Cervical extension of pancreatic pseudocyst an unusual entity

Pancreatic pseudocyst is a common complication that occurs following acute or chronic pancreatitis. Although the common location of pseudocyst is lesser sac, extension of pseudocyst can occur into mesentery, retroperitoneum, inguinal region, pleura and lung. Extension of pseudocyst into mediastinum and cervical spaces is extremely rare. Mediastinal extension of pseudocyst is a rare occurrence reported in fewer than 100 cases. Cervical extension of pseudocyst is even rarer. Due to the rarity of the condition, there is a lack of uniform treatment protocols which poses a challenge in the management of this condition. Here we report a rare case of bilateral cervical extension of ruptured pseudocyst and its management.

Pilot testing of a simple alternative tissue processing method for immunofluorescence staining

Background: The image quality of tissues obtained with high-resolution imaging systems depends on several factors including the quality of sections prepared by different tissue processing methods. Fresh frozen sections and formalin-fixed paraffin- embedded (FFPE) sections are the two routinely employed methods in histopathological examination having their own merits and demerits. Aims and Objectives: We tested the feasibility of a hybrid tissue processing method that could reduce the processing time without compromising the quality of processed and stained tissues. Materials and Methods: Bovine pancreatic tissue was utilized to standardize the process. The steps included fixation of tissue in formalin, followed by embedding in optimal cutting temperature compound and then cryo-sectioning to obtain 50 ?m slices for immunostaining. The prepared thick slices were immunostained with islet markers and assessed by confocal imaging. Results: The images revealed that the staining quality was comparable with FFPE sections, though the tissue processing time was significantly curtailed. The modified Leica microsystems scoring system revealed a nearly 80% overall total score for the processed tissue specimens, indicating acceptable levels of quality of the tissues. We also observed that the staining quality of these formalin-fixed cryo-slices was preserved without tissue deterioration for up to 1 month when stored in formalin, indicating its storage potential for future applications. Conclusion: The proof of concept of the hybrid tissue processing method tested in this study will encourage researchers to extrapolate its use to the human pancreas, other solid organs, and other staining techniques for evaluating its general utility.

Clinical presentation of pancreatic disorders: a prospective cohort study of 25 cases

Background: Pancreatic disorders are one of the commonest abdominal disorders presented to a surgeon. The study focuses on demographic profile, clinical presentation and outcome of pancreatic disorders. Methods: All cases of pancreatic disorders admitted to surgical ward were included in this study. The clinical presentations, laboratory and radiographic investigations were recorded. Statistical analysis was done on SPSS software version 21. Results: Majority of patients belong to age group of 41-50 years (48%) with male predominance (3.2:1). However, the mean age was 36.06 years. Most common presentation was acute pancreatitis (68%) but the findings were not significant (p>0.05). Alcohol and biliary colic remained the majority of cause for pancreatic disorders. Conclusions: Pancreatic disorders are common in males in 5th decade of life. Alcohol and biliary calculi are the most common culprits for pancreatic disorders.

Metástasis hepática metacrónica de un tumor sólido pseudopapilar de páncreas / Metachronous liver metastasis from a solid pseudopapillary pancreas tumor

Presentación del caso. Se trata de una mujer de 32 años quien consultó por dolor abdominal en el epigastrio no asociado a las comidas, tenía el antecedente de una pancreatectomía distal con preservación de bazo debido a un tumor en la cola del páncreas, cinco años previos. En el examen físico no presentó ninguna anormalidad y durante su abordaje se realizaron estudios de imagen. Intervención terapéutica. La tomografía axial computarizada evidenció una lesión en el segmento lateral izquierdo del hígado con características sugestivas de metástasis debido a su antecedente quirúrgico. Los exámenes de laboratorio y marcadores tumorales se encontraron dentro de límites normales. Se evaluó en conferencia multidisciplinaria y se recomendó un abordaje quirúrgico. Se realizó una hepatectomía izquierda con una evolución posquirúrgica sin complicaciones. Evolución clínica. Luego de seis meses posoperatorios, se encontraba sin evidencia de enfermedad activa o residual

