Clinico-pathological predictors of clinical complete response in rectal cancer

PURPOSE

Prediction of clinical complete response in rectal cancer before neoadjuvant chemo-radiotherapy treatment enables treatment selection. Patients predicted to have complete response could have chemo-radiotherapy, and others could have additional doublet chemotherapy at this stage of their treatment to improve their overall outcome. This work investigates the role of clinical variables in predicting clinical complete response.

METHOD

Using the UK-based OnCoRe database (2008 to 2019), we performed a propensity-score matched study of 322 patients who received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. We collected pre-treatment clinic-pathological, inflammatory and radiotherapy-related characteristics. We determined the odds for the occurrence of cCR using conditional logistic regression models. We derived the post-model Area under the Curve (AUC) as an indicator of discrimination performance and stated a priori that an AUC of 0.75 or greater was required for potential clinical utility.

RESULTS

Pre-treatment tumour diameter, mrT-stage, haemoglobin, alkaline phosphate and total radiotherapy depths were associated with cCR on univariable and multivariable analysis. Additionally, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), neutrophil-monocyte to lymphocyte ratio (NMLR), lymphocyte count and albumin were all significantly associated with cCR on multivariable analysis. A nomogram using the above parameters was developed with a resulting ROC AUC of 0.75.

CONCLUSION

We identified routine clinic-pathological, inflammatory and radiotherapy-related variables which are independently associated with cCR. A nomogram was developed to predict cCR. The performance characteristics from this model were on the prior clinical utility threshold. Additional research is required to develop more associated variables to better select patients with rectal cancer undergoing chemoradiotherapy who may benefit from pursuing a W&W strategy.

Variability of contrast enhancement of pancreas on computed tomography in patients with acute pancreatitis and isolated extrapancreatic necrosis

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM

To evaluate the variability in the enhancement of pancreas on computed tomography (CT) in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) and isolated extrapancreatic necrosis (EPN) and to investigate whether it affects the extrapancreatic findings and patient outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This retrospective study comprised of consecutive patients with isolated EPN evaluated between April 2017 and April 2019. A radiologist measured the pancreatic attenuation values (PAV) of head, body, and tail on a contrast enhanced CT. Using a cut-off PAV of 100HU, patients were divided into two groups. The extrapancreatic CT findings and outcome parameters were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Thirty patients (mean age, 42.13 years, 17 males) with isolated EPN were evaluated. The mean PAV in the head, body, and tail was 83.13 HU (range, 59-161), 84.17 HU (range, 60-160), and 82.23 HU (range, 53-137). The overall mean PAV was 83.12 HU (range, 58-152). There were six patients with overall mean PAV≥100 HU. The group with PAV≥100 HU had a higher number of patients with infected necrosis (66.6% vs. 14.2%, P=0.018). PAV had a significant association with length of hospitalization (P=0.045).

CONCLUSION

There is significant variability in the pancreatic enhancement on CT among patients with AP and isolated EPN. Patients with PAV≥100 HU had a significantly longer hospital stay. This, however, may be related to a greater number of patients with infected necrosis in this group.

Role of computed tomography in prediction of gastrointestinal fistula in patients with acute pancreatitis

AIM

To identify computed tomography (CT) features that predict gastrointestinal fistula (GIF) in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP).

METHODS

This retrospective study comprised consecutive patients with AP and GIF from June 2017 to June 2018. The diagnosis of GIF was based on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, colonoscopy or surgery. A cohort of 19 matched patients from a prospective database of AP served as control group. Measures of severity, and clinical outcome were evaluated. CT parameters were compared between the groups to assess the features that could predict the development of GIF.

RESULTS

There was no difference between the two groups in terms of disease etiology, severity, drainage, and mortality. On univariate analysis, the CT features that were found to be significantly different between the two groups were the presence of bowel wall thickening (P=0.005), maximum thickness of the bowel wall (P=0.007), presence of air foci in extra pancreatic necrosis/ collection (P=0.013), discontinuity of the bowel wall (P=0.046) and the displacement/ compression of bowel by fluid collection (P=0.014). On multivariate analysis, all the above-mentioned CT findings except discontinuity of bowel wall were found to be statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

CT is helpful in predicting GIF in patients with AP.

