicoureteric reflux (n = 1); and (e) vaginal calculus (n = 1). Total urogenital mobilization (anterior sagittal approach) with feminizing genitoplasty was performed for patients with UGS and normal anus (n = 3). In the patient with a single opening at the normal location of the anus, posterior sagittal ano-recto-urethro-vaginoplasty was performed. At a median follow-up of 24 months, three patients are continent for urine and stool, whereas one patient is yet to be toilet trained.

Conclusions

PCMs are unusual complex malformations that necessitate meticulous clinical examination, detailed diagnostic workup, and multistaged surgical management. Management should be tailored as per each individual patient's anatomy and clinical presentation for an optimal outcome.

Central Venous Catheter-Related Infectious Complications in Pediatric Surgical Patients: A Single-Center Experience

The purpose of this study was to estimate the rate of central venous catheter (CVC) colonization and catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) in pediatric surgical patients at our institute and to determine the various risk factors for their occurrence. The electronic medical records of 260 children undergoing surgery with simultaneous CVC insertion were retrospectively reviewed. Data on demographics, primary organ system involved, site of CVC, CVC dwell time, CVC colonization, CRBSI, and organisms isolated on culture were collated, categorized, and analyzed. The rate of CVC colonization and CRBSI was 32.8 per 1,000 catheter days (19.6%) and 17.4 per 1,000 catheter days (10.4%), respectively. Patients with CVC colonization and CRBSI had a significantly higher proportion of patients younger than 1 year of age (p = 0.014). The CVC dwell time was significantly higher in both CVC colonization (7 [5–8] days) and CRBSI (6 [5–9] days) patients (p = 0.005). The frequency of femoral catheterization was significantly higher in patients with CRBSI and CVC colonization (p < 0.001). Coagulase negative staphylococcus was the commonest isolate in CVC infections. Age (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.87; p = 0.009), CVC dwell time (adjusted OR = 1.28; p = 0.003), and femoral CVC (adjusted OR = 9.61; p < 0.001) were independent risk factors for CRBSI. Conclusion: This study reveals important observations regarding the infectious complications of CVC in pediatric surgical patients. The rates of CVC colonization and CRBSI in this study were found to be higher as compared with previously reported rates in Western literature. However, these findings are significant in view of paucity of existing literature in pediatric surgical patients. In our study, higher risk of CRBSI was associated with younger age, increasing CVC dwell time, and femoral venous catheterization. We recommend strict compliance with CVC insertion and maintenance practices and adherence to CVC care bundles to minimize these serious complications.

Feminizing adrenocortical oncocytoma presenting as precocious puberty: a case report and literature review

OBJECTIVES

Feminizing adrenal tumors are rare in childhood. We present a case of a special category of adrenal tumor, an oncocytoma, causing isosexual peripheral precocity.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 4-year old girl presented with breast development and menstrual bleeding over a period of 3-4 months. Her SMR staging was breast stage 4, pubic hair stage 3. Her bone age was advanced (6 year 10 months), stimulated LH 0.7 IU/L, estradiol 206 pmol/L and DHEAS >27.1 micromol/L. CT scan revealed a right adrenal mass with features of atypical adrenal adenoma. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy was done and histopathology revealed oncocytoma. Lin-Weiss-Bisceglia criteria classified it as likely benign, borne out till a 2 year follow up.

CONCLUSIONS

Adrenal oncocytoma can be a cause of isosexual peripheral precocity in a young girl. Recognition and correct classification of this histological variant, which is more often benign, is important for prognostication and choice of therapy after surgery.

Giant renal parapelvic cyst with pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction in an infant: challenges in diagnosis and laparoscopic management

Renal parapelvic cysts (RPC) have an incidence of approximately 1%-3% in the general population. However, they rarely present in children with only two cases reported in literature. RPC are often misdiagnosed as it is difficult to distinguish them from hydronephrosis on preoperative imaging. We report a case of an infant with a giant RPC with associated pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction, who was managed successfully with laparoscopic complete excision of RPC and dismembered pyeloplasty. In our report, we discuss the challenges faced in the diagnosis and surgical management of this unusual case.

