Abdominal Sonographic Evaluation: In the Field, at the Hospital, and After Surgery.

Abdominal sonography is currently a routine procedure in the evaluation of colic in the horse. This imaging technique is used in both the assessment of the horse presented in the emergency setting with acute colic and the assessment of the horse presented for chronic or recurrent colic in the nonemergency setting. Sonography for colic evaluation is used by specialists in different disciplines and by general practitioners in the ambulatory and hospital settings. In this review, we will focus on indications and clinical interpretation of findings as well as recent developments in abdominal sonography.

Shedding light on excessive crying in babies.

BACKGROUND: Excessive and inconsolable crying behavior in otherwise healthy infants (a condition called infant colic (IC)) is very distressing to parents, may lead to maternal depression, and in extreme cases, may result in shaken baby syndrome. Despite the high prevalence of this condition (20% of healthy infants), the underlying neural mechanisms of IC are still unknown. METHODS: By employing the latest magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques in newborns, we prospectively investigated whether newborns' early brain responses to a sensory stimulus (smell) is associated with a subsequent crying behavior. RESULTS: In our sample population of 21 healthy breastfed newborns, those who developed IC at 6 weeks exhibited brain activation and functional connectivity in primary and secondary olfactory brain areas that were distinct from those in babies that did not develop IC. Different activation in brain regions known to be involved in sensory integration was also observed in colicky babies. These responses measured shortly after birth were highly correlated with the mean crying time at 6 weeks of age. CONCLUSIONS: Our results offer novel insights into IC pathophysiology by demonstrating that, shortly after birth, the central nervous system of babies developing IC has already greater reactivity to sensory stimuli than that of their noncolicky peers. IMPACT: Shortly after birth, the central nervous system of colicky infants has a greater sensitivity to olfactory stimuli than that of their noncolicky peers. This early sensitivity explains as much as 48% of their subsequent crying behavior at 6 weeks of life. Brain activation patterns to olfactory stimuli in colicky infants include not only primary olfactory areas but also brain regions involved in pain processing, emotional valence attribution, and self-regulation. This study links earlier findings in fields as diverse as gastroenterology and behavioral psychology and has the potential of helping healthcare professionals to define strategies to advise families.

Imaging strategies for patients with suspicion of uncomplicated colic pain: diagnostic accuracy and management assessment.

OBJECTIVE: Compare different imaging scenarios in the diagnosis of uncomplicated renal colic due to urolithiasis (URCU). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 206 prospectively included patients had been admitted with suspected URCU and had undergone abdominal plain film (APF), US and unenhanced CT after clinical STONE score evaluation. CT was the reference standard. We assessed sensitivity (Se), specificity (Spe) and Youden index for colic pain diagnosis, percentage of patients managed by urologic treatment with stone identified, percentage of alternative diagnoses (AD) and exposure to radiation, according to single imaging approaches, strategies driven by patient characteristics and conditional imaging strategies after APF and US. RESULTS: One hundred (48.5%) patients had a final diagnosis of URCU and 19 underwent urologic treatment. The conditional strategy, i.e. CT in patients who had no stone identified at US, had a perfect sensitivity and specificity. This enabled diagnosis of all stones requiring urology management while decreasing the number of CT exams by 22%. The strategy whereby CT was used when there was neither direct or indirect APF + US finding of colic pain nor alternative diagnoses in patients with a STONE score ≥ 10 had a sensitivity of 0.95 and a specificity of 0.99, identified 84% of stones managed by urologic treatment and decreased the number of CT examinations by 76%. CONCLUSION: In patients with clinical findings consistent with URCU, the use of ultrasound as first-line imaging modality, with CT restricted to patients with negative US and a STONE score ≥ 10, led to a sensitivity and specificity of above 95%, identified 84% of stones requiring urological management and reduced the number of CT scans needed by fourfold. KEY POINTS: • For diagnosis, the use of APF + US as first-line imaging, with CT restricted to patients with both a normal APF + US and a STONE score ≥ 10, provides both a sensitivity and specificity superior or equal to 95% and reduces the number of CT scans necessary by fourfold. • For management, the use of APF + US as first-line imaging, with CT restricted to patients with both a normal APF + US and a STONE score ≥ 10, maintains a 84% stone identification rate in urology-treated patients.

Emergency Management for Donkeys and Mules.

