Suspected anastomotic recurrence of Crohn disease after ileocolic resection: evaluation with CT enteroclysis.

PURPOSE: To determine the utility of computed tomographic (CT) enteroclysis for characterization of the status of the anastomotic site in patients with Crohn disease who had previously undergone ileocolic resection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Written informed consent was prospectively obtained from all patients, and the institutional review board approved the study protocol. CT enteroclysis findings in 40 patients with Crohn disease who had previously undergone ileocolic resection were evaluated independently by two readers. Endoscopic findings, histopathologic findings, and/or the Crohn disease activity index was the reference standard. Interobserver agreement between the two readers was calculated with kappa statistics. Associations between CT enteroclysis findings and anastomotic site status were assessed at univariate analysis. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of CT enteroclysis, with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs), for the diagnosis of normal versus abnormal anastomosis and the diagnosis of anastomotic recurrence versus fibrostenosis were estimated. RESULTS: Interobserver agreement regarding CT enteroclysis criteria was good to perfect (kappa = 0.72-1.00). At univariate analysis, stratification and anastomotic wall thickening were the two most discriminating variables in the differentiation between normal and abnormal anastomoses (P < .001). Stratification (P < .001) and the comb sign (P = .026) were the two most discriminating variables in the differentiation between anastomotic recurrence and fibrostenosis. In the diagnosis of anastomotic recurrence, severe anastomotic stenosis was the most sensitive finding (95% [20 of 21 patients]; 95% CI: 76.18%, 99.88%), both comb sign and stratification had 95% specificity (18 of 19 patients; 95% CI: 73.97%, 99.87%), and stratification was the most accurate finding (92% [37 of 40 patients]; 95% CI: 79.61%, 98.43%). In the diagnosis of fibrostenosis, both severe anastomotic stenosis and anastomotic wall thickening were 100% sensitive (eight of eight patients; 95% CI: 63.06%, 100.00%), and using an association among five categorical variables, including severe anastomotic stenosis, anastomotic wall thickening with normal or mild mucosal enhancement, absence of comb sign, and absence of fistula, yielded 88% sensitivity (seven of eight patients; 95% CI: 47.35%, 99.68%), 97% specificity (31 of 32 patients; 95% CI: 83.78%, 99.92%), and 95% accuracy (38 of 40 patients; 95% CI: 83.08%, 99.39%). CONCLUSION: CT enteroclysis yields objective and relatively specific morphologic criteria that help differentiate between recurrent disease and fibrostenosis at the anastomotic site after ileocolic resection for Crohn disease. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL: http://radiology.rsna.org/lookup/suppl/doi:10.1148/radiol.09091165/-/DC1.

Differentiation between true focal liver lesions and pseudolesions in patients with fatty liver: evaluation of helical CT criteria.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the potential of helical CT for differentiating true lesions from pseudolesions in patients with fatty liver. METHODS: Helical CT of 44 patients with diffuse fatty liver (22 with true lesions; 22 with pseudolesions) were reviewed by two observers with regard to morphological features of visible lesions. Univariate analysis was used to detect discriminating criteria for the diagnosis of true lesions. RESULTS: Interobserver agreement was excellent for 9/10 morphological criteria (kappa = 0.831-1). True lesions were more frequently distant from the liver capsule (50.00% vs. 4.55%), located in the right lobe (72.73% vs. 31.82%), round (86.36% vs. 54.55%), heterogeneous (27.27% vs. 0.00%) and had ill-defined margins (40.91% vs. 13.64%) compared with pseudolesions (P < 0.05). Using univariate analysis, a location distant from the liver capsule was the most discriminating variable to differentiate between true and pseudolesions (P = 0.0060). Hyperattenuating content and round shape were the most sensitive criteria (sensitivity = 90.91% and 86.36%, respectively) for the diagnosis of true lesions, and heterogeneity, vascular displacement and encapsulation were the three most specific ones (specificity = 100.00%). Best accuracy was obtained with an association of the three variables (accuracy = 86.36%). CONCLUSION: Helical CT provides objective and discriminating morphological criteria to differentiate between true lesions and pseudolesions in patients with fatty liver.

Multi-detector row CT of patients with acute intestinal bleeding: a new perspective using multiplanar and MIP reformations from submillimeter isotropic voxels.

