Thrombotic risk and features of patients with inferior vena cava agenesis: a multicentre, retrospective, observational study.

BACKGROUND: Inferior vena cava agenesis (IVCA) is a rare anomaly predisposing affected people to lower-limb venous thrombosis with low frequency of pulmonary embolism. Antenatal thrombosis and inherited thrombophilia have been suggested as causes of IVCA. However, there is little evidence on the clinical course and management of this condition. We designed a patient registry to assess the thrombotic risk and features of IVCA. METHODS: In this this multicentre, retrospective, observational study, we included patients with IVCA diagnosed by routine imaging from 20 hospitals in Spain (n=18), Portugal (n=1), and Italy (n=1). Patients were identified from a systematic search in radiology databases using data extraction software (cohort A) and alternative searches in medical records for confirmed IVCA (cohort B; option allowed when systematic approaches were unapplicable). Primary outcomes were clinical and imaging features, thrombotic risk, phenotype of IVCA-associated thrombosis, anticoagulant treatment, and the results of thrombophilia testing. FINDINGS: We included patients with IVCA diagnosed by routine imaging studies done between Jan 1, 2010, and Dec 31, 2022. In the systematic search, 4 341 333 imaging exams were screened from the radiology databases of eight centres. 122 eligible patients were enrolled in cohort A. A further 95 patients were identified by screening medical records at 12 centres, of whom 88 were eligible and included in cohort B, making a combined cohort of 210 patients. 96 (46%) of 210 patients were female and 200 (95%) were European or Hispanic. 60 (29%) of 210 patients had hepatic IVC interruption, whereas 150 (71%) had extrahepatic IVCA. In cohort A, 65 (53%) of 122 patients had venous thrombosis, with an estimated annual risk of 1·15% (95% CI 0·89-1·46). Extrahepatic IVCA was associated with a greater risk of venous thrombosis than hepatic IVCA (56 [67%] of 84 patients vs nine [24%] of 38 patients, odds ratio 5·31, 95% CI 2·27-12·43; p<0·0001). Analysis of 126 patients with venous thrombosis pooled from cohorts A and B showed early-onset (median age 34·6 years, IQR 23·3-54·3) and recurrent events (50 [40%] of 126 patients). Patients with extrahepatic IVCA had greater proportions of lower-limb venous thrombosis (95 [87%] of 109 vs nine [53%] of 17, p=0·0010) and recurrence (48 [44%] of 109 vs two [12%] of 17, p=0·015), but lower rates of pulmonary embolism (10 [10%] of 99 vs four [33%] of 12, p=0·044) than did patients with hepatic IVCA. 77 (63%) of 122 patients with thrombosis underwent indefinite anticoagulation. 32 (29%) of 111 patients (29 [34%] of 86 with thrombosis) had coexisting thrombophilias. The recurrence risk was lower for patients receiving indefinite anticoagulation (adjusted odds ratio 0·24, 95% CI 0·08-0·61; p=0·010), and greater for thrombophilias (3·19, 1·09-9·32; p=0·034). INTERPRETATION: This evaluation of a large patient cohort demonstrates the high thrombotic burden of IVCA. We have identified two distinct forms of IVCA, hepatic and extrahepatic, suggesting different underlying mechanisms. Beyond clinical characterisation, we draw attention to this orphan disease and highlight the need for its study and improved care. FUNDING: Spanish Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, FEDER, Fundación Séneca.

Updated Review and Clinical Recommendations for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Patients with Retroperitoneal Sarcoma by the Spanish Sarcoma Research Group (GEIS).

Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are an uncommon and biologically heterogeneous group of tumors arising from mesenchymal cells. The incidence is estimated at five cases per 100,000 people per year. Retroperitoneal sarcomas (RPS) account for 10-15% of all STS, and their management depends on their anatomical characteristics and histotype. Due to their very low incidence, it is recommended that RPS be treated in reference centers and evaluated by an experienced multidisciplinary team (MDT). In Spain, the Spanish Group for Research in Sarcomas (GEIS) brings together experts from various specialties to promote research on sarcomas and improve treatment results. This paper summarizes the GEIS recommendations for the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of patients with RPS.

