Clinical and radiological presentation of spinal epidural haemangiomas: clinical series in a tertiary care centre during a 10-year period

Purpose

Haemangiomas are very frequent benign spinal tumours. However, pure epidural location is extremely rare. At present, only 52 cases have been reported in the literature during the last 10 years. We proposed to analyse clinical and radiological features of this rare entity treated in a tertiary care centre over the last 10 years.

Methods

A study of a retrospective surgical series (2002–2012) was conducted. The clinic’s electronic database was searched for “spinal” and/or “vertebral haemangiomas”, which were treated by surgery and/or vertebroplasty. Clinical, radiological and histopathological data were analysed.

Results

In total, the series comprised 30 spinal haemangiomas. There were 6 epidural (20 %), 17 vertebral (57 %) and 7 intradural lesions (23 %). There were four men and two women, mean age 28.3 years, with epidural lesions. One patient presented with localised back pain only, two with radiculopathy and focal neurological deficit, two with radiculopathy only and one with isolated focal neurological deficit, respectively. The onset of symptoms was progressive in four cases over weeks to months and sudden in two cases. Preoperative MRI imaging revealed features of meningioma, neurinoma or metastasis.

Conclusion

Epidural haemangiomas are extremely rare spinal lesions. They may mimic more common spinal tumours clinically and radiologically. The usual treatment is gross total resection confirming the diagnosis histologically.     

Reliability of cervical radiculopathy,its congruence between patient history and medical imaging evidence of disc herniation and its role in surgical decision

Background

The incidence of cervical disc herniation is estimated about 5.5/100,000, and they lead to surgical intervention in 26 %. Cervical disc herniation causes radiculopathy, which defines by radicular pain and sensory deficit and maybe weakness following the path of the affected nerves. Classically, cervical radiculopathy is expected to follow its specific dermatome—C4, C5, C6, C7 and C8. We investigate patients who present with discrepancy between classical radiculopathy and imaging findings in the daily practice of our profession.

Methods

We reviewed the medical records of 102 patients with cervical radiculopathy, caused by cervical disc herniation. All patients had surgery.

Results

We found an apparent discrepancy between clinical and radiological findings, patients complained of radiculopathy on one side, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan or CT scan finding on the other side in ten patients (10.2 %). We did not found any other abnormalities in preoperative and post-operative period. All patients underwent cervical diskectomy via anterior approach. Six weeks after surgery eight patients (80 %) recovered completely, and 3 months after all ten patients (100 %) had been relieved totally.

Comparison with existing method

The aim of this paper is review of this medical concept and management of radiculopathy in patients with this discrepancy. As far as we know, the subject has not yet been touched in this light in medical literature.

Conclusion

The discrepancy between clinical radiculopathy and disc herniation level on MRI or on CT scan is not rare. Management of this discrepancy requires further investigation to avoid missing diagnosis and treatment failure.

     

Sciatica-like symptoms and the sacroiliac joint: clinical features and differential diagnosis

Purpose

To compare the clinical features of patients with sacroiliac joint (SIJ)-related sciatica-like symptoms to those with sciatica from nerve root compression and to investigate the necessity to perform radiological imaging in patients with sciatica-like symptoms derived from the SIJ.

Methods

Patients with pain radiating below the buttocks with a duration of 4 weeks to 1 year were included. After physical and radiological examinations, a diagnosis of SI joint-related pain, pain due to disk herniation, or a combination of these two causes was made.

Results

Patients with SIJ-related leg pain (n = 77/186) were significantly more often female, had shorter statue, a shorter duration of symptoms, and had more often pain radiating to the groin and a history of a fall on the buttocks. Muscle weakness, corkscrew phenomenon, finger-floor distance ≥25 cm, lumbar scoliosis, positive Bragard or Kemp sign, and positive leg raising test were more often present when radiologic nerve root compression was present. Although these investigations may help, MRI of the spine is necessary to discriminate between the groups.

Conclusions

Sciatica-like symptoms derived from the SIJ can clinically mimic a radiculopathy. We suggest to perform a thorough physical examination of the spine, SI joints, and hips with additional radiological tests to exclude other causes.     