Giant Feeding Artery from Abdominal Aorta in Intralobar Pulmonary Sequestration

Pulmonary sequestration (PS) is a rare congenital lung malformation. We present a case of newborn with antenatally diagnosed case of PS. The baby was delivered by cesarean section to primigravida mother at 38 + 3 weeks of gestation with birth weight of 2700 g. At 20 weeks of gestation, the antenatal ultrasound showed a triangular echogenic area in left lung supplied by feeding artery from descending aorta. The baby had respiratory distress soon after birth. Computerized tomographic pulmonary angiogram revealed abnormal blood supply of left lower lobe arising from descending aorta. The feeding vessel was abnormally large and was almost half of the diameter of the aorta. The baby underwent left lower lobectomy with double ligation of feeding artery at day 7 of life and was discharged on day 14 of life. Antenatal diagnosis of congenital lung malformation helps in careful planning of perinatal care and facilitates the early diagnosis and management.

Optimising working space for laparoscopic pyeloplasty in infants: Preliminary observations with the SGPGI Protocol

AIMS

This study aimed to test the efficacy of SGPGI protocol to minimise bowel distension and optimise working space for laparoscopic pyeloplasty in infants.

METHODOLOGY

All infants who underwent laparoscopic pyeloplasty for unilateral pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction (PUJO) between January 2017 and March 2020 were included in the study. The patient cohort was divided into two groups: Group A and B. Group A included patients who underwent routine pre-operative preparation. Group B included patients wherein the SGPGI protocol was used. The key features of the protocol were fasting for 8 h, enemas, inserting a nasogastric tube in the pre-operative period and decompressing the colon on the operation table. Demographic features, pre-operative, intraoperative and post-operative parameters were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

A total of 26 infants with unilateral PUJO underwent laparoscopic pyeloplasty during the study period. Group A included 12 patients and Group B included 14 patients. Both the groups were similar in age, weight and sex distribution. The median surgeon's rating score for suturing conditions was 2 for Group A and 5 for Group B patients (P > 0.05). The operating time was significantly longer in Group A (196 ± 21 min) as compared to Group B (114 ± 18 min) (P < 0.05). In Group A, intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) varied between 9 and 14 mmHg (median 12 mmHg), while in Group B, IAP varied between 6 and 9 mmHg (median 8 mmHg) (P < 0.05). In Group A, in 2/12 cases (16.7%), conversion to an open procedure was necessary because of inadequate working space owing to gross intestinal distension. Two patients in Group A also had intraoperative injuries to adjacent structures due to poor working space.

CONCLUSIONS

Optimal working space is critical to the performance of advanced laparoscopic surgery like pyeloplasty in infants. SGPGI protocol significantly improves working space, which permits a faster and safer surgery with a lower intra-abdominal working pressure. This protocol is simple, safe and easy to replicate at most centres in our country.

Bronchial Carcinoid Tumor in an Adolescent Female: Diagnosis and Management by a Multi-Disciplinary Team

Bronchial carcinoid is the most common primary malignant lung tumor in children; however, it remains a very rare diagnosis due to the overall low incidence of childhood lung malignancies. We report a case of a 17-year-old girl with respiratory symptoms who was initially misdiagnosed as a case of COVID pneumonia. She was later detected to have a right mainstem bronchial carcinoid which was managed successfully by a multi-disciplinary team.

Head-and-Neck Solid Tumors in Children: A Retrospective Review from a Tertiary Care Institute in North India

Objectives

The aim of this study was to review the clinical profile, management, and outcome of solid tumors in the head-and-neck region in children at our institute.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed children with head-and-neck solid tumors who were treated jointly under the departments of Pediatric Surgery and Otorhinolaryngology at our institute between 2016 and 2019.

