Mesenteric cystic lymphangioma in adults: a rare entity presenting as acute abdomen - a report of two cases.

Lymphangiomas are rare benign tumors that mainly involve the head and neck region in pediatric patients. Lymphangiomas of the small bowel mesentery in adults are rarer. We present two cases of mesenteric lymphangioma with acute abdominal pain on presentation. Case 1: A 38-year-old female presented with abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, and difficult evacuation. On abdominal examination, she had an ill-defined, tender lump, and radiological findings raised a possibility of perforation peritonitis. Thus, exploratory laparotomy was planned. Per-operatively, a mesenteric mass was found, which, on histopathological evaluation, was found to be a mesenteric lymphangioma involving the bowel. Case 2: A 27-year-old male presented with abdominal pain and difficult evacuation. Radiological evaluation revealed a multilobulated lesion involving the mesentery and with differential diagnoses of mesenteric fibromatoses and inflammatory pseudotumor. Histopathological assessment of the resected mass revealed a lymphangioma that was limited to the mesentery. Owing to their rarity and non-specific presentation, mesenteric lymphangiomas are often misdiagnosed on clinical examination and imaging. Thus, histopathological examination is the gold standard to reach a definitive diagnosis.

Mesenteric cystic lymphangioma in adults: a rare entity presenting as acute abdomen - a report of two cases

ABSTRACT Lymphangiomas are rare benign tumors that mainly involve the head and neck region in pediatric patients. Lymphangiomas of the small bowel mesentery in adults are rarer. We present two cases of mesenteric lymphangioma with acute abdominal pain on presentation. Case 1: A 38-year-old female presented with abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, and difficult evacuation. On abdominal examination, she had an ill-defined, tender lump, and radiological findings raised a possibility of perforation peritonitis. Thus, exploratory laparotomy was planned. Per-operatively, a mesenteric mass was found, which, on histopathological evaluation, was found to be a mesenteric lymphangioma involving the bowel. Case 2: A 27-year-old male presented with abdominal pain and difficult evacuation. Radiological evaluation revealed a multilobulated lesion involving the mesentery and with differential diagnoses of mesenteric fibromatoses and inflammatory pseudotumor. Histopathological assessment of the resected mass revealed a lymphangioma that was limited to the mesentery. Owing to their rarity and non-specific presentation, mesenteric lymphangiomas are often misdiagnosed on clinical examination and imaging. Thus, histopathological examination is the gold standard to reach a definitive diagnosis.

Peritoneal sarcoidosis that simulates peritoneal carcinomatosis: a case report.

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem inflammatory disorder of unknown cause characterized by the formation of pleomorphic, non-caseating granulomas with predominantly pulmonary involvement. Although abdominal sarcoidosis represents 30% of extrapulmonary manifestations, peritoneal involvement is extremely rare. We will describe a rare case of peritoneal sarcoidosis simulating carcinomatosis in a young patient with abdominal pain who underwent laparoscopic examination.

La sarcoidosis es un trastorno inflamatorio multisistémico de causa desconocida que se caracteriza por la formación de granulomas pleomórficos, no caseificantes, con afectación predominantemente pulmonar. Aunque la sarcoidosis abdominal representa el 30% de las manifestaciones extrapulmonares, la afectación peritoneal es extremadamente rara. Describiremos un caso poco frecuente de sarcoidosis peritoneal simulando carcinomatosis en una paciente joven con dolor abdominal sometida a exploración laparoscópica.

[Spontaneous splenic rupture. Case report and literature review]. / Ruptura esplénica espontánea. Reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura.

Background: Spontaneous splenic rupture is often life threatening due to delay in diagnosis and treatment. Abdominal pain, Kehr's sign, nausea, bloating, altered consciousness, and intestinal obstruction may be present. In larger splenic lesions, signs of peritonitis and hypovolemic shock are present. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography is the election study. Diagnosis is confirmed by negative viral serology and normal spleen on gross and histopathologic inspection. The most frequent treatment in splenectomy. Clinic case: A 30-year-old male with no medical history presented with generalized abdominal pain accompanied by Kehr's sign. He is diagnosed with ruptured spleen by contrast-enhanced computed tomography and successfully treated with splenectomy. He was discharged 6 days after surgery. Conclusions: Spontaneous rupture of the spleen is uncommon, but with high morbidity and mortality. It must be a differential diagnosis in the face of abdominal and/or chest pain, and the corresponding imaging studies should be carried out if the patient's conditions allow it, or their search during an exploratory laparotomy.

