Bilateral bartholin's gland abscesses in a 4-year-old girl with vitamin a deficiency: a case report.

BACKGROUND: A Bartholin's gland abscess is one of the most common infections in women of reproductive age. Although Bartholin's gland abscesses have been reported in prepubertal children, they are rarer in prepubertal children than in adults. Herein, we report a case of bilateral Bartholin's gland abscesses in a 4-year-old girl with vitamin A deficiency. CASE PRESENTATION: A 4-year-old girl diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder was admitted to the hospital for close examination and treatment because of persistent fever and malaise. The child was a marked fussy eater and was diagnosed with corneal ulceration and night blindness secondary to vitamin A deficiency. Both of the patient's labia were swollen, and a diagnosis of a bilateral Bartholin's gland abscess was made using computed tomography. Incisional drainage was performed under general anesthesia. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful, and she was discharged from the hospital on day 8 after the surgery. During hospitalization, attempts were made to correct the vitamin deficiency by adding nutritional supplements to the diet. Three months after the surgery, no recurrence of abscesses was noted. CONCLUSIONS: Decreased immunocompetence and mucosal barrier function due to vitamin A deficiency is thought to be the underlying cause of Bartholin's gland abscesses. Although prepubertal Bartholin's gland abscesses have been reported, they are rare. To the best of our knowledge, no reports of bilateral Bartholin's gland abscesses potentially caused by vitamin A deficiency have been reported. When prepubertal girls present with Bartholin's gland abscesses, the presence of immunodeficiency due to vitamin or trace element deficiency should also be considered.

Efficacy of surgical treatment of perianal infection in patients with hematological malignancy.

The efficacy of surgical intervention for perianal infection in patients with hematologic malignancies is not well established. Therefore, our study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy and complications of surgical treatment of perianal infection in patients with hematologic malignancies. This retrospective study included patients with hematological malignancies who were diagnosed with perianal infections and treated at the China Aerospace Science & Industry Corporation 731 Hospital between 2018 and 2022. Patient characteristics, hematological data, surgical intervention, and complications, including recurrence and mortality, were analyzed. This study included 156 patients with leukemia aged 2 months to 71 years who were treated surgically for perianal infection, comprising 94 males and 62 females. Perianal infection included 36 cases of abscesses, 91 anal fistulas, and 29 anal fissures accompanied by infection. A total of 36 patients developed severe complications postoperatively, including 4 patients who died, 6 patients with severe incision bleeding, 18 patients with severe pain, 6 patients with sepsis, 12 patients who needed reoperation, 15 patients with hospitalization for more than 2 weeks, and 3 patients with anal stenosis; none of the patients developed anal incontinence. Additionally, risk factors for postoperative complications of perianal infection in patients with hematologic malignancies include leukopenia, agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, depth of abscess and not undergone an MRI. Surgical intervention may improve the prognosis of patients with perianal abscess formation, particularly in patients who show no improvement with medical therapy and those who develop perianal sepsis. Granulocytopenia and thrombocytopenia should be improved before surgery, which can significantly reduce postoperative complications. Although these findings are from a case series without a comparator, they may be of value to physicians because to the best of our knowledge, no randomized or prospective studies have been conducted on the management of perianal infections in patients with hematological malignancies.

Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Debridement and Drainage for Pancreatic Abscess.

In patients with severe necrotizing pancreatitis, pancreatic necrosis and secondary infection of surrounding tissues can quickly spread to the whole retroperitoneal space. Treatment of pancreatic abscess complicating necrotizing pancreatitis is difficult and has a high mortality rate. The well-accepted treatment strategy is early debridement of necrotic tissues, drainage, and postoperative continuous retroperitoneal lavage. However, traditional open surgery has several disadvantages, such as severe trauma, interference with abdominal organs, a high rate of postoperative infection and adhesion, and hardness with repeated debridement. The retroperitoneal laparoscopic approach has the advantages of minimal invasion, a better drainage route, convenient repeated debridement, and avoidance of the spread of retroperitoneal infection to the abdominal cavity. In addition, retroperitoneal drainage leads to fewer drainage tube problems, including miscounting, displacement, or siphon. The debridement and drainage of pancreatic abscess tissue via the retroperitoneal laparoscopic approach plays an increasingly irreplaceable role in improving patient prognosis and saving healthcare resources and costs. The main procedures described here include laying the patient on the right side, raising the lumbar bridge and then arranging the trocar; establishing the pneumoperitoneum and cleaning the pararenal fat tissues; opening the lateral pyramidal fascia and the perirenal fascia outside the peritoneal reflections; opening the anterior renal fascia and entering the anterior pararenal space from the rear; clearing the necrotic tissue and accumulating fluid; and placing drainage tubes and performing postoperative continuous retroperitoneal lavage.

