Value of Fluoroscopic Defecography in Constipated Children With Abnormal Colon Transit Time Test Results

Background/Aims@#Colon transit time (CTT) test is regarded as the gold standard for evaluating colon transit function. Fluoroscopic defecography (FD) is a dynamic radiologic test to assess anorectal function. The aim is to evaluate the value of FD in constipated children with abnormal CTT test results. @*Methods@#Fifty-one children (27 girls) with a mean age of 9.8 ± 3.2 years who met Rome III criteria for constipation and older than 5 years with abnormal CTT test results underwent FD. @*Results@#Of 51 children, 27 (52.9%) showed positive findings on FD, including pelvic floor dyssynergia (PFD) (10/27, 37.0%), structural abnormality (15/27, 55.6%) (rectocele 53.3%, intussusception 33.3%, and both 13.4%), and both PFD and rectocele (2/27, 7.4%). In terms of CTT test subtype, of 35 children who had outlet obstruction type in CTT test, 19 (54.2%) had positive findings, including PFD (8/19, 42.1%), structural abnormality (9/19, 47.4%) (rectocele 55.6%, intussusception 22.2%, and both 22.2%), and both PFD and rectocele (2/19, 10.5%). Of the 16 children who had slow transit type of CTT test, 8 (50.0%) had positive findings, including PFD (2/8, 25.0%) and structural abnormality (6/8, 75.0%). Of the 6 children who had structural abnormality, 3 (50.0%) had rectocele and 3 (50.0%) had intussusception. For the 2 children (2/16, 12.5%) who had PFD, puborectalis muscle relax failure was found on FD. Puborectalis muscle relax failure was treated with biofeedback and medication. In the minor abnormalities, medication continued without additional therapeutic modalities. @*Conclusions@#FD was valuable for both diagnoses of underlying causes and interpretation of CTT test results in children with abnormal CTT test results. Therefore, this study suggests that FD and CTT tests should be incorporated into logical thinking for constipation in children.

Risk Factors for Liver Function Deterioration after Transarterial Chemoembolization Refractoriness in Child-Pugh Class A Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: A switch to systemic therapy, such as sorafenib, should be considered for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients refractory to transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). On the other hand, treatment changes are difficult if the liver function worsens to Child-Pugh B or C. Therefore, predicting the risk factors for non-responsiveness to TACE and deteriorating liver function may be helpful.METHODS: Newly diagnosed Child-Pugh A HCC patients who underwent TACE from January 2012 to June 2018 were included. After 1 year, this study evaluated whether there was a treatment response to TACE and whether the Child-Pugh class had worsened.RESULTS: Among 121 patients, 65 were refractory and 56 responded to TACE. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, the tumor size, tumor number, and albumin at the time of the diagnosis of HCC were significant prognostic factors for the treatment response to TACE. Among 65 patients who presented TACE-refractoriness, 27 showed liver function deterioration from Child-Pugh class A to class B or C after TACE. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, bilirubin at the diagnosis of HCC was a significant prognostic factor for liver function deterioration. A predictive algorithm based on the regression equations revealed a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 74.1%, 74.5%, 45.5%, and 90.9%, respectively, for TACE-refractoriness and liver function deterioration.CONCLUSIONS: The prognostic model incorporating the tumor size, tumor number, albumin, and bilirubin at the diagnosis of HCC may help identify patients who show a poor response to TACE and aggravation of liver function after TACE, who may benefit from early switching into systemic therapy before liver function aggravation.

