Correlation between Balthazar CT grading, CECT necrosis volume, attenuation value, and prognosis of patients with acute necrotizing pancreatitis.

To analyze the correlation between Balthazar CT grading and contrast-enhanced CT necrosis volume and attenuation value and prognosis of patients with acute necrotizing pancreatitis. Ninety-two patients with acute necrotizing pancreatitis who were treated in the hospital were selected between June 2019 and June 2021, and they were divided into the poor prognosis group and the good prognosis group according to the clinical prognosis at 6 months of follow-up. Balthazar CT, contrast-enhanced CT necrosis volume, and attenuation value were compared between the 2 groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the influencing factors. Receiver operating characteristic curve was adopted to analyze the predictive value. Among the 92 participants, there were 28 cases with good prognosis (30.43%) and 64 cases with poor prognosis (69.57%). The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, C-reactive protein, urea nitrogen, Balthazar CT, necrotic volume, and average attenuation value of the poor prognosis group were significantly higher than those of the good prognosis group (all P values <.05). The results of the multivariate logistic analysis showed that Balthazar CT grade, necrotic volume, and average attenuation value were independent risk factors for poor prognosis in patients with acute necrotizing pancreatitis (all P values <.05). The area under the curve of Balthazar CT grade, necrotic volume, average attenuation value, and the joint detection in predicting the prognosis of patients with acute necrotizing pancreatitis were 0.765, 0.624, 0.764, and 0.861, respectively. The Balthazar CT grading, necrosis volume, and average attenuation value are significantly higher among patients with acute necrotizing pancreatitis complicated with poor prognosis, and they are also independent risk factors for poor prognosis in patients with acute necrotizing pancreatitis, and can help clinically predict the prognosis of patients with acute necrotizing pancreatitis, and the combined detection has better application effects.

Implementing an electromagnetic tracking navigation system improves the precision of endoscopic transgastric necrosectomy in an ex vivo model.

Endoscopic transgastric necrosectomy is crucial in the management of complications resulting from necrotizing pancreatitis. However, both real-time and visual-spatial information is lacking during the procedure, thereby jeopardizing a precise positioning of the endoscope. We conducted a proof-of-concept study with the aim of overcoming these technical difficulties. For this purpose, a three-dimensional (3D) phantom of a stomach and pancreatic necroses was 3D-printed based on spatial information from individual patient CT scans and subsequently integrated into a silicone torso. An electromagnetic (EM) sensor was adjusted inside the endoscope´s working channel. A software interface enabled real time visualization. The accuracy of this novel assistant system was tested ex vivo by four experienced interventional endoscopists who were supposed to reach seven targets inside the phantom in six different experimental runs of simulated endoscopic transgastric necrosectomy. Supported by endoscopic camera view combined with real-time 3D visualization, all endoscopists reached the targets with a targeting error ranging between 2.6 and 6.5 mm in a maximum of eight minutes. In summary, the EM tracking system might increase efficacy and safety of endoscopic transgastric necrosectomy at the experimental level by enhancing visualization. Yet, a broader feasibility study and further technical improvements are mandatory before aiming at implementation into clinical setting.

Pancreatic Walled-Off Necrosis: Cross-Sectional Imaging Depiction of Debris Predicts the Success of Endoscopic Drainage Using Lumen-Apposing Metal Stents.

INTRODUCTION: The use of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided transmural stent placement for pancreatic walled-off necrosis (WON) drainage is widespread. This study retrospectively analyzed imaging parameters predicting the outcomes of WON endoscopic drainage using lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS). METHODS: This study analyzed the data of 115 patients who underwent EUS-guided debridement using LAMS from 2011 to 2015. Pre-intervention CT or MRI was used to analyze the total volume of WON, percentage of debris, multilocularity, and density. Success measures included technical success, the number of endoscopic sessions, the requirement of percutaneous drainage, long-term success, and recurrence. RESULTS: The primary cause of pancreatitis was gallstones (50.4%), followed by alcohol (27.8%), hypertriglyceridemia (11.3%), idiopathic (8.7%), and autoimmune (1.7%). The mean WON size was 674 mL. All patients underwent endoscopic necrosectomy, averaging 3.1 sessions. Stent placement was successful in 96.5% of cases. Procedural complications were observed in 13 patients (11.3%) and 6 patients (5.2%) who needed additional percutaneous drainage. No patients reported recurrent WON posttreatment. Univariate analysis indicated a significant correlation between debris percentage and the need for additional drainage and long-term success (p < 0.001). The number of endoscopic sessions correlated significantly with debris percentage (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Pre-procedural imaging, particularly debris percentage within WON, significantly predicts the number of endoscopic sessions, the need for further percutaneous drainage, and overall long-term success.

