Leg dystrophic calcification as a consequence of chronic diabetic foot infection: a case report.

Foot ulceration and infection is associated with a substantial increase in morbidity and mortality in patients with diabetes. We present a clinical case of recurrent diabetic foot infection with an atypical clinical evolution. A 58-year-old male patient with type 1 diabetes and a history of bilateral Charcot foot neuroarthropathy was followed at our Diabetic Foot Clinic for an unhealed plantar foot ulcer for >1.5 years with recurrent episodes of infection. He was admitted to hospital due to foot ulcer reinfection with sepsis and ipsilateral lower limb cellulitis. The foot infection was found to be associated with an underlying abscess in the anterior compartment of the leg, with a cutaneous fistulous course with extensive alterations of an inflammatory nature. Exudate from the lesion was drained and tissue biopsied, revealing Serratia marcescens and Klebsiella oxytoca with dystrophic calcification (DC). Surgical excision of dystrophic tissue with debridement of the fistulous tracts was performed. The excised material corroborated the presence of fibroadipose connective tissue with marked DC, as well as areas of mixed inflammation compatible with a chronic infectious aetiology. Targeted long-term antibiotic therapy was implemented, for a total of six weeks, with a favourable clinical evolution and complete closure of the lesion at the final follow-up. DC results from calcium deposition in degenerated tissues without evidence of systemic mineral imbalance and is a potential cause of non-healing ulcers. Few cases of DC have been reported in diabetic foot patients and its treatment remains challenging and controversial. A longer follow-up period is necessary to verify the effectiveness of our approach.

Early Diagnosis of 46,XX Testicular Difference of Sexual Development: Unusual Presentation with Increased Nuchal Translucency.

INTRODUCTION: 46,XX testicular disorder of sexual development (DSD) may present prenatally as a mismatch between phenotype and karyotype. Enlarged nuchal translucency is an abnormal sign of many disorders. We present a first trimester fetus with increased nuchal translucency that was later determined to be a 46,XX testicular DSD. CASE PRESENTATION: A first-trimester pregnancy ultrasound revealed enlarged nuchal translucency. Chorionic villous sampling documented a 46,XX karyotype. Subsequent ultrasounds identified male external genitalia. FISH analysis documented a SRY gene translocation. At birth, the infant had normal male internal and external genitalia. CONCLUSIONS: 46,XX testicular DSD may present in the first trimester with an enlarged nuchal translucency.

Artificial intelligence and capsule endoscopy: automatic detection of enteric protruding lesions using a convolutional neural network.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: capsule endoscopy (CE) revolutionized the study of the small intestine. Nevertheless, reviewing CE images is time-consuming and prone to error. Artificial intelligence algorithms, particularly convolutional neural networks (CNN), are expected to overcome these drawbacks. Protruding lesions of the small intestine exhibit enormous morphological diversity in CE images. This study aimed to develop a CNN-based algorithm for the automatic detection small bowel protruding lesions. METHODS: a CNN was developed using a pool of CE images containing protruding lesions or normal mucosa from 1,229 patients. A training dataset was used for the development of the model. The performance of the network was evaluated using an independent dataset, by calculating its sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive values. RESULTS: a total of 18,625 CE images (2,830 showing protruding lesions and 15,795 normal mucosa) were included. Training and validation datasets were built with an 80 %/20 % distribution, respectively. After optimizing the architecture of the network, our model automatically detected small-bowel protruding lesions with an accuracy of 92.5 %. CNN had a sensitivity and specificity of 96.8 % and 96.5 %, respectively. The CNN analyzed the validation dataset in 53 seconds, at a rate of approximately 70 frames per second. CONCLUSIONS: we developed an accurate CNN for the automatic detection of enteric protruding lesions with a wide range of morphologies. The development of these tools may enhance the diagnostic efficiency of CE.

Design of a Convolutional Neural Network as a Deep Learning Tool for the Automatic Classification of Small-Bowel Cleansing in Capsule Endoscopy.