Case presentation. A 32-year-old woman consulted for abdominal pain in the epigastrium not associated with meals. She had a history of distal pancreatectomy with spleen preservation due to a tumor in the tail of the pancreas five years earlier. Physical examination showed no abnormalities and imaging studies were performed during his approach. Treatment. Computed axial tomography revealed a lesion in the left lateral segment of the liver with characteristics suggestive of metastasis due to his surgical history. Laboratory tests and tumor markers were within normal limits. It was evaluated in a multidisciplinary conference, and a surgical approach was recommended. A left hepatectomy was performed with an uncomplicated postoperative evolution. Outcome. Six months postoperatively, there was no evidence of active or residual disease

Tumor sólido pseudopapilar de páncreas. Reporte de caso / Solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas. Case report

Introducción. La neoplasia sólida pseudopapilar de páncreas, también conocida como tumor de Frantz, es una patología poco frecuente, que comprende menos del 3 % de los tumores pancreáticos, y la mayor incidencia se observa en mujeres jóvenes entre la segunda y tercera década de la vida. Su etiología es desconocida. El tratamiento de elección es la resección quirúrgica sin linfadenectomía cuando se encuentra bien localizado. Inclusive aún cuando hay evidencia de metástasis o invasión local, el manejo quirúrgico sigue siendo el tratamiento de elección. Caso clínico. Mujer de 24 años de edad, con masa abdominal palpable, dolorosa, de tres semanas de evolución. La tomografía computarizada mencionó como presunción diagnóstica un tumor de origen pancreático. En la laparotomía se encontró una masa dependiente del cuerpo del páncreas. Se realizó pancreatectomía distal radical con esplenectomía y omentectomía parcial en bloque. Resultados. Durante la cirugía no se presentaron complicaciones y hasta el sexto mes de seguimiento, la evolución fue adecuada y sin recidiva tumoral. Conclusiones. Ante la presencia de masa abdominal, con compromiso pancreático documentado por tomografía computarizada, se debe considerar el diagnóstico de neoplasia sólida pseudopapilar de páncreas, o tumor de Frantz. El tumor de Frantz es una entidad poco frecuente que generalmente se diagnostica de forma incidental o por síntomas inespecíficos en estadios avanzados. El diagnóstico y manejo de esta neoplasia representa un reto y la resección quirúrgica continúa siendo el tratamiento indicado.

Introduction. Solid pseudopapillary neoplasia of the pancreas, also known as Frantz tumor, is a rare pathology, comprising less than 3% of pancreatic tumors, and the highest incidence is observed in young women between the second and third decades of life. Its etiology is unknown. The treatment of choice is surgical resection without lymphadenectomy when it is well located. Even when there is evidence of metastasis or local invasion, surgical management remains the treatment of choice. Clinical case. A 24-year-old woman presented with a palpable, painful abdominal mass of three weeks' duration. The computed tomography mentioned a tumor of pancreatic origin as a presumptive diagnosis. At laparotomy, a mass dependent on the body of the pancreas was found. Radical distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy and en bloc partial omentectomy was performed. Results. During the surgery there were no complications and until the sixth month of follow-up, the evolution was adequate and without tumor recurrence. Conclusions. In the presence of an abdominal mass, with pancreatic involvement documented by computed tomography, the diagnosis of solid pseudopapillary neoplasia of the pancreas, or Frantz tumor, should be considered, which must be treated surgically. Frantz tumor is a rare entity that is generally diagnosed incidentally or due to nonspecific symptoms in advanced stages. The diagnosis and management of this neoplasia represents a challenge and surgical resection continues to be the indicated treatment.

Esplenúnculo intrapancreático simulando neoplasia / Intrapancreatic splenunculus simulating neoplasia

Introducción. El esplenúnculo se ha descrito con una incidencia global del 10 al 30 %. Puede ser una entidad de origen congénito o adquirida, frecuentemente está asociada a trauma abdominal o antecedente de esplenectomía por diversas causas. Caso clínico. Mujer en edad media, con antecedente de trauma abdominal y esplenectomía por ruptura traumática, quien 30 años después presenta un cuadro de dolor abdominal. Los estudios imagenológicos identificaron una masa sólida intrapancreática. Resultados. Fue llevada a pancreatectomía distal. Los hallazgos histológicos e inmunohistoquímicos confirmaron que la masa pancreática correspondía a un esplenúnculo intrapancreático adquirido, asociado al evento traumático previo. Conclusión. Los esplenúnculos suelen constituir un "incidentaloma". Los estudios imagenológicos se encuentran limitados, pues la tomografía computarizada, la resonancia nuclear magnética y la ultrasonografía presentan características imagenológicas similares con los tumores pancreáticos hipervascularizados, por lo que se debe practicar el estudio histopatológico durante su valoración. Esta entidad se debe incluir dentro de los diagnósticos diferenciales, con mayor énfasis en aquellos pacientes con historia de trauma abdominal y esplenectomía asociada, un escenario en el que esta lesión puede simular una neoplasia sólida del páncreas, con características malignas.

