Cross-sectional imaging of common and unusual complications after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography-related complications: risk stratification, prevention, and management

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) plays a crucial role in the management of pancreaticobiliary disorders. Although the ERCP technique has been refined over the past five decades, it remains one of the endoscopic procedures with the highest rate of complications. Risk factors for ERCP-related complications are broadly classified into patient-, procedure-, and operator-related risk factors. Although non-modifiable, patient-related risk factors allow for the closer monitoring and instatement of preventive measures. Post-ERCP pancreatitis is the most common complication of ERCP. Risk reduction strategies include intravenous hydration, rectal nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and pancreatic stent placement in selected patients. Perforation is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and prompt recognition and treatment of ERCP-related perforations are key to ensuring good clinical outcomes. Endoscopy plays an expanding role in the treatment of perforations. Specific management strategies depend on the location of the perforation and the patient's clinical status. The risk of post-ERCP bleeding can be attenuated by preprocedural optimization and adoption of intra-procedural techniques. Endoscopic measures are the mainstay of management for post-ERCP bleeding. Escalation to angioembolization or surgery may be required for refractory bleeding. Post-ERCP cholangitis can be reduced with antibiotic prophylaxis in high risk patients. Bile culture-directed therapy plays an important role in antimicrobial treatment.

Exploring the Association Between Paralytic Ileus and Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Complications Using the National Inpatient Sample Database

Introduction Paralytic ileus (PI) is often seen in critically ill hospitalized patients. Those with pancreaticobiliary diseases will require endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for management. Here, we will explore the association between patients with paralytic ileus who underwent ERCP and post-procedural complications, which has not been done before. Methods Patients who underwent ERCP between 2007 and 2017 in the National Inpatient Sample database were selected. Cases were matched 1:1 by age, gender, race, and the Elixhauser comorbidity index for patients with and without pre-procedural paralytic ileus. Primary outcomes were associations between paralytic ileus and length of stay, payor status, and average total charges. Secondary outcomes were associations between paralytic ileus and post-ERCP complications (infection, pancreatitis, cholangitis, cholecystitis, perforation, hemorrhage), and overall mortality. The Chi-squared analysis was used to compare categorical data, and the independent t-test was used for continuous data. Regression analysis was used to assess primary and secondary outcomes. Results Of 2,008,217 hospitalized patients from 2007 to 2017, 43,643 patients had paralytic ileus and 43,859 patients did not, before undergoing ERCP. There were no differences in age, gender, race, or the Elixhauser comorbidity index. The differences in the length of stay, payor status, and total charges were significant (p<0.001). Patients with paralytic ileus had increased risks of post-ERCP infection, pancreatitis, cholangitis, cholecystitis, perforation, hemorrhage, and overall mortality (p<0.001). Conclusions Patients hospitalized with paralytic ileus who underwent ERCP had a longer length of stay, higher total charges, and were less compensable. They also had increased risks for post-ERCP infection, pancreatitis, cholangitis, cholecystitis, perforation, hemorrhage, and overall mortality, which can be from critical illness and the systemic inflammatory response.

Gastrointestinal perforation: clinical and MDCT clues for identification of aetiology

Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) perforation is a common medical emergency associated with considerable mortality, ranging from 30 to 50%. Clinical presentation varies: oesophageal perforations can present with acute chest pain, odynophagia and vomiting, gastroduodenal perforations with acute severe abdominal pain, while colonic perforations tend to follow a slower progression course with secondary bacterial peritonitis or localised abscesses. A subset of patients may present with delayed symptoms, abscess mimicking an abdominal mass, or with sepsis.

Direct multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) findings support the diagnosis and localise the perforation site while ancillary findings may suggest underlying conditions that need further investigation following primary repair of ruptured bowel. MDCT findings include extraluminal gas, visible bowel wall discontinuity, extraluminal contrast, bowel wall thickening, abnormal mural enhancement, localised fat stranding and/or free fluid, as well as localised phlegmon or abscess in contained perforations.

The purpose of this article is to review the spectrum of MDCT findings encountered in GIT perforation and emphasise the MDCT and clinical clues suggestive of the underlying aetiology and localisation of perforation site.

Complications of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: an imaging review

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has currently become an inseparable tool in the gastroenterologist's armamentarium for treatment of pancreaticobiliary disorders. Given the increase in number of therapeutic ERCP procedures today, the need for prompt and correct diagnosis of its complications is pivotal. This review discusses the mechanisms, risk factors, imaging findings and general management aspects of common and rare complications of ERCP. Furthermore, the review elaborates on imaging indications, recommended protocol and normal imaging findings post ERCP.