Clinically Meaningful Tumor Reduction Rates Vary by Prechemotherapy MRI Phenotype and Tumor Subtype in the I-SPY 1 TRIAL (CALGB 150007/150012; ACRIN 6657)

Purpose

This study was designed to determine (1) rates of clinically meaningful tumor reduction in breast tumor size following neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), (2) which receptor subtypes and MRI phenotypes are associated with clinically meaningful tumor reduction, and (3) whether MRI phenotype impacts concordance between pathologic and MRI size.

Methods

We analyzed data from the I-SPY TRIAL, a multicenter, prospective NAC trial. Reduction in tumor size from >4 to ≤4 cm was considered clinically meaningful, as crossing this threshold was considered a reasonable cutoff for potential breast conservation therapy (BCT). MRI phenotypes were scored between one (well-defined) and five (diffuse) on pre-NAC MRIs.

Results

Of 174 patients with tumors >4 cm, 141 (81 %) had clinically meaningful tumor reduction. Response to therapy varied by MRI phenotype (p = 0.003), with well-defined phenotypes more likely than diffuse phenotypes to have clinically meaningful tumor shrinkage (91 vs. 72 %, p = 0.037). Her2+ and triple-negative (Tneg) tumors had the highest rate of clinically meaningful tumor reduction (p = 0.005). The concordance between tumor diameter on MRI and surgical pathology was highest for Her2+ and Tneg tumors, especially among tumors with solid imaging phenotypes (p = 0.004).

Discussion

NAC allows most patients with large breast tumors to have clinically meaningful tumor reduction, meaning response that would impact ability to undergo BCT. However, response varies by imaging and tumor subtypes. Concordance between tumor size on MRI and surgical pathology was higher in well-defined tumors, especially those with a Tneg subtype, and lower in HR+ diffuse tumors.     

Imaging Metal-on-Metal Hip Replacements: the Norwich Experience

Background

Adverse reaction to metal debris is a relatively recently described and often a silent complication of metal-on-metal (MOM) total hip replacements (THR). The Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital has been performing metal artefact reduction (MARS) MRI for 8 years in a variety of different types of MOM THR.

Questions/purposes

The aims of this review are to describe the experience of using MARS MRI in Norwich and to compare our experience with that published by other groups.

Methods

A MEDLINE keyword search was performed for studies including MRI in MOM THR. Relevant publications were reviewed and compared with published data from the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital. The similarities and differences between these data were compared and possible explanations for these discussed.

Results

MARS MRI appears to be the most useful tool for diagnosing, staging and monitoring adverse reactions to metal debris (ARMD). There appears to be no clinically useful association between clinical and serological markers of disease and the severity of MR findings. Although severe early ARMD is associated with significant morbidity, mild disease is often stable for years. If patients with normal initial MR examinations develop ARMD, this usually occurs 7 years. A 1-year interval between MRI examinations is reasonable in asymptomatic patients.

Conclusions

There is a general international consensus that ARMD is prevalent in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with MOM THR and that while appearances vary with the type of prosthesis, there are characteristic features that make MARS MRI essential for diagnosis, staging and surveillance of the disease.     

Clinical applicability of magnetic resonance imaging in acute spinal cord trauma

Purpose

To assess the clinical application of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with acute spinal cord trauma (SCT) according to the type, extension, and severity of injury and the clinical–radiological correlation.

Methods

Diagnostic imaging [computed tomography (CT) and MRI] tests of 98 patients with acute SCT were analyzed to assess their clinical diagnostic value. The following radiological findings of SCT were investigated: vertebral compression fractures, bursts and dislocations, posterior element fractures, C1 and C2 lesions, vertebral listhesis, bone swelling, spinal canal compression, disk herniation, extradural hematoma, spinal cord contusions, spinal cord swelling, and posterior ligamentous complex (PLC) injuries.

Results

The radiological findings were better visualized using MRI, except for the posterior elements (p = 0.001), which were better identified with CT. A total of 271 lesions were diagnosed as follows: 217 using MRI, 154 using CT, and 100 (36.9 %) using both MRI and CT. MRI detected 117 more lesions than CT.

Conclusion

MRI was significantly superior to CT in the diagnosis of bone swelling, PLC injury, disk herniation, spinal canal compression, spinal cord contusion and swelling present in SCT. MRI detected a larger number of lesions than CT and is highly useful for the diagnosis of soft tissue and intrathecal injuries.     

