Reliability of endosonography in evaluation of anal fistulae and abscesses

Objective:
To assess the reliability of anal endosonography (AES) in the diagnosis of anal fistulae and abscesses. Material and Methods:
86 patients with different types of anal fistulae and abscesses were prospectively examined with a 7.0 MHz transducer. Type of anal fistulae, differentiation between simple and complex tracts, and location of their internal openings were defined. In 66 cases with permeable external opening, hydrogen peroxide solution was introduced into the fistula tract. Reliability of AES was defined after surgical treatment of all cases. Results:
74 anal fistulae, including 43 transsphincteric, 11 intersphincteric, 6 suprasphincteric, 3 superficial, and 11 ano-vaginal were found on AES. 27 fistulae were complex, and 47 simple fistulae. In 10 patients a coexisting abscess was found; the remaining 12 abscesses were without any fistula. Surgery confirmed the type of anal fistula in 64 patients (86.5%), and location of internal openings in 60 cases (81.1%). All abscesses were confirmed. Conclusion:
AES showed high accuracy in diagnosing anal fistulae and abscesses.     

3.0T高分辨率磁共振成像在肛瘘诊断及分型中的应用

目的探讨3.0T高分辨MRI在肛瘘术前诊断及分型的应用价值。方法选取经手术证实的51例肛瘘患者的临床资料及MRI表现,并与手术结果对照分析,总结肛瘘的MRI表现特点及应用价值。结果51例肛瘘手术显示内口56个,外口43个,主瘘管51条、瘘管分支14条,脓肿16个。与手术结果对照,术前MRI显示肛瘘内、外口、主瘘管及支管的准确率分别为94.64%(53/56个)、100%(43/43个)、94.12%(48/51条)及85.71%(12/14条),对脓肿显示的准确率为100%(16/16个)。按照Parks分型,51例患者MRI共检出括约肌间型肛瘘23例(45.10%),经括约肌型肛瘘17例(33.33%),括约肌上型肛瘘7例(13.73%),括约肌外型肛瘘4例(7.84%),MRI分型准确率为96.08%(49/51例)。MRI在肛瘘Parks分型上与手术结果一致性高,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论MRI能准确显示肛瘘内、外口的位置,瘘管的数量及走行,能够对肛瘘进行准确分型。     

Resection of soft tissue sarcomas with intra-operative magnetic resonance guidance.

PURPOSE: To report on a preliminary series of magnetic resonance (MR)-guided sarcoma resections. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three patients with the skin sarcoma dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans underwent MR-guided resection. RESULTS: The extent of the tumor at MR imaging was greater in each case than suggested by clinical examination. Adequate resection margins were planned using short Tau inversion recovery (STIR) sequences and intra-operative imaging was used to confirm complete tumor excision. Histological examination confirmed clear surgical margins of at least 1 cm in each case. CONCLUSION: We believe this technique may reduce the incidence of specimen margins positive for tumor following resection, and consequently reduce the need for further excisional surgery.     

Role of color Doppler echography in the visualization of perianal fistulae with injections of physiologic solutions

PURPOSE: To prove the diagnostic value of color Doppler US in the evaluation of perianal external fistulae, using an endocavitary probe and a saline solution injection, in order to show the location of the fistulae, their extension, possible secondary tracts, residual abscesses and the relationship with adjacent tissues. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From October 1999 to December 1999, thirty-five consecutive patients (21 males and 14 females, mean age 47.5) affected with Crohn's disease were examined prospectively. These patients presented postoperative recurring external perianal fistulae. From this first group, 10 patients (6 males and 4 females, mean age 45) were selected as the external fistula was open. A biplanar transrectal 7.5 MHz probe was used for the examination. First the external opening of the fistula was cannulated with a soft plastic catheter. Then the probe, covered with a lubricated condom filled with US gel, was introduced into the anal canal (males) or the vagina (females). An initial gray-scale US study was performed. Finally the color-box was positioned on the tract, the Pulse Repetition Frequency (PRF) adjusted and the saline solution introduced. The study was completed with axial and linear scans. RESULTS: The mean examination duration was 31 minutes. Only two patients found the examination annoying because of partial anorectal stricture. The wall layers and their thickness were clearly located and distinguished. Gray-scale US showed the local anatomy in all patients. In 4 patients it depicted the primary fistula as a thin hypoecoic line (40%, three intersphinteric and one transphinteric). Color Doppler US detected the fistula in all patients (100%, seven intersphinteric and three transphinteric). Moreover it showed 2 small secondary tracts in 2 patients. No abscesses were found at the time of the examination. In the patients who underwent a second operation, surgical findings showed a good correlation (90-100%) with color Doppler findings. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated a greater diagnostic value of endosonography with color Doppler and saline solution injection as compared to conventional gray-scale endosonography in the evaluation of fistulae. Since this technique is also cost-effective and well tolerated by most patients we conclude that at present it makes an important diagnostic tool in the preoperative assessment of perianal fistulae.     

