Recognizing the Ultrasound Patterns of Mesenteric Panniculitis

ABSTRACT

Mesenteric panniculitis (MP) is a rare, benign, and nonspecific chronic fibrosing inflammation of the mesenteric adipose tissue. Abdominal pain is the most frequent presentation.The objective was to recognize ultrasound (US) features in MP. A retrospective 9-year review of computed tomography- (CT) or US-diagnosed cases of MP recorded in the radiology department was performed. The inclusion criteria included an US recorded in PACS imaging data base within 10 days before CT, to compare and evaluate the correlation of MP diagnosis.The prevalence of MP on CT was 2.8%. The 120 selected patients had an abdominal US 10 days before CT. Male-to-female ratio was 4:1. Fifty-three percent of MP was suggested by US. The US finding was increased volume with fatty mass in the mesentery root (98%). The fatty mesenteric mass had oval shape or convex anterior border in 94%, central abdominal location in 91%, and focal mesenteric increased echogenicity in 95%. Lateral bowel loop displacement was observed in 59%. Detection of lymph nodes was less frequent (55%).In conclusion, MP is an entity to be considered in the differential diagnosis of abdominal pain. Knowledge and recognition of the US findings of MP and central abdominal compression may improve detection during the abdominal US examination.

[Chilean consensus on diagnosis and management of pancreatic cystic neoplasms]

Pancreatic cystic neoplasms (PCN) are frequently detected on abdominal images performed for non-pancreatic indications. Their prevalence in asymptomatic population ranges from 2.7 to 24.8%, and increases with age. There are several types of pancreatic cysts. Some may contain cancer or have malignant potential, such as mucinous cystic neoplasms, including mucinous cystadenoma (MCN) and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN). In contrast, others are benign, such as serous cystadenoma (SCA). However, even those cysts with malignant potential rarely progress to cancer. Currently, the only treatment for pancreatic cysts is surgery, which is associated with high morbidity and occasional mortality. The Board of the Chilean Pancreas Club of the Chilean Gastroenterology Society developed the first Chilean multidisciplinary consensus for diagnosis, management, and surveillance of PCN. Thirty experts were invited and answered 21 statements with five possible alternatives: 1) fully agree; 2) partially agree; 3) undecided; 4) disagree and 5) strongly disagree. A consensus was adopted when at least 80% of the sum of the answers "fully agree" and "partially agree" was reached. The consensus was approved by the Board of Directors of the Chilean Pancreas Club for publication.

[Small bowel obstruction caused by lymph nodes of a neuroendocrine tumor. A clinical case report]

Small intestine neuroendocrine tumors (NET-SI) are relatively rare neoplasms. If encountered, the most common location is the ileum. Symptoms are usually non-specific, delaying the tumors diagnosis. NET-SI are often small in size and can be challenging to recognize on imaging studies. However, they have a tendency to induce a pronounced fibrotic reaction in the mesentery, often accompanied by large calcified mesenteric adenopathies. In some cases, the fibrotic reaction can produce rare complications, such as intestinal obstruction or vascular congestion with occasional secondary ischemia. This case report presents a 79-year-old male with a partial small bowel obstruction caused by a fibrotic reaction and mesenteric adenopathies of a well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor of the ileum. The patient also presented multiple peritoneal metastases at diagnosis. Characteristic imaging findings of the tumor, allowed an accurate and early diagnosis. Once the acute episode was resolved, the diagnosis was confirmed with an image guided biopsy.

Solid bifocal pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas: A case report

INTRODUCTION

This neoplasm of the pancreas is an uncommon entity, with a frequency of 0.3-2.7% of all pancreatic tumors and even more so the finding of a synchronous lesion of the same histological lineage. For this reason, we report the atypical presentation of a SPNPs through a clinical case, review of the literature and a classification proposal, from the quantitative point of view.

CASE PRESENTATION

21-year-old patient, with incidental finding of two pancreatic tumors. Surgery included a pyloric preserving pancreatoduodenectomy with pancreatojejunostomy, distal pancreatectomy and central pancreas was preserved. The patient presents low output pancreatic fistula and nosocomial infection, treated with antibiotic therapy, being discharged 29 days after the intervention. Pathological and immunohistochemical analysis consistent with two SPNP.