Introducción: la ruptura esplénica espontánea frecuentemente es mortal debido a la demora en el diagnóstico y tratamiento. Se puede presentar dolor abdominal, signo de Kehr, náuseas, distensión abdominal, alteración de la consciencia y obstrucción intestinal. En lesiones esplénicas más grandes, se presentan signos de peritonitis y shock hipovolémico. El estudio de elección es la tomografía computarizada contrastada. El diagnóstico se confirma por serología viral negativa y bazo normal en la inspección macroscópica e histopatológica. El tratamiento más frecuente es la esplenectomía. Caso clínico: paciente hombre de 30 años de edad, sin antecedentes patológicos, con dolor abdominal generalizado, acompañado del signo de Kehr. Es diagnosticado con ruptura de bazo por tomografía computarizada contrastada y tratado exitosamente con esplenectomía. Se egresa a los 6 días postquirúrgicos. Conclusiones: la ruptura espontánea del bazo es poco común, pero con alta morbimortalidad. Debe ser un diagnóstico diferencial ante un dolor abdominal y/o torácico, y realizar los estudios de imagen correspondientes si las condiciones del paciente lo permiten o bien su búsqueda durante una laparotomía exploratoria.

Aneurisma de arteria iliaca: una causa de dolor abdominal agudo de alto riesgo

El dolor abdominal de alto riesgo es una condición común en los servicios de emergencia y está asociado a una alta morbilidad y mortalidad, si no se diagnostica y trata de manera rápida y precisa. Un hombre con síntomas de cólico nefrítico se presentó en emergencia con dolor abdominal intenso y deterioro clínico. Después de una tomografía, se encontró una imagen aneurismática en la arteria iliaca común primitiva izquierda. El paciente fue trasladado a sala de operaciones para una reparación quirúrgica, pero falleció. El dolor abdominal de alto riesgo requiere un abordaje diagnóstico integral y tratamiento individualizado para prevenir complicaciones graves. El aneurisma de la arteria iliaca complicado es una causa potencialmente grave de dolor abdominal en hombres fumadores de edad avanzada con antecedentes de hipertensión y aterosclerosis.

Life-Threatening abdominal pain is a common condition in emergency departments and it is associated with high morbidity and mortality, if not promptly and accurately diagnosed and treated. A man with symptoms of renal colic presented to the emergency room with severe abdominal pain and clinical deterioration. After a CT scan, an aneurysmatic image was found in the left primitive iliac artery. The patient was taken to an operating room for surgical repair but died. Life-Threatening abdominal pain requires a comprehensive diagnostic approach and individualized treatment to prevent serious complications. The complicated iliac artery aneurysm is a potentially serious cause of abdominal pain in elderly male smokers with a history of hypertension and atherosclerosis.

Torsión primaria segmentaria del omento mayor: una causa infrecuente de abdomen agudo quirúrgico / Primary segmental torsion of the greater omentum: an uncommon cause of acute surgical abdomen

El abdomen agudo comprende un amplio grupo de enfermedades con alta incidencia en la práctica quirúrgica habitual. Se presenta el caso de un paciente masculino, de 23 años, con cuadro abdominal agudo, cuyo diagnóstico preoperatorio fue compatible con una apendicitis aguda; al efectuar la laparotomía exploratoria se constató torsión primaria y segmentaria del omento mayor. Esta es una afección de difícil diagnóstico preoperatorio, generalmente diagnosticada durante el acto quirúrgico porque fácilmente se confunde con otras enfermedades del abdomen agudo quirúrgico. Lo indicado en estos pacientes es la remoción del segmento involucrado por lo que se realizó omentectomía parcial y apendicectomía complementaria; el paciente presentó una evolución clínica favorable.

Acute abdomen comprises a wide group of diseases with a high incidence in routine surgical practice. We present a 23-year-old male patient with acute abdominal symptoms, whose preoperative diagnosis was compatible with acute appendicitis; primary and segmental torsion of the greater omentum was found when performing the exploratory laparotomy. This condition is difficult to diagnose preoperatively; it is generally evident during surgery because it is confused with other diseases of the acute surgical abdomen. The removal of the involved segment is indicated in these patients that is why partial omentectomy and complementary appendectomy were performed; the patient had a favourable clinical evolution.