CO2激光治疗肛瘘185例报告

为总结ＣＯ２激光治疗肛瘘的方法及经验，应用ＣＯ２激光治疗１８５例肛瘘患者。低位单纯性肛瘘１６５例、低位复杂性肛瘘１４例、高位单纯性肛瘘３例、高位复杂性肛瘘３例。采用布比卡因、亚甲蓝肛管部浸润麻醉，持ＣＯ２激光沿瘘管外壁剔除全部瘘管；或者切开全部瘘管后，用激光光束汽化、凝固管腔内的腐烂组织及管壁的瘢痕组织。高位瘘管应与挂线疗法相结合，范围广泛的肛瘘应分期手术。经１～６年临床观察，痊愈者１８３例（治愈率９８．９％）、复发２例（复发率１．１％）。该法具有止血效果好、抗感染作用强、术后痛苦小、瘢痕小、肛门不变形、操作简单、不需住院等优点。     

肛瘘的术前MRI表现与手术结果的对照分析

目的 探讨术前MRI检查对肛瘘诊断及分型的价值.方法 回顾性分析经手术证实的36例肛瘘患者的临床资料及MRI表现,并与手术结果对照分析,总结肛瘘的MRI表现特点及应用价值.结果 36例肛瘘手术显示内口42个,主瘘管45条、瘘管分支15条,外口42个,脓肿16个.与手术结果对照,MRI显示肛瘘内口的准确率为90.5%(38/42个),显示瘘管分支的准确率为80%(12/15条),显示主瘘管、外口及脓肿的准确率均为100%.按照Parks分型,MRI分型符合率为88.9%(32/36例).结论 MRI能准确显示肛瘘内、外口的位置,瘘管的数量及走行,能够对肛瘘进行准确分型.     

Magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of perianal fistula

Aim of work

To clarify the role of MRI in diagnosis and classification of perianal fistula and to evaluate the additional clinical value of preoperative MR imaging and its benefit to surgeon.

Methods

This prospective study contained 25 patients (21 males and 4 females; age range 10–60 years; mean age 34.8 years) selected from 40 patients referred to the Radiodiagnosis department with perianal sepsis, the study was conducted between October 2009 and September 2011, MRIs were performed and the results were ensured by surgical results, sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of MRIs were determined.

Results

25 patients with perianal sepsis were included in this study, 3 cases grade 1 (simple linear intersphincteric fistula), 2 cases grade 2 (intersphincteric fistula with abscess or secondary track), 9 cases grade 3 (trans-sphincteric fistula), 9 cases grade 4 (trans-sphincteric fistula with abscess (5 cases), secondary track within the ischiorectal fossa (3 cases) and both (1 case)) and 2 cases grade 5 (supralevator and translevator disease one case for each).

Conclusion

MRI is a useful procedure for successful management of peri-anal fistula by correct assessment of the extent of disease and relationship to sphincter complex. Also it helps in identification of secondary extensions, particularly horseshoe tracts and abscesses resulting in complete evaluation and highest possible diagnostic accuracy aiding successful surgical interventions, aiming to reduce complications and recurrences.     

