Spontaneous fistulization of a pancreatic pseudocyst into the colon and duodenum

Recurrent gastric intramural pseudocyst: A case report and comprehensive literature review of reported cases

Intramural gastric pseudocysts are extremely rare and are often associated with pancreatitis and pancreatic pseudocysts; they can lead to complex clinical presentations requiring careful diagnosis and management. We present a case of a 57-year-old man with a history of pancreatitis and pancreatic pseudocysts who was diagnosed with intramural gastric pseudocysts. The patient was diagnosed with multiple gastric intramural pseudocysts at different locations during separate admissions and imaging studies. This indicates a recurrence of gastric intramural pseudocysts. In these cases, studies rarely discuss recurrence and its underlying causes. This highlights a significant gap in the existing literature. To provide a broader understanding, we reviewed the literature by searching major databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) and then extracted and analyzed data from 18 articles, reaching 24 similar cases. Of the 25 patients studied (including our case), 92% were male and 8% were female. Cases had a mean age of 47.68 ± 14.82 years. Additionally, 84% of the patients had a history of alcohol consumption, and 88% had a positive history of pancreatitis. Common symptoms were abdominal pain (especially in the epigastric region), vomiting, nausea, and weight loss. In conclusion, results showed that intramural gastric pseudocysts generally occur in middle-aged men with a history of chronic or heavy alcohol consumption and pancreatitis.

Unusual Configuration of a Giant Trans-Spatial Pancreatic Pseudocyst with Spontaneous Shrinkage: A Rare Case Report

Pancreatic pseudocysts are benign lesions that typically originate within the pancreatic parenchyma, or peripancreatic tissue. They commonly occur following recurrent episodes of pancreatitis or trauma. In this article, we present a case of a giant pancreatic pseudocyst with unusual trans-spatial extensions and spontaneous size decrement in a 40-year-old male patient with a history of alcohol abuse. He presented with chronic epigastric pain, and a physical examination showed only mild abdominal tenderness. Initial computed tomography showed a giant (18.4cm in its largest axis) pancreatic pseudocyst with left subdiaphragmatic and gastrohepatic extensions and concurrent splenic cysts. On follow-up ultrasound, the pseudocyst showed a significant spontaneous size decrement to less than half of its initial size. The giant size and trans-spatial characteristics of the pseudocyst, along with a relatively benign symptomatology and subsequent spontaneous shrinkage, constitute unique aspects of this case.

Imaging Diagnosis and Management of Fistulas in Pancreatitis

Pancreatic fistula is a highly morbid complication of pancreatitis. External pancreatic fistulas result when pancreatic secretions leak externally into the percutaneous drains or external wound (following surgery) due to the communication of the peripancreatic collection with the main pancreatic duct (MPD). Internal pancreatic fistulas include communication of the pancreatic duct (directly or via intervening collection) with the pleura, pericardium, mediastinum, peritoneal cavity, or gastrointestinal tract. Cross-sectional imaging plays an essential role in the management of pancreatic fistulas. With the help of multiplanar imaging, fistulous tracts can be delineated clearly. Thin computed tomography sections and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography images may demonstrate the communication between MPD and pancreatic fluid collections or body cavities. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERCP) is diagnostic as well as therapeutic. In this review, we discuss the imaging diagnosis and management of various types of pancreatic fistulas with the aim to sensitize radiologists to timely diagnosis of this critical complication of pancreatitis.

Perforation and Fistula of the Gastrointestinal Tract in Patients With Necrotizing Pancreatitis: A Nationwide Prospective Cohort

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore the incidence, risk factors, clinical course and treatment of perforation and fistula of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract in a large unselected cohort of patients with necrotizing pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND

Perforation and fistula of the GI tract may occur in necrotizing pancreatitis. Data from large unselected patient populations on the incidence, risk factors, clinical outcomes, and treatment are lacking.