Diffusion-weighted imaging versus non-contrast magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis during pregnancy

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of diffusion-weighted imaging compared to non-contrast magnetic resonance imaging in the differential diagnosis of acute appendicitis in pregnant patients. METHODS: A total of 72 pregnant patients with the suspicion of acute appendicitis who underwent magnetic resonance imaging combined with diffusion-weighted imaging examinations were enrolled in this retrospective study. Magnetic resonance imaging images (non-contrast and diffusion-weighted imaging sequences) were evaluated. Moreover, apparent diffusion coefficient ratios were estimated. The diagnostic performances of magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion-weighted imaging findings were statistically analyzed on the basis of surgical and follow-up results. RESULTS: Of 72 pregnant patients, 10 (14%) had acute appendicitis on magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion-weighted imaging. Among 10 patients with acute appendicitis, three (3/10) had perforation. diffusion-weighted imaging findings had higher sensitivity (90 versus 60%), negative predictive value (98.41 versus 93.94%), and accuracy (98.61 versus 94.44%) ratios compared to non-contrast magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. There was one false-negative result on diffusion-weighted imaging. Diffusion restriction facilitated the detection of appendicitis. The apparent diffusion coefficient ratios were lower in acute appendicitis than in the normal appendix (0.70±0.19 versus 0.96±0.16) (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: With a shorter scan time and higher diagnostic accuracy, diffusion-weighted imaging can be useful for the early diagnosis of acute appendicitis and for planning appropriate management.

Acute abdomen in intensive care unit: etiology, comorbidity and severity of 1,523 patients / Abdome agudo em unidade de terapia intensiva: etiologia, comorbidades e severidade de 1.523 pacientes

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Clinical features and outcomes of patients admitted to the intensive care unit due to acute abdomen are important to be investigated. AIMS: To evaluate the outcomes of critically ill subjects with acute abdomen according to etiology, comorbidity and severity. METHODS: Outcomes of 1,523 patients (878 women, mean age 66±18 years) consecutively admitted to a specialized gastrointestinal intensive care unit with different causes of acute abdomen from January 2012 to December 2019, were retrospectively evaluated according to etiology, comorbidity and severity. RESULTS: The most common causes of acute abdomen were obstructive and inflammatory, particularly large bowel obstruction (27%), small bowel obstruction (18%) and acute pancreatitis (17%). Overall mortality was 13%. Surgery was required in 34% of patients. Median length of stay in the hospital was 9 [1-101] days. On univariate analysis mortality was significantly associated with age, APACHE II, Charlson comorbidity index, requirement for surgery and malignancy (p<0.0001), but only APACHE II, Charlson comorbidity index and surgical interventional remained significant on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Critically ill patients admitted to the intensive care unit with acute abdomen constitute a heterogeneous group of subjects with different prognosis. Mortality is more related to the severity of the disease, comorbidity and need for surgery than to the etiology of the acute abdomen.

RESUMO RACIONAL: As características clínicas e os desfechos dos pacientes internados na unidade de terapia intensiva devido ao abdômen agudo são importantes serem investigados. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar os desfechos de indivíduos gravemente doentes com abdômen agudo de acordo com etiologia, gravidade e comorbidade. MÉTODOS: Os desfechos de 1.523 pacientes (878 mulheres, média de idade 66±18 anos) que foram previamente admitidos em uma unidade de terapia intensiva especializada em doenças gastrointestinais, com diferentes causas de abdômen agudo entre janeiro de 2012 e dezembro de 2019, foram avaliados retrospectivamente segundo etiologia, comorbidade e gravidade. RESULTADOS: As causas mais comuns de abdômen agudo foram obstrutivas e inflamatórias, com destaque para obstrução em colon (27%), em intestino delgado (18%) e pancreatite aguda (17%). A mortalidade geral foi de 13%. A cirurgia foi necessária em 34%. A média de permanência no hospital foi de 9 [1-101] dias. Na análise univariada a mortalidade foi significativamente associada à idade, APACHE II, índice de comorbidade de Charlson, necessidade de abordagem cirúrgica e presença de malignidade (p<0,0001), mas apenas APACHE II, índice de comorbidade de Charlson e intervenção cirúrgica permaneceram significativos na análise multivariada. CONCLUSÕES: Pacientes internados na unidade de terapia intensiva com abdômen agudo constituem um grupo heterogêneo de indivíduos com prognóstico diferente. A mortalidade está mais relacionada com a gravidade da doença, comorbidade e necessidade de cirurgia do que com a etiologia do abdome agudo.

