[Bilateral panuveitis in Whipple's disease: Case report]. / Panuvéite bilatérale dans la maladie de Whipple : à propos d'un cas.

Whipple's disease is a rare disease linked to chronic infection with the intracellular gram-positive bacterium, Tropheryma whipplei. The clinical signs suggestive of this disease are the association of unexplained fever, lymphadenopathy, gastroenterological disorders (malabsorption) and inflammatory joint disorders (arthritis). However, isolated cardiological, neurological or ophthalmological forms have been described. We report the rare case of a 56-year-old patient complaining of floaters and recent visual loss, who presented with bilateral panuveitis in the absence of any systemic disorder. Clinical examination showed inflammation of the anterior segment, vitritis, inflammatory optic disc edema, focal retinitis, and venous vasculitis in both eyes. We describe the clinical characteristics and ancillary findings of the disease (fundus photos, visual field, auto-fluorescence, macular OCT, fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography). The diagnosis was made with the blood (T. whipplei) PCR test and with the help of accessory salivary gland biopsies. We describe the work-up leading to the diagnosis of Whipple's disease, the laboratory tests, and the recommended extended work-up. The patient's course was marked by complete resolution of the symptoms and clinical signs within a few months following corticosteroid therapy (1mg/kg/day) combined with hydroxychloroquine (600mg per day for 1 year) and life-long doxycycline therapy (200mg per day). In conclusion, this is a rare disease which should be discussed when dealing with steroid-resistant and/or steroid-dependent chronic uveitis with a negative work-up (especially in the presence of joint and/or digestive involvement).

A Complex Case of Obstructive Jaundice in a Septuagenarian: Diagnostic Challenges and Therapeutic Strategies.

Obstructive jaundice occurs when an obstruction in the bile duct system prevents bile from flowing from the liver into the intestine, accumulating bilirubin in the blood. This condition can result from various causes, including gallstones, tumors, or inflammation of the bile ducts. The management of obstructive jaundice depends on the underlying cause (malignant obstructions such as cholangiocarcinoma or pancreatic cancer), indicating the need for surgical intervention. The Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy) is the standard curative approach for resectable distal common bile duct (CBD) adenocarcinoma. Doctors usually recommend adjuvant chemotherapy to reduce the risk of recurrence. We report the case of a 70-year-old male with a history of untreated hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and long-term smoking, who presented with classic signs of obstructive jaundice, including yellowing of the eyes, itching, right upper quadrant pain, and intermittent fevers. Laboratory findings revealed elevated inflammatory markers, bilirubin, liver enzymes, and leukocyte count, indicative of an inflammatory and obstructive biliary condition. Imaging studies confirmed a distal CBD stricture, including abdominal ultrasound, computed tomography scans, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Brush cytology obtained during ERCP revealed a well-differentiated adenocarcinoma of the distal CBD. The patient's treatment plan included preoperative optimization, surgical resection via the Whipple procedure, and postoperative adjuvant therapy. This case emphasizes the importance of a thorough diagnostic workup and a multidisciplinary treatment strategy in managing complex cases of obstructive jaundice in the elderly, highlighting the need for personalized care to achieve optimal outcomes.

Open versus Robotic-Assisted Pancreaticoduodenectomy, Cost-effectiveness, and Long-term Oncologic Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Whipple pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is a complex gastrointestinal surgery that is performed increasingly via minimally invasive approach through robotic platforms. We sought to provide a comparative review of available data regarding robot-assisted versus open PD in terms of cost-effectiveness, overall survival, and other perioperative and long-term oncologic outcomes. METHODS: Utilizing PRISMA criteria, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched from 1980 to April 2024 using designated keywords. English-language studies comparing costs and oncologic outcomes of robotic versus open PDs were considered for inclusion. Reviews, abstracts, case reports, letters to the editor, and non-English articles were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 1,733 studies were initially identified throughout the literature search. Following the removal of duplicates and title and abstract screening, 16 studies were included in the review. No statistically significant differences were detected in terms of short-term complications (95% CI; [0.805, 1.096], p=0.42), mortality (95% CI; [0.599,1.123], p=0.21), and readmission (95% CI; [0.959,1.211], p=0.20) among patients undergoing open versus robotic PD. Robotic PDs was associated with a slightly better overall survival (95% CI; [1.020, 1.233]) and higher costs (95% CI; [0.134,1.139], p=0.013). Mean length of stay (LOS) was higher in the open PD group (95% CI; [-0.353, 0.189], p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Robotic-assisted PD had a slightly shorter LOS and improved overall survival. There were no differences in short-term complications, mortality, or readmission. The use of cohort studies and residual potential selection bias necessitate randomized controlled trials to define the benefit of robotic PD.

