Images of the month 2: Electrocardiographic QRS alternans caused by gastric volvulus.

QRS electrical alternans is characterised by alternating amplitude of the QRS complexes, and is well-documented in cardiac conditions such as pericardial effusion. We describe a case of QRS alternans in a patient with gastric volvulus.

Evaluation of echocardiography and cardiac biomarker concentrations in dogs with gastric dilatation volvulus.

OBJECTIVE: To assess abnormalities in concentrations of cardiac troponin I (cTnI), lactate, and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in relation to arrhythmias, echocardiographic measurements, and survival in dogs with gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV). DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: University hospital. ANIMALS: Twenty-two dogs with naturally occurring GDV. SAMPLES: Concentrations of cTnI, plasma lactate, and NT-proBNP were recorded at presentation to the emergency room, the time closest to echocardiography, and the highest recorded concentrations during hospitalization. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Cardiac rhythms were categorized on a 0-4 scale (0 = no ventricular premature complexes [VPCs], 1 = single VPCs, 2 = bigeminy or trigeminy, 3 = couplets or triplets, and 4 = R-on-T phenomenon or ventricular tachycardia). Echocardiography was performed 6-18 hours postoperatively. Fifteen dogs had ventricular arrhythmias during hospitalization (Grade 1 [n = 9], Grade 4 [n = 6]). The highest recorded cTnI concentration was significantly higher in the dogs with Grade 4 (P = 0.002) or Grade 1 (P = 0.001) arrhythmias compared to dogs without arrhythmias. Plasma lactate was significantly correlated with left ventricular internal diameter in diastole (r = -0.52, P = 0.01) and systole (r = -0.57, P = 0.006), left ventricular free wall in diastole (LWDd, r = 0.59, P = 0.004), and interventricular septal thickness in diastole (IVDs, r = 0.65, P = 0.001). Dogs that did not survive to 1 week postdischarge (3/22) had a significantly thicker LVWd (P = 0.04) and IVSd (P = 0.05), and received significantly less fluids in the first 24 (P = 0.02) and 48 hours (P = 0.03) of hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: Concentrations of cTnI and NT-proBNP increased during hospitalization, but only cTnI concentrations were significantly higher in dogs with a higher arrhythmia grade. Additional research on the potential role of serial measurement of biomarkers in dogs with GDV is warranted.

The relationship between gastrointestinal motility and gastric dilatation-volvulus in dogs.

Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) is a devastating disease that most commonly affects large and giant-breed dogs. Though a number of risk factors have been associated with the development of GDV, the etiology of GDV remains unclear. Abnormal gastric motility patterns and delayed gastric emptying have been previously described in dogs following GDV. Work evaluating the effects of gastropexy procedures and changes to gastric motility after experimental GDV has not found the same changes as those found in dogs with naturally occurring GDV. Although the role of abnormal gastric motility in dogs with GDV will need to be clarified with additional research, such study is likely to be facilitated by improved access to and development of noninvasive measurement techniques for the evaluation of gastric emptying and other motility parameters. In particular, the availability of Food and Drug Administration-approved wireless motility devices for the evaluation of gastrointestinal motility is particularly promising in the study of GDV and other functional gastrointestinal diseases of large and giant-breed dogs.

Cardiovascular and systemic effects of gastric dilatation and volvulus in dogs.

Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) is a common emergency condition in large and giant breed dogs that is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Dogs with GDV classically fulfill the criteria for the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and can go on to develop multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Previously reported organ dysfunctions in dogs with GDV include cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, coagulation and renal dysfunction. Cardiovascular manifestations of GDV include shock, cardiac arrhythmias and myocardial dysfunction. Respiratory dysfunction is also multifactorial, with contributory factors including decreased respiratory excursion due to gastric dilatation, decreased pulmonary perfusion and aspiration pneumonia. Gastrointestinal dysfunction includes gastric necrosis and post-operative gastrointestinal upset such as regurgitation, vomiting, and ileus. Coagulation dysfunction is another common feature of MODS in dogs with GDV. Disseminated intravascular coagulation can occur, putting them at risk of complications associated with thrombosis in the early hypercoagulable state and hemorrhage in the subsequent hypocoagulable state. Acute kidney injury, acid-base and electrolyte disturbances are also reported in dogs with GDV. Understanding the potential for systemic effects of GDV allows the clinician to monitor patients astutely and detect such complications early, facilitating early intervention to maximize the chance of successful management.

Primary intrathoracic gastric volvulus in the neonatal period: a differential diagnosis of esophageal atresia.

