Surgical outcome of percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage in acute cholecystitis: Ten years' experience at a tertiary care centre.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD) plays an important role in the treatment of elderly patients and/or patients in poor health with acute cholecystitis (AC). The primary aim of this study is to determine how these factors influence the clinical outcome of PTGBD. Moreover, we assessed the timing and results of subsequent cholecystectomies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively examined the results of 162 patients undergoing PTGBD between 2010 and 2020 (male-female ratio: 51.23% vs. 48.77%; mean age: 71.43 ± 13.22 years). Patient's performance status and intervention outcomes were assessed with clinical success rates (CSR) and in-hospital mortality. The conversion rate (CR) of possible urgent or delayed, elective laparoscopic cholecystectomies (LC) after PTGBD were analysed. RESULTS: PTGBD was the definitive treatment in 42.18% of patients, while it was a bridging therapy prior to cholecystectomy (CCY) for the other patients. CSR was 87.97%, it was only 64.29% in grade III AC. In 9.87% of the cases, urgent LC was necessary after PTGBD, and its conversion rate was approximately equal to that of elective LC (18.18 vs. 17.46%, respectively, p = 0.2217). Overall, the post-PTGBD in-hospital mortality was 11.72%, while the same figure was 0% for grade I AC, 7.41% for grade II and 40.91% for grade III. Based on logistic regression analyses, in-hospital mortality (OR 6.07; CI 1.79-20.56), clinical progression (OR 7.62; CI 2.64-22.05) and the need for emergency CCY (OR 14.75; CI 3.07-70.81) were mostly determined by AC severity grade. CONCLUSION: PTGBD is an easy-to-perform intervention with promising clinical success rates in the treatment of acute cholecystitis. After PTGBD, the level of gallbladder inflammation played a decisive role in the course of AC. In a severe, grade III inflammation, we have to consider low CSR and high mortality.

"Gap in the shield" ­ imaging of the thyroid gland from the multidisciplinary perspective / "Rés a pajzson" - a pajzsmirigy modern képalkotó vizsgálata multidiszciplináris szemszögbol.

Összefoglaló. A pajzsmirigy az elso szervek közé tartozik, melyek megjelenítésében, betegségeinek felfedezésében az ultrahang-diagnosztikának fontos szerepe van. A pajzsmirigybetegségek a lakosság jelentos részét érintik, és a technika fejlodésével egyre több pajzsmirigyeltérés, göb kerül felfedezésre. A pajzsmirigy rosszindulatú folyamatainak nincs egy bizonyos specifikus jele, viszont az ultrahangkép alapján meghatározhatók a malignitásra gyanús eltérések. Erre az elmúlt években több összefoglaló rendszer is született. Jelen összefoglaló tanulmányunknak az a célja, hogy bemutassuk a pajzsmirigy ultrahangdiagnosztikájának fejlodését; összehasonlítsuk az egyes leletezési rendszereket, úgymint TIRADS, EU-TIRADS, K-TIRADS, melyek célja a feltehetoleg rosszindulatú göbök kiszurése, azonosítása a mindennapi rutinmunka során; vizsgáljuk a különbözo rendszerek kapcsolatát a patológia által használt Bethesda-pontrendszerrel. Az ultrahangvizsgálat megfelelo értékelése, a pontrendszerek ismerete segíthet a pajzsmirigygöb differenciáldiagnózisában, a követési frekvencia meghatározásában, csökkentheti az aspirációs citológiák számát, ezzel támogatva a klinikai döntéshozatalt. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(14): 530-541. Summary. The thyroid gland was one of the first organs, the ultrasound (US) examination of which has played an important role. The thyroid diseases affect a large part of the population, and with the development of imaging technology, more and more thyroid abnormalities, nodules and malignant lesions are being discovered. There are no specific signs of thyroid cancer, but the suspicious signs could be determined by US. In recent years, several systems have been developed. The aim of our review is to demonstrate the development of US diagnostics of the thyroid gland; to compare the different reporting systems, such as TIRADS, EU-TIRADS, K-TIRADS, which should help to identify the questionable lesions in the daily routine work. We examine the relationship between the different US systems and the Bethesda point score used by pathologists. The literature review shows that the US examination supports the clinical decisions, helps to select, who should have a fine-needle biopsy, and allows to determine the frequency of follow-up. The number of unnecessary fine-needle biopsies could be reduced, too. Our paper is part of a bigger research, the ethical license number is 23/2020, University of Szeged. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(14): 530-541.

