Giant idiopathic ulcer of esophagus in the context of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

The giant ulcer of esophagus is a rare entity in the context of human immunodeficiency syndrome. In front of this type of ulceration the radiologist must to distinguish between two types of ulcers HIV, cytomegalovirus (CMV). The differential diagnosis is necessary for orientation of the therapy and is the result of association between radiological, endoscopic and pathological findings.

Malone appendicostomy: an unexpected complication.

The Malone appendicostomy is a novel option for surgical management of faecal incontinence and chronic constipation, by permitting the administration of antegrade colonic enemas for colonic evacuation. We report the case of a 54-year-old female who had undergone abdomino perineal resection for low rectal cancer followed by total perineal reconstruction with perineal colostomy, dynamic double graciloplasty and Malone appendicostomy. After 7-year follow-up, functional results and quality of life scores were satisfactory. Suddenly the patient described increasing difficulty with intubation of her appendicostomy and complete reflux of the enema liquid, which radiology referred to a calcified body of 35 mm within the Malone appendicostomy causing nearly complete obstruction of the conduit. A surgical exploration was necessary to extract the fecolith allowing full recovery with return to satisfactory Malone appendicostomy function. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a fecolith causing obstruction within a Malone appendicostomy.

Physiologic variables for videofluoromanometric assessment of dysphagia: an exploratory study.

STUDY AIM: To assess the physiological variables among Upper Esophageal Sphincter Nadir (UESN), Hypopharyngeal Peak Pressure (HPP) and Pharyngo-Esophageal Pressure Gradient (PEPG) for Videofluoromanometry (VFM). PATIENTS & METHOD: Exploratory non-randomised prospective study comparing UESN, HPP and PEPG of three cohorts of individuals presumably presenting very distinctive "manometric signatures" based on McConnel's Piston Model of swallowing: 11 non-dysphagic volunteers called the Control Group (CG), 10 dysphagic patients presenting a Myotonic Dystrophy (MD), at various stages of evolution, and 10 patients presenting a CricoPharyngeal Barr (CPB), with no post-swallow pharyngeal residue at a previous Modified Barium Swallow (MBS). VFM tests are performed using solid-state three unidirectional transducers produced by Gaeltec Inc. The simultaneous display storage of the standard fluoroscopic swallow of 10 ml liquid barium with UESN and HPP measurements, continuously recorded on a 3-channel polygraph, is performed using a Kay-Pentax Swallowing Work Station. PEPG calculations are subsequently made. RESULTS: Significant different HPP and PEPG values were observed between the three cohorts. MD patients presented HPP and PEPG below 100 mmHg while CPB patients presented HPP and PEPG above 200 mmHg. The CG presented HPP and PEPG between 100 and 200 mmHg. UESN values revealed no significant difference between the three cohorts. A reading scale is proposed. The aim of the scale is to make a link between HPP or PEPG values and physiopathological (not diagnostic) conditions. Patients presenting an HPP or PEPG below 100 mmHg indicate a High probability of Pharyngeal Propulsion Impairment while patients presenting an HPP or PEPG above 200 mmHg are more likely to have an Increased Flow Resistance with appropriate Propulsion Response. Pros and cons for calculation of the PEPG, representing a possibly unnecessary step, are discussed. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, the use of HPP or PEPG as physiological variables provides quantitative data that allow VFM to discriminate three very distinctive swallowing conditions. Further studies are needed to assess the HPP and PEPG obtained with other manometic devices within the same specific populations for them to be considered as universal physiological variables. Eventually, further investigations should answer the question as to whether the calculation of the PEPG represents any value in comparison with HPP measurement alone.

Optimal diagnosis of anastomotic colorectal leak by combination of conventional colonic enema and CT.

Post-operative complications of colorectal surgery occur not uncommonly. They have to be detected as early as possible, in order to reduce their morbidity and mortality rates. The most frequent early complications are abscesses, mechanical obstruction, and anastomotic leak. Imaging studies are required in order to assess such complications. We present a case for which radiological procedures were contributive for an optimal diagnosis of anastomotic leak following colo-rectal anastomosis. We emphasize the role of conventional radiology (contrast enema) combined with CT in the post-operative detection of an anastomotic intestinal leak.