Intrathoracic gastric volvulus in the neonatal period is a rare surgical emergency. Delays in diagnosis and treatment are life-threatening due to progressive deterioration of the gastric walls. Presentation in this period can be confused with the possibility of esophageal atresia or esophageal web. The upper gastrointestinal tract contrast study is diagnostic in this disease. The authors report a case of acute intrathoracic gastric volvulus diagnosis by radiologic-contrast-study in 1-day-old girl that was confirmed at surgery. The physiopathology, classification and different presentations of this entity are briefly reviewed.

[Acute gastric volvulus: late complication of Nissen fundoplication. Report of two cases and review of the literature]. / Vólvulo gástrico agudo: una complicación tardía de la funduplicatura Nissen. Reporte de dos casos y análisis de la bibliografía.

BACKGROUND: Gastric volvulus can be classified according to etiology as primary or secondary, according to anatomy as or mesenteroaxial, and according to onset as acute or chronic. Management of secondary gastric volvulus acute should always be surgery and the choice of surgical procedure for treatment is chosen according to etiology. Adherolysis and extraction of foreign bodies (suture, mesh, and gastric band) are important in those cases associated with previous abdominal surgery. Nissen fundoplication is a safe and effective procedure. Severe late complications of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication are extremely rare occurrences. Among the reported complications is gastric volvulus. OBJECTIVE: Presentation of two cases and review of literature. CLINICAL CASES: Two cases of acute gastric volvulus secondary to laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication presenting with epigastric pain and nonproductive retching and treated by laparoscopy are described. Symptoms upon presentation, incidence, diagnosis, treatment and predisposing factors to gastric volvulus postfundoplication are discussed. CONCLUSION: Gastric volvulus rarely occurs as a complication of Nissen fundoplication with an incidence similar to others of late complications. The described mechanisms that originate gastric volvulus postfundoplication are related to adhesions, foreign bodies as suture (polyester), gastrostomy tubes and mesh, gastropexy and internal gastric herniation through a "transfundoplication" window. A high index of suspicion is required in those patients presenting with acute symptoms of gastric obstruction in the first year following laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. Laparoscopic approach is safe with or without gastropexy, always correcting the underlying mechanisms that cause gastric volvulus.

Antecedentes: el vólvulo gástrico puede clasificarse por su etiología en primario o secundario, por su anatomía en órgano axial o mesentérico axial y por su presentación en crónico o agudo. El tratamiento del vólvulo gástrico secundario agudo siempre debe ser quirúrgico y la elección del procedimiento basarse en la etiología y en los casos asociados con cirugía previa será importante la lisis de adherencias y el retiro de cuerpos extraños (material de sutura, mallas, banda gástrica). La funduplicatura Nissen es un procedimiento seguro y efectivo que rara vez puede tener complicaciones tardías severas entre las que se encuentran el vólvulo gástrico. Objetivo: comunicar 2 casos y revisar la bibliografía médica. Casos clínicos: se describen 2 casos de vólvulo gástrico agudo secundarios a funduplicatura tipo Nissen laparoscópica, con síntomas de dolor epigástrico y vómito no productivo, ambos tratados por laparoscopia. Se revisan los síntomas de presentación, incidencia, diagnóstico, tratamiento y los factores predisponentes de vólvulo gástrico postfunduplicatura. Conclusión: el vólvulo gástrico rara vez puede ser una complicación de una funduplicatura Nissen con incidencia similar a la de otras de sus complicaciones tardías. Los mecanismos descritos que lo originan se relacionan con adherencias postquirúrgicas, material de sutura (poliéster), mallas, tubos de gastrostomía, gastropexia y por herniación gástrica interna a través del túnel "transfunduplicatura." En pacientes con síntomas de obstrucción gástrica dentro del primer año posterior a una funduplicatura Nissen laparoscópica se requiere un alto índice de sospecha. El tratamiento quirúrgico laparoscópico es seguro con o sin gastropexia para corregir los mecanismos que lo originan.