Acute intestinal bleeding is a severe condition, with a mortality rate of up to 40% in case of associated hemodynamic instability. The diagnosis of acute intestinal bleeding is often challenging and to date, there is no definite consensus upon the most appropriate technique for this specific diagnosis. This pictorial essay illustrates our preliminary use of multiplanar (MPR) and maximum intensity projection (MIP) reformations using MDCT scanner with submillimeter and isotropic voxels as an adjunct to axial images in patients with acute intestinal bleeding. MDCT examinations were routinely performed with 64-slice helical CT scanner and images were reconstructed 0.6-mm thickness at 0.5-mm intervals. Multiplanar reconstructions and MIP views were created with a commercially available workstation. Reformatted images from submillimeter isotropic voxels enhanced the depiction of subtle vascular abnormalities and served as a useful adjunct to the axial plane images to improve diagnostic capabilities. Although we are aware that reformatted images should not replace careful analysis of the axial images in patients with acute gastrointestinal bleeding, reformatted images from submillimeter isotropic voxels may clarify the cause of the bleeding, add confidence to image analysis and help interventional radiologists or surgeons improving planning approach.

Crohn's disease: multi-detector row CT-enteroclysis appearance of the appendix.

The objective of our retrospective study was to determine the MDCT-enteroclysis appearance of the appendix in patients with Crohn's disease and to correlate this appearance with the status of the disease. We reviewed the MDCT-enteroclysis examinations of 76 patients with Crohn's disease. Images were analyzed for visualization of the appendix, largest axial diameter of the appendix and degrees of enhancement. Findings were correlated with the status of the disease (active vs. nonactive) and compared with those observed in a control group. Among the various variables, hyperenhancement of the appendiceal wall was found in 18.9% of patients with active disease and in no patients with inactive disease nor in the control group (P = 0.0023). This sign had a specificity of 100% for differentiating between active and inactive Crohn's disease. We conclude that increased appendiceal wall enhancement is, at a statistically significant level, more frequently observed in patients with active Crohn's disease by comparison with patients with inactive disease and control subjects. This result suggests that this finding may be used as an additional MDCT-enteroclysis finding to determine the activity of the disease.

[Hospital governance: between crisis management and implementation of public health policy]. / Des pôtes d'activités hospitaliers entre gestion de la crise et mise en oeuvre d'une politique de santé publique.

The implementation of the recent act to amend the law on hospitals, patient health and territories (HPST Law) completes the reform of the organization and governance of health facilities, which was announced in 2002 by the "Hospital 2007" plan. What kind of assessments and perspectives can be considered and envisaged for these Hospital Activity Poles? We compared our experience with a review of the professional and scientific literature in order to stimulate answers to these questions for advocacy purposes prior to the Act's implementation. The hospital's cluster of activities should reinforce--not call into question the core activities and the financial stability of the facility, while respecting the contract on agreed objectives and the necessary means and resources to meet the health needs of the catchment population as well as national priorities. Although significant, but limited, successes exist, five obstacles to hospital reorganization can be identified. These include, for example: lack of delegation of management and centralization of decisions, the heterogeneity of numerous Hospital Activity Poles or problems related to timing. These obstacles may cause strain, or put the Hospital Activity Poles and the health facilities in a difficult situation with respect to their dynamics. This may show that the State and social health insurance should steer and direct public health policy and that the delegation of management roles and responsibilities to the Hospital Activity Poles should be addressed.

CT enteroclysis features of uncomplicated celiac disease: retrospective analysis of 44 patients.

PURPOSE: To describe the computed tomographic (CT) enteroclysis features of uncomplicated celiac disease (CD) and to determine the most indicative appearance of this condition by using a retrospective case-control study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study had institutional review board approval. The CT enteroclysis examinations of 44 consecutive patients with proved uncomplicated CD (21 men, 23 women; mean age, 44.45 years) were reviewed by two blinded readers and compared with those obtained in 44 control subjects (21 men, 23 women; mean age, 44.48 years), who were matched for sex and age. Comparisons were calculated by using univariate analysis. RESULTS: Reversed jejunoileal fold pattern had the highest specificity (100%; 44 of 44; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 91.96%, 100%) and was the most discriminating independent variable for the diagnosis of uncomplicated CD (odds ratio, 39.9; P < .0001) but had a sensitivity of 63.64% (28 of 44; 95% CI: 47.77%, 77.59%). Ileal fold thickening, vascular engorgement, and splenic atrophy were other variables that strongly correlated with the presence of uncomplicated CD. CONCLUSION: CT enteroclysis may help establish a diagnosis of uncomplicated CD and may clarify the cause of nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with unknown CD. However, future prospective trials are needed to determine the actual value of CT enteroclysis in patients with CD and validate the clinical usefulness of CT enteroclysis in the detection of unknown uncomplicated CD.