Duodenitis eosinofílica asociada a alergia alimentaria debutando como dolor visceral agudo en un adulto con vitíligo: reporte de un caso

La duodenitis eosinofílica tiene una prevalencia entre 5,1 a 8,2 por 100000 personas. Se desconocen los mecanismos moleculares subyacentes de la enfermedad, pero la hipersensibilidad (alergias estacionales y alimentarias) juega un papel importante en su patogénesis, la predisposición alérgica se encuentra en el 25-35% de los casos. El diagnóstico incluye manifestaciones clínicas, hallazgos imagenológicos y evidencia histológica de infiltración eosinofílica >20 eosinófilos por campo de alto poder. Realizamos un informe de caso clínico y revisión de literatura. Hombre de 25 años con vitíligo que consulta a urgencias refiriendo síntomas de dispepsia, vómitos y dolor abdominal de máxima intensidad, en el examen médico se localiza dolor abdominal superior, con paraclínicos normales excepto un recuento de eosinófilos >2000 células/ul, la ecografía abdominal fue normal, la endoscopia superior reveló pangastritis eritematosa y duodenitis con pliegues rígidos y engrosados, la colonoscopia mostró hemorroides grado I. Coproscópico seriado negativo para parásitos, IgE total, IgA e IgG en rango normal, se reportó IgG positivo a Toxoplasma gondii, perfil de autoinmunidad negativo. En los siguientes 4 días aumenta el dolor abdominal y el recuento de eosinófilos, con endoscopia control y tomografía abdomino-pélvica contrastada que muestran duodeno edematizado con reflujo biliar severo, reporte histopatológico con duodenitis crónica atrófica y con pruebas para alergenos alimentarios positivo a cereales (centeno, soja, cebada), Manihot esculenta, plátano verde, tomate, leche de vaca, naranja y piña. Se indicó dieta restrictiva e inhibidor de la bomba de protones (pantoprazol), control ambulatorio a los 45 días de resolución de los síntomas con recuento de eosinófilos en sangre normal. Se presenta un caso de duodenitis eosinofílica relacionada con alergia alimentaria con mecanismos IgE independientes en un varón joven con vitíligo, que debutó con cuadro clínico inusual de dolor visceral agudo y reflujo biliar, que se resolvió con dieta de eliminación y pantoprazol sin uso de corticoides.

Background: Eosinophilic duodenitis has a prevalence of 5.1 to 8.2 per 100000 persons. The underlying molecular mechanisms are unknown, but hypersensitivity (seasonal and food allergies, asthma, eczema) response plays a major role in its pathogenesis, allergic predisposition can be found up-to 25-35% of cases. The diagnosis includes clinical manifestation, imaging findings and histological evidence of eosinophilic infiltration >20 eosinophils per high-power field. This is a clinical case report. a 25-years old man with vitiligo consult to emergency department referring dyspepsia symptoms, vomiting and abdominal pain of maximal intensity, in the medical exam upper abdominal pain was found, blood laboratories were unremarkable except a high net eosinophil-count >2000 cells/ul, abdominal ultrasound were normal, upper endoscopy revealed duodenitis with rigid and thickened folds, colonoscopy show hemorrhoids grade I. Coproscopy exam was negative for parasites, total IgE, IgA and IgG were in normal range, a positive IgG to Toxoplasma gondii was reported, autoimmunity panel was negative. In the following 4 days the abdominal pain and eosinophils count increase, a new abdomin-pelvic tomography was done showing thickened duodenum with a new endoscopy showing marked edema in duodenum with severe biliary reflux with biopsies describing an atrophic chronic duodenitis. Allergy tests -skin prick and patch tests- were done resulting positive to cereals (rye, soy, barley), Manihot esculenta, green banana, tomato, cow milk, orange and pineapple. A restrictive diet and protons pump inhibitor was indicated, ambulatory control at 45 days after show symptoms resolution with a normal blood eosinophils count. Here is reported a case of eosinophilic duodenitis related to food allergy in a young man with vitiligo debuting with an unusual clinical presentation of acute visceral pain and biliary reflux which resolved with elimination diet and pantoprazole without use of corticoids, with both, IgE and non-IgE mechanisms playing important roles explaining food sensitization.

[Cecal volvulus: one case and literature review]. / Vólvulo cecal: un caso y revisión de la literatura.

