Treatment of abdominal fistulas in Crohn's disease and monitoring with abdominal ultrasonography.

OBJECTIVE: to assess the usefulness of medical treatment to achieve closure of internal fistulas detected on abdominal ultrasound in a series of patients with fistulizing Crohn's disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: a retrospective analysis was performed of the medical records of patients with Crohn's disease with a fistula detected on abdominal ultrasound from 2010 to 2018. The study included patients who received medical treatment after the diagnosis of this complication and underwent ultrasonographic monitoring of the therapeutic response. The factors associated with the response to medical treatment or the need for surgery were investigated. RESULTS: forty-six patients were included in the study. Enteromesenteric (69.6 %) was the most common type of fistula and associated abscesses were found in 14 (30.4 %) patients. Fistulas were classified as complex in 20 patients. Treatment with immunosuppressants was started in 14 (30.4 %) cases and a biologic drug was added in 18 (39.1 %) patients. Complete closure of the abdominal fistula was observed with ultrasonography in 24 (52.2 %) of the 46 patients. The only factor related to fistula closure was the type of fistula and was more likely to occur in patients with an enteromesenteric fistula. Thirteen (28 %) of the 46 patients needed a surgical resection. The only factor with a significant correlation with a lower need for surgery was fistula closure after treatment (8.3 % vs 50 %, p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: medical treatment achieves internal fistula closure in more than half of cases and almost a third require surgical treatment. Abdominal ultrasound can detect abdominal fistulas at an earlier stage and allow prompt treatment changes.

Review of strategies for MRI based reconstruction of endocavitary and interstitial applicators in brachytherapy of cervical cancer.

Brachytherapy plays an essential role in the curative intent management of locally advanced cervical cancer. The introduction of the magnetic resonance (MR) as a preferred image modality and the development of new type of applicators with interstitial components have further improved its benefits. The aim of this work is to review the current status of one important aspect in the cervix cancer brachytherapy procedure, namely catheter reconstruction. MR compatible intracavitary and interstitial applicators are described. Considerations about the use of MR imaging (MRI) regarding appropriate strategies for applicator reconstruction, technical requirements, MR sequences, patient preparation and applicator commissioning are included. It is recommendable to perform the reconstruction process in the same image study employed by the physician for contouring, that is, T2 weighted (T2W) sequences. Nevertheless, a clear identification of the source path inside the catheters and the applicators is a challenge when using exclusively T2W sequences. For the intracavitary component of the implant, sometimes the catheters may be filled with some substance that produces a high intensity signal on MRI. However, this strategy is not feasible for plastic tubes or titanium needles, which, moreover, induce magnetic susceptibility artifacts. In these situations, the use of applicator libraries available in the treatment planning system (TPS) is useful, since they not only include accurate geometrical models of the intracavitary applicators, but also recent developments have made possible the implementation of the interstitial component. Another strategy to improve the reconstruction process is based on the incorporation of MR markers, such as small pellets, to be used as anchor points. Many institutions employ computed tomography (CT) as a supporting image modality. The registration of CT and MR image sets should be carefully performed, and its uncertainty previously assessed. Besides, an important research work is being carried out regarding the use of ultrasound and electromagnetic tracking technologies.

[Dieulafoy's lesion of the gallbladder as a cause of hemobilia with hemoperitoneum]. / Lesión de Dieulafoy de vesícula biliar como causa de hemobilia con hemoperitoneo.

Dieulafoy's lesion is an uncommon vascular anomaly causing massive gastrointestinal hemorrhage, characterized by bleeding from an arteriole that protrudes through a tiny mucosal defect. Although Dieulafoy's lesion was initially described in the stomach and upper gastrointestinal tract, cases have also been reported in the colon, rectum and anal canal. We report the first case of Dieulafoy's lesion in the gallbladder, which presented as massive peritoneal bleeding. We describe the clinical and pathological characteristics of this unusual entity, as well as the approach to its diagnosis and treatment.

A method to incorporate interstitial components into the TPS gynecologic rigid applicator library.