Benign Etiology for High-Risk Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms are relatively common and entail a variable risk of malignant potential. The Fukuoka guidelines present criteria for the risk of malignant transformation and are used for risk stratification and treatment decision-making. However, these guidelines entail some fallibility with limited sensitivity and specificity. In this case, we present an individual who had many of the hallmarks of malignant transformation but was found to have no evidence of malignancy or high-grade dysplasia. We discuss the suspected etiology of this individual's condition and how it might arise in others, as well as a brief review of the literature on risk factors in intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms.

Tropheryma whipplei Colonization in Adults and Children: A Prospective Study.

We conducted a prospective cohort study at the IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital in Negrar di Valpolicella from 2019 to 2021 to investigate the duration of T. whipplei colonization. In addition, the correlation between persistent colonization and the continent of origin, current treatment regimen, clinical manifestations, and parasite coinfection was evaluated. The cohort included subjects who were tested in a previous study (years 2014-2016) and found to be positive for T. whipplei DNA in fecal samples. Thirty-three subjects were enrolled in a prospective study between 2019 and 2021. Feces, saliva, urine, and blood were collected at baseline and after 12 months. Medical history, current treatment, and symptoms were recorded. Among them, 25% showed persistent intestinal or oral colonization, 50% had no colonization at both visits, and 25% had intermittent colonization. No association was found between persistent T. whipplei colonization and subjects' continent of origin, current treatment regimen, initial clinical manifestations, and parasite coinfection. The longest duration of persistent T. whipplei intestinal colonization exceeded six years, with 11 subjects presenting persistent positivity for more than three years, including 1 minor. Our research was limited by the lack of a strain-specific identification of T. whipplei that made it impossible to distinguish between persistence of the same T. whipplei strain, reinfection from household exposure, or infection by a new strain. Larger prospective studies are needed to further explore the implications of this persistence and determine the key factors influencing the duration of colonization and its potential health impacts.

Pancreaticoduodenectomy in high-grade pancreatic and duodenal trauma.

INTRODUCTION: High-grade pancreaticoduodenal injuries are highly morbid and may require complex surgical management. Pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure) is sometimes utilized in the management of these injuries, but guidelines on its use are lacking. This paper aims to present our 14-year experience in management of high-grade pancreaticoduodenal injuries at our busy, urban trauma center. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on patients (ages >15 years) presenting with high-grade (AAST-OIS Grades IV and V) injuries to the pancreas or duodenum at our Southeastern Level 1 trauma center. Inclusion criteria included high-grade injury and requirement of Whipple procedure based on surgeon discretion. Patients were divided into two groups: (1) those who underwent Whipple procedures during the index operation and (2) Whipple candidates. Whipple candidates included patients who received Whipples in a staged fashion or who would have benefited from the procedure but either died or were salvaged to another procedure. Demographics, injury patterns, management, and outcomes were compared. Primary outcome was survival to discharge. RESULTS: Of 66,272 trauma patients in this study period, 666 had pancreatic or duodenal injuries, and 20 met inclusion criteria. Of these, 6 had Whipples on the index procedure and 14 were Whipple candidates (among whom 7 had staged Whipples, 6 died before completing a Whipple, and 1 was salvaged). Median (IQR) age was 28 (22.75-40) years. Patients were 85 % male, 70 % Black. GSWs comprised 95 % of injuries. All patients had at least one concomitant injury, most commonly major vascular injury (75 %), colonic injury (65 %), and hepatic injury (60 %). In-hospital mortality among Whipple patients was 15 %. CONCLUSIONS: Complex pancreaticoduodenal injuries requiring pancreaticoduodenectomy are rare but life-threatening. In such patients, hemorrhage was the leading cause of death in the first 24 h. Approximately half underwent damage control surgery with staged Whipple Procedures. However, pancreaticoduodenectomy at the initial operation is feasible in highly selective patients, depending on the extent of injury, physiologic status, and resuscitation.