Results

In the study period, 10 children (6 males, 4 females) with a median age of 9.5 years (range 5 days-16 years) were treated by our unit. The patients had four tumors arising from the parotid, 2 from nose/naso-pharynx, 1 each from the tongue, submandibular gland, para-pharyngeal space, and infratemporal fossa. A majority (90%) of the patients underwent complete surgical excision of the tumor, preserving the loco-regional neurovascular structures to minimize postoperative morbidity. Malignant lesions were seen in 4 patients (2 rhabdomyosarcoma, 1 primitive neuro-ectodermal tumor, 1 mucoepidermoid carcinoma) and 6 patients had benign pathology (3 pleomorphic adenoma, 2 mature teratoma, 1 schwanomma). Additional therapy with chemotherapy and local radiotherapy was required in 3 out of 4 patients with malignant pathology. The median follow-up duration is 15 months. At last follow-up, all patients are alive and 9 out of 10 patients (90%) are disease-free.

Conclusion

Our experience highlights rare and difficult tumors in the head-and-neck region in children. These tumors are not commonly managed by the pediatric surgeon in routine practice. The paper outlines the multi-modality management of these tumors, which is essential for an optimal outcome.

Clinical profile, outcome and challenges in the management of pediatric Burkitt lymphoma: a single center experience

This study was conducted with the aim to assess the clinico-pathological profile, treatment outcomes and the challenges faced in Low Middle Income Countries (LMIC) during management of pediatric Burkitt lymphoma cases on intensive chemotherapy protocol. This was a single center retrospective analysis of pediatric Burkitt lymphoma cases (age <18 years) managed uniformly with Lymphomes Malins B (LMB) 96 chemotherapy protocol between January 2015 and September 2019. 40 cases were analyzed with a median age 11.5 years (range 4-18 years) and male: female ratio =4.7:1. Patients belonging to different LMB risk groups were: A-3 (7.5%), B-31 (77.5%), and C-06 (15%). 25 (62.5%) patients had abdominal disease at presentation. The survival analysis of different treatment risk groups showed statistically significant difference in mean Overall Survival (OS) between group A-100%, group B- 87%±6.1% and group C-44.4%±16.2%; (p value = .016). On multivariate analysis of prognostic factors affecting survival, CNS involvement (p value = .03) and median time from diagnosis to treatment initiation more than 30 days (p value = .04) were significantly associated with poor outcome. Incidence of culture positive febrile neutropenia episodes was 28.2% of which 69.2% infections were caused due to carbapenem resistant gram-negative organisms. In our study, although the outcomes in risk group A and B patients were comparable to LMB 96 treatment results, the outcome in risk group C was considerably poor primarily due to advanced disease at presentation and delayed diagnosis. The critical challenges that we faced in our cohort were delayed diagnosis, treatment cost affordability, poor nutritional status, and high infection related mortality.

Posterior mediastinal mass in a neonate causing airway compression: Perioperative anesthetic management

Posterior mediastinal masses by their location pose a risk of compression of heart, great vessels and airway. These risks are further exaggerated, with the use of neuromuscular relaxants and lateral positioning during anesthesia. We report a case of a 2.5 months old baby with posterior mediastinal mass causing compression of left bronchus and significant mediastinal shift with respiratory distress as a primary complaint. This posterior mediastinal Mass (PMM) was removed by right lateral thoracotomy without the initial use of neuromuscular blockade till the pleura was opened.

Non-variceal gastrointestinal bleed in children: surgical experience with emphasis on management challenges

PURPOSE

This exclusively surgical series on pediatric non-variceal gastrointestinal bleed (NVGIB) defines three levels of bleed site and describes etiology, bleed severity, diagnostic algorithm, and surgical management for each bleed site. Management challenges are detailed.

METHODS

Patients aged ≤ 18 years treated surgically for NVGIB were analysed.