Introduction. Splenunculus has been described with an overall incidence of 10 to 30%. It can be an entity of congenital or acquired origin, it is frequently associated with abdominal trauma or a history of splenectomy for various reasons. Clinical case. Middle-aged woman, with a history of abdominal trauma and splenectomy due to traumatic rupture, who 30 years later presents with abdominal pain. Imaging studies identified a solid intrapancreatic mass. Results. She was taken to OR for distal pancreatectomy. The histological and immunohistochemical findings confirmed that the pancreatic mass corresponded to an acquired intrapancreatic splenunculus, associated with the previous traumatic event. Conclusion. Splenuncles usually constitute an "incidentaloma". Imaging studies are limited, since computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasonography present similar imaging characteristics with hypervascularized pancreatic tumors, so histopathological study must be included during their evaluation. This entity should be included in the differential diagnoses, with greater emphasis on those patients with a history of abdominal trauma and associated splenectomy, a scenario in which this lesion can simulate a solid neoplasm of the pancreas, with malignant characteristics.

Metastasis of Lung Cancer in the Pancreas, Diagnosis Using Endoscopic Ultrasound: A Case Report / Metástasis de cáncer pulmonar en el páncreas, diagnóstico por ultrasonografía endoscópica: reporte de caso

Abstract Only 2% of malignant tumor lesions in the pancreas represented metastatic lesions. Endoscopic biliopancreatic ultrasonography, with the possibility of guided biopsy, is one of the main diagnostic methods currently available for lesions in the pancreas. A case of a male patient with a history of small cell carcinoma of the lung with findings of a tumor lesion in the pancreas corresponding to metastasis was described.

Resumen Tan solo el 2% de las lesiones tumorales malignas en el páncreas representan lesiones metastásicas. La ultrasonografía endoscópica biliopancreática, con posibilidad de biopsia guiada, es uno de los principales métodos diagnósticos disponibles actualmente para las lesiones en el páncreas. Se describe el caso de un paciente masculino con antecedente de carcinoma de células pequeñas de pulmón con hallazgos de lesión tumoral en el páncreas correspondiente a metástasis.

Pancreatic endometriosis a rare entity in surgery: a case report

Endometriosis is a rare entity that occurs in 2 to 10% of women of childbearing age. It may be rarer if it occurs in extrapelvic organs and extremely rarely in pancreatic tissue, and it may be confused with other causes of pancreatitis or pancreatic pathologies. In the following case we present a young woman of childbearing age who is admitted with abdominal pain. She mentions having recently had elevated pancreatic enzymes. At the time of evaluation within normal parameters, a pancreatic cyst is suspected, which is why it is She underwent surgical treatment, however, due to clinical signs, a cyst with the appearance of endometriosis was punctured, and the histopathological report confirmed pancreatic endometriosis, an entity little known in surgery, however, with a favorable outcome after surgical intervention.

Unusual case report: Nodule of heterotopic pancreatic tissue found attached to the gall bladder wall

The occurrence of heterotopic pancreas, an uncommon developmental abnormality, is frequently detected as an incidental finding. In a histopathological study, a 35-year-old woman with cholecystitis was unexpectedly found to have a 5 mm diameter heterotopic pancreatic tissue attached to the gallbladder wall, presenting as a nodule. Following the surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy), the patient experienced a smooth recovery. Identifying this condition may offer valuable insights into its clinical significance.

