Pseudo-submucosal tumor in the colon: seeing is believing

A 65-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with complaints of lower abdominal pain. Her physical examination was unremarkable. The results of routine laboratory testing were within the normal limits. In addition, abdominal CT was normal. Colonoscopy showed a cecum submucosal tumor with a pale yellow surface. Endoscopic ultrasound revealed homogeneous hypoechoic lesions originated from submucosal layer. ESD was subsequently performed to remove the submucosal lesion. During the ESD procedure, fecal outflowed from appendix opening . Yellow fecal-like material was visible after submucosal incision. The trap electrocut surface uplift showed more fecal attachment on the lamina propria surface, and myolayer integrity after clean the fecal (Fig1c), The final pathology of the surface bulge suggested hyperplasia (Fig1d). Patients were discharged with relieved lower abdominal pain. The final diagnosis was submucosal fecalith mimicking a submucosal tumor, eventually leads to chronic appendicitis. Common causes of cecal submucosal tumor include neuroendocrine tumors, lipomas, etc. There was few report about fecalith mimicking a submucosal tumor. ERTA is currently an effective endoscopic method for treating appendicitis combined with fecalith blockage. To our knowledge, this is the first report on a case of cecum submucosal fecalith mimicking a submucosal tumor and was successfully removed using endoscopy. (AU)

Persistencia del conducto onfalomesentérico: otra causa de abdomen agudo / Persistence of the omphalomesenteric duct: another cause of acute abdomen

El conducto onfalomesentérico es una estructura embrionaria que comunica el saco vitelino con el intestino medio, generalmente desapareciendo entre la quinta y la novena semanas de vida intrauterina. La persistencia del conducto onfalomesentérico, presente hasta en un 2% de la población, es una anomalía congénita del tracto gastrointestinal que puede presentarse en forma de abdomen agudo, oclusión intestinal o hemorragia digestiva.(AU)

A case of an inverted appendiceal stump with dysplastic mucosa mimicking cecal polyp managed by a combined endoscopic laparoscopic approach / Un caso de muñón apendicular invertido con mucosa displásica que imita Pólipo cecal tratado mediante un abordaje laparoscópico endoscópico combinado

Endoscopic finding of invaginated appendiceal stump mimicking polyp is very rare. We present a case of patient with appendiceal stump mimicking cecal polyp covered with dysplastic mucosa which makes it even more rare. Polypoid lesions involving the appendiceal area represent a specific diagnostic-therapeutic dilemma. In these situations simple colonoscopic polypectomy poses increased risk for perforation. In our case biopsy of the polypoid cecal lesion revealed dysplastic mucosa. Due to the non-lifting sign and increased risk of perforation from simple polypectomy, polyp was removed by cecal wedge resection using combined endoscopic laparoscopic approach. Histopathology of the specimen confirmed medium dysplastic epithelium covering lymphoid follicles specific for appendix. In our case, decision on the need to remove the polyp, based on biopsy histology, was quite clear; however, the question is what should we have done if the biopsy finding was negative? In such a situation, conservative approach with endoscopic follow-up of the polyp and regular biopsy specimen analysis, or a more active approach of polyp removal should be considered. This issue can be discussed, however, we do believe that decision on approaching such patients should be made individually, based on the patient's age, comorbidities, general condition and operative risk.(AU)

Apéndices pleurales: descripción, incidencia y relación con el índice de masa corporal / Pleural appendages: Description, incidence and relations with body mass index

Antecedentes y objetivo Los apéndices pleurales son grasa extrapleural que cuelga de la pared torácica. Han sido descritos mediante videotoracoscopia, pero no se conocen exactamente ni el aspecto ni la frecuencia con que se observan apéndices pleurales en tomografía computarizada (TC) ni tampoco si están relacionados con la cantidad de grasa del paciente. Pretendemos describir el aspecto y conocer la prevalencia de los apéndices pleurales observados en TC, así como saber si su presencia, tamaño y número es mayor en pacientes obesos que en no obesos. Pacientes y métodos Se han revisado retrospectivamente las imágenes axiales de tomografía computarizada de 226 pacientes con neumotórax. Fueron excluidos del estudio los pacientes con antecedentes de enfermedad pleural, cirugía torácica o neumotórax pequeños. Se dividió a los pacientes en dos grupos según el índice de masa corporal (IMC): obesos (IMC?≥?30) y no obesos (IMC<30). Se recogieron el número y tamaño de apéndices pleurales en cada paciente. Se emplearon una prueba de χ2 y el test exacto de Fisher para evaluar las diferencias entre los dos grupos. Un valor de p<0,05 se consideró significativo. Resultados 101 pacientes presentaron estudios de TC válidos. Se identificaron apéndices pleurales en 50 de los 101 pacientes (49,5%). La mayoría se presentan de forma solitaria (n=31), en el seno cardiofrénico (n=27) y tienen un tamaño inferior a 5cm (n=39). No hubo diferencia significativa entre los pacientes obesos y los no obesos en relación con la presencia o ausencia (p=0,315), número (p=0,458) y tamaño (p=0,458) de apéndices pleurales. Conclusiones Los apéndices pleurales se observan en el 49,5% de los pacientes con neumotórax estudiados con TC en este estudio. No hubo diferencia significativa entre los pacientes obesos y los no obesos respecto a la presencia, número y tamaño de apéndices pleurales (AU)