RESULTS

Bleed site (n = 87) was classified as: upper gastrointestinal bleed (UGIB; n = 11); small bowel bleed (SBB: n = 52); and lower GIB (n = 24). Four etiology-based groups were identified: lesions with ectopic gastric mucosa (EGM; n = 33), tumours (n = 23), ulcers (n = 21), and vascular pathology (n = 8). Bleed severity spectrum was: acute severe bleed (n = 12); subacute overt bleed (n = 59); and occult GIB (n = 16). Preoperative diagnosis was obtained in all UGIB and LGIB lesions. Eighty-two percent of surgical SB lesions were diagnosed preoperatively on Tc^99m pertechnetate scan, computed tomography enterography-angiography, and capsule endoscopy; remaining 18% were diagnosed at laparotomy with intra-operative enteroscopy (IOE). Surgical management was tailored to bleed site, severity, and etiology. Indications of IOE and approach to management challenges are detailed.

CONCLUSIONS

The commonest site-specific bleed etiologies were duodenal ulcers for UGIB, EGM lesions for SBB, and tumours for LGIB. SBB presented diagnostic challenge. Diagnostic algorithm was tailored to bleed site, age-specific etiology, bleed severity, and associated abdominal/systemic symptoms. Management challenges were acute severe bleed, occult GIB, SBB, obscure GIB, and rare etiologies. IOE has a useful role in SBB management.

Case of nasopharyngeal teratoma: challenges in the management

Teratomas are tumour with tissue or organ components resembling normal derivatives of more than one germ layer. The most common site of congenital teratoma is sacrococcygeal region. Teratomas in head and neck region are rarer. We report a 4-day-old male baby who presented with nasopharyngeal mass, which led to respiratory distress and feeding difficulty. It was managed with surgical excision with multidisciplinary approach.

Situs inversus abdominalis, polysplenia, complex jejunal atresia and malrotation in a neonate: A rare association

INTRODUCTION

Situs inversus, polysplenia, complex jejuna atresia are rare anomalies in isolation. Their association in a single patient is even rarer with challenges in diagnosis and management.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 5 day old neonate presented with features of small bowel obstruction. Radiological investigations revealed situs inversus abdominalis with dilated proximal small bowel loops. At laparotomy, abdominal situs inversus, polysplenia, multiple jejunal atresias with apple peel appearance of the ileum with malrotation was seen.

CONCLUSIONS

The association of situs inversus, polysplenia and complex jejunal atresia is very rare. Pre-operative diagnosis of situs inversus is important for appropriate incision placement and surgical planning.

Yolk Sac Tumor of Stomach: Case Report and Review of Literature

Gastric yolk sac tumors (YSTs) are very rare. Only seven cases of pure YST of the stomach, with a median age of 65 years, and five cases of YST combined with adenocarcinoma have been reported. We report a 3-year-old boy who presented to us with recurrent episodes of melena and anemia of 2 months' duration. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a deeply excavated ulcer on the lesser curvature, 4 cm from the gastroesophageal junction. Computed tomography (CT) abdomen revealed large heterogeneously enhancing soft-tissue mass lesion in the lesser sac with indistinct fat planes with the lesser curvature of the stomach with multiple peripherally enhancing lesions in both lobes of liver and omentum, suggestive of metastasis. Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) was 21,000 ng/ml. Tru-cut biopsy from the mass was suggestive of YST. Following three courses of chemotherapy based on Cisplatin, Etoposide and Bleomycin (PEB), sleeve gastrectomy with excision of the mass with omentectomy with biopsy of the liver nodules with a sampling of perigastric lymph nodes was done. Histopathology revealed only necrotic tissue with no evidence of residual malignancy. Three-month follow-up CT revealed no residual mass with AFP of 3 ng/ml.