METHODS

We performed a post hoc analysis of a nationwide prospective database of 896 patients with necrotizing pancreatitis. GI tract perforation and fistula were defined as spontaneous or iatrogenic discontinuation of the GI wall. Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore risk factors and to adjust for confounders to explore associations of the GI tract perforation and fistula on the clinical course.

RESULTS

A perforation or fistula of the GI tract was identified in 139 (16%) patients, located in the stomach in 23 (14%), duodenum in 56 (35%), jejunum or ileum in 18 (11%), and colon in 64 (40%). Risk factors were high C-reactive protein within 48 hours after admission [odds ratio (OR): 1.19; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-1.39] and early organ failure (OR: 2.76; 95% CI: 1.78-4.29). Prior invasive intervention was a risk factor for developing a perforation or fistula of the lower GI tract (OR: 2.60; 95% CI: 1.04-6.60). While perforation or fistula of the upper GI tract appeared to be protective for persistent intensive care unit-admission (OR: 0.11, 95% CI: 0.02-0.44) and persistent organ failure (OR: 0.15; 95% CI: 0.02-0.58), perforation or fistula of the lower GI tract was associated with a higher rate of new onset organ failure (OR: 2.47; 95% CI: 1.23-4.84). When the stomach or duodenum was affected, treatment was mostly conservative (n=54, 68%). Treatment was mostly surgical when the colon was affected (n=38, 59%).

CONCLUSIONS

Perforation and fistula of the GI tract occurred in one out of six patients with necrotizing pancreatitis. Risk factors were high C-reactive protein within 48 hours and early organ failure. Prior intervention was identified as a risk factor for perforation or fistula of the lower GI tract. The clinical course was mostly affected by involvement of the lower GI tract.

Role of enteral nutrition in pancreaticocolonic fistulas secondary to severe acute pancreatitis: A case report

RATIONALE

Pancreaticocolonic fistula (PCF) is an exceedingly rare complication of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) and has primarily been treated surgically, but a few reported cases are successfully treated with nonsurgical methods.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 32-year-old male presented to our hospital with chief complaints of sharp and persistent left upper quadrant abdominal pain radiating to the back.

DIAGNOSES

Computed tomography showed a pancreatic pseudocyst replacing a majority of the pancreatic parenchyma and PCF that formed between the pancreas and the colon. However, the final diagnosis of PCF was confirmed by drainage tube radiograph, which revealed extravasation of contrast from the tail of the pancreas into the colon.

INTERVENTIONS

A therapeutic strategy of enteral nutrition (EN) was applied.

OUTCOMES

The patient responded well to the treatment. No complication and recurrence were reported during 2-year follow-up.

LESSONS

This case highlights the role of EN in the treatment of PCF secondary to SAP. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of PCF that treated successfully with EN, rather than surgical or endoscopic intervention.

Analysis of risk factors related to gastrointestinal fistula in patients with severe acute pancreatitis: a retrospective study of 344 cases in a single Chinese center

BACKGROUND

Gastrointestinal fistula (GIF) in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is considered as a sparse episode and studied sporadically in the literature. There is paucity of data on the prediction of the effect on risk of GIF in patient with SAP. This study was aimed to investigate risk factors related to GIF in the development of SAP.

METHODS

The clinical data of 344 patients with SAP from 2011 to 2016 were reviewed retrospectively. All patients were divided into the GIF group and the non-GIF group, and their data analyzed with respect to 15 parameters were applied to explore potential risk factors for GIF in patients with SAP.

RESULTS

Of the 344 eligible patients, 52 (15.12%) progressed to GIF. Only occurrence of infected pancreatic and extra-pancreatic necrosis (IPN) (P = 0.004, OR = 3.012) and modified CT severity index (MCTSI) (P = 0.033, OR = 1.183) were proved to be independent risk factors for GIF in patients with SAP, and blood type B (P = 0.048, OR = 2.096, 95% CI: 0.748-3.562) indicated weaker association of risk factor for GIF. The early (48-72 h after admission) enteral nutrition (EEN) (P = 0.016, OR = 0.267) acted as a protective factor.