Perforations and fistulae in gastrointestinal tuberculosis

Background: Perforation and fistulae, though uncommon, are serious complications of gastrointestinal tuberculosis. Patients with acute tuberculous perforation are subjected to surgery, whereas localized perforation and fistulae with subtle clinical signs are detected by barium contrast examination. There has been no report on radiological series regarding the incidence of perforation and fistulae, detected by barium contrast studies.

Material and Methods: A retrospective analysis of barium contrast studies of 684 proven cases of gastrointestinal tuberculosis seen over a period of 15 years was done to detect the incidence of perforation and fistulae.

Results: Fifty-two patients (7.6%) with localized perforation and fistulae were seen. Twenty-eight patients had evidence of perforation, and 24 patients showed fistulae formation. The most common site of perforation and fistulae was the small bowel followed by the colon. Associated abnormalities noted were ulcerations, strictures, nodular filling defects and extrinsic compression.

Conclusion: Perforation and fistulae along with other associated abnormalities of the gastrointestinal tract are suggestive of tuberculosis, particularly in a population predisposed to tuberculous infection.

Imaging of esophageal tuberculosis: A review of 23 cases

Purpose: To evaluate the various radiological abnormalities in patients with proven esophageal tuberculosis.

Material and Methods: The case records of 23 patients with proven esophageal tuberculosis were evaluated retrospectively for various radiological abnormalities. Twenty-two patients had secondary involvement of esophagus in the form of direct extension of mediastinal and pulmonary tuberculosis or spinal tuberculosis. Only 1 patient had primary involvement of the esophagus with no evidence of disease elsewhere. The diagnosis was confirmed by endoscopic and CT-guided biopsy/aspiration cytology in 7 and 6 cases, respectively. Diagnosis was made on the basis of surgical biopsy of lymph node and autopsy in 1 patient each. In the remaining 8 patients the diagnosis was based on radiological and endoscopic findings and the response to antituberculous treatment.

Results: Chest radiography (CXR) was abnormal in 65% patients. While the findings were non-conclusive for esophageal tuberculosis, characteristic lesions of tuberculosis in lungs or spine were suggestive of tuberculous etiology. In 15 patients, CT of the chest confirmed the corresponding CXR findings and also showed additional findings of mediastinal lymphadenopathy when CXR was normal. Fourteen patients showed mediastinal lymphadenopathy on CT of the chest. In all these patients, more than one group of lymph nodes was involved. The characteristic hypodense center of lymph nodes suggestive of tuberculosis was seen in 12 patients. Radiological abnormalities seen in barium swallow examination were extrinsic compression, traction diverticula, strictures, sinus/fistulous tracts, kinking and pseudotumor mass of esophagus in decreasing order of frequency. The middle third of the esophagus was found to be the most frequent site of involvement.

Spectrum of imaging findings on MDCT enterography in patients with small bowel tuberculosis

Abdominal tuberculosis (TB) is the sixth most common extrapulmonary site of involvement. The sites of involvement in abdominal tuberculosis, in descending order of frequency, are lymph nodes, genitourinary tract, peritoneal cavity, and gastrointestinal tract. The radiological armamentarium for evaluating tuberculosis of the small bowel (SBTB) includes barium studies (small bowel follow-through, SBFT), CT (multidetector CT, CT enterography, and CT enteroclysis), ultrasound (sonoenteroclysis), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; enterography and enteroclysis). In this review, we illustrate the abnormalities at MDCT enterography in 20 consecutive patients with SB TB and also describe extraluminal findings in these patients. MDCT enterography allows non-invasive good-quality assessment of well-distended bowel loops and the adjacent soft tissues. It displays the thickness and enhancement of the entire bowel wall in all three planes and allows examination of all bowel loops, especially the ileal loops, which are mostly superimposed. The terminal ileum and ileocaecal junction are the most common sites of small bowel involvement in intestinal TB. The most common abnormality is short-segment strictures with symmetrical concentric mural thickening and homogeneous mural enhancement. Other findings include lymphadenopathy, ascites, enteroliths, peritoneal thickening, and enhancement. In conclusion, MDCT enterography is a comprehensive technique for the evaluation of SB TB.

