A Case Report of Falciform Ligament Appendagitis.

Falciform ligament appendagitis is an extremely rare form of intra-abdominal focal fat infarction. It usually presents with vigorous abdominal pain and mimics other more common acute abdominal pain-associated diseases. Better recognition of this entity avoids misdiagnoses and unnecessary surgical treatment. We present the case of a 73-year-old woman admitted to the emergency department for abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. She had a fever and a diffuse tender abdomen with upper right quadrant pain. Laboratory investigation showed leukocytosis and high C-reactive protein. CT revealed a heterogeneous increased density of fat adjacent to the falciform ligament. Falciform ligament appendagitis was diagnosed and antibiotic and anti-inflammatory treatment resulted in complete recovery. This case highlights the need to raise awareness and better recognize falciform ligament appendagitis to avoid unnecessary surgical interventions.

Unusual Vulvar, Perineal, and Uterine Leiomyomas: A Case Report.

Vulvar leiomyomas are extremely rare smooth muscle tumors that are easily mistaken for other lesions, as the differential diagnosis must consider a wide spectrum of benign and malignant lesions. We present the case of a 52-year-old woman with a three-year history of progressive abdominal distension and pain and an enlarging vulvar mass distorting the labia majora and causing gait disturbance. Imaging confirmed an enormous pelvic mass originating in the uterus, compatible with a leiomyoma/sarcoma, and large perineal and vulvar masses with similar characteristics. Histopathology after surgical removal revealed benign abdominal, vulvar, and perineal leiomyomas. This case highlights the rarity and diagnostic challenges of extra-uterine leiomyomas, particularly those in the vulvar region.

Body composition and Crohn's disease behavior: Is adiposity the main game changer?

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the association between body composition upon diagnosis and complicated phenotypes and time until surgery in patients with Crohn's disease (CD). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study including patients with CD who had a computed tomography enterography or a magnetic resonance enterography performed ≤6 mo of diagnosis. Skeletal muscle and visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue cross-sectional areas were determined with computed tomography or magnetic resonance images at the third lumbar vertebral level, processed with the sliceOmatic (TomoVison, Magog, QC, Canada) and ABACS plugin. RESULTS: We included 63 patients: 33 (52%) men, median age 35 y. Disease location (L) and behavior (B) according to the Montreal classification were L1 (ileal disease) = 28 (44%), L2 (colonic disease) = 13 (21%), L3(ileocolonic disease) = 18 (28%), L1 + L4 (ileal and isolated upper disease) = 1 (2%), L3 + L4 (ileocolonic and isolated upper disease) = 3 (5%), B1 (non-stricturing) = 39 (62%), B2 (stricturing) = 11 (17%), and B3 (penetrating)= 13 (21%); 20 (32%) patients had perianal disease. Visceral obesity was present in 12 (19%) patients and was associated with higher age of CD onset (median 60 versus 34 y; P = 0.002) and complicated disease behavior (B2 and B3) (66.7% versus 31.7%; P = 0.021). After adjusting for age and perianal disease, total adipose tissue was associated with a 4% increase in the odds of complicated behavior per 10 cm2 of total adipose tissue (odds ratio [OR] = 1.004; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00-1.008; P = 0.043). Median follow-up time was 3.35 y, during which 15 (24%) of patients underwent abdominal surgery. Visceral obesity was associated with 5.10-times higher risk of abdominal surgery (95% CI, 1.52-17.09; P = 0.008); after adjusting for disease behavior, visceral obesity maintained a near-significant association with a 2.90-times higher risk of surgery (95% CI, 0.83-10.08; P = 0.09). CONCLUSION: Total fat was associated with complicated disease phenotype and visceral obesity, with higher risk of abdominal surgery and shorter time until surgery.

Body Composition Influences Post-Operative Complications and 90-Day and Overall Survival in Pancreatic Surgery Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Pancreatic surgery still carries a high morbidity and mortality even in specialized centers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of patients' body composition on postoperative complications and survival after pancreatic surgery. METHODS: This was a retrospective study on patients undergoing pancreatic surgery between March 2012 and December 2017. Demographics, clinical data, and postoperative complications classified according to Clavien-Dindo were recorded. Body composition was assessed using routine diagnostic or staging computed tomography (CT). Multiple Cox proportional hazards models were adjusted. RESULTS: Ninety patients were included, 55% were male, and the mean age was 68 ± 10.9 years. Of these 90, 92% had a total pancreatectomy or pancreaticoduodenectomy, 7% a distal pancreatectomy, and 1% a pancreaticoduodenectomy with multi-visceral resection; 84% had malignant disease. The incidence of major complications was 27.8% and the 90-day mortality was 8.8%. The ratio of visceral fat area/skeletal muscle area (VFA:SMA) was associated with an increased risk of complications (OR 2.24, 95% CI 1.14-4.87, p = 0.03) and 90-day survival (HR 2.13, 95% CI 1.13-4.01, p = 0.019). On simple analysis, shorter overall survival (OS) was observed in patients aged ≥70 years (p = 0.0009), with postoperative complications ≥IIIb (p = 0.01), an increased VFA:SMA (p = 0.007), and decreased muscle radiation attenuation (p = 1.6 × 10-5). In an OS model adjusted for age, disease malignancy, postoperative complications, and body composition parameters, muscle radiation attenuation remained significantly associated with survival (HR 0.94, 95% CI 0.90-0.98, p = 0.0016). A model which included only body composition variables had a discrimination ability (C-statistic 0.76) superior to a model which comprised conventional clinical variables (C-statistic 0.68). CONCLUSION: Body composition is a major determinant of postoperative complications and survival in pancreatic surgery patients.