Severe primary postpartum hemorrhage due to genital tract laceration after operative vaginal delivery: successful treatment with transcatheter arterial embolization.

The purpose of this study was to report our experience in the management of severe primary postpartum hemorrhage due to genital tract laceration following operative vaginal delivery with forceps using pelvic transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE). Ten women (mean age, 31.9 years) with severe primary postpartum hemorrhage due to genital tract laceration after operative delivery with forceps were treated with TAE. TAE was indicated because of intractable bleeding that could not be controlled with uterotonic drugs, blood transfusion, attempted suturing and packing in all patients. Postdelivery perineal examination showed cervical or vaginal tears in all women and associated paravaginal hematoma in four. Angiography revealed extravasation of contrast material in six patients. TAE performed with gelatin sponge allowed to control the bleeding in all patients. Cervical and vaginal suturing was made possible and successfully achieved in the six women who had failed suturing attempts before TAE. Paravaginal hematoma was successfully evacuated in four patients in whom it was present after TAE. No complications related to TAE were noted. We conclude that in women with severe primary postpartum hemorrhage due to genital tract laceration after operative delivery with forceps, TAE is effective and safe for stopping the bleeding and helps genital tract suturing and evacuation of hematoma.

Small bowel involvement in blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome: MR imaging features.

Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome (BRBNS) is a rare condition which is characterized by multiple venous malformations that may affect several organs. Gastrointestinal lesions, which mostly involve the small bowel and distal colon, may be responsible for gastrointestinal bleeding, causing more frequently chronic anemia. We report herein two cases of BRBNS causing gastrointestinal bleeding which were investigated by means of MR imaging. All venous malformations showed markedly high signal intensity on fat-suppressed T2-weighted MR images. In addition, extraintestinal venous malformations displayed high signal intensity similar to that of small bowel venous malformations. Fat-suppressed T2-weighted TSE images show both small bowel and colonic involvement, thus providing useful information relative to the most appropriate therapeutic approach to be used. MR imaging is especially helpful when capsule endoscopy or enteroscopy are contraindicated or not feasible. In addition, because of lack of radiation, MR imaging can be performed repeatedly to assess the evolution of the disease before a planned surgery or endoscopic resection. Also, because BRBNS is by essence a multifocal condition with extraintestinal involvement, MR imaging appears as an appropriate imaging technique to investigate the multiple locations of the disease in one session, thus replacing multiple examinations.

[Social disability and public hospitals: towards a model of resource allocation]. / Handicap social et hôpitaux publics : pour un modèle d'allocation de ressources dans le cadre d'une politique de santé publique.

A recent study to measure social disability used the results of a questionnaire administered to 696 patients between March 14th and April 7th 2007 which showed that three-quarters of the population surveyed have a social disability. Major determinants of social disadvantage are found using three specific indicators: income, assets and home-interior comfort. A greater deterioration of poor health status was not particularly noted within the most socially disadvantage group of patients, and social disability did not lead to actual over-consumption of medical products or services. People with social disabilities remained hospitalised more than 1.5 days over the average length of hospital stay which accounts for an inferred additional costs to hospital budgets equivalent to 10.3 million ?. The article proposes a model for measuring social disability that can be used routinely upon patient admission to identify socially disadvantaged cases in order to offer those patients specific and tailored assistance and reduce the length of their stay. This model may also support public health policy monitoring.

[Biological procedures, civil and military health facilities, and recommendations of good practice and hospital reform: the example of diabetes management]. / Actes de biologie, établissements de santé civils et militaires, recommandations de bonnes pratiques et réformes hospitalières: exemple de la prise en charge du diabète.