Background and aims Pleural appendages (PA) are portions of extrapleural fat that hang from the chest wall. They have been described on videothoracoscopy, however their appearance, frequency and possible relationship with the amount of patient's fat remain unknown. Our aim is to describe their appearances and prevalence on CT, and determinate whether their size and number is higher in obese patients. Patients and methods Axial images of 226 patients with pneumothorax on CT chest were retrospectively reviewed. Exclusion criteria included known pleural disease, previous thoracic surgery and small pneumothorax. Patients were divided in obese (BMI > 30) and non-obese (BMI < 30) groups. Presence, position, size and number of PA were recorded. Chi square and Fisher's exact test were used to evaluate differences between the two groups, considering p<0.05 as significant. Results Valid CT studies were available for 101 patients. Extrapleural fat was identified in 50 (49.5%) patients. Most were solitary (n=31). Most were located in the cardiophrenic angle (n=27), and most measured < 5cm (n=39). There was no significant difference between obese and non-obese patients regarding the presence or absence of PA (p=0.315), number (p=0.458) and size (p=0.458). Conclusions Pleural appendages were seen in 49.5% patients with pneumothorax on CT. There was no significant difference between obese and non-obese patients regarding presence, number and size of pleural appendages (AU)

Hiperlipasemia posoperatoria en apendicitis perforada en niños / Postoperative hyperlipasemia in perforated appendicitis in children

Objetivo: El objetivo del estudio es evaluar los casos de hiper-lipasemia detectados en el posoperatorio de la apendicitis perforada.Material y método: Se evaluaron retrospectivamente los casos deapendicitis perforada en nuestro centro durante 7 años (2013-2019),seleccionando aquellos con mediciones preoperatorias y posoperatorias de lipasa sérica. Las diferentes variables recogidas se analizaron estadísticamente de manera descriptiva y univariante. Resultados: Se estudiaron un total de 88 pacientes que se dividieron en tres grupos según el valor de la lipasa posoperatoria: 57 correspondenal grupo 1 (lipasa 70-194 U/L, rango normal), 20 al grupo 2 (lipasa 195-582 U/L) y 11 al grupo 3 (lipasa > 582 U/L, valor tres veces por encimadel normal). Las variables que mostraron diferencias estadísticamentesignificativas fueron el sexo, el absceso posoperatorio, la suboclusión/oclusión intestinal posoperatoria, la lipasa preoperatoria, los días denutrición parenteral, los días de ingreso en UCI y los días de estanciahospitalaria. La lipasa posoperatoria mostró una correlación moderadacon la lipasa preoperatoria y ningún caso cumplió criterios diagnósticosde pancreatitis aguda. Conclusiones: La hiperlipasemia en el posoperatorio de la apendicitis perforada no se asocia al desarrollo de pancreatitis clínica, perosí se asocia a una peor evolución en relación con un aumento de complicaciones, como la suboclusión/oclusión intestinal y el absceso intraabdominal, y un mayor número de días de ingreso en UCI, de díasde nutrición parenteral y de estancia hospitalaria. Existe una moderadacorrelación entre la lipasa preoperatoria y posoperatoria, de modo queambas podrían ser útiles como marcadores pronósticos.(AU)

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the hyperli-pasemia cases detected in the postoperative period of perforated ap-pendicitis. Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis of the perforatedappendicitis cases occurred in our institution over a 7-year period (2013-2019) was carried out. Only cases where preoperative and postoperativeserum lipase levels were available were included. The variables collectedwere statistically assessed by means of a descriptive, univariate analysis.Results: A total of 88 patients were studied. They were divided into3 groups according to postoperative lipase levels – 57 were allocatedto Group 1 (lipase: 70-194 U/L, normal range), 20 were allocated toGroup 2 (lipase: 195-582 U/L), and 11 were allocated to Group 3 (li-pase: > 582 U/L, which triples normal levels). Statistically significantdifferences were found in the following variables: sex, postoperativeabscess, postoperative subocclusion/intestinal occlusion, preoperativelipase levels, days of parenteral nutrition, days of ICU stay, and daysof hospital stay. Postoperative lipase had a moderate correlation withpreoperative lipase, and none of the cases met acute pancreatitis di-agnostic criteria. Conclusions: Hyperlipasemia in the postoperative period of perfo-rated appendicitis is not associated with developing clinical pancreatitis,but it is associated with worse progression in terms of increased compli-cations, such as subocclusion/intestinal occlusion and intra-abdominalabscess, and longer ICU stay, hospital stay, and parenteral nutrition.There is a moderate correlation between preoperative and postoperativelipase, which means they could both prove useful as prognostic markers.(AU)