Laparoscopic Total Pancreatectomy After Laparoscopic Whipple.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of a second de novo pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) among patients with prior cancer has been reported to be 6%.1,2 however, as survival increases through improvements in systemic therapy, this incidence of a de novo PDAC after prior PDAC may become more prevalent.3-8 In this context, a structured and stepwise approach to a total pancreatectomy for a second de novo PDAC after a prior PDAC treated with a pancreaticoduodenectomy is detailed. PATIENTS: We present two similar cases. The first patient was a 71-year-old female with de novo body PDAC, and the second was a 50-year-old female with de novo tail PDAC. To rule out recurrence, immunohistochemical staining as well as the review of biopsies by two experienced pathologists were employed. Both patients had undergone a laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy for PDAC 4 and 3 years prior. Each patient received four cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and underwent a safe laparoscopic total pancreatectomy. TECHNIQUE: Prior to surgery, three-dimensional anatomic and port site modeling is performed to optimize the understanding of the spatial relationship between the tumor, blood vessels, and adjacent organs involved. The port site modeling (including pneumoperitoneum simulation) focuses on the optimal port set-up for dissecting the biliopancreatic limb off the portal vein. Following complete mobilization of the biliopancreatic limb, the biliopancreatic limb is staple-divided between the hepatico- and pancreaticojejunostomy. Great care must be taken to avoid accidental staple injury to the hepatic artery or celiac trunk. The remainder of the dissection is akin to a standard distal pancreaticosplenectomy. CONCLUSION: Virtual pancreatectomy modeling facilitates an optimal set-up for the critical step of this case, i.e. dissection of the pancreaticojejunostomy off the portal vein. Early division of the biliopancreatic limb between hepatico- and pancreatojejunostomy is crucial to facilitating the remainder of the dissection. Laparoscopic total pancreatectomy for a de novo PDAC after laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy may become more common as survival of patients with prior PDAC improves over time.

Primary pancreatic hydatid cyst: A rare case report and diagnostic challenges.

Key Clinical Message: In cystic lesions of the pancreas, hydatid cyst should be considered in the differential diagnoses and its presence should be ruled out before any invasive interventions. Serological tests along with imaging studies related to hydatid cyst diagnostic indicators should be performed in people who live in Echinococcus granulosus endemic areas and suffer from cystic lesions of the gastrointestinal tract. Abstract: Primary pancreatic hydatid cysts, caused by the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus, represent a rare occurrence often challenging to diagnose due to their similarity to other pancreatic conditions. This case report outlines a 67-year-old male presenting with jaundice and cholestasis but lacking typical symptoms associated with pancreatic hydatid cysts. Laboratory findings revealed elevated bilirubin levels, liver enzyme abnormalities, and tumor markers, prompting imaging studies that indicated a cystic mass near the pancreatic head. Misdiagnosed initially as a mucinous cystic neoplasm, the patient underwent Whipple surgery, unveiling a large cystic lesion upon examination.

Two cases demonstrate an association between Tropheryma whipplei and pulmonary marginal zone lymphoma.

