Intraperitoneal focal fat infarction: the great mimicker in the acute setting.

The term intraperitoneal focal fat infarction (IFFI) includes various self-limiting clinical conditions that are caused by focal fatty tissue necrosis. Most of the cases of IFFI concern torsion or infarction of the greater omentum or the epiploic appendages. However, although rarely, perigastric ligaments can also undergo torsion also leading to fat infarction. IFFI clinically may mimic other pathologies, such as acute appendicitis or diverticulitis, making their clinical diagnosis a challenge. Ultrasound (US) and computed tomography (CT) have a high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of IFFI excluding other pathologies, and in most cases, the clinical evolution is spontaneously favorable, thus helping to reduce the need for unnecessary surgical intervention. We review cases with IFFI in order to identify specific involvement patterns. Cases of epiploic appendages reported to an acute, subacute, and more chronic phase in order to present the self-limiting nature of this entity and the resultant absorption. We also present cases with falciform ligament infarction, as well as primary ("whirl sign" on CT due to greater omentum torsion) and secondary omental infarctions. The aim of this pictorial review is not only to extensively explore the imaging findings of IFFI but to also describe the clinical presentation and pathophysiology of the prementioned conditions.

Severe SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Children With Suspected Acute Abdomen: A Case Series From a Tertiary Hospital in Spain.

We describe 5 children with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection, hemodynamic instability and suspected acute abdomen. This form of the disease has not been previously documented. Four of the cases were confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and 1 probable. All of them were previously healthy and needed a pediatric critical care unit admission. The respiratory symptoms were not dominant or were absent. Also, fever was observed. Laboratory testing revealed lymphopenia and high levels of C-reactive protein and procalcitonin with D-dimer, ferritin and interleukin-6 usually elevated. Respiratory support and inotropic support were almost always necessary. In all of them, deterioration occurred on the day of admission.

Outcomes prediction score for acute abdomen: a proposal. / Proposta de escore preditor de desfechos para abdome agudo.

OBJECTIVE: to establish a correlation between objective data collected at the initial evaluation and the outcomes in cases of acute abdominal pain. METHODS: we conducted a retrospective, case-control study in which we reviewed medical records of patients treated at an emergency room in 2016, diagnosed with abdominal and pelvic pain. RESULTS: of the 2,352 medical records evaluated, we considered 330 valid for the study. Of these patients, 235 (71.2%) were discharged and the remaining 95 (28.8%) were hospitalized, submitted to surgery, or died. The statistical analysis demonstrated that male gender, age ≥50, axillary temperature >37.3ºC, anemia, leukocytosis >10,000/mm3, neutrophil count above 7,700/mm3, lymphocyte count less than 2,000/mm3 and hyperamylasemia were variables in independently associated with worse outcome. CONCLUSION: the presence of three or more of the evaluated variables greatly increases the chances of a patient suffering the outcomes of surgery or death, the chance of death being greater the greater the number of variables present.

OBJETIVO: estabelecer a correlação entre dados objetivos coletados na avaliação inicial e os desfechos nos casos de dor abdominal aguda. MÉTODOS: estudo retrospectivo, de caso controle, em que foram revisados prontuários de pacientes atendidos em um serviço de urgência e emergência no ano de 2016, diagnosticados com dor abdominal e pélvica. RESULTADOS: de 2.352 prontuários avaliados, 330 foram considerados válidos para o estudo. Destes pacientes, 235 (71,2%) receberam alta e os 95 (28,8%) restantes foram internados, submetidos à cirurgia ou morreram. A análise estatística demonstrou que sexo masculino, idade ≥50 anos, temperatura axilar >37,3ºC, anemia, leucocitose >10.000/mm3, neutrocitose acima de 7.700/mm3, linfopenia <2.000/mm3 e hiperamilasemia são variáveis isoladamente associadas a pior desfecho. CONCLUSÃO: a presença de três ou mais das variáveis avaliadas aumenta fortemente a chance de um paciente sofrer os desfechos de cirurgia ou morte, sendo a chance de óbito tanto maior quanto maior o número de variáveis presentes.

