The Positron Emission Tomography Tracer 3'-Deoxy-3'-[18F]Fluorothymidine ([18F]FLT) Is Not Suitable to Detect Tissue Proliferation Induced by Systemic Yersinia enterocolitica Infection in Mice

Most frequently, gram-negative bacterial infections in humans are caused by Enterobacteriaceae and remain a major challenge in medical diagnostics. We non-invasively imaged moderate and severe systemic Yersinia enterocolitica infections in mice using the positron emission tomography (PET) tracer 3’-deoxy-3’-[¹⁸F]fluorothymidine ([¹⁸F]FLT), which is a marker of proliferation, and compared the in vivo results to the ex vivo biodistributions, bacterial loads, and histologies of the corresponding organs. Y. enterocolitica infection is detectable with histology using H&E staining and immunohistochemistry for Ki 67. [¹⁸F]FLT revealed only background uptake in the spleen, which is the main manifestation site of systemic Y. enterocolitica-infected mice. The uptake was independent of the infection dose. Antibody-based thymidine kinase 1 (Tk-1) staining confirmed the negative [¹⁸F]FLT-PET data. Histological alterations of spleen tissue, observed via Ki 67-antibody-based staining, can not be detected by [¹⁸F]FLT-PET in this model. Thus, the proliferation marker [¹⁸F]FLT is not a suitable tracer for the diagnosis of systemic Y. enterocolitica infection in the C57BL/6 animal model of yersiniosis.

An emergency diagnostic dilemma: a case of Yersinia enterocolitica colitis mimicking acute appendicitis in a beta-thalassemia major patient: the role of CT and literature review

The role of computed tomography (CT) scanning in a case of Yersinia enterocolitica (YE) enteritis mimicking acute appendicitis in a 34-year-old female patient with beta-thalassemia major is presented. Although the abdominal CT findings on admittance were indicative of acute appendicitis (enlargement of the appendix and thickening of its wall), making appendectomy a likely treatment option, a second CT scan 3 days later was diagnostic for infectious colitis (bowel wall thickening, ulcerations of the colonic mucosa, and fat stranding), and an unnecessary appendectomy was thus avoided. The diagnosis of YE colitis was later confirmed by serology tests.

Multiple spleen and liver abscesses due to Yersinia enterocolitica septicemia in a child with congenital sideroblastic anemia

In patients with iron overload, opportunistic infections are an underestimated risk. Yersinia enterocolitica is a rare organism to be isolated in this setting. The authors report a case of disseminated Y. enterocolitica sepsis in a 5-year-old boy with sideroblastic anemia. Ultrasound examination revealed massive ascites, a pseudo-appendicitis, and hypoechogenic lesions corresponding to abscess formations in the liver and spleen. The initial antibiotic therapy consisted of cefotaxime, gentamicin, and metronidazole, but only treatment with ciprofloxacin and meropenem led to defervescence and clinical stabilization. The risk of developing uncommon infections in patients with iron overload should be acknowledged by all physicians, and the relevance of ultrasound examination is emphasized. In this case, only a detailed history revealed that several days before the onset of diarrhea, the child was feeding a deer; this is how infection was probably acquired.

Yersinia enterocolitica infection in a patient with hemachromatosis masquerading as proximal colon cancer with liver metastases: report of a case

A patient with genetic hemachromatosis presented with a clinical picture suggesting malignancy and CT evidence of lesions in the right colon and liver. Colonoscopy failed to confirm the suspected diagnosis. Blood and stool cultures were positive for yersinia enterocolittica infection. This case illustrates the need to confirm clinically and radiologically suspected malignancy. It also serves as a model of how localized gastrointestinal pathology can result from the interaction of host genetic factors and specific microbial species.