BACKGROUND: Marginal zone lymphomas of mucosa-associated lymphatic tissues (MZL of MALT) are a group of indolent B-cell neoplasms, which are thought to arise from chronic antigenic stimulation of B-cells either due to underlying chronic infection or autoimmune disease. Little is known about potential causative pathogens in pulmonary MZL (PMZL), although some data suggests a potential role of Achromobacter (A.) xylosoxidans. METHODS: An index case of chronic pulmonary colonisation with Tropheryma (T.) whipplei and subsequent development of PMZL was identified by T. whipplei specific PCR and metagenomic next genome sequencing (mNGS). This case prompted a retrospectively conducted analysis of T. whipplei-specific PCRs in lung tissue from PMZL patients (n = 22), other pulmonary lymphomas, and normal controls. Positive results were confirmed by mNGS. A systematic search for T. whipplei and A. xylosoxidans in our in-house mNGS dataset comprising autopsy lungs, lung biopsies and lung resection specimens (n = 181) was subsequently performed. RESULTS: A 69-year-old patient presented with weight loss and persistent pulmonary consolidation. Subsequent mNGS analysis detected T. whipplei in the resected lung specimen. An antibiotic regimen eventually eliminated the bacterium. However, the consolidation persisted, and the diagnosis of PMZL was made in a second lung resection specimen. A second case of T. whipplei-associated PMZL was subsequently detected in the retrospectively analysed PMZL cohort. Both cases showed comparatively few mutations and no mutations in genes encoding for NF-κB pathway components, suggesting that T. whipplei infection may substitute for mutations in these PMZL. None of the samples in our in-house dataset tested positive for T. whipplei. In contrast, A. xylosoxidans was frequently found in both autopsy lungs and lung biopsy / resection specimens that were not affected by PMZL (> 50%). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggests that T. whipplei colonisation of lungs may trigger PMZL as a potential driver. Systematic analyses with larger cohorts should be conducted to further support this hypothesis. The frequent detection of A. xylosoxidans in lung tissue suggests that it is a common component of the pulmonary microbiome and therefore less likely to trigger lymphomas.

Sweet Saboteur: Insulinoma Presenting As Recurrent Hypoglycemic Seizures.

Insulinoma, a rare neuroendocrine tumor of the pancreas, often presents diagnostic challenges due to its diverse clinical manifestations. We present the case of a 25-year-old female with recurrent hypoglycemic seizures and neuroglycopenic symptoms, ultimately diagnosed with insulinoma. Despite an initial asymptomatic period, the patient experienced progressively worsening symptoms over three years, culminating in eight episodes of generalized tonic-clonic seizures per week. Biochemical investigations during hypoglycemic episodes revealed elevated C-peptide and insulin levels, consistent with endogenous hyperinsulinemia. Imaging studies, including contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) and Ga-DOTATATE scan, confirmed a hyper-enhancing lesion in the distal body of the pancreas, indicative of insulinoma. Histopathological examination (HPE) further corroborated the diagnosis. Prompt recognition and surgical excision led to the complete resolution of symptoms and improved long-term prognosis. This case underscores the importance of considering insulinoma in young individuals presenting with recurrent hypoglycemic episodes and highlights the significance of early diagnosis and intervention in preventing morbidity and mortality associated with this condition.

An Unusual Case of Limbic Encephalitis Caused by Whipple Disease.

Whipple disease (WD), a multisystemic infectious disorder caused by Tropheryma whipplei (T. whipplei), typically presents with gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, GI bleeding, and weight loss. Uncommonly, it can also involve the central nervous system (CNS) and may present with a range of symptoms, including personality changes, dementia, and rhombencephalitis. Prompt antibiotic treatment and careful follow-up are crucial for favorable patient outcomes and a reduction in morbidity and mortality. In this case, we describe a 46-year-old male with primary CNS-WD and discuss the symptomatic manifestations, diagnostic findings, differential diagnosis, and management. This patient initially presented with arthritic complaints and, over a five-year period, developed progressive neurocognitive symptoms, including anxiety, panic attacks, retrograde amnesia, personality changes, aphasia, anhedonia, dysarthria, and rapidly progressive dementia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed symmetric T2 fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) hyperintensities in the bilateral medial temporal lobes, hippocampi, and hypothalamus. A lumbar puncture (LP) showed mild pleocytosis and elevated protein, with no autoimmune or paraneoplastic causes. Temporal lobe biopsy revealed rod-like structures, and T. whipplei DNA was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This case underscores the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for WD in patients presenting with atypical symptoms with rapidly progressive dementia, as early detection and management are key to circumventing irreversible neurological damage and death.

Market Factors, Not Quality, Influence Reimbursement for Pancreaticoduodenectomy in an Era of Price Transparency.

