Intussusception in celiac disease: Is it a common feature in children?

BACKGROUND AND AIM: There are sporadic reports of occurrence of intussusception in celiac disease (CD) but no systematic study yet. We prospectively studied the prevalence and natural history of intussusception in newly diagnosed CD. METHODS: From January 2010 to October 2013, 150 children, diagnosed to have CD on the basis of positive serology and duodenal biopsy, were recruited in this study. Abdominal ultrasonography was carried out before starting gluten-free diet (GFD) and repeated in those who had intussusception, on day 3 and then weekly till the resolution of intussusception. RESULTS: The median age was 72 (range, 16-204) months, and 79 (53%) were boys. Diarrhea was the presenting symptom in 119 (79%) cases. A total of 45 intussusceptions were detected in 37 (25%) children. Out of 45 intussusceptions, 95% involved small bowel. All but one had asymptomatic intussusception. On GFD, intussusception resolved spontaneously within 7 days in 65%, within 14 days in 84%, and within 28 days in 92% of cases, and none required surgical or hydrostatic reduction. On univariate analysis, younger age, low weight z score, presentation with diarrhea, abdominal distension, rickets, lower serum albumin, more severe villous atrophy, and refeeding syndrome were more common in children with intussusception. On multivariate analysis, abdominal distension and hypoalbuminemia were found to be significantly associated with intussusception. CONCLUSIONS: Intussusception is frequently (25%) seen in children with newly diagnosed CD, generally asymptomatic and resolves spontaneously on GFD. It is often associated with more severe disease. Children with CD and intussusception should not be subjected to surgical/radiological intervention.

Percutaneous computed tomography-guided aspiration and biopsy of intrathoracic lesions: Results of 265 procedures.

CONTEXT: Percutaneous computed tomography (CT)-guided needle aspiration and biopsy technique have developed over time as a method for obtaining tissue specimen. Although this is a minimally invasive procedure, complications do occasionally occur. AIMS: The aim of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic yield and complications of 265 percutaneous CT-guided aspiration and biopsy procedures performed on various intrathoracic lesions. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Data of percutaneous CT-guided aspiration and biopsy procedures of intrathoracic lesions performed over a 4 year period were retrospectively analyzed. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Procedure details, radiological images, and pathological and microbiological reports were retrieved from radiology records and hospital information system. Technical success, diagnostic yield, and complication rates were calculated. RESULTS: Total 265 procedures were performed for lung (n = 179), mediastinum (n = 73), and pleural lesions (n = 13). Diagnostic yield for lung, mediastinal, and pleural lesions was 80.7%, 74.2, and 75%, respectively, for core biopsy specimens. Major complication was noted in only one procedure (0.4%). Minor complications were noted in 13.6% procedures which could be managed conservatively. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous CT-guided aspiration and biopsy procedures for intrathoracic lesions are reasonably safe with good diagnostic yield. Complications are infrequent and conservatively managed in most of the cases.

Ultrasound guided transrectal catheter drainage of pelvic collections.

The transrectal approach to draining deep-seated pelvic collections may be used to drain The transrectal approach to draining deep-seated pelvic collections may be used to drain intra-abdominal collections not reached by the transabdominal approach. We discuss 6 patients with such pelvic collections treated with transrectal drainage using catheter placement via Seldinger technique. Transrectal drainage helped achieve clinical and radiological resolution of pelvic collections in 6 and 5 of 6 cases, respectively. It simultaneously helped avoid injury to intervening bowel loops and neurovascular structures using real-time visualization of armamentarium used for drainage. Radiation exposure from fluoroscopic/CT guidance was avoided. Morbidity and costs incurred in surgical exploration were reduced using this much less invasive ultrasound guided transrectal catheter drainage of deep-seated pelvic collections.

Liver abscesses with venous extension - rare complication of a common problem.

Considering the high incidence of amoebic and pyogenic liver abscess in the developing world, occurrence of inferior vena cava thrombosis secondary to liver abscess is a rare but life threatening complication. We report 4 such complicated cases of liver abscess(s). The first case involved a large caudate lobe abscess extending across middle hepatic vein into suprahepatic inferior vena cava (IVC). Development of a left hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm following attempted percutaneous aspiration highlights the difficulties encountered in percutaneous interventional management of caudate lobe abscesses. The second case involved multiple liver abscesses with large thrombus in the right ventricular cavity & right ventricular outflow tract. The patient developed cardiorespiratory arrest limiting any aggressive management options for the complex nature of illness. The third case had a large caudate lobe abscess with direct extension into Intrahepatic IVC while the fourth showed a segment 4 abscess with thrombosis of adjacent left hepatic vein. These cases highlight the fact that diagnosis of such life threatening complications of liver abscesses as hepatic vein & IVC thrombosis requires high clinical suspicion followed by targeted imaging. Image guided interventional therapy is a useful tool for management in cases of liver abscess. But, abscesses in precarious locations like caudate lobe are associated with higher risk of complications including pseudoaneurysm formation asking for a cautious approach to interventional therapy in such circumstances.