Tracheobronchial abnormalities on computed tomography angiography in children with congenital heart disease

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the assortment of tracheobronchial abnormalities on computed tomography angiography (CTA) in children with congenital heart disease (CHD).

METHODS

In this study approved by the Institute ethics committee, CTA studies of 182 children (age range: 2 days-8 years) with CHD, performed from July 2021 to March 2023 were analyzed. Two pediatric radiologists independently assessed the tracheobronchial airways (from the trachea to lobar bronchi) for developmental and branching anomalies and airway compromise (narrowing). In cases which demonstrated airway compromise, the extent and the cause of airway narrowing were evaluated, and the etiology were divided into extrinsic and intrinsic causes. Interobserver agreement between the two radiologists was calculated using kappa statistics.

RESULTS

One hundred children demonstrated normal airway anatomy and no luminal narrowing. Airway narrowing was observed in 63 (34.6%) children (κ: 0.954), and developmental airway anomalies were seen in 32 (17.5%) children (κ: 0.935). Of the 63 children with airway narrowing, 47 (25.8%) children had extrinsic cause for narrowing, 11 (6%) children had intrinsic causes for narrowing, and 5 (2.7%) children had both intrinsic and extrinsic causes attributing to airway compromise. Significant airway narrowing (>50% reduction) was seen in 35 (19.2%) children (κ: 0.945).

CONCLUSION

Tracheobronchial airway abnormalities are frequently associated in children with CHD and need to be appraised preoperatively. Cross-sectional imaging with CTA provides excellent information on tracheobronchial airway anatomy and caliber as well as delineates the possible etiology of airway narrowing, thus accurately diagnosing airway anomalies.

Confirmation of pleural displacement of central venous catheter tip in an infant, by bedside contrast injection

A 14-week infant, with respiratory distress since birth, was referred to our institution. Chest radiography and ultrasonographic examination confirmed right-sided diaphragmatic eventration. Owing to difficulty in securing a peripheral venous access, a double-lumen 4-Fr central venous catheter (CVC) was inserted into the right internal jugular vein, under ultrasonographic guidance. Aspiration of blood from both ports confirmed intravascular placement. A frontal radiograph done after the procedure showed the catheter tip in the right atrium, hence it was withdrawn to a level just below the carina. Surgical plication of the right dome of the diaphragm was performed, following which an intercostal tube was placed. After 3 days, there was increased drainage of clear fluid. Biochemical analysis ruled out exudative effusion, hence displacement of the CVC into the pleural cavity was suspected. A frontal chest radiograph was done to confirm this, but it did not suggest CVC tip displacement. Bedside ultrasonography was done but the CVC tip could not be visualized. The patient was too unstable to perform a chest CT scan or echocardiography. Therefore, a bedside chest radiograph was taken while injecting 1 ml of iohexol (diluted with 4 ml of normal saline) into the CVC. This showed the contrast leaking out of the CVC, flowing into the mediastinal pleural space, and ultimately into the ICD tube, confirming displacement of the CVC tip. The catheter was immediately removed, and an alternate venous access was established.

Role of Shear Wave Elastography of Thyroid Gland in Children With Newly Diagnosed Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: Preliminary Study

OBJECTIVES

The data on the use of shear wave elastography (SWE) in children with thyroid disorders is limited. We aimed to assess the role of SWE in the evaluation of the thyroid gland in children newly diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT).

METHODS

The thyroid gland was evaluated in 18 children (5 boys and 13 girls, age range: 5-12 years) with newly diagnosed HT and 27 (21 boys and 6 girls, age range: 4-12 years) healthy controls using grayscale ultrasound followed by SWE. The values of SWE (in kPa) were compared between cases and controls and were also correlated with various demographic variables and serum thyroid hormone concentrations.

RESULTS

The overall median of SWE values in cases and controls was 20.6 kPa (IQR = 19.16-26.94) and 10.7 kPa (IQR = 9.9-16.32), respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (W = 438.5, P < .001). There was a moderate positive correlation between serum triiodothyronine concentrations and SWE (ρ = 0.57, P = .016) and a moderate negative correlation between serum thyroid stimulating hormone concentrations and SWE (ρ = -0.54, P = .020). A significant difference (W = 61.0, P = .003) was also seen in median SWE of the thyroid gland between boys (median: 29.63 kPa, IQR = 27.53-32.88) and girls (median: 19.43 kPa, IQR = 18.88-21.32).