Whole stomach with antro-pyloric nerve preservation as an esophageal substitute: an original technique.

The paper describes an original technique of gastric tailoring in which the two-thirds of the lesser curvature proximal to the crow's foot are denuded flush with the gastric wall, leaving both nerves of Latarjet and the hepatic branches of the left vagus nerve intact. Maintenance of the vagal supply to the antro-pyloric segment in two patients resulted in the presence of peristaltic contractions sweeping over the antrum on simple observation of the antral wall at the end of the procedure and on both upper G-I series and intragastric manometry tracings 6 weeks postoperatively. Gastric exposure to bile on 24-h gastric bile monitoring was normal 6 weeks after the operation. Neither patient had any gastrointestinal symptoms with the exception of early sensations of postprandial fullness when overeating.

[Spiral CT in pulmonary embolism]. / CT scanner spirage dans l'embolie pulmonaire.

Pulmonary embolism is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality that can occur in many clinical situations. For several years, spiral CT has represented a relatively non invasive modality for diagnosing this common disease. The present article is reviewing the CT features of acute and chronic pulmonary embolism, the technical aspects of spiral CT acquisition, the diagnostic accuracy and major limitations and pitfalls of the technique.

Tracheal laceration and tension pneumomediastinum of spontaneous favorable outcome.

The case of a 75-year-old women with probable tracheal laceration and tension pneumomediastinum after intubation is reported. A dramatic reduction of tracheal caliber was observed during fiberoptic bronchoscopy. Despite severe dyspnea, the patient healed with conservative measures. We conclude that aggressive surgical treatment for tracheal laceration is not always necessary.

Terminalized semimechanical side-to-side suture technique for cervical esophagogastrostomy.

BACKGROUND: The classic manual end-to-side technique of esophagogastrostomy after gastric pull-up to the neck carries a rather high risk of fistula and stricture. METHODS: A terminalized semimechanical side-to-side technique of cervical esophagogastrostomy was performed in 16 patients by the application of an Endo-GIA stapler across the gastric and esophageal walls placed side by side, so as to create a V-shaped posterior opening between the two lumina. The anterior aspect of the anastomosis was hand-sewn using a classic running suture. The cross-sectional area of the semimechanical anastomoses was estimated by barium swallow study 2 months after operation and compared with that of 24 manual end-to-side esophagogastrostomies. RESULTS: The cross-sectional area was 225 +/- 15.7 mm2 (mean +/- standard error of the mean) for the 16 semimechanical anastomoses versus 136 +/- 15 mm2 for the 24 manual anastomoses (p = 0.0001). The anastomotic area decreased from 206.6 +/- 13.5 mm2 in 29 patients without dysphagia to 107.5 +/- 4.7 mm2 in 7 patients with moderate dysphagia for solids that did not require endoscopic dilation and to 55.7 +/- 16 mm2 in 4 patients with severe dysphagia that required dilation (p = 0). The anastomotic area in 6 of the 7 patients with initial moderate dysphagia for solids increased spontaneously with time from 107.3 +/- 5.5 mm2 to 174.6 +/- 8.1 mm2, with concomitant symptomatic relief (p = 0.0277). CONCLUSIONS: The terminalized semimechanical side-to-side suture technique produces a larger anastomosis than the classic end-to-side esophagogastrostomy technique. Inflammatory changes related to the operation may cause transient narrowing of a cervical esophagogastrostomy.

Solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura: a report of five cases diagnosed by transthoracic cutting needle biopsy.

Five patients had a solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura; a well-known but rare entity. In all cases, biopsy by a transthoracic cutting needle (Tru-Cut; Travenol; Deerfield, IL) yielded specimens adequate for histologic analysis and gave the clue to the diagnosis. In four patients, surgical resection confirmed the diagnosis. The opportunity for and interest in diagnosing these tumors by transthoracic cutting needle biopsy before surgery are discussed. An accurate diagnosis of solitary fibrous tumors of the pleura can be made by a minimally invasive procedure; this allows for a more informed allocation of surgical resources.