Linfangioma Quístico del Páncreas. Un Tumor poco Frecuente / Pancreas Cystic Lymphangioma. A Rare Tumor

El linfangioma quístico del páncreas (LQP), es un tumor extremadamente raro y representa solo el 1% de los linfangiomas abdominales. El objetivo de este manuscrito fue reportar un caso de LQP intervenido quirúrgicamente; y revisar la evidencia existente respecto de sus características morfológicas, terapéuticas y pronósticas. Mujer de 67 años, con LQP operada en Clínica RedSalud Mayor Temuco en septiembre de 2023. Se verificó un tumor sólido-quístico de 16 cm de diámetro mayor, adherido al páncreas a nivel del cuerpo de la glándula, de 867 gramos de peso, con líquido amarillento en su interior; la que fue extirpada completamente. Después del estudio histológico, se realizaron tinciones inmunohistoquímicas complementarias para CD31, D2-40 y calretina. La paciente tuvo un curso postoperatorio sin incidentes, siendo dado de alta al tercer día postoperatorio. En el control alejado, se encontraba en buenas condiciones generales. El LQP es un tumor muy poco frecuente. Las características clínicas e imágenes de este tipo de lesiones son inespecíficas. Debe considerarse en el diagnóstico diferencial de las lesiones quísticas pancreáticas. La resección quirúrgica completa con márgenes libres es el tratamiento de elección; y el pronóstico del LQP es favorable si se reseca por completo.

SUMMARY: Pancreas cystic lymphangioma (PCL) are extremely rare, accounting for only 1% of abdominal lymphangiomas. The aim of this study was to report a rare case of PCL, who underwent surgery; and review the existing evidence regarding its morphological, therapeutic and prognostic characteristics. 67-year-woman patient with PCL who underwent surgery at Clínica RedSalud Mayor Temuco in September 2023. In this case, a solid-cystic tumor with a major diameter of 16 cm was identified, adhering to the pancreas at the level of the body of the gland, weighing 867 grams and containing yellowish fluid in its interior. The tumor was completely excised. Subsequent to histological examination, additional immunohistochemical staining was performed for CD31, D2-40, and calretinin. The patient experienced an uneventful postoperative course and was discharged on the third postoperative day. During the follow-up, the patient remains in good general condition. LQP is a very rare tumor. Clinical features and images of this type of lesions are nonspecific. It should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pancreatic cystic lesions. Complete surgical resection with free margins is the treatment of choice; and the prognosis of LQP is favorable if it is completely resected.

Pancreatitis aguda en niños y adolescentes: abordaje diagnóstico y terapéutico de acuerdo con las guías de manejo en un grupo de pediatras / Acute pancreatitis in children and adolescents: diagnostic and therapeutic approach according to management guidelines in a group of pediatricians

Resumen Introducción: La pancreatitis aguda se observa con mayor frecuencia en la edad pediátrica. Actualmente existen guías de recomendaciones para su adecuado diagnóstico y tratamiento. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el nivel de conocimiento de las recomendaciones internacionales sobre pancreatitis aguda de la North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition en un grupo de pediatras. Métodos: Estudio observacional, multicéntrico, mediante una encuesta aplicada a médicos pediatras y médicos pediatras en formación. Resultados: El 48.8% de los médicos tenían conocimiento de las guías para tratamiento de pancreatitis aguda en niños. El 72.4% conocían los criterios actuales para el diagnóstico de pancreatitis aguda. No hubo diferencias en la mayoría de las respuestas entre médicos pediatras y médicos pediatras en formación. Conclusiones: Aunque solo la mitad de los encuestados conocían la guía para el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de la pancreatitis aguda, cerca de tres cuartas partes utilizan adecuadamente los criterios para el diagnóstico. Existe adecuado conocimiento sobre la prescripción de antibióticos y el seguimiento posterior a la pancreatitis aguda. Hay déficit en el conocimiento sobre las recomendaciones de la monitorización de los signos vitales y el momento adecuado para realizar la colecistectomía ante una pancreatitis de origen biliar.

Abstract Background: Acute pancreatitis is observed more frequently in the pediatric age. Currently, there are recommendation guidelines for its proper diagnosis and treatment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge of the international recommendations on acute pancreatitis in pediatrics of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition in a group of pediatricians. Methods: Observational, multicenter study, through a survey applied to pediatricians and pediatric residents. Results: 48.8% of physicians had prior knowledge of the guidelines for the treatment of acute pancreatitis in children. 72.4% knew the current criteria for the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. There were no differences in the majority of responses between pediatricians and pediatric residents. Conclusions: Although only half of the respondents followed the guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of acute pancreatitis, about three-quarters adequately use the criteria for diagnosis. There is adequate knowledge about the prescription of antibiotics and pancreatitis follow-up. There is lack of knowledge on the recommendation of monitoring vital signs and the precise time to perform cholecystectomy in the pancreatitis of biliary origin.