Efficacy and Safety of Combined Radiofrequency Ablation with Transarterial Chemoembolization in Patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Stage A Hepatocellular Carcinoma Ineligible for Curative Treatment / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Surgical resection or ablation is recommended for the treatment of early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), whereas transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is frequently used in early HCC ineligible for curative resection. We evaluated the clinical effects and safety of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) shortly after TACE in patients with Barcelona clinic liver cancer (BCLC) stage A HCC. METHODS: Sixty-seven BCLC stage A HCC patients who failed to achieve complete response to TACE as either a first line treatment and who subsequently received RFA at the Konkuk University Medical Center from January 2005 to December 2017 were included. Evaluation indices included treatment response, overall survival rate, recurrence-free survival, prognostic factors, and procedure-related complications. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 46.9 months. Fifty-four (80.6%) patients were of Child-Pugh class A, and 13 (19.4%) were of class B. Modified UICC stages were I in 10 (14.9%), II in 46 (68.7%), and III in 11 (16.4%) patients. In the 67 study subjects, cumulative recurrence-free survival rates were 86.8%, 55.9% and 29.7% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively, and overall survival rates were 100%, 93.4%, and 83.5% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. Tumor size significantly predicted recurrence. No treatment-related death occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Combination of RFA was an efficient and safe treatment for BCLC stage A HCC patients that failed to achieve complete response to initial TACE. We suggest TACE plus RFA be considered as a curative option for early HCC patients ineligible for curative resection of RFA.

Imaging Patterns of Intratumoral Calcification in the Abdominopelvic Cavity

Intratumoral calcification is one of the most noticeable of radiologic findings. It facilitates detection and provides information important for correctly diagnosing tumors. In the abdominopelvic cavity, a wide variety of tumors have calcifications with various imaging features, though the majority of such calcifications are dystrophic in nature. In this article, we classify the imaging patterns of intratumoral calcification according to number, location, and morphology. Then, we describe commonly-encountered abdominopelvic tumors containing typical calcification patterns, focusing on their differentiable characteristics using the imaging patterns of intratumoral calcification.

Added Value of Using a CT Coronal Reformation to Diagnose Adnexal Torsion

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the increased value of using coronal reformation of a transverse computed tomography (CT) scan for detecting adnexal torsion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 106 woman suspected of having adnexal torsion who underwent CT with coronal reformations and subsequent surgical exploration. Two readers independently recorded the CT findings, such as the thickening of a fallopian tube, twisting of the adnexal pedicle, eccentric smooth wall thickening of the torsed adnexal mass, eccentric septal thickening of the torsed adnexal mass, eccentric poor enhancement of the torsed adnexal mass, uterine deviation to the twisted side, ascites or infiltration of pelvic fat, and the overall impression of adnexal torsion with a transverse scan alone or combined with coronal reformation and a transverse scan. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs), sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value were used to compare diagnostic performance. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients were confirmed to have adnexal torsion. The addition of coronal reformations to the transverse scan improved AUCs for readers 1 and 2 from 0.74 and 0.75 to 0.92 and 0.87, respectively, for detecting adnexal torsion (p < 0.001 and p = 0.004, respectively). Sensitivity of CT for detecting twisting of the adnexal pedicle increased significantly for readers 1 and 2 from 0.27 and 0.29 with a transverse scan alone to 0.79 and 0.77 with a combined coronal reformation and a transverse scan, respectively (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Use of a coronal reformation with transverse CT images improves detection of adnexal torsion.

Multidetector Computed Tomography for the Assessment of Adnexal Mass: Is Unenhanced CT Scan Necessary?

OBJECTIVE: To compare the diagnostic performance and radiation dose between contrast-enhanced CT (ECT) alone, and combined unenhanced and contrast-enhanced CT (UE + ECT) for the assessment of adnexal mass. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study was approved by the Institutional Review Board. A total of 146 consecutive patients (mean age, 41.1 years) who underwent preoperative unenhanced and contrast-enhanced multidetector CT of the pelvis and had adnexal masses found at surgery were included. Two readers independently evaluated the likelihood of adnexal malignancy on a 5-point scale on two different imaging datasets (ECT alone and UE + ECT). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to evaluate diagnostic performance. Radiation dose to patients was calculated by the volume CT dose index (CTDIvol) and the dose length products (DLP) on each dataset. RESULTS: Of the total 178 adnexal masses, 133 masses were benign and 45 masses were malignant. For both readers, there is no significant difference of AUC values between ECT alone and UE + ECT for the detection of adnexal malignancy (reader 1, 0.93 vs. 0.95; reader 2, 0.92 vs. 0.91) (p > 0.05). The mean CTDIvol (12.6 +/- 2.2 mGy) and DLP (641.2 +/- 137.2 mGy) of ECT alone was significantly lower than the mean CTDIvol (21.5 +/- 2.7 mGy) and DLP (923.6 +/- 158.8 mGy) of UE + ECT (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The use of unenhanced CT scan in addition to contrast-enhanced CT scan does not improve the detection of adnexal malignancy, but increases radiation exposure.