Background and objectives: Capsule endoscopy (CE) is a non-invasive method to inspect the small bowel that, like other enteroscopy methods, requires adequate small-bowel cleansing to obtain conclusive results. Artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms have been seen to offer important benefits in the field of medical imaging over recent years, particularly through the adaptation of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to achieve more efficient image analysis. Here, we aimed to develop a deep learning model that uses a CNN to automatically classify the quality of intestinal preparation in CE. Methods: A CNN was designed based on 12,950 CE images obtained at two clinical centers in Porto (Portugal). The quality of the intestinal preparation was classified for each image as: excellent, ≥90% of the image surface with visible mucosa; satisfactory, 50-90% of the mucosa visible; and unsatisfactory, <50% of the mucosa visible. The total set of images was divided in an 80:20 ratio to establish training and validation datasets, respectively. The CNN prediction was compared with the classification established by consensus of a group of three experts in CE, currently considered the gold standard to evaluate cleanliness. Subsequently, how the CNN performed in diagnostic terms was evaluated using an independent validation dataset. Results: Among the images obtained, 3633 were designated as unsatisfactory preparation, 6005 satisfactory preparation, and 3312 with excellent preparation. When differentiating the classes of small-bowel preparation, the algorithm developed here achieved an overall accuracy of 92.1%, with a sensitivity of 88.4%, a specificity of 93.6%, a positive predictive value of 88.5%, and a negative predictive value of 93.4%. The area under the curve for the detection of excellent, satisfactory, and unsatisfactory classes was 0.98, 0.95, and 0.99, respectively. Conclusions: A CNN-based tool was developed to automatically classify small-bowel preparation for CE, and it was seen to accurately classify intestinal preparation for CE. The development of such a system could enhance the reproducibility of the scales used for such purposes.

Artificial intelligence for automatic diagnosis of biliary stricture malignancy status in single-operator cholangioscopy: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The diagnosis and characterization of biliary strictures (BSs) is challenging. The introduction of digital single-operator cholangioscopy (DSOC) that allows direct visual inspection of the lesion and targeted biopsy sampling significantly improved the diagnostic yield in patients with indeterminate BSs. However, the diagnostic efficiency of DSOC remains suboptimal. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have shown great potential for the interpretation of medical images. We aimed to develop a CNN-based system for automatic detection of malignant BSs in DSOC images. METHODS: We developed, trained, and validated a CNN-based on DSOC images. Each frame was labeled as a normal/benign finding or as a malignant lesion if histopathologic evidence of biliary malignancy was available. The entire dataset was split for 5-fold cross-validation. In addition, the image dataset was split for constitution of training and validation datasets. The performance of the CNN was measured by calculating the area under the receiving operating characteristic curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values. RESULTS: A total of 11,855 images from 85 patients were included (9695 malignant strictures and 2160 benign findings). The model had an overall accuracy of 94.9%, sensitivity of 94.7%, specificity of 92.1%, and AUC of .988 in cross-validation analysis. The image processing speed of the CNN was 7 ms per frame. CONCLUSIONS: The developed deep learning algorithm accurately detected and differentiated malignant strictures from benign biliary conditions. The introduction of artificial intelligence algorithms to DSOC systems may significantly increase its diagnostic yield for malignant strictures.