Intra-abdominal pressure may be elevated in patients with open abdomen after emergent laparotomy.

PURPOSE: To estimate the change in intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) among critically ill patient who were left with open abdomen and temporary abdominal closure after laparotomy, during the first 48 h after admission. METHODS: A cohort study in a single ICU in a tertiary care hospital. All adult patients admitted to the ICU after emergent laparotomy for acute abdomen or trauma, who were left with temporary abdominal closure (TAC), were included. Patients were followed up to 48 h. IAP was routinely measured at 0, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h after admission to ICU. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients were included, 34 were operated due to acute abdomen and 5 due to abdominal trauma. Seventeen patients were treated with skin closure, 13 with Bogota bag, and 9 with negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). Eleven patients (28.2%) had IAP of 15 mmHg or above at time 0, (mean pressure 19.0 ± 3.0 mmHg), and it dropped to 12 ± 4 mmHg within 48 h (p < 0.01). Reduction in lactate level (2.4 ± 1.0 to 1.2 ± 0.2 mmol/L, p < 0.01) and increase in PaO2/FiO2 ratio (163 ± 34 to 231 ± 83, p = 0.03) were observed as well after 48 h. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first large report of IAP in open abdomen. Elevated IAP may be measured in open abdomen and may subsequently relieve after 48 h.

Evaluación de pacientes adultos mayores con diagnóstico de abdomen agudo quirúrgico. Estudio prospectivo, descriptivo, no experimental / Evaluation of elderly patients with a diagnosis of acute surgical abdomen. Prospective, descriptive, non-experimental study

Se ha observado que la población mayor de 65 años requiere con mayor frecuencia procedimientos quirúrgicos y en ellos las presentaciones clínicas de las entidades responsables de un abdomen agudo son atípicas. En situaciones de emergencia, el diagnóstico resulta más difícil que en el adulto debido a diversos factores. Objetivo: Evaluar características clínicas, edad y sexo de pacientes adultos mayores con diagnóstico de abdomen agudo quirúrgico en el Hospital Universitario "Dr. Manuel Núñez Tovar" de Maturín, estado Monagas, período enero-septiembre 2019. Método: Se realizó un tipo de investigación no experimental, prospectiva, descriptiva, transversal, de campo, donde se estudiaron a todos los pacientes mayores de 60 años con diagnóstico de abdomen agudo quirúrgico según criterios clínicos, en el servicio de Cirugía General, con una muestra de 53 pacientes que cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. Resultados: Se evaluaron 790 pacientes adultos, con diagnóstico de abdomen agudo quirúrgico en el período señalado, de los cuales 53 pacientes correspondían a adultos mayores, 30 pacientes (56.60%) de sexo femenino con una edad promedio general de 71.33 años. La principal causa de abdomen agudo quirúrgico en adultos mayores fue la obstrucción intestinal con 26 pacientes (49.06%). La principal comorbilidad fue la hipertensión arterial (41.50%). Un 16.98% de los pacientes se complicaron con sepsis (complicación más frecuente) con mortalidad de 15.09% y más de la mitad (54.71%) ameritaron más de 4 días de hospitalización incluyendo a los complicados (90%)(AU)

It has been observed that the population over 65 years of age requires more and more surgical procedures and in them the clinical presentations of the entities responsible for an acute abdomen are atypical. In emergency situations, diagnosis is more difficult than in adults due to various factors. Objectives: Evaluate clinical characteristics, age and sex of older adult patients with diagnosis of acute surgical abdomen at the "Dr. Manuel Núñez Tovar" Hospital from Maturín, Monagas state, January-September 2019 period. Method: A non-experimental type, prospective descriptive, cross-sectional, field research was carried out, where all patients older than 60 years with a diagnosis of acute surgical abdomen according to clinical criteria, in the General Surgery service, with a sample of 53 patients who met the inclusion criteria. Results: 790 adult patients were evaluated, with a diagnosis of acute surgical abdomen in the indicated period, of which 53 patients corresponded to older adults, 30 female patients (56.60%) with a general average age of 71.33 years. The main cause of acute surgical abdomen in older adults was intestinal obstruction with 26 patients (49.06%). The main comorbidity was arterial hypertension (41.50%). 16.98% of the patients were complicated by sepsis (the most frequent complication) with mortality of 15.09% and more than half (54.71%)(AU)

Pathophysiological Mechanism of Extravasation via Umbilical Venous Catheters.