Transperineal and transvaginal sonography of perianal inflammatory disease

OBJECTIVE: Perianal infection arises in small intersphincteric anal glands predominantly located at the dentate line. Documentation of fluid collections and the relationship of inflammatory tracts to the sphincter mechanism is important for surgical treatment. Transanal sonography for assessment of perianal inflammatory disease is limited because placement of the rigid probe into the anal canal does not allow assessment of disease in the perineal region. The purpose of this study was to validate the use of transperineal sonography in men and both transvaginal and transperineal sonography in women for evaluation of perianal inflammatory disease. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Fifty-four patients, 28 men and 26 women, were imaged with transperineal and a combination of transperineal and transvaginal sonography, respectively. All patients were examined in the supine lithotomy and left lateral position with a transvaginal 8-to 4-MHz probe or a linear 12- to 7-MHz transducer. All fluid collections, sinus tracts, and fistulas were described by their location in relation to the sphincter mechanism and perineum. RESULTS: Forty-six of 54 patients had perianal fistulas or sinus tracts: 33 transphincteric, seven intersphincteric, and six extrasphincteric. Fifteen patients had an associated abscess. In the eight remaining patients, there were two anovaginal fistulas, one rectovaginal fistula, one prolapsed internal hemorrhoid, two perianal complex masses, and two vascular perianal or perirectal inflammatory masses. Twenty-six patients underwent surgical procedures involving the anorectal canal or perirectal region, and of these, preoperative sonographic findings were confirmed in 22 (85%) of 26 patients. Three patients refused surgery, and six are awaiting surgery at this writing. Fifteen patients were treated conservatively. CONCLUSION: Transperineal and transvaginal sonography are accurate, painless, and cost-effective methods for documenting perianal fluid collections and fistulas or sinus tracts or both.     

3.0 T MRI在复杂型肛瘘术前诊断中的应用

目的:探讨3.0T MRI在复杂型肛瘘术前诊断中的应用价值。方法:收集21例经手术治疗的复杂型肛瘘患者的临床及影像资料,患者均行MRI平扫及增强扫描,对比手术结果,评价复杂型肛瘘的MRI分级及MRI诊断主管、支管、内口、脓肿的准确性。结果:复杂型瘘管T1WI可见10条或多条状等或稍低信号,T2WI、T2WI抑脂及SPAIR为高信号,增强扫描示瘘管壁明显强化、脓液不强化。MRI诊断与手术所见对照,显示肛瘘内口、外口、主管、支管和脓肿符合率分别为88.00%、100%、97.37%、70.00%和100%。结论:MRI在复杂型肛瘘术前诊断中具有较大的实用价值。     

直肠内水囊填塞MRI对肛瘘术前诊断的价值研究

目的探讨直肠内水囊填塞MRI对肛瘘术前诊断的价值。资料与方法对52例临床初诊为肛瘘的患者进行MRI检查,将MRI结果与手术结果对照。结果MRI发现瘘管及分支共74支,肛周脓肿16例,内口48例,使用水囊后内口显示率明显提高,并与手术结果一致。在52例肛瘘患者中发现27例为括约肌间型,8例为经括约肌型,8例为括约肌上型,9例为括约肌外型,与手术结果一致。结论直肠内水囊填塞MRI是一种肛瘘术前诊断的有效方法。     

Assessment of anal fistulas with high-resolution subtraction MR-fistulography: comparison with surgical findings

PURPOSE: To investigate a new MR-imaging protocol defined as subtraction MR-fistulography for the detection of fistula-in-ano. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 36 patients (18 men, 18 women) with the clinical diagnosis of anal fistula or abscess who were scheduled for surgical exploration were preoperatively imaged at 1.5 T in the supine position; coronal STIR sequences and axial T1-weighted three-dimensional FLASH sequences before and after intravenous injection of gadobenate dimeglumine (Gd-BOPTA) were obtained. Image subtraction was routinely used. The image findings were compared with the findings at surgical exploration according to a uniform classification system. RESULTS: A total of 46 fistulas were seen on subtraction MR-fistulography, whereas surgery described 41 fistulas. MRI and surgery concordantly depicted a total number of 40 fistulas, six fistulas were only described by MRI, and one fistula was only seen during surgery. A total of 27 abscesses were detected with MRI, compared to 22 during surgery. A total of 22 abscesses were concordantly diagnosed. Complete agreement between subtraction MR-fistulography and surgery occurred in 32 (89%) of the 36 patients. The four patients in whom both procedures disagreed had complex anal sepsis with multiple fistulas and/or abscesses due to Crohn disease. CONCLUSION: High-resolution subtraction MR-fistulography is an important complement to surgical exploration and especially suitable for investigating complex anal sepsis.     

