Direct MRI fistulography with hydrogen peroxide in patients with recurrent perianal fistulas: a new proposal of extended diagnostics

Hydrogen peroxide-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging: A novel approach for diagnosing anorectal-fistula

In this editorial, a commentary on the article by Chang et al has been provided, the course of treatment of anorectal fistulas, especially complex and recurring ones, require accurate diagnostic procedures for determining ideal surgical procedures. Conventional ways of imaging sometimes fall short, offering insufficient insights in aggravated instances. In this editorial, a novel application of hydrogen peroxide-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (HP-MRI) that promises significant improvements in the imaging of anorectal fistula. Study is based on a retrospective investigation of 60 patients, contrasts the new HP-MRI with conventional diagnostic techniques such as physical examination, trans-perineal ultrasonography and poor spatial resolution MRI. The findings demonstrate HP-MRI's incredible diagnostic performance, with sensitivity and specificity rates of 96.08% and 90.91%, respectively, and unparalleled interobserver agreement (Kappa values ranging from 0.80 to 0.89). It has been a significant advancement for assessment of anorectal fistulas providing a better roadmap for surgical planning, lowering recurrence rates as well as reduced personal and financial burden on patients by reducing the need for repeated treatment and extended hospital stays. The remaining funds can be utilized for treatment of other medical need. Ultimately HP-MRI provides us a healthier & more efficient society by improvising patients well-being & optimized healthcare infrastructure.

Hydrogen peroxide-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging: A novel approach for diagnosing anorectal-fistula

In this editorial, a commentary on the article by Chang et al has been provided, the course of treatment of anorectal fistulas, especially complex and recurring ones, require accurate diagnostic procedures for determining ideal surgical procedures. Conventional ways of imaging sometimes fall short, offering insufficient insights in aggravated instances. In this editorial, a novel application of hydrogen peroxide-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (HP-MRI) that promises significant improvements in the imaging of anorectal fistula. Study is based on a retrospective investigation of 60 patients, contrasts the new HP-MRI with conventional diagnostic techniques such as physical examination, trans-perineal ultrasonography and poor spatial resolution MRI. The findings demonstrate HP-MRI's incredible diagnostic performance, with sensitivity and specificity rates of 96.08% and 90.91%, respectively, and unparalleled interobserver agreement (Kappa values ranging from 0.80 to 0.89). It has been a significant advancement for assessment of anorectal fistulas providing a better roadmap for surgical planning, lowering recurrence rates as well as reduced personal and financial burden on patients by reducing the need for repeated treatment and extended hospital stays. The remaining funds can be utilized for treatment of other medical need. Ultimately HP-MRI provides us a healthier & more efficient society by improvising patients well-being & optimized healthcare infrastructure.

High-resolution direct magnetic resonance imaging fistulography with hydrogen peroxide for diagnosing anorectal fistula: A preliminary retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Fistula-in-ano is an abnormal tunnel formation linking the anal canal with the perineum and perianal skin. Multiple imagining methods are available to evaluate it, among which magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most advanced noninvasive preoperative method. However, it is limited in its visualization function.

AIM

To investigate the use of intraluminal MRI for perianal fistulas via a novel direct MRI fistulography method.

METHODS

We mixed 3% hydrogen peroxide (HP) with gadolinium for HPMRI fistulography, retrospectively analyzing 60 cases of complex/recurrent fistula-in-ano using physical examination, trans-perineal ultrasonography (TPUS), low-spatial-resolution MRI, and high-resolution direct HPMRI fistulography. We assessed detection rates of fistula tracks, internal openings, their relationship with anal sphincters, and perianal abscesses using statistical analyses, including interobserver agreement (Kappa statistic), and compared results with intraoperative findings.

RESULTS

Surgical confirmation in 60 cases showed that high-resolution direct HPMRI fistulography provided superior detection rates for internal openings (153) and fistula tracks (162) compared to physical exams, TPUS, and low-spatial-resolution MRI (Z > 5.7, P < 0.05). The effectiveness of physical examination and TPUS was also inferior to that of our method for detecting perianal abscesses (54) (Z = 6.773, 3.694, P < 0.05), whereas that of low-spatial-resolution MRI was not significantly different (Z = 1.851, P = 0.06). High-resolution direct HPMRI fistulography also achieved the highest interobserver agreement (Kappa: 0.89, 0.85, and 0.80), while low-spatial-resolution MRI showed moderate agreement (Kappa: 0.78, 0.74, and 0.69). TPUS and physical examination had lower agreement (Kappa range: 0.33-0.63).

CONCLUSION

High-resolution direct HPMRI fistulography enhances the visualization of recurrent and complex fistula-in-ano, including branched fistulas, allowing for precise planning and improved surgical outcomes.