Emphysematous Pancreatitis as a Life-Threatening Condition: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Emphysematous pancreatitis represents the presence of gas within or around the pancreas on the ground of necrotizing pancreatitis due to superinfection with gas-forming bacteria. This entity is diagnosed on clinical grounds and on the basis of radiologic findings. Computed tomography is the preferred imaging modality used to detect this life-threating condition. The management of emphysematous pancreatitis consists of conservative measures, image-guided percutaneous catheter drainage or endoscopic therapy, and surgical intervention, which is delayed as long as possible and undertaken only in patients who continue to deteriorate despite conservative management. Due to its high mortality rate, early and prompt recognition and treatment of emphysematous pancreatitis are crucial and require individualized treatment with the involvement of a multidisciplinary team. Here, we present a case of emphysematous pancreatitis as an unusual occurrence and discuss disease features and treatment options in order to facilitate diagnostics and therapy.

Efficacy and Safety of Anhydrous Ethanol-Assisted Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Transluminal Necrosectomy in Infected Necrotizing Pancreatitis.

AIM: Endoscopic necrosectomy has become the first-line treatment option for infectious necrotizing pancreatitis (INP), especially walled-off necrosis. However, the problems, including operation-related adverse events (AEs) and the need for multiple endoscopic procedures, have not been effectively addressed. We sought to evaluate the clinical safety and efficacy of anhydrous ethanol-assisted endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided transluminal necrosectomy in INP. METHODS: A single-center observational cohort study of INP patients was conducted in a tertiary endoscopic center. Anhydrous ethanol-assisted EUS-guided transluminal necrosectomy (modified group) and conventional endoscopic necrosectomy (conventional group) were retrospectively compared in INP patients. The technical and clinical success rates, operation time, perioperative AEs, postoperative hospital stay, and recurrent INP rates were analyzed, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 55 patients were enrolled. No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding baseline characteristics. Compared to patients in the conventional group, patients in the modified group demonstrated significantly reduced times of endoscopic transluminal necrosectomies (1.96 ± 0.89 vs. 2.73 ± 0.98; P = 0.004) and comparable perioperative AEs (P = 0.35). Meanwhile, no statistically significant differences were observed in the technical and clinical success rates (P = 0.92), operation time (P = 0.59), postoperative hospital stay (P = 0.36), and recurrent INP rates (P = 1.00) between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Anhydrous ethanol-assisted EUS-guided transluminal necrosectomy seemed safe and effective in treating INP. Compared with conventional endoscopic transluminal necrosectomy, its advantage was mainly in reducing the number of endoscopic necrosectomies without increasing perioperative AEs.

Splanchnic vein thrombosis in necrotizing pancreatitis: a post-hoc analysis of a nationwide prospective cohort.

