Use of greyscale and Doppler ultrasound in initial evaluation and follow-up of neurovascular malformations in children.

Pediatric intracranial arteriovenous shunts are rare vascular malformations that can be diagnosed prenatally or postnatally, as an incidental finding or due to complications. We propose a review of cerebral vascular malformations in newborns and infants with special emphasis on neurosonography and Doppler ultrasound as the first diagnostic method. Sonography can thus contribute in the planning of further studies that are always necessary, and in post-therapy follow-up.

Sífilis congénita e infarto hepático, una asociación no reportada. Descripción de un caso pediátrico / Congenital syphilis and hepatic infarction, a not previously reported association. A pediatric case report

La sífilis congénita es causada por la infección del feto con Treponema pallidum durante el embarazo. Los síntomas son variables. Si bien es común el daño endotelial, no suele estar presente en los casos congénitos. Reportamos el caso de un lactante de 42 días de vida hospitalizado por masa abdominal. Las imágenes confirmaban la presencia de una lesión en el lóbulo hepático izquierdo sin efecto de masa. Las biopsias mostraron cambios compatibles con infarto y hepatitis neonatal. Las serologías del paciente y de su madre confirmaron el diagnóstico de sífilis congénita, y recibió tratamiento con penicilina intravenosa. El hígado se encuentra protegido de los daños isquémicos gracias a su doble irrigación, pero la acumulación de noxas puede haber provocado dicha presentación inusual. Tres meses más tarde, el paciente se encontraba libre de síntomas y la resonancia de control mostró atrofia del lóbulo izquierdo, mientras el resto del parénquima no presentaba alteraciones.

Congenital syphilis is caused by Treponema pallidum infection of the fetus during pregnancy. Symptoms are variable. While endothelial damage is common, it is not usually present in congenital cases. Here we report the case of a 42-day-old infant hospitalized due to an abdominal mass. Imaging studies confirmed the presence of an injury in the left lobe of the liver without mass effect. Biopsies showed changes compatible with infarction and neonatal hepatitis. The patient's and his mother's serologies confirmed the diagnosis of congenital syphilis, and he was treated with intravenous penicillin. The liver protected from ischemic injury by its double irrigation, but the accumulation of harmful agents may have caused this unusual presentation. Three months later, the patient was symptom-free, and the control MRI showed atrophy of the left lobe, while the rest of the parenchyma was unchanged.

Congenital syphilis and hepatic infarction, a not previously reported association. A pediatric case report. / Sífilis congénita e infarto hepático, una asociación no reportada. Descripción de un caso pediátrico.

Congenital syphilis is caused by Treponema pallidum infection of the fetus during pregnancy. Symptoms are variable. While endothelial damage is common, it is not usually present in congenital cases. Here we report the case of a 42-day-old infant hospitalized due to an abdominal mass. Imaging studies confirmed the presence of an injury in the left lobe of the liver without mass effect. Biopsies showed changes compatible with infarction and neonatal hepatitis. The patient's and his mother's serologies confirmed the diagnosis of congenital syphilis, and he was treated with intravenous penicillin. The liver is protected from ischemic injury by its double irrigation, but the accumulation of harmful agents may have caused this unusual presentation. Three months later, the patient was symptom-free, and the control MRI showed atrophy of the left lobe, while the rest of the parenchyma was unchanged.

La sífilis congénita es causada por la infección del feto con Treponema pallidum durante el embarazo. Los síntomas son variables. Si bien es común el daño endotelial, no suele estar presente en los casos congénitos. Reportamos el caso de un lactante de 42 días de vida hospitalizado por masa abdominal. Las imágenes confirmaban la presencia de una lesión en el lóbulo hepático izquierdo sin efecto de masa. Las biopsias mostraron cambios compatibles con infarto y hepatitis neonatal. Las serologías del paciente y de su madre confirmaron el diagnóstico de sífilis congénita, y recibió tratamiento con penicilina intravenosa. El hígado se encuentra protegido de los daños isquémicos gracias a su doble irrigación, pero la acumulación de noxas puede haber provocado dicha presentación inusual. Tres meses más tarde, el paciente se encontraba libre de síntomas y la resonancia de control mostró atrofia del lóbulo izquierdo, mientras el resto del parénquima no presentaba alteraciones.