CONCLUSIONS

Occurrence of IPN and high MCTSI are independent risk factors for the development of GIF in patients with SAP, blood type B reveals a potential correlation with GIF in patients with SAP. EEN is helpful to prevent the progression of GIF secondary to SAP.

Gastrointestinal Fistulas in Acute Pancreatitis With Infected Pancreatic or Peripancreatic Necrosis: A 4-Year Single-Center Experience

Gastrointestinal (GI) fistula is a well-recognized complication of acute pancreatitis (AP). However, it has been reported in limited literature. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence and outcome of GI fistulas in AP patients complicated with infected pancreatic or peripancreatic necrosis (IPN).Between 2010 and 2013 AP patients with IPN who diagnosed with GI fistula in our center were analyzed in this retrospective study. And we also conducted a comparison between patients with and without GI fistula regarding the baseline characteristics and outcomes.Over 4 years, a total of 928 AP patients were admitted into our center, of whom 119 patients with IPN were diagnosed with GI fistula and they developed 160 GI fistulas in total. Colonic fistula found in 72 patients was the most common form of GI fistula followed with duodenal fistula. All duodenal fistulas were managed by nonsurgical management. Ileostomy or colostomy was performed for 44 (61.1%) of 72 colonic fistulas. Twenty-one (29.2%) colonic fistulas were successfully treated by percutaneous drainage or continuous negative pressure irrigation. Mortality of patients with GI fistula did not differ significantly from those without GI fistula (28.6% vs 21.9%, P = 0.22). However, a significantly higher mortality (34.7%) was observed in those with colonic fistula.GI fistula is a common finding in patients of AP with IPN. Most of these fistulas can be successfully managed with different procedures depending on their sites of origin. Colonic fistula is related with higher mortality than those without GI fistula.

Pancreatic pseudocystocolonic fistula treated without surgical or endoscopic intervention

We report here a case of pancreatic pseudocystocolic fistula that was treated without surgical or endoscopic intervention. A 76-year-old woman, presenting with a fever and epigastric pain, was referred to our institution. Three months prior to this admission, the patient had been admitted to the hospital for acute pancreatitis. Abdominal computerized tomography (CT) revealed a 9 cm pseudocyst containing air, and a fistular opening was observed via colonoscopy. After colonoscopy, the abdominal pain was slightly improved, the fever subsided and laboratory results showed decreased C-reactive protein levels. The observed improvement was likely due to the cleansing of the bowel, which induced spontaneous drainage from the pseudocyst into the colon. Antibiotic therapy was administered and daily bowel cleansing was performed using a polyethylene glycol solution. After three weeks, a follow-up CT revealed that the size of the pseudocyst had decreased significantly from 9 to 5.3 cm. In addition, laboratory tests were improved. The patient was able to resume a normal diet and was discharged in good overall health from the hospital, without aggravation of the symptoms. A colonoscopy performed 3 mo later and a follow-up CT performed 6 mo later confirmed that both the fistula and pseudocyst had completely disappeared.

Attempted endoscopic closure of a pancreaticocolonic fistula with an over-the-scope clip

CONTEXT

Spontaneous development of fistulae is an uncommon complication of acute pancreatitis. Until recently, surgical management has been the standard of care. Endoscopic treatment has been described with hemoclips and glue.

CASE REPORT

We report a case of a gentleman with a history of recurrent episodes of acute pancreatitis who presented with symptoms correlating with the development of a pancreatic-colonic fistula. Closure of the fistula was attempted with an over-the-scope clip.

CONCLUSION

More evidence is needed to determine criteria for use of over-the-scope clip in closure of GI and pancreatic fistulae.