CONCLUSION

There is a significant difference between SWE values of thyroid in normal children and children with newly diagnosed HT. Hence, SWE may be used as a noninvasive imaging technique in distinguishing normal and abnormal thyroid gland at an early stage. We suggest larger studies to confirm our preliminary findings of SWE in pediatric HT.

Chest MRI as an emerging modality in the evaluation of empyema in children with specific indications: Pilot study

OBJECTIVES

To assess the diagnostic role of chest magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for evaluating empyema in children with specific indications.

METHODS

Nineteen children (5-16 years) with a diagnosis of empyema were enrolled in this prospective study from January 2018 to February 2020. MRI and multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) of the chest was performed within 48 h of each other. Two pediatric radiologists independently evaluated the MRI and CT images for the presence of fluid and air in the pleural cavity, septations within the fluid, pleural thickening, pleural enhancement, drainage tube tip localization, consolidation, and lymphadenopathy. Kappa test of agreement was used to determine the agreement between the MRI and MDCT findings. Chance-corrected kappa statistics were used for calculating the interobserver variation.

RESULTS

The kappa test showed almost perfect agreement (κ = 1) between MRI and MDCT for detecting fluid, pleural thickening, pleural enhancement, drainage tube tip localization, consolidation, and lymphadenopathy. Septations within the fluid were detected in 16 (84.2%) patients on MRI, and in 14 (73.7%) patients on MDCT. Almost perfect agreement (κ = 0.81-1.00) was seen for all the findings on CT and MRI between the two radiologists, except for pleural thickening for which a strong agreement (κ = 0.642) was observed.

CONCLUSION

MRI is comparable to MDCT for the detection of various findings in children with empyema. MRI may be considered in lieu of CT, as a problem-solving tool and as a radiation-reducing endeavor in children with empyema, specifically, only where CT is required for preoperative planning and evaluation of complications.

Diagnostic utility of MDCT in evaluation of persistent stridor in children: Large airway causes and benefit of additional findings

OBJECTIVES

To assess the diagnostic utility of MDCT in the evaluation of persistent stridor in children for the underlying large airway causes and benefit of additional findings.

METHODS

All consecutive pediatric patients who underwent MDCT for the evaluation of persistent stridor from December 2018 to February 2020 were included. Two pediatric radiologists independently reviewed MDCT studies for the presence of abnormalities at six large airway levels: (1) nasopharynx, (2) oropharynx, (3) glottis, (4) subglottis, (5) trachea, and (6) mainstem bronchi. In addition, studies were evaluated for the presence of non-airway abnormalities. Interobserver agreement between two reviewers was evaluated with kappa statistics.

RESULTS

There were a total of 40 pediatric patients (age range: 1 day-4 years. MDCT detected large airway abnormalities in 20 (50%) out of 40 patients, including 4 (20%) in nasopharynx, 4 (20%) in glottis, 4 (20%) in trachea, 3 (15%) in subglottis, 3 (15%) in mainstem bronchi, and 2 (10%) in oropharynx. Non-airway abnormalities were seen in 13 (32.5%) children, including 9 (69%) in the lungs, 3 (23%) in the soft tissue, and 1 (8%) in the bone. The remaining 7 (17.5%) studies were normal. There was excellent interobserver agreement seen for detecting large airway and non-airway abnormalities (k > 0.90).

CONCLUSION

MDCT has high diagnostic utility in diagnosing large airway causes of persistent stridor in children. It can also provide additional information regarding non-airway abnormalities. Therefore, MDCT has the potential to be utilized as a noninvasive problem-solving imaging modality in pediatric patients with persistent stridor.

Fibrosing Mediastinitis Associated With Tuberculosis in Children

Two children developed fibrosing mediastinitis following past tuberculosis disease. Both were microbiologically negative for tuberculosis at presentation. One was treated with steroids and supportive therapy, but developed active tuberculosis with complications. He ultimately succumbed to healthcare-associated infection. The other recovered with steroids, administered along with antituberculosis treatment.