[The role of ultrasonography in the investigation of male infertility]. / Az ultrahangmódszerek szerepe a férfimeddoség kivizsgálásában.

Unintended childlessness affects approximately 9-15% of couples in the reproductive age. It is known that a remarkable proportion of infertility is caused by the disorders of the male reproductive functions. Diagnostic imaging methods and especially ultrasonography play a crucial role in the infertility work-up, the ultrasound examination has become the method of choice for imaging in diseases affecting the testis. With the development of high resolution transducers and technology using colour Doppler, pulsed Doppler, share wave elastography and strain elastography, it is now possible to make accurate diagnoses. However, the place of the new imaging methods in the algorithm of infertility check-up should be clearly defined. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(21): 815-822.

The Effect of Diagnostic Imaging on Surgical Treatment Planning in Diseases of the Thymus.

Accurate imaging of the thymus is essential in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of both neoplastic and nonneoplastic conditions. Imaging of the thymus is a rather complex task, which affects both initial diagnosis and further surgical treatment planning. Imaging techniques include a wide armamentary of possibilities, from the most frequently used computed tomography (CT) to 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography- (18-FDG-PET-) CT and chemical shift magnetic resonance imaging (CS-MRI). In cases where surgical treatment is involved diagnostic imaging is of pivotal importance, not only in distinguishing benign from malignant disease but also in making a way among subtypes of thymic conditions. The article presents a current review of the advantages and backdrops of different imaging techniques used in the diagnosis of benign and malignant thymic conditions, with emphasis on differential imaging of thymic hyperplasia (TH), ectopic thymic tissue (ETT), and thymic epithelial tumors (TETs), with special attention to the importance of MR imaging according to the new TNM classification of thymic epithelial tumors.

[Autoimmune pancreatitis. Evidence based management guidelines of the Hungarian Pancreatic Study Group]. / Autoimmun pancreatitis. A Magyar Hasnyálmirigy Munkacsoport bizonyítékon alapuló kezelési irányelvei.

Autoimmune pancreatitis is a rare disease which can even mimic pancreatic tumor, however, unlike the latter, it requires not surgical but conservative management. Correct diagnosis and differential diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis and treatment of these patients requires up-to-date and evidence based management guidelines. The Hungarian Pancreatic Study Group proposed to prepare an evidence based guideline based on the available international guidelines and evidences. The preparatory and consultation task force appointed by the Hungarian Pancreatic Study Group translated and complemented and/or modified the international guidelines if it was necessary. 29 relevant clinical questions in 4 topics were defined (Basics; Diagnosis; Differential diagnostics; Therapy). Evidence was classified according to the UpToDate(®) grading system. The draft of the guidelines was presented and discussed at the consensus meeting on September 12, 2014. All clinial questions were accepted with almost total (more than 95%) agreement. The present guideline is the first evidence based autoimmune pancreatitis guideline in Hungary. The guideline may provide very important and helpful data for tuition of autoimmune pancreatitis, for everyday practice and for establishing proper finance. Therefore, the authors believe that these guidelines will widely become a basic reference in Hungary.

[Pediatric pancreatitis. Evidence based management guidelines of the Hungarian Pancreatic Study Group]. / Gyermekkori pancreatitis. A Magyar Hasnyálmirigy Munkacsoport bizonyítékon alapuló kezelési irányelvei.