Malformaciones vasculares cerebrales de alto flujo en pediatría: experiencia en un hospital pediátrico de alta complejidad / High-flow vascular malformations of the brain in pediatrics: Experience in a tertiary care children's hospital

Introducción. Las malformaciones vasculares cerebrales de alto flujo son poco comunes en la edad pediátrica. El objetivo del trabajo es diferenciar y agrupar estas enfermedades según edad de debut, manifestaciones clínicas y angioarquitectura.Población y método. Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo y observacional. Se analizaron las historias clínicas, los estudios por imágenes y los protocolos de procedimientos de pacientes del Hospital J. P. Garrahan con diagnóstico de malformaciones vasculares cerebrales desde enero de 2010 hasta enero de 2020.Resultados. Ciento ochenta y tres pacientes cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. Se identificaron 131 pacientes con malformaciones arteriovenosas con nido (MAV) y 52 con fístulas directas (sin nido), entre los que se hallaron 19 malformaciones aneurismáticas de vena de Galeno, 23 fístulas piales y 10 fístulas durales. La edad promedio fue de 105 meses para las MAV, 1,7 meses para las malformaciones aneurismáticas de vena de Galeno, 60,5 meses para fístulas piales y 41 meses para fístulas durales.Conclusión. Según su angioarquitectura, las malformaciones vasculares cerebrales de alto flujo tuvieron nido (MAV) o fueron fístulas directas (malformaciones aneurismáticas de vena de Galeno, fístulas piales y fístulas durales). Las MAV se manifestaron a partir de la primera infancia, sobre todo, por hemorragia intracraneana. Las fístulas directas se expresaron en la primera etapa de la vida, frecuentemente, con insuficiencia cardíaca.

Introduction. High-flow vascular malformations of the brain are uncommon in pediatrics. The objective of this study is to establish the differences among these pathologies and group them by age at onset, clinical manifestations, and angioarchitecture.Population and method. This was a retrospective and observational study. The medical records, imaging studies, and procedure protocols of patients seen at Hospital J. P. Garrahan diagnosed with vascular malformations of the brain between January 2010 and January 2020 were analyzed.Results. A total of 183 patients met the inclusion criteria. It was possible to identify 131 patients with arteriovenous malformations with a nidus (AVMs) and 52 with direct fistulas (without a nidus), including 19 vein of Galen aneurysmal malformations, 23 pial fistulas, and 10 dural fistulas. The average age of patients was 105 months for AVMs, 1.7 months for vein of Galen aneurysmal malformations, 60.5 months for pial fistulas, and 41 months for dural fistulas.Conclusion. Based on their angioarchitecture, high-flow vascular malformations of the brain presented a nidus (AVMs) or direct fistulas (vein of Galen aneurysmal malformations, pial fistulas, and dural fistulas). AVMs were observed in early childhood, especially due to intracranial hemorrhage. Direct fistulas occurred in the first stage of life, commonly with heart failure.

High-flow vascular malformations of the brain in pediatrics: Experience in a tertiary care children's hospital. / Malformaciones vasculares cerebrales de alto flujo en pediatría: experiencia en un hospital pediátrico de alta complejidad.

INTRODUCTION: High-flow vascular malformations of the brain are uncommon in pediatrics. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to establish the differences among these pathologies and group them by age at onset, clinical manifestations, and angioarchitecture. POPULATION AND METHOD: This was a retrospective and observational study. The medical records, imaging studies, and procedure protocols of patients seen at Hospital J. P. Garrahan diagnosed with vascular malformations of the brain between January 2010 and January 2020 were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 183 patients met the inclusion criteria. It was possible to identify 131 patients with arteriovenous malformations with a nidus (AVMs) and 52 with direct fistulas (without a nidus), including 19 vein of Galen aneurysmal malformations, 23 pial fistulas, and 10 dural fistulas. The average age of patients was 105 months for AVMs, 1.7 months for vein of Galen aneurysmal malformations, 60.5 months for pial fistulas, and 41 months for dural fistulas. CONCLUSION: Based on their angioarchitecture, high-flow vascular malformations of the brain presented a nidus (AVMs) or direct fistulas (vein of Galen aneurysmal malformations, pial fistulas, and dural fistulas). AVMs were observed in early childhood, especially due to intracranial hemorrhage. Direct fistulas occurred in the first stage of life, commonly with heart failure.