Artificial intelligence and colon capsule endoscopy: Automatic detection of ulcers and erosions using a convolutional neural network.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) has become a minimally invasive alternative for conventional colonoscopy. Nevertheless, each CCE exam produces between 50 000 and 100 000 frames, making its analysis time-consuming and prone to errors. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are a type of artificial intelligence (AI) architecture with high performance in image analysis. This study aims to develop a CNN model for the identification of colonic ulcers and erosions in CCE images. METHODS: A CNN model was designed using a database of CCE images. A total of 124 CCE exams performed between 2010 and 2020 in two centers were reviewed. For CNN development, a total of 37 319 images were extracted, 33 749 showing normal colonic mucosa and 3570 showing colonic ulcers and erosions. Datasets for CNN training, validation, and testing were created. The performance of the algorithm was evaluated regarding its sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, accuracy, and area under the curve. RESULTS: The network had a sensitivity of 96.9% and a specificity of 99.9% specific for the detection of colonic ulcers and erosions. The algorithm had an overall accuracy of 99.6%. The area under the curve was 1.00. The CNN had an image processing capacity of 90 frames per second. CONCLUSIONS: The developed algorithm is the first CNN-based model to accurately detect ulcers and erosions in CCE images, also providing a good image processing performance. The development of these AI systems may contribute to improve both the diagnostic and time efficiency of CCE exams, facilitating CCE adoption to routine clinical practice.

Capsule enteroscopy versus radionuclide scintigraphy for the diagnosis of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding.

BACKGROUND: capsule enteroscopy (CE) and 99mTc red blood cell (RBC) scintigraphy are frequently used in the investigation of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB). There are few data comparing both diagnostic modalities. This study aimed to assess the performance of CE and scintigraphy for the diagnosis of OGIB. METHODS: patients who underwent CE and scintigraphy for OGIB were selected and analyzed retrospectively. The hemorrhagic potential of CE findings was rated using Saurin's classification. The concordance between both diagnostic techniques for bleeding detection and localization was analyzed. RESULTS: eighty-five patients (62 % female), with a median age of 63 years, were included in the study. Capsule enteroscopy identified 37 patients (43 %) with high hemorrhagic potential (P2) lesions. Most scintigraphy exams were positive for gastrointestinal bleeding (82 %). No concordance was found in the detection of lesions with hemorrhagic potential between CE and scintigraphy (kappa < 0). The distribution of P0, P1 and P2 findings was similar in patients with positive or negative scintigraphy (p = 0.526). There was no agreement regarding the location of P2 findings in CE and the bleeding detected by scintigraphy (kappa < 0). Patients with P2 lesions had significantly lower median levels of hemoglobin (p = 0.002) at presentation. No significant differences were found in hemoglobin values between patients with positive and negative scintigraphy (p = 0.058). CONCLUSION: significant diagnostic discrepancy was observed between CE and scintigraphy. The findings of CE correlated better with hemoglobin values at presentation than scintigraphy results. Therefore, scintigraphy does not appear to be useful in the diagnostic workup of OGIB.

Comparison in the Diagnostic Yield between "Pillcam SB3" Capsule Endoscopy and "OMOM Smart Capsule 2" in Small Bowel Bleeding: A Randomized Head-to-Head Study.

INTRODUCTION: Capsule endoscopy (CE) is the first-line tool for diagnosis of small bowel bleeding. There are some studies that have compared different types of CE. OMOM CE is one of the newest in the market and has not been compared with other types of CE. The objective of this study was to compare the diagnostic yield of the Pillcam SB3 and OMOM CE in small bowel bleeding. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective, comparative, randomized, and blinded study. Patients with suspected small bowel bleeding were included. All the patients were given both types of CE in random order. Diagnostic yield and functionality between the 2 types of CE were analyzed. RESULTS: We included 44 patients, 54.5% were female with a median age of 63.5 years. Battery time was significantly longer with SB3 (816.5 vs. 700.5 min, p < 0.001), and the download time was shorter with OMOM (33 vs. 132 min, p < 0.001). Both CEs presented 1 failure. The cause of the bleeding was identified in 39 SB3 (88.6%) and in 34 OMOM CE (77.3%) (p = 0.256). P2 lesions were observed in 32 SB3 (72.7%) and in 29 OMOM CE (65.9%) (p = 0.784). The agreement between both CEs for P2 lesions was moderate (κ = 0.628). CONCLUSIONS: Pillcam SB3 and OMOM devices are safe procedures and have a similar diagnostic yield. Significant differences were observed in the battery life and download time with both CEs.