A rare complication of umbilical venous catheter (UVC) insertion is the extravasation of the infusate into the peritoneal cavity. We report 3 cases of abdominal extravasation of parenteral nutrition (PN) fluid via UVCs. Two of these cases presented as "acute abdomen" which were assumed to be necrotizing enterocolitis clinically; however, during postmortem, PN ascites and liver necrosis were found. A further case is described in an infant with congenital diaphragmatic hernia. While we were unable to ascertain direct vessel perforation by the catheter in any of these cases, based on pathological and histological examination, the proposed mechanism of PN fluid extravasation is leakage through microinjuries of liver vessel walls and necrotic parenchyma. PN extravasation should be considered as a differential diagnosis of acute abdomen when PN is infused via an UVC presumably as PN may have a direct irritant effect on the peritoneum.

Radiologic assessment of gastric emptying of water-soluble contrast media: New data security from a longitudinal study. / Evaluación radiológica del vaciamiento gástrico de medio de contraste hidrosoluble: nuevos datos de seguridad de un estudio longitudinal.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Practice guidelines for preoperative fasting have not clearly established the fasting time needed after oral administration of water-soluble contrast media. The aim of this study was to determine the time required for the gastric emptying during the water-soluble contrast media in patients with acute abdominal pain. METHODS: This prospective longitudinal study included sixty-eight patients older than 18 years of age with acute abdominal pain, who required a water-soluble contrast media enhanced abdominal computed tomography study. Plain radiographs were obtained hourly until complete the gastric emptying. Patients with probable bowel obstruction were not included in the study. RESULTS: A total of 31 (45,6%), 54 (79,4%), and 64 (94,1%) patients achieved a complete gastric clearance of barium in 1, 2 and 3 hours, respectively. All patients achieved complete emptying of water-soluble contrast media within 6 hours. Gastric emptying time was not associated with gender (P=0,44), body mass index (P=.35), fasting time prior to water-soluble contrast media intake (P=0,12), administration of opioids in the emergency room (P=0,7), and the presence of comorbidities (P=0,36). CONCLUSION: Ninety-four percent of the patients with acute abdominal pain achieved complete gastric emptying within 3hours after the administration of water-soluble contrast media. All of them achieved complete gastric emptying within 6hours. The results suggested 6hours after oral intake of the contrast media is enough to complete transit of water-soluble contrast media through the stomach and avoid unnecessary risks.

Proposta de escore preditor de desfechos para abdome agudo / Outcomes prediction score for acute abdomen: a proposal

RESUMO Objetivo: estabelecer a correlação entre dados objetivos coletados na avaliação inicial e os desfechos nos casos de dor abdominal aguda. Métodos: estudo retrospectivo, de caso controle, em que foram revisados prontuários de pacientes atendidos em um serviço de urgência e emergência no ano de 2016, diagnosticados com dor abdominal e pélvica. Resultados: de 2.352 prontuários avaliados, 330 foram considerados válidos para o estudo. Destes pacientes, 235 (71,2%) receberam alta e os 95 (28,8%) restantes foram internados, submetidos à cirurgia ou morreram. A análise estatística demonstrou que sexo masculino, idade ≥50 anos, temperatura axilar >37,3ºC, anemia, leucocitose >10.000/mm3, neutrocitose acima de 7.700/mm3, linfopenia <2.000/mm3 e hiperamilasemia são variáveis isoladamente associadas a pior desfecho. Conclusão: a presença de três ou mais das variáveis avaliadas aumenta fortemente a chance de um paciente sofrer os desfechos de cirurgia ou morte, sendo a chance de óbito tanto maior quanto maior o número de variáveis presentes.