Pediatric pancreatitis is a rare disease with variable etiology. In the past 10-15 years the incidence of pediatric pancreatitis has been increased. The management of pediatric pancreatitis requires up-to-date and evidence based management guidelines. The Hungarian Pancreatic Study Group proposed to prepare an evidence based guideline based on the available international guidelines and evidences. The preparatory and consultation task force appointed by the Hungarian Pancreatic Study Group translated and complemented and/or modified the international guidelines if it was necessary. In 8 clinical topics (diagnosis; etiology; prognosis; imaging; therapy; biliary tract management; complications; chronic pancreatitis) 50 relevant questions were defined. Evidence was classified according to the UpToDate(®) grading system. The draft of the guidelines was presented and discussed at the consensus meeting on September 12, 2014. All clinical statements were accepted with total (more than 95%) agreement. The present Hungarian Pancreatic Study Group guideline is the first evidence based pediatric pancreatitis guideline in Hungary. The present guideline is the first evidence-based pancreatic cancer guideline in Hungary that provides a solid ground for teaching purposes, offers quick reference for daily patient care in pediatric pancreatitis and guides financing options. The authors strongly believe that these guidelines will become a standard reference for pancreatic cancer treatment in Hungary.

[Pancreatic cancer. Evidence based management guidelines of the Hungarian Pancreatic Study Group]. / Pancreasrák. A Magyar Hasnyálmirigy Munkacsoport bizonyítékon alapuló kezelési irányelvei.

Pancreatic cancer is a disease with a poor prognosis usually diagnosed at a late stage. Therefore, screening, diagnosis, treatment and palliation of pancreatic cancer patients require up-to-date and evidence based management guidelines. The Hungarian Pancreatic Study Group proposed to prepare an evidence based guideline based on the available scientific evidence and international guidelines. The preparatory and consultation board appointed by the Hungarian Pancreatic Study Group translated and complemented/modified the recent international guidelines. 37 clinical statements in 10 major topics were defined (Risk factors and genetics, Screening, Diagnosis, Staging, Surgical care, Pathology, Systemic treatment, Radiation therapy, Palliation and supportive care, Follow-up and recurrence). Evidence was graded according to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) grading system. The draft of the guideline was presented and discussed at the consensus meeting in September 12, 2014. Statements were accepted with either total (more than 95% of votes, n = 15) or strong agreement (more than 70% of votes, n = 22). The present guideline is the first evidence-based pancreatic cancer guideline in Hungary that provides a solid ground for teaching purposes, offers quick reference for daily patient care and guides financing options. The authors strongly believe that these guidelines will become a standard reference for pancreatic cancer treatment in Hungary.

[Acute pancreatitis. Evidence-based practice guidelines, prepared by the Hungarian Pancreatic Study Group]. / Akut pancreatitis. A Magyar Hasnyálmirigy Munkacsoport bizonyítékon alapuló kezelési irányelvei.

Acute pancreatitis is one of the most common diseases of the gastrointestinal tract associated with significant morbidity and mortality that requires up-to-date and evidence based treatment guidelines. The Hungarian Pancreatic Study Group proposed to prepare evidence based guideline for the medical and surgical management of acute pancreatitis based on the available international guidelines and evidence. The preparatory and consultation task force appointed by the Hungarian Pancreatic Study Group translated and, if it was necessary, complemented and/or modified the international guidelines. All together 42 relevant clinical questions were defined in 11 topics (Diagnosis and etiology, Prognosis, Imaging, Fluid therapy, Intensive care management, Prevention of infectious complications, Nutrition, Biliary interventions, Post-endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography pancreatitis, Indication, timing and strategy for intervention in necrotizing pancreatitis, Timing of cholecystectomy [or endoscopic sphincterotomy]). Evidence was classified according to the UpToDate® grading system. The draft of the guideline was presented and discussed at the consensus meeting on September 12, 2014. 25 clinical questions with almost total (more than 95%) and 17 clinical questions with strong (more than 70%) agreement were accepted. The present guideline is the first evidence based acute pancreatitis guideline in Hungary. The guideline may provide important help for tuition, everyday practice and for establishment of proper finance of acute pancreatitis. Therefore, the authors believe that these guidelines will widely become as basic reference in Hungary.

[Chronic pancreatitis. Evidence based management guidelines of the Hungarian Pancreatic Study Group]. / Krónikus pancreatitis. A Magyar Hasnyálmirigy Munkacsoport bizonyítékon alapuló kezelési irányelvei.

