Early detection of COVID-19 cholangiopathy using cholangioscopy-a case report of two critically ill patients.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis caused by the severe respiratory distress syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) rapidly led to a pandemic. While the majority of SARS-CoV-2-infected patients present with fever and respiratory symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms may also occur. In addition, serious hepatic manifestations like cholangiopathy and liver failure have been described. Patients and methods: We identified two critically ill patients suffering from SARS-CoV­2 infection in our intensive care unit (ICU). In both patients, laboratory testing revealed elevated liver chemistries weeks after initial diagnosis with COVID-19. Results: During repeated endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with cholangioscopy, a severely destructed biliary mucosa with ischemia and epithelial roughness was seen in both patients. Due to the prolonged course of COVID-19 and chronic liver damage with ongoing sepsis, both patients succumbed to the disease. Conclusion: In our opinion, a COVID-19 infection can lead to development of cholangiopathy in critically ill patients. Cholangioscopy performed early can confirm the diagnosis of COVID-19-associated cholangioscopy.

Decline in acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding during COVID-19 pandemic after initiation of lockdown in Austria.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 has spread rapidly around the world. The Austrian government implemented a lockdown on 16 March to contain further spread of the disease. We investigated the effects of lockdown on acute upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding in Austria. METHODS: We contacted 98 Austrian hospitals performing emergency endoscopies. The hospitals were asked to report upper GI endoscopies performed for recent hematemesis, melena, or both, and exhibiting endoscopically visible signs of bleeding. The study period was from 3 weeks before (calendar Week 9) to 3 weeks after (Week 14) initiation of the lockdown. RESULTS: 61 % of Austrian hospitals, and importantly all major state hospitals, responded. A total of 575 upper GI bleedings occurred during the 3 weeks before and 341 during the 3 weeks after initiation of lockdown (40.7 % reduction). There was a 54.6 % decline in nonvariceal bleeding events at Week 14 compared with Week 9 (89 vs. 196), whereas rates of variceal hemorrhage did not change (15 vs. 17). CONCLUSIONS: National lockdown resulted in a dramatic decrease in upper GI bleeding events in Austrian hospitals.

Treatment of Congenital Gastric Outlet Obstruction due to a Web: A Retrospective Single-center Review.

BACKGROUND: Congenital gastric antral web and congenital pyloric atresia are rare reasons of congenital gastric outlet obstruction (CGOO). Depending on the different forms, the symptoms vary from unspecific epigastric pain to nonbilious "projectile" vomiting, ileus and failure to thrive. Throughout the years, many different treatment options are described, like simple surgical dilatation, incision or excision of the membrane, possibly combined with a pyloroplasty. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this retrospective single-center observation study, we present 9 cases with different kinds of webs leading to CGOO. In a time period of 45 years (1970 to 2015) different treatment strategies and limitations of minimal invasive endoscopic treatment on the basis of complications and outcome are discussed. RESULTS: Six patients had an incomplete antrum web. One patient suffered from a complete antrum web. In addition, in 2 patients a complete pyloric web, as well as an incomplete pyloric web was found. During the past 45 years, the treatment options for CGOO due to webs changed, and with the development of smaller and more flexible video endoscopes an endoscopic treatment has become feasible. The treatment strategy and follow-up examination was specific to every patient. CONCLUSION: On the basis of our review, minimal endoscopic procedures in small newborns and toddlers require a high level of experience. They are technically challenging and need suitable equipment. Overall, endoscopists and pediatric surgeons should equally be prepared for all possible complications in every treatment step. The endoscopic approach to managing this unusual disease may require multiple interventions and is associated with a risk of perforation. Therefore, we are convinced that centers undertaking this treatment modality should be equipped with the proper instrumentation, prepared to perform multiple endoscopic interventions, and supported with an ability to emergently convert to surgery if required.

DOPS (Direct Observation of Procedural Skills) in undergraduate skills-lab: Does it work? Analysis of skills-performance and curricular side effects.