Thoracoscopic interbody fusion with percutaneous posterior stabilization for thoracic and thoracolumbar injuries

Background context

Traumatic thoracolumbar discoligamentous injuries and partial burst fractures are commonly managed through posterior-only stabilization. Many cases present later with failure of posterior implant and progressive kyphotic deformities that necessitates major surgeries. Anterior interbody fusion saves the patients unnecessary long-segment fixation and provides a stable definitive solution for the injured segment.

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess the clinical and radiographic outcomes of combined minimal invasive short-segment posterior percutaneous instrumentation and anterior thoracoscopic-assisted fusion in thoracolumbar partial burst fractures or discoligamentous injuries.

Study design

Prospective observational study.

Patient sample

Thirty patients with acute thoracic or thoracolumbar injuries operated upon between December 2007 and January 2009.

Outcome measures

Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), clinical and neurological examination for clinical assessment. Plain X-ray for radiological evaluation.

Methods

Preoperative evaluation included clinical and neurological examination, plain X-rays, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Posterior short-segment percutaneous stabilization plus anterior thoracoscopically assisted fusion in prone position were done. The minimum follow-up period was 2 years (range 24–48 months).

Results

The mean age was 44 years. The commonest affected segment was between T10 and L1 (22 patients, 73 %). The mean total operative time was 103 min. The mean operative blood loss was 444 ml. Interbody fusion cage was used in 28 patients while iliac graft in two cases. Fusion rate at the final follow-up was 97 % (29 patients); one patient did not show definitive fusion although he was clinically satisfied. The mean final follow-up ODI was 12 %. The mean preoperative kyphosis angle was 22° improved to 6.5° postoperatively and was 7.5° at final follow-up. There were no major intraoperative or postoperative complications.

Conclusion

Combined anterior thoracoscopic fusion and short-segment posterior percutaneous instrumentation showed good clinical and radiographic outcomes in cases of thoracolumbar injuries through limiting the instrumented levels and preventing progress of posttraumatic kyphosis.     

Defining occult injuries of the distal forearm and wrist in children

Purpose

The nonspecific terms “wrist sprain” and “suspected occult bony injury” are frequently documented as diagnoses in occult paediatric wrist injuries. To date, however, no one has accurately defined their true underlying pathology. The primary objective of this study was to identify the true pathoanatomy of occult acute paediatric wrist injuries. Our secondary objective was to compare our findings with existing adult data in order to determine any population differences that might be clinically relevant.

Methods

We performed a single-centre retrospective case series evaluating MRI findings in acute paediatric wrist injuries presenting to the hand injury unit between 2011 and 2014. All patients underwent standardised radiographs of the wrist and, where clinically indicated, of the scaphoid. Where no bony anomaly was identified, MRI scanning was offered. Cohen’s kappa coefficient was used to calculate the agreement between clinical and MRI diagnosis.

Results

57 patients met the final inclusion criteria. Occult fractures and bony contusions comprised the majority of the pathologies, at 36.5 and 35.0 %, respectively. There were no cases of isolated soft-tissue injury. MRI effected management change in 35.1 % of cases. Paediatric wrists demonstrated differences in injury pattern and distribution when compared to an adult population.

Conclusion

This study defines for the first time the true pathology of occult paediatric wrist injuries. The current definition of a wrist sprain was not applicable to a single case and therefore appears to be inappropriate for use in the paediatric population. A precise knowledge of the likely pathology facilitates accurate information delivery whilst reducing parental uncertainty and treatment variation.

     

Utility of clinical parameters, cystourethroscopy, and magnetic resonance imaging in the preoperative diagnosis of urethral diverticula

Introduction and hypothesis

Our purpose was to assess the accuracy of history and physical, cystourethroscopy, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in preoperative diagnosis of urethral diverticula.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of all patients who underwent surgical excision of periurethral masses between 1998 and 2009. Presenting symptoms and examination and cystourethroscopic findings were noted. A single pathologist reviewed all cases and provided the reference standard for the diagnosis of a diverticulum. A single radiologist reviewed all preoperative MRI studies. Sensitivities, specificities, and positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) were determined.

Results

Diverticula were diagnosed in 36/60 (60 %) patients. Transurethral fluid expression on palpation and recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) had high PPV. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV, respectively, for cystourethroscopy were 33 %, 100 %, 100 %, and 42 %; for MRI, these were 100 %, 83 %, 92 %, and 100 %.