13C-sodium acetate breath test for evaluation of gastric emptying times in dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess solid phase gastric emptying via non-invasive 13C-sodium acetate breath test in large breed dogs with or without gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Dogs were recruited into one of the following groups: group 1 = healthy large breed dogs with no history of GDV, group 2 = dogs that underwent elective abdominal surgery for reasons unrelated to the gastrointestinal tract, and group 3 = dogs that underwent laparotomy and gastropexy to correct GDV. The dogs were fed a test meal containing 100 mg 13C-sodium acetate (for group 2 and 3, this was < 48 hours post-operatively). Breath samples were obtained at baseline and every 30 minutes for 3 hours, then every hour for a total of 7 hours. 12CO2/13CO2 ratio was measured for each breath sample via non-dispersive infrared spectroscopy and 25%, 50% and 75% gastric emptying times were calculated and compared between groups. RESULTS: Gastric emptying times were significantly prolonged in dogs undergoing surgery (group 2) compared to group 1 and 3. Also, gastric emptying times of dogs with GDV were significantly prolonged compared to controls, but not to the same extent as dogs in group 2. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: There was a significant effect of abdominal surgery on gastric emptying times. Surprisingly, dogs after GDV surgery and gastropexy had shorter gastric emptying times than dogs undergoing laparotomy for reasons other than GDV, but still prolonged compared to healthy controls. The reason for these differences requires further study.

Peritoneal fluid analysis in dairy cows with left displaced abomasum and abomasal volvulus.

Peritoneal fluid (PF) was evaluated in 40 cows with left displaced abomasum (LDA) and 15 cows with abomasal volvulus (AV). PF was obtained by abdominocentesis at the right ventral abdomen at admission. Simultaneously, a blood sample was taken from the jugular vein. Biochemical and cytological variables in blood and PF specific for ischaemia, inflammation and cell damage were compared. Total protein, albumin, glucose and cholesterol were normal in PF of cows with LDA and AV. Although L-lactate increased in both groups, cows with AV had significantly higher values (LDA: 1.47/0.69/2.68 mmol/l; AV: 6.45/4.55/12.89 mmol/l (median/1. quartile/3. quartile)). D-dimer (LDA: 0.50/0.22/0.88 mg/l; AV: 1.11/0.40/1.85 mg/l) and LDH (LDA: 663/437/943 U/l; AV: 1099/750/1439 U/l) were only increased in PF of cows with AV. The number of leucocytes was normal; however, significantly more peritoneal neutrophils appeared necrotic or apoptotic after AV. PF of cows with abomasal displacement showed distinctive features of ischaemia and inflammation. Characteristics of haemostatic dysfunction and cell damage were mainly evident in PF of cows with AV. The results suggest that anti-inflammatory therapy is indicated in each cow with abomasal displacement. Additionally, medical treatment should be directed to prevent complications of ischaemia and reperfusion in cows with AV.

A review article on gastric volvulus: a challenge to diagnosis and management.

Acute gastric volvulus is a life-threatening condition, but its intermittent nature and vague symptoms may make diagnosis difficult. Imaging is usually only diagnostic if carried out when patients are symptomatic. The population affected ranges from paediatric age group to elderly with multiple co-morbidities. Laparoscopic repair is advisable once a diagnosis is reached. This review on gastric volvulus focuses on the diagnostic and management challenges encountered, together with strategies for dealing with them. Lessons have emerged which may assist in dealing with such a rare presentation in future.

Gastric volvulus - A review of 38 cases / Volvo gástrico: revisão de 38 casos

BACKGROUND: Gastric volvulus is frequently an asymptomatic disease, and it is usually diagnosed during radiographic examination of the superior digestive tract. The acute form, however, can spawn serious and lethal clinical consequences. This disease is defined by the anomalous rotation of the stomach over itself, and it can be classified according to type, extension, direction, etiology, and clinical presentation. AIM: To review the records from 38 patients with gastric volvulus diagnosed in the Hospital das Clínicas of University of São Paulo between 1968 and 2001. METHODS: This is retrospective analysis of 38 patient records. It was collected from each patient: name, age of first symptom appearance, gender, main clinical findings and complementary exams, volvulus type, extension, direction, etiology, and clinical presentation, therapeutic procedures, type of surgery performed, eventual recurrence, and long-term evolution. RESULTS: It was observed that occurrences of gastric volvulus are mainly secondary (75.8%). For the majority of patients (n=33), surgery was chosen as the treatment option: chronic disease in 29 cases and acute in four. Conservative treatment was reserved only for patients with no clinical conditions to surgical treatment. Anterior gastropexy was associated to high recurrence rates. Suturing the low gastric curve to the hepatic capsule and the transverse colon to the left subphrenic space (Tanner´s operation) seemed to be the technical treatment of choice for primary gastric volvulus. CONCLUSION: Treatment of gastric volvolus must be tailored according the etiology of the disease.