Intrapleural streptokinase is effective and safe for children with multi-loculated empyema regardless of the time from disease onset

AIM

This study compared the efficacy of administering intrapleural streptokinase to children with multi-loculated empyema within 14 days or at any time after disease onset.

METHODS

We studied children under 12 years with multi-loculated empyema who were admitted to a teaching hospital in Chandigarh, India, from July 2013 to June 2017. They received antibiotics, pleural drainage and intrapleural streptokinase. The first group received three doses within 14 days of disease onset, the second received three doses regardless of time after onset and the third group received four to six doses regardless of time after onset. The three phases lasted 18, 18 and 12 months, respectively.

RESULTS

Of 195 children, 133 (68%) received streptokinase within 14 days, 46 (24%) beyond 14 days and 16 (8%) did not receive it. There was no difference in surgical decortication (14/133 versus 7/46, p > 0.05) and median hospitalisation duration (15 versus 14 days, p > 0.05) between administration before versus after 14 days. Median hospitalisation was shorter with four to six doses than three doses (11 versus 16 days, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Intrapleural streptokinase was effective for multi-loculated empyema even when it was administered more than 14 days after disease onset and four to six doses were superior to three doses.

Lung magnetic resonance imaging for pneumonia in children

Technical factors have historically limited the role of MRI in the evaluation of pneumonia in children in routine clinical practice. As imaging technology has advanced, recent studies utilizing practical MR imaging protocols have shown MRI to be an accurate potential alternative to CT for the evaluation of pneumonia and its complications. This article provides up-to-date MR imaging techniques that can be implemented in most radiology departments to evaluate pneumonia in children. Imaging findings in pneumonia on MRI are also reviewed. In addition, the current literature describing the diagnostic performance of MRI for pneumonia is discussed. Furthermore, potential risks and limitations of MRI for the evaluation of pneumonia in children are described.

Partial anomalous hepatic venous drainage into left-sided atrium with right isomerism: A case report with review of literature

Right isomerism, also known as Ivemark syndrome, is an unusual degree of symmetry of some of the abdominothoracic viscera reflecting bilateral right-sidedness. We report an exceedingly rare occurrence of anomalous drainage of the left hepatic vein to the left-sided atrium in a patient of right isomerism. With this case report, we further endorse that the isomerism of atrium might extend beyond the appendages, a view that has been long dismissed by the existing literature.

Liver acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) in childhood obesity: comparison and correlation with biochemical markers

PURPOSE

To compare and correlate the diagnostic efficiency of acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography with biochemical markers for assessing hepatic changes in overweight and obese children.

METHODS

This prospective study was approved by the institutional ethics committee. It included 54 overweight and obese children and 50 normal children (as a control group) in the age range 5-18 years. For all children, we performed grayscale ultrasonography to diagnose fatty liver, ARFI elastography to measure liver stiffness, and biochemical evaluation for aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and serum triglyceride (TG) levels.

RESULTS

Of the 54 obese children, AST was elevated in 13 (24.1%) and ALT was elevated in 16 (29.6%); however, only 4 (25%) of these 16 obese children with abnormal aminotransferase levels had an AST/ALT ratio >0.8. Furthermore, all children with abnormal aminotransferase levels with AST/ALT ratio >0.8 also had abnormal readings of ARFI elastography. The TG was elevated (>150 mg/dL) in 2 out of 54 (3.7%) obese children. None of the normal children showed abnormal levels of aminotransferase and TG. Three out of 54 (5.6%) obese children did not show fatty liver changes, while 29 (53.7%) showed grade-I fatty liver changes, and 22 (40.7%) showed grade-II fatty liver changes. The mean (SD) ARFI value was 1.13 m/s (SD 0.199) for obese children and 1.02 m/s (SD 0.11) for children in the control group. Of the 54 obese children, 49 (90.7%) showed ARFI values of <1.19 m/s (normal), 4 (7.4%) had ARFI values from >1.19 to <1.75 m/s, and 1 (1.9%) had an ARFI value >1.75 m/s. Four children with an increased ARFI value also had an AST/ALT ratio >0.8. However, one obese child with a raised ARFI value did not have an elevated AST/ALT ratio, and none of his aminotransferase levels were abnormal. All normal children had ARFI values <1.19 m/s.