Chronic pancreatitis is an inflammatory disease associated with structural and functional damage of the pancreas. In most cases pain, maldigestion and weight loss are the leading symptoms, which significantly worsen the quality of life. Correct diagnosis and differential diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis and treatment of these patients requires up-to-date and evidence based treatment guidelines. The Hungarian Pancreatic Study Group proposed to prepare an evidence based guideline based on the available international guidelines and evidence. The preparatory and consultation task force appointed by the Hungarian Pancreatic Study Group translated and complemented and/or modified the international guidelines if it was necessary. 123 relevant clinical questions in 11 topics were defined. Evidence was classified according to the UpToDate® grading system. The draft of the guidelines were presented and discussed at the consensus meeting in September 12, 2014. All clinical questions were accepted with total or strong agreement. The present guideline is the first evidence based guideline for chronic pancreatitis in Hungary. This guideline provides very important and helpful data for tuition, everyday practice and proper financing of chronic pancreatitis. Therefore, the authors believe that these guidelines will widely become a basic reference in Hungary.

[Is daily chest X-ray necessary after lung resection? Evidence-based decision making]. / Szükséges-e a naponkénti rutinmellkasröntgen tüdoresectio után? Bizonyítékalapú döntési taktika.

OBJECTIVES: The 'gold standard' practice following insertion of a chest tube after lobectomy is daily chest radiography (CXR), but this is not always followed. We compared the outcomes associated with the use of these two methods in our practice. METHODS: Data from 148 patients who underwent uncomplicated lobectomies with insertion of one chest drain were analysed. In the routine CXR group (R-CXR) (50 patients), an immediate postoperative CXR, daily routine radiography during the drainage period, and one after surgical drain removal were performed. In the symptomatic CXR group (S-CXR) (98 patients), a CXR was performed only for symptomatic patients (fever, hypoxia, subcutaneous emphysema, air leak) and/or a single radiograph was taken after surgical drain removal. The following postoperative data were compared: fever, CXR abnormalities (pneumothorax, fluid, atelectasis, subcutaneous emphysema, haematoma), number of radiographs, drainage time, and new drain insertion. RESULTS: The mean chest tube duration was 3.7 and 3.8 days in the R-CXR and S-CXR groups, respectively. Abnormal CXRs after surgical drain removal were reported in 50% (25/50) and 46.9% (46/96) (p = 0.724) of patients in the R-CXR and S-CXR groups, respectively, but new drain insertion was only necessary in 3/25 (12%) and 7/46 (15.2%) of these cases. The mean number of CXRs for each patient was 5.0 and 2.3 (p = 0.0001) in the R-CXR and S-CXR groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: If CXRs are limited to symptomatic patients then the number of radiographs can be reduced by around 50%. There were no more postoperative complications or abnormal final CXR findings if the CXR was only ordered for symptomatic patients instead of as 'daily routine' during the postoperative period. Only 12-15% of the CXR abnormalities required surgical intervention.

The effects of juvenile capsaicin desensitization in rats: behavioral impairments.

Capsaicin desensitization leads to behavioral changes, some of which are related to schizophrenia, but investigations into these effects have been scarce. The goal of this study was to characterize the consequences of juvenile capsaicin desensitization on different functions: acute and inflammation-induced thermal and mechanical sensitivity, urinary bladder capacity and thermoregulation, and also on the potentially schizophrenia-related impairments in sensory-motor gating, motor activity and cognitive functioning. Male Wistar rats desensitized with increasing doses of subcutaneous capsaicin after weaning were investigated. Heat and mechanical pain sensitivity did not change significantly; however, morphine produced a prolonged decrease in the nociceptive response to inflammation in desensitized animals. Ultrasound examination of the bladder revealed enhanced bladder volume in treated animals. Capsaicin-treated animals had higher body temperature at 22 °C in both dark and light periods, and they also showed prolonged hyperthermia in new environmental circumstances. Warm environment induced a profound impairment of thermoregulation in desensitized animals. The treated animals also showed higher levels of activity during the active phase and at both cool and warm temperatures. The amplitude of the responses to auditory stimuli and prepulse inhibition did not differ between the two groups, but the desensitized animals showed learning impairments in the novel object recognition test. These results suggest that juvenile capsaicin desensitization leads to sustained changes in several functions that may be related to schizophrenia. We propose that capsaicin desensitization, together with other interventions, may lead to an improved chronic animal model of schizophrenia.