Role of Hepatobiliary Scintigraphy and Preoperative Liver Biopsy for Exclusion of Biliary Atresia in Neonatal Cholestasis Syndrome

All diagnostic algorithms for Neonatal Cholestasis Syndrome (NCS) focus on differentiating numerous medical causes from Biliary Atresia (BA). No preoperative diagnostic algorithm has 100% diagnostic accuracy for BA and yet, timely diagnosis is crucial to optimize surgical outcome. Markers for high index of clinical suspicion for BA are: a "usually" well thriving infant with conjugated hyperbilirubinemia, raised gamma glutamyl transpeptidase, persistently "acholic" stools, firm hepatomegaly with dysmorphic, hypoplastic gall bladder. In the presence of above 'red flag' signs, there has been much debate on diagnostic accuracy of percutaneous liver biopsy (PLB) vs. hepatobiliary scintigraphy (HBS) to substantiate or exclude BA. Recent guidelines suggest a shift towards PLB (91.6% overall diagnostic accuracy) as the diagnostic cornerstone with key differentiating feature being 'bile ductular proliferation'. HBS has a high (98.7%) sensitivity but low specificity (37-74%) with an overall diagnostic accuracy of 67% for BA. Severe hepatocellular disease without anatomic obstruction would also have a non-excretory scan. Thus, while excretory HBS excludes BA, non-excretion does not confirm BA. Hence, diagnostic algorithms relying on non-excretory HBS as the primary standalone benchmark for surgical exploration would be mired by a high negative laparotomy rate revealing a normal peroperative cholangiogram (POC). However, an excretory HBS obviates need for laparotomy in case of equivocal stool color or PLB. A POC continues to be the ultimate gold standard. Hence, with high index of clinical suspicion but equivocal ultrasonography or PLB and a non-excretory HBS, the baby should not be denied a POC within time frame crucial for successful hepatoportoenterostomy.

Non-Surgical Management of Bilateral Adrenal Abscess in Neonates: Report of Two Cases

Adrenal hemorrhage is not uncommon in neonates but the development of an adrenal abscess is extremely rare. Bilateral adrenal abscess is even rarer with less than ten cases documented in the medical literature. It may have a fatal outcome if inadequately treated. Here, we present two cases of neonates with history of obstructed labour and meconium aspiration who presented with bilateral adrenal abscesses. The abscesses were successfully treated using ultrasound-guided percutaneous drainage along with administration of appropriate intravenous antibiotics.

Adrenal neuroblastoma with metastatic mandibular mass: An unusual presentation

Neuroblastoma very rarely presents as a mandibular mass. We report the case of a 3-year-old female child who presented to us with a right mandibular mass of 3 months duration. She was investigated and diagnosed as a case of stage 4 right adrenal neuroblastoma with mandibular and skull metastasis.

Acquired Jejunal Atresia in a 2-Month-old Infant

Acquired intestinal atresia in non-necrotizing enterocolitis affected patients is very rare. We report a 2 month old male infant who presented with bilious vomiting, abdominal distension and constipation. He was exclusively breast fed, gained weight and was asymptomatic till six weeks of age. Exploratory laparotomy revealed blind-ended, dilated proximal segment and collapsed distal segment of jejunum at approximately 30 cms from duedeno-jejunal flexure, with a V-shaped mesentery defect resembling a type III-a congenital jejunal atresia.

Neuroblastoma: outcome over a 14 year period from a tertiary care referral centre in India

PURPOSE

To evaluate the outcome of children with neuroblastoma (NB) from a tertiary care referral centre in India.

METHOD

All children with NB registered from October 1996 through July 2009 were included in the study. INSS was used for staging. All children included in the study received chemotherapy and radiation therapy appropriate for stage. Tumor resection was done when feasible. The final outcome was overall survival and it was categorized as Complete Response (CR), Partial Response (PR); No Response (NR) and Progressive Disease (PD). Analysis of three-year overall survival was done using Kaplan Meier method and Log Rank test of significance. Multivariate analysis for significance of age, site and stage was performed.