CONCLUSION

ARFI elastography shows excellent correlation with AST/ALT ratios in obese children and may be used as a noninvasive tool to detect nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and associated hepatic changes, especially in pediatric patients, for whom liver biopsy is not always feasible.

Omental infarction: An unusual cause of right iliac fossa pain in children

Omental infarction is an uncommon cause of acute abdomen in the pediatric population. We report a case of a 4-year-old male child with right iliac fossa pain. The final diagnosis was made on ultrasound and computed tomography findings. This entity needs to be differentiated from acute conditions like appendicitis, avoiding surgery.

Comparative analysis of spherical and fusiform choledochal cyst based on three-dimensional magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, biliary amylase, and histopathological examination

Aims:

The aim was to compare biliary amylase, common channel, and gall bladder/liver histopathology between spherical and fusiform choledochal cysts.

Materials and Methods:

Children undergoing cyst excision with Roux-en-Y hepatico-jejunostomy over a 17 months period were prospectively studied. The common channel was assessed by three-dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP).

Results:

Among 22 patients (spherical = 10, fusiform = 12), there was a higher incidence of spherical cysts in infants (5/7-71.4%) and fusiform cysts in older children (10/15-66.7%) (P = 0.09). Common channel identified in 14 (64%) cases was long (>10 mm) in 5 (38.2%) (one spherical, four fusiform [P = 0.5]) with associated high biliary amylase levels (>500 IU/L) in four (one spherical, three fusiform) (P = 0.05). Exact point of junction of common bile duct with pancreatic duct was visible with coronal half-Fourier-acquisition single-shot turbo spin-echo and 3D sampling perfection with application with optimize contrast using different flip angle evolution sequence using a reformatted plane of axis, particularly coronal, and coronal oblique orientation. Biliary amylase was raised (>100 IU/L) in 4 (40%) in the spherical group, compared to 8 (67%) in the fusiform group. Mean biliary amylase was similar in gallbladder and cyst in spherical but higher in gallbladder in fusiform cysts. Mean biliary amylase was <500 IU/L in 85.7% infants. Five out of 7 infants had liver fibrosis or cirrhosis on histopathology (P = 0.05). There were no dysplastic changes in the gallbladder epithelium.

Conclusion:

Three-dimensional MRCP delineated the common channel in two-third cases especially in coronal and coronal oblique orientation. The long common channel may have an etiological role in fusiform cysts. Spherical cysts, especially in infants, have a higher incidence of obstructive cholangiopathy.

Clinical application of 'Justification' and 'Optimization' principle of ALARA in pediatric CT imaging: "How many children can be protected from unnecessary radiation?"

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

Practice of ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) principle in the developed world is currently well established. However, there is striking lack of published data regarding such experience in the developing countries. Therefore, the goal of this study is to prospectively evaluate CT request forms to assess how many children could be protected from harmful radiation exposure if 'Justification' and 'Optimization' principles of ALARA are applied before obtaining CT imaging in a developing country. This can save children from potential radiation risks including development of brain cancer and leukemia.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Consecutive CT request forms over a six month study period (May 16, 2013 to November 15, 2013) in a tertiary pediatric children's hospital in India were prospectively reviewed by two pediatric radiologists before obtaining CT imaging. First, 'Justification' of CT was evaluated and then 'Optimization' was applied for evaluation of appropriateness of the requested CT studies. The number (and percentage) of CT studies avoided by applying 'Justification' and 'Optimization' principle of ALARA were calculated. The difference in number of declined and optimized CT requests between CT requests from inpatient and outpatient departments was compared using Chi-Square test.

RESULTS

A total of 1302 consecutive CT request forms were received during the study period. Some of the request forms (n=86; 6.61%) had requests for more than one (multiple) anatomical regions, hence, a total of 1392 different anatomical CT requests were received. Based on evaluation of the CT request forms for 'Justification' and 'Optimization' principle of ALARA by pediatric radiology reviewers, 111 individual anatomic part CT requests from 105 pediatric patients were avoided. Therefore, 8.06% (105 out of 1302 pediatric patients) were protected from unnecessary or additional radiation exposure.The rates of declined or optimized CT requests from inpatient department was significantly higher than that from outpatient departments (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

A substantial number of pediatric patients, particularly coming from outpatient departments, can be protected from unnecessary or additional radiation exposure from CT imaging when 'Justification' and 'Optimization' principle of ALARA are applied before obtaining CT imaging in a developing country.

