MDCT of abdominal wall hernias: is there a role for valsalva's maneuver?

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to evaluate the role of Valsalva's maneuver during MDCT for the diagnosis and characterization of abdominal wall hernias. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: From September 2002 to May 2003, 100 consecutive patients (37 men and 63 women; mean age, 53 years) with suspected anterior abdominal wall hernias underwent 4-, 8-, or 16-MDCT with and without Valsalva's maneuver. Patients received both oral and IV contrast material. On a workstation, three independent reviewers evaluated each scan obtained during rest and during Valsalva's maneuver for the following parameters: anteroposterior (AP) diameter of the abdomen; presence, location, and contents of the hernia; and transverse diameter of the fascial defect. The scans were compared to assess for changes in hernia size and contents and to determine whether the hernia would have been overlooked without Valsalva's maneuver. Fisher's exact test, the McNemar test, and Cohen's kappa coefficient were used to assess for significant differences. RESULTS: The three reviewers identified a mean of 72 abdominal wall hernias (72%). The reviewers agreed (kappa = 0.723) with respect to the presence of a hernia. AP diameters increased an average of 1.33 cm during Valsalva's maneuver (p < 0.001). The transverse diameter of the fascial defect increased an average of 0.66 cm and the AP diameter of the hernia sac increased an average of 0.79 cm during Valsalva's maneuver (p < 0.001). Fifty percent of the hernias became more apparent with Valsalva's maneuver. Ten percent of the hernias could be detected only on the scan obtained during Valsalva's maneuver. Conversely, in no patients was the hernia detected only on the rest scan. CONCLUSION: As opposed to scans obtained at rest, scans obtained during Valsalva's maneuver aid in the detection and characterization of suspected abdominal wall hernias. A single scan obtained during Valsalva's maneuver is sufficient to detect 100% of anterior abdominal wall hernias identified on CT.     

Perineal hernia

Abdominal wall hernias are a common abdominal pathology with higher prevalence in our population. It is usually asymptomatic but complications such as strangulation, incarceration or bowel obstruction need early detection and emergency surgery. The purpose of this article is to describe the infrequent type of hernia, illustrate the imaging findings and review the differential diagnosis. A 76-year-old woman was admitted in the emergency room with abdominal pain, vomits and diarrhoea. At her admission, a colonoscopy was attempted to perform but it was not possible to go beyond the stenosis. A barium enema and a multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) were performed revealing a large mass in the left ischiorectal fossa, containing herniated loops of sigmoid colon adjacent to rectum. Abdominal wall hernias occur at areas of congenital or acquired weakness in the abdominal wall and are considered external hernias. MDCT is essential to identify wall hernias, make an accurate diagnosis and help for its clinical assessment. Knowing the radiological features of various types of abdominal hernias on MDCT and barium-enhanced radiographs allows confident diagnosis of these pathologies.     

Internal hernia: clinical and imaging findings in 17 patients with emphasis on CT criteria

PURPOSE: To review the clinical and radiologic features of internal hernia and to derive useful radiographic and CT criteria to assist in diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of medical records revealed 17 patients with surgically proved internal hernia (three paraduodenal, 14 transmesenteric) who had 15 computed tomographic (CT) scans and three small-bowel follow-through (SBFT) images. RESULTS: CT signs common to all types of internal hernia included evidence of small-bowel obstruction; clustering of small bowel; stretched, displaced, crowded, and engorged mesenteric vessels; and displacement of other bowel segments, especially the transverse colon and fourth portion of the duodenum. Left-sided paraduodenal hernias demonstrated a sac-like mass of small-bowel loops interposed between the stomach and pancreatic tail and a posterior mass effect on the stomach. All three paraduodenal hernias were diagnosed confidently at retrospective review of CT and SBFT findings. Transmesenteric hernias demonstrated clustered small-bowel loops adjacent to the abdominal wall without overlying omental fat and central displacement of colon and were frequently complicated by small-bowel volvulus (five of 14) and bowel ischemia (six of 14). CT demonstrated signs of volvulus in four of six patients with ischemia. CT findings considered definitive or suggestive of internal hernia were demonstrated in 15 patients. CONCLUSION: Internal hernia is an important and underdiagnosed condition. Transmesenteric hernia is most common in our experience and is usually related to prior abdominal surgery, especially with creation of a Roux-en-Y anastomosis. CT may allow confident diagnosis in most patients.     