INTRODUÇÃO: A cirurgia pancreática continua associada a uma elevada morbimortalidade mesmo em centros de referência. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a influência da composição corporal nas complicações e sobrevivência após cirurgia pancreática. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospetivo em doentes submetidos a cirurgia pancreática entre Março 2012 e Dezembro 2017. Foram registadas variáveis demográficas, clínicas, complicações pós-cirúrgicas classificadas de acordo com a classificação de a classificação de Clavien Dindo. A composição corporal foi avaliada utilizando imagens de Tomografia Axial Computorizada (TAC) realizada no diagnóstico. Modelos de riscos porporcionais de Cox foram ajustados. RESULTADOS: Incluídos 90 doentes, 55% homens e média de idade de 68 ± 10.9 anos; 92% submetidos a pancreatectomia/pancreatoduodenectomia, 7% pancreatectomia distai e 1% pancreatoduodenectomia com ressecção multivisceral; 84% tinham doença maligna. A incidência de complicações major foi de 27.8% e a mortalidade aos 90 dias de 8.8%. O rácio da Área de Gordura Visceral (AGV) / Área de Tecido Muscular Esquelético (ATME) associou-se a um risco acrescido de complicações (OR 2.24, 95% Cl 1.14­4.87, p = 0.03) e de morte aos 90 dias (HR 2.13, 95% Cl 1.13­4.01, p = 0.019). Observámos uma sobrevivência global mais baixa em doentes com idade ≥70 anos (p = 0.0009), com complicações ≥IIIb (p = 0.01), com AGV/ ATME aumentada e atenuação muscular diminuída (p = 1.6 × 10−5). A atenuação muscular ajustada para a idade, malignidade, complicações, manteve-se associada à sobrevivência global (HR 0.94, IC 95% 0.90­0.98, p = 0.0016). Um modelo que inclua apenas variáveis de composição corporal mostrou uma capacidade discriminatória (C-statistic 0.76) superior a um modelo convencional com variáveis clínicas (C-statistic 0.68). CONCLUSÃO: A composição corporal é um determinante major de complicações pós-cirúrgicas e de sobrevivência de doentes submetidos a cirurgia pancreática.

Benign ovarian lesions with restricted diffusion.

Developments in magnetic resonance imaging have expanded its role in the assessment of the female pelvis, including the diagnosis of ovarian lesions. In this setting, diffusion-weighted imaging has proven its diagnostic value, which is particularly important in differentiating between benign and malignant ovarian tumors. In general, the latter show restricted diffusion, whereas the former do not. Exceptions include teratomas, endometriomas, hemorrhagic cysts, ovarian abscesses, ovarian infarction, and some benign stromal tumors. The aim of this review is to draw attention to benign ovarian lesions with restricted diffusion, with a special focus on diffusion-weighted imaging pearls and pitfalls.

Os recentes desenvolvimentos nas técnicas de ressonância magnética aumentaram o seu papel na avaliação da pelve em mulheres, incluindo o diagnóstico de lesões ovarianas. A imagem ponderada em difusão comprovou ter um valor diagnóstico indiscutível, fato particularmente importante na diferenciação entre tumores ovarianos benignos e malignos. Em geral, os últimos têm restrição na difusão, enquanto os primeiros não. As exceções incluem teratomas, endometriomas, cistos hemorrágicos, abcessos ovarianos, enfarte ovariano e alguns tumores benignos do estroma ovariano. Esta revisão tem como objetivo expor lesões ovarianas benignas com restrição na difusão, com especial enfoque nas pérolas e armadilhas da imagem ponderada em difusão.