RESULTS

144 children in the age range of 1-132months (median 36) were enrolled. Only 38 (26.4%) children were below 12months. 112 (77.8%) of the tumors were abdominal and 32 (22.2%) were extra-abdominal. Stage distribution was 1+2 in 6 (4.2%); 3 in 58 (40.3%); 4 in 68 (47.2%); 4s in 12 (8.3%). 83 (57.6%) underwent gross complete resection. At the time of last follow-up, 100 (69.4%) were alive [60 CR (41.7%); 33 PR; 7 PD/NR] and 44 (30.6%) were dead [1CR; 11PR; 32 PD/NR]. The three-year OS was 60.7% [95 CI 50.4-69.5]. The OS was 69.7% for those<12months of age [95 CI 51.8-82.0] and CR was achieved in 57.9%, while for those >12months the OS was 55.3% [95 CI 42.2-66.6] and CR was achieved in 35.8% (p=0.73). All 6 (100%) patients with Stage 1 and Stage 2 disease were alive and disease free. The OS was 71.5% for Stage 3[95 CI 55.3-82.7] and CR was achieved in 56.9%, while for Stage 4 the OS was 35.7%[95 CI 19.3-52.4] and CR was achieved in 17.6% (p=0.001). The OS was 83.3% for 4s [95 CI 48.2-95.6] and CR was achieved in 75%.

CONCLUSION

All the six children with Stage 1 & 2 achieved CR and were alive, while 57% of Stage 3 could achieve CR and had an OS of 71.5%. The OS (35.7%) and CR (17.6%) for Stage 4 were significantly less (p=0.001).

Antenatally detected solid tumour of kidney

Congenital renal tumours are rare and usually benign. Polyhydramnios is the most common mode of presentation. Although most cases have been diagnosed postnatally, with advances in imaging technology, an increasing number of cases are being detected on antenatal scans. We describe a case of solid tumour of kidney detected in the second trimester of pregnancy and managed by surgery in the postnatal period.

Left-sided Gastroschisis: A Rare Congenital Anomaly

In gastroschisis, the defect in the abdominal wall is located almost always to the right of the umbilicus. Left-sided gastroschisis is a very rare entity. A case of left sided gastroschisis has been described here, with review of literature.

Assessment of fine needle aspiration cytology samples for molecular genetic analysis in neuroblastoma

PURPOSE

To assess the utility of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) samples for molecular genetic analysis of neuroblastoma.

METHODS

The case files from the pediatric solid tumor clinic were reviewed to identify 20 neuroblastoma patients whose pre-treatment FNAC slides were preserved in the cytology laboratory. The FNAC slides were destained, air dried and hybridisation with fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) probes was performed as per protocol. All slides were screened and analyzed carefully under the fluorescent microscope. Over four-fold increase of the N-myc signal numbers was defined as N-myc amplification. Focal occurrence of cells (at least 50) showing N-myc amplification surrounded by non-amplified tumor cells was defined as focal N-myc amplification. Presence of three or more signals for the long arm of chromosome 17 was defined as 17q gain.

RESULTS

FISH analysis gave informative results for all the FNAC smears in our study. FISH analysis of FNAC smears showed N-myc amplification in 5 (25 %) out of 20 patients and 15 (75 %) showed normal N-myc copy number. Three out of these five patients had homogenous amplification and two patients had focal N-myc amplification, indicating tumor heterogeneity. On investigation of chromosome 17q status, 5 (25 %) out of 20 patients demonstrated gain of 17q and 15 (75 %) patients showed normal 17q status. Four out of the five patients with 17q gain also showed N-myc amplification.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study indicates that FNAC is a rapid and atraumatic diagnostic method for neuroblastoma which provides sufficient material for molecular genetic analyses by means of FISH.