BACKGROUND: The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) price transparency rule tries to facilitate cost-conscious decision-making. For surgical services, such as pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), factors mediating transparency and real-world reimbursement are not well described. METHODS: The Leapfrog Survey was used to identify United States hospitals performing PD. Financial and operational data were obtained from Turquoise Health and CMS Cost Reports. Chi-square tests and modified Poisson regression evaluated associations with reimbursement disclosure. Two-part logistic and gamma regression models estimated effects of hospital factors on commercial, Medicare, and self-pay reimbursements for PD. RESULTS: Of 452 Leapfrog hospitals, 295 (65%) disclosed PD hospital or procedure reimbursements. Disclosing hospitals were larger (beds > 200: 81.0% vs. 71.3%, p = 0.04), reported higher net margins (0.7% vs. - 2.1%, p = 0.04), more likely for-profit (26.1% vs. 6.4%, p < 0.001), and teaching-affiliated (82.0% vs. 65.6%, p < 0.001). Nonprofit status conferred hospitalization reimbursement increases of $8683-$12,329, while moderate market concentration predicted savings up to $5066. Teaching affiliation conferred reimbursement increases of $4589-$16,393 for hospitalizations and $644 for procedures. Top Leapfrog volume ratings predicted an increase of up to $7795 for only Medicare hospitalization reimbursement. CONCLUSIONS: Nondisclosure of hospital and procedural reimbursements for PD remains a major issue. Transparency was noted in hospitals with higher margins, size, and academic affiliation. Factors associated with higher reimbursement were non-profit status, academic affiliation, and more equitable market share. Reimbursement inconsistently tracked with PD quality or volume measures. Policy changes may be required to incentivize reimbursement disclosure and translate transparency into increased value for patients.

Pancreaticoduodenectomy in Patients With Coeliac or Superior Mesenteric Artery Stenosis: A Review of the Literature.

Pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple's procedure) is a technically demanding operation performed for malignant and premalignant conditions of the pancreatic head, duodenum and bile duct. Awareness of the vascular anatomy, variations, and pathology of this area is essential to achieve safe surgery and good outcomes. The operation involves division of the gastroduodenal artery (GDA) which provides communication between the foregut and midgut blood supply. In patients with coeliac or superior mesenteric artery (SMA) stenosis, this can lead to reduced blood supply to the foregut or midgut organs, with consequent severe ischaemic complications leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Coeliac artery stenosis is caused by median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) in the majority of patients with atherosclerosis being the second most common cause. SMA stenosis is much less common and is caused in the majority of cases by atherosclerosis. A review of preoperative imaging and intraoperative gastroduodenal artery clamp test is important to identify cases that may need additional procedures to preserve the blood supply. In this paper, we present a literature review for studies reporting patients undergoing Whipple's operation with concomitant coeliac axis stenosis (CAS) or SMA stenosis. Analysis of causes of stenosis or occlusion, prevalence, risk factors, different management strategies and outcomes was conducted.

Is PAS Stain Necessary to Exclude Whipple Disease in Duodenal Biopsies?

Objective. Whipple disease, caused by Tropheryma whipplei, is a rare infectious condition primarily presenting with malabsorptive diarrhea. Small bowel biopsies typically reveal foamy macrophages containing periodic acid-Schiff-positive/diastase (PAS/D) resistant T. whipplei bacilli, and PAS(D) staining is occasionally requested by clinicians in duodenal biopsies, which are often histologically unremarkable. The yield of PAS(D) staining in such biopsies has never been reported to our knowledge. Methods. The anatomic pathology database was searched for all specimens of duodenal biopsies stained with PAS(D) from 1993 to 2021. Specimens were categorized by the following histomorphologic features: unremarkable, nonspecific changes, or expansion of the lamina propria by aggregates of foamy histiocytes. Follow-up information was collected, including microbiologic confirmatory testing. Results. There was a total of 193 specimens of duodenal biopsies stained with PAS(D). Biopsies lacking foamy histiocytes on H&E (n = 158) were never PAS-positive. Thirteen biopsies contained PAS-positive histiocytes; 9 out of the 13 PAS-positive specimens were subsequently confirmed to be T. whipplei. Of the 193 specimens, 124 specimens had a clinical request for PAS(D) staining. Only 3 of the 124 (2.4%) specimens showed foamy histiocytes containing PAS-positive granules, all of which were confirmed positive for T. whipplei. Conclusion. PAS(D) staining is unnecessary to exclude Whipple disease in duodenal biopsies without foamy macrophage aggregates, regardless of clinical suspicion. Clinical suspicion-driven biopsies often yield negative results for Whipple disease.