In the context of implementing hospital reforms, the objective of this work was to compare practice in relation to evidence-based guidelines and recommendations for good practice in diabetes screening and management. Laboratory test consumption was determined for patients hospitalized for diabetes in 2005 in three public hospitals (one civilian, two military) taking care of diabetic patients and performing related biological tests. For the 395 admissions in these three hospitals during 2005 [Diagnosis-related group (DRG) 10M02V "Diabetes, age 36 to 69 years without co-morbidity"], the average length of stay and the number of biological acts ["B"] performed were lower than those given by the French national health cost study scale and by the Montpellier University Hospital database. In terms of qualitative coherence between the guidelines for treatment and the recommendations, the total number of biological acts ["B"] is higher than if one were to strictly apply the good practice suggested by the French Health Authority. These three hospitals have and apply different guidelines for practice in the area of diabetes management. The implementation of reforms such as DRG-based payment scales may be an additional leverage to ensure that the recommendations of best practices are effective. Improved methods and tools for data collection and monitoring are essential, especially for estimating revenue and expenditure.

[Analysis of fourteen French national programmes on physical activity and sports as determinants of health from 2001 to 2006]. / Analyse de quatorze actions nationales pour le déterminant de santé activités physiques et sportives en France de 2001 à 2006.

Physical activity and sports are considered as one of the determinants of health. The aim of this study is to review the rationale for the formulation of this public health issue and its integration in national action plans. The study shows that fourteen national programmes were drafted and implemented between 2001 and 2006 by seven institutions. The research methodology was based on crossing data obtained from semi-directed interviews and documents regarding the design, implementation and follow-up of these programmes. For the conditions of the success, the fourteen actions scored an average of 175.0 +/- 66.9 out of 300%. Public health actors and professionals must be given more opportunities to involve themselves and engage in developing stronger relationships and linkages, in particular with the institutional and community settings. In general, the most invested parts of a programme are the structural and operational aspects of activities. Six significant points surfaced from the study: consideration of drug use as an addictive behaviour; recognition of the psychological stress of professional athletes; acknowledgment of youth as being at high risk for doping behaviour; integration of the concept that physical activity and sports must take the benefit/risk perspective into account; and the necessity to promote health. Through the exchange of numerous local and regional experiences, an optimisation of their synergistic connections was made possible on a continuum extending from "health promotion through physical activity and sports" to "prevention of drug-use and doping behaviours". Professionals have been able to develop actions in the above-mentioned domains across this continuum that have, to date, remained isolated. Proposals are made to strengthen these dynamics. Other health determinants and public health priorities could be investigated with the same methodology.

Celiac disease in adults: evaluation with MDCT enteroclysis.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to present the MDCT enteroclysis features of the multiple complications of celiac disease and illustrate why this technique is helpful to adult patients with celiac disease. CONCLUSION: MDCT enteroclysis findings can suggest the diagnosis in adult patients with unknown celiac disease, and many complications of celiac disease can be recognized because of their characteristic appearance. Familiarity with these signs can help in appropriate planning of further diagnostic procedures.

Transjugular liver biopsy using ultrasonographic guidance for jugular vein puncture and an automated device for hepatic tissue sampling: a retrospective analysis of 200 consecutive cases.

BACKGROUND: We retrospectively evaluated the value of the combination of ultrasonographic guidance for jugular vein puncture and an automated biopsy device for transjugular liver biopsy. METHODS: Transjugular liver biopsy was performed with ultrasonographic guidance for right internal jugular vein puncture and an automated device for hepatic tissue sampling (Quick-Core) in 200 consecutive patients in whom percutaneous transhepatic biopsy was contraindicated. Histopathologic specimens were reviewed for adequacy and complications related to the procedure were analyzed. RESULTS: Biopsies were technically successful in 198 of 200 (99%) patients. The two cases of technical failure were due to an acute angle between right hepatic vein and inferior vena cava (1%). Adequate gross hepatic tissue specimens (mean length, 11. 0 mm +/- 5.3; range, 5.0-20.0 mm) were obtained in 198 (99%) patients, allowing definitive histological diagnosis in 196 of 198 patients, for an overall success rate of 98%. Neither cases of inadvertent injury of the carotid artery nor life-threatening intraperitoneal bleeding were observed. Minor complications were noted in 24/200 (12%) patients. CONCLUSION: The combination of ultrasonographic guidance for jugular vein puncture and an automated biopsy device for tissue sampling is recommended for transjugular liver biopsy as it results in a safe, well-tolerated, and efficient technique.

