Enteric duplication cysts in children: a target in algorithm for evaluation of lower gastrointestinal bleeding

A retrospective analysis of alimentary tract duplications in pediatric patients: a 14-year single-center experience

PURPOSE

Alimentary tract duplications (ATDs) are rare congenital lesions often associated with anomalies such as spinal, urinary and GI tract malformations. The purpose of this study was to report the experience of a single center with ATDs in children, focusing on the natural history, associated malformations, and their impact on patient management.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis over 14 years, collecting prenatal, clinical, surgical, and follow-up data. We focus on associated anomalies prenatal and postnatal management, and outcomes.

RESULTS

Sixty-three patients with ATD (thirty-six females, twenty-seven males, aged 1 day to 14 years) were enrolled in this study. Prenatal diagnosis was made in 22 patients (35%), of whom 8 showed compression signs. Elective surgery was performed at a mean age of 1.5 years in prenatally diagnosed cases. The others presented symptoms at a mean age of 5.2 years (55.5%) or were detected incidentally (9.5%) at a mean age of 10.7 years. In four patients (6.3%), we identified multiple duplications, and ten cases (15.8%) were found with associated anomalies.

CONCLUSION

The wide spectrum of clinical appearance of ATDs and a comprehensive knowledge of human embryology might define surgical management, which should always be patient-tailored and respectful of the child's development.

[Expert consensus on clinical application management of enteroscopy in children]

Small bowel disease is one of the difficulties in the diagnosis and treatment of digestive system diseases, and limited examination techniques seriously restrict the diagnosis and treatment level of digestive tract diseases in children. With the wide clinical application of enteroscopy in pediatrics and the optimization of enteroscopy equipment and accessories, enteroscopy technique provides a new method for the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric digestive tract diseases, but there are still many issues and challenges in the standardization of clinical operation and endoscopic treatment. In order to standardize the diagnosis and treatment techniques for enteroscopy in children and improve the diagnosis and treatment level of small bowel disease, the Subspecialty Group of Gastroenterology, the Society of Pediatrics, Chinese Medical Association organized experts to fully discuss and formulate the expert consensus on the clinical application management of enteroscopy in children, with reference to the latest advances in the application of enteroscopy in children.

Non-variceal gastrointestinal bleed in children: surgical experience with emphasis on management challenges

PURPOSE

This exclusively surgical series on pediatric non-variceal gastrointestinal bleed (NVGIB) defines three levels of bleed site and describes etiology, bleed severity, diagnostic algorithm, and surgical management for each bleed site. Management challenges are detailed.

METHODS

Patients aged ≤ 18 years treated surgically for NVGIB were analysed.

RESULTS

Bleed site (n = 87) was classified as: upper gastrointestinal bleed (UGIB; n = 11); small bowel bleed (SBB: n = 52); and lower GIB (n = 24). Four etiology-based groups were identified: lesions with ectopic gastric mucosa (EGM; n = 33), tumours (n = 23), ulcers (n = 21), and vascular pathology (n = 8). Bleed severity spectrum was: acute severe bleed (n = 12); subacute overt bleed (n = 59); and occult GIB (n = 16). Preoperative diagnosis was obtained in all UGIB and LGIB lesions. Eighty-two percent of surgical SB lesions were diagnosed preoperatively on Tc^99m pertechnetate scan, computed tomography enterography-angiography, and capsule endoscopy; remaining 18% were diagnosed at laparotomy with intra-operative enteroscopy (IOE). Surgical management was tailored to bleed site, severity, and etiology. Indications of IOE and approach to management challenges are detailed.

CONCLUSIONS

The commonest site-specific bleed etiologies were duodenal ulcers for UGIB, EGM lesions for SBB, and tumours for LGIB. SBB presented diagnostic challenge. Diagnostic algorithm was tailored to bleed site, age-specific etiology, bleed severity, and associated abdominal/systemic symptoms. Management challenges were acute severe bleed, occult GIB, SBB, obscure GIB, and rare etiologies. IOE has a useful role in SBB management.