Laparoscopic treatment of gallbladder duplication. A plea for removal of both gallbladders.

BACKGROUND: Gallbladder duplication is a rare congenital condition, which can now be detected preoperatively by imaging studies. METHODS: We report a case of duplicated gallbladder with symptomatic unilobar gallstones. Appropriate biliary workup (ultrasound, oral cholecystography, and intravenous cholangiography) allowed a correct preoperative diagnosis. RESULTS: Laparoscopic treatment included selective removal of the diseased accessory gallbladder. However, postoperative acute cholecystitis and symptomatic gallstone occurred in the remaining main gallbladder, and laparoscopic reintervention was required 27 months later. CONCLUSIONS: This case illustrates the need for complete removal of both gallbladders during initial surgery. Precise intraoperative recognition of vascular and biliary anatomy-including abnormalities-is highlighted to avoid mistakes during surgery.

[Value of echography in the diagnosis of acute intestinal occlusion]. / Intérêt de l'échographie dans le diagnostic de l'occlusion intestinale aiguë.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to assess the value of sonography in the diagnosis of acute intestinal occlusion. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sonographic findings were reviewed in 50 cases of intestinal occlusion (39 small bowel and 11 colonic occlusions). The final diagnosis was based on surgical findings (n = 40) or clinical course and further imaging findings (n = 10). RESULTS: Occlusion was correctly detected with sonography in 48 cases (96%). The location was correctly established with sonography in 43 cases (86%). The precise cause was suggested with sonography in 21 cases (42%). COMMENTARY: These results confirm the value of sonography for the diagnosis of intestinal occlusion and the identification of its level and its cause.

[Unilateral peripheral pulmonary nodules: initial symptoms of a limited form of Wegener's disease]. / Nodules pulmonaires periphériques unilatéraux: premiers signes d'une forme limitée de la maladie de Wegener.

The X-ray and CT follow-up features of unilateral peripheral pulmonary masses spontaneously varying in size and amount in a patient with limited Wegener disease are reported. Diagnosis was established by nasal biopsy and dosage of the neutrophils anti-cytoplasmic autoantibodies. The current literature over the condition is reviewed.

Bronchioloalveolar carcinoma: computed tomography findings.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the appearance of bronchioloalveolar lung carcinoma on computed tomography (CT) scans, and to determine the frequency of signs suggestive of this diagnosis. CT features of 42 cases with pathologically proven bronchioloalveolar carcinoma were retrospectively analysed for pattern, size, location and secondary signs suggesting the diagnosis. Bronchioloalveolar carcinoma had one of the following patterns: solitary nodule or mass (16), lobar consolidation (10), multilobar consolidations (13) and diffuse nodules (3). The 16 solitary nodules or masses ranged in size from 2.0 to 9.4 cm (mean +/- SD 3.75 +/- 1.7 cm). Eleven of the 16 nodules or masses were peripheral and five were central: Eight of the 16 tumours had pleural tags, seven had spiculated margins, and three had bubblelike lucencies. The consolidations were peripherally distributed in 13 out of 23 cases; cystic airspaces were observed in 19 out of 23 consolidations; bulging of interlobar fissures in 8 out of 23; and the angiogram sign in 7 out of 23. In conclusion, computed tomography findings of bronchioloalveolar carcinoma have a wide spectrum, showing typically a peripheral nodule or consolidation. Computed tomography has a role in the diagnosis of nodular localized versus other forms, with subsequent therapeutic and prognostic implications.

Pulmonary sequestration. Visualization of an enlarged azygos system by CT.