PURPOSE: T2 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is recommended as the imaging modality for image-guided brachytherapy. In locally advanced cervical carcinoma, combined endocavitary and interstitial applicators are appropriate (Vienna or Utrecht). To cover extensive disease, Template Benidorm (TB) was developed. Treatment planning system applicator libraries are currently unavailable for the Utrecht applicator or the TB. The purpose of this work is to develop an applicator library for both applicators. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The library developed in this work has been used in the Oncentra Brachytherapy TPS, version 4.3.0, which has a brachytherapy module that includes a library of rigid applicators. To add the needles of the Utrecht applicator and to model the TB, we used FreeCAD and MeshLab. The reconstruction process was based on the points that the rigid section and the interstitial part have in common. This, together with the free length, allowed us to ascertain the position of the tip. RESULTS: In case of the Utrecht applicator, one of the sources of uncertainty in the reconstruction was determining the distance of the tip of needle from the ovoid. In case of the TB, the large number of needles involved made their identification time consuming. The developed library resolved both issues. CONCLUSIONS: The developed library for the Utrecht and TB is feasible and efficient improving accuracy. It allows all the required treatment planning to proceed using just a T2 MRI sequence. The additional use of specific free available software applications makes it possible to add this information to the already existing library of the Oncentra Brachytherapy TPS. Specific details not included on this manuscript will be available under request. This library is also currently being implemented also into the Sagiplan v 2.0 TPS.

Pre-plan technique feasibility in multi-interstitial/endocavitary perineal gynecological brachytherapy.

PURPOSE: To present the implementation of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) pre-planning technique in multi-interstitial perineal and endocavitary gynecological brachytherapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We used a new fully MRI-compatible applicator that is capable to engage titanium needles, and an intrauterine tandem, developed in our department for the treatment of gynecological cervical cancer patients. This applicator is an attempt to combine the technical advantages of the Martinez universal perineal interstitial template (MUPIT) with the improvement in dose distribution by adding an intrauterine probe with the imaging advantages of MRI-based brachytherapy, thus preserving the stability, geometry, and robustness of the implant, avoiding possible errors of free-hand needle placement. A pre-brachytherapy MRI T2 acquisition is carried out with the template in place 3-5 days before the implant. On this image set, clinical target volume (CTV) is drawn. The required needles and their depths are selected accordingly to encompass the CTV (as conformal as possible). To facilitate this task, a Java based application linked to the treatment planning system has been developed. From this procedure, each needle identification and its depth are obtained previously to the implantation. With this information, the radiation oncologist proceeds with implant and then, a post-implant MRI is carried out, in which the contouring, needles, tandem reconstruction, and optimization are established. RESULTS: This pre-planning procedure has been successfully applied in 10 patients. An excellent reproduction of the virtual pre-planning has been achieved. CONCLUSIONS: We describe a virtual pre-planning technique using a multi-interstitial and endocavitary perineal template. It is based on a virtual work with MRI images. This procedure has shown to be feasible and efficient in clinical practice by facilitating the work of specialists, and reducing uncertainties of the application.

Commissioning and quality assurance procedures for the HDR Valencia skin applicators.

The Valencia applicators (Nucletron, an Elekta company, Elekta AB, Stockholm, Sweden) are cup-shaped tungsten applicators with a flattening filter used to collimate the radiation produced by a high-dose-rate (HDR) 192Ir source, and provide a homogeneous absorbed dose at a given depth. This beam quality provides a good option for the treatment of skin lesions at shallow depth (3-4 mm). The user must perform commissioning and periodic testing of these applicators to guarantee the proper and safe delivery of the intended absorbed dose, as recommended in the standards in radiation oncology. In this study, based on AAPM and GEC-ESTRO guidelines for brachytherapy units and our experience, a set of tests for the commissioning and periodic testing of the Valencia applicators is proposed. These include general considerations, verification of the manufacturer documentation and physical integrity, evaluation of the source-to-indexer distance and reproducibility, setting the library plan in the treatment planning system, evaluation of flatness and symmetry, absolute output and percentage depth dose verification, independent calculation of the treatment time, and visual inspection of the applicator before each treatment. For each test, the proposed methodology, equipment, frequency, expected results, and tolerance levels (when applicable) are provided.

Novel simple templates for reproducible positioning of skin applicators in brachytherapy.