Introducción. Las malformaciones vasculares cerebrales de alto flujo son poco comunes en la edad pediátrica. El objetivo del trabajo es diferenciar y agrupar estas enfermedades según edad de debut, manifestaciones clínicas y angioarquitectura. Población y método. Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo y observacional. Se analizaron las historias clínicas, los estudios por imágenes y los protocolos de procedimientos de pacientes del Hospital J. P. Garrahan con diagnóstico de malformaciones vasculares cerebrales desde enero de 2010 hasta enero de 2020. Resultados. Ciento ochenta y tres pacientes cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. Se identificaron 131 pacientes con malformaciones arteriovenosas con nido (MAV) y 52 con fístulas directas (sin nido), entre los que se hallaron 19 malformaciones aneurismáticas de vena de Galeno, 23 fístulas piales y 10 fístulas durales. La edad promedio fue de 105 meses para las MAV, 1,7 meses para las malformaciones aneurismáticas de vena de Galeno, 60,5 meses para fístulas piales y 41 meses para fístulas durales. Conclusión. Según su angioarquitectura, las malformaciones vasculares cerebrales de alto flujo tuvieron nido (MAV) o fueron fístulas directas (malformaciones aneurismáticas de vena de Galeno, fístulas piales y fístulas durales). Las MAV se manifestaron a partir de la primera infancia, sobre todo, por hemorragia intracraneana. Las fístulas directas se expresaron en la primera etapa de la vida, frecuentemente, con insuficiencia cardíaca.

Trombosis venosa profunda asociada al uso de catéteres en recién nacidos / Catheter-related deep vein thrombosis in newborn infants

Introducción. En neonatología, más del 90 % de las trombosis venosas profundas están asociadas al uso de catéteres. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la incidencia y los factores de riesgo relacionados con trombosis venosa profunda asociada a catéteres venosos centrales.Población y métodos. Estudio observacional analítico de cohorte prospectivo. Se incluyeron todos los catéteres venosos centrales mediante un muestreo no aleatorio consecutivo. El protocolo de pesquisa incluyó la evaluación clínica diaria y ecografía doppler (7-10 días luego de su colocación y/o a las 72 h de su retiro). Seguimiento: desde la colocación al retiro del catéter, fallecimiento o contrarreferencia del paciente. Se estimó densidad de incidencia cada 1000 días/catéter con sus intervalos de confianza (IC) del 95 % y factores de riesgo mediante análisis multivariado de Cox.Resultados. Se identificó trombosis en 22/264 catéteres. La densidad de incidencia de trombosis fue del 5,33 ‰ días/catéter (IC 95 %: 3,34-8,07). La cirugía cardiovascular y el uso de catéteres distintos a los epicutáneos resultaron ser factores de riesgo independientes para trombosis [Hazard Ratio: (3,8 [IC 95 %: 1,6-9] y 2,75 [IC 95 %: 1,17-6,45]).Conclusiones. La incidencia de trombosis venosa profunda asociada a catéteres venosos centrales fue de 5,33 cada 1000 días/catéter. El antecedente de procedimientos quirúrgicos cardiovasculares y el uso de catéteres distintos a los epicutáneos se asociaron con mayor riesgo de la complicación.