Navigating the Groove: A Unique Case of Groove Pancreatitis.

Groove pancreatitis (GP) is an uncommon form of chronic pancreatitis (CP) that affects the area between the duodenum, the head of the pancreas, and the common bile duct (CBD), which is known as the pancreaticoduodenal groove. Our case is based on a 68-year-old male with a past medical history of alcohol use disorder and a 50-pack-year smoking history who presented with nausea, vomiting, and poor oral intake. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen and pelvis showed gastric outlet obstruction due to a 6.0 cm mass in the pancreatic groove and the second portion of the duodenum, with dilation of the pancreatic, intrahepatic, and extrahepatic biliary ducts. In order to rule out malignancy and evaluate the acute symptoms, the patient underwent an open pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). Pathologic findings and negative tumor markers confirmed GP. This case highlights a rare form of CP that symptomatically and radiographically mimics malignancy, but is benign.

The Financial Implications of Pancreatic Surgery: The Hospital Is the Big Winner, Not the Surgeon!

Background: High-volume pancreatic surgery centers require a significant investment in expertise, time, and resources to achieve optimal patient outcomes. A detailed understanding of the economics of major pancreatic surgery is limited among many clinicians and hospital administrators. A greater consideration of these financial aspects may in fact have implications for enhancing clinical care and for a broader sustainability of high-volume pancreatic surgery programs. Methods: In this retrospective observational study, patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), total pancreatectomy, or distal pancreatectomy at one academic medical center during the fiscal year 2021 were evaluated. Detailed hospital charges and professional fees were obtained for patients using the Qlik perioperative database. Clinical data for the study cohort were gathered from a prospectively maintained, IRB-approved pancreatic surgery database. Charges for the 91-day perioperative period were included. A P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: During the study period, 159 evaluable patients underwent 1 of 3 designated pancreatic resections included in the analysis. Ninety-seven patients (61%) were diagnosed with adenocarcinoma and 70% (n = 110) underwent PD. The total charges (combined professional and hospital charges) for the cohort encompassing the entire perioperative period were $20,661,759. The median charge per patient was $130,306 (interquartile range [IQR], $34,534). The median direct cost of care was $23,219 (IQR, $6321) and the median contribution margin per case was $10,092 (IQR, $22,949). The median surgeon professional fee charges were $7700 per patient (IQR, $1296) as compared to $3453 (IQR, $1,144) for professional fee receipts (45% of the surgeon charge). The differences between the professional fee charges and receipts per patient were also considerable for other health care professionals such as anesthesiologists ($4945 charges vs $1406 receipts [28%]) and pathologists ($3035 charges vs $680 receipts [22%]). The surgeon professional fees were only 6% of the total charges, while the professional fees for anesthesiology and pathology were 4% and 2% of the total charges, respectively. Supply charges were 3% of the total charges. Longer operative time was correlated with increased hospital and anesthesia charges, without a significant increase in surgeon charges (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P = 0.2, respectively). Male sex, diabetes, and low serum albumin correlated with greater total hospital charges (P = 0.01, P = 0.01, and P = 0.03, respectively). Conclusions: The role of the surgeon in the perioperative clinical care of major pancreatic resection patients is crucial and important and is by no means limited to the operative day. Nevertheless, in the context of the current US health care system, the reimbursement to the surgeon in the form of professional fees is a relatively small fraction of the total health care receipts for these patients. This imbalance necessitates a substantial financial partnership between hospitals and their pancreatic surgery units to ensure the long-term viability of these programs.