Malignant coloduodenal fistulas-review of literature and case report

Colo-duodenal fistula is an uncommon complication of malignant and inflammatory bowel disease. Presentation varies from upper abdominal pain, feculent vomiting and diarrhea associated with foul eructation's. Occasionally patients presents with gastro-intestinal bleed. The contact of duodenal bile salts with colonic mucosa frequently leads to diarrhea, so also duodenal colonization with colonic pathogens frequently leads to malabsorption and severe foul eructations. The diagnosis is established either by gastrointestinal contrast studies or contrast enhanced C. T. Scan. Gastroduodenoscopy can demonstrate the fistulous communication or direct invasion and it can also be helpful in obtaining a histological diagnosis. Surgical treatment includes Right Radical hemicolectomy combined with Pancreatico duodenectomy in operable patients and Intestinal bypass for inoperable ones. Right Radical hemicolectomy combined with wedge excision of Duodenum is a suitable alternative in select cases. We report an unusual case of locally advanced carcinoma hepatic flexure of colon with direct invasion of duodenum. Extended right radical hemicolectomy with wedge excision of second part of duodenum was done as an alternative to combined radical hemicolectomy with Pancreatico duodenectomy.

Spontaneous duodenal fistulization of pseudocyst of pancreas: A rare entity in children

The spontaneous resolution of pseudopancreatic cyst due to internal fistulization into the duodenum in a 4-year-old male child is described here. This is rare and the child presented initially with features of duodenal obstruction. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and computed tomography scan confirmed the diagnosis and the unusual mode of resolution of this entity.

Malignant colo-duodenal fistula; case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Colo-duodenal fistula is a rare complication of malignant and inflammatory bowel disease. Cases with malignant colo-duodenal fistulae can present with symptoms from the primary, from the fistula or from metastatic disease. The fistula often results in diarrhoea and vomiting with dramatic weight loss. Upper abdominal pain is usually present as is general malaise both from the presence of the disease and from the metabolic sequelae it causes. The diarrhoea relates to colonic bacterial contamination of the upper intestines rather than to a pure mechanical effect. Vomiting may be faeculant or truly faecal and eructation foul smelling but in the case reports this 'classic' symptomatology was often absent despite a fistula being present and patent enough to allow barium through it. Occasionally patients will present with a gastro-intestinal bleed.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present an unusual case of colorectal carcinoma, where a 65 year old male patient presented with diarrhoea and vomiting secondary to a malignant colo-duodenal fistula near the hepatic flexure. Adenocarcinoma was confirmed on histology from a biopsy obtained during the patient's oesophageogastroduodenoscopy, and the fistula was demonstrated in his barium enema. Staging computed tomography showed a locally advanced carcinoma of the proximal transverse colon, with a fistula to the duodenum and regional lymphadenopathy. The patient was also found to have subcutaneous metastasis. Following discussions at the multidisciplinary meeting, this patient was referred for palliation, and died within 4 months after discharge from hospital.

CONCLUSION

We present the case, discuss the management and review the literature. Colo-duodenal fistulae from colonic primaries are rare but early diagnosis may allow curative surgery. This case emphasises the importance of accurate staging and repeated clinical examination.

Endoscopic sealing of pancreatic fistula by using N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate

BACKGROUND

The treatment of pancreatic fistula can be difficult. A novel endoscopic approach to sealing pancreatic fistulas by using N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate is described.

METHODS

Twelve patients with pancreatic fistulas underwent endoscopic injection of N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate into the fistulous tract, in addition to endoscopic drainage.

RESULTS

Fistulas were closed successfully in 8 of 12 patients. A single treatment session was successful in 7 patients; a second session was required in one patient. In two patients, closure was temporary, and, in one patient, the treatment failed. One patient died 24 hours after treatment. He developed a pulmonary thromboembolism from a left popliteal vein thrombosis and died from complications of surgical thromboembolectomy. At autopsy, a pulmonary embolus was found, but there was no evidence of N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate in the lungs. No procedure-related complication occurred over a median follow-up of 20.7 months (range 9-51 months).

CONCLUSIONS

In this preliminary study, occlusion of pancreatic fistulas by using N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate glue was safe and effective, and obviated the need for surgery in a substantial proportion of patients. Further studies of the use of N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate for closure of pancreatic fistula are warranted.