Current Utility of Transgastric Percutaneous Drainage for the Management of Pancreatitis-Related Retrogastric Walled-Off Necrotic Collections: A Prospective Observational Study.

Introduction Pancreatic fluid collection (PFC) is one of the most frequent complications associated with acute pancreatitis. The route of drainage is guided by the size and site of collection. The present study aims to assess the clinical and technical success of transgastric percutaneous drainage (PCD) for managing retrogastric walled-off pancreatic necrosis (WOPN). Materials and methods A total of 44 patients with acute pancreatitis diagnosed with WOPN who underwent transgastric PCD with ultrasound or CT guidance as part of standard clinical management were included in the study. Patients were observed for improvement in clinical parameters, and treatment outcomes were noted in terms of technical success, clinical success, adverse events, need for additional procedures, hospital stay, and duration of placement of all drains. Data for the internalization of transgastric PCD was also observed in the study. Results Technical success during the drain placement was observed in 93% (n=41) of patients.Internalization of the transgastric drain was attempted in 12 patients and successful in 11 (91%). The median duration of hospital stay from the time of placement of the first PCD until discharge and the median duration of all PCDs placed were higher in patients where the transgastric drain was not internalized as compared to patients where the transgastric drain was internalized. Conclusion In WOPN, transgastric drain placement and successful internalization in any form help in the early resolution of peripancreatic and abdominal collections. It also reduces the time to percutaneous catheter removal, which in turn reduces the morbidity and decreases the need for additional interventions or surgery.

Successful interventional treatment of huge hepatic haemangioma in a neonate following failed medical approach.

An outborn male term neonate presented with a complaint of respiratory distress since birth on day 9 of life. On examination, baby was having tachypnoea, tachycardia and hepatomegaly. The baby was delivered at term gestation and cried immediately after birth. The chest X-ray showed cardiomegaly. The abdomen ultrasound showed a complex cystic vascular lesion suggestive of hepatic haemangioma. The echocardiography showed an atrial septal defect. The baby was initially treated conservatively along with specific treatment (steroids and propranolol) for haemangioma for 6 weeks. However, the symptoms persisted and there was non-resolution, therefore, particle embolisation of the right hepatic artery was performed. Subsequently, it resulted in complete resolution of the lesion.

Visceral Fat Indices: Do They Help Differentiate Crohn's Disease and Intestinal Tuberculosis in Children?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Crohn's disease [CD] and intestinal tuberculosis [ITB] are often difficult to differentiate. Mesenteric fat hypertrophy is a feature of CD. We evaluated the utility of fat indices (visceral fat [VF] and subcutaneous fat [SF]) in differentiating CD and ITB in children. METHODS: Symptomatic children diagnosed to have CD or ITB based on recommended criteria were enrolled. Clinical, anthropometric, and laboratory details were noted. Abdominal fat was measured on computed tomography in supine position at the level of L4 vertebrae. VF and SF area was measured separately by a radiologist, blinded to the diagnosis. The sum of VF and SF was taken as total fat [TF]. VF/SF and VF/TF ratios were calculated. RESULTS: Thirty-four (age 14 years [10.8-17.0], 14 boys) children were recruited: 12 had CD [seven boys, age 13.0 years] and 22 had ITB [seven boys, age 14.5 years]. VF area was higher in CD compared to ITB (18.34 cm2 [15.62-40.01] vs 6.48 cm2 [2.65-21.96]; p = 0.012). The SF and TF area was similar in ITB and CD. The ratios of VF/SF (0.82 [0.57-1.5] vs 0.33 [0.16-0.48]; p = 0.004) and VF/TF (0.45 [0.36-0.60] vs 0.25 [0.13-0.32]; p = 0.004) were significantly higher in CD. On comparing CD and ITB in boys and girls separately, the difference was significant for boys but not for girls. A VF/SF ratio of 0.609 predicted CD with a good sensitivity [75%] and specificity [86.4%] [area under the curve 0.795, 95% confidence interval 0.636-0.955; p = 0.005]. CONCLUSION: The VF/SF ratio is a simple, non-invasive, objective parameter to differentiate CD and ITB in children, particularly boys. Larger studies are needed to validate this in girls.