Feasibility and Satisfaction With the Word Catheter in Treatment of Bartholin's Cyst and Abscess.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The Word catheter is a silicone device with a balloon system that may be inserted into a Bartholin's cyst or abscess in order to provide drainage and epithelization. The aim of this study was to evaluate the Word catheter as a therapy for Bartholin's cyst and abscess. Both patient and physician satisfaction, as well as the feasibility in an outpatient setting, were examined. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 51 women with a Bartholin's cyst or abscess were given the option of Word catheter insertion in an outpatient setting between August 2013 and March 2018. Both the patients and the consulting physicians were asked to complete two questionnaires, before, during and after treatment, with a view to evaluating the overall pain level, any discomfort symptoms and sexual activity, as well as satisfaction levels. RESULTS: The insertion procedure seemed to constitute a short yet quite painful procedure. In most cases, the consulting physicians and the patients were content with the results. Nevertheless, dislodgement of the catheter or abscess recurrence were common. The removal of the Word catheter seemed to be short, painless, and uncomplicated. Most patients experienced pain and discomfort after catheter placement over the first days, with the symptoms fading over time. Sexual intercourse appeared to be negatively influenced. CONCLUSION: The Word catheter was frequently well tolerated for the treatment of Bartholin's cysts and abscesses, with few non-serious side-effects, however, it did interfere with sexual health. Nonetheless, it may not be possible to make general recommendations based on this exploratory study.

Management of embolic splenic abscess secondary to aortic valve endocarditis - case report and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Splenic abscess is a serious complication associated with infective endocarditis. There is still contradicting evidence regarding the optimal treatment pathway including timing of valve intervention and the approach for managing splenic foci. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of a hybrid staged approach in which we successfully performed a laparoscopic splenectomy following percutaneous abscess drainage and a delayed aortic valve replacement. CONCLUSIONS: A multidisciplinary teamwork is fundamental in providing optimal care for patients with distant complications associated with infective endocarditis. Our hybrid approach seems safe and feasible.

Massive continuous irrigation (MCI) and endoscopic debridement as an alternative treatment strategy for refractory abscess-fistula complexes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of massive continuous irrigation (MCI) and endoscopic debridement for the treatment of refractory abscess-fistula complexes. METHODS: This was a retrospective single-center observational study involving 12 patients with refractory abscess-fistula complexes. All patients had experienced long-term treatment failure or had failed multiple treatment modalities. We used over two catheters and inserted them via the gastrointestinal (GI) tract or percutaneously to form a circulation pathway to achieve MCI of normal saline, endoscopic debridement was then performed. The treatment success rate, irrigation volume and treatment duration, time to abscess-fistula complex closure, intra-treatment complications, and recurrence rate were recorded. RESULTS: The treatment success rates were 100%. The median time of previous treatment was 32 days (range 7-912 days). The mean time from the use of the novel treatment strategy to abscess-fistula complex healing was 18.8 ± 11.0 days. The mean volume of irrigation was 10 804 ± 1669 mL/24 h. The mean irrigation time was 16.5 ± 9.2 days, and a median of two irrigation tubes (range 2-5) were used. No complications occurred either during or after the procedure. During the follow-up of 23.1 ± 18.1 months, no recurrence or adverse events were noted. CONCLUSIONS: MCI and endoscopic debridement may be a feasible, safe, and effective alternative treatment for refractory abscess-fistula complexes. Large prospective studies are needed to validate our results.

[Descending Necrotizing Mediastinitis with Subclavian Vein Injury due to Cervical Re-debridement: Report of a Case].

A 58-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with fever and neck swelling after dental treatment. He was diagnosed with a cervical abscess and underwent cervical abscess drainage, but 1 week later he developed descending necrotizing mediastinitis and was referred to our department. He underwent mediastinal and pleural drainage, but neck abscess was recured, Re-debridment of the neck abscess resulted in bleeding from right subclavian vein. The bleeding was successfully stopped with TacoSeal after L-shaped sternotomyand dissection of sternocleidomostoid muscle.

Analysis of risk factors leading to multiple breast abscesses during lactation.