Abdominal wall hernias: cross-sectional imaging signs of incarceration determined with sonography

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine with sonography whether distinct cross-sectional imaging signs exist that may differentiate between incarcerated and nonincarcerated abdominal wall hernias. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The sonographic appearance of 149 consecutive abdominal wall hernias was prospectively investigated and correlated with subsequent surgical results. Commercially available 4- to 10-MHz linear transducers and 2- to 5-MHz curved transducers were used to evaluate the hernias. RESULTS: Surgery revealed 126 nonincarcerated and 23 incarcerated hernias. The sonographic signs suggestive of incarceration that we identified included free fluid in the hernia sac, which was observed in 91% of the incarcerated hernias and in 3% of the nonincarcerated hernias; bowel wall thickening in the hernia, which was detected in 88% of the incarcerated hernias and in none of the nonincarcerated hernias; fluid in the herniated bowel loop, which was detected in 82% of the incarcerated hernias and in 3% of the nonincarcerated hernias; and dilated bowel loops in the abdomen, which occurred in 65% of the incarcerated hernias and in none of the nonincarcerated hernias. These imaging findings allowed the identification of incarceration in all 23 cases and led to a false-positive result in two of 126 nonincarcerated hernias. CONCLUSION: Cross-sectional imaging signs indicating hernial incarceration included free fluid in the hernial sac, bowel wall thickening in the hernia, fluid in the herniated bowel loop, and dilated bowel loops in the abdomen. Sonography is an appropriate cross-sectional imaging modality for detecting these signs that are helpful in diagnosing patients with atypical clinical presentations.     

螺旋CT诊断腹部疝的临床应用价值

目的:探讨螺旋CT诊断腹部疝的临床应用价值.材料和方法:回顾性分析石景山医院2002～2008年经手术证实的33例腹部疝的螺旋CT表现.结果:33例中,根据疝所在的位置,螺旋CT诊断腹股沟区疝17例、脐疝3例、腹腔内疝3例、闭孔疝2例和外伤性腹壁疝、腹壁切口疝各4例.33例腹部疝的疝内容物均为小肠;螺旋CT表现为肠梗阻33例;肠系膜血管分布形态改变14例;螺旋CT增强扫描疝囊内肠管正常强化13例,强化减弱或延时强化16例,无强化4例,当肠管发生强化减弱、延时强化或无强化时可确定肠管已绞窄和(或)坏死(20例).肠坏死继发肠穿孔3例.结论:螺旋CT不但能正确显示腹部疝的存在与分型,而且能根据CT增强扫描后疝出肠管的强化程度判断肠管是否发生绞窄和(或)坏死.     

Abdominal wall neurofibroma presenting as an inguinal hernia

Inguinal hernias are a common cause of abdominal wall pain and are the most common abdominal wall abnormality. They can usually be differentiated from other abnormalities by history and physical examination. Occasionally, the diagnosis may be difficult with very small or very large lesions. The following case report describes an abdominal wall neurofibroma presenting as an inguinal hernia in a young, active duty, male soldier with previously undiagnosed neurofibromatosis.     