[Yersiniosis as a cause of acute tubulointerstitial nephritis and acute renal failure--case report]

Tubulointerstitial nephritis (TN) is a heterogenous disease, where disturbances of the interstitial tissue and renal tubules are found. Different immunological and nonimmunological mechanisms initiated by infectious and non-infectious factors may lead to TN. A case of 13-years-old girl with primary diagnosis of acute pyelonephritis is presented. The abdominal pain, headache, pain in lumbar region and intermittent fever with loss of appetite were observed in this girl a few weeks before admission. Microcytic anemia, proteinuria and glucosuria, azotemia and elevated markers of inflammatory response were found. In ultrasound examination heterogenous cortex echogenicity of both kidneys and disturbances in parenchymal blood flow were observed. In renal scintigraphy the discriminated catch index was found. Kidney biopsy revealed the edema of the interstitial space with mononuclear and lymphocyte infiltration. The diagnosis of TN was established upon the history, clinical examination, results of laboratory tests, kidney imaging and biopsy. After steroid and doxycycline treatment an improvement and normalization of the results of laboratory tests were observed. It seems to be justified to consider Yersinia infection as a cause of acute tubulointerstitial nephritis.

[Atypical sonographic findings of bacterial colitis]

We report three pediatric cases of infectious colitis that were misinterpreted on US examination as Crohn's disease. These colitis were limited to the left colon and presented with transmural hypoechoic thickening of the wall and homogenous hyperechoic appearance of the surrounding fat.

[Mesenteric lymphadenopathy in Yersinia enterocolitica infection]

We report a case of previously undiagnosed Yersinia enterocolitica infection in a 46-year old woman. She consulted her physician because of continual weight loss and physical lassitude. A leucocytosis was found. Sonography revealed an excessive enlargement of abdominal lymph nodes. A malignant lymphoma was suspected and the patient underwent a staging by CT. There the disease was limited on mesenteric and retroperitoneal lymph nodes. Bone marrow biopsy and CT-guided lymph node biopsy did not confirm a systemic lymphatic disease. The patient did not undergo a special therapy. After six months, CT showed a clear regression of enlarged lymph nodes. Finally, a previous Yersinia enterocolitica infection of immunotype 03 could be proved serologically. At this time, the patient had no complaints. Diagnostic and differential diagnosis of benign abdominal lymph node enlargement are discussed based on literature.

Infectious ileocecitis caused by Yersinia, Campylobacter, and Salmonella: clinical, radiological and US findings

Yersinia, Campylobacter, and Salmonella are pathological microorganisms which incidentally may specifically infect the ileocecal area (infectious ileocecitis). In such cases pain in the right lower quadrant is the predominant symptom, and diarrhea is absent or only mild. This symptomatology can lead to an unnecessary laparotomy for suspected appendicitis. At surgery a normal appendix is removed, while there is edematous thickening of ileum and cecum, and enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes. These ileocecal abnormalities give rise to a fairly characteristic US image, enabling the radiologist to rapidly differentiate infectious ileocecitis from appendicitis, thus preventing an unnecessary laparotomy. Infectious ileocecitis caused by Yersinia, Campylobacter, and Salmonella is a common mimicker of appendicitis, and its incidence at this moment is grossly underestimated. Ultrasound is presently the only means to prevent an unnecessary operation for this condition which is principally self-limiting and innocuous.

Ultrasound examination of the small bowel: comparison with enteroclysis in patients with Crohn disease

BACKGROUND

Screening for inflammatory small bowel disease has hereto relied on barium examination, usually performed after duodenal intubation. A noninvasive technique for imaging of the small bowel in such patients would be preferable.

METHODS

A total of 59 patients were included in the study. A small bowel barium examination (SBE) was performed after duodenal intubation using a barium and air double-contrast technique. Ultrasound (US) of the right lower quadrant was performed with a 3.5- or 5-MHz transducer. The patients fasted overnight.

RESULTS

In 37 of 39 patients with a normal SBE, US was also normal. In 20 patients, SBE showed lesions compatible with Crohn disease and in 18 of these the US study showed thickening of the bowel wall. One of these patients later tested positive for Yersinia enterocolitica. There were two false-positive and two false-negative US examinations. For detection of inflammatory disease of the small bowel, US was calculated to have a sensitivity of 0.95, specificity of 0.93, accuracy of 0.93, predictive value of a positive test was 0.90, and a predictive value of a negative test was 0.95.

CONCLUSIONS

US, therefore, seems to be a reliable method in the workup of patients suspected of having inflammatory small bowel disease. Thereby, US probably can select patients for SBF.