We investigated 1805 cases of breast abscesses during lactation to estimate the risk factors for multiple breast abscesses during lactation. A total of 2000 cases of breast abscesses during lactation were investigated using an online questionnaire, and 1805 cases with complete data were analyzed. The survey response rate was 90%. According to the number of abscesses, the patients were divided into 2 groups: single breast abscess (number = 1298) and multiple breast abscess (number = 507). Pearson chi-square test was used to compare the 15 risk factors between the 2 groups. Risk factors with significant differences were substituted into a binary logistic regression model to analyze the independent risk factors associated with multiple breast abscesses during lactation. There were significant differences between the 2 groups in (1) weeks postpartum, (2) separated from the baby, (3) breastfeeding exclusivity, (4) nipple inversion, (5) fever, (6) breast redness/swelling, (7) nipple pain, (8) breast massage by nonmedical staff, with (1), (5), (6), and (8) being independent risk factors. Patients under 6 weeks postpartum, separated from the baby, not exclusively breastfeeding, having an inverted nipple on the affected side, fever, breast skin redness and swelling on the affected side, nipple pain, and having undergone a breast massage by nonmedical staff are more likely to develop multiple breast abscesses.

Sentinel ear bleed as a presenting sign for carotid artery blowout due to aspergillus abscess in parapharyngeal space in an immunocompetent infant.

Parapharyngeal abscesses leading to complications, although rare after the advent of antibiotics, can lead to serious complications. One such complication is carotid erosion that can lead to a potentially fatal carotid artery blowout. We report a case of a previously healthy infant who presented with fever, ear bleed and progressively increasing swelling in the right side of his neck that led to airway compromise. The child required immediate securing of the airway at presentation. Imaging revealed lobulated abscess with multiple bleeding points eroding the carotid vessels, along with internal jugular venous thrombus. Surgical exploration was done and abscess debulked. Histopathology revealed aspergillus, which was treated with antifungals. He was discharged on oral warfarin after 40 days of hospital stay and remains well on follow-up. Sentinel ear bleed warrants close observation for possibility of carotid artery blowout in children with parapharyngeal abscesses.

Efficacy of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid after surgical drainage of perianal abscess in the prevention of the development of anal fistula (PERIQxA study): study protocol for a multicenter randomized, double-blind clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Anorectal fistula, which is a relatively common pathology, is the chronic manifestation of the acute perirectal process that forms an anal abscess. The development of a fistula after incision and drainage of an anal abscess is seen in approximately 26-37%. Its treatment is a relevant topic, and the role of the use of antibiotic therapy in its prevention remains controversial, after the publication of several studies with contradictory results and several methodological limitations. Our hypothesis is that the combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid will reduce the incidence of anal fistula. METHOD: The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of antibiotherapy after surgical drainage of perianal abscess in the development of perianal fistula. The PERIQxA study is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind controlled trial. The study has been designed to include 286 adult patients who will be randomly (1:1) assigned to either the experimental (amoxicillin/clavulanic acid 875/125 mg TDS for 7 days) or the control arm (placebo). The primary outcome measure is the percentage of patients that develop perianal fistula after surgery and during follow-up (6 months). DISCUSSION: This clinical trial is designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of amoxicillin/clavulanic in the prevention of perianal fistula. The results of this study are expected to contribute to stablish the potential role of antibiotherapy in the therapeutics for anal abscess. TRIAL REGISTRATION: EudraCT Number: 2021-003376-14. Registered on November 26, 2021.

Rare complications of infective endocarditis in marfan-like morphotype: diagnosis of multiple mitral valve aneurysms and aortic root abscess using three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography.

Mitral valve aneurysm (MVA) is characterized by a saccular outpouching of the mitral leaflet, and it represents a rare condition typically associated with aortic valve endocarditis. Three-Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography (3D-TEE) serves as an effective tool for detecting the presence of MVA and its potential complications. In this report, we present a case involving a young man with striking images of bicuspid aortic valve endocarditis complicated by an aortic root abscess and multiple perforated mitral valve aneurysms, diagnosed using 3D TEE. This case suggests the uncommon coexistence of Marfan like morphotype, bicuspid aortic valve, and infective endocarditis as a triple mechanism in the occurrence of MVA. It underscores the significance of early and accurate imaging diagnosis for facilitating prompt surgical intervention.

Diagnosis and management of complications following pelvic organ prolapse surgery using a synthetic mesh: French national guidelines for clinical practice.