RACIONAL: O volvo gástrico é frequentemente condição assintomática e diagnosticado em exame radiológico feito por outras causas. A forma aguda, no entanto, pode ter consequências graves e letais. Ele é definido como rotação anômala do estômago nele próprio e classificado de acordo com o tipo, extensão, direção, causa e apresentação clínica. OBJETIVO: Apresentar aspectos clínicos e morfológicos de volvos gástricos. em 38 pacientes. MÉTODOS: Análise retrospectiva onde foram coletadas informações registradas sobre 38 pacientes a cerda da idade, surgimento do primeiro sintoma, gênero, principais achados clínicos, de exames complementares, tipo do volvo, causa, procedimentos terapêuticos, recidivas e evolução tardia. RESULTADOS: Em 75,8% o volvo foi secundário Na maioria dos pacientes a opção de tratamento foi cirúrgica. Ele era crônico em 29 e agudo em quatro pacientes. O tratamento conservador foi indicado somente aos sem condições clínicas para operações. Gastropexia anterior foi associada à alta taxa de recidiva. A sutura da pequena curvatura gástrica à cápsula hepática e cólon transverso na fossa subfrência esquerda (operação de Tanner) parece ser o tratamento de escolha nos volvos primários. CONCLUSÃO: O tratamento do volvo gástrico deve ser feito sob medida caso a caso e de acordo com a causa da doença.

[Gastric volvulus: diagnosis and management]. / Volvulus gastrique: diagnostic et prise en charge thérapeutique.

Gastric volvulus is defined as an abnormal rotation of all or part of the stomach around one of its axes. It is a diagnostic emergency and therapeutic challenge because in acute forms it may lead to gastric strangulation with a high risk of ischemia and necrosis. Organoaxial and mesentericoaxial volvulus are distinguished according to the direction of rotation. The most common cause of gastric volvulus is hiatal hernia, but the principal predisposing factor is ligamentous laxity. The diagnosis is suspected when erect chest radiograph images show a high air-fluid level in the chest. Moreover a barium swallow is essential to confirm the diagnosis. Nonetheless, a computed tomography (CT) scan now provides a comprehensive description of the thoracic lesion, including stomach vitality. Gastric volvulus requires surgical treatment, specifically volvulus reduction, reintegration of the stomach into the abdominal cavity in cases of intrathoracic migration, and correction of causal factors. Resection of the hernial sac and the role of gastropexy for preventing recurrence remain controversial. Advances in laparoscopic surgery have made possible a laparoscopic approach to most cases of chronic gastric volvulus.

Late presentation of a traumatic rupture of the diaphragm with gastric volvulus in a child: report of a case.

Rupture of the diaphragm following blunt trauma is rare in children. A late presentation of a left diaphragmatic rupture with gastric volvulus is also highly exceptional. The authors report the case of a 5-year-old boy with a left diaphragmatic rupture, who presented with acute respiratory distress and volvulus of the herniated stomach 6 months after injury. The features of this uncommon entity are discussed with special emphasis on early diagnosis. It is concluded that repeated chest radiographs during hospitalization, as well as some days after discharge, should be obtained in trauma patients to detect a slowly increasing herniation.

Phosphorus homeostasis in dairy cows with abomasal displacement or abomasal volvulus.

Abnormal phosphorus homeostasis occurs in dairy cows with an abomasal displacement or volvulus. The goal of this study was to identify potential mechanisms for hypophosphatemia and hyperphosphatemia in cows with a left displaced abomasum (LDA), right displaced abomasum (RDA), or abomasal volvulus (AV). Accordingly, the results of preoperative clinicopathologic analyses for 1,368 dairy cows with an LDA (n = 1,189), RDA, or AV (n = 179) (data set 1) and for 44 cows with an AV (data set 2) were retrieved. Laboratory values were compared by Student's t-tests, and correlation and regression analyses were performed. Thirty-four percent of the animals from data set 1 (463/1,368) were hypophosphatemic (serum phosphorus concentration ([Pi]) < 1.4 mmol/L), and 9% (122/1,368) were hyperphosphatemic ([Pi] >2.3 mmol/L). Serum [Pi] was significantly lower (P < .05) in cows with an LDA (1.60 +/- 0.53 mmol/L; mean +/- SD) than in cows with an RDA or AV (1.85 +/- 0.68 mmol/L). For cows with an LDA, [Pi] was correlated with serum urea nitrogen concentration ([SUN]) (r = 0.34) and serum concentration of magnesium ([Mg]) (r = 0.20). For cows with an RDA or AV, linear correlations existed between [Pi] and [SUN] (r = 0.45), [Mg] (r = 0.43), and serum chloride concentration ([Cl]) (r = -0.27). Stepwise logistic regression analysis indicated that low [SUN] and the diagnosis of an LDA had the strongest associations with hypophosphatemia. In cows with hyperphosphatemia, [Pi] was most strongly associated with azotemia. In cows with an AV, the strongest correlations with [Pi] were found for [SUN] and serum creatinine. We conclude that hypophosphatemia in cows with an LDA is primarily due to decreased feed intake. In contrast, hyperphosphatemia in cattle with an RDA or AV appears to result from dehydration and decreased renal blood flow.

