Sonographic findings of inguinal endometriosis

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this series was to describe the sonographic findings of inguinal endometriosis.

METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis of 3 cases of inguinal endometriosis. The following gray scale and color Doppler sonographic features were analyzed: size, shape, echogenicity, and blood flow within inguinal endometriosis.

RESULTS

The size of inguinal endometriosis ranged from 3.1 to 4.2 cm (mean, 3.7 cm). All 3 cases were cystic lesions. Two of 3 cases were lesions with internal septa. On color Doppler sonography, 1 of the 3 cases showed a few flow signals within the lesion, whereas in 2 of the 3 lesions, no blood flow could be identified within the lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the sonographic features of inguinal endometriosis may be variable, endometriosis should be included in the differential diagnosis when unilocular and multilocular cystic masses are seen on sonography.

Elective clinical target volumes for conformal therapy in anorectal cancer: a radiation therapy oncology group consensus panel contouring atlas

PURPOSE

To develop a Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) atlas of the elective clinical target volume (CTV) definitions to be used for planning pelvic intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for anal and rectal cancers.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

The Gastrointestinal Committee of the RTOG established a task group (the nine physician co-authors) to develop this atlas. They responded to a questionnaire concerning three elective CTVs (CTVA: internal iliac, presacral, and perirectal nodal regions for both anal and rectal case planning; CTVB: external iliac nodal region for anal case planning and for selected rectal cases; CTVC: inguinal nodal region for anal case planning and for select rectal cases), and to outline these areas on individual computed tomographic images. The imaging files were shared via the Advanced Technology Consortium. A program developed by one of the co-authors (I.E.N.) used binomial maximum-likelihood estimates to generate a 95% group consensus contour. The computer-estimated consensus contours were then reviewed by the group and modified to provide a final contouring consensus atlas.

RESULTS

The panel achieved consensus CTV definitions to be used as guidelines for the adjuvant therapy of rectal cancer and definitive therapy for anal cancer. The most important difference from similar atlases for gynecologic or genitourinary cancer is mesorectal coverage. Detailed target volume contouring guidelines and images are discussed.

CONCLUSION

This report serves as a template for the definition of the elective CTVs to be used in IMRT planning for anal and rectal cancers, as part of prospective RTOG trials.

Inguinal canal recurrence of colorectal adenocarcinoma following cytoreductive surgery and intraperitoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy

Peritoneal carcinomatosis, the second most common cause of death among patients with colorectal carcinoma, may be managed with cytoreductive surgery and adjuvant intraoperative peritoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy (IHPC). We present the case of a 35-year-old male with locally recurrent colorectal adenocarcinoma in the inguinal canal and testis following intraperitoneal debulking and IPHC. When communicating with the peritoneal cavity, the inguinal canal may act as an anatomic sanctuary site and allow peritoneal carcinomatosis to escape the effects of intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

Hydrocele of the canal of Nuck: sonographic and MRI appearances

Hydrocele of the canal of Nuck is a rare disorder in females. A 50-year-old female presented with the complaint of swelling and occasional pain in the right groin. Sonographic examination revealed a proximal dilatation at the inguinal canal with a 3-cm ovoid, septated cystic lesion at the distal end. The mass appeared as a simple cyst on MRI. Valsalva's maneuver during real-time sonography helped differentiate the hydrocele of the canal of Nuck from an inguinal hernia.

Radiologic Anatomy of the Inguinofemoral Region: Insights from MDCT

OBJECTIVE

We set out to reexamine the radiologic anatomy of the inguinofemoral region using volume data sets obtained with an MDCT scanner.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a systematic prospective review of CT scans of 20 consecutively enrolled patients, 10 men and 10 women chosen retrospectively from our CT database. An experienced radiologist and a senior trainee surgeon conducted an image review to maximize recognition of relevant anatomic detail.

RESULTS

The inferior epigastric artery and femoral canal were identified in all planes in all patients. On axial views a spur on the pubic bone was visible in 17 (85%) of the patients, but the inguinal ligament was not reliably identified in any. The round ligament or spermatic cord was visible in only 15 (75%) of 20 patients. In contrast, on coronal and sagittal views, the inguinal ligament, which is vital to reliable identification and accurate classification of groin hernias, was visible in 19 (95%) of the 20 patients. Scans in the sagittal plane best depicted the gutter-like aspect of the ligament, the canal and contents being clearly visible in 95% of the patients. On sagittal views, the internal ring was identifiable in 90% and the round ligament or spermatic cord in 95% of the patients. On coronal images, the internal ring was identified in all and the conjoint tendon in 95% of the patients. The round ligament or spermatic cord was not seen in 10% of the patients.

