Acute Pancreatitis and Acute Recurrent Pancreatitis in Children: Imaging Findings and Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of acute pancreatitis and acute recurrent pancreatitis in children has increased over the years, and there are limited data about imaging findings. This study aimed to reveal the imaging findings of acute pancreatitis and acute recurrent pancreatitis in children at a tertiary care hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The patients with acute pancreatitis and acute recurrent pancreatitis diagnosed between January 2007 and December 2018 were included. Demographic and clinical features, follow-up period, and interventions were noted. Imaging features were evaluated for pancreatic enlargement, peripancreatic fluid, and biliary ducts for initial examination and pancreas parenchymal necrosis, peripancreatic collection, walled-off necrosis, pseudocyst, parenchymal atrophy, and biliary ductal dilatation for follow-up. RESULTS: The study included 74 patients with a mean age of 9 ± 4.9 years. The most common causes of acute pancreatitis and acute recurrent pancreatitis were biliary tract anomalies (n = 21), biliary ductal stones (n = 9), and cystic fibrosis (n = 8). Findings consistent with acute pancreatitis were determined by ultrasound in 40.5% (n = 30/74), whereas by magnetic resonance imaging in 60% (n = 39/65). Forty-one percent of the patients (n = 16) with positive magnetic resonance imaging findings did not show any findings on ultrasound. Acute recurrent pancreatitis was seen in 32 patients (43.2%). Follow-up imaging was performed in 55 patients (74.3%) between 2 months and 11 years. At follow-up, 8 patients had peripancreatic collections (6 walled-off necrosis and 2 pseudocysts). CONCLUSION: Recognizing the imaging findings of acute pancreatitis and its complications is crucial. Magnetic resonance imaging should be preferred as a second option following ultrasound, with the advantages of biliary ductal system delineation and better characterization of complications.

Evaluation of the predictability of clinical and radiological findings in the diagnosis of malrotation.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the predictability of clinical and radiological findings in the diagnosis of malrotation. METHODS: Between 2010 and 2020, children with presumptive diagnosis of malrotation were included. The demographic features, clinical and radiological findings, operative findings and outcome were recorded. The upper gastrointestinal series (UGIS) were evaluated by two radiologists. All parameters were correlated with surgical findings to evaluate the predictability. RESULTS: Seventy patients were included. The presenting symptom was bilious vomiting in 29 cases (41.4%), and atypical symptoms (non-bilious vomiting, food refusal, etc.) in 40 cases (57%). One of the cases (1.6%) was asymptomatic and diagnosed incidentally during UGIS. 52 cases had abdominal X-ray and 14 (26.9%) of them were normal. Doppler ultrasonography (US) (n=20) revealed evidence of malrotation in 13 cases (65%). The location of duodenojejunal junction (DJJ) in UGIS was compatible with malrotation in 33 cases. 48 (61%) cases underwent surgical exploration; 35 cases had malrotation and seven cases had midgut volvulus. Median followup time was one year (0.5-7 years). Volvulus has recurred in one case and another case operated for volvulus died because of short bowel syndrome. The statistical analysis for predictability revealed that bilious vomiting (sensitivity: 57.1%, specificity: 82.1%), Doppler US (sensitivity: 92.3%, specificity: 75%) and right-sided DJJ in UGIS (sensitivity: 96.8%, specificity: 75%) have highest predictability. CONCLUSIONS: The bilious vomiting, Doppler US findings and right-sided DJJ have the highest predictability to confirm the diagnosis. However, presenting with atypical symptoms and having atypical or normal findings in UGIS do not rule out malrotation.

Continuous Hepatogonodal and Splenogonogal Fusion: A Rare Cause of Bilateral Intra-Abdominal Testis in an 18-Month-Old Boy.

The fusion of gonadal structures with internal organs is very rare. The close proximity between the left gonad and spleen during embryogenesis may result in splenogonadal fusion (SGF). Moreover, the trapping of hepatocyte-destined mesenchyme cells in gonads is defined as hepatogonadal fusion (HGF). The fusion of gonads with intra-abdominal organs may be continuous and may impair testicular descent during the prenatal period. We herein report an 18-month-old boy presented with bilateral nonpalpable testis due to concomitant continuous HGF and SGF. To our knowledge, this is the first case of concomitant HGF and SGF in a boy with bilateral intra-abdominal testis. Laparoscopic excision of fibrous cords and orchidopexy can be achieved despite continuous fusions.