The effect of experimental gastric dilatation-volvulus on adenosine triphosphate content and conductance of the canine gastric and jejunal mucosa.

The objective of this study was to determine if experimental gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV) would decrease adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentration and increase membrane conductance of the canine gastric and jejunal mucosa. Male dogs (n = 15) weighing between 20 and 30 kg were used. Dogs were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 equal groups: Group 1 was control, group 2 was GDV, and group 3 was ischemia. All dogs were anesthetized for 210 min. Group 1 had no manipulation. Group 2 had GDV experimentally induced for 120 min followed by decompression, derotation, and reperfusion for 90 min. Group 3 had GDV experimentally induced for 210 min. Gastric (fundus and pylorus) and jejunal tissue was taken at 0, 120, and 210 min from all of the dogs. Tissue was analyzed for ATP concentration, mucosal conductance, and microscopic changes. The ATP concentration in the fundus did not change significantly from baseline in group 2, but decreased significantly below baseline at 210 min in group 3. The ATP concentration in the jejunum decreased significantly below baseline in groups 2 and 3 at 120 min, remaining significantly decreased in group 3 but returning to baseline at 210 min in group 2. Mucosal conductance of the fundus did not change significantly in any dog. Mucosal conductance of the jejunum increased at 120 min in groups 2 and 3, and became significantly increased above baseline at 210 min. The jejunal mucosa showed more profound cellular changes than the gastric mucosa. The jejunum showed substantial decreases in ATP concentration with an increase in mucosal conductance, suggesting cell membrane dysfunction. Dogs sustaining a GDV are likely to have a change in the activity of mucosal cells in the jejunum, which may be important in the pathophysiology of GDV.

[CT diagnosis of acute gastric volvulus]. / Diagnostic tomodensitométrique d'un volvulus gastrique idiopathique aigu.

Acute gastric volvulus is an infrequent entity. Management is surgical. Diagnosis frequently is delayed because of the non-specific nature of presenting symptoms. The authors report a case of acute gastric volvulus diagnosed by computed tomography in a 92 year old woman that was confirmed at surgery. The pathophysiology, classification and different presentations of this entity are briefly reviewed. CT findings suggesting gastric volvulus are reviewed as well.

Comparison of abomasal luminal gas pressure and volume and perfusion of the abomasum in dairy cows with left displaced abomasum or abomasal volvulus.

OBJECTIVE: To compare abomasal luminal gas pressure and volume and perfusion of the abomasum in dairy cows with a left displaced abomasum (LDA) or abomasal volvulus (AV). ANIMALS: 40 lactating dairy cows (25 with an LDA and 15 with an AV). PROCEDURE: Abomasal luminal gas pressure and volume and pulse oximetry values for the caudal portion of the dorsal ruminal sac and abomasal wall were measured during laparotomy. Abomasal perfusion was assessed on the basis of abomasal O2 saturation (pulse oximetry) before correction of the LDA or AV. Abomasal perfusion was also assessed after correction of the LDA or AV by measuring venous O2 saturation in the right gastroepiploic vein and calculating the abomasal oxygen-extraction ratio. RESULTS: Abomasal luminal gas pressure and volume were higher in cattle with an AV than in cattle with an LDA. Abomasal O2 saturation was lower and abomasal oxygen-extraction ratio higher in cattle with an AV, compared with values in cattle with an LDA. In cows with an AV, lactate concentration in the gastroepiploic vein was greater than that in a jugular vein, whereas no difference in lactate concentrations was detected in cows with an LDA. Abomasal luminal gas pressure was positively correlated (r, 0.51) with plasma lactate concentration in the gastroepiploic vein and negatively correlated (r, -0.32) with abomasal O2 saturation determined by use of pulse oximetry. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Abomasal perfusion decreases as luminal pressure increases in cattle with an AV or LDA.