BACKGROUND: Treatment guidelines for splanchnic vein thrombosis in necrotizing pancreatitis are lacking due to insufficient data on the full clinical spectrum. METHODS: We performed a post-hoc analysis of a nationwide prospective necrotizing pancreatitis cohort. Multivariable analyses were used to identify risk factors and compare the clinical course of patients with and without SVT. RESULTS: SVT was detected in 97 of the 432 included patients (22%) (median onset: 4 days). Risk factors were left, central, or subtotal necrosis (OR 28.52; 95% CI 20.11-40.45), right or diffuse necrosis (OR 5.76; 95% CI 3.89-8.51), and younger age (OR 0.94; 95% CI 0.90-0.97). Patients with SVT had higher rates of bleeding (n = 10,11%) and bowel ischemia (n = 4,4%) compared to patients without SVT (n = 14,4% and n = 2,0.6%; OR 3.24; 95% CI 1.27-8.23 and OR 7.29; 95% CI 1.31-40.4, respectively), and were independently associated with ICU admission (adjusted OR 2.53; 95% CI 1.37-4.68). Spontaneous recanalization occurred in 62% of patients (n = 40/71). Radiological and clinical outcomes did not differ between patients treated with and without anticoagulants. DISCUSSION: SVT is a common and early complication of necrotizing pancreatitis, associated with parenchymal necrosis and younger age. SVT is associated with increased complications and a worse clinical course, whereas anticoagulant use does not appear to affect outcomes.

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Drainage of Pancreatic Fluid Collections: Not All Queries Are Already Solved.

Pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) are well-known complications of acute pancreatitis. The overinfection of these collections leads to a worsening of the prognosis with an increase in the morbidity and mortality rate. The primary strategy for managing infected pancreatic necrosis (IPN) or symptomatic PFCs is a minimally invasive step-up approach, with endosonography-guided (EUS-guided) transmural drainage and debridement as the preferred and less invasive method. Different stents are available to drain PFCs: self-expandable metal stents (SEMSs), double pigtail stents (DPPSs), or lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMSs). In particular, LAMSs are useful when direct endoscopic necrosectomy is needed, as they allow easy access to the necrotic cavity; however, the rate of adverse events is not negligible, and to date, the superiority over DPPSs is still debated. Moreover, the timing for necrosectomy, the drainage technique, and the concurrent medical management are still debated. In this review, we focus attention on indications, timing, techniques, complications, and particularly on aspects that remain under debate concerning the EUS-guided drainage of PFCs.

Visceral Fat Predicts New-Onset Diabetes After Necrotizing Pancreatitis.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to estimate the incidence of new-onset diabetes (NOD) and identify risk factors for NOD in patients with necrotizing pancreatitis (NP). METHODS: Necrotizing pancreatitis patients were reviewed for NOD, diagnosed >90 days after acute pancreatitis. Baseline demographics, comorbidities, clinical outcomes, computed tomography (CT) characteristics of necrotic collections, and CT-derived abdominal fat measurements were analyzed to identify predictors for NOD. RESULTS: Among 390 eligible NP patients (66% men; median age, 51 years; interquartile range [IQR], 36-64) with a median follow-up of 400 days (IQR, 105-1074 days), NOD developed in 101 patients (26%) after a median of 216 days (IQR, 92-749 days) from NP. Of the NOD patients, 84% required insulin and 69% developed exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). Age (odds ratio [OR], 0.98), male sex (OR, 2.7), obesity (OR, 2.1), presence of EPI (OR, 2.7), and diffuse pancreatic necrosis (OR, 2.4) were independent predictors. In a separate multivariable model assessing abdominal fat on CT, visceral fat area (highest quartile) was an independent predictor for NOD (OR, 3.01). CONCLUSIONS: New-onset diabetes was observed in 1 of 4 patients with NP, most within the first year and requiring insulin. Male sex, obesity, diffuse pancreatic necrosis, development of EPI, and high visceral adiposity identified those at highest risk.

Metal stent and percutaneous endoscopic necrosectomy as dual approach for the management of complex walled-off pancreatic necrosis.

Pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) are one of the local complications of acute pancreatitis and include walled-off pancreatic necrosis (WOPN), which are complex entities with challenging management. The infection of pancreatic necrosis leads to a poorer prognosis, with a growth of the mortality rate up to 30%. The primary strategy for managing PFCs is a minimally invasive step-up approach, with endosonography-guided transmural drainage and debridement as the preferred and less invasive method. Percutaneous drainage (PCD) can be the technique of choice when endoscopic drainage is not feasible, for example for early PFCs without a mature wall or for the anatomic location and extension to the paracolic gutter of the collection. As PCD alone may be ineffective, especially when a great amount of necrosis is present, a percutaneous endoscopic necrosectomy (PEN) has been proposed, showing interesting results. The technique consists of the placement of an esophageal fully or partially covered self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) percutaneously into the collection and a direct debridement can be performed using a flexible endoscope through the SEMS. In this review, we will discuss about the role of metal stent and PEN for the management of complex walled-off pancreatic necrosis.