Acute appendicitis, foreign bodies and COVID-19 vaccination: correspondence

We would like to comment on the publication "Uncommon causes of acute appendicitis: foreign bodies in the cecal appendix." Rodríguez Lucas et al. presented a COVID-19 recipient who presented with acute appendicitis and surgical exploration detected dental prosthesis. The foreign body might be the cause of acute appendicitis. Dental protsthesis is a possible problematic foreign body that might be trapped in appendix. The history of dental prosthesis loss might be a useful clue for this specific clinical situation. (AU)

Valor de la ecografía abdominal en la evaluación de la ileítis infecciosa aguda en niños / Value of abdominal ultrasound for evaluation of acute infectious ileitis in children

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Bolsa ileocecal con utilización del apéndice como neouretra en pacientes dispuestos a sustitución vesical ortotópica: descripción de la técnica / The use of ileocecal pouch with appendix as an urethral substitute in patients who are willing to have a orthotopic bladder replacement - point of technique

Introducción: Los autores describen la técnica de sustitución vesical ortotópica mediante bolsa ileocecal y apéndice inalterado como sustituto ortotópico de la uretra. Se describirán procedimientos adicionales con respecto a las molestias por síntomas de vaciado.Material y métodosEn una pequeña cohorte de 5 pacientes con cáncer de vejiga musculoinvasivo con afectación tumoral del cuello vesical o de la uretra proximal (2 hombres/3 mujeres) realizamos la siguiente reconstrucción. Se obtuvo un reservorio de baja presión mediante la incisión longitudinal antimesentérica del íleon terminal y el ciego/colon ascendente y la formación de una bolsa. Para desarrollar la neouretra, el apéndice y su mesenterio se extrajeron a través del suelo pélvico y se suturó a la uretra bulbar en los hombres o se formó como una neouretra completa en las mujeres, respectivamente.ResultadosNo hubo secuelas indeseables intraoperatorias ni postoperatorias tempranas. Ambos pacientes masculinos experimentaron una estenosis de la anastomosis uretral recurrente, por lo que se realizó un implante de stent Memokath y un esfínter urinario artificial, resultando en una micción voluntaria normal. Todas las pacientes femeninas permanecieron socialmente continentes durante el período de seguimiento, una de ellas realizando cateterismo intermitente limpio (CIL).ConclusiónLa técnica descrita ofrece la posibilidad de la sustitución vesical ortotópica incluso en pacientes tradicionalmente considerados como no aptos, pero muy motivados, que lo solicitan para mejorar su imagen corporal. Permite ampliar la resección uretral y proporciona un apoyo adicional a la continencia. Sin embargo, pueden ser necesarias medidas adicionales como la colocación de un stent uretral, el CIL o el implante de un esfínter urinario artificial para obtener un éxito duradero. Aunque no es un método rutinario de derivación urinaria, esta técnica puede utilizarse en pacientes seleccionados. (AU)

Introduction: The authors describe the technique of orthotopic bladder replacement with an ileocecal pouch and unaltered appendix used as an orthotopic urethral substitute. Additional procedures with regard to the bothersome voiding symptoms will be described.Material and methodsIn a small cohort of 5 patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer with tumor involvement of the bladder neck or proximal urethra (2 males/3 females) we performed the following reconstruction. A low pressure reservoir was achieved by antimesenteric longitudinal transection of terminal ileum and cecum/colon ascendens and formation of a pouch. To develop the neourethra, the appendix together with its accompanying mesentery was drawn through the pelvic floor and sutured to the bulbar urethra in males or formed as a complete neourethra in female patients respectively.ResultsThere were no intraoperative nor early postoperative unwanted sequelae. Both male patients experienced recurrent anastomotic urethral stricture, consequently a Memokath stent and artificial urinary sphincter was implanted resulting in normal voluntary micturition. All female patients remained socially continent during the follow up period, one of them performing clean intermittent catheterization (CIC).ConclusionThe technique described offers the possibility of orthotopic bladder replacement even in traditionally unsuitable, but highly motivated patients, who are requesting orthotopic bladder replacement for improved body image. It allows extension of urethral resection and provides additional continence support. However, additional measures such as urethral stenting, CIC or artificial urinary sphincter implantation may be necessary for long lasting success. Although, not being a routine method for urinary diversion this technique may be used in select patients. (AU)