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of enlargement of the azygos system in the case of lung sequestration and its potential usefulness in the differential diagnosis of lower lobe opacities. Seven consecutive adult cases of pulmonary sequestrations were retrospectively enrolled; 4 sequestrations were proved surgically and all 7 angiographically. A group of 50 consecutive patients with a normal chest CT were used as controls. Another group consisted of 25 consecutive patients identified on the basis of an opacity in a posterobasal location on chest CT. For the 3 groups, the maximum diameter of the azygos and hemiazygos veins was measured, the level of measurement located between the upper poles of the kidneys and the confluence of inferior pulmonary veins into the left atrium. The diameter of the azygos veins (mean 10.4 +/- 5.1 mm) and of the hemiazygos veins (mean 7.1 +/- 3.0 mm) in the sequestration group was significantly larger than the diameter of the azygos and hemiazygos veins in the control group (mean 5.7 +/- 2.5 mm, and 3.4 +/- 2.4 mm, respectively), as well as in the study group (mean 5.9 +/- 2.6 mm and 3.3 +/- 2.6 mm, respectively). Our results suggest that enlargement of the azygos system in association with a posterobasal chest opacity, although nonspecific, may be a useful additional CT sign of sequestration.

[Recurrent lithiasis following cholecystectomy imaged with ultrasonography, tomodensitometry and cholangiography]. / Récidive de lithiase après cholécystectomie, imagée par ultrasonographie, tomodensitométrie et cholangiographie.

It is generally admitted, that after cholecystectomy, the cystic duct and the gallbladder remnant may cause symptoms, by being the site of inflammation. Recurrence of stones in a reformed gallbladder is avoided when cholecystectomy is complete. We report the case of a 43-year-old woman, presenting 19 years after cholecystectomy with a reformed gallbladder containing stones demonstrated by US, CT and cholangiography.

Radiologic findings of normal and compromised thoracic venous catheters.

We review the radiologic findings of normal positioning, malpositioning, and complications related to the more commonly used thoracic venous catheters. These include central venous catheters, long-term central venous access catheters, and pulmonary artery catheters. The radiologist plays an important role in the early recognition of the complications of these catheters. The daily practice of chest radiology is intimately related to the evaluation of the integrity and correct placement of thoracic venous catheters. The purpose of this pictorial essay is to review radiologic findings of normal positioning, malpositioning, and complications related to the more common devices used, including central venous catheters, long-term central venous access catheters, and pulmonary artery catheters. Many of the complications described are serious and may remain unrecognized for a long time; this may cause incorrect diagnosis and delayed treatment. The radiologist plays an important role in the early recognition of these complications. Malpositioning and complications often are more easily diagnosed with contrast-enhanced studies and computed tomography.

Clinical, radiological and functional results of remedial antireflux operations.

Fifty-five patients were reoperated on for an unsatisfactory outcome after antireflux surgery. Presenting symptoms were heartburn alone (27), heartburn and dysphagia (10), dysphagia alone (9), chest pain (4), left shoulder pain (1), left shoulder pain and fever (1), and signs of anemia (3). The symptom of dysphagia was usually of immediate onset whereas heartburn reoccurred after a symptom-free period (p = 0.014). The most common failed antireflux procedure was a Nissen fundoplication (37). The incompleteness of the residual wrap, its location around the stomach and the irreducibility of the gastro-oesophageal junction below the diaphragm were accurately predicted by barium swallow study in 70, 83 and 92% of the patients, respectively. Abnormal oesophageal body motility was related to oesophagitis, herniation of the residual repair into the chest or both (16/20), and it normalized in 6 of the 11 patients evaluated at follow-up. Oesophageal acid exposure and prevalence of oesophagitis were higher in patients with heartburn than in those with other symptoms (p < 0.02). Intraoperative findings were breakdown of the repair, its location around the stomach, its herniation into the chest, its too excessive tightness, a gastric fistula, or any combination. Remedial surgery consisted of a new antireflux procedure (42), a new antireflux procedure combined with closure of a gastric fistula (3), a closure of a gastric fistula alone (1), a closure of the crura (4), an oesophageal resection (3), a total gastrectomy (1), and a duodenal diversion (1).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)