Introduction. In neonatology, more than 90 % of deep vein thromboses are related to catheter use. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence and risk factors associated with central venous catheter-related deep vein thrombosis.Population and methods. Observational and analytical study conducted in a prospective cohort. All central venous catheters were included using consecutive, non-random sampling. The screening protocol included a daily clinical examination and a Doppler ultrasound (7-10 days after insertion and/or 72 h after removal). Follow-up: from catheter insertion to catheter removal, death or patient counter-referral. The incidence density rate per 1000 catheter-days was estimated with its corresponding 95 % confidence intervals (CIs), and risk factors, using Cox multivariate analysis.Results. Thrombosis was identified in 22/264 catheters. The incidence density rate of thrombosis was 5.33 ‰ catheter-days (95 % CI: 3.34-8.07). Cardiovascular surgery and and the use of central catheters others than peripherally inserted ones, were independent risk factors for thrombosis (hazard ratio: 3.8 [95 % CI: 1.6-9] and 2.75 [95 % CI: 1.17-6.45]).Conclusions. The incidence of central venous catheter-related deep vein thrombosis was 5.33 per 1000 catheter-days. A history of cardiovascular surgical procedures and and the use of central catheters others than peripherally inserted ones, were associated with a higher risk of this complication.

Catheter-related deep vein thrombosis in newborn infants. / Trombosis venosa profunda asociada al uso de catéteres en recién nacidos.

INTRODUCTION: In neonatology, more than 90 % of deep vein thromboses are related to catheter use. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence and risk factors associated with central venous catheter-related deep vein thrombosis. POPULATION AND METHODS: Observational and analytical study conducted in a prospective cohort. All central venous catheters were included using consecutive, non-random sampling. The screening protocol included a daily clinical examination and a Doppler ultrasound (7-10 days after insertion and/or 72 h after removal). Follow-up: from catheter insertion to catheter removal, death or patient counter-referral. The incidence density rate per 1000 catheter-days was estimated with its corresponding 95 % confidence intervals (CIs), and risk factors, using Cox multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Thrombosis was identified in 22/264 catheters. The incidence density rate of thrombosis was 5.33 ‰ catheter-days (95 % CI: 3.34-8.07). Cardiovascular surgery and and the use of central catheters others than peripherally inserted ones, were independent risk factors for thrombosis (hazard ratio: 3.8 [95 % CI: 1.6-9] and 2.75 [95 % CI: 1.17-6.45]). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of central venous catheter-related deep vein thrombosis was 5.33 per 1000 catheter-days. A history of cardiovascular surgical procedures and and the use of central catheters others than peripherally inserted ones, were associated with a higher risk of this complication.

Introducción. En neonatología, más del 90 % de las trombosis venosas profundas están asociadas al uso de catéteres. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la incidencia y los factores de riesgo relacionados con trombosis venosa profunda asociada a catéteres venosos centrales. Población y métodos. Estudio observacional analítico de cohorte prospectivo. Se incluyeron todos los catéteres venosos centrales mediante un muestreo no aleatorio consecutivo. El protocolo de pesquisa incluyó la evaluación clínica diaria y ecografía doppler (7-10 días luego de su colocación y/o a las 72 h de su retiro). Seguimiento: desde la colocación al retiro del catéter, fallecimiento o contrarreferencia del paciente. Se estimó densidad de incidencia cada 1000 días/catéter con sus intervalos de confianza (IC) del 95 % y factores de riesgo mediante análisis multivariado de Cox. Resultados. Se identificó trombosis en 22/264 catéteres. La densidad de incidencia de trombosis fue del 5,33 ‰ días/catéter (IC 95 %: 3,34-8,07). La cirugía cardiovascular y el uso de catéteres distintos a los epicutáneos resultaron ser factores de riesgo independientes para trombosis [Hazard Ratio: (3,8 [IC 95 %: 1,6-9] y 2,75 [IC 95 %: 1,17-6,45]). Conclusiones. La incidencia de trombosis venosa profunda asociada a catéteres venosos centrales fue de 5,33 cada 1000 días/catéter. El antecedente de procedimientos quirúrgicos cardiovasculares y el uso de catéteres distintos a los epicutáneos se asociaron con mayor riesgo de la complicación.