Prominent small bowel Ga-67 uptake associated with Yersinial and tuberculous enterocolitis

The nuclear medicine evaluation of the immunocompromised patient with fever of unknown origin may include the use of either labeled leukocytes or Ga-67 citrate, or both, in the search for an infectious focus. In recent years, labeled leukocytes (In-111 or Tc-99m) seem to have been employed preferentially by some. This is especially the case when the abdomen is a suspected site of involvement because of the normal colonic excretion of gallium that may complicate the interpretation of this study. The authors present the case of an immunocompromised patient with the interesting scintigraphic pattern of diffuse large and small bowel uptake of gallium secondary to biopsy proven Yersinia and tuberculous enterocolitis. A review of the recent literature reveals only one other similar case in which Yersinial disease was detected by Ga-67 scintigraphy. The present case illustrates that gallium's avidity for the atypical, less pyogenic, opportunistic infections common in immunocompromised patients justifies its continued use in such settings and, specifically, whenever tuberculosis is suspected.

Gastrointestinal inflammation in children: color Doppler ultrasonography

We conducted this study to determine if color Doppler ultrasonography can identify increased vascularity associated with gastrointestinal inflammatory conditions and to determine if specific diagnoses can be established based on flow patterns. Twenty-five children with acute right lower quadrant pain and discharge diagnoses of inflammatory bowel processes were examined by color Doppler sonography, as an adjunct to routine gray-scale examinations. Final diagnoses included gastroenteritis (10 cases), Crohn's disease (five cases), neutropenic colitis (four cases), peritonitis (four cases), and Yersinia enterocolitis (two cases). The results of color Doppler sonography were considered positive for inflammation if increased vascularity was demonstrated in the bowel mucosa, muscularis layer, or adjacent tissues. A control group of 19 patients was examined. No sonographic abnormalities were identified in any patients in the control group. Diffuse, concentric wall thickening with increased blood flow centrally within the mucosa was seen in Crohn's disease (60%) and Yersinia enterocolitis (100%), whereas wall thickening with increased transmural vascularity was identified in neutropenic colitis (50%) and Crohn's disease (40%). In contrast, in peritonitis color Doppler sonography showed thickened bowel wall and hypervascularity within peripheral bowel wall or in adjacent soft tissues. No demonstrable bowel vascularity was seen in gastroenteritis. Our experience suggests that mucosal or transmural hypervascularity on color Doppler sonography can be seen with several inflammatory bowel processes, but it is nonspecific. However, color Doppler sonography may aid in differentiating primary bowel disease from extrinsic inflammatory conditions, such as peritonitis.

[Yersinia enterocolitica infection with extraintestinal manifestations: case report and overview]

Five weeks after a four-day visit to Malta, a 39-year old white male German national developed septic temperatures of up to 40 degrees C, progressive jaundice and a pronounced hepatosplenomegaly. The initial examination showed a very sick, somnolent patient with jaundice, cyanosis, tachypnea and a markedly enlarged liver on both physical examination and sonography. The laboratory evaluation revealed a moderate leukocytosis, markedly accelerated ESR, poor liver function with strongly elevated gamma-GT and alkaline phosphatase levels. Primary antibiotic therapy consisted of doxycycline. Ultrasound examination of the liver four days after admission revealed multiple hypodense abscesses. On the sixth day after admission, gram-negative rods were first isolated from blood cultures; antibiotic therapy was switched to ofloxacin (2 x 400 mg/day) and amoxycillin (3 x 2 g/day) after sensitivity testing. As a result of treatment with this combination of antibiotics, the patient was free of fever 10 days after hospitalization; on the same day yersinia enterocolitica was isolated from the first blood cultures taken on admission. The diagnosis of non-enteric forms of yersinia infection can prove very difficult, especially if the serology is not clear cut and there are no immunological complications. A presentation including intermittent fever, moderate leukocytosis, strongly accelerated ESR and multiple hypodense abscesses in the liver should lead one to consider a non-enteric type of yersinia infection. Hepatic abscesses usually occur in patients who have an iron overload.