Dietary patterns and their relationships to sarcopenia in Portuguese patients with gastrointestinal cancer: An exploratory study.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this exploratory study was to identify the main dietary patterns of a Portuguese population of patients with gastrointestinal cancer and to analyze their association with sarcopenia. METHODS: This was a prospective study with a consecutive sample of 100 patients with gastrointestinal cancer enrolled at diagnosis. Dietary intake was assessed with a semiquantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire, and dietary patterns were obtained with principal component analysis. Nutritional assessment was done using the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment, and body composition was evaluated with anthropometric measures and computed tomography image processing obtained at the third lumbar vertebrae. Sex and body mass index specific cutoffs were used to define sarcopenia. RESULTS: Four major patterns were identified: high-fat dairy products, fried snacks, and processed meat diet; legumes, vegetables, and fruit diet; fat and fish diet; and alcohol, cereal, and animal protein diet. On simple logistic regression, the occurrence of sarcopenia in participants in the second tertile (odds ratio [OR] 0.30; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.10-0.83; P = 0.02) and third tertile (OR 0.24; 95% CI 0.08-0.69; P = 0.01) of adherence to the high-fat and fish diet was reduced compared with the first tertile. On multiple logistic regression, the second tertile (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.11-1.19; P = 0.10) of the fat and fish dietary pattern maintained a trend toward a reduction of the odds of sarcopenia compared with the first tertile, independently of calorie intake, age, disease location, and stage. CONCLUSIONS: The fat and fish dietary pattern was associated with lower odds of sarcopenia in this population of patients with gastrointestinal cancer.

MRI for adenomyosis: a pictorial review.

Adenomyosis is defined as the presence of ectopic endometrial glands and stroma within the myometrium. It is a disease of the inner myometrium and results from infiltration of the basal endometrium into the underlying myometrium. Transvaginal ultrasonography (TVUS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are the main radiologic tools for this condition. A thickness of the junctional zone of at least 12 mm is the most frequent MRI criterion in establishing the presence of adenomyosis. Adenomyosis can appear as a diffuse or focal form. Adenomyosis is often associated with hormone-dependent lesions such as leiomyoma, deep pelvic endometriosis and endometrial hyperplasia/polyps. Herein, we illustrate the MRI findings of adenomyosis and associated conditions, focusing on their imaging pitfalls. TEACHING POINTS: • Adenomyosis is defined as the presence of ectopic endometrium within the myometrium. • MRI is an accurate tool for the diagnosis of adenomyosis and associated conditions. • Adenomyosis can be diffuse or focal. • The most established MRI finding is thickening of junctional zone exceeding 12 mm. • High-signal intensity myometrial foci on T2- or T1-weighted images are also characteristic.

Body Composition as a Prognostic Factor of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Toxicity and Outcome in Patients with Locally Advanced Gastric Cancer.

PURPOSE: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy has been shown to improve survival in locally advanced gastric cancer, but it is associated with significant toxicity. Sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity have been studied in several types of cancers and have been reported to be associated with higher chemotherapy toxicity and morbi-mortality. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of sarcopenia/sarcopenic obesity in patients with gastric cancer, as well as its association with chemotherapy toxicity and long-term outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed using an academic cancer center patient cohort diagnosed with locally advanced gastric cancer between January 2012 and December 2014 and treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. We analyzed body composition (skeletal muscle and visceral fat index) in axial computed tomography images. RESULTS: A total of 48 patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 68±10 years, and 33 patients (69%) were men. Dose-limiting toxicity was observed in 22 patients (46%), and treatment was terminated early owing to toxicity in 17 patients (35%). Median follow-up was 17 months. Sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity were found at diagnosis in 23% and 10% of patients, respectively. We observed an association between termination of chemotherapy and both sarcopenia (P=0.069) and sarcopenic obesity (P=0.004). On multivariate analysis, the odds of treatment termination were higher in patients with sarcopenia (odds ratio=4.23; P=0.050). Patients with sarcopenic obesity showed lower overall survival (median survival of 6 months [95% confidence interval {CI}=3.9-8.5] vs. 25 months [95% CI=20.2-38.2]; log-rank test P=0.000). CONCLUSIONS: Sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity were associated with early termination of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with gastric cancer; additionally, sarcopenic obesity was associated with poor survival.

Benign ovarian lesions with restricted diffusion / Lesões ovarianas benignas com restrição na difusão

Abstract Developments in magnetic resonance imaging have expanded its role in the assessment of the female pelvis, including the diagnosis of ovarian lesions. In this setting, diffusion-weighted imaging has proven its diagnostic value, which is particularly important in differentiating between benign and malignant ovarian tumors. In general, the latter show restricted diffusion, whereas the former do not. Exceptions include teratomas, endometriomas, hemorrhagic cysts, ovarian abscesses, ovarian infarction, and some benign stromal tumors. The aim of this review is to draw attention to benign ovarian lesions with restricted diffusion, with a special focus on diffusion-weighted imaging pearls and pitfalls.

Resumo Os recentes desenvolvimentos nas técnicas de ressonância magnética aumentaram o seu papel na avaliação da pelve em mulheres, incluindo o diagnóstico de lesões ovarianas. A imagem ponderada em difusão comprovou ter um valor diagnóstico indiscutível, fato particularmente importante na diferenciação entre tumores ovarianos benignos e malignos. Em geral, os últimos têm restrição na difusão, enquanto os primeiros não. As exceções incluem teratomas, endometriomas, cistos hemorrágicos, abcessos ovarianos, enfarte ovariano e alguns tumores benignos do estroma ovariano. Esta revisão tem como objetivo expor lesões ovarianas benignas com restrição na difusão, com especial enfoque nas pérolas e armadilhas da imagem ponderada em difusão.