Ascaridiosis en la vía biliar intrahepática: a propósito de un caso pediátrico / Ascariasis in the intrahepatic biliary duct: about a case in pediatrics

El 25 % de la población mundial se encuentra infectada por Ascaris lumbricoides. La ascaridiosis hepatobiliar ocurre en zonas con alta endemicidad y gran carga parasitaria, y genera desde intensa inflamación hasta fibrosis. Se presenta a un paciente de 2 años, que consultó por distensión abdominal y tos de 1 mes de evolución asociada a fiebre en las últimas 72 h. Se realizó una ecografía abdominal que evidenció áscaris en la vía biliar, en el estómago y en el intestino delgado, y una radiografía de tórax con infiltrado inflamatorio intersticial, asociado a hiperleucocitosis con hipereosinofilia y gamma-glutamiltranspeptidasa elevada. Se administró un tratamiento antibiótico, antihelmíntico, sin lograr la eliminación de los parásitos de la vía biliar, por lo que se requirió su extracción mediante colangiografía percutánea

Twenty five percent of the world population is affected by Ascaris lumbricoides. Hepatobiliary ascariasis occurs in areas with high endemicity and great amount of parasitic load, generating intense inflammation to fibrosis. We report a two-year-old patient that consults about abdominal distension and cough of one month of evolution associated with 72 hours of fever. Abdominal ultrasound is performed, which shows bile duct, stomach, small intestine with ascaris and chest x-ray with interstitial inflammatory infiltrate, associated with hyperleukocytosis with hypereosinophilia and elevated gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase. Antibiotic, anthelminthic treatment is administered, without achieving the elimination of the bile duct parasites, requiring their removal by percutaneous cholangiography.

[Ascariasis in the intrahepatic biliary duct: about a case in pediatrics]. / Ascaridiosis en la vía biliar intrahepática: a propósito de un caso pediátrico.

Twenty five percent of the world population is affected by Ascaris lumbricoides. Hepatobiliary ascariasis occurs in areas with high endemicity and great amount of parasitic load, generating intense inflammation to fibrosis. We report a twoyear- old patient that consults about abdominal distension and cough of one month of evolution associated with 72 hours of fever. Abdominal ultrasound is performed, which shows bile duct, stomach, small intestine with ascaris and chest x-ray with interstitial inflammatory infiltrate, associated with hyperleukocytosis with hypereosinophilia and elevated gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase. Antibiotic, anthelminthic treatment is administered, without achieving the elimination of the bile duct parasites, requiring their removal by percutaneous cholangiography.

El 25 % de la población mundial se encuentra infectada por Ascaris lumbricoides. La ascaridiosis hepatobiliar ocurre en zonas con alta endemicidad y gran carga parasitaria, y genera desde intensa inflamación hasta fibrosis. Se presenta a un paciente de 2 años, que consultó por distensión abdominal y tos de 1 mes de evolución asociada a fiebre en las últimas 72 h. Se realizó una ecografía abdominal que evidenció áscaris en la vía biliar, en el estómago y en el intestino delgado, y una radiografía de tórax con infiltrado inflamatorio intersticial, asociado a hiperleucocitosis con hipereosinofilia y gammaglutamiltranspeptidasa elevada. Se administró un tratamiento antibiótico, antihelmíntico, sin lograr la eliminación de los parásitos de la vía biliar, por lo que se requirió su extracción mediante colangiografía percutánea.

Bidimensional shear-wave elastography for assessing liver fibrosis in children: a proposal of reference values that correlate with the histopathological Knodell-Ishak score.