Patterns of recurrence of gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST) following complete resection: implications for follow-up

AIM

To determine the frequency, time course and sites of recurrence following surgical resection of gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) and to evaluate the performance of a risk-based surveillance protocol in detection of recurrence.

METHODS

Eighty-one patients on surveillance following complete resection of GIST were included. Patients were stratified into risk groups according to accepted histopathological criteria. Computed tomography (CT) examinations were retrospectively reviewed to determine rates, sites and imaging characteristics of recurrence and to assess compliance with the local follow-up protocol.

RESULTS

The median time of follow-up was 41 months. Nineteen patients suffered recurrence, all of whom were in the high-risk group. Fifty-eight percent of relapses occurred within 1 year and 84% within 3 years. Even within the high-risk group, patients with relapse had significantly larger (mean 15 versus 10.4 cm, p < 0.05) and more mitotically active primary tumours (mean 33.7 versus 5.6 mitoses per 50 high-power fields; p < 0.05) than those with no relapse. Relapse was to the liver in 12 cases (63%) and to the omentum and mesentery in nine cases (47%), and was asymptomatic in three-quarters of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The high incidence of GIST recurrence in the high-risk group in the first 3 years after surgery supports the use of intensive imaging surveillance in this period. Relapse is often asymptomatic and commonly occurs to the liver, omentum and mesentery. Stratification by tumour factors may enable improved tailoring of surveillance protocols within the high-risk group in the future.

High prevalence of human papillomavirus in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a study in paired samples

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the common cancers with a poor prognosis. Incidences of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection range from 0 to 67% in different parts of the world. It has been frequently associated with high-risk HPV genotypes 16 and 18. The present study analyzes the prevalence of HPV infection in ESCC tumor and adjoining mucosa. Fresh tissue samples were obtained from ESCC tumor (group I) and adjoining mucosa (group II). Aliquots of DNA extracts were used. There were 23 patients with paired samples, 19 (83%) were male. HPV was positive in 20/23 (87%). Mean age of HPV positive in group I was 56.63 ± 6.96 and in group II 54.31 ± 7.13 years (P > 0.05). Majority had more than one viral type. HPV52 was the most common observed in 14 (61%) males and two (9%) females. Other common viruses were HPV55, 39, and 59. Smoking had a significant association with viral positivity. p63 and p16 oncoproteins correlated with degree of tumor differentiation but not with viral status. We documented high prevalence of high-risk HPV in ESCC. Our observations support the concept of persistent infection by an oncogenic HPV in cancer development. Our study highlights importance of documenting viral genotype in a defined geographic area.

Effect of biotherapeutics on antitoxin IgG in experimentally induced Clostridium difficile infection

PURPOSE

Recurrent diarrhoea after successful treatment of primary Clostridium difficile associated disease (CDAD) occurs due to bowel flora alterations and failure to mount an effective antibody response. Apart from antibiotics, risk factors include immunosuppressive and acid-suppressive drug administration. Biotherapeutics such as probiotic and epidermal growth factor (EGF) may offer potential effective therapy for CDAD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The effect of biotherapeutics in mounting an antibody response against C. difficile toxins was studied in BALB/c mice challenged with C. difficile after pre-treatment with ampicillin, lansoprazole or cyclosporin. Sera from sacrificed animals were estimated for antitoxin IgG by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

Antitoxin IgG was significantly higher (P<0.05) in C. difficile challenged groups compared to unchallenged controls, but insignificant (P>0.05) in animals in which C. difficile was given after pre-treatment with cyclosporin compared to those without any pre-treatment, or pre-treatment with antibiotic or lansoprazole. In inter-subgroup comparisons also significant anomaly in production of antitoxin IgG was found. The antitoxin IgG levels were raised in animals administered C. difficile after pre-treatment with ampicillin, but lower in animals administered cyclosporin. High levels of antitoxin IgG were also found in the serum samples of animals receiving lansoprazole and C. difficile.