MDCT imaging in Spigelian hernia,clinical, and surgical implications

ObjectiveSpigelian hernia is an uncommon congenital or acquired defect in the transversus abdominis aponeurosis with non-specific symptoms posing a diagnostic challenge. There is a paucity of radiology literature on imaging findings of Spigelian hernia. The objective of this study is to explore the role of MDCT in evaluating Spigelian hernia along with clinical and surgical implications.Materials and methodsIn this IRB approved, HIPAA compliant retrospective observational analysis MDCT imaging findings of 43 Spigelian hernias were evaluated by two fellowship-trained radiologists. Imaging features evaluated were: presence of Spigelian hernia, laterality, relation to “hernia belt” (between 0 and 6 cm cranial to an imaginary axial line between both anterior superior iliac spines), the hernia neck and sac sizes, hernia content, and other coexistent hernias (umbilical, incisional, inguinal). Patient's demographics (age, gender, BMI, conditions with increased intra-abdominal pressure) were also recorded for any correlation.Results60% (26/43) of Spigelian hernias were located below the hernia belt while 33% (14/43) within the hernia belt and 7% (3/43) above the hernia belt. The most common subtype of Spigelian hernia encountered was interparietal (84%). The mean hernia neck diameter was 3.4 cm, mean hernia sac volume was 329 cc. Hernia content included: fat (43/43) bowel (23/43), fluid (3/43). 3 patients had no clinical history provided, the remaining 37 patients' clinical presentation was asymptomatic in 73% (27/37), acute abdominal pain in 5% (2/37) and chronic abdominal pain in 22% (8/37). None of the hernia were incarcerated and none of the patients underwent emergent surgery. No significant correlation was noted between Spigelian hernia and causes of increased intra-abdominal pressure. 90% of our patients had other abdominal hernias. 30.9 was the mean BMI (20.8–69.1).ConclusionMost of the Spigelian hernia occurred below the traditionally described hernia belt and the majority are of interparietal subtype that can be best diagnosed with MDCT in contrast to physical examination.     

Computed tomography demonstration of inferior lumbar (Petit's) hernia

Inferior lumbar (Petit's) hernia is an uncommon condition resulting from a defect in the posterior abdominal wall. Such hernias may be difficult to diagnose on the basis of physical signs and symptoms. A case of unsuspected inferior lumbar hernia clearly demonstrated by computed tomography (CT) is presented. Computed tomography is useful in determining the size and contents of the hernia, permitting accurate diagnosis, and planning treatment.     

Computed tomography of traumatic abdominal wall hernia and associated deceleration injuries.

We retrospectively reviewed the computed tomographic (CT) examinations of 15 cases of abdominal wall hernia due to abdominal trauma; 13 patients had been injured in motor vehicle accidents (11 of those were belted in). All hernias were correctly identified on CT and confirmed intraoperatively. Traumatic abdominal wall hernia proved an important indicator of associated visceral injury, especially to the bowel (n = 6) and mesentery (n = 10). Careful review of the bowel and mesentery should thus be undertaken when disruption of the abdominal wall is documented. Radiologists should be aware, however, that CT findings may correlate poorly with severity of injury in these areas. In these instances, close clinical correlation and, sometimes, rescanning may be necessary.     

Bowel obstruction following liver transplantation: clinical and ct findings in 48 cases with emphasis on internal hernia

PURPOSE: To review the incidence, cause, and radiologic findings of bowel obstruction in patients who have undergone orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of 4,001 cases of OLT revealed 48 cases of bowel obstruction in 44 patients. Seventeen computed tomographic (CT) scans and seven barium-enhanced radiographs were reviewed to determine level and cause. Surgical proof was available in 45 cases, while three had characteristic clinical and radiographic features. RESULTS: Adhesions caused the obstruction in 19 cases in 16 patients; three had bowel ischemia. Internal hernias caused obstruction in 18 patients; all obstructions were transmesenteric or retroanastomotic and occurred with choledochoenteric anastomosis. Seven patients had volvulus; four had bowel ischemia. CT signs of internal hernia included mesenteric vascular abnormalities and clusters of dilated small-bowel segments that displaced the colon away from the abdominal wall. Prospective diagnosis of internal hernia was made in only one case. Incisional or inguinal hernia caused obstruction in seven patients; CT was used just once. Four patients had neoplastic bowel obstruction, three due to posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorder and one due to colon carcinoma. CONCLUSION: Liver transplantation was complicated by bowel obstruction in 48 (1.2%) of 4,001 cases. While adhesions and incisional hernias are common and well recognized, other causes are more challenging to diagnose. The CT findings reported here may allow more accurate diagnosis of internal hernia.     