Manejo quirúrgico de pseudoquiste pancreático gigante: caso clínico / Surgical management of giant pancreatic pseudocyst: case report

Resumen Introducción: Los pseudoquistes pancreáticos (PQP) corresponden al 80% de las lesiones quísticas del páncreas. Se debe descartar un tumor quístico, que representan el 10% al 15% de los quistes del páncreas y 1% de los tumores malignos por lo que es fundamental el estudio y diagnóstico diferencial. El término pseudoquiste pancreático gigante se usa tradicionalmente cuando el tamaño es mayor de 10 cm. Hay pocos casos de PQP gigantes en la literatura nacional. Objetivo: Reportar caso clínico con PQP gigante, analizar el diagnóstico diferencial y las opciones terapéuticas. Materiales y Método: Paciente con distensión abdominal progresiva, pérdida de peso y anorexia, posepisodio de pancreatitis aguda. Tomografía computarizada abdominal y resonancia magnética confirman lesión quística gigante intraabdominal. El paciente fue tratado con una cistoyeyunostomía pancreática abierta en Y de Roux. El análisis del contenido aspirado durante la cirugía sugiere PQP. Para la discusión se revisa la literatura más relevante. Resultados: Excelente resultado clínico postoperatorio, el estudio histopatológico de la pared del quiste confirmó el diagnóstico de pseudoquiste pancreático. Al año de seguimiento, el paciente permanece asintomático. Discusión: El estudio preoperatorio es crucial para determinar el diagnóstico diferencial y descartar lesiones neoplásicas o parasitarias quísticas. Los PSQ gigantes reportados son poco frecuentes y su manejo quirúrgico dependerá fundamentalmente de su tamaño, de las relaciones anatómicas y de la experiencia del equipo tratante.

Introduction: Pancreatic pseudocysts (PQP) correspond to 80% of cystic lesions of the pancreas. A cystic tumor must be ruled out, which represents 10% to 15% of pancreatic cysts and 1% of malignant tumors, so the study and differential diagnosis is essential. The term giant pancreatic pseudocyst is traditionally used when the size is greater than 10 cm. There are few cases of giant PQP in the national literature. Objective: To report a clinical case with giant PQP, to analyze the differential diagnosis and therapeutic options. Materials and Method: Patient with progressive abdominal distension, weight loss and anorexia post episode of acute pancreatitis. Abdominal computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging confirm a giant intra-abdominal cystic lesion. The patient was treated with an open Roux-en-Y pancreatic cysto-jejunostomy. Analysis of the content aspirated during surgery suggests PQP. The most relevant literature is reviewed for discussion. Results: Excellent postoperative clinical results, the histopathological study of the cyst wall, confirmed the diagnosis of pancreatic pseudocyst. At one year of follow-up, the patient remains asymptomatic. Discussion: The preoperative study is crucial to determine the differential diagnosis and rule out neoplastic or cystic parasitic lesions. Reported giant PSQs are rare and their surgical management will depend fundamentally on their size, anatomical relationships, and the experience of the treating team.

Familial chylomicronemia syndrome-induced acute necrotizing pancreatitis during pregnancy

Abstract Acute pancreatitis is a rare condition in pregnancy, associated with a high mortality rate. Hypertriglyceridemia represents its second most common cause.We present the case of a 38-year-old woman in the 24th week of gestation with a history of hypertriglyceridemia and recurrent episodes of pancreatitis. She was admitted to our hospital with acute pancreatitis due to severe hypertriglyceridemia. She was stabilized and treated with fibrates. Despite her favorable clinical course, she developed a second episode of acute pancreatitis complicated by multi-organ dysfunction and pancreatic necrosis, requiring a necrosectomy. The pregnancy was ended by cesarean section, after which three plasmapheresis sessions were performed. She is currently asymptomatic with stable triglyceride levels. Acute pancreatitis due to hypertriglyceridemia represents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge in pregnant women, associated with serious maternal and fetal complications. When primary hypertriglyceridemia is suspected, such as familial chylomicronemia syndrome, the most important objective is preventing the onset of pancreatitis.