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour of an unusual presentation in the uterine cervix: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour is an infrequent mesenchymal neoplasia of unknown aetiology and variable behaviour, ranging from rather benign lesions to locally aggressive and even metastatic disease. Its presence has been described in almost all organs; however, its location in the female genital tract has rarely been reported. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 47-year-old female, who was studied in our institution for a recent medical history of several weeks of dyspareunia and abdominal pain. She underwent pertinent studies including ultrasonography and CT scan. Under suspicion of degenerated leiomyoma, a total hysterectomy was performed. Unexpectedly, the pathological study of the surgical specimen showed very few tumour cells with focal fusiform morphology surrounded by an abundant inflammatory infiltrate; a thorough immunohistochemistry study lead to myofibroblastic tumour of the cervix diagnosis. A PET-CT scan did not show metastatic disease. The patient did not undergo any adjuvant treatment, and she is currently on surveillance with no evidence of disease relapse. CONCLUSIONS: Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour remains a rare entity yet to be fully elucidated. The diagnosis is based on pathological study due to the lack of typical clinical manifestations and typical radiological images. Surgical resection is the most frequent treatment, whereas chemotherapy and radiotherapy are restricted to locally advanced or metastatic disease. Tirosine kinase inhibitor crizotinib has shown promising results especially in tumours harbouring ALK mutation.

Tumoral volume measured preoperatively by magnetic resonance imaging is related to survival in endometrial cancer.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to determine if the endometrial tumor volume (TV) measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI-TV) is associated with survival in endometrial cancer and lymph nodes metastases (LN+). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We evaluated the MRI imaging and records of 341 women with endometrial cancer and preoperative MRI from 2008 to 2018. The MRI-TV was calculated using the ellipsoid formula measuring three perpendicular tumor diameters. Tumor myometrial invasion was also analyzed. RESULTS: Higher MRI-TV was associated with age ≥ 65y, non-endometrioid tumors, grade-3, deep-myometrial invasion, LN+ and advanced FIGO stage. There were 37 patients with LN+ (8.8%). Non-endometrioid tumors, deep-myometrial invasion, grade-3 and MRI-TV ≥ 10 cm3 were the factors associated with LN+. Using a receiver operating characteristic [ROC] curve, the MRI-TV cut-off for survival was 10 cm3 (area under curve [AUC] = 0.70; 95% CI: 0.61-0.73). 5 years disease-free (DFS) and overall survival (OS) was significantly lower in MRI-TV ≥ 10 cm3 (69.3% vs. 84.5%, and 75.4% vs. 96.1%, respectively). MRI-TV was considered an independent factor of DFS (HR: 2.20, 95% CI: 1.09-4.45, p = 0.029) and OS (HR: 3.88, 95% CI: 1.34-11.24, p = 0.012) in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: MRI-TV was associated with LN+, and MRI-TV ≥ 10 cm3 was an independent prognostic factor of lower DFS and OS. The MRI-TV can be auxiliary information to plan the surgery strategy and predict the adjuvant treatment in women with endometrial cancer.

CD133 + cell infusion in patients with colorectal liver metastases going to be submitted to a major liver resection (CELLCOL): A randomized open label clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of liver metastases of colorectal carcinoma is surgical resection. However, only 10-15% of the patients in this context will be candidate for curative resection arising other 10-13% after response to neoadyuvant chemotherapy. In order to perform the liver metastases surgery, it is necessary to have a sufficient remnant liver volume (RLV) which allows maintaining an optimal liver function after resection. Studies on liver regeneration have determined that CD133 + stem cells are involved in liver hypertrophy developed after an hepatectomy with encouraging results. As presented in previous studies, CD133 + stem cells can be selected from peripheral blood after stimulation with G-CSF, being able to obtain a large number of them. We propose to treat patients who do not meet criteria for liver metastases surgery because of insufficient RLV (<40%) with CD133 + cells together with portal embolization, in order to achieve enough liver volume which avoids liver failure. METHODS: /Design: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of preoperative PVE plus the administration of CD133 + mobilized from peripheral blood with G-CSF compared to PVE only. SECONDARY AIMS ARE: to compare the grade of hypertrophy, speed and changes in liver function, anatomopathological study of hypertrophied liver, to determine the safety of the treatment and analysis of postoperative morbidity and surveillance. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective randomized longitudinal phase IIb clinical trial, open, to evaluate the efficacy of portal embolization (PVE) together with the administration of CD133 + cells obtained from peripheral blood versus PVE alone, in patients with hepatic metastasis of colorectal carcinoma (CCRHM). DISCUSSION: The number of CD133 + obtained from peripheral blood after G -CSF stimulation will be far greater than the number obtained with direct puncture of bone marrow. This will allow a greater intrahepatic infusion, which could have a direct impact on achieving a larger and quicker hypertrophy. Consequently, it will permit the treatment of a larger number of patients with an increase on their survival. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, ID NCT03803241.