Background: Cecal volvulus is a rare disease that causes intestinal obstruction. It has various congenital and acquired risk factors. It is frequently associated with abnormal cecal fixation, and it is caused by torsion of the cecum in one of its three axes. It is not different from other causes of intestinal obstruction, but a delay in its diagnosis can lead to ischemia, necrosis and colon perforation. Its management depends on the viability of the tissues, ranging from untwisting and cecopexy to hemicolectomy with or without anastomosis. We present a case of caecal volvulus (caecal bascule) and review the literature as well. Clinical case: 43-year-old female, who was admitted to an emergency department with data of intestinal obstruction. A simple tomography of the abdomen was performed, where a dilated colon and an image that resembles an inverted coffee bean were identified. An exploratory laparotomy was performed, identifying a bascule-type cecal volvulus, without vascular compromise. Devolvulation, decompression through appendectomy, and caecopexy were performed. After the surgical event, the patient recovered without incident and was discharged with adequate controls by external consultation. Conclusions: Cecal volvulus is a cause of intestinal obstruction with a low incidence, which is why early recognition and treatment are key to avoiding the complications that its evolution entails. This type of disease should be among our differential diagnoses, since treatment is surgical and delay leads to a high mortality rate.

Introducción: el vólvulo cecal es una enfermedad poco común que causa obstrucción intestinal. Tiene diversos factores de riesgo congénitos y adquiridos. Se suele asociar a una fijación cecal anormal y se produce por la torsión del ciego en alguno de sus tres ejes. No se diferencia de otras causas de obstrucción intestinal, pero un retraso en su diagnóstico puede derivar en isquemia, necrosis y perforación del colon. El manejo depende de la viabilidad de los tejidos y va desde la destorsión y cecopexia hasta la hemicolectomía con o sin anastomosis. Se presenta un caso de vólvulo cecal (báscula cecal) y se hace una revisión del tema. Caso clínico: mujer de 43 años que ingresó a un servicio de urgencias con datos de obstrucción intestinal. Se realizó tomografía simple de abdomen donde se identificó dilatación del colon e imagen que semejaba un grano de café invertido. Se hizo laparotomía exploradora y se identificó vólvulo cecal del tipo báscula, sin compromiso vascular. Se realizó desvolvulación, descompresión a través de apendicectomía, y cecopexia. Posterior a evento quirúrgico, la paciente se recuperó sin incidentes y fue dada de alta con controles adecuados por consulta externa. Conclusiones: el vólvulo cecal es una causa de obstrucción intestinal con baja incidencia, por lo que el reconocimiento y tratamiento precoz son claves para evitar las complicaciones que conlleva su libre evolución. Este tipo de enfermedad debe de estar entre nuestros diagnósticos diferenciales, ya que el tratamiento es quirúrgico y el retraso conlleva a una alta tasa de mortalidad.

Apendicitis aguda traumática. Reporte de caso / Traumatic acute appendicitis. A case report

RESUMEN Se presenta el caso de un hombre de 37 años sin antecedentes de dolor abdominal, o padecimiento de alguna enfermedad, que recibió un golpe directo con objeto romo (bate de béisbol) en el cuadrante inferior derecho del abdomen. Asistió a consulta con dolor abdominal selectivo en fosa ilíaca derecha, de aproximadamente 29 horas de evolución, que comenzó después de un trauma abdominal cerrado. Al examen físico se constata signo de Blumberg positivo, punto de McBurney doloroso con hiperestesia cutánea y cierto grado de defensa muscular. En los exámenes complementarios se comprueba leucocitosis y predominio de neutrófilos, con desviación a la izquierda. Se decidió realizar laparotomía exploratoria y se constató en el transoperatorio apendicitis aguda flegmonosa. La etiología traumática en la apendicitis aguda es un diagnóstico por exclusión que debe ser considerado en condiciones específicas.

ABSTRACT We present a 37 year-old man with no antecedents of abdominal pain, or suffering from other illnesses who received a direct blow with a blunt object (baseball bat) in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen. The patient was seen in consultation with a selective abdominal pain in his right iliac fossa, with approximately 29 hours of evolution that began after a closed abdominal trauma. A positive Blumberg sign, a painful McBurney's point with cutaneous hyperesthesia and certain grade of muscular defense were verified on physical exam. Leukocytosis and prevalence of neutrophils with left deviation were proven on complementary exams. An exploratory laparotomy was decided and a phlegmonous acute appendicitis was verified during the periprocedural period. Traumatic etiology in acute appendicitis is a diagnosis for exclusion that should be considered under specific conditions.