Advanced endoscopic interventions on the pancreas and pancreatic ductal system: a primer for radiologists

In recent years, technological advancements including endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guidance and availability of specifically designed stents further expanded the indications and possibilities of interventional endoscopy. Although technically demanding and associated with non-negligible morbidity, advanced pancreatic endoscopic techniques now provide an effective minimally invasive treatment for complications of acute and chronic pancreatitis.

Aiming to provide radiologists with an adequate familiarity, this pictorial essay reviews the indications, techniques, results and pre- and post-procedural cross-sectional imaging appearances of advanced endoscopic interventions on the pancreas and pancreatic ductal system. Most of the emphasis is placed on multidetector CT and MRI findings before and after internal drainage of pseudocysts and walled-off necrosis via EUS-guided endoscopic cystostomy, and on stent placement to relieve strictures or disruption of the main pancreatic duct, respectively in patients with chronic pancreatitis and disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome.

Early cross-sectional imaging following open and laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a primer for radiologists

Abstract

Performed on either an elective or urgent basis, cholecystectomy currently represents the most common abdominal operation due to the widespread use of laparoscopy and the progressively expanded indications. Compared to traditional open surgery, laparoscopic cholecystectomy minimised the duration of hospitalisation and perioperative mortality. Albeit generally considered safe, cholecystectomy may result in adverse outcomes with non-negligible morbidity. Furthermore, the incidence of worrisome haemorrhages and biliary complications has not been influenced by the technique shift. Due to the growing medico-legal concerns and the vast number of cholecystectomies, radiologists are increasingly requested to investigate recently operated patients. Aiming to increase familiarity with post-cholecystectomy cross-sectional imaging, this paper provides a brief overview of indications and surgical techniques and illustrates the expected early postoperative imaging findings. Afterwards, most iatrogenic complications following open, converted, laparoscopic and laparo-endoscopic rendezvous cholecystectomy are reviewed with examples, including infections, haematoma and active bleeding, residual choledocholithiasis, pancreatitis, biliary obstruction and leakage. Multidetector computed tomography (CT) represents the “workhorse” modality to rapidly investigate the postoperative abdomen in order to provide a reliable basis for an appropriate choice between conservative, interventional or surgical treatment. Emphasis is placed on the role of early magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and additional gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRCP to provide a non-invasive anatomic and functional assessment of the operated biliary tract.

Teaching Points

• Having minimised perioperative mortality and hospital stay, laparoscopy has now become the first-line approach to performing cholecystectomy, even in patients with acute cholecystitis.

• Laparoscopic, laparo-endoscopic rendezvous, converted and open cholecystectomy remain associated with non-negligible morbidity, including surgical site infections, haemorrhage, residual lithiasis, pancreatitis, biliary obstruction and leakage.

• Contrast-enhanced multidetector computed tomography (CT) is increasingly requested early after cholecystectomy and represents the “workhorse” modality that rapidly provides a comprehensive assessment of the operated biliary tract and abdomen.

• Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is the best modality to provide anatomic visualisation of the operated biliary tract and is indicated when biliary complications are suspected.

• Additional gadoxetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA)-enhanced MRCP non-invasively provides functional biliary assessment, in order to confirm and visualise bile leakage.

Acute Reversible Duodenitis Following Non-Therapeutic Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Is Duodenal Diverticulum a Predisposing Factor?

Background

Diagnostic upper gastrointestinal (UGI) endoscopy has been regarded as a safe procedure.

Case report

We report of a 67-year-old woman who developed epigastric pain and dyspeptic complaints following an uneventful upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The diagnosis of an acute reversible duodenitis was made on the basis of imaging studies. A duodenal diverticulum was also found on CT images, which raised the suspicion that duodenal diverticulum could be a predisposing factor for duodenitis.

Conclusions

Despite significant inflammation the patient demonstrated rapid clinical improvement with conservative treatment. Presence of a duodenal diverticulum may predispose to acute duodenitis following diagnostic UGI endoscopy.

Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: expected post-procedural findings and adverse events

Complications related to endoscopy are commonly encountered in the emergency department (ED) due to an increased use of outpatient diagnostic and therapeutic upper gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures. A majority of these procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, and patients with post-procedural symptoms may return to the ED. Since these patients often undergo computed tomography (CT) for diagnosis of post-procedure complications, the emergency radiologist should be familiar with the spectrum of expected post-procedural findings, as well as common and rare complications. We present a pictorial review of post-endoscopy complications and review imaging protocols in different clinical scenarios.