[Infected pancreatic necrosis: Treatment with antibiotics alone. Would this be the first step of the step-up approach?] / Necrosis pancreática infectada: tratamiento solo con antibióticos. ¿Sería el primer paso del step-up approach?

INTRODUCTION: In 1994, Claudio Bassi reported a case of medical treatment for infected pancreatic necrosis (IPN); then since 1996 numerous articles of case series were published with treatment only with antibiotics with good outcomes. OBJECTIVES: To present our experience in the management of patients with IPN with antibiotics (without drainage). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed cases with a diagnosis of IPN from January 2018 to October 2020, focusing on those cases that were treated conservatively (hydro-electrolyte, nutritional support and antibiotics). The diagnosis was made by observing gas in the retroperitoneum by CT or by clinical deterioration of the patient with pancreatic necrosis without another focus. Fine needle aspiration was not performed. RESULTS: We identified 25 patients with a diagnosis of IPN; eleven were treated conservatively. According to Atlanta, modified in 2012, 3 were classified severely and the rest moderately severe. All received antibiotics for at least 3 weeks. None required parenteral nutrition. The mean hospital stay was 38 days. Three patients were readmitted. 8 underwent cholecystectomy after having resolved the condition; the rest were already cholecystectomized. There were no deaths in this series. CONCLUSIONS: IPN can be treated conservatively without drainage with good results in selected cases.

Introducción: En 1994, Claudio Bassi relató un caso de tratamiento médico de la necrosis pancreática infectada (NPI); luego desde 1996 se publicaron numerosos artículos de serie de casos con tratamiento solo con antibióticos con buenos resultados. OBJETIVOS: Presentar nuestra experiencia en el manejo de la necrosis pancreática infectada con antibióticos (sin drenaje). Métodos: Revisamos retrospectivamente los pacientes con diagnóstico de NPI desde enero de 2018 a octubre del 2020, enfocándonos en aquellos casos que se trataron de forma conservadora (soporte hidroelectrolítico, nutricional y antibióticos). El diagnóstico se realizó observando gas en el retroperitoneo por TC asociado o no a deterioro clínico del paciente con necrosis pancreática sin otro foco. No se realizó punción aspiración con aguja fina (PAAF). RESULTADOS: Identificamos 25 pacientes con diagnóstico de NPI. Once fueron tratados de forma conservadora. Según la clasificación de Atlanta, modificada en 2012, 3 casos fueron clasificados de forma grave y el resto moderadamente grave. Todos recibieron antibióticos al menos durante 3 semanas. Ninguno requirió nutrición parenteral. El promedio de estancia hospitalaria fue de 38 días. Tres pacientes fueron readmitidos. A 8 se les realizó colecistectomía luego de haber resuelto el cuadro; los restantes ya estaban colecistectomizados. No hubo muertes en esta serie. CONCLUSIONES: La NPI puede ser tratada de forma conservadora sin drenaje con buenos resultados en casos seleccionados.

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.

Familial Chylomicronemia Syndrome-Induced Acute Necrotizing Pancreatitis during Pregnancy.

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.

Papel de los estudios microbiológicos en la necrosis pancreática / Role of the microbiological studies in pancreatic necrosis