粘连性腹内疝及其合并肠缺血坏死的MSCT诊断

目的 探讨粘连性腹内疝及合并绞窄性肠坏死的MSCT特征.方法 回顾性分析21例经手术证实的粘连性腹内疝的CT资料,CT原始数据经多平面重建(MPR)及CT血管造影(CTA),以显示疝环、疝入肠系膜、疝内肠管的特征.结果 19例粘连性腹内疝均显示疝环,小肠扩张积液、聚集并移位,其中17例显示疝环处肠管狭窄与扩张肠管移行;17例显示疝入肠系膜水肿、增厚,肠系膜血管纠集、充血,其中11例显示疝环处肠管及其系膜扭转;15例显示腹水.根据疝入肠管影像表现将粘连性腹内疝分型:Ⅰ型为肠管扩张伴肠壁增厚(7例);Ⅱ型为肠管扩张不伴肠壁增厚(9例);Ⅲ型为肠管不扩张但肠壁增厚(5例).3型腹内疝肠管壁平扫CT值、动脉及门脉期肠壁强化值差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),Ⅰ和Ⅲ型小于Ⅱ型,Ⅰ、Ⅲ型之间的差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).8例粘连性腹内疝合并绞窄性肠坏死(5例为Ⅰ型,3例为Ⅲ型),CT显示肠扭转伴疝入小肠壁显著水肿增厚,肠壁模糊呈持续性低强化,其中4例显示肠系膜上静脉血栓栓塞,3例显示肠系膜上动脉主干或分支闭塞,8例均显示大量腹水.结论 粘连带形成的疝环,狭窄与扩张肠管移行以及小肠扩张、聚集并移位提示粘连性腹内疝的存在;疝入肠系膜水肿,血管纠集,充血,肠系膜血管闭塞,肠管壁显著水肿增厚并持续低强化,则是绞窄性肠坏死的影像特征.     

A new technique for the 3D reconstruction of the incisional hernia: A pilot study

PurposeThis study aimed to accurately evaluate incisional hernias with a new three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction technology, proving surgeons more information for intuitive and accurate judgments about incisional hernia to minimize the perioperative complications and recurrence rate.MethodThis was a pilot study using a new technique, 3D reconstruction, based on computed tomography (CT) scans to measure abdominal wall defect, herniary area, herniary volume, abdominal cavity volume, and the volume of transverse, oblique, and recti abdominis in three patients with incisional hernias.ResultsThe 3D reconstruction technique made automated segmentation of the bony skeleton, skin, outer abdominal wall, vessel, and hernia sac. The hernia sac, abdominal muscles, and their anatomic relationship were clearly illustrated in 3D reconstruction images. Moreover, abdominal cavity volume; herniary diameter, area, and volume; and the volume of transverse, oblique, and recti muscles could be evaluated through 3D reconstruction images. Surgeons can also freely combine, rotate, scale, and move the 3D reconstruction mode, modify the name and transparency of the 3D reconstruction model, and observe the internal structure of the tissue and the size, shape, and location of the lesion from multiple angles for better and accurate judgments.ConclusionThe herniary diameter, area, and volume and the volume of transverse, oblique, and recti abdominis can be accurately calculated through this 3D reconstruction technology. A three-dimensional vision of the abdomen through this technology can objectively and quantitatively evaluate the situation of incisional hernia, providing a more realistic means for diagnosis and treatment of incisional hernias.     

CT in the diagnosis of abdominal wall hernias: a preliminary study

The aim of the study was to estimate the value of CT in the diagnosis of abdominal wall hernias and at the same time to create a standard for this CT investigation. Twenty-four patients with suspected hernia of the abdominal wall were examined. All were operated on. The CT scans were assessed by two radiologists to estimate the interobserver variation. The CT diagnoses made by the two radiologists were correct in 83 % and 79 % of cases, respectively. The sensitivity was 0.83 in both CT evaluations and the specificity was 0.83 and 0.67, respectively. The predictive value of a positive CT finding was 0.94 and 0.88, while the predictive value of a negative CT finding was 0.63 and 0.57, respectively. The interobserver variation (kappa) was 0.87. The study therefore indicates that a positive CT finding of abdominal wall hernia is reliable, while a negative finding does not exclude the diagnosis. The interobserver variation of the CT diagnoses is acceptable. To achieve the highest diagnostic accuracy, it is recommended to always use the Valsalva manoeuvre, oral intake of contrast and 10/10 mm CT slices. Received: 19 November 1996; Revision received 17 February 1997; Accepted 17 March 1997     

Evaluation of Spigelian hernia by CT

Spigelian hernias are uncommon abdominal wall hernias with subtle clinical findings. The CT studies of three cases are reported. All our patients presented with abdominal mass and vague symptoms. The CT evaluation allowed preoperative diagnosis.     