Delayed hepatic rupture after radiofrequency ablation for colorectal hepatic metastasis: management with transcatheter arterial embolization

Intraperitoneal bleeding after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is the most common major vascular complication due to direct needle injury to a vessel or liver capsule. However, intraperitoneal bleeding as a result of a delayed hepatic rupture after RFA for liver tumors is an extremely rare complication. The present report describes a case of intraperitoneal hemorrhage caused by delayed hepatic rupture resulting from arterioportal fistula after RFA for hepatic metastasis from colorectal cancer and successful management using transcatheter embolization.

Korean Guidelines for Colorectal Cancer Screening and Polyp Detection / 대한소화기학회지

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer in males and the fourth most common in females in Korea. Since the most of colorectal cancer occur through the prolonged transformation of adenomas into carcinomas, early detection and removal of colorectal adenomas are one of the most effective methods to prevent colorectal cancer. Considering the increasing incidence of colorectal cancer and polyps in Korea, it is very important to establish Korean guideline for colorectal cancer screening and polyp detection. Korean Multi-Society Take Force developed the guidelines with evidence-based methods. Parts of the statements drawn by systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Herein we discussed the epidemiology of colorectal cancers and adenomas in Korea, optimal screening methods for colorectal cancer, and detection for adenomas including fecal occult blood tests, radiologic tests, and endoscopic examinations.

Diagnostic Performance of Gray-scale Sonographic Findings for the Detection of Acute Pyelonephritis

PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of gray-scale renal sonographic findings for the diagnosis of acute pyelonephritis (APN) by using computed tomography as a reference standard. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed gray-scale renal sonographic findings of 48 patients for the detection of APN. All patients had clinical symptoms such as fever, flank pain, or dysuria and were confirmed as APN by contrast-enhanced CT. The presence of sonographic findings such as renal swelling, alteration of the parenchymal echogenicity, wall thickening of the renal pelvis, loss of the renal sinus fat echogenicity, and loss of the corticomedullary differentiation were evaluated. We also categorized all patients into mild APN or severe APN groups according to the volume of the morbid renal parenchyma on contrast-enhanced CT, and evaluated the aforementioned sonographic findings between the two groups. RESULTS: Overall diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of gray-scale renal ultrasonography (US) for the detection of APN were 32.5%, 72.0%, and 58.5%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of each sonographic finding were measured for each group. Renal swelling sensitivity and specificity were 33.8% and 70.8% for the mild APN group, but 45.8% and 66.7% for the severe APN group. Sensitivity and specificity for alteration of the parenchymal echogenicity were 41.7% and 79.2% for the mild APN group, but 58.3% and 66.7% for the severe APN group. The sensitivity and specificity for wall thickening of the renal pelvis was 37.5% and 95.8% for the mild APN group, but 50.0% and 95.8% for the severe APN group. The sensitivity and specificity of loss of the renal sinus fat echogenicity were 12.5% and 83.3% for the mild APN group, but 12.5% and 91.7% for the severe APN group. The sensitivity and specificity of the loss of the corticomedullary differentiation were 12.5% and 95.8% for the mild APN group, but 20.8% and 75.0% for the severe APN group. There was no significant difference of gray-scale renal US diagnostic accuracy for the detection of APN between the mild and severe APN groups (56.3%: 58.3%; p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Although overall gray-scale renal US has poor sensitivity for the detection of APN, wall thickening of the renal pelvis is the most specific sonographic finding in the both mild and severe APN groups.