Comparison of contrast-enhanced fat-suppressed T1-3D-VIBE and T1-TSE MRI in evaluating anal fistula

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the accuracy of contrast-enhanced (CE) fat-suppressed three-dimensional (3D) T1-weighted imaging with volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination (FS-T1-3D-VIBE) and fat-suppressed T1-weighted turbo spin echo (FS-T1-TSE) sequence in characteristics of anal fistula.

METHODS

One hundred and two patients underwent perianal CE-MRI examination on a 3T scanner including FS-T1-3D-VIBE and FS-T1-TSE sequences before surgery. The performance of each sequence was evaluated in terms of fistula classification, clarity of internal opening, number and position of internal openings including the distance between internal opening and anal verge, presence of secondary tracts and blind-ending sinus tracts. MRI findings were compared with surgical findings. Signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) of fistula, gluteus maximus, and subcutaneous fat were compared between CE FS-T1-TSE and CE FS-T1-3D-VIBE.

RESULTS

Compared with CE FS-T1-TSE, CE FS-T1-3D-VIBE displayed more accurate in secondary tract, lithotomy position of the internal opening and the distance between internal opening and anal verge (P < 0.05). CE FS-T1-3D-VIBE was found superior to CE FS-T1-TSE in the clarity of the internal openings and in the diagnostic accuracy of blind-ending sinus tracts and complex fistulas in Standard Practice Task Force classification (P < 0.05). CE FS-T1-3D-VIBE achieved higher SNRs and CNRs in fistula and gluteus maximus than CE FS-T1-TSE (P ≤ 0.001).

CONCLUSION

CE-MRI of FS-T1-3D-VIBE might be a more valuable noninvasive technique than FS-T1-TSE to evaluate the anal fistula on evaluating the lithotomy position of internal opening, distance between internal opening and anal verge, clarity of internal opening, secondary tract, blind-ending sinus tract and classification of the complex fistula. The trial registration number for this prospective trial was Chi-TR1800020206 and the trial registration date was December 20, 2018.

Perianal fistula imaging: a comparison between two-channel superficial Flex coil and eight-channel body coil

Purpose

Perianal fistula is an important health problem with devastating morbidity. For diagnosis and prevention of recurrence, perianal fistula imaging (PFI) is crucial. The aim of this study was to investigate if a Flex-M superficial coil images would provide more information than images obtained with a phased-array body coil in PFI.

Material and methods

Thirty-one fistulas of 29 patients were prospectively evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging. A phased-array body coil was used in all patients as in routine practice, and sequences with Flex-M coil were also obtained. Afterwards, images were evaluated by two experienced radiologists who were blinded to the patients, coil and also to each other. The site of internal and external openings, and presence or absence of abscess and secondary tracts were recorded.

Results

The conspicuity of images was better with the Flex-M coil. Both radiologists saw more internal openings with the Flex-M coil. Cohen’s κ value was 0.100 (p = 0.201) for Reader 1 and 0.110 (p = 0.361) for Reader 2 between these two coils. Additionally, numerically more internal/external openings and secondary tracts were seen by both readers. Interobserver variability was not statistically significant, and Cohen’s κ values signifyied good concordance between readers.

Conclusions

In our study we showed that multichannel superficial phased-array coils improved imaging quality in PFI. We think that Flex-M coil can easily be used in routine clinical practice to gather better images of perianal fistulas.

Video-Assisted Anal Fistula Treatment (VAAFT) for Complex Anal Fistula: A Preliminary Evaluation in China

BACKGROUND Although many attempts have been made to advance the treatment of complex anal fistula, it continues to be a difficult surgical problem. This study aimed to describe the novel technique of video-assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT) and our preliminary experiences using VAAFT with patients with complex anal fistula. MATERIAL AND METHODS From May 2015 to May 2016, 52 patients with complex anal fistula were treated with VAAFT at Yangpu Hospital of Tongji University School of Medicine, and the clinical data of these patients were reviewed. RESULTS VAAFT was performed successfully in all 52 patients. The median operation time was 55 minutes. Internal openings were identified in all cases. 50 cases were closed with sutures, and 2 were closed with staplers. Complications included perianal sepsis in 3 cases and bleeding in another 3 cases. Complete healing without recurrence was achieved in 44 patients (84.6%) after 9 months of follow-up. No fecal incontinence was observed. Furthermore, a significant improvement in Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) score was observed from preoperative baseline (mean, 85.5) to 3-month follow-up (mean, 105.4; p<0.001), and this increase was maintained at 9-months follow-up (mean, 109.6; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS VAAFT is a safe and minimally invasive technique for treating complex anal fistula with preservation of anal sphincter function.