Duodenal findings on ultrasound in children with Schonlein-Henoch purpura and gastrointestinal symptoms

Abdominal ultrasonic examination was performed in 14 patients with Schonlein-Henoch purpura (SHP). Thickening of the duodenal wall was observed in nine (82%) of the 11 with such gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms as severe abdominal pain or bleeding. The thickened duodenal wall showed a high echogenicity. Enlargement of the duodenal lumen was seen in seven (64%) patients with GI symptoms. These findings had been observed in four patients before SHP was diagnosed on the basis of the peculiar skin lesions. In three cases of SHP without GI symptoms, those changes were absent. Four cases of ulcerative colitis, three of bacterial enterocolitis (two Yersinia and one Klebsiella), and five without SHP and any GI problems did not exhibit such duodenal abnormalities. On subsequent endoscopic study, mucosal edema and multiple hemorrhagic erosions were seen, especially at the second portion of the duodenum in two cases of SHP. Biopsy specimens from the duodenum of those cases showed leukocytoclastic vasculitis, suggested by the ultrasound (US) findings. It is important to consider the duodenal changes carefully when US is performed in patients with severe GI symptoms of unknown origin. The characteristic duodenal findings described suggest the differential diagnosis of SHP, which usually requires no surgical intervention.

Splenic abscess as a complication of septic yersinia: CT evaluation

Yersinia enterocolitica (YE) frequently causes gastrointestinal illness, but is rarely a cause of systemic infection. The complications of septic YE include a wide variety of extraintestinal manifestations, with a 34-50% mortality rate. We present a patient with septic YE complicated by a splenic abscess. The clinical presentation was nonspecific, and the diagnosis of splenic abscess was made by computed tomography (CT). Because of the nonspecific clinical presentation and the wide range of extraintestinal manifestations of septic YE, CT can prove helpful in the diagnosis and management of these patients.

[Bacterial ileocecitis, a "new" disease]

786 patients with suspected acute appendicitis or appendiceal mass were examined by ultrasonography to distinguish appendicitis from bacterial enteritis. 533 of these patients were described before. In 91 (11.6%) ultrasonography revealed the characteristic picture associated with bacterial enteritis of the ileocaecal region-enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes and mural thickening of the terminal ileum and caecum--but no image of an inflamed appendix. In 64 of these a bacterial infection was confirmed (Yersinia enterocolitica in 28, Campylobacter jejuni in 24, Salmonella enteritidis in 11, Yersinia pseudotuberculosis in one). In the other 27, bacteriological tests were negative (17) or not performed (10). Only 34 of 91 had diarrhoea. Six of the 91 patients underwent surgery, in all of them the removed appendix was normal. The other 85 patients recovered with conservative treatment. In 38 a planned appendicectomy was cancelled because of the sonographic findings. Bacterial enteritis limited to the ileocaecal region (bacterial ileocecitis) appears to be responsible for an appreciable number of unnecessary appendicectomies. It has characteristic sonographic features which distinguish it from appendicitis.

Yersinia terminal ileitis: sonographic findings in eight patients

To determine the sonographic features of Yersinia terminal ileitis, we analyzed the sonograms of eight patients with acute terminal ileitis. Bacteriologic or serologic confirmation of Yersinia enterocolitica infection was available in six patients. In the other two, the clinical course and radiologic findings were compatible with the diagnosis. Radiographs and endoscopy showed edematous mucosa with small elevations in the terminal ileum in all the patients. Sonograms showed thickening of the wall of the ileum in all eight patients and enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes in six patients. Although the number of the patients is small, our experience suggests that sonography can be useful for the detection of acute terminal ileitis caused by Yersinia.

[Clinico-roentgenologic manifestations of intestinal lesions in pseudotuberculosis]

The authors presented the results of clinical and x-ray investigation of 102 patients with epidemic pseudotuberculosis (EP). The diagnosis was established on the basis of epidemiological evidence and the results of clinical and serological investigation. The affection of the digestive organs was observed not only in the abdominal type of EP but also in its other types. X-ray examination of the digestive organs revealed terminal ileitis in 56.8% of the patients alongside with functional disorders. X-ray examination plays a certain role in the differential diagnosis of EP from other diseases of the ileocecal region, in particular from acute appendicitis.