Gastrointestinal bleeding due to pseudoaneurysms in children.

Radiological embolization is the treatment of choice in adults with visceral artery pseudoaneurysm (PSA) and gastrointestinal bleeding, but pediatric data is scanty. We analyzed the etiology, clinical presentation, and outcome of radiological intervention in children with PSA of celiac (CA) or superior mesenteric artery (SMA) branches. Electronic records of children with PSA of CA or SMA branches were reviewed and data on clinical and laboratory profile, radiological intervention, and outcome was recorded. Eleven children with PSA (5 boys, 11 [7-17] years) were studied. Etiology was liver abscess (n 4), abdominal trauma (n 3), pancreatitis (n 3), and indeterminate in 1 case. Ten (91%) patients were symptomatic: abdominal pain (10, 91%), hematemesis/melena (9, 81%), and Quincke's triad (1, 9%). One child with pancreatic pseudocyst was diagnosed incidentally on imaging. Doppler ultrasound identified PSA only in 3 cases, while computed tomography angiography (CTA) picked all cases. Children with liver abscess, trauma, and unknown etiology had PSA from CA (right hepatic artery 7, left hepatic artery 1). Of the 3 pancreatitis cases, 2 had PSA from SMA (inferior pancreatico-duodenal artery and ileal branch) and 1 from CA (left gastric artery). Radiological embolization was done in 9 (81%) cases (coil 6, glue 2, both 1), without any complications or failure. One case resolved spontaneously and 1 died pre-intervention. Nine intervened cases were asymptomatic in follow-up [6 (1-24) months].Conclusion: Liver abscess, trauma, and pancreatitis are causes of PSA of CA and SMA branches in children. A majority present with gastrointestinal bleeding and are identified on CTA. Radiological embolization was safe with 100% success. What is Known: • Pseudoaneurysm of visceral artery is an uncommon cause of gastrointestinal bleeding. • Endoluminal intervention is an established and efficacious treatment modality in adults and preferred over surgery. What is New: • Liver abscess, abdominal trauma and pancreatitis are common causes of celiac artery and superior mesenteric artery branch pseudoaneurysm in children and computed tomography angiography has high sensitivity in identifying these pseudoaneurysms. • Minimally invasive radiological angio-embolization, in the hands of trained radiologists, is a safe and successful modality of treatment in children.

Undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of liver with macroaneurysms and arteriovenous shunt.

Undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma (UES) is an uncommon primary hepatic tumour of childhood. The mass usually shows paradoxical features of being cystic on CT and solid on ultrasound. These lesions are usually hypovascular. Very rarely they may present as hypervascular liver masses with macroaneurysms and arteriovenous (AV) shunt, with only less than six cases reported in literature. We report a case of an 11-year-old child who presented with progressive abdominal distention, and CT revealed a large exophytic hypervascular mass of liver with multiple macroaneurysms, pooling of contrast and a high-flow AV shunt. Histopathology, along with immunohistochemistry, revealed the mass to be UES. The child underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by successful surgery. The prognosis of this tumour depends on prompt diagnosis and early intervention. We present this case to highlight the atypical presentation of UES, which will encourage radiologists to keep this differential in relevant clinical settings.

Ileal duplication cyst with giant polypoidal gastric heterotropia.

Enteric duplication cysts (EDCs) are congenital malformations of the gastrointestinal tract. EDCs can present as tubular or spherical cystic lesions of the abdomen. The tubular variant of EDC arises as an outpouching from the bowel wall, whereas the spherical variant rarely shows bowel communication. EDCs are known to harbour heterotopic pancreatic parenchyma or gastric mucosa. We present a case of EDC of the ileum (tubular type) with heterotopic gastric mucosa in a 7-year-old child who came with malena and abdominal discomfort. CT revealed focal abnormal dilatation of the ileal loop with polypoidal mucosal thickening. Differential diagnosis of lymphoma, bowel polyps and Meckel's diverticula with gastric heterotopia (GH) were considered. Subsequent surgery followed by histopathology revealed it to be EDC with GH. We discuss this case to familiarise radiologists with the atypical imaging features of EDC, to prevent misdiagnosis and initiate prompt treatment in appropriate clinical settings.