CONCLUSIONS

Probiotics showed their beneficial effect by boosting the immune response as seen by production of antitoxin IgG. Oral administration of EGF did not affect the immune response to C. difficile toxins as significant increase was not observed in the serum antitoxin IgG levels in any of the groups investigated.

Colonic neoplasia in acromegaly: increased proliferation or deceased apoptosis?

Patients with acromegaly have higher prevalence of colorectal neoplasms. The pathogenetic mechanism is still unclear and may be related to sustained increase in serum GH-IGF1. We aimed to evaluate the proliferative and apoptotic markers in samples of colonic mucosa obtained during screening colonoscopic biopsy from patients with acromegaly and study their relationship to serum IGF-1 and GH levels. The study subjects included 32 patients with acromegaly (4 female), 10 healthy controls (irritable bowel syndrome) and 10 positive controls (non-acromegalic colonic adenocarcinoma). Patients with acromegaly were divided into two groups, active disease (AD) and disease in remission (AR). Two biopsies each were obtained during colonoscopy from the right colon, transverse colon and rectosigmoid region. All the polyps were biopsied and subjected to histopathological examination. Immunohistochemistry for proliferation marker (Ki-67) and apoptotic markers (caspase-3 and TdT-Mediated dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) was carried out in the histopathological samples. Indices of proliferation were significantly different in patients with acromegaly as compared to healthy controls. The mean Ki-67 positivity was 45.1 ± 17.7% in AD and 45.6 ± 23.1% in AR, as compared to 10 ± 5% in healthy controls. While none of the healthy controls had Ki-67 positivity beyond the lower third of crypts, among patients with acromegaly 12/32 (37.5%) had mid-third positivity (P = 0.000) and 15/32 (46.8%) had full length of crypt positively (P = 0.00). Immunostaining for caspase-3 was negative in patients with acromegaly and healthy controls. TUNEL was strongly positive in patients with colonic adenocarcinoma but not in healthy controls and patients with acromegaly. IGF-1 levels were higher in those with Ki-67 positivity in the superficial mucosa. Patients with acromegaly have increased proliferation of colonic epithelial cells. Elevated levels of serum IGF1 are associated with increase proliferation in the superficial crypt cells.

Benign gastric outlet obstruction--spectrum and management

Intrinsic or extrinsic obstruction of the pyloric channel or duodenum either by benign or malignant diseases leads to gastric outlet obstruction. With improvement in science and technology, the spectrum of gastric outlet obstruction has changed from peptic ulcer disease to corrosives and malignant diseases. Newer investigations like computerized tomography and endoscopy have supplemented the previous clinical tests like saline load test and barium series. Improvised treatment modalities like endoscopic balloon dilatation and endoscopic incision have circumvented the use of surgery which was the gold standard for management of gastric outlet obstruction. Newer modalities like biodegradable stents have an upcoming role in the management.

Role of FDG PET/CT in imaging of renal lesions

Focal incidental renal lesions are commonly encountered on positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) imaging. The vast majority of these lesions are benign. However, the interpretation of renal lesions can be problematic if the imaging criteria of simple cysts are not met. Limited literature exists on the characterisation of renal masses with metabolic imaging. The purpose of this article is to focus on the imaging features of benign and malignant renal masses with PET/CT. The lesions discussed include renal cyst, angiomyolipoma, oncocytoma, renal cell carcinoma, renal metastases and other infiltrating neoplastic processes affecting the kidney. Both the anatomical and metabolic features which characterise these benign and malignant entities are described. We emphasise the importance of viewing the CT component to identify the typical morphological features and discuss how to best use hybrid imaging for management of renal lesions. Metabolic imaging has a promising role in the imaging of renal lesions and can help prevent unnecessary biopsies and ensure optimal management of suspicious lesions.

Importance of CYP2C19 genetic polymorphism in the eradication of Helicobacter pylori in north Indians

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

Genetic polymorphism of CYP2C19 is known to occur with a frequency of 12 per cent in north Indian population. But no study correlated CYP2C19 genetic polymorphism with eradication of Helicobacter pylori in north Indian gastritis patients positive for H. pylori and hence this study.