Vascular air embolism after contrast administration on 64 row multiple detector computed tomography: A prospective analysis

Background:

Vascular air embolism is being progressively reported as a nonfatal event with increase in use of computed tomography (CT) as a diagnostic modality. This study was undertaken to study the frequency and site of vascular air embolism in patients undergoing contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) and analyze CT parameters that influence its prevalence and final outcome.

Materials and Methods:

This was a prospective study approved by departmental ethics committee. Presence and location of air emboli in 200 patients who underwent CT scan of chest on a 64 detector scanner was recorded. We analyzed the role of various factors that could influence the prevalence of air embolism after injection of contrast in CECT scans. These factors included the amount of contrast injected, rate of flow of injection of contrast, site of injection of contrast, and size of intravenous access line.

Results:

Iatrogenic vascular air emboli were seen in 14 patients (7% of total). The locations of air emboli were main pulmonary artery in 12 (6% of total), left brachiocephalic vein in 3 (1.5% of total), right atrial appendage in 4 (2% of total), and superior vena cava (SVC) in 1 (0.5%) patient. There was no association between volume of contrast, flow rate, site and size of intravenous access, and presence of air emboli.

Conclusion:

Radiologists as well as referring physicians should be aware of vascular air embolism, which can occur after contrast injection in patients undergoing CT scan. Age, volume of contrast, flow rate of pressure injector, and site and size of venous cannula do not influence the likelihood or incidence of detection of venous air emboli on CT scans.

Hydronephrosis: Comparison of extrinsic vessel versus intrinsic ureteropelvic junction obstruction groups and a plea against the vascular hitch procedure

INTRODUCTION

Pediatric ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) due to an extrinsic crossing vessel (CV) is rare and often remains undiagnosed preoperatively. Vascular hitch procedures are often performed as associated intrinsic obstruction is not expected. We compared data and intravenous urography (IVU) findings of patients with aberrant CV versus those with intrinsic UPJO, all undergoing open dismembered pyeloplasty.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE

Is accurate pre-operative diagnosis of aberrant CV causing extrinsic UPJO possible?

SECONDARY OBJECTIVE

To assess differences in the demographic, clinical, radiological, intra-operative features and postoperative improvement after pyeloplasty between patients with a CV and those with only intrinsic UPJO.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Prospective study of all children below 12 years with UPJO presenting to a tertiary referral centre and who underwent open Anderson - Hynes dismembered pyeloplasty between 2003 and 2013 was conducted. Pre-operative investigations included serial ultrasonography, renal dynamic [ethylene di-cysteine (EC)] scan and IVU. These were repeated 3 months after pyeloplasty. Pre-operative IVUs of children with CV were compared with the IVUs of an equal number of similar aged children, randomly selected from the intrinsic obstruction group.

RESULTS

Pyeloplasty was performed in 643 children during the study period. Data of 33 children with aberrant CVs (mean age 6.99 years) were compared with the remaining 610 children (mean age 3.27 years) with only intrinsic obstruction. Highly significant associations of those with CV included age above 2 years, female gender, associated anomalies, abdominal pain in those above 2 years and poor preoperative function on IVU. Specific IVU features which were statistically highly significant in favor of presence of CV were small, intrarenal and globular flat bottomed pelvis. (Figure) Calyceal dilatation was also more prominent in the CV group. A funnel shaped, extrarenal pelvis was highly significant in favor of intrinsic obstruction. There was associated intrinsic obstruction in addition to CV obstruction in 8 children. All children symptomatically improved after pyeloplasty and did well on long term follow up. The majority showed improvement or stabilization of function on EC scan.

