Using Multidetector-Row CT for the Diagnosis of Afferent Loop Syndrome Following Gastroenterostomy Reconstruction

PURPOSE: To assess the clinical manifestations and multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) findings of afferent loop syndrome (ALS) and to determine the role of MDCT on treatment decisions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2004 to December 2008, 1,100 patients had undergone gastroenterostomy reconstruction in our institution. Of these, 22 (2%) patients were diagnosed as ALS after surgery that included Roux-en-Y gastroenterotomy (n=9), Billroth-II gastrojejunostomy (n=7), and Whipple's operation (n=6). Clinical manifestations and MDCT features of these patients were recorded and statistically analyzed. The presumed etiologies of obstruction shown on the MDCT were correlated with clinical information and confirmed by surgery or endoscopic biopsy. RESULTS: The most common clinical symptom was acute abdominal pain, presenting in 18 patients (82%). We found that a fluid-filled C-shaped afferent loop in combination with valvulae conniventes projecting into the lumen was the most common MDCT features of ALS. Malignant causes of ALS, such as local recurrence and carcinomatosis, are the most common etiologies of obstruction. These etiologies and associated complications can be predicted 100% by MDCT. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that MDCT is a reliable modality for assessing the etiologies of ALS and guiding treatment decisions.

Evaluation of the Gallbladder Ejection Fraction by Tc-99m DISIDA Scintigraphy after Gastric Operations

BACKGROUND : Truncal vagotomy produces a reduction in bile flow, an increased gallbladder volume, a delay in gallbladdr emptying, decrease in resting pressure, and decreased contraction following stimulation with cholecystokinin. Retrospective studies have suggested that vagotomy can be responsible for a 4 to 6 fold increase in the 4% to 5% control rate of cholelithiasis noted in the Framingham study. The measurement of the gallbladder ejection fraction by using Tc-99m DISIDA scintigraphy is suitable for the study of the motor functions of the gallbaldder. A gallbladder ejection fraction of less than 35% is highly predictive of the presence of gallbladder disease and is a good indicator of a favorable outcome following a cholecystectomy. METHODS : Between January 1995 and December 1996, 24 patients (truncal vagotomy + pyloroplasty, 5; truncal vagotomy partial + gastrectomy + Billroth I, 4; truncal vagotomy + partial gastrectomy + Billroth II, 12; total gastrectomy, 3) and 18 healthy volunteers were investigated prospectively by Tc-99m DISIDA scintigraphy for the measurement of the gallbladder ejection fraction. RESULTS : In normal subjects, the mean value of the gallbladder ejection fraction was 70.8%, and in patients after a gastric operations, it was 66.0% (p>0.05). Three (25.0%) of the 12 patients with a truncal vagotomy, partial gastrectomy, and Billroth II gastrojejunostomy had gallbladder ejection fractions of less than 35% (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS : There was no difference in the gallbladder ejection fractions between the control group and the patients after gastric operations, including a truncal vagotomy. However there was a significant difference between the patients with a truncal vagotomy, partial gastrectomy, and Billroth II anastomosis and those receiving other gastric operations.