CONCLUSION

MDCT produces images of the inguinal region in detail not possible with previous generations of scanners. In our small series, 100% identification of key anatomic structures was achieved when information from all three views was combined. We found subtle differences between imaging findings and standard anatomic teaching.

[Inguinal pain in sportmen: clinical and radiological examinations]

Pain of the inguinal region is a frequent but difficult diagnostic problem. It may be induced by accidents, overload due to sports or profession as well as daily life activities. Numerous anatomic structures of the inguinal or hip region may be injured, but one should also think about adjacent structures as the bowel, uro-genital system, spine and nerves. The goal of this article is to describe which clinical and imaging parameters allow to establish a correct diagnosis for each patient.

The role of peritoneal scintigraphy in the detection of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis complications

While continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) offers several advantages over hemodialysis in patients with end-stage renal disease, several complications have been recognized. The intraperitoneal instillation of dialysate increases intra-abdominal pressure and consequently predisposes the patient to leaks and herniations through defects in the abdominal wall. The use of an intraperitoneal radiolabeled colloid has been previously described to image entities such as hernias, patent processus vaginalis, abdominal wall, and diaphragmatic leakage. This study shows a simple, non-invasive method of determining the site of dialysate leak and its importance to assist further patient management. There has been a continuing increase in the number of end stage renal disease patients maintained on chronic peritoneal dialysis (CPD). Many patients choose CPD as their preferred chronic dialysis treatment, though approximately 20% of patients who drop out transfer to hemodialysis annually.[1] Although peritonitis remains the major reason for transfer to hemodialysis, other factors such as exit site infections, catheter-related problems, abdominal wall and inguinal hernias, loss of ultrafiltrations, and poor clearance contribute to CPD technique failure.[2] In order to permit the continuation of long-term therapy with CPD, these complications should be resolved. Routine laboratory evaluation or physical examination can detect some CPD-related problems; however, some patients require more complicated investigations to evaluate their problems properly.

Angiomyofibroblastoma-like tumor (cellular angiofibroma) in the male inguinal region

Angiomyofibroblastoma-like tumor is a rare mesenchymal tumor involving the male genital tract. We report a case of an angiomyofibroblastoma-like tumor that arose in the subcutaneous tissue of the left inguinal region in a 50-year-old man. Ultrasonography of the region demonstrated a well-circumscribed subcutaneous mass. Intralesional fat was revealed on magnetic resonance images. Although these imaging features are nonspecific, radiological findings enable considering the diagnosis of angiomyofibroblastoma-like tumor.

Sonographic diagnosis of a round ligament cyst in the inguinal area

We report a case of a 37-year-old female with a mesothelial cyst of the round ligament presenting as a palpable mass. The mass appeared sonographically as a fusiform structure with several cystic anechoic areas and was misdiagnosed preoperatively as herniation of the right ovary.

Nonpalpable testes: is there a relationship between ultrasonographic and operative findings?

BACKGROUND

Ultrasonography (US) as a diagnostic tool in the work-up of boys with nonpalpable testes (NPT) is still controversial.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the relation between US and operative findings in boys with NPT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

During a 7-year period we saw 135 boys with 152 NPT. All were examined by the referring physician or a paediatric surgeon, underwent US examination, and were then re-examined afterwards by a specialist. Finally, all boys were surgically explored for testicular position.

RESULTS

US located 103 NPT (68%), 16 within the abdomen and 87 in the inguinal canal. With knowledge of the US result, 37 testes were palpable on re-examination. The sensitivity of US was 97% for inguinal and 48% for abdominal viable testes. Of the 49 testes (32%) missed by US, 16 were viable in either the abdominal (n=14) or the inguinal (n=2) position.

CONCLUSION

All boys with presumed NPT should be referred to a specialist. US is useful to determine localization of NPT, which facilitates planning the surgical procedure. An inguinal exploration is called for when US identifies the testis in the inguinal canal. Because the sensitivity of US for viable abdominal testes is only 48%, we now always perform laparoscopic exploration when US is negative.

Ultrasound guidance for ilioinguinal/iliohypogastric nerve block: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

Ilioinguinal/iliohypogastric nerve block combined with general anaesthesia facilitates inguinal herniorrhaphy in an ambulatory setting by improving analgesia and reducing opioid requirements. Case reports in children indicate the possibility of colonic puncture and associated morbidity with blind ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric blockade.

AIMS

To investigate the feasibility of ultrasound guided ilioinguinal/iliohypogastric nerve block.