[Involvement of the eyes in yersiniosis]

The results of clinical examinations of 15 patients with yersiniasis are analyzed. Besides the involvement of the anterior segment of the eye, known before, the authors have detected for the first time 3 cases of the fundus oculi involvement; the impairments resemble multiplaquoid epitheliopathy. The clinical description is supplied with fluorescent angiograms. Yersiniasis is regarded as a possible etiologic factor responsible for multiplaquoid epitheliopathy; this extends the scope of our knowledge on the etiological structure of the fundus oculi impairments.

Peliosis hepatis associated with liver and retroperitoneal abscesses

A 33-year-old woman was admitted because of coma and severe shock. CT-scan of the abdomen showed the presence of multiple liver abscesses associated with a retroperitoneal abscess which were drained percutaneously. A liver biopsy showed diffuse peliosis. After resolution of the abscesses the patient's general condition improved and she could be discharged from hospital. Peliosis hepatis is an uncommon disorder characterized by dilated sinusoids with formation of blood lakes. Many pathogenetic mechanisms and causal agents have been proposed. Liver biopsy is necessary to establish diagnosis. By withdrawing the offending drug or treatment of the underlying disorder, regression may be observed.

The early manifestation of Yersinia colitis demonstrated by the double-contrast barium enema

A 19-year old female with a bloody, diarrheal illness of acute onset where Crohn's disease primarily was suspected is presented. The double - contrast barium enema revealed multiple, diffusely scattered aphthous erosions of the colonic mucosa: the rectum was scarcely affected. Biopsies taken by endoscopy demonstrated nonspecific inflammatory changes of the mucous membrane. However, routinely taken stool cultures revealed an infectious colitis due to Yersinia enterocolitica. Our case demonstrates the necessity to consider Yersinia enterocolitis in the radiographic differential diagnosis when the diagnosis of Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis seems obvious.

[Roentgen diagnosis of inflammatory bowel diseases in the child]

Inflammatory diseases of the bowel, especially of the small bowel, frequently present with vague symptoms in children. In many cases X-ray examination enables diagnosis, differentiation and localization of such diseases, as well as follow up and detection of complications. In the hand of the experienced radiologist the exposure to X-rays is very low. Radiological signs are demonstrated according to the most important inflammatory disease entities.

Autologous 111In-oxine-labeled granulocytes in Yersinia infections

Autologous 111In-oxine-labeled granulocytes have proved to be valuable for the localization of inflammatory bowel diseases, especially Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Other rare inflammatory bowel diseases also yield positive 111In scans. One case of Yersinia infection of the terminal ileum (Yersinia enterocolitica) showing an accumulation of 111In-oxine-labeled granulocytes 0.5, 4, and 24 h after the reinjection of the labeled cells is described. The 4-day fecal excretion of 111In-oxine granulocytes showed a slight inflammatory activity of the terminal ileum. One negative scan is reported in a cotrimoxazole-treated patient with Yersinia infection.

Cavitary pneumonia due to Yersinia enterocolitica in a healthy man

A previously healthy 51-year-old man was admitted to the hospital because of pulmonary infiltrates of the right upper lung field with cavitation. Blood cultures were sterile. Sputum and stool cultures grew Yersinia enterocolitica. The patient was treated with intravenous ampicillin and recovered. Review of the literature yielded five previously reported sputum-positive cases of Y. enterocolitica pulmonary infections in patients with significant underlying diseases. All patients recovered.

Yersinia arthritis: demonstration of occult enteritis by 111indium leucocyte scanning

111Indium-leucocyte scanning demonstrated enteritis in a patient with acute arthritis and diarrhoea when contrast radiology was normal. Infection with Yersinia entercolitica was proved serologically. Leucocyte scanning may be useful in the screening for inflammatory bowel disease in patients with seronegative arthritis.