PURPOSE: Esteya and Valencia surface applicators are designed to treat skin tumors using brachytherapy. In clinical practice, in order to avoid errors that may affect the treatment outcome, there are two issues that need to be carefully addressed. First, the selected applicator for the treatment should provide adequate margin for the target, and second, the applicator has to be precisely positioned before each treatment fraction. In this work, we describe the development and use of a new acrylic templates named Template La Fe-ITIC. They have been designed specifically to help the clinical user in the selection of the correct applicator, and to assist the medical staff in reproducing the positioning of the applicator. These templates are freely available upon request. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Templates that were developed by University and Polytechnic Hospital La Fe (La Fe) and Hospital Clínica Benidorm (ITIC) in cooperation with Elekta, consist of a thin sheet made of transparent acrylic. For each applicator, a crosshair and two different circles are drawn on these templates: the inner one corresponds to the useful beam, while the outer one represents the external perimeter of the applicator. The outer circle contains slits that facilitate to draw a circle on the skin of the patient for exact positioning of the applicator. In addition, there are two perpendicular rulers to define the adequate margin. For each applicator size, a specific template was developed. RESULTS: The templates have been used successfully in our institutions for more than 50 patients' brachytherapy treatments. They are currently being used for Esteya and Valencia applicators. CONCLUSIONS: The template La Fe-ITIC is simple and practical. It improves both the set-up time and reproducibility. It helps to establish the adequate margins, an essential point in the clinical outcome.

Preoperative uracil, tegafur, and concomitant radiotherapy in operable rectal cancer: a phase II multicenter study with 3 years' follow-Up.

PURPOSE: To assess tolerance and efficacy of preoperative treatment with uracil/tegafur and radiotherapy (RT) followed by surgery and postoperative flurouracil (FU)/leucovorin (LV) in patients with rectal cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients (n = 94) with potentially resectable tumors, ultrasound at stages T2N+ (n = 4), T3 (n = 77), T4 (n = 13) were treated with UFT (400 mg/m2/d, 5 days a week for 5 weeks) and concomitant RT to the pelvis (45 Gy; 1.8 Gy/d over 5 weeks). Patients underwent surgery 5 to 6 weeks later followed by four cycles of FU/LV. Primary end points included downstaging, pathologic responses, and sphincter-preserving surgery. Secondary end points were recurrence-free survival and overall survival. RESULTS: All patients received the full RT dose. Fifteen patients (16%) needed UFT dose reduction. Preoperative G3+ toxicities included diarrhea (14%), leukopenia (1%), thrombocytopenia (1%), and nausea (4%). The downstaging rate was 54%, pathologic complete response (pCR) was 9% and, in an additional 23%, there were only residual microscopic foci. When cellular viability criteria were taken into account, the pCR was 15%. From 43 patients with abdominoperineal resection indication, 11 (25%) had sphincter-preserving surgery performed. Postoperative scheduled chemotherapy dose was not administered to 24% of patients because of G3+ toxicity (diarrhea, 8%; mucositis, 9%; and leukopenia, 7%). Patients with downstaging had significantly higher survival and recurrence-free survival rates than those without. At 3 years, actuarial patterns of failure were pelvic, 5% and distant, 11%. OS was 75%. CONCLUSION: UFT combined with RT is safe and effective. In resectable rectal cancer, if preoperative treatment is considered, this approach can be an option.

A practical MRI-based reconstruction method for a new endocavitary and interstitial gynaecological template.

PURPOSE: There are perineal templates for interstitial implants such as MUPIT and Syed applicators. Their limitations are the intracavitary component deficit and the necessity to use computed tomography (CT) for treatment planning since both applicators are non-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compatibles. To overcome these problems, a new template named Template Benidorm (TB) has been recently developed. Titanium needles are usually reconstructed based on their own artifacts, mainly in T1-weighted sequence, using the void on the tip as the needle tip position. Nevertheless, patient tissues surrounding the needles present heterogeneities that complicate the accurate identification of these artifact patterns. The purpose of this work is to improve the titanium needle reconstruction uncertainty for the TB case using a simple method based on the free needle lengths and typical MRI pellets markers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The proposed procedure consists on the inclusion of three small A-vitamin pellets (hyperintense on MRI images) compressed by both applicator plates defining the central plane of the plate's arrangement. The needles used are typically 20 cm in length. For each needle, two points are selected defining the straight line. From such line and the plane equations, the intersection can be obtained, and using the free length (knowing the offset distance), the coordinates of the needle tip can be obtained. The method is applied in both T1W and T2W acquisition sequences. To evaluate the inter-observer variation of the method, three implants of T1W and another three of T2W have been reconstructed by two different medical physicists with experience on these reconstructions. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The differences observed in the positioning were significantly smaller than 1 mm in all cases. The presented algorithm also allows the use of only T2W sequence either for contouring or reconstruction purposes. The proposed method is robust and independent of the visibility of the artifact at the tip of the needle.