DISCUSSION

With the advent of antenatal ultrasonography, most children with UPJO are detected early. Children with CV tend to present later. This is often detected during surgery. Color Doppler is useful but is operator dependant and not performed routinely. In this study, IVU showed the presence of obstruction and loss of function unlike color Doppler, but also revealed specific diagnostic features not previously reported in literature. This can help in accurate preoperative prediction and avoid endopyelotomy, or a dorsal lumbotomy/retroperitoneal approach. Renal function in CVs is expected to be good as the obstruction is thought to be intermittent. However, we noted delayed contrast uptake on IVU in 60.6% and differential renal function on EC scan below 40% in 17 patients (56.6%). These indicate the effect of the obstruction on the renal parenchyma and the importance of early detection. Higher association with other anomalies and higher incidence in females has also not been emphasized in the literature so far. We noted associated intrinsic obstruction in 24.24% patients which is highly significant. This category of patients is likely to be missed and inappropriately treated if a "vascular hitch procedure" is performed. None of our patients had postoperative complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Characteristic features were seen on IVU helping in preoperative diagnosis which can be extrapolated to magnetic resonance urography. There is a higher association of CV in age above 2 years, females, associated congenital anomalies, delayed uptake on IVU and differential renal function below 40% compared to intrinsic obstruction. Associated intrinsic obstruction in 24% with no postoperative complications indicates the superiority of dismembered pyeloplasty over vasculopexy procedures.

Anticlockwise swirl of mesenteric vessels: a normal CT appearance, retrospective analysis of 200 pediatric patients

OBJECTIVE

The counterclockwise rotation of the SMV on SMA is a normal and non-specific finding, which results in an incomplete swirl formation on CT scans. However, it has a potential to be misinterpreted as 'midgut volvulus' resulting in serious clinical implications. The study was done to determine the frequency and degree of counterclockwise rotation of the SMV on SMA on CT in normal otherwise asymptomatic pediatric patients undergoing CT scan.

METHODS

In this IRB approved study, we retrospectively analyzed abdominal CT scan examinations of 200 consecutive pediatric patients (age range of 11 days to 18 years), which were performed for different clinical indications over a period of 10 months. They were evaluated for the absence or presence and degree of counterclockwise rotation of the mesenteric vessels.

RESULTS

Of the 200 patients, 128 (64%) patients showed no clockwise or anticlockwise rotation of mesenteric vessels. Counterclockwise rotation of SMV on SMA was seen in 72 (36%) patients. Further, the degree of rotation of vessels was also calculated, based on the criteria proposed by the authors.

CONCLUSIONS

The counterclockwise rotation of SMV on SMA gives an appearance of mesenteric whirlpool in otherwise normal mesenteric vessels and can be misinterpreted as midgut volvulus. It is a normal CT appearance and is due to a variation in branching pattern of mesenteric vessels. Awareness of this normal branching pattern of mesenteric vessels is important to avoid an inadvertent laparotomy.

Infracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous return: an unusual cause of neonatal portal vein enlargement

We present an unusual cause of aneurysmal dilatation of portal vein in a neonate in a case of infracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous return. The common descending pulmonary vein was seen joining below the diaphragm with the left branch of portal vein, which was terminating as a blind-ending, aneurysmally dilated vascular channel.

Bell palsy in a neonate with rapid response to oral corticosteroids: a case report

Idiopathic facial nerve palsy, also known as Bell palsy is rare in the neonatal age group. Other more common causes such as birth trauma; infections, especially otitis media; and congenital malformations need to be excluded. We present here a 4-week-old neonate with Bell palsy who responded rapidly to oral corticosteroids. Such an early presentation of idiopathic facial nerve palsy and use of corticosteroids in neonates is scarcely reported in the literature.

Neonatal breast abscess

Neonatal mastitis and abscess are an uncommon entity with an uncertain mechanism of onset. Ultrasonography can be useful in detecting early stage of abscess formation and hence in expedition of definitive treatment, as it was proved in our case, in which a diagnosis of neonatal breast abscess was made based on ultrasound examination of breast.

Renal cortical necrosis, peripheral gangrene, perinephric and retroperitoneal haematoma in a patient with a viper bite

Snakebites are estimated to affect more than 2.5 million people annually, of whom more than 100,000 die. Viper bites cause various systemic symptoms such as: coagulopathy; haemolysis; acute renal failure; a generalized increase in capillary permeability; rhabdomyolysis; and neurotoxicity. Wide spectrums of vascular complications are seen. We report the case of a patient developing gangrenous changes in a lower limb along with the development of perinepheric and retroperitoneal haematoma with acute cortical necrosis of the kidneys.