Advances in the application of transvaginal ultrasound in the diagnosis and treatment of ectopic pregnancy / 中国基层医药

Ectopic pregnancy is one of the most common acute abdominal diseases in gynecology. A ruptured ectopic pregnancy can lead to hemorrhagic shock, which is life-threatening. Therefore, early diagnosis and early treatment are extremely critical for preserving fertility and achieving good prognosis in patients with ectopic pregnancy. The available diagnostic methods of ectopic pregnancy include laboratory tests such as progesterone test, human chorionic gonadotropin test and ultrasound examination. Ultrasound examination can help determine the location of uterine and adnexal masses, gestational sacs, and germ, all of which are directly related to the final diagnosis regarding ectopic pregnancy. Ultrasound examination includes abdominal ultrasound and transvaginal ultrasound. Transvaginal ultrasound accesses to the focal tissue closer than abdominal ultrasound, and it does not require a full bladder. These advantages make clinical practice of transvaginal ultrasound easier for both physicians and patients. However, application of transvaginal ultrasound in the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy requires further investigation to guide the early diagnosis and treatment of ectopic pregnancy. .

Practice and progress of interventional ultrasound in the diagnosis and treatment of acute abdomen / 国际外科学杂志

Acute abdominal pain is one of the most frequent complaints of patients presenting to the emergency department. Timely diagnosis and correct treatment affect the prognosis of patients. Traditional diagnosis mostly depends on physical examination and radiology. In terms of treatment, some patients need exploratory laparotomy. In recent years, with the development of interventional ultrasound, new techniques such as contrast-enhanced ultrasound, ultrasound-guided biopsy, drainage have been gradually applied to the diagnosis and treatment of surgical acute abdomen, especially the surgeon-performed interventional ultrasound, which has effectively improved the diagnostic efficiency and broadened the treatment choice. In this article, we aim to review and evaluate the application and progress of interventional ultrasound in the diagnosis and treatment of surgical acute abdomen.

Mannheim's peritonitis index in the prediction of postoperative outcome of peritonitis / O índice de peritonite de mannheim na predição do desfecho pós-operatório da peritonite

ABSTRACT Objective: evaluate the effectiveness of MPI to predict mortality in patients with peritonitis in Santa Casa de Misericordia de Vitoria Hospital (HSCMV). Methods: a longitudinal observational cohort retrospectively study, with a sample of 75 patients diagnosed with peritonitis between January 2010 to December 2 of 2015, in HSCMV and with all the necessary criteria for the calculation of IPM. Results: we found a profile of the patients, 33 female and 42 male, mean age 42 years, 11 deaths and 14.67% mortality percentage. Comparing the MPI variables into two groups (survivors and deceased) was found that older than 50 years, presence of malignancy and patients with organ dysfunction have statistical significance for mortality, with p<0.05. The MPI ranged between 4-41 points, with average of 21.2 points. However, among the dead, the score ranged from 23 to 41, with a mean of 32.8. Therefore, the cutoff point of 27 points was established by evaluating the best value of Kappa concordance index, and through it were calculated: 90.90% sensitivity and specificity of 78.13% by the ROC curve. Conclusion: based on these results, it was established that the MPI was effective in estimating the risk of death when the index reaches values = 27 points. Categorizing patients into different risk groups helps in determining a better prognosis and defining operative risk, thus contributing to the choice of the surgical procedure nature.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar a efetividade do índice de peritonite de Mannheim (IPM) para predizer mortalidade em pacientes com peritonite no Hospital Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Vitória (HSCMV). Método: Coorte longitudinal, observacional retrospectivo, com amostra de 75 pacientes diagnosticados com peritonite entre janeiro de 2010 a 02 de dezembro de 2015 no HSCMV, com todos os critérios necessários para o cálculo do IPM. Resultados: Encontrou-se um perfil dos pacientes, sendo 33 do sexo feminino e 42 do masculino, idade média de 42 anos, 11 óbitos e percentual de mortalidade de 14,67%. Comparando as variáveis do IPM em dois grupos (sobreviventes e falecidos), constatou-se que idade maior do que 50 anos, presença de malignidade e pacientes com disfunção de órgãos tiveram significância estatística para mortalidade, com p<0,05. O IPM variou entre 4 e 41 pontos, com média de 21,2 pontos. No entanto, entre os falecidos o escore variou de 23 a 41 pontos, com média de 32,8. Sendo assim, foi estabelecido o ponto de corte de 27 pontos através da avaliação do melhor valor do Índice Kappa de concordância, e através dele foram calculados: sensibilidade de 90,90% e especificidade de 78,13% através da curva ROC. Conclusão: Com base nesses resultados, foi visto que o IPM foi eficiente em estimar o risco de morte, sendo esse identificado quando o índice atinge valores = 27 pontos.

Superior Mesenteric Artery Thrombosis for Emergency Laparotomy in Covid-19 Patient: A Case Report.