Introducción: la infección de la necrosis pancreática es la complicación local más grave de la pancreatitis aguda. Ocurre aproximadamente en un 35 por ciento de los pacientes y presenta una mortalidad cercana al 80 por ciento. Objetivo: identificar el espectro microbiológico de la necrosis pancreática infectada. Métodos: realizamos un estudio longitudinal, descriptivo, prospectivo en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos del Hospital Universitario Carlos Manuel de Céspedes de la ciudad de Bayamo, Cuba,en el periodo comprendido desde enero de 2012 hasta diciembre de 2018. Fueron incluidos 71 pacientes con el diagnóstico o sospecha de pancreatitis aguda necrotizante infectada que requirieron necrosectomía con toma de cultivo intraoperatorio. Resultados: del total de pacientes de la serie la mayoría fueron masculinos representando el 56,3 por ciento de la muestra, la etiología más frecuentemente encontrada fue la litiasica con 38 pacientes (53,5 por ciento). Mientras que 52 pacientes (73,2 por ciento) presentaban más del 50 por ciento de la glándula pancreática con necrosis. En 63 pacientes se confirmó la presencia de infección de la necrosis. Con predominio de la infección monomicrobiana en 48 casos (76,2 por ciento). El germen más frecuentemente encontrado fue E. coli (47,9 por ciento). La mortalidad post-operatoria fue de 15 pacientes (21,1 por ciento). De ellos 14 pacientes (93,3 por ciento) con infección luego de la necrosectomía. Conclusiones: predominó la infección monomicrobiana por E. coli. Los pacientes con confirmación de crecimiento bacteriano post necrosectomía presentaron mayor mortalidad(AU)

Introduction: infection of pancreatic necrosis is the most serious local complication of acute pancreatitis. It occurs in approximately 35 percent of patients and has a mortality rate close to 80 percent. Objective: to identify the microbiological spectrum of infected pancreatic necrosis. Methods: we carried out a longitudinal, descriptive, prospective study in the intensive care unit of the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes University Hospital in the city of Bayamo, Cuba, in the period from January 2012 to December 2018. 71 patients with the diagnosis or suspicion of infected acute necrotizing pancreatitis that required necrosectomy with intraoperative culture taking. Results: of the total number of patients in the series, the majority were male, representing 56.3 percent of the sample, the most frequently found etiology was lithiasis with 38 patients (53.5 percent). While 52 patients (73.2 percent) had more than 50 percent of the pancreatic gland with necrosis. In 63 patients, the presence of necrosis infection was confirmed. With a predominance of monomicrobial infection in 48 cases (76.2 percent). The most frequent germ found was E. coli (47.9 percent). Post-operative mortality was 15 patients (21.1 percent). Of them 14 patients (93.3 percent) with infection after necrosectomy. Conclusions: monomicrobial infection by E. coli predominated. Patients with confirmed bacterial growth post necrosectomy had higher mortality(EU)

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.

Severe acute pancreatitis: eight fundamental steps revised according to the 'PANCREAS' acronym.

Severe acute pancreatitis remains a life-threatening condition, responsible for many disorders of homeostasis and organ dysfunction. By means of a mnemonic 'PANCREAS', eight important steps in the management of severe acute pancreatitis are highlighted. These steps follow the principle of goal-directed therapy and should be borne in mind after diagnosis and during clinical treatment. The first step is perfusion: the goal is to reach a central venous pressure of 12-15mmHg, urinary output 0.5-1ml/kg/hour and inferior vena cava collapse index greater than 48%. Next is analgesia: multimodal, systemic and combined pharmacological agent and epidural block are possibilities. Third is nutrition: precocity, enteral feeding in gastric or post-pyloric position. Parenteral nutrition works best in difficult cases to achieve the individual total caloric value. Fourth is clinical: mild, moderate or severe pancreatitis according to the Atlanta criteria. Radiology is fifth: abdominal computed tomography on the fourth day for prognosis or to modify management. Endoscopy is sixth: endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (cholangitis, unpredicted clinical course and ascending jaundice); management of pancreatic fluid collection and 'walled-off necrosis'. Antibiotics come next: infectious complications are common causes of morbidity. The only rational indication for antibiotics is documented pancreatic infection. The last step is surgery: the dogma is represented by the 'three Ds' (delay, drain, debride). The preferred method is a minimally invasive step-up approach, which allows for gradually more invasive procedures when the previous treatment fails.

Minimally invasive endoscopic treatment of necrotizing pancreatitis: A case report with images and review of the literature.

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.

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.

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.