Peritubular capillary basement membrane changes in chronic renal allograft rejection: Comparison of light microscopic and ultrastructural observations.

Marked peritubular capillary basement membrane (PTCBM) multilayering, the ultrastructural feature of chronic antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) of kidney allografts, was found to correspond histologically to PTCs with thickened BMs; such PTCs have been suggested as a novel histological marker of chronic rejection. We investigated whether scoring of PTCBM thickening can substitute the ultrastructural search for PTCBM multilayering. The thickening was graded in PAS- and Jones-stained sections in 110 biopsies from recipients with a late dysfunction, all examined ultrastructurally for transplant capillaropathy (≥3 PTCs with ≥5 BM layers). Grade 0 indicated no thickening. Grade 1 and grade 2 were assigned when the PTCBMs were as thick as or thicker than those of the non-atrophic tubules, and duplication/chain-like lamination of the PTCBM was noted in ≤3 or ≥4 high-power fields, respectively. The series was enrolled in subgroups of those with and those without histopathological lesions of chronic rejection. Fifty-six biopsies displayed lesions of chronic ABMR. Transplant capillaropathy was demonstrated in 40 biopsies. Grade 2 thickening furnished a substantial interobserver concordance rate (κ = 0.803) and correlated with the transplant capillaropathy. Jones staining performed somewhat better in scoring than PAS staining. Grade 2 thickening was verified in 35 biopsies involving chronic ABMR, and in one control biopsy (sensitivity 61.4%, specificity 0.98). Grade 1 thickening was not suggestive of chronic ABMR at all. In conclusion, grade 2 thickening can be regarded as the histopathological lesion of chronic ABMR; however, electron microscopy remains the gold standard in the assessment of PTCBM changes.

Long-lasting, distinct changes in central opioid receptor and urinary bladder functions in models of schizophrenia in rats.

Ketamine treatments and social isolation of rats reflect certain features of schizophrenia, among them altered pain sensitivity. To study the underlying mechanisms of these phenomena, rats were either housed individually or grouped for 33 days after weaning, and treated with either ketamine or saline for 14 days. After one month re-socialization, the urinary bladder capacity by ultrasound examination in the anesthetized animals, and changes of µ-opioid receptors by saturation binding experiments using a specific µ-opioid agonist [(3)H]DAMGO were determined. G-protein signaling was investigated in DAMGO-stimulated [(35)S]GTPγS functional assays. Ketamine treatment significantly decreased the bladder volume and isolation decreased the receptor density in cortical membranes. Among all groups, the only change in binding affinity was an increase induced by social isolation in the cortex. G-protein signaling was significantly decreased by either ketamine or social isolation in this tissue. Ketamine treatment, but not housing, significantly increased µ-opioid receptor densities in hippocampal membranes. Both ketamine and isolation increased the efficacy, while the potency of signaling was decreased by any treatment. Ketamine increased the receptor density and G-protein activation; while isolation decreased the efficacy of G-protein signaling in hippocampal membranes. The changes in the co-treated group were similar to those of the isolated animals in most tests. The distinct changes of opioid receptor functioning in different areas of the CNS may, at least partially, explain the augmented nociceptive threshold and morphine potency observed in these animals. Changes in the relative urinary bladder suggest a detrusor hyperreflexia, another sign of schizophrenia.

[A case of absent right and persistent left superior vena cava: echocardiographic diagnosis]. / Hiányzó jobb oldali és perzisztáló bal oldali vena cava superior esete: echokardiográfiás diagnózis.