A case-control study demonstrates an improved visualization when capsule endoscopy is performed after preparation with polyethylene glycol and ascorbic acid.

BACKGROUND: capsule endoscopy is increasingly used to obtain images of the gastrointestinal tract, although the best preparation for this type of exploration remains unclear. AIMS: the aim of this study was to compare the results of capsule endoscopy explorations performed after a basic preparation with a clear liquid diet, reduced iron intake and fasting or following preparation with a polyethylene glycol (PEG)/ascorbate solution. METHODS: the results obtained from a prospective intervention group that used a PEG/ascorbate solution to prepare for capsule endoscopy were compared with those from a retrospective group of patients who followed a more basic preparation. The quality of visualization was assessed with the Park score, the visualization of the mucosal surface and the cleanliness of the intestinal lumen were assessed. The capsule transit time in different segments of the gastrointestinal tract was also evaluated. RESULTS: a significant improvement in the quality of small intestine visualization was observed in individuals prepared with the PEG/ascorbate solution as opposed to the basic preparation. In fact, there were significant differences in the two separate components that contribute to the overall visualization score, with better mucosa visualization and lumen content scores in the intervention group, thus reflecting an improved performance. The presence of diabetes appeared to affect the results of these explorations, at least when using the PEG/ascorbate preparation. CONCLUSIONS: preparation with a PEG/ascorbate solution improved the results of capsule endoscopy when compared to a basic preparation, without the inconvenience of the more stringent preparations used for colonoscopies.

Gastric caustic injury after organophosphate poisoning.

An 83-year-old male was brought to the Emergency Room after ingesting an unknown dose of dimethoate, an organophosphate pesticide. He had been previously diagnosed with depression but there were no previous suicide attempts. The admission Glasgow Coma Scale score was 3 and he had miotic pupils and copious oropharyngeal secretions. The patient was hemodynamically stable, mildly tachypneic (respiratory rate 22/minute) and nonfebrile. Laboratory workup revealed a normal complete blood count (Hb 15 g/dl, platelets 178,000/µl), normal liver tests and no coagulopathy. Low acetylcholinesterase levels confirmed organophosphate poisoning. He was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) under treatment with obidoxime.

Endoscopic diagnosis of primary and recurrent mantle cell lymphomas.

A 64-year-old male presented to our center with epigastric pain, anorexia, fatigue, weight loss and anemia on a laboratory study. An abdominal ultrasound revealed thickening of the gastric walls. Upper endoscopy demonstrated a 40 mm ulcerated lesion at the incisura angularis. A biopsy of the lesion revealed a lymphocytic infiltrate expressing CD5, CD20 and cyclin D1, typical of mantle-cell lymphoma (MCL).

Deep Learning and Device-Assisted Enteroscopy: Automatic Detection of Gastrointestinal Angioectasia.

Background and Objectives: Device-assisted enteroscopy (DAE) allows deep exploration of the small bowel and combines diagnostic and therapeutic capacities. Suspected mid-gastrointestinal bleeding is the most frequent indication for DAE, and vascular lesions, particularly angioectasia, are the most common etiology. Nevertheless, the diagnostic yield of DAE for the detection of these lesions is suboptimal. Deep learning algorithms have shown great potential for automatic detection of lesions in endoscopy. We aimed to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) model for the automatic detection of angioectasia DAE images. Materials and Methods: A convolutional neural network (CNN) was developed using DAE images. Each frame was labeled as normal/mucosa or angioectasia. The image dataset was split for the constitution of training and validation datasets. The latter was used for assessing the performance of the CNN. Results: A total of 72 DAE exams were included, and 6740 images were extracted (5345 of normal mucosa and 1395 of angioectasia). The model had a sensitivity of 88.5%, a specificity of 97.1% and an AUC of 0.988. The image processing speed was 6.4 ms/frame. Conclusions: The application of AI to DAE may have a significant impact on the management of patients with suspected mid-gastrointestinal bleeding.