DISCUSSION

Its diagnosis is confirmed with the histological study and two synchronic SPNP are a rare entity and for this, or multiple lesions, an attempt should be made of a conservative resection of the parenchyma to minimize pancreatic insufficiency in a frequently young population, and always look for R0 resection, due to its uncertain behavior.

CONCLUSION

Bifocal SPNP is rare and for this it is utility classify this entity -from the quantitative point of view- into unifocal, bifocal and multifocal for future medical research.

Understanding malignant transformation of endometriosis: imaging features with pathologic correlation

PURPOSE

Transformation of benign endometriosis to endometriosis-associated ovarian carcinoma (EAOC) is rare; however, women with endometriosis are four times more likely to develop EAOC which can present 20 years earlier than de novo ovarian cancer. Presenting symptoms are often vague and the radiologist's role in recognizing EAOC is critical for early detection and treatment. Histopathologic evaluation remains the mainstay for definitive diagnosis.

METHODS

Using a case-based approach, this article will review the sonographic, CT, and MRI features of EAOC with an emphasis on MRI. Histopathologic correlation of benign and malignant endometriosis will be reviewed.

RESULTS

Multiple factors contribute to the malignant transformation of endometriosis including genetic alterations, hormonal influences, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Malignancy most often occurs in ovarian endometriomas with less common sites involving the rectovaginal septum, rectosigmoid colon, and abdominal wall scars. The most common pathologic subtypes are endometrioid adenocarcinoma and clear cell carcinoma. MRI is the most specific imaging modality for evaluating EAOC. Key MR features include solid enhancing nodules (accentuated by subtraction imaging), nodular septations, loss of T2 shading within the endometrioma, and diffusion restriction.

CONCLUSIONS

EAOC is a distinct disease that affects women with benign endometriosis at younger ages than classic ovarian cancer. Understanding the imaging features of malignant transformation of endometriosis is essential for early diagnosis and timely definitive treatment.

[Reversed halo sign as an unusual manifestation of cryptogenic organized pneumonia. Report of one case]

We report a 64 years old female admitted with fever, cough, dyspnea and lung opacities in the chest X ray. A chest tomography scan (CTS) showed multiple-bilateral ring-shaped opacities and the reversed halo sign (RHS). The patient did not improve with antimicrobial therapy (AT). Infection and rheumatologic causes were excluded, therefore Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP) was suspected with compatible percutaneous biopsy. Systemic steroids were started with a good clinical response. The patient was discharged four weeks after admission in good general conditions and practically no lungs opacities.

[Spontaneous dissection of visceral arteries. A series of cases]

BACKGROUND

Spontaneous dissections of visceral arteries are rare and usually secondary to other disease. There is paucity of information about their natural course.

AIM

To describe the imaging, clinical characteristics and follow-up of spontaneous visceral artery dissections diagnosed at our institution.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We report a series of 14 patients in whom a spontaneous dissection of a visceral artery was diagnosed on abdominal angio-CT between 2010 and 2018. Clinical features and evolution were recorded.

RESULTS

Isolated lesions of the celiac axis were the most common finding. Multiple territories were involved in 14% of cases. A dissection flap was observed in four cases, a hematoma-dissection complex in seven and an aneurysmal dilatation associated with the dissection in three. Of the 10 patients who were followed at our institution, 90% had stabilization or partial regression of the imaging findings. In the remaining case, new dissection events were observed. All cases were managed conservatively, and no death was reported.

CONCLUSIONS

In this series of patients, spontaneous dissection of visceral arteries had a benign, favorable course, requiring only conservative management.

[Gastric intramural pseudocyst in a heterotopic pancreas causing gastric outlet obstruction. Report of one case]

Heterotopic pancreas is a silent gastrointestinal malformation that may become clinically evident when complicated by inflammation and pseudocyst formation. We report a 26 year-old male presenting with vomiting, pain and abdominal distention. An abdominal CT scan showed an important gastric distention secondary to a 4-cm cystic lesion located in the antrum wall. An endosonography showed that the lesion obstructed the gastric outlet and was compatible with a pseudocyst. A cysto-gastrostomy was performed draining the cyst. Its high lipase and amylase content confirmed that it was a pancreatic pseudocyst. Six months later, the lesion appeared again and a subtotal gastrectomy was performed Histopathology confirmed ectopic pancreatic tissue.

