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Children (Basel, Switzerland) Aug 2023Sigmoid volvulus (SV) occurs rarely in children. After encountering two cases of recurrent SV, we reviewed the literature to define the recurrence risk, identify outcome... (Review)
Review
Sigmoid volvulus (SV) occurs rarely in children. After encountering two cases of recurrent SV, we reviewed the literature to define the recurrence risk, identify outcome predictors and to give treatment recommendations. We found 256 cases reported in children (mean age 10.2 years, gender ratio (m:f) 2.3:1). Associations exist with Hirschsprung disease (HD) in 10%, neurodevelopmental disorders in 10.9% and chronic constipation in 10.2%. Common symptoms and clinical signs were abdominal pain (85%), distension (85%), tenderness (54%) and vomiting (59%). Signs of peritonitis were present in 14% and indicated a gangrenous sigmoid ( = 45.33; < 0.001). A total of 183 had abdominal radiographs, and 65% showed a positive 'coffee-bean-sign'. Contrast enemas were positive in 90%. A total of 124 patients underwent laparotomy; in 41 cases, the sigmoid was gangrenous and associated with more complications ( = 15.68; < 0.001). Non-operative treatment (NOT) like endoscopic, fluoroscopic or rectal tube decompression was performed in 135 patients and successful in 79% with a 38-57% recurrence rate. A total of 73 patients subjected to elective surgery: 50 underwent sigmoid resection; 17 had surgery for HD. Clinicians should consider SV in all children with abdominal pain, distension and vomiting. Gangrene carries a higher morbidity. After successful NOT we recommend counselling about the recurrence risk and definitive surgery should be advised. HD is frequent in newborns but sometimes found in older children.
PubMed: 37761402
DOI: 10.3390/children10091441 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine May 2024Chyloperitoneum arises from lymph leakage into the abdominal cavity, leading to an accumulation of milky fluid rich in triglycerides. Diagnosis can be challenging, and... (Review)
Review
Chyloperitoneum arises from lymph leakage into the abdominal cavity, leading to an accumulation of milky fluid rich in triglycerides. Diagnosis can be challenging, and mortality rates vary depending on the underlying cause, with intestinal volvulus being just one potential acute cause. Despite its rarity, our case series highlights chyloperitoneum associated with non-ischemic small bowel volvulus. The aims of our study include assessing the incidence of this association and evaluating diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. We present two cases of acute abdominal peritonitis with suspected small bowel volvulus identified via contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT). Emergency laparotomy revealed milky-free fluid and bowel volvulus. Additionally, we conducted a systematic review up to 31 October 2023, identifying 15 previously reported cases of small bowel volvulus and chyloperitoneum in adults (via the PRISMA scheme). Clarifying the etiopathogenetic mechanism of chyloperitoneum requires specific diagnostic tools. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be useful in non-emergency situations, while contrast-enhanced CT is employed in emergencies. Although small bowel volvulus infrequently causes chyloperitoneum, prompt treatment is necessary. The volvulus determines lymphatic flow obstruction at the base of the mesentery, with exudation and chyle accumulation in the abdominal cavity. Derotation of the volvulus alone may resolve chyloperitoneum without intestinal ischemia.
PubMed: 38792360
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13102816 -
Pediatric Radiology Oct 2023Few reports explore the frequency and factors associated with diagnostic ultrasound (US) for midgut volvulus.
BACKGROUND
Few reports explore the frequency and factors associated with diagnostic ultrasound (US) for midgut volvulus.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate predictive factors for diagnostic US for midgut volvulus and clinical outcomes of patients with non-diagnostic US.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This retrospective study included infants imaged for midgut volvulus with US. Exams were rated as diagnostic (midgut volvulus present or absent) or non-diagnostic by a pediatric radiologist, and in cases of disagreement with the original report, an additional pediatric radiologist was the tie-breaker. For each exam, the following were recorded: age, weight, respiratory support, exam indication, sonographer experience, and gaseous dilated bowel loops on radiography. Logistic regression models with "stepwise" variable selection were used to investigate the association of diagnostic US for midgut volvulus with each of the independent variables.
RESULTS
One hundred nineteen patients were imaged. US was diagnostic in 74% (88/119) of patients. In subsets of patients presenting with bilious emesis or age <28 days, US was diagnostic in 92% (22/24) and 90% (53/59), respectively. Logistic regression suggested that symptom type (bilious vs other) was the best predictor of diagnostic US (type 3 P=0.02). Out of 26 patients with available radiographs, US was diagnostic in 92% (12/13) of patients without bowel dilation on radiographs compared to 62% (8/13) of patients with bowel dilation (P=0.16). Weight, respiratory support, and sonographer experience did not differ between groups. Two sick neonates, ages 2 days and 30 days, in whom the primary clinical concern was dropping hematocrit and sepsis, respectively, had non-diagnostic ultrasounds in the setting of bowel dilation on radiography. Both were found to have midgut volvulus at surgery and both expired.