Fatal bronchiolitis obliterans complicating Stevens-Johnson syndrome following treatment with nimesulide: a case report

Nimesulide is a frequently used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug with analgesic and antipyretic effects in children. In view of fatal adverse drug reactions, however, its safety has been questioned. A 5-year-old boy developed Stevens-Johnson syndrome following use of nimesulide which was later complicated by rapidly progressive fatal bronchiolitis obliterans.

Does all small bowel intussusception need exploration?

Small bowel intussusception (SBI) in infants and children are ususally associated with a lead point. With increased use of radiological investigations, more idiopathic SBIs are identified. As reduction by hydrostatic or air enema are less successful in these cases, most of them require surgical exploration in children. However, now many cases of SBI have been found to reduce spontaneously. We report two cases of SBI with spontaneous reduction and review the literature for the management guidelines.

Embolization of congenital intrahepatic porto-systemic shunt by n-butyl cyanoacrylate

Congenital intrahepatic portosystemic venous shunt (IHPSVS) is rare vascular anomaly. We present one case of a 14-month male child who presented with global developmental delay. Child had high ammonia levels with low glutamine and high bile salts on the previous investigations and had history of neonatal seizures since day 13 of life. On admission, serum ammonia levels were elevated to 112micromol/L. Other laboratory investigations including liver and renal function test, and electrolytes were normal. He was, diagnosed to have IHPSVS on the basis of Doppler and CT, and treated by embolization with n-butyl cyanoacrylate (glue). A brief review of diagnostic modalities and endovascular management for the IHPSVS is presented including the present case.

Role of tissue harmonic imaging in characterization of cystic renal lesions

OBJECTIVE

To determine the utility of tissue harmonic imaging in evaluating cystic renal lesions and to compare these findings with conventional ultrasound guidance (USG) and CT.

METHODS

Thirty patients, detected with cystic renal lesions on routine USG (over a period of 18 months from July 2004 to December 2005 at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research Chandigarh, Chandigarh, India) were included in this study. All patients underwent a conventional gray scale ultrasound study (GSI), followed by tissue harmonic imaging (THI) sonography on the same machine (advance technology limited high definition imaging 5000). Computed tomography of abdomen was carried out within one week of the ultrasound examinations. All images were evaluated for size, number, and location of lesions. The findings of THI sonography, conventional USG and CT of abdomen were recorded in their respective proformas. The images obtained by GSI, THI, and contrast enhanced CT were also evaluated for image quality, lesion conspicuity, and fluid-solid differentiation.

RESULTS

Tissue harmonic imaging showed better image quality in 27 of 34 lesions, improvement in lesion conspicuity was found in 27 of 34 cystic lesions, and an improved solid-fluid differentiation in 30 of 34 lesions when compared to GSI. The THI provided additional information as compared to GSI in 8 patients. The grading of CT scan was significantly higher in overall image quality (p=0.007) and lesion conspicuity (p=0.004), but was non-significant for fluid-solid differentiation (p=0.23).

CONCLUSION

Tissue harmonic imaging provides better image quality, lesion delineation, and superior characterization than conventional gray scale sonography.

Marfanoid hypermobility syndrome and skeletal abnormalities in a rare case of torsion of wandering spleen

Wandering spleen is a rare clinical entity characterized by splenic hypermobility resulting from laxity or maldevelopment of supporting splenic ligaments. Its major complication is splenic torsion, which is a potentially fatal surgical emergency. We present a rare case of wandering spleen with torsion and splenic infarction in a patient with marfanoid hypermobility syndrome and vertebral abnormalities.

Rosai-Dorfman disease: unusual cause of diffuse and massive retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy

Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD), originally described as sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy, is a rare histiocytic proliferative disorder with a distinctive microscopic appearance. Patients usually present with massive cervical lymphadenopathy. However other nodal sites (mediastinal and inguinal) are also frequently involved. The retro-peritoneum is an infrequent site of involvement. This uncommon entity should also be included in the list of differential diagnoses of diffuse and massive lymphadenopathy, which includes includes infectious/granulomatous conditions, lymphomatous and metastatic disease.