METHODS

Pilot study of four patients where ultrasound imaging was used to identify the ASIS, anterior abdominal muscle layers, the peritoneum and to guide local anaesthetic infiltration in patients undergoing inguinal hernia surgery and appendicectomy.

RESULTS

All patients had successful blocks, without complications. Mean visual analogue scores were 2/10 in the post anaesthesia care unit. Mean opioid consumption was 10 mg of intramuscular morphine in the first 24 h.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound guidance for ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerve block in the inguinal region is both feasible and a promising technique.

Accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging of inguinofemoral lymph nodes in vulval cancer

Inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy contributes to the high morbidity related to surgical treatment of vulval cancer. The objective of this study was to assess the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in predicting inguinofemoral lymph nodes metastasis in women with vulval cancer. We reviewed the clinical, MRI, surgical, and pathologic findings of 59 women with vulval cancer who were treated at our institution from January 2000 to June 2004. Histology was available for 39 women who had undergone inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy. Clinical and MRI findings were compared with histology result to assess test accuracy. MRI had a positive likelihood ratio (LR+) of 4.8 (95% confidence interval of 2.7-8.6) and negative likelihood ratio (LR-) of 0.17 (0.06-0.49). It had a sensitivity of 85.7% (63.7-97), specificity of 82.1% (69.6-91.1), positive predictive value (PPV) of 64.3% (44.1-81.4), and negative predictive value (NPV) of 93.9% (83.1-98.7). Clinical examination had an LR+ of 6.1 (1.8-21.6) and LR- of 0.69 (0.5-0.96). It had a sensitivity of 35% (15.3-59.4), specificity of 94.3% (84.3-98.8), PPV of 70% (34.7-93.3), and NPV of 79.4% (67.3-88.5). Kappa statistics for interobserver and intraobserver agreement were 0.9091 and 0.8475, respectively. MRI assessment was accurate in predicting negative nodal status that is clinically useful in identifying women who can be spared inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy. It is noninvasive and is superior to clinical assessment. In clinical practice, this should encourage toward nodal sparing surgery, thus lowering surgical-related patient morbidity.

Non-developed external oblique aponeurosis in inguinal hernia repair: a case report and discussion of the literature

Open inguinal hernia repair is one of the most commonly performed operations in the world. It relies heavily on the presence of an inguinal canal formed by the external oblique aponeurosis and conjoint tendon. Variations of the anatomy of this region are rarely described. We describe a patient with bilateral inguinal hernias and missing external oblique aponeurosis. The patient underwent open repair secondary to previous abdominal surgery and the inability to obtain laparoscopic access. A medline search was performed and we provide a synopsis of the literature. At operation, no clear external oblique aponeurosis could be identified and large defects of the transversalis fascia were corrected. CT images of the anatomic variations are provided. To the best of our knowledge, combined abnormalities of the external oblique aponeurosis and transversalis fascia have not been described before.

Nominal free air in the left inguinal fossa due to perforation of the sigmoid colon in a case of blunt abdominal trauma: CT diagnosis

We present a case of perforation of the sigmoid colon due to blunt abdominal trauma. Computed tomography showed nominal free air in the inguinal fossa. The distribution of free air may be a clue to the site of an injured intestine. Early detection of intestinal injury is difficult, but repeated computed tomography after several hours may reveal increased free air.

Fluoroscopic localization of the femoral head as a landmark for common femoral artery cannulation

We sought to determine the reliability of frequently used landmarks for femoral arterial access in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization. The common femoral artery (CFA) is the most frequently used arterial access in cardiac catheterization. Arterial sheath placement into the CFA has been shown to decrease vascular complications. Some authors recommend locating the inferior border of the femoral head using fluoroscopy due to the relationship of the femoral head and the bifurcation of the CFA. We performed a descriptive study in a prospective design of 158 patients undergoing catheterization from the femoral approach. A femoral angiogram was performed, and the CFA bifurcation location was recorded in relation to the inguinal ligament, middle and inferior border of the femoral head, and the inguinal skin crease. The CFA bifurcation was distal to the inguinal ligament, middle femoral head, and inferior femoral head in most patients with mean distances (cm +/- SD) of 7.5 +/- 1.7, 2.9 +/- 1.5, and 0.8 +/- 1.2, respectively. The inguinal skin crease was below the bifurcation in 78% of patients (-1.8 +/- 1.6 cm). The CFA overlies the femoral head in 92% of cases. The femoral head has a consistent relationship to the CFA, and localization using fluoroscopy is a useful landmark.