CONCLUSION
US was most frequently diagnostic in patients with bilious emesis or age less than 28 days. Non-diagnostic US for midgut volvulus must prompt a predetermined follow-up strategy, such as an additional imaging study (e.g., upper GI series), particularly in a sick child, as non-diagnostic US may miss midgut volvulus.
PubMed: 37589763
DOI: 10.1007/s00247-023-05727-1 -
Revista Espanola de Enfermedades... May 2024Intestinal malrotation is the most common congenital anomaly of the small intestine. However, it is associated with delayed diagnosis due to the lack of specificity of...
Intestinal malrotation is the most common congenital anomaly of the small intestine. However, it is associated with delayed diagnosis due to the lack of specificity of its symptoms, which can lead to devastating consequences such as intestinal volvulus or massive intestinal necrosis. We present a clinical case in which we highlight the importance of abdominal computed tomography and the detection of its characteristic signs for the early identification of this pathology.
PubMed: 38767014
DOI: 10.17235/reed.2024.10391/2024 -
Journal of Ultrasound Jun 2024Bowel obstruction (BO) in children has a wide differential diagnosis, ranging from non-urgent conditions to surgical emergencies. Abdominal radiographs are most often...
Bowel obstruction (BO) in children has a wide differential diagnosis, ranging from non-urgent conditions to surgical emergencies. Abdominal radiographs are most often used as the first imaging modality for the evaluation of obstruction. However, for some indications, ultrasound can be the primary imaging modality. Therefore, it is incumbent on radiologists to recognize the types of bowel obstruction that can be recognized with US. Key sonographic features of BO include differential dilation of bowel loops, bowel wall thickening, and free fluid. "Do Not Miss" findings that indicate need for emergent treatment include volvulus, pneumoperitoneum, and/or signs of ischemia (bowel wall thinning and/or absent perfusion). The aim of this pictorial essay is to provide guidance on the sonographic technique and findings that enable identification of BO on US. Examples of neonatal BO on US, including common and less frequently encountered etiologies, are illustrated in this pictorial essay.
Topics: Humans; Infant, Newborn; Diagnosis, Differential; Intestinal Obstruction; Intestines; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 38402484
DOI: 10.1007/s40477-023-00858-5 -
Journal of Surgical Case Reports May 2024Cecal bascule, a rare subtype of cecal volvulus, presents diagnostic and management challenges. We report a case of cecal bascule presenting as an internal hernia in a...
Cecal bascule, a rare subtype of cecal volvulus, presents diagnostic and management challenges. We report a case of cecal bascule presenting as an internal hernia in a 68-year-old male with no surgical history. Computed tomography revealed two areas of mesenteric swirling and a displaced cecum. Prompt surgical intervention included laparoscopic exploration, resection of a necrotic adhesive band, and cecopexy. This case is noteworthy because of the absence of predisposing factors like prior surgeries or inflammatory conditions. Management options for cecal bascule include resection and cecopexy, tailored to individual patient factors. Awareness among healthcare providers is crucial for the timely recognition and appropriate management of such cases. Further research is needed to refine management strategies and improve outcomes for these rare but potentially life-threatening conditions.
PubMed: 38826857
DOI: 10.1093/jscr/rjae366 -
International Journal of Surgery Case... Jun 2024Gallbladder volvulus is the rarest form of gall bladder pathology and it is also rare cause of acute abdomen. The exact etiology of gallbladder volvulus is undetermined...
INTRODUCTION
Gallbladder volvulus is the rarest form of gall bladder pathology and it is also rare cause of acute abdomen. The exact etiology of gallbladder volvulus is undetermined and mostly mimics acute cholecystitis which delays diagnosis and management of patients.
CASE PRESENTATION
In this case report we present 7 years old male child who underwent exploratory laparotomy and intraoperative findings of 360 degree twisted, frankly gangrenous, and perforated at the fundus of the gallbladder. Cholecystectomy was done and the patient had smooth post-operative course and discharged improved.
CLINICAL DISCUSSION
Gallbladder volvulus is a rare cause of acute abdomen especially in pediatric population and it mostly mimics acute acalculous cholecystitis leading to delayed diagnosis and increased risk of complications such as gallbladder gangrene, perforation, bile peritonitis, morbidity and mortality.
CONCLUSION
Even though gallbladder volvulus is rare as cause of acute abdomen, one has to consider in the differential diagnosis as high index of suspicion is important for early diagnosis and management.