Strategies for Successful Percutaneous Revascularization of Chronic Total Occlusion of the Femoropopliteal Arteries When the Antegrade Passage of a Guide Wire Fails

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of various strategies for revascularization of chronic total occlusion of femoropopliteal arteries when the guide wire does not pass in an anterograde direction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four patients with totally occluded femoropopliteal arteries (mean occlusion length 13.75 cm; range, 6-22 cm) were treated by using a retrograde approach and two novel catheters. After successful recanalization or reentry, balloon angioplasty followed by stent placement was performed to complete the revascularization. RESULTS: In 16 cases in which to cross the occlusion via intraluminal or subintimal route was failed, we used Frontrunner catheters in five cases and Outback catheters in 11 cases. In eight cases in which to reenter after subintimal passage of the guide wire was failed, we used Outback catheters. Successful recanalization was achieved intraluminally or subintimally in all cases. One perforation occurred during subintimal passage of the guide wire that was controlled by recanalization of another subintimal tract. There were no cases of distal thromboembolism or other complications. CONCLUSION: A retrograde approach and using the Frontrunner and Outback catheters are safe and effective for successful revascularization of chronic total occlusion of femoropopliteal arteries. In particular, they are useful when the initial antegrade attempts at recanalization have failed.

Korean Guidelines for Colorectal Cancer Screening and Polyp Detection

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer in males and the fourth most common in females in Korea. Since the most of colorectal cancer occur through the prolonged transformation of adenomas into carcinomas, early detection and removal of colorectal adenomas are one of the most effective methods to prevent colorectal cancer. Considering the increasing incidence of colorectal cancer and polyps in Korea, it is very important to establish Korean guideline for colorectal cancer screening and polyp detection. Korean Multi-Society Take Force developed the guidelines with evidence-based methods. Parts of the statements drawn by systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Herein we discussed the epidemiology of colorectal cancers and adenomas in Korea, optimal screening methods for colorectal cancer, and detection for adenomas including fecal occult blood tests, radiologic tests, and endoscopic examinations.

Korean Guidelines for Colorectal Cancer Screening and Polyp Detection

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer in males and the fourth most common in females in Korea. Since the most of colorectal cancer occur through the prolonged transformation of adenomas into carcinomas, early detection and removal of colorectal adenomas are one of the most effective methods to prevent colorectal cancer. Considering the increasing incidence of colorectal cancer and polyps in Korea, it is very important to establish Korean guideline for colorectal cancer screening and polyp detection. Korean Multi-Society Take Force developed the guidelines with evidence-based methods. Parts of the statements drawn by systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Herein we discussed the epidemiology of colorectal cancers and adenomas in Korea, optimal screening methods for colorectal cancer, and detection for adenomas including fecal occult blood tests, radiologic tests, and endoscopic examinations.

Korean Guideline for Colonoscopic Polypectomy

There is indirect evidence to suggest that 80% of colorectal cancers (CRC) develop from adenomatous polyps and that, on average, it takes 10 years for a small polyp to transform into invasive CRC. In multiple cohort studies, colonoscopic polypectomy has been shown to significantly reduce the expected incidence of CRC by 76% to 90%. Colonoscopic polypectomy is performed frequently in primary outpatient clinics and secondary and tertiary medical centers in Korea. However, there are no evidence-based, procedural guidelines for the appropriate performance of this procedure, including the technical aspects. For the guideline presented here, PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane Library literature searches were performed. When little or no data from well-designed prospective trials were available, an emphasis was placed on the results from large series and reports from recognized experts. Thus, these guidelines for colonoscopic polypectomy are based on a critical review of the available data as well as expert consensus. Further controlled clinical studies are needed to clarify aspects of this statement, and revision may be necessary as new data become available. This guideline is intended to be an educational device to provide information that may assist endoscopists in providing care to patients. This guideline is not a rule and should not be construed as a legal standard of care or as encouraging, advocating, requiring, or discouraging any particular treatment. Clinical decisions for any particular case involve a complex analysis of the patient's condition and the available courses of action.