I-125 seed calibration using the SeedSelectron(®) afterloader: a practical solution to fulfill AAPM-ESTRO recommendations.

PURPOSE: SeedSelectron(®) v1.26b (Nucletron BV, The Netherlands) is an afterloader system used in prostate interstitial permanent brachytherapy with I-125 selectSeed seeds. It contains a diode array to assay all implanted seeds. Only one or two seeds can be extracted during the surgical procedure and assayed using a well chamber to check the manufacturer air-kerma strength (S(K)) and to calibrate the diode array. Therefore, it is not feasible to assay 5-10% seeds as required by the AAPM-ESTRO. In this study, we present a practical solution of the SeedSelectron(®) users to fulfill the AAPM- ESTRO recommendations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: THE METHOD IS BASED ON: a) the SourceCheck(®) well ionization chamber (PTW, Germany) provided with a PTW insert; b) n = 10 selectSeed from the same batch and class as the seeds for the implant; c) the Nucletron insert to accommodate the n = 10 seeds on the SourceCheck(®) and to measure their averaged S(K). Results for 56 implants have been studied comparing the S(K) value from the manufacturer with the one obtained with the n = 10 seeds using the Nucletron insert prior to the implant and with the S(K) of just one seed measured with the PTW insert during the implant. RESULTS: We are faced with S(K) deviation for individual seeds up to 7.8%. However, in the majority of cases S(K) is in agreement with the manufacturer value. With the method proposed using the Nucletron insert, the large deviations of S(K) are reduced and for 56 implants studied no deviation outside the range of the class were found. CONCLUSIONS: The new Nucletron insert and the proposed procedure allow to evaluate the S(K) of the n = 10 seeds prior to the implant, fulfilling the AAPM-ESTRO recommendations. It has been adopted by Nucletron to be extended to seedSelectron(®) users under request.

Hiperplasia estromal seudoangiomatosa. Una lesión de la mama infrecuente y de presentación variable / Pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia. A rare breast lesion with variable presentation

La hiperplasia estromal seudoangiomatosa es una lesión mamaria poco frecuente y de carácter benigno. Se caracteriza por un sobrecrecimiento de tejido conectivo fibroso que produce numerosos espacios que semejan estructuras vasculares. Generalmente afecta a mujeres en edad reproductiva, aunque se ha descrito en pacientes de edades comprendidas entre los 12 y los 75 años. Puede presentarse bien como un hallazgo incidental en el estudio histológico tras una cirugía por patología benigna o maligna, bien como una tumoración mamaria indolora, simulando un fibroadenoma, o bien como una gigantomastia o deformidad que se hace más evidente al tener en cuenta la mama contralateral. La biopsia percutánea guiada por ecografía permite detectar la naturaleza de la lesión con certeza y descartar patología maligna, como el angiosarcoma de bajo grado. El tratamiento es quirúrgico y abarca tanto la exéresis quirúrgica de la lesión como la mastectomía con reconstrucción protésica. Se describe una serie de 3 casos con diferente presentación clínica y tratamiento. El primer caso fue un hallazgo radiológico e histopatológico relacionado con una deformidad y asimetría mamarias, mientras que los 2 últimos casos se manifestaron como una tumoración mamaria palpable, única e indolora (AU)

Pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia is a rare benign mammary lesion. It is characterised by an overgrowth of fibrous connective tissue that produces numerous spaces resembling vascular structures. This lesion usually affects women of reproductive age but has been described in patients aged between 12 and 75 years. It may appear as an incidental finding in histological analysis after surgery for benign or malignant disease, either as a painless breast tumour, simulating a fibroadenoma, or as a gigantomastia or deformity that becomes more evident on comparison with the contralateral breast. Percutaneous ultrasound-guided biopsy allows definitive identification of the type of lesion and exclusion of malignant disease, such as low-grade angiosarcoma. Treatment is surgical and includes both surgical removal of the lesion and mastectomy with prosthetic reconstruction. We describe a series of three cases with different clinical presentations and treatment. The first case was a radiological and histopathological finding related to a breast deformity and asymmetry, while the remaining two cases presented as a palpable, single and painless breast tumour (AU)

The use of nomograms in LDR-HDR prostate brachytherapy.

PURPOSE: The common use of nomograms in Low Dose Rate (LDR) permanent prostate brachytherapy (BT) allows to estimate the number of seeds required for an implant. Independent dosimetry verification is recommended for each clinical dosimetry in BT. Also, nomograms can be useful for dose calculation quality assurance and they could be adapted to High Dose Rate (HDR). This work sets nomograms for LDR and HDR prostate-BT implants, which are applied to three different institutions that use different implant techniques. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients treated throughout 2010 till April 2011 were considered for this study. This example was chosen to be the representative of the latest implant techniques and to ensure consistency in the planning. A sufficient number of cases for both BT modalities, prescription dose and different work methodology (depending on the institution) were taken into account. The specific nomograms were built using the correlation between the prostate volume and some characteristic parameters of each BT modality, such as the source Air Kerma Strength, number of implanted seeds in LDR or total radiation time in HDR. RESULTS: For each institution and BT modality, nomograms normalized to the prescribed dose were obtained and fitted to a linear function. The parameters of the adjustment show a good agreement between data and the fitting. It should be noted that for each institution these linear function parameters are different, indicating that each centre should construct its own nomograms. CONCLUSIONS: Nomograms for LDR and HDR prostate brachytherapy are simple quality assurance tools, specific for each institution. Nevertheless, their use should be complementary to the necessary independent verification.

A program for the independent verification of brachytherapy planning system calculations.

PURPOSE: In this work a spreadsheet based program is presented that to a large extent independently verifies the calculations of individual plans of brachytherapy treatment planning systems for low dose rate, high dose rate and pulsed dose rate techniques. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The verification program has been developed based on workbooks/spreadsheets. The treatment planning system output text files are automatically loaded into the new program, allowing the use of the source coordinates, the desired calculation point coordinates, and the dwell times of a patient plan. The source strength and the reference dates are entered by the user and then dose points calculations are independently performed. The program shows its results in a comparison of its calculated point dose data with the corresponding TPS outcome. RESULTS: Results of 250 clinical cases show agreement with the TPS outcome within a 2% level. CONCLUSIONS: The program allows the implementation of the recommendations to verify the clinical brachytherapy dosimetry in a simple and accurate way, in only few minutes and with a minimum of user interactions.

Exclusive MRI-based tandem and colpostats reconstruction in gynaecological brachytherapy treatment planning.

PURPOSE: According to the GYN GEC-ESTRO Recommendations, MRI is needed with the modality of T2 weighted. CT-MR compatible tandem plus colpostats (T/C) (Nucletron) is widely used in cervical brachytherapy. The major challenge of MRI is the lack of dummy catheters. Therefore, an additional imaging modality is usually required. One disadvantage of sliced-based reconstruction is that resolution in longitudinal directions can be affected by the slice thickness. The aim of this study is to present a modified T/C applicator in which the catheter visibility is significantly improved. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A modification to the existing T/C applicator has been made available, increasing the catheter entrance diameter. It allows a greater dummy catheter diameter, and consequently it can be filled with more material per unit length. Visibility was studied with different materials. RESULTS: The catheter filled with saline water plus iodine compound was clearly seen in both axial and longitudinal acquisitions. To avoid uncertainties introduced by the slice thickness, a simple procedure is presented using longitudinal acquisitions. CONCLUSIONS: The modified applicator plus catheter allows a powerful signal in T2 weighted MRI, using a very simple and accessible material. Also, a method is proposed to solve the problem of the uncertainty derived from slice thickness using few longitudinal acquisitions.