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. The most common symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath (predominantly involving pulmonary function). However, there are lesser-known presentations that affect other systems too. Vascular complications have been reported in the literature focusing on venous thrombosis, which appears to be more common than arterial thrombosis. Among arterial thrombosis, mainly lower limb involvement is reported so far. Here, we report an unusual presentation in COVID-19, which presented with acute abdomen due to superior mesenteric artery thrombosis without respiratory symptoms. We report this case as a varied form of coronavirus complication presentation and highlight the need for eternal vigilance and a reactive approach for early diagnosis.

Infective endocarditis with embolic renal infarct presenting as acute abdomen.

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a disease that is rare but potentially fatal and challenging to diagnose. A 28-year-old man with sickle cell trait and a history of intravenous drug use presented with abdominal pain and hematuria mimicking a surgical abdomen. The preliminary diagnosis was cholecystitis or perforated viscus. The chest radiograph was indicative of pulmonary septic emboli. Computed tomography was initially thought to show pyelonephritis, but further review of images revealed renal infarct. The patient was found to have endocarditis which resulted in an embolic renal infarct. The patient recovered remarkably well after 60 days of intravenous antibiotics. This case demonstrates that a surgical abdomen may also be a sign of endocarditis, and multiple imaging studies may be required to confirm the diagnosis. In patients such as intravenous drug users with an increased risk of IE, unexplained flank pain should raise a suspicion of acute renal infarction.

Enterite mesentérica como complicação rara do lúpus eritematoso sistêmico / Mesenteric enteritis as a rare complication of systemic lupus erythematosus

A dor abdominal no paciente com lúpus eritematoso sistêmico tem amplo espectro clínico, variando desde condições inespecí- ficas, como diarreia e vômitos, até eventos de importante morbi- mortalidade, como o abdome agudo inflamatório e/ou perfura- tivo. A seguir, descreve-se um caso de paciente do sexo feminino, de 23 anos, internada por dor abdominal associada a vômitos e à diarreia crônica e progressiva. Foi diagnosticada com lúpus eritematoso sistêmico há 2 anos. Durante a internação, evoluiu com quadro de abdome agudo, e foi realizada tomografia compu- tadorizada de abdome, revelando importante edema de parede intestinal difuso. Isso, somado a alterações clínico-laboratoriais, permitiu o diagnóstico de enterite lúpica. Foi realizado tratamen- to conservador, com corticoterapia e terapia de suporte com correção de distúrbios eletrolíticos severos, sendo iniciado ciclo- fosfamida, com resolução dos sintomas gastrintestinais.

Abdominal pain in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus has a broad clinical spectrum, ranging from nonspecific symp- toms, such as diarrhea and vomiting, to events of significant morbidity and mortality, such as acute inflammatory and/or per- forating abdomen. This article describes a case of a 23-year-old female patient hospitalized for abdominal pain, associated with vomiting and progressive chronic diarrhea. She was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus 2 years ago. During hospita- lization, the patient progressed with acute abdomen, and an ab- dominal computed tomography scan was performed, revealing major diffuse intestinal wall edema. This, added to clinical and laboratories alterations, allowed the diagnosis of lupus enteritis. A conservative treatment with corticotherapy and supportive therapy with correction of severe electrolyte disturbances were initiated, as well as the prescription of cyclophosphamide, with resolution of gastrointestinal symptoms.

Tomografía abdominal sin contraste oral: evaluación de su rendimiento en el dolor abdominal agudo no traumático / Abdominal tomography without oral contrast: evaluation of its performance in acute non-traumatic abdominal pain

RESUMEN Objetivo: evaluar el rendimiento diagnóstico de la tomografía abdominal sin medio de contraste oral en pacientes con dolor abdominal. Materiales y métodos: se incluyeron tomografías de pacientes con dolor abdominal entre el 1 de septiembre y 31 de diciembre del 2015 en el Hospital Universitario San Vicente Fundación. Se analizó el desempeño de las tomografías con o sin contraste oral y se consideró como prueba de referencia el resultado diagnóstico definitivo en la intervención quirúrgica o por diagnóstico clínico. Se calculó la sensibilidad, especificidad y los valores predictivos positivos y negativos con intervalos de confianza del 95 %. Resultados: fueron evaluadas un total de 128 tomografías de abdomen, 91 con contraste oral y 37 sin él. La tomografía sin contraste oral tuvo una sensibilidad y especificidad muy similar a la que sí lo tenía, con valores de 84 % y 91,6 %, respectivamente. Conclusión: el rendimiento global de la tomografía con contraste oral fue similar a la que no lo tenía, con valores cercanos al 90 %. La adquisición de la tomografía con contraste oral tomó casi 3 veces más tiempo que el requerido en los estudios sin contraste oral.