A 49-year-old man underwent transthoracic echocardiography for atypical chest pain. A dilated coronary sinus was found and venous contrast echocardiography raised the suspicion of absent right and persistent left superior vena cava. Transesophageal echocardiography showed no presence of right superior vena cava. The echocardiographic findings were confirmed by upper venous digital subtraction cavography.

Diagnostic role of secretin-enhanced MRCP in patients with unsuccessful ERCP.

AIM: To evaluate the value of MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in patients in whom endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was unsuccessfully performed by experts in a tertiary center. METHODS: From January 2000 to June 2003, 22 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The indications for ERCP were obstructive jaundice (n = 9), abnormal liver enzymes (n = 8), suspected chronic pancreatitis (n = 2), recurrent acute pancreatitis (n = 2), or suspected pancreatic cancer (n = 1). The reasons for the ERCP failure were the postsurgical anatomy (n = 7), duodenal stenosis (n = 3), duodenal diverticulum (n = 2), and technical failure (n = 10). MRCP images were evaluated before and 5 and 10 min after i.v. administration of 0.5 IU/kg secretin. RESULTS: The MRCP images were diagnosed in all 21 patients. Five patients gave normal MR findings and required no further intervention. MRCP revealed abnormalities (primary sclerosing cholangitis, chronic pancreatitis, cholangitis, cholecystolithiasis or common bile duct dilation) in 10 patients, who were followed up clinically. Four patients subsequently underwent laparotomy (hepaticojejunostomy in consequence of common bile duct stenosis caused by unresectable pancreatic cancer; hepaticotomy+Kehr drainage because of insufficient biliary-enteric anastomosis; choledochojejunostomy, gastrojejunostomy and cysto-Wirsungo gastrostomy because of chronic pancreatitis, or choledochojejunostomy because of common bile duct stenosis caused by chronic pancreatitis). Three patients participated in therapeutic percutaneous transhepatic drainage. The indications were choledocholithiasis with choledochojejunostomy, insufficient biliary-enteric anastomosis, or cholangiocarcinoma. CONCLUSION: MRCP can assist the diagnosis and management of patients in whom ERCP is not possible.

Sonographic follow-up after visceral artery stenting.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the sonographic features of stents and the flow parameters of the visceral arteries after stent implantation. METHODS: Since 1996, 34 stenoses of the visceral arteries (2 mesenteric, 4 celiac trunk, and 28 renal arteries) in 28 patients have been treated with metallic stent implantation in the Department of Radiology of Szeged Medical University. All these patients were regularly followed sonographically. For the diagnosis of restenosis, previously published criteria were used. RESULTS: All the mesenteric and celiac stents could be visualized, but none of the renal stents were clearly seen sonographically. The flow parameters could be established in all cases. Sonographic examination revealed 1 occlusion, 2 restenoses, and 1 stent displacement. All these abnormalities were confirmed by other imaging modalities. CONCLUSIONS: Sonography is a useful tool in the follow-up of patients after visceral artery stenting. Despite the fact that none of the renal artery stents were visualized directly, the flow parameters could be evaluated, and the pathologic changes were found.

[Diagnostic value of secretin-enhanced magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (S-MRCP) after unsuccessful endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)]. / A szekretinnel érzékenyített mágneses rezonanciás cholangiopancreatographia (S-MRCP) diagnosztikus értéke sikertelen endoszkópos retrográd cholangiopancreatographia (ERCP) esetén.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: To evaluate the value of S-MRCP in patients in whom ERCP performed by experts in a tertiary center were unsuccessful. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 2000 to June 2003, 22 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The indications for ERCP were obstructive jaundice (n = 9), abnormal liver enzymes (n = 8), suspected chronic pancreatitis (n = 2), recurrent pancreatitis (n = 2) or suspected pancreatic cancer (n = 1). The reasons for the ERCP failure were postsurgical anatomy (n = 7), duodenum stenosis (n = 3), duodenal diverticulum (n = 2), or technical failure (n = 10). MRCP images were evaluated before and 5 and 10 min after the i.v. administration of 0.5 IU/kg secretin. RESULTS: The MRCP images were diagnostic in all but 1 patient. Five patients gave normal MR fadings and required no further intervention. S-MRCP detected abnormalities (primary sclerosing cholangitis, chronic pancreatitis, cholangitis, cholecystolithiasis or common bile duct dilatation) in 10 patients, who were followed up clinically. Four patients subsequently underwent laparotomy (hepatico-jejunostomy owing to common bile duct stenosis caused by unresectable pancreatic cancer; hepaticotomy + Kehr drainage because of narrow biliary-enteric anastomosis; choledocho-jejunostomy, gastro-jejunostomy and Wirsungo-gastrostomy in consequence of chronic pancreatitis or choledocho-jejunostomy because of common bile duct stenosis caused by chronic pancreatitis). Three patients participated in therapeutic percutaneous transhepatic drainage; the indications were choledocholithiasis in one patient choledocho-jejunostomy anastomosis, narrow biliary-enteric anastomosis, or cholangiocarcinoma. CONCLUSION: S-MRCP is the method of choice in cases where ERCP is not possible.