OBJECTIVE: Sufficient teaching and assessing clinical skills in the undergraduate setting becomes more and more important. In a surgical skills-lab course at the Medical University of Innsbruck fourth year students were teached with DOPS (direct observation of procedural skills). We analyzed whether DOPS worked or not in this setting, which performance levels could be reached compared to tutor teaching (one tutor, 5 students) and which curricular side effects could be observed. METHODS: In a prospective randomized trial in summer 2013 (April - June) four competence-level-based skills were teached in small groups during one week: surgical abdominal examination, urethral catheterization (phantom), rectal-digital examination (phantom), handling of central venous catheters. Group A was teached with DOPS, group B with a classical tutor system. Both groups underwent an OSCE (objective structured clinical examination) for assessment. 193 students were included in the study. Altogether 756 OSCE´s were carried out, 209 (27,6%) in the DOPS- and 547 (72,3%) in the tutor-group. RESULTS: Both groups reached high performance levels. In the first month there was a statistically significant difference (p<0,05) in performance of 95% positive OSCE items in the DOPS-group versus 88% in the tutor group. In the following months the performance rates showed no difference anymore and came to 90% in both groups. In practical skills the analysis revealed a high correspondence between positive DOPS (92,4%) and OSCE (90,8%) results. DISCUSSION: As shown by our data DOPS furnish high performance of clinical skills and work well in the undergraduate setting. Due to the high correspondence of DOPS and OSCE results DOPS should be considered as preferred assessment tool in a students skills-lab. The approximation of performance-rates within the months after initial superiority of DOPS could be explained by an interaction between DOPS and tutor system: DOPS elements seem to have improved tutoring and performance rates as well. DOPS in students 'skills-lab afford structured feedback and assessment without increased personnel and financial resources compared to classic small group training. CONCLUSION: In summary, this study shows that DOPS represent an efficient method in teaching clinical skills. Their effects on didactic culture reach beyond the positive influence of performance rates.

Enteroscopic biopsies in the management of pancreas transplants: a proof of concept study for a novel monitoring tool.

BACKGROUND: Although percutaneous biopsies are considered to be the gold standard in diagnosing pancreas graft rejection, they are not performed routinely because of their association with severe complications. On the other hand, correct diagnosis of rejection is essential but may be difficult in cases of enteric drainage, particularly in patients with a pancreas transplant alone or a pancreas after kidney transplant. METHODS: Pancreas recipients who underwent enteroscopy between May 2005 and September 2009 were included in this retrospective analysis. Biopsies were graded 0 to 4 for interstitial and vascular changes. RESULTS: During the study period a total of 65 simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplants, 13 pancreas after kidney transplants and 4 pancreas transplants alone were performed. Sixty-three patients underwent a single enteroscopy, 10 had two, and 6 had three or more. Indications were protocol graft monitoring (n=73), graft dysfunction (n=17), enteric hemorrhage (n=9), or other (n=3). The duodenal segment was accessed in 76 instances (75%) with abnormal findings in 23. A total of 69 biopsies were obtained and revealed normal mucosa in 49 cases (71%). Histology showed signs of acute rejection in 11 cases. The upper gastrointestinal tract was also assessed, and, in 13 cases, additional pathologies were identified including gastroduodenitis (n=10), gastric/duodenal ulcer (n=2), and hemorrhagic esophagitis (n=1). No procedure-related complication occurred. CONCLUSIONS: This series of enteroscopies demonstrates that the duodenal segment of a pancreatic graft is accessible using our implant technique, and thus permitting biopsies to be obtained and endoscopic interventions to be performed.

CT-MIBI-SPECT image fusion predicts multiglandular disease in hyperparathyroidism.

BACKGROUND: To perform focused or minimally invasive surgery for hyperparathyroidism (HPT) exact preoperative localization is mandatory. Computed tomography-(99m)Tc-sestamibi-single photon emission computed tomography image fusion (CT-MIBI-SPECT) serves this difficult task in single gland HPT to a large extent. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether CT-MIBI-SPECT image fusion is superior to MIBI-SPECT alone and CT alone in detecting abnormal parathyroid tissue in patients with multiglandular disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: CT-MIBI-SPECT image fusion for preoperative localization was performed in 30 patients with multiglandular disease. There were six patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (four MEN I syndromes and two double adenomas; one of these patients has HRPT2 gene mutation), 14 with secondary, and eight with tertiary HPT, further one patient each suffering from persistent primary and persistent secondary hyperparathyroidism. In both persistent patients only one remaining gland was left from primary surgery. The results of MIBI-SPECT, CT, and CT-MIBI-SPECT image fusion were compared in these patients. The outcome and the exact predicted positions were correlated with intraoperative findings. RESULTS: In five out of six patients with multiglandular primary hyperparathyroidism more than one gland was detected, thus multiglandular disease could be suspected preoperatively. Overall CT-MIBI-SPECT image fusion was able to predict the exact position of all abnormal glands per patient in 14 of 30 (46.7%) cases, whereas CT alone was successful in 11 (36.7%), and MIBI-SPECT alone just in four (13.3%) of 30 patients. CONCLUSION: Multiglandular disease in primary hyperparathyroidism can be suspected preoperatively in a high percentage of patients. Additionally, this study shows that CT-MIBI-SPECT image fusion is superior to CT or MIBI-SPECT alone in preoperative localization of all pathologic glands in patients suffering from multiglandular disease.