Lesión pancreática que esconde una transformación quística acinar

Objetivo: La transformación quística acinar del páncreas es una patología poco frecuente y que afecta en su mayoría a mujeres de mediana edad. Material y Métodos: Presentamos el caso de dicha patología en un varón joven que debutó con dolor en hipocondrio izquierdo y en la pruebas de imagen se evidenció una lesión quística en cola pancreática de 50x45mm, con calcificaciones lineales. Se realizó pancreatectomía distal. Resultados: El diagnóstico anatomopatológico informó de transformación quística acinar. Discusión: Dada la dificultad de un diagnóstico preoperatorio, es frecuente someter al paciente a una intervención quirúrgica con una elevada morbilidad, a pesar de tratarse de una lesión benigna, ya que se siguen las indicaciones quirúrgicas para otras patologías quísticas pancreáticas. La presencia de mutaciones y el hecho de que algunos de ellos también presentan cambios epiteliales mucinosos, justificaría el debatir la posibilidad de mantener a estos pacientes bajo vigilancia a largo plazo.

Objective: Acinar cystic transformation of the pancreas is a rare pathology that affects mostly middle-aged women. Material and Methods: We present a case of this pathology in a young man who presented with pain in the left hypochondrium and imaging tests revealed a cystic lesion in the pancreatic tail measuring 50x45mm, with linear calcifications. Distal pancreatectomy was performed. Results: The anatomopatho-logical diagnosis was acinar cystic transformation. Discussion: given the difficulty of a preoperative diagnosis, the patient is often subjected to surgery with high morbidity, despite being a benign lesion, as surgical indications for other pancreatic cystic pathologies are followed. The presence of mutations and the fact that some of them also present mucinous epithelial changes would justify discussing the possibility of keeping these patients under long-term surveillance.

Evaluation of the Effects of Alpha-Tocopherol, Quercetin and their Combination on Ethanol-Induced Pancreatic and Duodenal Mucosal injuries: An Experimental Study

Aim: In this study, the effects of alpha-tocopherol (AT), quercetin (QT) or their combination on ethanol-induced pancreatic and duodenal mucosal damage were investigated in rats using morphological and biochemical evaluations.Study Design: Experimental study.Place and Duration of Study: University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.Methodology: Ethanol-induced injuries were produced by oral administration of 40% ethanol (0.2 ml/day) for 40 consecutive days, while a control group of rats was served distilled water. Other groups received AT (2.5 mg/kg), QT (50 mg/kg) or their combination with 40% ethanol during the experimental period.Results: Blood glucose level was significantly (p<0.05) increased in ethanol-treated rats relative to controls. Ethanol administration caused shrinkage of insulin-secreting islets tissues in the pancreas, while lesions such as erosions, loss of villi and severe inflammatory cell infiltrations of the mucosa and sub-mucosa were observed in the duodenum. These changes were accompanied by significant elevation in the levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde (MDA) and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) in the pancreas and duodenum, along with reduced activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione S-transferase (GST). Treatment of rats with AT, QT, and especially their combination, yielded profound reversal of ethanol-induced effects indicated by restoration of blood glucose to control levels, preservation of pancreatic and duodenal morphology and the inhibition of ethanol-induced oxidative stress.Conclusion: Overall, dietary supplementation with AT and/or QT could potentially counteract the adverse effects associated with chronic alcohol consumption.

Pancreatic tuberculosis: a case report

Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection secondary to Mycobacterium tuberculosis with highest burden within low socioeconomic communities. Most individuals with tuberculosis infection are immunocompromised due to underlying medical conditions such as human immunodeficiency virus. However, tuberculosis can manifest in immunocompetent individuals although the incidence is significantly less. Pancreatic tuberculosis is exceedingly rare with autopsy series revealing pancreatic tuberculosis <5% of tuberculosis infected individuals. This case report will discuss a 16-year-old female presenting with pancreatic tuberculosis masquerading as possible pancreatic malignancy. Emphasis is placed on the challenging diagnostic nature of pancreatic tuberculosis as it presents with non-specific clinical symptoms which are in keeping with a wide range of differential diagnoses. Once correctly diagnosed pancreatic tuberculosis presents the potential of cure. It is for this reason whilst a rare diagnosis clinicians should be mindful of pancreatic tuberculosis to ensure timely correct treatment is pursued and unnecessary surgical procedures avoided.