Bronchioloalveolar lung cancer: occurrence, surgical treatment and survival.

OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of pulmonary adenocarcinoma has risen worldwide. Bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (BAC) was studied with regard to whether it exhibits a similar tendency, and its typical features were analysed. METHODS: Between 1992 and 2001, 278 lung resections were carried out for adenocarcinoma. Of these, 67 (24.1%) proved to involve BAC. Whereas BAC accounted for 6.9% of the cases in 1992, in 2001 the proportion was 46.9%. There were 37 men (55.2%) and 30 women (44.7%); the average age was 60.5 years. 58.2% of them had no complaints. Of the 26 non-smokers, 69.2% were women; of the 41 smokers, 29.2% were women. In consequence of the tumour, 49 lobectomies, three bilobectomies, six pneumonectomies and nine wedge resections were performed. RESULTS: The surgical mortality was 1.6%. The pathology revealed that 26 (38.8%) tumours were in stage I/A. In 15 cases (22.4%), tuberculosis (TB) could be revealed besides the BAC: by skin tests in four cases, by CT in three cases, by case history in four cases, and by pathology in four cases. For the overall group of 67 patients, the 5-year survival rate was 61.9%, and the mean survival time was 75.7 months. The 5-year survival rate among the women (74%) was significantly better than that among the men (37%) (P=0.030). There was no significant difference in survival with regard to the multiple BAC (85%). The 5-year survival rate was significantly worse in the mixed BAC group (20%) than in the non-mucinous (62.7%) and in mucinous (59%) group. The overall 5-year survival rate among the smokers and TB patients was 61 and 79%, respectively, which is higher than that among the non-smokers (47%) and non-TB patients (56%). The survival rate for the wedge resection cases was 37%, which was lower than that for the cases involving major resections (60%) (P=0.939). CONCLUSION: BAC has a favourable survival, particularly in women. In spite of this, resection smaller than lobectomy is recommended only as a compromise. A multiple appearance does not imply a worse survival. The best survival rate was found in the non-mucinous BAC among the histological groups. TB seems to be frequent among BAC patients.

Liver abscess caused by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia: report of a case.

We report the case of a melioidosis-like abscess of the liver caused by Stenotrophomonas (Xanthomonas) maltophilia infection in a Chinese man living in Hungary. Although this appears to be the first documentation of a liver abscess of this origin in a nonimmunocompromised patient, our case report demonstrates that this common facultative pathogen can also cause liver abscess and sepsis. After repeated negative blood cultures, histological examinations of liver biopsies suggested the possibility of chronic melioidosis, but the microbiological examination performed directly on the same specimen identified a Stenotrophomonas maltophilia infection. Surgical drainage was performed and sulphamethoxazole/trimethoprim therapy was commenced, after which the patient recovered fully. The facultative pathogen S. maltophilia, which most often causes nosocomial infections, may cause severe sepsis and liver abscess. We wish to draw attention to the fact that the antibiotic sensitivity of S. maltophilia is not necessarily the same in vivo and in vitro. This can create difficulties in both diagnosis and treatment.