Virtual neck exploration: a new method for localizing abnormal parathyroid glands.

BACKGROUND DATA: Computed tomography (CT) together with 99mTc-sestamibi single photon emission computed tomography (MIBI-SPECT) image fusion (CT-MIBI-SPECT image fusion) allows virtual exploration of the neck. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether CT-MIBI-SPECT image fusion is superior to MIBI-SPECT and CT in detecting abnormal parathyroid glands in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. METHODS: CT-MIBI-SPECT image fusion for preoperative localization was performed in 116 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT). Both investigations were performed with reproducible fixation of the patient on a vacuum mattress. At a special work station the neck was virtually explored by viewing the CT images in all 3 dimensions. The MIBI-SPECT images were superimposed on underlying CT images. Only patients with single-gland disease were evaluated (pHPT: 112, persistent pHPT: 1, recurrent pHPT: 1, persistent secondary hyperparathyroidism: 1, tertiary HPT after kidney transplantation: 1). CT-MIBI-SPECT image fusion results were compared with those obtained with CT alone and MIBI-SPECT alone. The predicted positions were correlated with the intraoperative findings. RESULTS: CT-MIBI-SPECT image fusion was able to predict the exact position of the abnormal gland in 102 (88%) of the 116 patients, whereas CT alone showed in 75 (65%) patients and MIBI-SPECT alone in 64 (55%) patients the exact position of the abnormal gland. Sixty-two patients underwent minimally invasive surgery, namely in 21 patients with a unilaterally focused approach and in 33 patients with a bilateral approach (27 of these underwent simultaneous thyroid resection). Sensitivity for CT-MIBI-SPECT image fusion was 88%, for CT alone 70%, and for MIBI-SPECT alone 59%. Specificity for CT-MIBI-SPECT image fusion was 99%, for MIBI-SPECT alone 95%, for CT alone 94%. Overall accuracy for CT-MIBI-SPECT image fusion was 97%, for CT alone 89%, for MIBI-SPECT 87%. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence that CT-MIBI-SPECT image fusion is superior to CT or MIBI-SPECT alone for preoperative localization of enlarged parathyroid glands in patients with single-gland primary hyperparathyroidism.

Virtual neck exploration in patients with hyperparathyroidism and former cervical operations.

BACKGROUND: In surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism, preoperative localization together with intraoperative parathyroid hormone assay is important when minimal invasive operations of the parathyroid glands are intended. In cases of reoperation, correct localization of the abnormal parathyroid glands is extremely instrumental. Computed tomography (CT)-(99m)Tc-sestamibi (MIBI)-single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) image fusion allows for a virtual exploration of the neck by showing the suspected gland three-dimensionally with all the anatomic landmarks in correct position. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether CT-MIBI-SPECT image fusion is superior to MIBI-SPECT alone in detecting abnormal parathyroid glands in patients with previous neck surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a prospective study, CT-MIBI-SPECT image fusion for preoperative localization was performed in 28 patients with hyperparathyroidism and previous neck surgery. Twenty-one patients had thyroidectomy and seven patients had surgery for hyperparathyroidism. The results of MIBI-SPECT alone and CT-MIBI-SPECT image fusion were compared in these patients. The outcome and the exact predicted position, not just the predicted side, were correlated with intraoperative findings. RESULTS: CT-MIBI-SPECT image fusion was able to predict the exact position of the abnormal gland in 24 of 28 patients (86%), whereas MIBI-SPECT alone was successful in 12 of 28 cases (43%, p < 0.004) only. CT-MIBI-SPECT image fusion detected all three pathologic glands in their ectopic position. With MIBI-SPECT alone, just one ectopic pathologic gland was found. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence that CT-MIBI-SPECT image fusion is superior to MIBI-SPECT alone in preoperative localization of enlarged parathyroid glands in patients with hyperparathyroidism and previous neck surgery. This should be kept in mind if the results are compared to earlier studies concerning CT-MIBI-SPECT image fusion.

Accuracy of preoperative pinhole subtraction single photon emission computed tomography for patients with primary and recurrent hyperparathyroidism in an endemic goiter area.