MRI引导下骨骼肌肉病变活检的应用价值

目的：介绍iPath200辅助MPI引导下骨骼肌肉系统活检的技术操作方法，并评价其应用价值。方法：24例骨骼肌肉系统病变患者，均在iPath200辅助MPI引导下进行经皮活检。所用设备为Philips公司生产的开放式0．23T。常导磁共振检查仪(Proview)，并配有iPath200光学引导系统。活检针采用德国Daum公司的磁共振兼容性活检针。24例病人中的6例在活检中行Nil对比增强检查。所用对比剂为Gd-DTPA。24例病人中的10例后来行外科手术治疗或活检。结果：MPI引导活检取得足够的标本，所有的病例均获得了组织病理学诊断(24／PA)。在10例后来行外科手术治疗或活检的病人中，初步诊断与最终诊断基本符合(10／10)。未发现明显并发症如严重出血及神经损害等。结论：iPath200辅助MPI引导下的骨骼肌肉系统病变的经皮活检是一种安全、准确的新技术。     

Endoanal MRI of perianal fistulas: the optimal imaging planes

Twenty consecutive patients with the clinical suspicion of a perianal fistula were studied to define the optimal and time-efficient imaging planes for endoanal MRI in the identification and classification of perianal fistulas. The duration of each part of the MR procedure was recorded in all patients. Off-axis axial (A), coronal (C), sagittal (S) and radial (R) T2-weighted sequences were performed in all patients. Sets of images and combinations of images (A; R; CS; AR; ACS; ARCS) without patient data were reviewed in masked fashion and independently with a 2-month interval between each set. The reader was masked to the results of previous readings. The findings were compared with the surgical findings. The number of correctly identified and classified fistula and the sensitivity and specificity were determined. Twenty fistulas were present at surgery: 14 transsphincteric fistulas and six intersphincteric fistulas. Eighteen fistulas were correctly identified with the radial (R) and combined coronal sagittal (CS) sequences. In all other sequences or combinations of sequences all 20 fistulas were identified. Classification was correct with A in 16 patients, with R in 15, with CS in 15, with AR in 18, with ACS in 17 and with ARCS in 18. The sensitivity and specificity were optimal using AR or ARCS (0.86 and 1 respectively). The optimal and most time-efficient imaging protocol for endoanal MRI of perianal fistulas thus comprises the axial and radial imaging planes. Received 29 September 1997; Revision received 13 February 1998; Accepted 17 March 1998     

Adjuvant use of e-aminocaproic acid (Amicar) in the endovascular treatment of cranial arteriovenous fistulae

We report our experience with the use of the antifibrinolytic agent ɛ -aminocaproic acid (EACA), Amicar, as an adjuvant to endovascular treatment of cranial arteriovenous fistulae. We also review applications of antifibrinolytic agents to neurovascular disorders and discuss the mechanism of action, dosing strategy, contraindications, and possible complications associated with the use of EACA. We identified 13 patients with cranial arteriovenous fistulae (five direct carotid cavernous fistulae [CCF], seven dural arteriovenous fistulae [DAVF], and one vein of Galen malformation) who received EACA as an adjunct to endovascular treatment. In all cases embolic coils were the primary embolic agent. We reviewed the modes of initial endovascular therapy and angiographic findings immediately thereafter and the response to EACA. Two direct CCF and two DAVF were completely thrombosed on follow-up angiography, and two DAVF demonstrated diminished flow after EACA therapy. Seven fistulae did not respond to EACA. Four of eight tightly coiled fistulae thrombosed, while none of five loosely coiled fistulae thrombosed. None of four cases with a residual fistula separate from the coil mass underwent thrombosis with EACA, while four of nine cases without a separate fistula thrombosed. There was no morbidity related to EACA therapy. EACA may thus be useful as an adjunct to endovascular treatment of cranial arteriovenous fistulae. Loose or incomplete coil packing of the fistula predicts a poor response to EACA therapy. Received: 18 March 1999 Accepted: 11 August 1999     

Comparative analysis of MR imaging,Ictal SPECT and EEG in temporal lobe epilepsy: a prospective IAEA multi-center study

Background and purpose MR imaging, ictal single-photon emission CT (SPECT) and ictal EEG play important roles in the presurgical localization of epileptic foci. This multi-center study was established to investigate whether the complementary role of perfusion SPECT, MRI and EEG for presurgical localization of temporal lobe epilepsy could be confirmed in a prospective setting involving centers from India, Thailand, Italy and Argentina. Methods We studied 74 patients who underwent interictal and ictal EEG, interictal and ictal SPECT and MRI before surgery of the temporal lobe. In all but three patients, histology was reported. The clinical outcome was assessed using Engel’s classification. Sensitivity values of all imaging modalities were calculated, and the add-on value of SPECT was assessed. Results Outcome (Engel’s classification) in 74 patients was class I, 89%; class II, 7%; class III, 3%; and IV, 1%. Regarding the localization of seizure origin, sensitivity was 84% for ictal SPECT, 70% for ictal EEG, 86% for MRI, 55% for interictal SPECT and 40% for interictal EEG. Add-on value of ictal SPECT was shown by its ability to correctly localize 17/22 (77%) of the seizure foci missed by ictal EEG and 8/10 (80%) of the seizure foci not detected by MRI. Conclusions This prospective multi-center trial, involving centers from different parts of the world, confirms that ictal perfusion SPECT is an effective diagnostic modality for correctly identifying seizure origin in temporal lobe epilepsy, providing complementary information to ictal EEG and MRI. Part of this work was presented at the 2005 SNM meeting in Toronto, Canada.     