Radiographic inguinal curl may indicate paraspinal misplacement of percutaneously inserted central venous catheters: report of three cases

BACKGROUND

Misplacement of percutaneously inserted central venous catheters (PCVCs) into the paraspinal venous plexus can result in devastating outcomes. Several cases have been reported in the literature together with an explanation of the mechanism.

OBJECTIVE

To describe three premature babies with their PCVCs inserted through the left saphenous vein that ended up in the lumbar spinal dural venous plexus.

RESULTS

Plain radiographs obtained to check positions showed an unusual 360 degrees curl of the PCVC in the left inguinal area.

CONCLUSION

We believe that misplacement of the catheter into the paraspinal venous plexus could be diagnosed with great accuracy if such a curl is seen.

Surgery for posterior inguinal wall deficiency in athletes

This study retrospectively evaluated the outcome for patients undergoing herniorraphy for chronic groin pain due to posterior inguinal wall deficiency, and correlated the outcome with preoperative investigation findings. There were 47 patients (with a total of 52 herniorraphies) who were contacted by phone between six and 50 months post surgery. Subjects had a diagnosis of posterior inguinal wall deficiency made on history and clinical examination. Thirty seven patients had an ultrasound scan prior to the surgery (three bilateral) with a total of 40 symptomatic groins scanned. There were 26 abnormal scans (22 posterior inguinal wall deficiency and four hernias) and 14 normal scans. Twenty nine patients had a technetium-99m bone scan with 22 having increased uptake at the symptomatic pubic tubercle, while 13 had increased uptake at other sites in the groin. Seventy seven percent of patients had a full return to sport after surgery and the average time to return to sport was four months. There was no significant difference in outcome between subjects who had an abnormal ultrasound scan on the symptomatic side and those who had a normal scan. There was a significant difference in outcome between patients who had a bone scan with increased uptake at the symptomatic pubic tubercle and those who did not (p < 0.04). Our study supports previous research that good results can be obtained with surgery when posterior inguinal wall deficiency is the sole diagnosis. Ultrasound scan does not appear to aid in predicting surgical outcome, while the role of isotope bone scanning requires further study.

Inguinal canal as an anatomic sanctuary site of relapse in peritoneal carcinomatosis previously treated with intraperitoneal chemotherapy

Early postoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (EPIC) and intraoperative peritoneal hypertermic chemotherapy (IPHC) are used in addition with cytoreductive surgery to treat with curative intent peritoneal carcinomatosis arising from colorectal adenocarcinomas. Three patients with such a disease were treated with perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy in addition to cytoreductive surgery and presented isolated local recurrence located in the inguinal canal (round ligament in two and spermatic cord in one). All these patients were treated by local surgical excision. No patient showed evidence of intra-abdominal recurrence at the last follow-up, but one developed pulmonary metastasis. When communicating with the peritoneal cavity, the inguinal canal may act as a sanctuary site for peritoneal carcinomatosis, since it is not totally soaked by the intraperitoneal chemotherapy solution. A local recurrence is thus possible. New clinical presentations such as this one have first to be described in order to improve patient follow-up.

[Osteotomy of the iliac fossa in the treatment of a hip dislocation associated with a two-column acetabular fracture. Modification of the ilioinguinal approach to avoid an extended surgical approach]

Open reduction and internal fixation is the treatment of choice for displaced acetabular fractures. The surgical approach depends on the fracture type, concomitant injuries, and general condition of the patient. The ilioinguinal approach provides a good exposure to the medial wall and is associated with an acceptable degree of surgical trauma. Exposure of the joint surface, however, is difficult when using the ilioinguinal approach. We report a case of a polytraumatized 39-year-old patient who sustained a posterior hip displacement and a two-column acetabular fracture. An osteotomy of the iliac ala was performed via an ilioinguinal approach to fragments of the acetabular surface that were displaced distally. Thereby, reposition of a craniolateral fragment was achieved without the need to extend the surgical approach or to perform a second incision.

Hydrocele of the canal of Nuck in a girl: ultrasound and MR appearance

Hydrocele of the canal of Nuck is a rare condition in females. A small evagination of parietal peritoneum forms the canal of Nuck. Failure of complete obliteration of the canal results in either an indirect inguinal hernia or a hydrocele of the canal of Nuck. We present a case in a 7-year-old girl. On ultrasound, there was a comma-shaped cyst with the tail directed cranially toward the inguinal canal. The cyst had no internal echoes and demonstrated increased through transmission. Coronal and axial MR showed a thin walled cystic mass.