PURPOSE: Bilateral parathyroid exploration is still the standard therapeutic procedure for primary and recurrent hyperparathyroidism (HPTH). Since a unilateral surgical strategy that reduces surgical complications should not increase the risk of missing enlarged parathyroid glands, reliable preoperative imaging is the first requirement for this approach. This study was conducted to assess the accuracy of preoperative (99m)TcO(4)-(201)T1 pinhole subtraction single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) compared with sonography. METHODS: The study population consisted of 15 patients with primary (n = 13) or recurrent (n = 2) HPTH who underwent preoperative (99m)TcO(4)-(201)T1 pinhole subtraction SPECT. Preoperative sonography was also done in 14 of these patients. RESULTS: (99m)TcO(4)-(201)T1 pinhole subtraction SPECT was significantly more accurate than sonography. It had an overall accuracy of 80% in detection of enlarged parathyroid glands. The accuracy of localization increased to 92.3% in patients with solitary adenomas, and to 100% in those with solitary adenomas and no previous parathyroid exploration. CONCLUSIONS: The high accuracy of preoperative localization with (99m)TcO(4)-(201)T1 pinhole subtraction SPECT in patients with primary and recurrent HPTH allows for an imaging-guided unilateral operative strategy in most patients, even those with concomitant nodular goiters. This may reduce the risk of surgical complications and expand the use of minimally invasive techniques in parathyroid surgery.

Neuroendocrine tumors and second primary malignancy--a relationship with clinical impact?

BACKGROUND: Neuroendocrine tumors (NET) are frequently associated with synchronous or metachronous secondary primary malignancies (SPM). The aim of this study was to report on 14 patients with NET and SPM from a series of 96 patients with NET. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fourteen patients with NET and synchronous or metachronous SPM were reviewed for primary site and characteristics of NET and associated SPMs as well as the outcome of these combined malignancies. RESULTS: From 1987 to 2002, 14 (14.6%) out of 96 patients with NET were identified with SPM. The median age of the patients at diagnosis of NET was 69 years (range: 56-86 yrs). There were nine female and five male patients. The localization of NET was: four in appendix, three ileum, two duodenum, one stomach, one jejunum, one pancreatic tail, one rectum and one lung. Five patients had synchronous SPM (two colon cancers with one double colon cancer, one gastric cancer, one bladder cancer, one ovarian cancer) and nine metachronous SPM (two basal cell carcinomas, one colon cancer, two breast cancer, one gastric MALT-lymphoma, one ductal pancreatic adenocarcinoma, one bladder cancer, one hepatocellular carcinoma), three months to five years after diagnosis of NET. Five patients died of metastatic tumor (three SPM: 1, 7, 10 yrs; two NET: 1, 9 yrs), two patients died of other causes (1, 7 yrs), three patients are alive with metastatic tumor (two NET: 5, 6 yrs; one SPM: 10 yrs) while four patients are tumor-free (6 ms, 2, 9, 10 yrs). CONCLUSION: NET is associated to a high degree with gastrointestinal and genitourinary SPM. In 5/14 (36%) patients SPM was diagnosed synchronously, while in 8/14 (57%) patients SPM was diagnosed metachronously. In 8/14 patients (57%) primary symptoms were caused by SPM. As a consequence, every NET should be regarded as an index tumor and risk-adapted follow-up with thorough investigation, mainly of the GI and genitourinary tracts, is to be recommended.

Computed axial tomography-MIBI image fusion for preoperative localization in primary hyperparathyroidism.

BACKGROUND: An imaging-guided unilateral surgical approach in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (HPTH) requires reliable preoperative localization procedures. Using present imaging techniques, 60% to 80% of patients with primary HPTH can be treated successfully with limited surgery. Thus, further improvement of diagnostic accuracy is required. Computed axial tomography (CAT)-MIBI image fusion was introduced as a new technique for localizing enlarged parathyroid glands. We describe the new method and present its first results. METHODS: Six consecutive patients with primary HPTH underwent CAT-MIBI image fusion for preoperative parathyroid localization. CAT and technetium-99m-sestamibi scan were performed separately. The patient's head and neck were fixed with the noninvasive Vogele-Bale-Hohner Head Holder (VBH HeadFIX; Medical Intelligence, Schwabmünchen, Germany) and the BodyFIX (Medical Intelligence) vacuum cushion. Radiographic and scintigraphic markers were mounted at the head holder and the patient. CAT and MIBI images were fused by overlaying radiographic markers using a commercial software and workstation. RESULTS: In 5 patients, localization and dimension of the solitary adenomas were exactly predicted. In 1 patient with multiglandular disease (3 enlarged glands), CAT-MIBI image fusion was not able to predict multiple gland involvement. However, in a retrospective analysis of the localization study, the other two enlarged parathyroid glands could be correctly identified regarding their site and size. CONCLUSIONS: First results of CAT-MIBI image fusion are promising. The new technique provides a higher image resolution and better delimitation of enlarged parathyroid glands and adjacent anatomic structures than conventional scintigraphic methods.