Korean Guidelines for Colorectal Cancer Screening and Polyp Detection

Now colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer in males and the fourth most common cancer in females in Korea. Since most of colorectal cancers occur after the prolonged transformation of adenomas into carcinomas, early detection and removal of colorectal adenomas are one of the most effective methods to prevent colorectal cancer. Considering the increasing incidence of colorectal cancer and polyps in Korea, it is very important to establish Korean guideline for colorectal cancer screening and polyp detection. The guideline was developed by the Korean Multi-Society Take Force and we tried to establish the guideline by evidence-based methods. Parts of the statements were draw by systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Herein we discussed epidemiology of colorectal cancers and adenomas in Korea and optimal methods for screening of colorectal cancer and detection of adenomas including fecal occult blood tests, radiologic tests, and endoscopic examinations.

Sonographic Finding of Extravaginal Testicular Torsion in a Neonate: A Case Report

Extravaginal testicular torsion is known to be the predominant mechanism of the torsion in fetuses and neonates. In this torsion, twisting of the spermatic cord occurs outside the sac of the tunica vaginalis in the scrotum. Herein, we describe the sonographic findings of an extravaginal testicular torsion in a newborn baby who presented with a hard scrotal mass. Gray-scale ultrasound (US) showed hypoechoic linear striations in the testis with a thick hyperechoic peritesticular rim. Surgical exploration revealed an extravaginally twisted testis.

Sonographic Findings of Ruptured Endometrioma

PURPOSE: To evaluate the characteristic sonographic findings of ruptured endometrioma in comparison with unruptured endometrioma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty nine cases of pathologically proven endometrioma were categorized as the ruptured endometrioma group and the unruptured endometrioma group on the basis of the operation records. The sonographic findings such as locularity, the internal echotexture, the size and the wall thickness of the cyst and the presence of a fluid-fluid level, fibrin strands, a retracting clot and fluid in the pelvic cavity were retrospectively evaluated using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: On univariate analysis, the sonographic finding of a thin wall (odds ratio, 4.1; 95% confidence interval: 1.2-13.8) and a fluid-fluid level (odds ratio, 9.0; 95% confidence interval: 2.4-33.6) were significantly different between the ruptured endometrioma group and the unruptured endometrioma group. Logistic regression analysis showed that a thin wall (odds ratio, 7.5; 95% confidence interval: 1.6-34.4) and a fluid-fluid level (odds ratio, 14.7; 95% confidence interval: 3.1-70.2) were both independent variables significantly associated with unruptured endometrioma. CONCLUSION: The characteristic sonographic findings of ruptured endometrioma are a thin cystic wall and a fluid-fluid level in the cyst, as compared with those of unruptured endometrioma.

A Case of Encapsulating Peritoneal Sclerosis, Presenting as Hemoperitoneum, Successfully Treated by Enterolysis / 대한신장학회지

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is an uncommon but fatal complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD). Recently, there were some reports of advanced EPS cases that were successfully treated by enterolysis although an intestinal perforation or leakage from intestinal anastomosis were associated with a high mortality. We experienced a case of EPS in a 53-year-old man on PD for 3.5 years without a previous history of episode of peritonitis who presented with hemoperitoneum during treatment of peritonitis. EPS was diagnosed radiologically according to typical CT findings; The series of CT scans revealed how to develop in sequence from a very subtle findings to full-blown findings of EPS. Enterolysis was performed because the patient did not respond to conservative management such as cessation of PD with transfer to hemodialysis, nutritional support and steroid therapy. In spite of intestinal perforation during surgery, he was successfully treated with enterolysis. Therefore, we report this case with review of the literature.