Imaging findings of benign and malignant pediatric splenic lesions.

Splenic lesions in children have a wide histological spectrum. The majority of pediatric splenic lesions are benign and detected incidentally, and the most common benign lesions are cysts, followed by hemangiomas and lymphatic malformations. Most of the splenic malignancies in children are secondary to leukemia or lymphoma. The purpose of this article is to describe the ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of benign and malignant splenic lesions in the pediatric age group.

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in the management of a 14-year-old girl with chronic calcific pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: Chronic pancreatitis is very rare in childhood and causes chronic/relapsing abdominal pain, frequent hospitalizations, malnutrition, growth retardation, and stone formation in the main duct. Although pancreatic extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (P-ESWL) is commonly used in the treatment of pancreatic stones (PS) in adults, the use in children is still controversial. An adolescent girl with multiple PS is presented to discuss the use of ESWL as a treatment alternative in children with PS. CASE: A 14-year-old girl was admitted with abdominal pain and elevated pancreatic enzyme levels. Abdominal US showed irregularity and rough echogenicity in pancreas revealing pancreatitis. Multiple stones were seen in main pancreatic duct on Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was performed and dilated pancreatic duct, thickened pancreatic secretion were detected. Endoscopic sphincterotomy was performed. Endoscopic removal of stones could not be achieved since the largest stone was 17x8 mm. Pancreatic extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (P-ESWL) was performed using electromagnetic lithotripter under general anesthesia. Following ESWL, fragmentation of stones in the main duct was confirmed with ERCP. After 3 sessions of ESWL, no ESWL-related complication was observed. Pain relief was achieved. The patient is still under follow-up regarding endocrine and exocrine function of pancreas. CONCLUSION: ESWL may be an effective and safe management option in pediatric PS which could not be removed by ERCP. The patients managed with ESWL should be followed-up for a long time regarding the endocrine and exocrine functions of the pancreas. As in management of adult pancreatitis, clinical guidelines are needed regarding the management of pediatric PS.

Chronic necrotizing pulmonary aspergillosis in an immunocompetent patient after the surgery of hydatid cyst.

Chronic necrotizing pulmonary aspergillosis (CNPA) is a condition caused by the ubiquitous fungus Aspergillus fumigatus in non-immunocompromised individuals. Numerous underlying conditions have been associated with CNPA. Tuberculosis, non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) remain the predominant risk factors for development of CNPA. Development of CNPA in echinococcal cyst cavities is very rare and the optimal therapeutic regimen and treatment duration have not been established. Here, we present a case of CNPA developed six years after the cystectomy operation of hydatid cyst and treated with voriconazole successfully.

Diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis.

Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) is a rare genetic disease caused by mutations in sodium-phosphate co-transporter (SLC34A2), which encodes a type 2b sodium phosphate co-transporter. Disease is characterized by intra-alveolar microlith formation of phosphate. Turkey has a high prevalence of PAM. Herein, we report the clinical and radiological findings of three patients diagnosed with PAM and treated with disodium etidronate.

Imaging of childhood inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor is a rare benign neoplasm and most commonly involves the lung but occurs in extrapulmonary locations. OBJECTIVE: To present imaging findings in inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors in children based on a single-centre experience. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed CT and MRI findings of children diagnosed with inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor in a single institution. RESULTS: We identified 15 children (range: 1-17 years) with inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor. The tumor was localized to the lung (n = 5), mediastinum (n = 3), trachea (n = 1), bronchus (n = 1), abdomen (n = 2) and orbit (n = 3). All the extraorbital tumors were solid masses with homogeneous or heterogeneous enhancement. Four lung tumors and one posterior mediastinal tumor contained calcification. Local recurrence following surgical removal occurred in two children with invasion of the esophagus and of the left atrium in one. Localized masses were seen in all children with orbital tumour. Two of these had episcleritis and perineuritis; one had episcleritis, tendonitis, perineuritis, myositis and dacryoadenitis. CONCLUSION: The locations and imaging features of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors are variable.