CT-MIBI image fusion: a new preoperative localization technique for primary, recurrent, and persistent hyperparathyroidism.

BACKGROUND: Successful minimally invasive or imaging-guided operations in patients with primary, recurrent, and persistent hyperparathyroidism are based on the reliability of preoperative parathyroid localization studies. The CT-MIBI image fusion promises a higher diagnostic accuracy than current imaging procedures. The aim of our study was to assess its reliability in correctly detecting enlarged parathyroid glands. METHODS: In a prospective study 24 consecutive patients underwent CT-MIBI image fusion as preoperative parathyroid localization procedure. The results of technetium 99m sestamibi single photon emission computed tomography (MIBI-SPECT) alone, today the standard method in parathyroid imaging, and CT-MIBI image fusion were analyzed by a blinded reviewer, and the imaging results were compared with the intraoperative findings. RESULTS: For CT-MIBI image fusion a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 100% in correctly detecting the position of enlarged parathyroid glands was calculated and compared with a sensitivity of MIBI-SPECT of 31% and a specificity of 87% (P<.001). This new imaging technique enabled us to successfully treat 22 of our patients (92%) with imaging-guided surgery. Twenty (83%) underwent unilateral or minimally invasive operations. CONCLUSIONS: CT-MIBI image fusion appears to be superior to MIBI-SPECT in preoperative parathyroid imaging. CT-MIBI image fusion can be performed on existing CT- and MIBI-SPECT units. We recommend this method for preoperative localization in patients with primary, recurrent and persistent hyperparathyroidism.

Selection of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease for antireflux surgery based on esophageal manometry.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is caused by a mechanically defective lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and may be worsened by impaired esophageal peristalsis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of medical treatment depending on the function of the LES and esophageal peristalsis. We studied 128 GERD patients with mild esophagitis. Group 1 (N = 26) consisted of patients with a normal LES and normal esophageal peristalsis. Group 2 (N = 63) comprised patients with a defective LES but normal peristalsis. Patients of group 3 (N = 39) had a defective LES as well as impaired esophageal peristalsis. The patients were continuously treated with omeprazole. Clinical evaluation and endoscopy were repeated after 3, 6, and 12 months. Recurrence of GERD was diagnosed if there was relapse of heartburn and/or esophagitis. The recurrence rate was 7.7% in group 1, 38.1% in group 2 (P < 0.05) and 79.5% in group 3 (P < 0.05). In conclusion, in GERD patients with a mechanically defective LES, especially in those with deteriorated esophageal peristalsis, antireflux surgery should be considered since medical therapy reveals a high recurrence rate.

Retrospective evaluation of carcinoid tumors of the appendix in children.

Carcinoids of the appendix are rare in children and are usually diagnosed incidentally on histologic investigation following appendectomy for appendicitis. To investigate the significance of the diagnosis of appendiceal carcinoid in children, we conducted a retrospective study of the treatment and follow-up of 36 children with histologically confirmed carcinoid tumors of the appendix. Between 1970 and 2000 a total of 36 patients (25 girls, 11 boys) were diagnosed with appendiceal carcinoid. The median age of the patients at diagnosis was 12.3 years (range 6-16 years). The indication for appendectomy was acute lower right quadrant pain in 27 cases and chronic right lower quadrant pain in 9 patients. In 27 specimens the tumor was localized at the apex, in 7 at the midportion, and in 2 at the base of the appendix. The median tumor diameter was 6 mm (range 3-17 mm). Concomitant severe appendicitis was diagnosed in 14 patients 2 with a perforated appendicitis. In only one tumor were mucin-producing cells detectable. After a median follow-up of 10 years (range 2 months to 30 years) all patients were tumor-free. None of the patients had a synchronous or metachronous noncarcinoid malignant tumor. Appendiceal carcinoids are usually asymptomatic, and the indication for surgical intervention is acute or chronic abdominal pains in the right lower quadrant. For most patients the prognosis is excellent after appendectomy. As in adults, appendectomy is the appropriate treatment.