METHODS

Ninety one consecutive patients positive for H. pylori fulfilling the study criteria were phenotyped and genotyped for CYP2C19. They were given 20 mg omeprazole (OPZ), 750 mg amoxicillin (AMC) and 500 mg tinidazole (TNZ) (bid) for 7 days followed by 20 mg OPZ (qd) for 21 days. Non eradicated extensive metabolizers (EMs) were retreated with 40 mg OPZ (bid) and 500 mg AMC (qid) for 14 days.

RESULTS

EMs and poor metabolizers (PMs) excreted 4.26 +/- 0.34 (95% CI 3.59-4.92) and 0.73 +/- 0.05 (95% CI 0.63-0.82) micromol 5-OH-OPZ in 8 h, respectively. After initial therapy, EMs demonstrated 37 per cent (95% CI: 24.5-49.5) and PMs 92 per cent (95% CI: 77-107) eradication of H. pylori. Non eradicated EMs after retreatment demonstrated 90 per cent (95% CI: 79-101) eradication.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated a direct correlation between CYP2C19 genetic polymorphism and H. pylori eradication in north Indian patients with gastritis. Knowing the CYP2C19 phenotype of a patient may help in prescribing optimum dose of proton pump inhibitor to achieve better therapeutic outcome.

Coexistent hepatic and pulmonary epitheloid hemangioendothelioma

Epitheloid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is a rare neoplasm of vascular origin known to arise in soft tissue, liver and lung. We describe a case of coexistent hepatic and pulmonary epitheloid hemangioendothelioma, proven on autopsy, and review the histological and radiological features of epitheloid hemangioendothelioma. The coexistence of hepatic with pulmonary EHE has been reported in only a few cases. Large confluent masses, peripheral location with capsular retraction, hypertrophy of uninvolved liver, invasion of portal and hepatic veins, enhancing margins and delayed enhancement and dense calcification are the typical features which provide a clue to diagnosis of hepatic EHE. In patients with both hepatic and pulmonary EHE it is difficult to say whether the tumor arose primarily in the lung or liver, or began simultaneously in both organs.

Orocecal transit time in patients in the chronic phase of corrosive injury

Accidental/suicidal ingestion of corrosive substances is common in North India. Decreased gastric secretion and delayed gastric emptying in the chronic phase of corrosive injury has been documented at our center. We hypothesize that patients in the chronic phase of corrosive injury may have delayed orocecal transit time (OCTT).

OBJECTIVE

To measure the orocecal transit time (using the noninvasive method of lactulose hydrogen breath test) in patients in the chronic phase of corrosive injury.

METHODS

Thirty patients with corrosive injury to their gastrointestinal tract with its sequelae and attending the gastroenterology services of PGIMER, Chandigarh for endoscopic dilatation of strictures were enrolled in this study. Patients with age >60 years, vagotomy, prior gastric surgery, peptic ulcer disease, systemic sclerosis, history of diabetes, hypothyroidism or intestinal pseudo-obstruction were excluded. Orocecal transit time was measured by using a 15 mL lactulose hydrogen breath test. End expiratory breath was taken every 10 min until there was a rise >10 ppm over the fasting value in two consecutive readings.

RESULTS

Thirty patients (11 females and 19 males) with a median age of 32 years, 27 with acid ingestion and 3 with alkali ingestion, were studied. None had symptoms of gastric outlet obstruction or gastroparesis. OCTT was significantly prolonged in the study group as compared to the control group (135.4 +/- 15.8 versus 90.6 +/- 10.4 min). No significant difference was observed between different age groups, gender, and type of caustic agent consumed. OCTT was maximally prolonged in patients with involvement of lower oesophagus, whereas patients without lower oesophagus involvement did not show significantly altered OCTT.

CONCLUSION

Our results show that patients with corrosive injury have prolonged OCTT even in the absence of any gastric symptoms. OCTT was prolonged maximally in patients with lower-third oesophageal cicatrization. This may a result of autovagotomy due to vagal entrapment in the cicatrization process involving the lower third of oesophagus.