Small bowel enteroscopy - A joint clinical guideline by the Spanish and Portuguese small-bowel study groups.

The present evidence-based guidelines are focused on the use of device-assisted enteroscopy in the management of small-bowel diseases. A panel of experts selected by the Spanish and Portuguese small-bowel study groups reviewed the available evidence focusing on the main indications of this technique, its role in the management algorithm of each indication, and its diagnostic and therapeutic yield. A set of recommendations was issued accordingly.

Is capsule colonoscopy the solution for incomplete conventional colonoscopy?

The era of colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) started in 2007. Few years later second-generation CCE (CCE-2) (Medtronic, Minneapolis, USA) was launched, featuring an improved optical system allowing for nearly 360° coverage via two 172° angle cameras, and adaptive frame rate function (ranging from 4 to 35 images per second depending on capsule motion). At present the main clinical indications for CCE are: a) completion of incomplete colonoscopy; b) polyp detection; and c) investigation of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Pelvic organ prolapse surgical management in Portugal and FDA safety communication have an impact on vaginal mesh.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery has lately gained importance in gynecological practice. This study aims to characterize the evolution of POP surgical procedures conducted in Portugal in the last decade and the impact of an FDA 2011 safety communication on mesh POP surgeries. METHODS: Trends in the surgical management of POP were assessed using the Portuguese National Medical Registry. We considered all records of women with diagnosis of genital prolapse from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2012. Additionally, we also conducted a survey among members of the Portuguese Society of Urogynecology to evaluate current practices in the surgical management of POP. RESULTS: From 2000 to 2012, 46,819 diagnoses of genital prolapse were registered, with a 105 % increase during the study period (2,368 in 2000 to 4,941 in 2012). POP mesh surgery represented only 6 % of total prolapse diagnoses, but mesh use greatly increased up to 2011, when only a slight increase was registered. Among gynecologists who responded to the questionnaire, there was considerable variability on the procedures of choice to treat POP. Fifty-seven per cent of respondents performed vaginal mesh POP surgery, but only 27 % of those actually reported having changed their practice after the FDA 2011 safety communication. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical procedures for POP conducted in Portugal greatly increased over the last decade. The use of surgical meshes is still limited, but despite FDA safety communication it has increased over the years, with a slight increase in 2012, which illustrates the need for further analyses in the coming years.

Duodenal gastrointestinal stromal tumor and endoscopic ultrasound.

Duodenal gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are a very rare condition. The pre-operative diagnosis can be a challenge but it is very important because GISTs have singularities that differ from other tumors and their location in the duodenum itself can have a major role in the choice of the surgical approach. We present two cases of duodenal GISTs where endoscopic ultrasound had a single role in their management, namely allowing the possibility to obtain material for immunocytochemical pre-operative diagnosis and regarding the precise relation to the papilla of Vater. The patients were operated and histological examination confirmed the diagnosis in both cases.

ACTH-producing adrenocortical carcinoma: an exceedingly rare diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: Adrenocortical carcinoma is a very rare endocrinopathy that has a poor prognosis and is frequently associated with ACTH-independent Cushing's syndrome. Despite having an adrenocortical carcinoma, our patient surprisingly had an ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome. CASE REPORT: A 26-year-old female presented with Cushing's syndrome and an abdominal mass. Imaging studies revealed an adrenal mass consistent with a high-grade malignancy. Laboratory workup showed hypercortisolism, hyperandrogenism, and hypokalemia with normal levels of metanephrines. Unexpectedly, her ACTH levels were remarkably elevated. The pathological analysis of a tumor sample was conclusive for adrenocortical carcinoma with immunopositivity for ACTH. CONCLUSIONS: Our patient suffered from an adrenocortical carcinoma that was ectopically producing ACTH. This case emphasizes that physicians should have a broad-minded approach when evaluating cases of rare endocrine malignancies.