Complications associated with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery using a synthetic non-absorbable mesh are uncommon (<5%) but may be severe and may hugely diminish the quality of life of some women. In drawing up these multidisciplinary clinical practice recommendations, the French National Authority for Health (Haute Autorité de santé, HAS) conducted an exhaustive review of the literature concerning the diagnosis, prevention, and management of complications associated with POP surgery using a synthetic mesh. Each recommendation for practice was allocated a grade (A,B or C; or expert opinion (EO)), which depends on the level of evidence (clinical practice guidelines). PREOPERATIVE PATIENTS' INFORMATION: Each patient must be informed concerning the risks associated with POP surgery (EO). HEMORRHAGE, HEMATOMA: Vaginal infiltration using a vasoconstrictive solution is not recommended during POP surgery by the vaginal route (grade C). The placement of vaginal packing is not recommended following POP surgery by the vaginal route (grade C). During laparoscopic sacral colpopexy, when the promontory seems highly dangerous or when severe adhesions prevent access to the anterior vertebral ligament, alternative surgical techniques should be discussed per operatively, including colpopexy by lateral mesh laparoscopic suspension, uterosacral ligament suspension, open abdominal mesh surgery, or surgery by the vaginal route (EO). BLADDER INJURY: When a bladder injury is diagnosed, bladder repair by suturing is recommended, using a slow resorption suture thread, plus monitoring of the permeability of the ureters (before and after bladder repair) when the injury is located at the level of the trigone (EO). When a bladder injury is diagnosed, after bladder repair, a prosthetic mesh (polypropylene or polyester material) can be placed between the repaired bladder and the vagina, if the quality of the suturing is good. The recommended duration of bladder catheterization following bladder repair in this context of POP mesh surgery is from 5 to 10 days (EO). URETER INJURY: After ureteral repair, it is possible to continue sacral colpopexy and place the mesh if it is located away from the ureteral repair (EO). RECTAL INJURY: Regardless of the approach, when a rectal injury occurs, a posterior mesh should not be placed between the rectum and the vagina wall (EO). Concerning the anterior mesh, it is recommended to use a macroporous monofilament polypropylene mesh (EO). A polyester mesh is not recommended in this situation (EO). VAGINAL WALL INJURY: After vaginal wall repair, an anterior or a posterior microporous polypropylene mesh can be placed, if the quality of the repair is found to be satisfactory (EO). A polyester mesh should not be used after vaginal wall repair (EO). MESH INFECTION (ABSCESS, CELLULITIS, SPONDYLODISCITIS): Regardless of the surgical approach, intravenous antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended (aminopenicillin + beta-lactamase inhibitor: 30 min before skin incision +/- repeated after 2 h if surgery lasts longer) (EO). When spondylodiscitis is diagnosed following sacral colpopexy, treatment should be discussed by a multidisciplinary group, including especially spine specialists (rheumatologists, orthopedists, neurosurgeons) and infectious disease specialists (EO). When a pelvic abscess occurs following synthetic mesh sacral colpopexy, it is recommended to carry out complete mesh removal as soon as possible, combined with collection of intraoperative bacteriological samples, drainage of the collection and targeted antibiotic therapy (EO). Non-surgical conservative management with antibiotic therapy may be an option (EO) in certain conditions (absence of signs of sepsis, macroporous monofilament polypropylene type 1 mesh, prior microbiological documentation and multidisciplinary consultation for the choice of type and duration of antibiotic therapy), associated with close monitoring of the patient. BOWEL OCCLUSION RELATED TO NON-CLOSURE OF THE PERITONEUM: Peritoneal closure is recommended after placement of a synthetic mesh by the abdominal approach (EO). URINARY RETENTION: Preoperative urodynamics is recommended in women presenting with urinary symptoms (bladder outlet obstruction symptoms, overactive bladder syndrome or incontinence) (EO). It is recommended to remove the bladder catheter at the end of the procedure or within 48 h after POP surgery (grade B). Bladder emptying and post-void residual should be checked following POP surgery, before discharge (EO). When postoperative urine retention occurs after POP surgery, it is recommended to carry out indwelling catheterization and to prefer