The role of ultrasound in the diagnosis, management and evolutive prognosis of acute left-sided colonic diverticulitis: a review of 208 patients.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of ultrasound in the diagnosis and management of acute diverticulitis and its capacity to predict posterior complications in patients undergoing medical treatment. A review was made of the histories of 208 hospitalized patients (262 admissions) initially diagnosed with acute diverticulitis over a 5-year period. Ultrasound was performed in all patients upon first admission. Diverticulitis was retrospectively classified as either simple or complicated, the latter being defined by the presence of extraluminal air and/or abscesses. Diverticulitis was finally diagnosed in 203 patients. Ultrasound exhibited a sensitivity of 86% in 77 cases subjected to surgery, and of 94% in the global 203 patients (192 true-positive and 11 false-negative findings). Of 34 patients with diverticulitis and emergency surgery, 10 had false-negative US exams. Twenty of the 73 cases (27%) with signs of complicated diverticulitis in the initial ultrasound study required emergency surgery, compared with only 4 of the 119 patients (3%) with US evidence of simple diverticulitis (p<0.001). Of the 169 patients with diverticulitis undergoing conservative management, 54 (32%) developed complications during follow-up. The patients under age 50 years with signs of complicated diverticulitis suffered more complications (65%) than the rest of groups (p<0.001). In subjects with recurrences (26%), these were either similar to or less than the first episode in 84% of the cases. The present study shows that ultrasound constitutes a feasible technique for diagnosing acute diverticulitis. The severity of diverticulitis according to US is statistically predictive of surgical risk during the acute phase. Severity is also related to the appearance of posterior complications in patients undergoing conservative management, although only in younger patients (<50 years).

Lesión de Dieulafoy de vesícula biliar como causa de hemobilia con hemoperitoneo / Dieulafoy's lesion of the gallbladder as a cause of hemobilia with hemoperitoneum

La lesión de Dieulafoy es una rara anomalía vascular causa de hemorragias gastrointestinales masivas. Se caracteriza por el sangrado de una arteriola submucosa a través de una erosión en la mucosa, por otra parte normal. Aunque la lesión de Dieulafoy fue inicialmente descrita en el estómago y el tracto digestivo superior, también se han comunicado casos en el colon, recto y en canal anal. Publicamos el primer caso de lesión de Dieulafoy en la vesícula biliar que se presentó como una hemorragia peritoneal masiva. Describimos las características clínico-patológicas de esta inusual entidad, así como el abordaje de su diagnóstico y tratamiento(AU)

Dieulafoy's lesion is an uncommon vascular anomaly causing massive gastrointestinal hemorrhage, characterized by bleeding from an arteriole that protrudes through a tiny mucosal defect. Although Dieulafoy's lesion was initially described in the stomach and upper gastrointestinal tract, cases have also been reported in the colon, rectum and anal canal. We report the first case of Dieulafoy's lesion in the gallbladder, which presented as massive peritoneal bleeding. We describe the clinical and pathological characteristics of this unusual entity, as well as the approach to its diagnosis and treatment (AU)

Formación del residente en cirugía laparoscópica: un reto actual / Resident training in laparoscopic surgery: a current challenge

El desarrollo de las técnicas laparoscópicas ha revolucionado la cirugía de la última década. Es fundamental, por tanto, una formación adecuada de nuestros residentes que permita su progresiva incorporación a la realización de intervenciones por vía laparoscópica.En esta revisión abordamos la problemática actual de la formación de los residentes en cirugía laparoscópica en nuestro país. Consideramos las siguientes cuestiones: la laparoscopia como entidad diferente a la cirugía abierta convencional; la laparoscopia como técnica de máxima dificultad; los medios disponibles para el aprendizaje en cirugía laparoscópica, y los aspectos particulares del mismo en la formación de los residentes. Elaboramos una propuesta de mejora para la preparación laparoscópica de nuestros residentes: revisión de la Guía de Formación del Residente del Ministerio de Sanidad y Consumo; adquisición de un adecuado nivel en cirugía laparoscópica de los hospitales docentes españoles, y necesidad de que el residente finalice su formación tras haber realizado un número mínimo de intervenciones laparoscópicas básicas (AU)