Wandering spleen presenting as bleeding gastric varices

Ectopic spleen (splenoptosis) is an extremely rare condition in which the spleen is present in a nonanatomical position. Patients' symptomatology is variable and ranges from mere feeling of an abdominal lump to sudden abdominal pain due to infarction. Patient may have subacute to chronic abdominal or gastrointestinal complaints. Because of nonspecific symptoms, clinical diagnosis can be difficult; hence, imaging plays an important role. Presentation as a case of portal hypertension is extremely rare. We report a case of splenic torsion in a middle-aged woman who presented with hemetemesis from gastric varices secondary to chronic volvulus of an ectopic spleen. Preoperative diagnosis was made on the basis of ultrasonography, endoscopy, and computed tomography, which was later proved on surgery and treated successfully.

Genetic polymorphism of CYP2C19 & therapeutic response to proton pump inhibitors

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are extensively metabolized in the liver by CYP2C19, that demonstrates genetic polymorphism with 21 mutant alleles. The subjects can be divided into 2 groups with respect to CYP2C19 phenotypes viz., extensive metabolizers (EMs) and poor metabolizers (PMs) of PPIs. This division results in marked interindividual variations in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of PPIs in the population. Intragastric pH values and the plasma concentration of PPIs after oral ingestion were significantly lower in EMs namely normal homozygotes (CYP2C19*1/*1) and heterozygotes (CYP2C19*1/*X) compared to PMs namely mutant homozygotes (CYP2C19*X/*X) where 'X' represents the mutant allele. Hence, association has been found between the genetic polymorphism of CYP2C19 and therapeutic response to PPIs. CYP2C19 polymorphism affected eradication of Helicobacter pylori using diferent PPI based eradication therapies as PM patients demonstrated significantly higher eradication rates compared to EMs. CYP2C19 genetic polymorphism also affects the therapeutic outcome of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), reflux oesophagitis and duodenal ulcers. For optimal therapeutic response with PPIs, CYP2C19 pharmacogenetics should be taken into consideration. This shall help in the prescription of optimal doses of PPIs, thus paving the way for personalized medication.

Arterial contamination: a useful indirect sign of cerebral sino-venous thrombosis

BACKGROUND

Various imaging findings of cerebral sino-venous thrombosis (CSVT) have been described on magnetic resonance venography (MRV).

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the significance of visualization of the arterial system on cerebral MRV, also described as arterial contamination, as an indirect sign of CSVT.

METHODS

Forty patients with a clinical suspicion of venous sinus thrombosis underwent MR imaging of the brain, followed by MRV sequence, based on 2D time of flight technique in the coronal oblique plane. Patient's clinical symptoms and signs were noted with particular interest for papilloedema. Twenty-seven patients were diagnosed to have cerebral venous thrombosis on MRV, and of these, arterial contamination was visualized in 16 patients. In the remaining 13 cases, in which there was no evidence of venous sinus thrombosis, arterial contamination was absent. The sensitivity of this finding was 59.25% (n = 16/27), specificity was 100%, positive predictive value was 100% and negative predictive value was 54.2%. Of these 16 patients with arterial contamination, 12 patients had evidence of increased intracranial pressure in the form of papilloedema.

CONCLUSION

Visualization of the arterial system is a useful indirect sign of CSVT, and may be an indicator of increased intracranial pressure in these patients.

Amebic meningoencephalitis: spectrum of imaging findings

Primary amebic meningoencephalitis and granulomatous amebic meningoencephalitis are central nervous system infections caused by free-living amebae. We describe the neuroimaging findings in 5 such cases on CT and MR imaging. A spectrum of findings was seen in the form of multifocal parenchymal lesions, pseudotumoral lesions, meningeal exudates, hemorrhagic infarcts, and necrosis in the brain. Familiarity with the imaging findings is important for the diagnosis and management of this nearly universally fatal disease.