Association of preoperative CT-scan features and clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) is a significant complication after pancreaticoduodenectomy. CR-POPF is associated with various adverse outcomes, including high mortality rates. Identifying complication predictors for CR-POPF, such as preoperative CT scan features, including pancreatic attenuation index (PAI) and pancreatic duct diameter (PDD), is critical. This systematic review and meta-analysis consolidate existing literature to assess the impact of these variables on CR-POPF risk. METHODS: Our comprehensive search, conducted in May 2023, covered PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases. Inclusion criteria encompassed peer-reviewed cohort studies on pancreaticoduodenectomy, focusing on preoperative CT scan data. Case reports, case series, and studies reporting distal pancreatectomy were excluded. The quality assessment of included articles was done using New-Castle Ottawa Scale for cohort studies. Statistical analysis was carried out using Review Manager 5. This study was registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews database (PROSPERO) on 12 May 2023 (registration number: CRD42023414139). RESULTS: We conducted a detailed analysis of 38 studies with 7393 participants. The overall incidence of CR-POPF was 24%. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that PDD and pancreatic parenchymal thickness were significantly associated with CR-POPF. CONCLUSION: Our systematic review and meta-analysis shed light on CT scan findings for predicting CR-POPF after Whipple surgery. Age, PDD, and pancreatic parenchymal thickness significantly correlate with CR-POPF.

Incidental Discovery of a Phrygian Cap During Whipple's Procedure: A Case Report.

Obstructive jaundice, characterised by yellow discolouration of the skin and mucous membranes due to reduced bile flow, often necessitates surgical intervention for resolution. This article provides a comprehensive literature review to contextualise the management of obstructive jaundice, focusing on common treatment modalities such as common bile duct (CBD) stenting and Whipple's procedure for pancreatic head cancer. Additionally, the incidental finding of a Phrygian cap of the gallbladder during surgical intervention for pancreatic head cancer is described in detail. A case presentation of a 48-year-old female with obstructive jaundice and pancreatic head cancer is outlined, detailing the diagnostic process, treatment decisions, and surgical interventions. The patient underwent CBD stenting followed by Whipple's procedure to address the pancreatic head cancer, during which the incidental discovery of a Phrygian cap of the gallbladder was noted. The discussion of the incidental finding highlights the complexity it adds to surgical interventions and emphasises the importance of adaptability and precision in managing anatomical variations. A comparison with similar cases underscores varying approaches to managing incidental findings, ranging from conservative observation to surgical excision based on clinical indications. This case underscores the significance of thorough diagnostic evaluation and surgical intervention in managing incidental findings such as the Phrygian cap, ensuring appropriate patient management and favourable clinical outcomes in complex surgical scenarios.

Hypoglycemia in non-diabetic in-patients at a teaching referral hospital in Iran.

Purpose: This study aims to investigate comorbidities, clinical features, laboratory values, and diagnoses in non-diabetic patients experiencing hypoglycemic episodes. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted at Shariati Hospital in Iran from 2016 to 2023. Seventy-four non-diabetic patients admitted with a diagnosis of hypoglycemia were included, while patients with diabetes were excluded. Demographic data, symptoms, and biochemical assessments were obtained from the hospital information system. Hypoglycemic episodes were identified based on low measured blood glucose, recorded medications for hypoglycemia treatment, or recorded codes indicating hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia was defined as blood glucose below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L) along with two other criteria of the Whipple triad. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 26). Results: Among the enrolled patients, 63.5% were female, and 13.5% were elderly (≥ 65 years). The most common comorbidities observed were cardiovascular disease (20.3%), psychological disorders (20.3%), hypothyroidism (14.9%), and hypertension (8.1%). The prevalent symptoms included weakness, loss of consciousness, sweating, palpitations, dizziness, and tremors. Non-diabetic hypoglycemia was caused by factitious disorders, insulinoma, organ failure, and infection, respectively. Conclusion: Due to the diverse range of clinical symptoms, hypoglycemia in non-diabetic patients may be diagnosed late, leading to misdiagnoses such as psychological disorders or seizures. It is crucial to consider the possibility of hypoglycemia in non-diabetic patients and determine its underlying cause. Given the poor prognosis associated with hypoglycemia, timely interventions are essential.

Solid pseudopapillary tumor of pancreas: A report of two cases and literature review.

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas is rarely encountered in clinical practice. It is a tumor with a good prognosis and overall curative rates. It primarily affects young females in their twenties. It has characteristic imaging appearances, but a definite diagnosis requires histopathological examination. The treatment goal of solid pseudopapillary neoplasm is almost always curative and aims for complete resection of the mass. Here, we present 2 cases of this rare neoplasm. The first case was managed by laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy, while the second underwent a Whipple procedure for pancreatic head involvement.