This article provides an overview of initial assessment and management of common emergency presentations in donkeys and mules. The principles are similar to those in horses (and ponies), but clinicians must be aware of differences in recognition of signs of pain/disease, approach to handling, pharmacology of some drugs, and subtle differences in the physiology and local anatomy in donkeys and mules. The epidemiology of common disease presentations will vary between pet/companion or working/farmed donkeys and mules. Regular dental checks, deworming, vaccination, and monitoring of behavior and quality of life are important aspects of preventive care.

Point-of-Care Ultrasonography.

Point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) is performed by a physician at the bedside and is standard practice in obstetric, emergency, and musculoskeletal medicine. When compared with formal sonography, POCUS is equivalent in screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm and as accurate in diagnosing deep venous thrombosis. POCUS has high accuracy for diagnosing pneumonia and detecting acute decompensated heart failure but is less accurate than computed tomography for identifying pulmonary embolism. POCUS confirmation of intrauterine pregnancy rules out an ectopic pregnancy. In the third trimester of high-risk pregnancies, umbilical artery Doppler ultrasonography can improve perinatal outcomes. Musculoskeletal POCUS is used to diagnose and guide treatment of many joint and soft tissue conditions. It is as accurate as magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of complete rotator cuff tears. Ultrasound guidance improves outcomes in the placement of central venous catheters and fluid drainage from body cavities and lumbar punctures. Ultrasonography can reduce the use of CT for diagnosis of appendicitis; however, negative scan results do not rule out disease. POCUS can accurately diagnose and rule out gallbladder pathology, and is effective for diagnosing urolithiasis. Focused cardiac ultrasonography can detect pericardial effusion and decreased systolic function, but is less accurate than lung ultrasonography at diagnosing acute heart failure. Limited evidence demonstrates a benefit of diagnosing testicular and gynecologic conditions. The American College of Emergency Physicians, the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine, the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine, the American College of Radiology, and others offer POCUS training. Training standards for POCUS have been defined for residency programs but are less established for credentialing.

Should contrast CT urography replace non-contrast CT as an investigation for ureteric colic in the emergency department in those aged 65 and over?

PURPOSE: Elderly patients with upper tract urothelial cancer (UTUC) may present with colic and microscopic haematuria, mimicking urolithiasis. Patients presenting to emergency departments with acute ureteric colic are investigated with a CT KUB. CT urography (CTU) identifies UTUC better than a CT KUB. Thus, there is a possibility that a CT KUB may miss UTUC. METHODS: We studied patients aged 65 years or over presenting to the emergency department with ureteric colic and microscopic haematuria who had a CT KUB between January 2014 and October 2016. Patients who had both CT KUB and CTU were then compared to determine if CT KUB had missed a UTUC and if the diagnoses were concordant by the two tests. A radiologist independent from the reporting radiologists reviewed images as well as their reports. According to the Health Research Authority, England regulations, we did not obtain an ethical review on a voluntary basis for this retrospective study. RESULTS: Four hundred eighty-five patients [228 (47.01%) male and 257 (52.99%) female] had a CT KUB scan over the 34-month period. Their mean age was 74 (SD 6.97) [males 73 (SD 6.42), females 75 (SD 7.42)] years. One hundred eighty-seven scans were normal. Ureteric calculi (167), renal calculi (58) and renal cysts (28) were most frequent diagnoses. The diagnosis was uncertain in 33 patients (6.8%) [16 (48.49%) males and 17 (51.51%) females]. The mean age of this group of patients was 74 (SD 6.64) [males 73 (SD4.43), females 74 (SD7.64)] years. These patients had a CTU for clarity. CTU identified one UTUC not identified by CT KUB (0.2%), corroborated the diagnosis of a ureteric tumour in one patient and excluded UTUC in two others. CTU diagnosed two new bladder tumours and an endometrial tumour. Diagnoses were concordant between CT KUB and CTU in 17 of 33 patients (51.5%). CONCLUSIONS: CT KUB scans for patients 65 years and over presenting with ureteric colic is justified. Only a small proportion of patients will subsequently require the higher radiation dose CTU as the probability of missing UTUC is low.