Liver abscess associated with hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm with arteriovenous fistula: imaging and interventional management

Hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm is an infrequently encountered entity that is usually seen secondary to trauma or surgical procedures. The clinical presentation is often due to complications such as massive intrahepatic or intraperitoneal bleeding as a result of rupture of the pseudoaneurysm into the biliary tree or peritoneal cavity, respectively. Hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm, associated with a liver abscess, has very rarely been described in the literature. We present the imaging features of a case of liver abscess associated with a hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm and complicated by rupture and formation of an arteriovenous fistula. The case was successfully managed by percutaneous endovascular embolization. The association between a hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm and a liver abscess must not be overlooked, bearing in mind the potentially fatal associated complications which can be averted or treated by timely intervention.

Sonoenteroclysis: a new technique for the diagnosis of small bowel diseases

BACKGROUND

Radiologic evaluation of small bowel is usually done by barium examination, which involves considerable radiation exposure. A new sonographic method, sonoenteroclysis, is a promising technique for diagnosing small intestinal disorders. In this study the applicability, performance, and diagnostic yield of sonoenteroclysis were assessed and the results of this novel method were compared with those of barium enteroclysis.

METHODS

Forty-five consecutive patients with suspected small bowel disorder were studied. All patients underwent abdominal ultrasound before and after infusion of an isotonic nonabsorbable electrolyte solution containing polyethylene glycol through a nasojejunal tube (modified Billbao Dotter tube), and images at various levels were obtained. Small bowel wall thickness, luminal narrowing, intestinal dilatation, peristalsis, and extraintestinal complications were noted. It was followed by barium enteroclysis and findings were recorded. Findings of sonoenteroclysis were compared with those of barium enteroclysis.

RESULTS

Satisfactory distention of the intestinal lumen was obtained with sequential visualization of jejunoileal loops in 34.4 +/- 18.4 min. Of 45 patients, 10 showed normal small bowel on sonoenteroclysis and barium enteroclysis. These 10 patients served as controls. Sonoenteroclysis displayed normal diameters smaller than 3.0 and 2.0 cm for the jejunum and ileum, respectively. Bowel wall thickness was 1.7 to 3.0 mm and all five layers of bowel wall could be well appreciated. Valvulae conniventes were clearly visualized with a fold thickness between 1.4 and 2.0 mm. The remaining 35 patients showed abnormalities in the form of strictures, matted bowel loops, dilated loops, thickened folds, deformed ileocecal junction, mass lesions, etc., on sonoenteroclysis and barium enteroclysis. In addition, sonoenteroclysis showed thickened bowel wall with loss of stratification. Extraintestinal findings such as enlarged lymph nodes and ascites were also disclosed at the time of sonography. These were diagnosed subsequently as cases of tuberculosis (n = 23), celiac disease (n = 6), adenocarcinoma (n = 2), leiomyoma (n = 2), Immunoproliferative small intestinal disease (n = 1), and segmental enteritis (n = 1).

CONCLUSIONS

The diagnostic accuracy of sonoenteroclysis for detecting small bowel lesions is comparable to that of barium enteroclysis. This new, widely available, inexpensive, and undemanding technique can be used as an initial investigation in the evaluation of patients with small bowel disorders.

Intraductal pancreatic calculi in patients with choledochal cyst

Summary Intraductal pancreatic calculi are a rare association in patients with choledochal cyst (CC). Reported herein is a retrospective analysis of the data on pancreatic calculi in 37 patients (10 children and 27 adults) who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for CC over a period of 15 years. Five patients (one child and four adults) were identified as having intraductal pancreatic calculi. Three had type I and two had type IV CC. Four underwent cyst excision. No intervention was carried out for the pancreatic calculi. There was no evidence of pancreatic insufficiency on follow up and none had recurrence of abdominal pain. One patient died of cholangitis, which was the initial presenting problem. Intraductal pancreatic calculi associated with CC, although uncommon, are not rare and are not always symptomatic.

Severe acute bleeding from portal colopathy controlled by somatostatin: a case report

Portal hypertensive colopathy (PHC) is a recently described entity in patients with portal hypertension which can cause even life-threatening lower gastrointestinal bleeding. In contrast to variceal bleed, there is no standardized treatment for the control of bleeding from these lesions. We report a case of alcoholic cirrhosis with portal hypertension, in whom bleeding from colonic angiodysplasia-like lesions was effectively controlled by somatostatin infusion.