Sonographic Imaging of a Hydrocele of the Spermatic Cord

PURPOSE: The US examination has been used to evaluate the infant and child having an inguino-scrotal bulge or mass for the non-invasive diagnostic work up to exclude neoplasm, cryptorchidism, lymphadenopathy, hydrocele of spermatic cord, etc. We performed this study to determine the characteristic ultrasound features of hydrocele of spermatic cord in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From February 2002 to March 2007, 213 pediatric patients with swelling or palpable mass of the inguino-scrotal area, or suspected cryptorchidism underwent ultrasonography for evaluation of accurate diagnosis. Ninetythree of 213 patients had a cystic lesion of the inguino-scrotal area. Among 93 patients, the sonographic images of 28 patients, who were confirmed as having hydrocele of the spermatic cord, were collected on a retrospective basis. The age of the patients ranged from 15 days to 11 years. The ultrasound images of the patients were subsequently reviewed to analyze the typical features in the diagnostic workup of hydrocele of spermatic cord. Eight patients were confirmed by surgery. Twenty patients who were less than one year old were clinically followed up. RESULTS: The most common finding was testicular hydrocele, which was found in 44 patients of the 93 patients that had a cystic lesion of the inguino-scrotal area. Of the 28 patients who had a hydrocele of spermatic cord, 10 patients had the lesions on the left side and 17 patients on the right side. One patient has bilateral hydrocele of spermatic cord. Well-defined elongated or elliptical-shaped cystic lesions were noted in the 24 of 29 cases (one patient had bilateral hydrocele of the spermatic cord). One patient had septations within elongated cystic lesion was seen and round shape in one case; tear drop shape was found in three cases. CONCLUSIONS: The most common ultrasound imaging of spermatic cord hydrocele is well-defined, elongated cystic mass separating the testes.

Image Spectrum of Anal Ultrasound in Patients with Peri Anal Disease

Endoanal ultrasonography has recently emerged as a popular diagnostic modality for mapping and imaging the anal sphincter. This procedure can be performed as an outpatient procedure; it is relatively quick and virtually painless. The imaging typically is performed in a proximal to distal manner with defining a variety of levels of the anal canal as it progresses. Anal ultrasond can provide a detailed image of the anal sphincter musculature. The internal anal sphincter appears endosonographically as a hypoechoic circular band that is most prominently seen at the level of the mid-anal canal. The external anal sphincter appears as a thicker circular mixed echogenic band outside of the hypoechoic internal sphincter. Anal ultrasond can be used to evaluate patients with anal fistulas with or without abscess. Imaging is performed and the fistulous tracts or abscesses are identified by hypoechogenicity within the external sphincter muscle or the ischiorectal fossa. Its ability to clearly image the anal sphincters has allowed its use for the evaluation of anal fistulas. Moreover, anal ultrasound has emerged as the technique of choice for imaging the anal sphincters and for evaluating incontinence. Each of the individual physiologic tests offers valuable information that is relevant to the continence mechanism, and the ultrasound yields results that are complementary to other tests. Ultrasound serves as a surveillance tool to monitor the results after sphincterplasty. We illustrate the endo-anal sonographic features of various anal diseases and the ultrasound-anatomic correlation for the anus.

A New Ultrasound-Guided Puncture Device with Augmented Degrees of Performance Freedom and Ability to Attach to Most Convex Probes

PURPOSE: To evaluate the performance of a newly-designed ultrasound (US)-guided puncture device. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A newly-designed US-guided puncture device was composed of a guide segment and an attachable segment. The guide segment allowed the needle to be placed in the plane of US view with a maximal degree of freedom, and the attachable segment was designed to attach to most convex US probes. Six operators punctured 144 targets in phantoms using either the new device (n = 72) or free-hand technique (n = 72). The number of required needle passages and the necessary procedure times were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The number of required needle passages and the necessary procedure time were significantly reduced in five operators when the newly-designed US-guided puncture device was used (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: A newly-designed US-guided puncture device, which allows for a maximal degree of freedom in needle placement and can attach to most convex US probes, showed good performance in our study.