ABSTRACT Objective: to establish a correlation between objective data collected at the initial evaluation and the outcomes in cases of acute abdominal pain. Methods: we conducted a retrospective, case-control study in which we reviewed medical records of patients treated at an emergency room in 2016, diagnosed with abdominal and pelvic pain. Results: of the 2,352 medical records evaluated, we considered 330 valid for the study. Of these patients, 235 (71.2%) were discharged and the remaining 95 (28.8%) were hospitalized, submitted to surgery, or died. The statistical analysis demonstrated that male gender, age ≥50, axillary temperature >37.3ºC, anemia, leukocytosis >10,000/mm3, neutrophil count above 7,700/mm3, lymphocyte count less than 2,000/mm3 and hyperamylasemia were variables in independently associated with worse outcome. Conclusion: the presence of three or more of the evaluated variables greatly increases the chances of a patient suffering the outcomes of surgery or death, the chance of death being greater the greater the number of variables present.

An Unusual Case of Acute Abdomen: Ovarian Vein Thrombosis.

Ovarian vein thrombosis is one of the rare causes for acute abdomen. Occult presentation of this disease may lead to diagnostic dilemma. A sixteen years female who was operated as a case of ectopic pregnancy was finally diagnosed as having ovarian vein thrombosis. She was successfully treated with anticoagulant.

Intestinal nonrotation and left-sided perforated appendicitis.

Acute appendicitis is the most common cause of acute abdominal pain, requiring emergency surgery. Approximately one third of cases have pain unexcepted location due to its various anatomical location. Acute appendicitis is a very rare cause of left lower quadrant pain; if it occurs, a few congenital anomalies should be considered such as Situs Inversus totalis and Midgut Malrotation (MM). MM is a rare congenital anomaly; it occurs due to error in process of rotation or fixation of intestines around the superior mesenteric vessels and it refers to nonrotation or incomplete rotation of intestines. Here we report a case who presented with left lower abdominal pain and was diagnosed with acute perforated appendicitis with intestinal nonrotation. Clinicians should be aware that intestinal nonrotation may be presented with left lower quadrant pain and complicated by acute appendicitis.

What to Expect When They are Expecting: Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Acute Abdomen and Pelvis in Pregnancy.

In this article, we discuss the challenges in the diagnosis of acute abdominopelvic pain in pregnant patients, role of imaging, and advantages of MRI over other modalities. Methods consist of pictorial review. We review the differential diagnoses and illustrate the MRI findings in pregnant patients with acute abdominopelvic pain, including gastrointestinal, gynecologic, urologic, and vascular etiologies.

[WAYS OF THE SURGICAL MISTAKES OVERCOME IN THE PAIN ABDOMINAL AND THORACIC SYNDROMS].

Experience of differential diagnosis of pleural diseases, accompanied by pleuroabdominal pain syndrome, simulating «an acute abdomen¼, was summarized. In a pleural exudate syndrome such a course was noted in 17 (3%) patients, of them 7 (1.23%) were operated on; and in a syndrome of spontaneous pneumothorax ­ in 3 (1.7%), 1 (0.4%) was operated. Diagnostic algorithm was proposed.

Nonmalignant gastric causes of acute abdominal pain on MDCT: a pictorial review.

Acute abdominal pain is a common indication for imaging. The stomach may be poorly assessed or overlooked on multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), despite the high prevalence of gastric pathology as the source of abdominal pain. We review the pathophysiology, imaging features, and clinical management of common and uncommon nonmalignant gastric conditions on MDCT. As the stomach is often difficult to assess on MDCT, and pathology overlooked, corresponding increased awareness of gastric causes of pain is critical for radiologists to accurately interpret imaging in the setting of acute abdominal pain.

[Intra-abdominal pressure as a surgery predictor in patients with acute abdominal pain]. / Presión intraabdominal como predictor de cirugía en pacientes con dolor abdominal agudo.