intermittent self-catheterization (EO). POSTOPERATIVE PAIN: Before POP surgery, the patient should be asked about risk factors for prolonged and chronic postoperative pain (pain sensitization, allodynia, chronic pelvic or non-pelvic pain) (EO). Concerning the prevention of postoperative pain, it is recommended to carry out a pre-, per- and postoperative multimodal pain treatment (grade B). The use of ketamine intraoperatively is recommended for the prevention of chronic postoperative pelvic pain, especially for patients with risk factors (preoperative painful sensitization, allodynia, chronic pelvic or non-pelvic pain) (EO). Postoperative prescription of opioids should be limited in quantity and duration (grade C). When acute neuropathic pain (sciatalgia or pudendal neuralgia) resistant to level I and II analgesics occurs following sacrospinous fixation, a reintervention is recommended for suspension suture removal (EO). When chronic postoperative pain occurs after POP surgery, it is recommended to systematically seek arguments in favor of neuropathic pain with the DN4 questionnaire (EO). When chronic postoperative pelvic pain occurs after POP surgery, central sensitization should be identified since it requires a consultation in a chronic pain department (EO). Concerning myofascial pain syndrome (clinical pain condition associated with increased muscle tension caused by myofascial trigger points), when chronic postoperative pain occurs after POP surgery, it is recommended to examine the levator ani, piriformis and obturator internus muscles, so as to identify trigger points on the pathway of the synthetic mesh (EO). Pelvic floor muscle training with muscle relaxation is recommended when myofascial pain syndrome is associated with chronic postoperative pain following POP surgery (EO). After failure of pelvic floor muscle training (3 months), it is recommended to discuss surgical removal of the synthetic mesh, during a multidisciplinary discussion group meeting (EO). Partial removal of synthetic mesh is indicated when a trigger point is located on the pathway of the mesh (EO). Total removal of synthetic mesh should be discussed during a multidisciplinary discussion group meeting when diffuse (no trigger point) chronic postoperative pain occurs following POP surgery, with or without central sensitization or neuropathic pain syndromes (EO). POSTOPERATIVE DYSPAREUNIA: When de novo postoperative dyspareunia occurs after POP surgery, surgical removal of the mesh should be discussed (EO). VAGINAL MESH EXPOSURE: To reduce the risk of vaginal mesh exposure, when hysterectomy is required during sacral colpopexy, subtotal hysterectomy is recommended (grade C). When asymptomatic vaginal macroporous monofilament polypropylene mesh exposure occurs, systematic imaging is not recommended. When vaginal polyester mesh exposure occurs, pelvic +/- lumbar MRI (EO) should be used to look for an abscess or spondylodiscitis, given the greater risk of infection associated with this type of material. When asymptomatic vaginal mesh exposure of less than 1 cm2 occurs in a woman with no sexual intercourse, the patient should be offered observation (no treatment) or local estrogen therapy (EO). However, if the patient wishes, partial excision of the mesh can be offered. When asymptomatic vaginal mesh exposure of more than 1 cm2 occurs or if the woman has sexual intercourse, or if it is a polyester prosthesis, partial mesh excision, either immediately or after local estrogen therapy, should be offered (EO). When symptomatic vaginal mesh exposure occurs, but without infectious complications, surgical removal of the exposed part of the mesh by the vaginal route is recommended (EO), and not systematic complete excision of the mesh. Following sacral colpopexy, complete removal of the mesh (by laparoscopy or laparotomy) is only required in the presence of an abscess or spondylodiscitis (EO). When vaginal mesh exposure recurs after a first reoperation, the patient should be treated by an experienced team specialized in this type of complication (EO). SUTURE THREAD VAGINAL EXPOSURE: For women presenting with vaginal exposure to non-absorbable suture thread following POP surgery with mesh reinforcement, the suture thread should be removed by the vaginal route (EO). Removal of the surrounding mesh is only recommended when vaginal mesh exposure or associated abscess is diagnosed. BLADDER AND URETERAL MESH EXPOSURE: When bladder mesh exposure occurs, removal of the exposed part of the mesh is recommended (grade B). Both alternatives (total or partial mesh removal) should be discussed with the patient and should be debated during a multidisciplinary discussion group meeting (EO).