Imaging features of primary malignant pancreatic tumors in children.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to describe the sonographic, CT, and MRI features of primary malignant pancreatic tumors of childhood. CONCLUSION: Most children with a pancreatic tumor present with a solid pseudopapillary tumor that is usually well marginated and has solid and cystic areas surrounded by a fibrous capsule. Pancreatoblastoma is more aggressive than solid pseudopapillary tumor. The imaging features are those of a large heterogeneous tumor. Ductal adenocarcinoma is rare in children and has a poor prognosis.

Unusual splenic hemangioma of a pediatric patient: hypointense on T2-weighted image.

Splenic hemangioma is a very rare neoplasm in children. On magnetic resonance imaging, splenic hemangioma shows high signal intensity on T2-weighted images. In this report, we present the first pediatric case of a splenic hemangioma, which was significantly hypointense on T2-weighted images.

Doppler ultrasonographic evaluation of the radial and ulnar arteries in hemiparetic patients after stroke.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate blood flow of hand arteries (using Doppler ultrasonography) and sympathetic skin response (SSR) in patients with hemiparesis. METHODS: Fifty-six stroke patients (30 M, 26 F) with unilateral hemiparesis (age 53.5 ± 10.8 years, mean disease duration 12.0 ± 19.1 months) were included. The patients' arm and hand motor functions were assessed according to Brunnstrom's stages. SSR was evaluated bilaterally from median nerves at the wrist level. Radial and ulnar artery blood flow was measured at the wrist in the neutral position. RESULTS: Both radial and ulnar artery volume flow and end diastolic velocity, and radial artery diameter were smaller on the paretic side (all p < 0.0125). Radial artery resistance and pulsatility index were greater on the paretic side (both p < 0.0125). SSR amplitude was lower on the paretic side of patients with right-sided hemiparesis patients (p = 0.009). Hand Brunnstrom's stage was negatively correlated with nonparetic-paretic difference in radial artery volume flow and SSR amplitudes (all p < 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: Hand blood flow was lower on the paretic side and was accompanied by a similar decrease in SSR amplitudes in patients with right-sided hemiparesis.

Relationship between thyroid nodules and non-functioning adrenal incidentalomas and their association with insulin resistance.

OBJECTIVE: The relationship between insulin resistance and thyroid nodules in patients with non-functional adrenal incidentalomas (AI) is not clearly understood. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of thyroid nodules in AI patients, as well as to evaluate any possible associations with disorders of insulin resistance. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with a non-functional AI were approached for inclusion in the study. Insulin resistance was evaluated using homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR). All participants were screened for the presence of thyroid nodule by ultrasonography, and fine needle aspiration biopsies were obtained from consenting subjects. RESULTS: One-hundred-thirteen patients with AI and 152 age-, BMI- and gender-matched healthy controls were enrolled. AI patients had higher waist circumference and waist/hip ratio than the control group. Metabolic syndrome, hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus rates were significantly higher in AI patients. HOMA-IR was similar between the groups. At least one thyroid nodule was observed in 42 (27.6%) of the controls compared to 55 (48.7%) of AI patients (p < 0.001). The mean number of thyroid nodules in AI patients was significantly higher than the control subjects (2.4 ± 0.9 versus 1.7 ± 1.0, p = 0.008). Mean nodule volume was similar between AI patients and the controls. A correlation could not be established between adrenal tumor/thyroid nodule volumes and the number of thyroid nodules, HOMA-IR, waist circumference, waist/hip ratio, BMI and thyroid function tests. CONCLUSION: A higher prevalence of thyroid nodule and a higher number of thyroid nodules were determined in patients with AI compared to healthy controls.

Clinical and radiological findings in macroprolactinemia.

Hyperprolactinemia is the most common abnormality of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and radiological features of patients with macroprolactinemia. The study population consisted of patients with elevated serum prolactin (PRL) concentrations who presented to our Endocrinology outpatient clinic. Detection of macroprolactin (macroPRL) was performed using the polyethylene glycol precipitation method. Patients in which macroPRL made up more than 60% of total PRL levels were stratified into the macroPRL group, while the remaining patients were placed in the monomeric prolactin (monoPRL) group. A total of 337 patients were enrolled with a mean age of 33.8 ± 10.8 (16-66) years and a male/female ratio of 29/308. Eighty-eight of the patients (26.1%) had an elevated macroPRL level. The mean age in the monoPRL group was higher than in the macroPRL group (35.0 ± 10.1 vs. 30.7 ± 9.8, P = 0.016). The mean PRL levels (ng/ml) in the macroPRL and monoPRL groups were similar (168.0 ± 347.0 vs. 238.8 ± 584.9, P = 0.239). Frequency of amenorrhea, infertility, irregular menses, gynecomastia, and erectile dysfunction were also similar in both groups. More patients in the macroPRL group were asymptomatic compared to the monoPRL group (30.2 vs. 12.0%, P = 0.006). Compared to the macroPRL group, the monoPRL group had a higher frequency of galactorrhea (39.2 vs. 57.1%, P = 0.04) and abnormal magnetic resonance imaging findings (65.3 vs. 81.1%, P = 0.02). Elevated macroPRL levels should be considered a pathological biochemical variant of hyperprolactinemia that may present with any of the conventional symptoms and radiological findings generally associated with elevated PRL levels.