Computed tomography imaging of complications of acute cholecystitis

Acute cholecystitis (AC) is a frequent complication of biliary cholelithiasis. Although ultrasound is the first diagnostic imaging procedure, frequently the initial imaging modality is computed tomography (CT). Therefore, familiarization of CT findings in AC and potential related complications are extremely important. This pictorial essay reviews a broad spectrum of complications related to AC and its key findings in CT.

Multiple synchronous adenocarcinomas of the small bowel in a young patient: A case report

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This case report represents one of the youngest patients ever presented with this condition without any risk factors, and her follow up for three years.

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Multiple adenocarcinomas of the small bowel is an extremely rare disease with no standardized treatment.

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Its clinical presentation can vary from abdominal pain, mass, obstruction and bleeding, requiring a high index of suspicion.

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Its treatment is predominantly surgical and adjuvant therapies are now being studied in randomized controlled studies.

Introduction

Adenocarcinoma of the small bowel is a rare neoplasm presented usually in elder patients as a single tumor. Its presentation as multiple tumors and in young patients is exceptional and there aren't any guidelines to orient its therapy.

Presentation of case

We present the rare case of a sixteen-year-old woman that presents to the emergency department with an intussusception due to a small bowel tumor. The resected specimen showed multiple adenocarcinomas. A complete endoscopic and PET-CT study showed other 5 lesions from the duodenum to the ileum that were resected. Genetic counseling showed no pathogenic changes. The final staging was T2N0M0 and only surveillance was indicated. The patient is now 3 years without any recurrence.

Discussion

Multiple adenocarcinomas of the small bowel are a very infrequent presentation of the disease. Most common risk factors include Crohn disease and adenomas. Its presentation is usually vague with a delay in its diagnosis. The treatment remains mainly surgical with limited use of adjuvant therapy. The most important prognostic factor is lymph node involvement with 5-year survival that can range from 3%-60% depending on the stage.

Conclusion

This case represents an exceptional presentation of a very rare pathology with few cases described in the literature. There isn’t one single best study to stage the patient and surgery is still the standard of treatment while adjuvant therapies studies are being conducted. The young age and lack of predisposing factors or mutations leaves an open field for investigation.

[Bartonella henselae infection, the importance of images for diagnosis and follow-up]

Bartonella henselae infection is a frequent zoonosis from the domestic cat. It is presented with regional lymphadenitis in the majority of cases. Searching and characterization of lymph nodes by diagnostic imaging can be useful in the differential diagnosis approach, with a clear advantage, because it is a noninvasive method. Currently, new diagnostic imaging techniques improves the quality of screening and characterization of adenopathies, such is the case of PET/CT, which allows a better evaluation of hypermetabolic lymph nodes, without considering the individual growth of each lymph node. In this article, three cases of cat scratch diseases serology and their respective imaging findings are reviewed.

CT findings of the main pathological conditions associated with horseshoe kidneys

Horseshoe kidney (HSK) is the most common renal fusion anomaly, with a prevalence of 0.25% among the general population. It consists of kidney fusion across the midline. HSK can be present as an isolated condition in 30%, but there is a wide variety of associated abnormalities. The most frequent include ureteropelvic obstruction, lithiasis and infections. There is also a higher risk of kidney lesions in trauma and an increased incidence of malignancies. Awareness of embryology and anatomy is essential to assess and understand the complications affecting HSK. CT is an excellent method for identification of its main findings.

Intrathoracic gossypiboma presenting 52 years later as a chest mass

We describe the rare case of a 71-year-old man with a chest mass that was found to be an intrathoracic gossypiboma left 52 years earlier during an emergency lung bilobectomy. This mass was complicated by extension across the chest wall. There are no reports in the literature of a patient carrying a thoracic gossypiboma for such a long period of time, let alone with extension across the chest wall.

[Obstructive jaundice in prostate neoplasm. Case report]

We report a 58 years old male, presenting with malaise, weight loss and jaundice. An abdominal ultrasound showed multiple lymphadenopathies in the hepatic bilus and around the pancreas. Fine needle aspiration of these nodes demonstrated an undifferentiated carcinoma. Prostate specific antigen was over 100 ng/ml and a prostate biopsy demonstrated a high grade carcinoma. The patient was subjected to an orchiectomy and hormone therapy (flutamide). Jaundice subsided and he is well after 3 years of follow up and maintained hormone therapy.