Ansa pancreática: desafio no diagnóstico etiológico em paciente jovem com pancreatite grave / Ansa pancreatica: etiological diagnosis challenge in a young patient with severe pancreatitis

A ansa pancreática é uma variação anatômica rara dos ductos pancreáticos. Consiste numa comunicação entre o ducto pancreático principal (Wirsung) e o ducto pancreático acessório (Santorini). Recentemente, estudos têm demonstrado estar essa variação anatômica implicada como fator predisponente e significativamente associada a episódios recorrentes de pancreatite aguda. A pancreatite é uma entidade clínica pouco frequente na infância. Diferente dos adultos, as causas mais comuns incluem infecções virais, por ascaris, medicamentosas, traumas e anomalias estruturais. O objetivo deste estudo foi relatar um caso de pancreatite aguda grave não alcoólica e não biliar, em um paciente jovem de 15 anos, em cuja propedêutica imagenológica evidenciou-se alça, comunicando com os ductos pancreáticos ventral e dorsal, compatível com ansa pancreática.

Ansa pancreatica is a rare anatomical variation of the pancreatic ducts. It consists of communication between the main pancreatic duct (Wirsung) and the accessory pancreatic duct (Santorini). Recently, studies have shown that this anatomical variation is implicated as a predisposing factor and significantly associated with recurrent episodes of acute pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is a rare clinical entity in childhood. Different from that in the adults, the most common causes include viral and ascaris infections, drugs, traumas, and structural abnormalities. The objective of this study was to report a case of a severe non-alcoholic and non-biliary acute pancreatitis in a 15-year-old patient, whose propedeutic imaging showed a loop communicating with the ventral and dorsal pancreatic ducts, consistent with ansa pancreatica.

Minimally invasive endoscopic treatment of necrotizing pancreatitis: A case report with images and review of the literature / Tratamento endoscópico minimamente invasivo: relato de caso e revisão da literatura

Summary Necrotizing pancreatitis with fluid collections can occur as a complication of acute pancreatitis. The management of these patients depends on the severity and involves multiple medical treatment modalities, as clinical intensive care and surgical intervention. In this article, we show a severe case of walled-off pancreatic necrosis that was conducted by endoscopic drainage with great clinical outcome.

Resumo Pancreatite necrosante com coleções pode ocorrer como complicação da pancreatite aguda. O manejo desses pacientes depende da gravidade e envolve múltiplas modalidades médicas de tratamento, como terapia clínica intensiva e intervenção cirúrgica. Neste artigo, mostramos um caso grave de necrose pancreática com ótima resolução clínica após drenagem endoscópica.

Pancreatic Necrosis and Gas in the Retroperitoneum: Treatment with Antibiotics Alone

OBJECTIVE: To present our experience in the management of patients with infected pancreatic necrosis without drainage. METHODS: The records of patients with pancreatic necrosis admitted to our facility from 2011 to 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: We identified 61 patients with pancreatic necrosis. Six patients with pancreatic necrosis and gas in the retroperitoneum were treated exclusively with clinical support without any type of drainage. Only 2 patients had an APACHE II score >8. The first computed tomography scan revealed the presence of gas in 5 patients. The Balthazar computed tomography severity index score was >9 in 5 of the 6 patients. All patients were treated with antibiotics for at least 3 weeks. Blood cultures were positive in only 2 patients. Parenteral nutrition was not used in these patients. The length of hospital stay exceeded three weeks for 5 patients; 3 patients had to be readmitted. A cholecystectomy was performed after necrosis was completely resolved; pancreatitis recurred in 2 patients before the operation. No patients died. CONCLUSIONS: In selected patients, infected pancreatic necrosis (gas in the retroperitoneum) can be treated without percutaneous drainage or any additional surgical intervention. Intervention procedures should be performed for patients who exhibit clinical and laboratory deterioration.