Clinical findings and management of 153 horses with large colon sand accumulations.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of radiographic quantification of sand accumulation on the medical versus surgical management of large colon sand accumulations. To compare short- and long-term outcomes and complications associated with medical and surgical management of these horses. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective. SAMPLE POPULATION: A total of 153 horses. METHODS: Medical records and abdominal radiographs of horses presented for colic between 2004 and 2014 were reviewed. Severity of sand accumulation was quantified by tracing and measuring a region of interest with a commercial software program. Breed, weight, amount of sand, presence of diarrhea at presentation, treatment, and the development of complications were recorded. RESULTS: Records from 153 horses were reviewed. The mean cross-sectional area of sand accumulation was 692.9 cm2 (median = 658.7 cm2 , 84.6-1780.7 cm2 ). Increased accumulation of gas on radiographs and abnormal transrectal examination findings were associated with an increased likelihood of surgery. The most common complication was the development of diarrhea (20.3%) with only 4 (2.6%) horses positive for Salmonella spp. Horses had a favorable prognosis, with 94.8% of horses treated medically and 94.7% of those treated surgically surviving to discharge. CONCLUSION: Increased accumulation of gas on radiographs and transrectal palpation of impaction or intestinal gas distension increase the likelihood of surgery. Both medical and surgical treatments carry a good prognosis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The sheer quantity of sand is not a factor when determining surgical intervention. Attention should be paid to the presence of increased gas accumulation on rectal or radiographic examination.

Hepatobiliary and pancreatic ascariasis-sonographic pictorial essay on four pediatric cases with acute biliary colic.

Hepatobiliary and pancreatic ascariasis occur due to migration of the round worm ascaris lumbricoides through the bile duct orifice finally reaching the common bile duct, main pancreatic duct, intrahepatic ducts or gallbladder. These resulted in acute epigastric and right hypochondriac region colicky pain. Ultrasound is the investigation of choice in hepatobiliary ascariasis. We present here sonographic images on four pediatric patients with acute biliary colic.

IMAGING DIAGNOSIS-TRAUMATIC ABOMASITIS CAUSED BY FOREIGN BODIES IN A COW.

A 2-year-old Holstein cow presented with a history of colic signs of 3 days' duration that had not responded to routine medical therapy. Physical examination findings were consistent with tachycardia and colic. Ultrasonographic examination of the abomasum revealed a thin hyperechoic line producing a cone shadow. Radiography of the cranial abdomen revealed two radiopaque objects within the abomasum. Right paracostal laparotomy and abomasotomy permitted palpation and manual removal of two metallic foreign bodies and a small quantity of gravel. The animal recovered well after surgery and no signs of colic were observed. Her appetite and rumination were also improved.

Surgical correction of nephrosplenic entrapment of the large colon in 3 horses via standing left flank laparotomy.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a technique for surgical correction of nephrosplenic entrapment via standing left flank laparotomy. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. ANIMALS: Horses (n = 3). METHODS: Nephrosplenic entrapment was diagnosed by abdominal palpation per rectum in all 3 horses and confirmed by transabdominal ultrasonography in 2 horses. Duration of colic was variable and failed to resolve after medical management, phenylephrine administration, and jogging. With sedation and local analgesia, standing left flank laparotomy using a modified grid approach was performed to correct the entrapment. Follow-up information was obtained by telephone communication with trainers or owners. RESULTS: Nephrosplenic entrapment was successfully corrected in all horses; postoperative fever occurred in 1 horse. Horses were discharged after 48-72 hours and returned to previous use within 30 days. CONCLUSION: Standing flank laparotomy is an alternative for horses with nephrosplenic entrapment unresponsive to medical therapy when general anesthesia and exploratory celiotomy are not an option because of financial constraints or a high anesthetic risk. This approach leads to a favorable outcome, reduces hospital stay and associated costs and leads to a rapid return to function.

Imaging diagnosis--muscular hypertrophy of the small intestine and pseudodiverticula in a horse.

A 14-year-old Thoroughbred gelding was presented for chronic colic and weight loss. Transcutaneous and transrectal abdominal ultrasonography revealed distended, thickened small intestine with primary thickening of the muscularis and a focally more thickened loop with an echoic structure crossing the wall from the mucosa to the serosa. Visualization of diffuse thickening of the muscularis (muscular hypertrophy of the small intestine) and a focal lesion (pseudodiverticulum) helped clinicians make informed decisions. This case illustrates the importance of transabdominal and transrectal ultrasonography in horses with chronic colic and the relevance of considering the abnormalities in layering pattern of the intestinal wall.