Glue Embolization of Adrenal Artery Pseudoaneurysm: Case Series with Review of Literature.

Mortality rates for pseudoaneurysm (PSA) rupture are high and immediate intervention in the form of embolization can be life saving for the patient. Adrenal artery PSAs are rare with scarce references in literature. These arteries are small in caliber and require modification of the cannulation techniques for endovascular access. In situations, where the distal artery cannot be cannulated or the ostium cannot be negotiated, and percutaneous direct needle puncture (PDNP) techniques can be used. We discuss two patients with adrenal artery PSA that presented to us and their successful embolization with N-butyl cyanoacrylate through endovascular and PDNP techniques along with relevant review of the literature.

Childhood pancreatic trauma: Clinical presentation, natural history and outcome.

OBJECTIVES: To study the presentation, management strategies and long-term natural history of children with pancreatic trauma. METHODS: Children admitted with pancreatic trauma were analyzed for their presentation, management and outcome. Management included nasojejunal feeds, total parenteral nutrition (TPN), octreotide, drainage (radiological and endoscopic), endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and surgery. Patients were assessed in follow-up for development of chronic pancreatitis (CP). RESULTS: 36 children [29 boys, age 144 (13-194) months] presented at 30 (3-210) days after trauma. Most common cause of trauma was bicycle handle bar injury [n = 18,50%]. Presenting features were abdominal pain [n = 26,72%], lump [n = 16, 44.4%], ascites [n = 13,36%], pleural effusion [n = 9,25%] and anasarca [n = 3,8.3%]. All presented with sequelae of ductal disruption with pseudocyst, ascites or pleural effusion. Fifteen (41.6%) patients each had Grade III and IV injury, 4 (11%) had grade V, and grading was unavailable in 2. Other organs were injured in 4 (11%) cases. Management consisted of various combinations of nasojejunal feeds [n = 17,47.2%], TPN [n = 5,13.8%], octreotide [n = 13,36%], pseudocyst drainage [radiological (n = 18,50%), endoscopic (n = 3,8.3%)] and ERCP [n = 12,33.3%]. Surgical intervention was done in 2 (5.5%) cases [cystojejunostomy and peritoneal lavage in 1 each]. Two (5.5%) patients died due to sepsis. Of the 32 cases in follow-up, 19 (59.3%) recovered and 13 (40.6%) developed CP, with half (6/13) of them being symptomatic with recurrent pain. CONCLUSION: Multi-disciplinary non-operative management is effective for managing pancreatic trauma in 94.4% of children, with 75% requiring radiological or endoscopic intervention. 40% developed structural changes later but only half were symptomatic.

Role of MRI in staging and surgical planning and its clinicopathological correlation in patients with renal cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Radiological evaluation of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is used for non-invasive staging for better surgical planning. However, the correlation of radiological staging using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with histopathological findings has not been done so far. The aim of this study is to assess the role of MRI in pre-operative staging of RCC in patients undergoing radical nephrectomy and nephron sparing surgery (NSS) and correlate it with histopathological findings. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This prospective observational study was conducted from February 2015 to October 2016 at a tertiary care hospital in northern India. METHODS: MR imaging was done on 3 Tesla MR scanner (Signa Hdxt General Electrics, Milwaukee, USA). Preoperative staging was based on 2010 TNM staging system. The preoperative parameters in MRI were tumor size, detection/breach of pseudocapsule, tumor extension into perirenal fat and detection of tumor venous thrombus. The staging on MRI was compared with surgical and pathological staging. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The agreement between these three staging methods was determined using the kappa statistics (0.0-0.2, poor; 0.2-0.4, fair; 0.4-0.6, moderate; 0.6-0.8, good; 0.8-1.0, excellent). RESULTS: 30 patients with suspected RCC underwent NSS (n = 10) and radical nephrectomy (n = 20). Mean tumor size was 9.66 ± 2.99 cm in the radical nephrectomy group and 4.06 ± 1.16 cm in the NSS group. There was perfect agreement between MRI, surgical and pathological staging for breach of pseudocapsule (κ =1.0, Percentage of Agreement = 100%, P < 0.05). In none of the patients, MRI missed extension beyond the Gerota's fascia or presence of venous thrombus. CONCLUSION: MRI staging of RCC is an accurate predictor of the surgical and pathological stage and has the potential to become a useful tool for preoperative identification of patients with RCC who can undergo NSS.