腹内疝37例临床分析

目的探讨腹内疝发生的病因,提高对该病的认识、诊断及治疗水平。方法对我院经手术证实的37例腹内疝临床资料进行回顾分析。结果剖腹探查手术证实为横结肠系膜裂孔疝1例;闭孔疝1例;盲肠旁疝1例;毕Ⅱ式结肠前吻合术后输出段空肠疝入输入段空肠与横结肠系膜间隙6例;M iles术后盆底腹膜裂开所致内疝5例;M iles术后降结肠与侧腹壁形成的间隙致内疝4例;大网膜与乙状结肠造口肠壁粘连形成内疝1例;1例在梅克尔憩室基础上发生炎性粘连形成腹内疝;因腹腔粘连带与腹膜、腹腔脏器、肠壁、肠与肠之间的孔隙改变形成内疝17例(48.7%)。结论腹内疝临床较少见,术前诊断困难,均以肠梗阻收入,对有手术史及腹部外伤史,考虑腹内疝者,应及时手术,以防发生肠绞窄、肠坏死。     

Unexpected fatal outcome of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair

In this paper we report the autopsy findings of a long-term warfarinized 60-year-old man who died unexpectedly 2 days after undergoing laparoscopic transabdominal pre-peritoneal (TAPP) inguinal hernia repair. In his medical records it was stated that the perioperative and postoperative period was uneventful with no sign of bleeding and he was discharged the day after surgery. Autopsy revealed massive bleeding in the pre-peritoneal space at the surgery site and a massive left inguinal canal hematoma spreading through the spermatic cord to the left scrotum. There was no evidence of retroperitoneal bleeding. No sign of traumatic injury to the abdominal wall, major abdominal and pelvic vessels was revealed. The cause of death was hemorrhagic shock. We believe that this is the first documented case of fatal outcome after TAPP inguinal hernia repair in Slovakia. Inguinal hernias account for approximately two-thirds of all abdominal wall hernias. The reported case demonstrates that routine procedures such as TAPP hernia repair can have a fatal outcome, not due to any surgical mishap but because of the altered health status of the patient.     

Abdominal wall hernias: imaging with spiral CT

Computed tomography is an accurate method of identifying the various types of abdominal wall hernias, especially if they are clinically occult, and of distinguishing them from other diseases such as hematomas, abscesses and neoplasia. In this study we examined the CT images of 94 patients affected by abdominal wall hernias observed over a period of 6 years. Computed tomography clearly demonstrates the anatomical site of the hernial sac, the content and any occlusive bowel complications due to incarceration or strangulation. Clinical diagnosis of external hernias is particularly difficult in obese patients or in those with laparotic scars. In these cases abdominal imaging is essential for a correct preoperative diagnosis and to determine the most effective treatment. Received: 20 May 1999; Revised: 10 August 1999; Accepted: 13 August 1999     

CT findings in palpable lesions of the anterior abdominal wall

Computed tomographic findings are reviewed in 25 patients with a palpable mass in the anterior abdominal wall. Computed tomography allowed a specific diagnosis when the mass was due to a hernia and hematoma. In the other cases a specific diagnosis could not be made but CT allowed a detailed evaluation of the extent of the disease.     

彩超检查腹内疝并发肠梗阻的临床价值

目的:探讨彩色多普勒超声(简称彩超)检查在诊断腹内疝并发肠梗阻中的价值。方法:回顾性分析15例经手术证实的腹内疝并发肠梗阻的声像图特征。结果:15例彩超均提示肠梗阻,其中11例提示肠绞窄均得到手术证实,准确率73.3%(11/15),腹内疝并发肠梗阻彩超主要表现为小肠局限性或较大范围的肠管扩张,绞窄处肠管变窄,肠内容物通过受阻;少量广泛性或局限性腹腔积液;梗阻部位肠壁水肿增厚,肠管蠕动减弱或消失。结论:彩超检查是腹内疝并发肠梗阻的有效方法,为临床提供了准确的有价值的参考信息。