Case report: computed tomography in the diagnosis of Yersinia infection in a patient with thalassemia major

Yersinia enterocolitica is becoming increasingly recognized as a source of abscess formation in patients with numerous underlying disease entities, most notably hepatic and hematologic disorders. Patients ranging in age from infancy to adulthood can become infected with this worldwide pathogen, which seems to be relatively rare in the United States. We present the appearance of a Yersinia abscess on computed tomography in the hope that an increased awareness of this infection will result in earlier diagnosis and improved therapeutic management.

Yersinia enterocolitica colitis in infants: radiographic changes

Radiographic changes of Yersinia enterocolitica colitis in 3 infants are presented. Findings included superficial aphthoid ulcers, submucosal ulcers, pancolitis (manifested by toxic megacolon), and involvement of the terminal ileum.

Reticular mosaic (urticarial) pattern of the colonic mucosa in Yersinia colitis

The colonic mucosa of a patient with Yersinia colitis exhibited a reticular mosaic pattern on an air-contrast barium enema. The authors conclude that Yersinia colitis can be added to the list of colonic lesions producing this characteristic pattern.

[Ileitis caused by Yersinia enterocolitica--X-ray differential diagnosis of Crohn's disease (author's transl)]

The article gives a brief description of the characteristic features of the clinical and roentgenological course and the various stages of enteritis caused by Yersinia. Basing on three cases of ileitis caused by Yersinia, the far-reaching similarity with the early changes and even the advanced stages of Crohn's disease are demonstrated. Attention is drawn to the possibilities of differentiating between the two disease patterns.

Yersinia colitis

A 2-year-old child with a febrile, non-bloody diarrheal illness of acute onset with repeatedly negative stool and blood cultures for pathogenic bacteria is presented. Sigmoidoscopic and roentgenographic studies revealed an inflammatory colitis. Unfortunately, diagnostic perserverance and a high index of suspicion resulted in a positive stool culture for Yersinia enterocolitica. Serologic study and clinical course provided data consistent with the diagnosis of an infectious colitis due to Yersinia enterocolitica. This case demonstrates the necessity to consider Yersinia enterocolitica in the radiographic differential diagnosis of Crohn's disease of the colon or ulcerative colitis, as well as intractable diarrhea of childhood.

Radiological findings in Yersinia ileitis

Bacteriological and clinical studies of patients with acute retional ileitis indicate that numerous patients with this diagnosis have a benign ileitis of short duration, caused by Yersinia enterocolitica, whereas others develop chronic Crohn's disease. Yersinia ileitis has some clinical and radiological features in common with Crohn's disease, but the two conditions are basically separate. In Yersinia ileitis, three stages are apparent: (a) the nodular stage, lasting up to three weeks; (b) the edematous stage (4th-5th week); and (c) resolution, observed during the 5th-8th week. The radiological findings in 25 patients with Yersinia ileitis and their distinction from Crohn's disease are described.

Acute terminal ileitis and Yersinia enterocolitica infection

Diarrhea, moderate to high fever and pain in the RLQ associated with a tender mass or swelling of the terminal ileum arouse suspicion of acute terminal ileitis. Will diagnostic of the disease be laboratory data compatible with acute inflammatory disease and radiological findings of the terminal ileum, i.e., thickening of mucosal folds, round filling defects on the mucosa indicative of swelling of lymphoid tissue and fine irregularities of the margin without narrowing of the lumen. Yersinia infection was demonstrated in 7 of 10 patients whose stool and/or serum were examined. Yersinia enterocolitica was found to be an important causative agent of acute terminal ileitis. Its detection will be useful for differentiating the disease from acute stage of Crohn's disease.

[Is there a connection between infection with Yersinia enterocolitica and regional enteritis? (Preliminary communication) (author's transl)]

After a brief description of the micro-biological, pathological, anatomical and clinical picture of infections with Yersinia enteroclitica, attention is drawn to the striking radiological similarity between three patients with Yersinia infection and regional enteritis (Crohn's disease). Whilst the radiological findings due to Yersinia infection usually resemble the group of so-called non-sclerosing ileitis (Golden) they occasionally differ from this group and resemble the findings in Crohn's disease. In each case the infection was confirmed bacteriologically. The underlying pathology has not been elucidated and it is doubtful whether there is any connection with Crohn's disease.