[Equity and planning: a critical analysis of a third generation regional healthcare management program]. / Equité et planification: analyse critique d'un schéma régional d'organisation sanitaire de troisième génération "perinatalité".

The third generation of the regional healthcare organization plan (Sros III) proposes to develop the organisation of healthcare and its management according to evolution of its activities and the populations concerned. At the time of a strategic analysis of SROS III (what we refer to as its perinatal period), the question is whether promoters can move from an approach based on accessibility (egalitarian equity) to a needs-based approach (differential equity), which although more complicated in to apply and implement, was found be much better adapted to healthcare users. The research is derived from an analysis of documents from November 2004 to November 2006. A university public hospital developed the data which supported a proposal to shift from level I to level II. This proposition was retained in the territory's medical plan authorized by the regional health authorities. Health professionals and the architects of the healthcare plan have the capacity to new organizations responsible for taking into account the activities and healthcare needs of the population in order to initiate and establish differential equity.

[Urinary tract infections and diabetes mellitus]. / Infections urinaires et diabète sucré.

The prevalence of urinary tract infection (UTI) is high in patients with diabetes mellitus. They run a distinctly greater risk of complications than non-diabetics. Systematic antibiotic treatment is mandatory. Screening of UTI must be carried out in diabetics at least annually, and be considered when the metabolic control of diabetes becomes increasingly difficult without another clear explanation. Complicated forms are common. They comprise severe pyelonephritis and renal abscesses, emphysematous pyellitis and pyelonephritis, renal papillary necrosis and sepsis. Nosocomial UTI is frequent in such patients. Meticulous preventive measures are the best means of reducing the prevalence of UTI in diabetics.

[Elderly people, precariousness, social handicap and length of stay: pilot study at the Lariboisière-Fernand Widal Hospital Group in Paris]. / Personnes âgées, précarité, handicap social et durée de séjour: étude pilote au groupe hospitalier Lariboisière-Fernand Widal de Paris.

OBJECTIVES: To administer a social handicap questionnaire associated with French DRGs (PMSI) to determine the social handicaps of a population hospitalized in a public health establishment and to measure the cost implications for the establishment due to increased length of stay (DMS). METHOD: A prospective pilot study has been carried out in the Lariboisière-Fernand Widal Hospital Group in Paris targeting users 50 or more years old hospitalized for short stays in medicine, surgery and obstetrics. Data of the PMSI and answers to the questionnaire for hospitalisations longer than 24 hours have been exploited. RESULTS: Two hundred twenty-two stays from 8 to 23 November 2005 have been analyzed: 140 pertained to patients aged 50-69 years (27.8%) and 82 to patients aged 70 or more years (16.3%). Three-fourths of the persons aged 50-69 and 70 or over presented a social handicap: 45% showed a strong handicap and a third an average handicap. The three indicators "renter/owner", "interior comfort" and "family relations" were the major determinants of social handicap for those aged 70 or more, 50-69 and 50 or more years. For the patients 70 years and over and those 50-69 years, with an average handicap, the indicator was "income" with the domain "patrimony." For strong handicaps, it was the indicator "scolarisation" for the 70 or more years and the indicator "income" for the 50-69 years old. When all classes and populations were pooled, the DMS was significantly lower than that of the ENC (p<0.001 for the 70 years and over; p<0.05 for the 50-69 years). With again all classes and populations pooled, patients 70 and over stayed in hospital 6.50 days less on average compared to data published by the ENC; those 50-69 years stayed 3.57 days less. Persons aged 50 and over with a social handicap remained hospitalized on average more than 2.5 days: 2.2 days for the 70 and over and 3.1 days for the 50-69 years group. In terms of hospital days that produces an increase of 18%, corresponding to a supplementary expenditure attributable to social handicap of approximately 5.9 million euros. CONCLUSION: This pilot study with a questionnaire disability social PMSI proposing specific aid, but also reducing the DMS, provides several promising information but also indicates the limits of our approach. Among these, we note in particular: (a) its regular feasibility requires constant supervision, wider and well-trained, (b) that the measurement of our tool can only be affirmed after its use in many patients, and (c) the classification of disability in social class could even be discussed again. We still wanted to explore whether through this initiative without much logistical, markers of interest had emerged, which seems to be the case.