Ultrasound of the equine acute abdomen.

Abdominal ultrasound is an invaluable aid in the evaluation of the colic patient but can be heavily influenced by patient preparation, individual horse-to-horse variation, availability of ultrasound transducers, technique, experience level of the examiner, and complexity of the abdominal disorder. This article describes ultrasonographic anatomy of the normal equine abdomen and technique for examination of the equine colic patient. Common abnormalities of the stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and peritoneal cavity are described along with other abnormalities that may be discovered with abdominal ultrasonography of the colic patient, such as masses, urolithiasis, cholelithiasis, and thoracic or cardiac lesions.

Sonography in acute ureteric colic: an experience in Dhulikhel Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Computed tomography is considered as an imaging modality of choice in acute ureteric colic. However due to concerns regarding radiation exposure, sonograms are re-emerging as imaging methods in such situations. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the role of sonography in detection of calculus in acute ureteric colic. METHODS: Total 384 patients were enrolled. Hydronephrosis was graded as mild, moderate or severe. Calculus was detected as an intraluminal echogenic focus with distal shadowing with twinkling artifact. Number, size and position of the calculi were assessed. Patients were categorized into four groups:I. ureteric colic only II. ureteric colic with hematuria III. ureteric colic with hydronephrosis and IV. ureteric colic with hematuria and hydronephrosis and then the possibility of detection of calculi has been compared among these groups. RESULTS: Out of 384 patients, 254 were found to have calculi ranging between 2.7-27 mm. Nineteen had in the pelvis/ pelviureteric junction, 64 in proximal ureter, 125 in distal ureter, 6 at iliac crossing and 40 at vesicoureteric junction. Two hundred forty one had single and 14 had multiple calculi. Calculus detection is easier in category III and IV patients. The sensitivity and specificity of ultrasonography were 87.98% and 93.07%. Degree of hydronephrosis is strongly correlated with the number of calculi but weakly correlated with the size of the calculus. CONCLUSION: Sonogram can be used in all cases of acute ureteric colic. Hydronephrosis is the most important finding because it paves the way out for the detection of calculus.

Ultrasonographic findings of fluid accumulation and hyperechogenic spots suggestive of surgical site infection following laparotomy for colic in horses.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare ultrasonographic findings of the ventral midline incision after exploratory laparotomy for colic in horses with and without surgical site infection (SSI). METHODS: Ultrasonographic examination of the surgical wound was performed on postoperative day 5 (D5) and day 10 (D10) to assess the presence of fluid accumulation, suture sinus formation, hyperechogenic spots and fistulous path. Clinical evaluation of the wound was used to classify horses with and without SSI. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values of the ultrasonographic findings were then calculated. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed with SSI as a dependent variable and age, sex, breed and ultrasonographic findings as independent variables after univariate and collinearity analyses. RESULTS: Twenty-nine of the 84 horses examined had an SSI. Detection of fluid accumulation and hyperechogenic spots increased the odds for SSI at D5 (odds ratio [OR]: 4.99, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.53-16.33, p = 0.008; OR: 10.78, 95% CI: 1.75-26.59, p = 0.01, respectively) and D10 (OR: 11.51, 95% CI: 2.39-55.47, p = 0.002; OR: 12.34, 95% CI: 3.45-44.15, p < 0.001, respectively). LIMITATION: Ultrasonographic images were taken only on the longitudinal section. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonographic examination is helpful in evaluating the surgical incision after laparotomy, with the detection of fluid accumulation and hyperechogenic spots surrounding the sutures being strongly related to SSI.