SUMMARY Objective: Evaluate the diagnostic performance of abdominal tomography without oral contrast medium in patients with abdominal pain. Materials and methods: Abdominal tomographies of patients with abdominal pain were included, between September 1 and December 31, 2015 at the Hospital Universitario San Vicente Fundación. For the analysis of the tomographies with or without oral contrast, the definitive diagnostic result in the surgical intervention or by clinical diagnosis was considered as a reference test. We calculated the sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values with their respective 95% confidence intervals for tomography with and without oral contrast. Results: 128 abdominal tomographies, 91 with oral contrast and 37 without this type of contrast were evaluated. The tomography without oral contrast had a sensitivity and specificity very similar to the tomography with contrast, with values of 84% and 91.6%, respectively. Conclusion: The performance of the tomography with oral contrast was similar to the tomography without oral contrast, with values close to 90%. The acquisition of tomography with oral contrast took almost 3 times longer than that required in the studies without oral contrast.

Pseudo-pneumatosis of the gastrointestinal tract: its incidence and the accuracy of a checklist supported by artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to reduce the misinterpretation of pneumatosis.

PURPOSE: To assess the incidence of erroneous diagnosis of pneumatosis (pseudo-pneumatosis) in patients who underwent an emergency abdominal CT and to verify the performance of imaging features, supported by artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, to reduce this misinterpretation. METHODS: We selected 71 radiological reports where the presence of pneumatosis was considered definitive or suspected. Surgical findings, clinical outcomes, and reevaluation of the CT scans were used to assess the correct diagnosis of pneumatosis. We identified four imaging signs from literature, to differentiate pneumatosis from pseudo-pneumatosis: gas location, dissecting gas in the bowel wall, a circumferential gas pattern, and intramural gas beyond a gas-fluid/faecal level. Two radiologists reevaluated in consensus all the CT scans, assessing the four above-mentioned variables. Variable discriminative importance was assessed using the Fisher exact test. Accurate and statistically significant variables (p-value < 0.05, accuracy > 75%) were pooled using boosted Random Forests (RFs) executed using a Leave-One-Out cross-validation (LOO cv) strategy to obtain unbiased estimates of individual variable importance by permutation analysis. After the LOO cv, the comparison of the variable importance distribution was validated by one-sided Wilcoxon test. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients proved to have pseudo-pneumatosis (error: 38%). The most significant features to diagnose pneumatosis were presence of dissecting gas in the bowel wall (accuracy: 94%), presence of intramural gas beyond a gas-fluid/faecal level (accuracy: 86%), and a circumferential gas pattern (accuracy: 78%). CONCLUSION: The incidence of pseudo-pneumatosis can be high. The use of a checklist which includes three imaging signs can be useful to reduce this overestimation.

Impact of clinical information on CT diagnosis by radiologist and subsequent clinical management by physician in acute abdominal pain.

OBJECTIVE: The impact of clinical information on radiological diagnoses and subsequent clinical management has not been sufficiently investigated. This study aimed to compare diagnostic performance between radiological reports made with and without clinical information and to evaluate differences in the clinical management decisions based on each of these reports. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 410 patients who presented with acute abdominal pain and underwent unenhanced (n = 248) or enhanced CT (n = 162). Clinical information including age, sex, current and past history, physical findings, and laboratory tests were collected. Six radiologists independently interpreted CTs that were randomly assigned with or without clinical information, made radiological diagnoses, and scored the diagnostic confidence level. Four general and emergency physicians simulated clinical management (i.e., followed up in the outpatient clinic, hospitalized for conservative therapy, or referred to other departments for invasive therapy) based on reports made with or without the clinical information. Reference standards for the radiological diagnoses and clinical management were defined by an independent expert panel. RESULTS: The radiological diagnoses made with clinical information were more accurate than those made without clinical information (93.7% vs. 87.8%, p = 0.008). Median interpretation time for radiological reporting with clinical information was significantly shorter than that without clinical information (median 122.0 vs. 139.0 s, p < 0.001). Clinical simulation better matched the reference standard for clinical management when radiological diagnoses were made with reference to clinical information (97.3% vs. 87.8%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Access to adequate clinical information enables accurate radiological diagnoses and appropriate subsequent clinical management of patients with acute abdominal pain. KEY POINTS: • Radiological interpretation improved diagnostic accuracy and confidence level when clinical information was provided. • Providing clinical information did not extend the interpretation time required by radiologists. • Radiological interpretation with clinical information led to correct clinical management by physicians.