Non-variceal gastrointestinal bleed in children: surgical experience with emphasis on management challenges.

PURPOSE: This exclusively surgical series on pediatric non-variceal gastrointestinal bleed (NVGIB) defines three levels of bleed site and describes etiology, bleed severity, diagnostic algorithm, and surgical management for each bleed site. Management challenges are detailed. METHODS: Patients aged ≤ 18 years treated surgically for NVGIB were analysed. RESULTS: Bleed site (n = 87) was classified as: upper gastrointestinal bleed (UGIB; n = 11); small bowel bleed (SBB: n = 52); and lower GIB (n = 24). Four etiology-based groups were identified: lesions with ectopic gastric mucosa (EGM; n = 33), tumours (n = 23), ulcers (n = 21), and vascular pathology (n = 8). Bleed severity spectrum was: acute severe bleed (n = 12); subacute overt bleed (n = 59); and occult GIB (n = 16). Preoperative diagnosis was obtained in all UGIB and LGIB lesions. Eighty-two percent of surgical SB lesions were diagnosed preoperatively on Tc99m pertechnetate scan, computed tomography enterography-angiography, and capsule endoscopy; remaining 18% were diagnosed at laparotomy with intra-operative enteroscopy (IOE). Surgical management was tailored to bleed site, severity, and etiology. Indications of IOE and approach to management challenges are detailed. CONCLUSIONS: The commonest site-specific bleed etiologies were duodenal ulcers for UGIB, EGM lesions for SBB, and tumours for LGIB. SBB presented diagnostic challenge. Diagnostic algorithm was tailored to bleed site, age-specific etiology, bleed severity, and associated abdominal/systemic symptoms. Management challenges were acute severe bleed, occult GIB, SBB, obscure GIB, and rare etiologies. IOE has a useful role in SBB management.

Extra-pituitary Cerebral Anomalies in Pediatric Patients of Ectopic Neurohypophysis: An Uncommon Association.

CONTEXT: Ectopic neurohypophysis (EN) refers to an interrupted, nonvisualized, and thinned out pituitary stalk with ectopic location of the posterior pituitary gland. Concurrent extra-pituitary cerebral and extra-cranial anomalies have been rarely reported in patients of EN. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of extra-pituitary cerebral anomalies in pediatric patients of EN. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care center. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study group comprised eight pediatric patients of EN associated with extra-pituitary cerebral or vascular anomalies. Clinical and biochemical assessment was done in all patients. RESULTS: Out of the total eight patients with EN, MRI showed interrupted pituitary stalk in five patients (62.5%) and nonvisible pituitary stalk in three patients (37.5%). Ectopic posterior pituitary bright spot was demonstrated in median eminence in six patients (75%), faintly visualized in one patient (12.5%) and nonvisualized in another one patient. Statistical significant association was noted between pituitary gland height and patient's body height with the pituitary gland volume (P < 0.001). Varied extra-pituitary cerebral anomalies encountered in our patients ranged from isolated anomalies such as optic nerve hypoplasia in three patients (37.5%), corpus callosum dysplasia in four patients (50%), agyria-pachygyria complex in two patients (25%), and intracranial vascular anomalies in two patients to syndromic association of tuberous sclerosis in one patient. CONCLUSION: Identifying and reporting of associated extra-pituitary cerebral anomalies in patients with EN are crucial in assessing the overall neurological outcome of such patients.