A rare case of an extra-oral plasmablastic lymphoma presenting through a scrotal abscess in a 42-year-old man.

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a rare lymphoid neoplasm frequently presenting in the oral cavity. It is an aggressive type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that shares pathological features with plasma cell myeloma. In addition to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), it is also associated with Epstein-Bar virus (EBV) and immunosuppression in HIV-negative patients, for example, post transplantation. Extra-oral PBL is rare and only a few case reports involving the testis have been described. Here we describe the first reported case of PBL presenting with a scrotal abscess (not involving the testes) in a patient newly diagnosed with HIV. This case highlights the rare presentation of a rare disease, the difficulties in establishing a diagnosis and the importance of a timely multidisciplinary approach to its management.

Complications of acute mastoiditis in a paediatric population at a UK Tertiary Centre: A retrospective review.

OBJECTIVES: Acute mastoiditis (AM) and its associated intra and extracranial complications are rare complications of acute otitis media. However, they are associated with a high morbidity. The management of AM with complications carries significant variations in approach. We aimed to evaluate the presentation of children with AM with complications to a tertiary referral centre in the United Kingdom and describe evolution of the treatment approaches. METHODS: We undertook a retrospective chart review of all children admitted with AM to the University Hospitals of Leicester between 2013 and 2022. RESULTS: Twenty-seven children were included in this study: 7 patients had sigmoid sinus thrombosis (SST), 4 had an intracranial collection, 3 had cranial nerve palsy and 16 had a subperiosteal abscess (SPA); some patients had more than 1 complication. In this study, treatment of SPA with incision and drainage (I&D) and grommet insertion was effective, as all patients treated with grommet insertion and I&D recovered well and did not require a subsequent cortical mastoidectomy. All patients with SST received anticoagulation and intravenous (IV) antibiotics; surgical input consisted of grommet insertion alone and cortical mastoidectomy was not routinely performed in these patients. CONCLUSION: In our series, management of SPA with grommet insertion and drainage had good outcomes. SST management mainly consisted of IV antibiotics, anticoagulation and grommet insertion with good recovery. The evidence to guide the management of complications of mastoiditis is of poor quality and further research is needed to clarify the optimal management of these complications.

Outcomes of initially nonoperative management of diverticulitis with abscess formation in immunosuppressed patients. DIPLICAB study COLLABORATIVE group.

AIM: Management of diverticulitis with abscess formation in immunosuppressed patients (IMS) remains unclear. The main objective of the study was to assess short- and long-term outcomes between IMS and immunocompetent patients (IC). The secondary aim was to identify risk factors for emergency surgery. METHODS: A nationwide retrospective cohort study was performed at 29 Spanish referral centres between 2015-2019 including consecutive patients with first episode of diverticulitis classified as modified Hinchey Ib or II. IMS included immunosuppressive therapy, biologic therapy, malignant neoplasm with active chemotherapy and chronic steroid therapy. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors to emergency surgery in IMS. RESULTS: A total of 1395 patients were included; 118 IMS and 1277 IC. There were no significant differences in emergency surgery between IMS and IC (19.5% and 13.5%, p = 0.075) but IMS was associated with higher mortality (15.1% vs. 0.6%, p < 0.001). Similar recurrent episodes were found between IMS and IC (28% vs. 28.2%, p = 0.963). Following multivariate analysis, immunosuppressive treatment, p = 0.002; OR: 3.35 (1.57-7.15), free gas bubbles, p < 0.001; OR: 2.91 (2.01-4.21), Hinchey II, p = 0.002; OR: 1.88 (1.26-2.83), use of morphine, p < 0.001; OR: 3.08 (1.98-4.80), abscess size ≥5 cm, p = 0.001; OR: 1.97 (1.33-2.93) and leucocytosis at third day, p < 0.001; OR: 1.001 (1.001-1.002) were independently associated with emergency surgery in IMS. CONCLUSION: Nonoperative management in IMS has been shown to be safe with similar treatment failure than IC. IMS presented higher mortality in emergency surgery and similar rate of recurrent diverticulitis than IC. Identifying risk factors to emergency surgery may anticipate emergency surgery.

Mediastinitis secondary to invasive infection by group A Streptococcus in Spain.

This study describes 5 mediastinitis cases secondary to invasive group A Streptococcus (iGAS) disease in a recent outbreak in Spain. Among 398 iGAS cases between January 2019-March 2023, 5 (1.3%) were mediastinitis, 4 occurring in December 2022, all secondary to pneumonia or deep neck infection. We outline the clinical outcome with a review of the scarce pediatric literature.  Conclusion: mediastinistis is a rare but severe complication of iGAS and a high level of suspicion is required to diagnose it. What is Known: • Group A Streptococcus can cause invasive and severe infections in children. • Mediastinitis is a severe complication from some bacterial infections, mainly secondary due to deep-neck abscesses. What is New: • Mediastinitis is an unrecognized complication due to an invasive group A Streptococcus (iGAS) infection. • In cases of a deep-neck abscess or complicated pneumonia a high clinical suspicion of iGAS mediastinitis is required, especially when the clinical course is not favorable.