Fístula pancreática: una complicación temida. Experiencia en una unidad de cirugía hepatobiliopancreática de cuarto nivel / Pancreatic fistula: A feared complication. Experience in a fourth level hepatobiliopancreatic surgery unit

Introducción. La fístula pancreática postoperatoria es una de las complicaciones más importantes en la cirugía hepatobiliopancreática. Su diagnóstico se hace mediante la presencia de un nivel de amilasa en el líquido de drenaje al menos tres veces por encima del valor de la amilasa en suero a partir del tercer día postoperatorio. El objetivo de este estudio fue caracterizar los pacientes con fístula pancreática postoperatoria en nuestra institución, evaluando la importancia de la detección temprana y el establecimiento de un manejo oportuno. Métodos. Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, que incluyó los pacientes sometidos a pancreatoduodenectomía, con diagnóstico de fístula pancreática postoperatoria como complicación de cirugía hepatobiliopancreática, en el Hospital Internacional de Colombia, en Piedecuesta, entre enero del 2017 y diciembre de 2020. Se excluyeron los pacientes con otro tipo procedimiento quirúrgico y aquellos que decidieron no participar en el estudio. Resultados. Se evaluaron 69 pacientes, con un predominio del sexo femenino (n=38; 55,1 %) y mediana de la edad de 57 años. El 33,3 % (n=24) de los pacientes intervenidos desarrollaron fístula pancreática postoperatoria, siendo el 23,2 % fuga bioquímica, grado B 8,7 % y grado C 2,9 %, para quienes se indicaron manejo expectante, control ecográfico y reintervención, respectivamente. Fallecieron 5 pacientes (7,2 %). Conclusiones. La fístula pancreáticapostoperatoria es una complicación para tener en cuenta en todos los pacientes sometidos a pancreatoduodenectomía. Existen estrategias que pueden permitir disminuir la incidencia de esta complicación, con el fin de mejorar el desenlace, el pronóstico y la morbilidad posquirúrgica.

Introduction. Postoperative pancreatic fistula is one of the most important complications in hepatobiliopancreatic surgery. Its diagnosis is made by the presence of an amylase level in the drainage fluid at least three times above the serum amylase value from the third postoperative day. The objective of this study was to characterize patients with postoperative pancreatic fistula at our institution, evaluating the importance of early detection and to establish a timely management. Methods. Descriptive, retrospective study that included patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy with a diagnosis of postoperative pancreatic fistula as a complication of hepatobiliopancreatic surgery at the Hospital Internacional Colombia, between January 2017 and December 2020. Patients with another type of procedure performed by this specialty and those who did not decide to participate in the study were excluded. Results. A total of 69 patients were included, the median age was 57 years with a predominance of females (n=38; 55.1%). 33.3% (n=24) of the operated patients developed postoperative pancreatic fistula, with 23.2% having a biochemical leak, grade B in 8.7% and grade C in 2.9%, for whom expectant management, ultrasound control and reintervention were indicated, respectively. Five patients died (7.2%). Conclusions. Pancreatic fistula is a complication to take into account in all patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy. There are strategies that can reduce the incidence of this complication and thus improve not only the outcome but also the prognosis and postoperative morbidity.

Gastrointestinal Manifestations of COVID-19: An Evidence-based Review

The first cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection were reported in December 2019, triggering a global health crisis with a coronavirus pandemic-19 (COVID-19). Fever, a dry cough, and shortness of breath are the most common symptoms. GI symptoms, on the other hand, have been found to be an essential clinical finding in the course of the disease. Furthermore, though the pathophysiology of these symptoms is still being researched, the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 and Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme type 2 (ACE2), which is expressed in both the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems, is implicated in viral pathogenesis as a key clinical finding in the progression of the disease. Gastrointestinal manifestations of disease has turned out to be a distinct entity and there is a need to update ourself on this issue as we need high index of suspicion to rule out this infection when patients initially present with gastrointestinal manifestations.