Isolated Peripancreatic Necrosis in Acute Pancreatitis Is Infrequent and Leads to Severe Clinical Course Only When Extensive: A Prospective Study From a US Tertiary Center.

GOALS: To explore the diagnostic challenges, management, and clinical outcomes of patients with isolated peripancreatic necrosis (PPN), with emphasis on the extent of involvement, and compare them to pancreatic necrosis (PN). BACKGROUND: PPN, a relatively new term, has been included as a separate entity in the Revised Atlanta Classification. STUDY: Clinical data of recruited acute pancreatitis patients were recorded prospectively. Contrast-enhanced computed tomographic scans were reviewed by expert radiologists blinded to clinical outcomes. RESULTS: In total, 271 of the 400 acute pancreatitis patients underwent contrast-enhanced computed tomography, of which 29 (11%) had PPN (14: limited; 15: extensive) and 124 (46%) PN (40: <30%, 16: 30% to 50%, 68: >50% of parenchyma). Patients with PPN were similar to PN in age (56 y), gender (55% male), and body mass index (29 kg/m(2)). Nutritional support was provided in 18 (62%) patients with PPN and 97 (78%) with PN (P=0.12). Drainage/debridement was required in 2 patients (7%) with PPN and 64 (53%) with parenchymal necrosis (P<0.001). Persistent organ failure rates did not differ significantly (34% vs. 51%, P=0.17), but hospital stay was shorter in patients with PPN (15 vs. 20 d, P=0.05). Limited PPN required no intervention and had similar persistent organ failure rates and hospitalization length with interstitial pancreatitis (both P≥0.12). Extensive PPN mainly developed in patients with persistent organ failure (60%) and rarely required drainage (2/15). CONCLUSIONS: PPN prevalence was lower than PN with a ratio of 1:4. PPN rarely required intervention. Utilizing the extent of involvement has the potential to classify PPN and PN with escalating clinical significance and guide management.

[Necrotizing pancreatitis in a 11 year-old boy. Case report]. / Pancreatitis necrohemorrágica en un niño de 11 años. Caso clínico.

Acute pancreatitis is an emerging problem with an incidence between 3.6 and 13.2 cases/100,000 children. However, necrotizing pancreatitis (necrosis greater than 30% of the pancreas and/or greater than 3 cm in an area of the pancreas) is a rare condition (<1% of acute pancreatitis), with a presentation similar to not complicated pancreatitis cases and with high morbidity and mortality. Computed tomography allows an assessment of the severity of the disease and the risk of complications (Balthazar Score). Not complicated pancreatitis cases have a favorable outcome, but necrotizing pancreatitis cases require intensive medical treatment and sometimes surgical treatment. We report the case of an 11 year-old boy with clinical presentation compatible with acute pancreatitis and confirmed by abdominal ultrasonography. Due to worsening of laboratory test, an abdominal computed tomography was performed showing a necrotizing pancreatitis and large pseudocysts. Close monitoring and a conservative approach was adopted, with clinical and analytical improvement. After one year follow-up, the patient is asymptomatic, normal ancillary tests and no evidence of pancreatic pseudocyst. The pediatric necrohaemorragic pancreatitis is an uncommon and potentially severe entity; we must keep this complication in mind for an adequate differential diagnosis of acute abdomen.

Laparoscopic pancreatic necrosectomy in a child with severe acute pancreatitis.

Acute pancreatitis (AP) in children usually follows a mild course but occasionally may be severally problematic. We report the case of a 12-year-old boy with severe AP who was managed with repeated laparoscopic pancreatic necrosectomy. Three weeks later he represented with a pancreatic pseudocyst that was treated with endoscopic gastrocystotomy. His abdominal pain persisted and a subsequent magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatogram showed multiple gallbladder and common bile duct (CBD) stones that were missed on previous imaging investigations. He underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy with transcystic exploration of the CBD. The patient is currently well, more than 2 years following the definitive corrective surgery. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of laparoscopic pancreatic necrosectomy in a child.