[Recommendations for the diagnosis, staging and treatment of pre-malignant lesions and pancreatic adenocarcinoma]. / Recomendaciones para el diagnóstico, la estadificación y el tratamiento de las lesiones premalignas y el adenocarcinoma de páncreas.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Clinical management of adenocarcinoma of the pancreas is complex, and requires a multidisciplinary approach. The same applies for the premalignant lesions that are increasingly being diagnosed. The current document is an update on the diagnosis and management of premalignant lesions and adenocarcinoma of the pancreas. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A conference to establish the basis of the literature review and manuscript redaction was organized by the Grupo Español Multidisciplinar en Cáncer Digestivo. Experts in the field from different specialties (Gastroenterology, Surgery, Radiology, Pathology, Medical Oncology and Radiation Oncology) met to prepare the present document. RESULTS: The current literature was reviewed and discussed, with subsequent deliberation on the evidence. CONCLUSIONS: Final recommendations were established in view of all the above.

Recomendaciones para el diagnóstico, la estadificación y el tratamiento de las lesiones premalignas y el adenocarcinoma de páncreas / Recommendations for the diagnosis, staging and treatment of pre-malignant lesions and pancreatic adenocarcinoma

Antecedentes y objetivo. El tratamiento del adenocarcinoma de páncreas es complejo y requiere un enfoque multidisciplinar, al igual que sucede con las lesiones premalignas, cuyo diagnóstico es cada vez más frecuente. Este documento constituye una puesta al día sobre el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de las lesiones premalignas y del adenocarcinoma de páncreas. Pacientes y método. Para ello, el Grupo Español Multidisciplinar en Cáncer Digestivo organizó una conferencia en Barcelona durante la cual un panel formado por expertos en esta enfermedad, procedentes de diversas especialidades (Gastroenterología, Cirugía, Radiología, Anatomía Patológica, Oncología Médica y Oncología Radioterápica), estableció las bases para la revisión y la elaboración del manuscrito. Resultados. Se ha revisado la literatura, discutido y, finalmente, deliberado sobre las evidencias. Conclusiones. Con todo ello, se han establecido unas recomendaciones (AU)

Background and objective. Clinical management of adenocarcinoma of the pancreas is complex, and requires a multidisciplinary approach. The same applies for the premalignant lesions that are increasingly being diagnosed. The current document is an update on the diagnosis and management of premalignant lesions and adenocarcinoma of the pancreas. Patients and methods. A conference to establish the basis of the literature review and manuscript redaction was organized by the Grupo Español Multidisciplinar en Cáncer Digestivo. Experts in the field from different specialties (Gastroenterology, Surgery, Radiology, Pathology, Medical Oncology and Radiation Oncology) met to prepare the present document. Results. The current literature was reviewed and discussed, with subsequent deliberation on the evidence. Conclusions. Final recommendations were established in view of all the above (AU)

Imaging Crohn disease: MR enterography.

Magnetic resonance enterography in Crohn disease management has been rapidly growing in importance during recent years. Being familiar to this technique is essential for radiologists and also, to some extent, for gastroenterologists. Our aim is to study and describe the imaging findings in magnetic resonance enterography in Crohn disease to develop a comprehensive and useful review article and imaging atlas.

Uso de la enterografía por resonancia magnética en el manejo de la enfermedad de Crohn de intestino delgado: primer año de experiencia / Using of magnetic resonance enterography in the management of Crohn's disease of the small intestine: first year of experience

Objetivo: describir la experiencia de dos centros terciarios durante el primer año de uso de la enterografía por resonancia magnética (enteroRM) para el manejo de la enfermedad de Crohn (EC): indicaciones e influencia en la toma de decisiones clínicas. Material y métodos: estudio descriptivo retrospectivo. Se incluyeron de forma consecutiva a pacientes a los que se realizaba una enteroRM. Se recogieron los datos epidemiológicos y clínicos de los pacientes, la indicación de la prueba y como influyó sobre la toma de decisiones clínicas en los 10 días posteriores a la realización de la prueba radiológica. Resultados: se realizaron 24 enteroRM por sospecha de EC y 126 por seguimiento clínico en pacientes con EC conocida: clínica suboclusiva en 53 (42%), monitorización de los tratamientos médicos en 34 (27%), completar el estudio por ileocolonoscopia incompleta en 16 (13%), estudio de extensión en intestino delgado en 15 (12%) y finalmente la sospecha de EC complicada en 8 pacientes (6%). La realización de la enteroRM influyó en el tratamiento en 83 (55,3%) pacientes. Dieciséis (10,7%) pacientes con inmunosupresores, 41 pacientes (27,3%) iniciaron o cambiaron de anti-TNFa, en 15 pacientes (10%) se indicó la cirugía y en 3 pacientes (2%) la enteroRM indujo a cambiar de terapia combinada a monoterapia. La enteroRM en la sospecha de EC influyó menos en las decisiones clínicas que cuando se indicaba por seguimiento (p < 0,05). Conclusiones: la enteroRM ayudó a decidir en más de la mitad de los pacientes, en especial en el seguimiento clínico para el manejo de las terapias biológicas y la indicación de la cirugía. Fue menos útil cuando la indicación fue la sospecha de EC(AU)