Radiologic diagnosis of anal fistulae with radio-opaque markers

Fistulography classifies anal fistulas in low-below puborectalis muscle-, high-above puborectalis muscle-, and middle. This classification increases the scope and accuracy of radical surgery. In order to improve the diagnostic reliability of anal fistulography the authors point out the importance of radio-opaque markers for anatomical definition of the anorectal region. Thirty patients (25 males and 5 females; mean age: 47 years) were studied by anal fistulography using radiopaque markers: a Foley's 22 Fr catheter, with distal balloon filled of idrosoluble radiopaque contrast medium, was placed in the anal canal; a metal marker was fixed to the anus. In order to demonstrate the relationship between fistula and puborectalis muscle, we subdivided the anal canal in 3 equal segments: high, middle and low. The idrosoluble contrast medium for fistulography is injected through a pediatric Foley's catheter 8 Fr when external opening is large enough, and through a K7072 endovenous catheter when the opening is small. Fistulous tract was visible in all patients: internal fistulous opening in 23/90 cases, and relationship of fistulous tract to puborectalis muscle in 25/30 (83.3%). In demonstrating either secondary fistulous tracts or abscesses, fistulography with radiopaque markers was correct in 60% of cases; in 20% of patients some of the above-mentioned complications were demonstrated, and in the 20% no complications at all were detected.     

Case report: MRI evaluation of congenital coronary artery fistulae

Congenital coronary artery fistula is a rare disease and MRI is a promising technique that may be useful to demonstrate the coronary artery tree. We report three patients who underwent cardiac MRI to investigate right coronary artery fistulae. On clinical examination, a continuous murmur was heard along the left sternal border, and chest X-ray showed moderate cardiomegaly with enlargement of right chambers in all patients. Transthoracic Doppler echocardiography showed fistulae in two cases; the third case was not demonstrated by transthoracic or transoesophageal echocardiography. MRI demonstrated the course of the fistulous vessels in all patients. All patients underwent surgical closure of their coronary artery fistulae. MRI may show detailed anatomy of congenital coronary artery fistulae and may be useful as an additional non-invasive method in their investigation.     

MSCT在复杂性肛瘘中的临床应用

目的:探讨复杂性肛瘘的多层螺旋CT(MSCT)影像表现及诊断价值。方法:回顾分析与手术相符的21例复杂性肛瘘,21例患者均行MSCT检查,以5mm层厚平扫或3mm层厚增强扫描和瘘道泛影葡胺注入后扫描,并行MPR、MIP及曲面重建,检查结果与手术对照。结果:MSCT检查复杂性肛瘘阳性率95.2%,复杂性肛瘘MSCT影像表现与手术结果相符,MSCT可显示瘘道内口、位置、走行及其分支。结论:MSCT诊断复杂性肛瘘准确性高,对肛瘘的诊治具有重要的临床价值。     

Real-time interactive MRI-guided cardiac surgery: aortic valve replacement using a direct apical approach.

Minimally invasive cardiac surgery requires arresting and emptying of the heart, which compromises visualization of the surgical field. In this feasibility study a novel surgical procedure is demonstrated in which real-time MRI is used to guide the placement of a prosthetic aortic valve in the beating heart via direct apical access in eight porcine hearts. A clinical stentless bioprosthetic valve affixed to a platinum stent was compressed onto a balloon-tipped catheter. This was fed through a 15-18-mm delivery port inserted into the left ventricular (LV) apex via a minimally invasive subxyphoid incision. Using interactive real-time MRI, the surgeon implanted the prosthetic valve in the correct location at the aortic annulus within 90 s. In four of the animals immediately after implantation, ventricular function, blood flow through the valve, and myocardial perfusion were evaluated with MRI. MRI-guided beating-heart surgery may provide patients with a less morbid and more durable solution to structural heart disease.