Naples prognostic score may predict overall survival in metastatic pancreatic cancer

Introduction: Naples prognostic score (NPS) based on nutritional and inflammatory parameters can predict response to chemotherapy and overall survival (OS) in many cancer types. However, its significance in metastatic pancreatic cancer (PC) remains unclear. We evaluated the prognostic significance of the NPS in patients with metastatic PC receiving first line chemotherapy. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 215 patients with metastatic PC receiving first line FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy. NPS’s were calculated using pre?chemotherapy laboratory data. Patients were divided into three groups according to their scores (NPS: 0; 1 & 2; 3 & 4 were grouped as 1, 2 and 3, respectively). The association of NPS with clinicopathological features and OS were evaluated. Results: Median age was 64 years, and median OS was 10.5 months. Hemoglobin levels were lower and Ca?19?9 values were higher with increasing NPS. Frequency of patients with bone and/or liver metastases, and with greater than 5 metastatic focus were higher in group 3. A lower NPS was associated with longer OS. The median OS in groups 1, 2, and 3 were 19.5, 12, and 8 months, respectively, and differed significantly. Univariate analysis revealed effect of NPS (3?4) on OS (HR: 2.38, 1.77–3.19). Other prognostic factors affecting OS were age, ECOG, liver, bone or lymph node metastases, number of metastatic foci (<5 vs >5), de?novo metastatic disease, and serum Ca?19?9 levels. NPS (3?4) was identified as an independent prognostic factor negatively affecting OS (HR: 1.89, 1.34–2.65) in multivariate analysis. Conclusion: NPS may be a useful prognostic marker for the prediction of OS in metastatic PC patients receiving systemic chemotherapy.

Da Vinci Robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery for pediatric annular pancreas / 临床外科杂志

Objective Summarizing the recent efficacy and initial experience of using da Vinci robot surgery for pediatric annular pancreas in our hospital.Methods The clinical data of 3 children with annular pancreas treated by Da Vinci robotic surgery in Wuhan Children's Hospital from October 2020 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.Results All three cases were successfully completed with robot-assisted lateral duoduodenal anastomosis without intraoperative complications.The operation time was 240 min,212 min,135 min,respectively.Postoperative feeding was started at 12 d,7 d,and 6 d,respectively.The postoperative hospital stays were 33 d,18 d,and 13 d,respectively.The first case was complicated with neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis after operation,and was cured and discharged after conservative treatment.The remaining 2 cases were cured and discharged.The follow-up time was 2 years,3 months and 5 months,respectively.No relevant complications occurred during the follow-up period,and the prognosis of the three children was good.Conclusion Da Vinci robotic surgery is safe and feasible in the treatment of annular pancreas in children,but it still needs to be supported by large sample studies.

Misdiagnosis of intrapancreatic accessory spleen： A report of two cases / 临床肝胆病杂志

Accessory spleen refers to the spleen tissue that exists outside of the normal spleen， with a similar structure to the main spleen and certain functions. Intrapancreatic accessory spleen （IPAS） completely enveloped by the pancreas has an incidence rate of only 2%， and it is easily misdiagnosed in clinical practice due to its atypical clinical symptoms and similar radiological features to pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor， pancreatic solid pseudopapillary tumor， and other pancreatic space-occupying lesions. This article reports the clinical data of two patients with IPAS who were misdiagnosed as pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor and pancreatic solid pseudopapillary tumor， respectively， analyzes the reasons for misdiagnosis， and summarizes the experience in diagnosis and treatment， in order to improve the ability for the differential diagnosis of IPAS in clinical practice.

Research progress on the status and management of diabetes mellitus after acute pancreatitis / 中国实用护理杂志

Post-acute pancreatitis diabetes is one of the most common distant complications of acute pancreatitis. However, its incidence has been underestimated for a long time, indicating that it has not been taken seriously by healthcare professionals in clinical practice. This article provides a review of the urgent need for healthcare professionals to focus on the current status, adverse outcomes, screening and management aspects of diabetes after acute pancreatitis, and aims to provide a reference for healthcare professionals in their relevant clinical work.