The role of urinary TGF-β₁, TNF-α, IL-6 and microalbuminuria for monitoring therapy in posterior urethral valves

BACKGROUND

Long-term renal deterioration is common in patients with posterior urethral valves (PUV), and early identification of detrimental factors can help in counselling patients as well as in guiding future therapy. The aim of our study was (1) to evaluate urinary transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels and microalbuminuria before and after ablation of PUV and (2) to examine the effect of early induction of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I) on renal recovery.

METHODS

The study included 30 patients with diagnosed PUV. Urinary cytokines were measured pre-operatively and post-operatively for 1 year. The study group was subdivided into two subgroups at 6 months after surgery. Group 1 included 16 patients whose urinary TGF-β1 level showed a declining trend. Group 2 included 14 patients whose urinary TGF-β1 showed a rising trend or plateaued; these patients were started on ACE-I therapy, which they received for at least 6 months.

RESULTS

Urinary TGF-β1, TNF-α and microalbumin levels were high in patients with PUV. In Group 1 patients, urinary TGF-β1, TNF-α and microalbumin levels fell significantly following valve ablation and continued to decline for 12 months. In Group 2 patients, after an initial fall following valve ablation, urinary TGF-β1, TNF-α and microalbumin showed a continued rise until 6 months post-surgery. After ACE-I therapy, there was 53.43 % fall in urinary TGF-β1, 43.15 % fall in microalbuminuria, 28.57 % improvement in split renal function and 35.80 % improvement in GFR.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on our results, urinary TGF-β1, urinary TNF-α and microalbuminuria can be used as biomarkers for the early recognition of ongoing renal damage in patients with PUV. ACE-I plays a role in retarding renal damage in these patients.

The Value of Magnetic Resonance Cholangio-Pancreatography (MRCP) in the Detection of Choledocholithiasis

INTRODUCTION

Magnetic Resonance Cholangio-Pancreatography (MRCP) is a non-invasive radiological investigation which can be performed rapidly and which does not expose the patients to ionised radiations or iodinated contrast material. The present study was conducted to evaluate the role of MRCP in detection of Common Bile Duct (CBD) stones in patients with suspected choledocholithiasis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This prospective study included 30 patients with a suspicion of choledocholithiasis which was based on clinical evaluation, biochemical or radiological investigations. Ultrasonography and MRCP were performed in all patients. All patients underwent open surgery. CBD exploration was performed in all patients, either due to presence of palpable stones or due to the presence of dilated CBD (> 7 mm). Demonstration of CBD stones intra-operatively was considered the 'gold standard' for their presence, defined as stones visualised and extracted or attempted for extraction during surgical CBD exploration.

RESULTS

Intra-operatively, 21 (70%) out of 30 patients had cholelithiasis. 26 (86.67%) out of 30 patients had dilated CBD stones intra-operatively. In 20 (66.67%) out of 30 patients, choledocholithiasis was detected intra-operatively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of ultrasonography in detecting CBD stones in the present study was 65%, 60%, 76.47% and 46.15% respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of MRCP in diagnosis of CBD stones in the present study was 95%, 90%, 95% and 90% respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

MRCP is a non-invasive investigation without complications and it has high sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values in detection of CBD stones. MRCP should be done in all cases with a suspicion of CBD stones, where facilities and expertise are available.

Unilobar Caroli's disease and its management in an 8-year-old girl

A case of unilobar Caroli's disease in an 8-year-old girl treated with left hepatectomy is reported here.

Pancreatic hydatid cyst masquerading as a choledochal cyst

A 6-year-old boy presented with repeated attacks of fever, abdominal pain, and obstructive jaundice. Clinical examination and preoperative imaging suggested the diagnosis of a type I choledochal cyst. During surgery, a hydatid cyst was found occupying the head of pancreas, causing obstruction of the common bile duct. The authors emphasize that in endemic areas, hydatid cyst should be included in the list of conditions in the differential diagnoses of obstructive jaundice and cystic lesions located around the bilio-pancreatic junction in children.