Prospective assessment of dynamic CT and MR cholangiography in functional biliary pain.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of our study were to assess the feasibility of dynamic CT and MR cholangiography during gallbladder stimulation, to compare CT and MR cholangiography with biliary scintigraphy, and to identify morphologic differences between patients with functional biliary pain and healthy control subjects. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, 30 patients with functional biliary pain underwent biliary scintigraphy, CT cholangiography, and MR cholangiography before and during 45-minute sincalide infusions. Thirty healthy control subjects also underwent MR cholangiography with sincalide infusion. IV contrast agents (iodipamide meglumine or gadobenate dimeglumine) were administered before scanning. CT and MR images were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed. RESULTS: Diagnostic images were obtained of all participants. There was good agreement for gallbladder ejection fraction (EF) at 40 minutes by all three methods (Lin's concordance correlation coefficient ≥ 0.6). Gallbladder contraction and refilling occurred more promptly by CT and MR cholangiography than scintigraphy. CT and MR cholangiography showed previously undiagnosed gallstones in two patients (7%). Gallbladder shape was categorized as straight, curved, or folded; a folded gallbladder was present in 37% and 23% of patients at baseline and 40 minutes, respectively, versus in 3% of control subjects at both times (p ≤ 0.004). Asymmetric patterns of gallbladder contraction occurred in 10 patients (33%) and four control subjects (13%) (p = 0.13). CONCLUSION: Dynamic CT cholangiography and MR cholangiography performed during pharmacologic stimulation accurately measure gallbladder EFs and detect missed gallstones. Gallbladder shape before and during contraction differs between patients with functional biliary pain and healthy control subjects. Dynamic CT cholangiography and MR cholangiography are promising techniques that might improve selection of patients to undergo cholecystectomy for functional biliary pain.

Dynamic changes of common bile duct diameter during an episode of biliary colic, documented by ultrasonography.

Common bile duct stones frequently accompany gallstones and can be identified by a variety of imaging modalities. Little is known about the time course of dilatation of the common bile duct after acute obstruction or of normalization after spontaneous passage of an obstructing stone. We describe a case showing rapid fluctuations in common bile duct diameter during 72 hours in a patient presenting with epigastric pain and vomiting. Initial emergency bedside ultrasonography revealed a distended gallbladder, a dilated common bile duct (17 mm), and an obstructing stone. Five hours later, ultrasonography performed in the radiology suite showed a normal common bile duct diameter (4 mm) and no obstructing stone. The patient was admitted, and during the course of hospitalization different imaging modalities reported fluctuations in common bile duct measurements, ranging from 4 mm on computed tomography to 14 mm on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. This case demonstrates disappearance of an obstructing stone with normalization of a highly distended common bile duct during 5 hours, highlighting that gallstone disease may be highly dynamic, with the possibility of rapid changes of common bile duct diameter. Emergency physicians, who frequently depend on ultrasonography to diagnose biliary disease, should be wary of the potential for rapid changes of sonographic findings in these patients.

Ultrasonographic visualization of colonic mesenteric vasculature as an indicator of large colon right dorsal displacement or 180° volvulus (or both) in horses.

Visualization of colonic mesenteric vasculature during transabdominal ultrasonographic examination of horses with colic can be a predictor of right dorsal displacement of the large colon or 180° large colon volvulus, or both. Medical records of 82 horses having had surgical treatment of colic and having received a transabdominal ultrasonographic examination on admission were reviewed. Colonic mesenteric vessels were sonographically identified coursing laterally on the right side of the abdomen in 24 of the 82 cases. Horses with colonic vessels identified on ultrasound were 32.5 times more likely to be diagnosed at surgery with either large colon right dorsal displacement or 180° large colon volvulus than those in which vessels were not seen (P < 0.001). Visualization of colonic mesenteric vessels on ultrasound provided a sensitivity of 67.7%, specificity of 97.9%, positive predictive value of 95.8%, and negative predictive value of 81% for large colon right dorsal displacement or 180° large colon volvulus, or both.

Randomized clinical trial of routine on-table cholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: A randomized clinical trial was undertaken to assess the utility of routine on-table cholangiography (OTC) during laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallstone disease. METHODS: Some 190 patients with a history of biliary colic or cholecystitis and a low predictive risk for choledocholithiasis were randomized to undergo elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy alone (99 patients) or elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy with OTC (91). Intraoperative findings and postoperative outcomes for the two groups were compared. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of common bile duct (CBD) stones. RESULTS: Of the patients undergoing OTC, ten had abnormal cholangiograms; three had CBD stones and seven had abnormalities without stones. OTC was associated with a significantly longer mean(s.e.m.) operating time (66(2) versus 54(3) min; P < 0·001), but there was no association between performance of OTC and postoperative morbidity. During a 1-year follow-up, no patient in the OTC group re-presented to hospital with recurrent biliary symptoms. In contrast, four of the patients allocated to surgery alone re-presented with symptoms suggestive of CBD obstruction; all settled with conservative treatment and the difference in readmission rate was not significant (P = 0·122). CONCLUSION: Routine cholangiography in patients with a low risk for CBD stones does not seem justified from the results of this trial. REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT00806780 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).