Evaluation of ovarian reserve based on hormonal parameters, ovarian volume, and antral follicle count in women with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate ovarian reserve of women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODOLOGY: Eighty-nine women with T2DM and 73 healthy controls were enrolled and divided into three age groups [group 1 (20-29 yr), seven diabetics and 18 healthy controls; group 2 (30-39 yr): 35 diabetics and 35 healthy controls; and group 3 (40-49 yr): 47 diabetics and 20 healthy controls]. All participants were subjected to transvaginal ultrasonographic examination on the third day of their menstrual periods for the determination of ovarian volume and total antral follicle count (AFC). RESULTS: A significant difference in mean FSH levels (international units per liter) was observed between women with diabetes and healthy controls in all age groups (group 1, 7.8 ± 0.9 vs. 5.0 ± 1.0; group 2, 8.2 ± 1.1 vs. 7.2 ± 1.8; group 3, 9.5 ± 3.2 vs. 6.4 ± 2.4; P < 0.001 for all). Similarly, mean AFC was significantly lower in patients with T2DM than in healthy controls in all age groups (group 1, 21.1 ± 4.8 vs. 25.0 ± 9.1; group 2, 10.4 ± 5.2 vs. 23.0 ± 9.5; group 3, 6.0 ± 3.5 vs. 21.7 ± 2.1; P < 0.001 for all). A statistically significant difference in total ovarian volume was only observed in group 1 (9.7 ± 3.0 in T2DM patients vs. 6.8 ± 2.7 in healthy controls; P = 0.002). AFC was found to be negatively correlated with FSH (r = -0.406, P < 0.001), age (r = -0.618, P < 0.001), glycolized hemoglobin (r = -0.505, P < 0.001), and fasting blood glucose (r = -0.687, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In this pioneer study, the first to evaluate ovarian reserve in T2DM patients, we managed to demonstrate lower ovarian reserves in women with diabetes compared with healthy controls.

Dynamic Doppler evaluation of the radial and ulnar arteries in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to evaluate the blood flow characteristics of the radial and ulnar arteries of the hands of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) either in the neutral position or in provocative positions using color Doppler imaging. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Subjects with relevant complaints of CTS and positive Tinel sign and/or Phalen maneuver were recruited. Nerve conduction studies were performed to confirm the diagnosis of CTS. Forty-four hands of 22 patients with CTS (bilateral involvement) and 24 hands of 12 healthy volunteers were included in the study. Pulsed and color Doppler evaluations with the hands in the neutral, Phalen, and reverse Phalen positions were performed of the radial and ulnar arteries using a 5-13-MHZ linear-array transducer (Logiq 9). RESULTS: All of the CTS patients and control subjects were women; their mean ages were 50.77 ± 7.69 (SD) and 46.42 ± 4.32 years, respectively. When hands were evaluated in the neutral position, the flow volume, peak systolic velocity, end-diastolic velocity, and diameter values of both the radial and ulnar arteries were significantly greater in patients with CTS than in control subjects (all p < 0.05). When compared with the measurements obtained with hands at the neutral position, the decreases in the amount of blood flow during the Phalen and reverse Phalen maneuvers were significantly greater in the CTS group than the control group. The amount of blood flow decrease was not correlated with the disease duration. CONCLUSION: Blood flow in the hands of CTS patients differs from that of healthy individuals both at rest and during certain hand movements. Future studies, also with simultaneous monitoring of sympathetic innervation, could be beneficial to confirm the association between blood flow and the sympathetic nerves of the hand.