Objective: to describe the experience at two tertiary centres during the first year of use of magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) for the management of Crohn’s disease (CD): indications and influence of the technique in clinical decision making. Material and method: retrospective descriptive study in which patients who underwent MRE were included consecutively. Epidemiological and clinical data were collected from the patients, as well as the indication for the study and how it influenced clinical decision making in the 10 days following the radiological study. Results: 24 MREs were performed in suspected CD and 126 known CD; partial bowel obstruction in 53 patients (42%), monitoring of medical treatment in 34 (27%), due to incomplete ileocolonoscopy in 16 (13%), extension study of the small intestine in 15 (12%) and suspected complicated CD in 8 patients (6%). The MRE influenced in a change in treatment in 83 (55.3%) patients: 16 (10.7%) started with immunosuppressants, 41 (27.3%) with anti- TNFa were started on or switched, 15 (10%) were ordered surgery and in 3 (2%) changed from combined therapy to monotherapy. The MRE had less influence on clinical decision making in the group in which the indication was suspected CD (p < 0.05). Conclusions: the use of MRE helped on decision making in more than half of patients, especially with regards to decisions related to the use of biological therapies and the indication for surgery. MRE was less useful in suspected CD patients(AU)

Using of magnetic resonance enterography in the management of Crohn's disease of the small intestine: first year of experience.

OBJECTIVE: to describe the experience at two tertiary centres during the first year of use of magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) for the management of Crohn's disease (CD): indications and influence of the technique in clinical decision making. MATERIALS AND METHODS: retrospective descriptive study in which patients who underwent MRE were included consecutively. Epidemiological and clinical data were collected from the patients, as well as the indication for the study and how it influenced clinical decision making in the 10 days following the radiological study. RESULTS: 24 MREs were performed in suspected CD and 126 known CD; partial bowel obstruction in 53 patients (42%), monitoring of medical treatment in 34 (27%), due to incomplete ileocolonoscopy in 16 (13%), extension study of the small intestine in 15 (12%) and suspected complicated CD in 8 patients (6%). The MRE influenced in a change in treatment in 83 (55.3%) patients: 16 (10.7%) started with immunosuppressants, 41 (27.3%) with anti-TNFα were started on or switched, 15 (10%) were ordered surgery and in 3 (2%) changed from combined therapy to monotherapy. The MRE had less influence on clinical decision making in the group in which the indication was suspected CD (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: the use of MRE helped on decision making in more than half of patients, especially with regards to decisions related to the use of biological therapies and the indication for surgery. MRE was less useful in suspected CD patients.

Jejuno-ileal diverticulitis with localized perforation: CT and US findings.

PURPOSE: To describe the computed tomography and ultrasound findings of five cases of small bowel diverticulitis with localized perforation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Our database, from April 2003 to August 2007, was reviewed and five cases of small bowel diverticulitis were identified. RESULTS: Jejuno-ileal diverticulitis with covered perforation usually presents as wall thickening of a small bowel loop and an adjacent inflammatory mass containing air bubbles. CONCLUSION: Small bowel diverticula are rare and mostly asymptomatic. They become clinically relevant when complications arise, such as diverticulitis. The symptoms of jejuno-ileal diverticulitis are non-specific and the diagnosis is performed mainly by imaging studies.

Lack of viral selection in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 mother-to-child transmission with primary infection during late pregnancy and/or breastfeeding.

Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) as described for women with an established infection is, in most cases, associated with the transmission of few maternal variants. This study analysed virus variability in four cases of maternal primary infection occurring during pregnancy and/or breastfeeding. Estimated time of seroconversion was at 4 months of pregnancy for one woman (early seroconversion) and during the last months of pregnancy and/or breastfeeding for the remaining three (late seroconversion). The C2V3 envelope region was analysed in samples of mother-child pairs by molecular cloning and sequencing. Comparisons of nucleotide and amino acid sequences as well as phylogenetic analysis were performed. The results showed low variability in the virus population of both mother and child. Maximum-likelihood analysis showed that, in the early pregnancy seroconversion case, a minor viral variant with further evolution in the child was transmitted, which could indicate a selection event in MTCT or a stochastic event, whereas in the late seroconversion cases, the mother's and child's sequences were intermingled, which is compatible with the transmission of multiple viral variants from the mother's major population. These results could be explained by the less pronounced selective pressure exerted by the immune system in the early stages of the mother's infection, which could play a role in MTCT of HIV-1.

Gastric tube volume after duodenal switch and its correlation to short-term weight loss.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric operations may have a restrictive and a malabsorptive component. The restrictive component is considered key for short-term weight loss. However, there are important volume discrepancies between gastric reservoirs in different bariatric surgical techniques, which questions the real meaning of the restrictive part of the operation. We have investigated the relationship between residual gastric volume after sleeve gastrectomy in duodenal switch (DS) and weight loss over the first postoperative year. METHODS: 14 patients submitted to a modified DS and one patient submitted to a sleeve gastrectomy were studied. All patients had an abdominal CT performed between the third and the ninth postoperative month to measure residual gastric volume. Gastric tube volume was correlated to early postoperative weight loss. RESULTS: Mean excess BMI loss was 75% at 12 months. Mean gastric tube volume was 208 cc. Gastric volume was not related to preoperative weight or BMI; instead, it was directly related to patient's height. There was no statistical relation between gastric volume and weight loss at 3, 6, 9 or 12 months after the operation. CONCLUSION: After DS, gastric tube volume is not directly related to weight changes. Other factors could have influence on intake restriction, such as gastric tube compliance or different mechanisms of satiety induction, because no differences in weight loss were observed between narrow tubes and wider ones, despite important variations in volume.

Mucocele of the gastric tube after conversion of vertical banded gastroplasty to duodenal switch: not just a radiological image.

We present two patients who underwent a duodenal switch operation after a failed vertical banded gastroplasty. Both patients had a complicated postoperative course because of an abdominal infection, and both presented the radiological image of a gastric fundus mucocele in the part of the fundus excluded between two staple-lines. Although initially considered as a radiological image with no clinical significance, the presentation of the second case with the same abdominal complication led us to contemplate the possibility of a connection between the gastric mucocele and the postoperative infection.

Abdominal and iliac arterial stenoses: comparative double-blinded randomized study of diagnostic accuracy of 3D MR angiography with gadodiamide or gadopentetate dimeglumine.

PURPOSE: To prospectively evaluate accuracy of gadolinium-enhanced three-dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance (MR) angiography with gadodiamide and gadopentetate dimeglumine (0.1 mmol/kg), with intraarterial DSA as reference standard, for imaging abdominal and iliac arterial stenoses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was approved by all institutional review boards; informed consent was obtained from each subject before procedures. Two hundred forty-seven subjects were included; 240 received either contrast agent and were available for safety analysis; 222 were available for accuracy analysis. Enhanced 3D MR angiography and DSA were performed; image data were evaluated in a double-blinded randomized study. Stenoses were classified as not relevant (<50% stenosis) or relevant (> or =50%). For detection of main stenosis, accuracy with enhanced 3D MR angiography compared with that with DSA was determined. RESULTS: The difference in accuracy for imaging with gadodiamide and gadopentetate was 3.6%. Noninferiority was inferred because the lower bound of the exact two-sided 95% confidence interval was -10.1 and was above the noninferiority margin (-15%). Accuracy for detection of the main stenosis was low, 56.4% for gadodiamide and 52.8% for gadopentetate group. Subgroup analysis with exclusion of inferior mesenteric artery and internal iliac arteries and the most false-positive stenosis classifications yielded better results: 76.6% and 71.6%, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, and negative and positive predictive values did not differ substantially between study groups. In the main analysis, values were 44%, 96%, 35%, and 97% for gadodiamide and 44%, 83%, 30%, and 90% for gadopentetate, respectively. In the subgroup analysis, values were 66%, 95%, 61%, and 96% for gadodiamide and 63%, 86%, 58%, and 88% for gadopentetate, respectively. CONCLUSION: Noninferiority of gadodiamide versus gadopentetate was verified based on the primary end point, which was accuracy for detection of the main stenosis with enhanced 3D MR angiography compared with DSA.