BACKGROUND: A limited number of publications correlate bidimensional shear-wave elastography (2-D SWE) and stages of liver fibrosis in children. OBJECTIVE: To correlate liver elastography values using 2-D SWE and liver biopsy classified by Knodell-Ishak score to evaluate fibrosis in pediatric patients with liver disease, and to propose values of 2-D SWE (kPa) correlating with Knodell-Ishak score, which have not been defined in the literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective cross-sectional observational study on the performance of diagnostic tests. Between June 2016 and June 2018, elastography was performed in 213 children and young adults who had undergone liver biopsy. B mode, Doppler and 2-D SWE were performed using an Aixplorer (SuperSonic Imagine, Aix-en-Provence, France). Histology samples were classified using the Knodell-Ishak score. We evaluated performance by assessing sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value. To determine cut-off points for the continuous variables, we used receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. All the cutoff values we established apply only to the SuperSonic Aixplorer system. RESULTS: Measurement with 2-D SWE was successful, with a good correlation with fibrosis stage. The area under the curve (AUC) to differentiate between early (Stages 1-2) and moderate (Stages 3-4) fibrosis was 0.91 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.87-0.96), with a sensitivity of 92% and specificity of 86%, with a cutoff value 12 kPa (2 m/s). The AUC of severe fibrosis (early stages of cirrhosis; Stage 5) was 0.95 (95% CI: 0.92-0.97), with a sensitivity of 94% and specificity of 90%, with a cutoff value 18.5 kPa (2.48 m/s). In two patients with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and suspicion of graft versus host disease we found high 2-D SWE values in correlation with the fibrosis stages (Stage 0 with a median of 13 kPa [2.08 m/s] with hemosiderosis Grade 2 in one child and Stage 2 with a median of 46 kPa [3.91 m/s] and hemosiderosis Grade 4 in the other). CONCLUSION: Our study shows the usefulness and accuracy of 2-D SWE for detecting liver fibrosis in pediatric patients. We propose reference values for Knodell-Ishak Stages 1 and 5. We found hemosiderosis as a possible confounding factor that hasn't been described with 2-D SWE.

Vascular malformations: an update on imaging and management.

Vascular malformations comprise a broad and heterogeneous range of lesions that often represent a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for the pediatrician. For a long time, the use of an inaccurate nomenclature has led to confusion. Since management depends on the specific vascular malformation, a proper classification and identification is critical. The objective of this article is to provide the necessary information about the current classification and terminology of vascular anomalies, including basic concepts about available imaging diagnostic and therapeutic tools for the management of such complex condition.

Las malformaciones vasculares componen un amplio y heterogéneo espectro de lesiones, que frecuentemente se presentan como un desafío diagnóstico y terapéutico para el pediatra. El uso de una nomenclatura inadecuada durante mucho tiempo ha llevado a confusión. Dado que el tratamiento de esta patología depende de cada tipo de malformación vascular, su correcta clasificación e identificación es crucial. El objetivo es brindar la información necesaria sobre la clasificación y denominación actual de las malformaciones vasculares y los conceptos básicos sobre las herramientas disponibles para el diagnóstico y tratamiento de esta compleja patología.

Malformaciones vasculares: actualización en diagnóstico por imágenes y tratamiento / Vascular malformations: an update on imaging and treatment

Las malformaciones vasculares componen un amplio y heterogéneo espectro de lesiones, que frecuentemente se presentan como un desafío diagnóstico y terapéutico para el pediatra. El uso de una nomenclatura inadecuada durante mucho tiempo ha llevado a confusión. Dado que el tratamiento de esta patología depende de cada tipo de malformación vascular, su correcta clasificación e identificación es crucial. El objetivo es brindar la información necesaria sobre la clasificación y denominación actual de las malformaciones vasculares y los conceptos básicos sobre las herramientas disponibles para el diagnóstico y tratamiento de esta compleja patología.

Vascular malformations comprise a broad and heterogeneous range of lesions that often represent a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for the pediatrician. For a long time, the use of an inaccurate nomenclature has led to confusion. Since management depends on the specific vascular malformation, a proper classification and identification is critical. The objective of this article is to provide the necessary information about the current classification and terminology of vascular anomalies, including basic concepts about available imaging diagnostic and therapeutic tools for the management of such complex condition.

Predisposing Factors for Spontaneous Closure of Congenital Portosystemic Shunts.

In a review of 382 cases of congenital portosystemic shunt, we found that presentation with neonatal cholestasis strongly predicts spontaneous closure of intrahepatic shunts (OR 8.3, 95% CI 3.4-20.2). Spontaneous closure before the 24th month of age is more likely for distal or multiple shunts, but rare for patent ductus venosus.