BACKGROUND: Intra-abdominal pressure is the pressure's state of balance within the abdominal cavity when a patient is at rest. This pressure may vary during mechanical ventilation or spontaneous breathing. The objective was to establish the intra-abdominal pressure as a surgery predictor in patients with acute abdominal pain. METHODS: From April to December, 2013, it was carried out a nested case-control study on patients with acute abdominal pain in the emergency room of a second level hospital. Thirty-seven patients fit the inclusion criteria; they all underwent surgery with a previous measurement of the intra-abdominal pressure. Based on the results of the anatomopathological study, we divided the patients into two groups: those with evidence of acute abdominal inflammatory process (n=28) (case group), and patients without evidence of acute abdominal inflammatory process (n=9) (control group). RESULTS: In the case group, 100 % of patients shown high intra-abdominal pressure with a p=0.01 (OR=5 [95 % CI=2.578-9.699]. In the case group, the mean intra-abdominal pressure was 11.46, and in the control group 9.2 (p=0.183). CONCLUSIONS: Abdominal pain requiring surgical intervention is directly related to intra-abdominal pressure>5 mmHg.

Introducción: la presión intraabdominal es el estado de equilibrio de la presión de la cavidad abdominal en reposo y puede presentar cambios durante la ventilación mecánica o espontánea. El objetivo fue determinar la presión intraabdominal como predictor de cirugía en el paciente con dolor abdominal agudo. Métodos: se llevó a cabo un estudio de casos y controles anidado en una cohorte de pacientes con dolor abdominal agudo en el servicio de urgencias de un hospital de segundo nivel, en el periodo comprendido entre abril y diciembre de 2013. Se incluyeron 37 pacientes, todos fueron intervenidos quirúrgicamente con previa toma de la presión intraabdominal. Se formaron los grupos con el resultado del estudio anatomopatológico: con evidencia de proceso inflamatorio abdominal agudo (n = 28) y sin evidencia de proceso inflamatorio abdominal agudo (n = 9). Resultados: en los casos el 100 % presentó presión intraabdominal alta con una p = 0.01, RM: 5 (IC 95 %: 2.578-9.699). En los casos la media de la presión intraabdominal fue de 11.46 y en los controles de 9.2 (p = 0.183). Conclusiones: el dolor abdominal que requiere cirugía para su resolución tiene relación directa con una presión intraabdominal > 5 mmHg.

MODERN VIEWS ON THE MECHANISMS OF FORMATION AND PROSPECTS OF THERAPY OF THE PAIN ABDOMINAL SYNDROME IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC PANCREATITIS.

Pain in chronic pancreatitis is one of the most mysterious and complex problems of modern gastroenterology. In a review article presents current information about intrapancreatic and central mechanisms of formation of pain in patients with chronic pancreatitis. Based on the pathogenetic mechanisms outlined prospects for the treatment of patients with chronic pancreatitis with pain syndrome.

Toma de medición intraabdominal a personas en estado crítico, por el profesional de enfermería / Taking measurement intraabdominal people in critical condition, by the nursing professional", "_e": "n

El aumento de la presión dentro de la cavidad abdominal se asocia a múltiples alteraciones fisiopatológicas, con una importante repercusión en aparatos y sistemas originando disfunción orgánica múltiple, lo que conlleva a un incremento en la morbimortalidad en pacientes en estado crítico, la medición de presión intraabdominal es un procedimiento que se está realizando con mayor frecuencia en las Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos, en donde los profesionales de enfermería tienen un papel muy importante en la toma e identificación de posibles complicaciones que ponen en riesgo la vida del paciente. La siguiente revisión tiene la finalidad de difundir el conocimiento y dar a conocer la importancia e intervenciones de enfermería en la medición de la presión intraabdominal.

The increase in the pressure inside the abdominal cavity is associated with multiple pathophysiological changes, with a significant impact in systems causing multiple organic dysfunction, leading to increased the morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients, the measurement of intra-abdominal pressure is a procedure that is being performed more frequently in the intensive care units, where nurses have an important role in taking and identifying possible complications that endanger the patient’s life. The following review has the purpose of disseminate knowledge and explain the importance and the nursing interventions in measuring intra-abdominal pressure.

Abdomen agudo de presentación atípica / Acute abdominal pain with atypical presentation

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