Valoración de parámetros clínicos y analíticos preoperatorios en apendicitis aguda complicada. Score para predecir apendicitis complicada / Evaluation of Preoperative Clinical and Serological Determinations in Complicated Acute Appendicitis: A Score for Predicting Complicated Appendicitis

Introducción: Los parámetros clínicos y analíticos de la apendicitis aguda (AA) son la base diagnóstica. Se analiza la diferencia de sus valores según la histología para distinguir las AA simples de las complicadas. Métodos: Análisis observacional retrospectivo que incluye pacientes (>14 años) que ingresan con diagnóstico de AA desde el 1 abril 2014 al 31 julio 2016. Histopatológicamente se dividen en AA complicada (perforada y/o gangrenada) y AA no complicada (flemonosa). Entre los 2 grupos se compara sexo, edad, temperatura al ingreso, duración de sintomatología, recuento leucocitario preoperatorio (WBC), porcentaje de neutrófilos, volumen plaquetario medio (VPM), índice de distribución de plaquetas (PDW), proteína C-reactiva (PCR) y estancia hospitalaria. Resultados: Se analizan 335 pacientes y se incluyen 284, de los cuales 194 (68,3%) tienen AA no complicada (AAnc) y 90 (31,7%) AA complicada (AAc). La edad, la duración de sintomatología, el porcentaje de neutrófilos, la PCR y la estancia hospitalaria son mayores en la AAc (p<0,05). Las diferencias de las medias entre AAnc y AAc son: edad 13,2 años (IC 95%: 8,2-18,2), duración de sintomatología 14,1h (IC 95%: 6,3-21,9), porcentaje de neutrófilos 5,0% (IC 95%: 3,2-6,8), PCR 73,6mg/l (IC 95%: 50,0-97,2) y estancia hospitalaria 2,2 días (IC 95%: 1,4-3,0), con p<0,05. Un modelo basado en parámetros preoperatorios (edad, duración de sintomatología, porcentaje de neutrófilos y PCR) se calcula para predecir la posibilidad de AAc. El área bajo la curva del modelo es 0,80 (IC 95%: 0,75-0,85). Conclusiones: El modelo predice la posibilidad de desarrollar AAc, pero debe validarse de manera prospectiva. (AU)

Background: To analyze whether clinical and analytical parameters differ according to histopathology in cases of acute appendicitis (AA). Methods: This is a retrospective, observational study including patients (>14 years of age) admitted for suspicion of AA from 1 April 2014 to 31 July 2016. Histopathology was divided into complicated (including perforated and gangrenous AA) and uncomplicated appendicitis (phlegmonous). Sex, age, temperature of patients on admission to the Emergency Department, symptom duration, preoperative white blood cell (WBC) count, neutrophil percentage, mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), C-reactive protein (CRP) and hospital stay were compared in the two groups. Results: Three hundred and thirty-five patients were analyzed, and 284 were included. Appendicitis was uncomplicated in 194 (68.3%) and complicated in 90 (31.7%). Age, symptom duration, neutrophil percentage, CRP and hospital stay were higher in the complicated AA group (P < .05). The mean differences between uncomplicated and complicated AA were: age 13.2 years (95% CI: 8.2-18.2), symptom duration 14.1hours (95% CI: 6.3-21.9), neutrophil percentage 5.0% (95% CI: 3.2-6.8), CRP 73.6mg/l (95% CI: 50.0-97.2) and hospital stay 2.2 days (95% CI: 1.4-3.0), with p<0.05 for all these variables. A model based on the preoperative parameters (age, symptom duration, neutrophil percentage and CRP) was calculated to predict the likelihood of complicated AA. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) of the model had an area under the curve of 0.80 (95% CI 0.75-0.85). Conclusion: This model is able to diagnose complicated AA without the need for imaging techniques, although it must be validated with prospective analysis. (AU)

Apendicitis aguda secundaria a ingesta de cuerpo extraño / Acute appendicitis secondary to foreign body ingestion

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Triplicación del apéndice cecal: ¿una variación de la clasificación de Cave-Wallbridge? / Triplication of the vermiform appendix: A variation of the Cave-Wallbridge classification?

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Apendicitis crónica del muñón apendicular como causa de dolor abdominal crónico / Chronic stump appendicitis as a cause of chronic abdominal pain

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Apendicitis aguda causada por cuerpo extraño / Acute appendicitis caused by a foreign body

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Intususcepción apendicular / Intussusception of the appendix

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Diverticulitis apendicular como causa de apendicitis aguda / Appendiceal diverticulitis as a cause of acute apendicitis

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Deciduosis apendicular como causa de abdomen agudo / Appendicular Deciduosis as a Cause of Acute Abdomen

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