Ophthalmic artery microcatheterization for research purposes in pigs. A technical note.

PURPOSE: To describe a technique for micro catheterization of the external ophthalmic artery (EO) in pigs for investigational and training purposes. METHODS: Carotid angiography was performed in seven male domestic pigs. The external ophthalmic artery was reached with a microcatheter in order to administer a neoplastic drug in the eye. RESULTS: The external ophthalmic artery could be found arising from the infraorbital (IO) artery in the bend of the internal maxillary (IM) artery. It could be reached in every animal. CONCLUSION: Following anatomic landmarks of the external carotid (EC) artery the ophthalmic artery can be easily reached and catheterized for training and investigational purposes.

Endovascular treatment of post-pharyngitis internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm with a covered stent in a child: a case report.

CASE REPORT: We report a case of 4-year-old boy patient, who developed after a streptococcal pharyngitis a painful, pulsatile, and growing right-sided mass in the neck. Imaging studies revealed an extracranial right internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm. The patient was successfully treated with stent-graft deployment. After 18 months of follow-up, the pseudoaneurysm is excluded from the circulation, the carotid artery is patent, and the patient is free from any neurological deficit. DISCUSSION: Covered stents might be considered as a valid therapeutic option to treat carotid artery pseudoaneurysms.

Umbilical arteriovenous malformation in a healthy neonate with umbilical hernia.

We describe the case of a neonate with an umbilical hernia and persistent wet umbilicus. Examination revealed a pulsatile umbilical cord with palpable thrill. Doppler ultrasound suspected umbilical arteriovenous malformation and contrast-enhanced computed tomography was performed leading to a definitive diagnosis. Surgery was successfully performed on day 27.

Granulocytic sarcoma of the urinary bladder in a pediatric patient.

Granulocytic sarcoma (GS) is a rare tumor consisting of immature cells of granulocytic lineage. It is also called chloroma, referring to the green color of the tumor caused by high levels of myeloperoxidase in the cells. GS is often associated with acute myeloblastic leukemia. We report the case of a 4-year-old boy with a diagnosis of acute myeloblastic leukemia. Abdominal ultrasonography demonstrated a solid, vascularized, heterogeneous, polypoid formation involving the posterior wall of the bladder. Further studies confirmed the etiology of the tumor. On control ultrasonography, a marked decrease in tumor size 15 days after treatment was revealed. We describe the imaging findings in this patient and review the literature about this infrequent entity. Although imaging findings are not specific and considering that extramedullary involvement in leukemia is very sensitive to treatment, inclusion of GS in the differential diagnosis and awareness of the possible sites of occurrence and imaging features is essential to avoid unnecessary therapeutic measures.

Congenital arterioportal fistulas: radiological treatment and color Doppler US follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Congenital intrahepatic arterioportal fistulas (APFs) are a rare cause of portal hypertension in children. Doppler US is a useful diagnostic imaging modality. Transarterial embolization is a minimally invasive and effective therapy allowing occlusion of the fistula and restoration of liver hemodynamics. OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical and radiologic findings, percutaneous treatment and role of D-US in the postembolization follow-up of children with APF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2002 and 2011, four children with APF were treated. Initial diagnosis and follow-up was performed with D-US and confirmed by arteriography, followed by endovascular embolization in all patients. RESULTS: D-US demonstrated abnormal arterioportal communications in all patients. Six endovascular procedures were performed in these four children. In two children, no residual fistula was seen on D-US after the first procedure and symptoms resolved. In the other two children, D-US demonstrated residual flow through the fistula, with resolution of pathological D-US findings and symptoms after the second endovascular procedure. All four children were successfully treated and asymptomatic at the end of follow-up. The mean follow-up was 24 months. CONCLUSION: Interventional radiology has a key role in the treatment of congenital APF. D-US is a noninvasive and effective tool for the diagnosis and follow-up of these patients.