Small bowel tuberculosis

We describe the radiologic appearances of small bowel tuberculosis as shown by enteroclysis. A total of 265 patients with proven small bowel tuberculosis seen over a period of more than one decade was evaluated. All patients had positive radiologic findings as shown on enteroclysis examination. Of the 265 patients with small bowel tuberculosis, 174 had isolated small bowel involvement with a normal ileocecal region, whereas 91 had associated noncontiguous involvement of the ileocecal region. The most common radiologic finding was the presence of strictures, noted in 62.7% of cases. Most strictures were short, concentric, and smooth in outline. These strictures were solitary or multiple and located mainly in the jejunum. Other radiologic findings were adhesions (21.8%), ulcerations (9.1%), and diffuse thickening of folds (6.4%). Complications noted were in the form of enteroliths, perforations, and fistulae. The radiographic findings of small bowel tuberculosis, although non-specific, may indicate tuberculosis in a high-risk population.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in the evaluation of anomalous junction of the pancreaticobiliary duct and related disorders

BACKGROUND

Anomalous junction of the pancreaticobiliary duct (AJPB) is a rare finding in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). We present our data on the incidence of AJPB and associated diseases.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 2885 ERCPs performed over 15 years was done to study the incidence of AJPB and the diseases associated with this anomaly.

RESULTS

Of the 2885 patients who underwent ERCP, AJPB was seen in 46 (1.6%). AJPB was taken as a common channel exceeding 15 mm in length with or without dilatation of the common channel. Anomalous junction was of type I in 50%, type II in 39.1%, and type III in 2.2% cases. Y-type anomalous junction was seen in 8.7% of cases. Choledochal cyst was found in 87% of patients. Other disorders associated with AJPB were gallstones, gallbladder polyps, gallbladder carcinoma, protein plugs. and pancreatic ductal calculi. Four patients with AJPB did not show any associated abnormality.

CONCLUSION

AJPB is a rare finding, and the diagnosis is based on a common channel longer than 15 mm on ERCP. Choledochal cyst is the most common association with AJPB. We believe that the clinical spectrum of AJPB may unfold further with the widespread use of cholangiographic techniques.

Radiological spectrum of late sequelae of corrosive injury to upper gastrointestinal tract. A pictorial review

PURPOSE

To evaluate the radiological spectrum of sequelae of corrosive acid and alkali injury to the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract using barium contrast examination.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Barium contrast radiographic films of 155 patients with a history of corrosive ingestion, acid in 120 and alkali in 35 patients with grade 2b and 3 injury on initial endoscopy, were retrospectively evaluated. Barium contrast examination of the upper GI tract was performed in the course of follow-up, beyond 3 weeks of corrosive ingestion.

RESULTS

The esophagus was involved in 131 patients and the stomach in 74. Fifty patients had simultaneous involvement of esophagus and stomach. Radiological findings in the esophagus were solitary or multiple strictures of varying length, intramural pseudodiverticula, and carcinoma in long-standing corrosive injury. The stomach showed cicatrization, predominantly involving the antrum, linitis plastica type deformity with multiple pseudodiverticula. There was no difference in the radiological findings as to the type of corrosive ingested.

CONCLUSION

Barium examination of the upper GI tract is useful in the evaluation of late sequelae of corrosive injury (acid/alkali). There was no difference in the radiological findings as to the type of corrosive ingested. Thus, contrary to general belief, we found that acid and alkali damage both the esophagus and the stomach with equal degree of severity.

Transendoscopic fine needle aspiration cytology in the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma

This report describes the use of transendoscopic fine needle aspiration cytology in the diagnosis of three cases of hepatocellular carcinoma who had presented with large nodular liver and mass impression on the left border of the stomach at endoscopy. Using a 21G, 1.0 cm needle catheter, transendoscopic fine needle aspiration was done under direct endoscopic vision. The aspirate confirmed the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma in all of them.