PubMed: 38688150
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109664 -
Annals of Surgery Nov 2023To describe the worldwide experience with living donation (LD) in intestinal transplantation (ITx) and compare short-term and long-term outcomes to a propensity-matched...
OBJECTIVE
To describe the worldwide experience with living donation (LD) in intestinal transplantation (ITx) and compare short-term and long-term outcomes to a propensity-matched cohort of deceased donors.
BACKGROUND
ITx is a rare life-saving procedure for patients with complicated intestinal failure (IF). Living donation (LD)-ITx has been performed with success, but no direct comparison with deceased donation (DD) has been performed. The Intestinal Transplant Registry (ITR) was created in 1985 by the Intestinal Transplant Association to capture the worldwide activity and promote center's collaborations.
METHODS
Based on the ITR, 4156 ITx were performed between January 1987 and April 2019, of which 76 (1.8%) were LD, including 5 combined liver-ITx, 7 ITx-colon, and 64 isolated ITx. They were matched with 186 DD-ITx for recipient age/sex, weight, region, IF-cause, retransplant, pretransplant status, ABO compatibility, immunosuppression, and transplant date. Primary endpoints were acute rejection and 1-/5-year patient/graft survival.
RESULTS
Most LDs were performed in North America (61%), followed by Asia (29%). The mean recipient age was: 22 years; body mass index: 19kg/m²; and female/male ratio: 1/1.4. Volvulus (N=17) and ischemia (N=17) were the most frequent IF-causes. Fifty-two percent of patients were at home at the time of transplant. One-/5-year patient survival for LD and DD was 74.2/49.8% versus 80.3/48.1%, respectively ( P =0.826). One-/5-year graft survival was 60.3/40.6% versus 69.2/36.1%, respectively ( P =0.956). Acute rejection was diagnosed in 47% of LD versus 51% of DD ( P =0.723).
CONCLUSION
Worldwide, LD-ITx has been rarely performed. This retrospective matched ITR analysis revealed no difference in rejection and in patient/graft survival between LD and DD-ITx.
PubMed: 37497671
DOI: 10.1097/SLA.0000000000006045 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Aug 2023Previous studies have described the association of onchocerciasis (caused by Onchocerca volvulus) with epilepsy, including nodding syndrome, although a clear etiological...
Previous studies have described the association of onchocerciasis (caused by Onchocerca volvulus) with epilepsy, including nodding syndrome, although a clear etiological link is still missing. Cases are found in different African countries (Tanzania, South Sudan, Uganda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central African Republic and Cameroon). In our study we investigated immunological parameters (cytokine, chemokine, immunoglobulin levels) in individuals from the Mahenge area, Tanzania, presenting with either epilepsy or nodding syndrome with or without O. volvulus infection and compared them to O. volvulus negative individuals from the same endemic area lacking neurological disorders. Additionally, cell differentiation was performed using blood smears and systemic levels of neurodegeneration markers, leiomodin-1 and N-acetyltyramine-O, β-glucuronide (NATOG) were determined. Our findings revealed that cytokines, most chemokines and neurodegeneration markers were comparable between both groups presenting with epilepsy or nodding syndrome. However, we observed elevated eosinophil percentages within the O. volvulus positive epilepsy/nodding syndrome patients accompanied with increased eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) and antigen-specific IgG levels in comparison to those without an O. volvulus infection. Furthermore, highest levels of NATOG were found in O. volvulus positive nodding syndrome patients. These findings highlight that the detection of distinct biomarkers might be useful for a differential diagnosis of epilepsy and nodding syndrome in O. volvulus endemic areas. Trial-registration: NCT03653975.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Onchocerciasis; Onchocerca volvulus; Nodding Syndrome; Intestinal Volvulus; Epilepsy; Uganda; Cytokines
PubMed: 37535695
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011503 -
Radiology Case Reports Sep 2023Small bowel volvulus is a rare surgical pathology in western countries with a rather misunderstood pathophysiology. This condition refers to the abnormal torsion of the...
Small bowel volvulus is a rare surgical pathology in western countries with a rather misunderstood pathophysiology. This condition refers to the abnormal torsion of the small bowel loops on its mesenteric axis and blockage of the mesenteric vessels, thus leading to bowel obstruction. Typical symptoms include abdominal pain and distention, vomiting and bloody stools. Volvulus can also cause ischemia due to a compromised blood supply. Small bowel volvulus can be life-threatening and require immediate surgery. In this case report, we present a 28-year-old male patient who was admitted to the emergency department with significant, unrelenting abdominal pain and vomiting with no blood. CT scan identified small bowel volvulus and torsion of the mesentery. The biopsy report confirmed no malignancy in this patient. The patient underwent surgery and was discharged 2 days later.
PubMed: 37434622
DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2023.06.006