Conclusion

These data reinforce the utility of transurethral fluid expression for preoperative evaluation of urethral diverticula. Additionally, MRI is an excellent adjunctive diagnostic tool and may assist in establishing the diagnosis when there is high clinical suspicion of a urethral diverticulum but nonconfirmatory findings on cystourethroscopy.     

Improvement of efficacy in surgical management of facial basal cell carcinoma: an interdisciplinary pilot study in The Netherlands

Background

The increasing incidence of basal cell carcinoma demands for an improvement of current health care management to gain more efficacies in the interdisciplinary treatment of facial basal cell carcinoma. We prospectively evaluated the level of agreement between referring dermatologists and plastic surgeons to assess in which cases routine pre-operative consultation of patients with facial basal cell carcinoma was not required for surgical treatment by plastic surgeons.

Methods

The outcome of a self-designed standardized referral form was prospectively evaluated in 100 patients with clinically suspected facial basal cell carcinoma that were referred from the dermatology outpatient clinic to the surgical outpatient clinic of Plastic Surgery for tumor removal under local anesthetics between 2009 and 2011.

Results

The level of agreement between the dermatologists and plastic surgeons on whether patients could be booked on the surgical outpatient clinic without routine pre-operative consultation was categorized as “moderate agreement” (Kappa?=?0.589). We found that in 12.7 % of the patients with high-risk facial basal cell carcinoma (BCCs), both specialists agreed that pre-operative consultation was not required. In another 12.7 % of the patients, consensus was not achieved. In 74.6 % of the patients, both specialists agreed that pre-operative consultation was recommended.

Conclusions

We found that in selected patients with high-risk facial BCCs, both specialists agreed that pre-operative consultation was not required. Once a standardized referral system has been implemented, its use may improve efficacy in the surgical treatment of high-risk facial BCC. Future research should be directed towards clinical controlled trials. Level of Evidence: Level III, risk/prognostic study.     

Analysis of Factors that Influence the Accuracy of Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Predicting Response after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Locally Advanced Breast Cancer

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to predict residual lesion size after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and to determine the factors that influence the accuracy of response prediction.

Methods

This study comprised 166 patients who underwent MRI before and after NAC, but before surgery. The longest diameter of the residual cancer was measured using MRI and correlated with pathologic findings. Patients were further divided into subgroups according to various radiologic and histopathologic factors. Pathologic complete response (pCR) was defined as the absence of residual invasive cancer cells. The Pearson correlation was used to correlate tumor size as determined by MRI and pathology, and the Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis test were used to compare MRI-pathologic size discrepancies according to various clinical, histopathologic factors, and MRI findings.

Results

Of the 166 women, 40 achieved pCR. The overall sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for diagnosing invasive residual disease by using MRI were 96, 65, and 89 %, respectively. The Pearson’s correlation coefficient between the tumor sizes measured using MRI and pathology was 0.749 (P < 0.001). The size discrepancy was significantly greater in patients with estrogen receptor-positive cancer (P = 0.037), in cancers with low nuclear grade (P = 0.007), and in cancers shown as diffuse non-mass–like enhancement on MRI (P = 0.001).

Conclusions

Size prediction is less accurate in cases with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, low nuclear grade, and diffuse non-mass–like enhancement on initial MRI.     

Missed cervical disc bulges diagnosed with kinematic magnetic resonance imaging

Purpose

To determine if adding flexion and extension MRI studies to the traditional neutral views would be beneficial in the diagnosis of cervical disc bulges.

Methods

Five hundred patients underwent MRI in neutral, flexion and extension positions. The images were analyzed using computer software to objectively quantify the amount of disc bulge.

Results

Compared to the neutral position, cervical disc bulges were significantly increased in the extension position (P < 0.05), but on flexion position, there was no significant difference (P > 0.05). For patients without or <3 mm of disc bulge in neutral, 2.97 % demonstrated an increase in bulge to ≥3 mm bulge in flexion, and 16.41 % demonstrated an increase to ≥3 mm bulge in extension. For patients in the neutral view that had a baseline disc bulge of 3?5 mm, 3.73 % had increased bulges to ≥5 mm in flexion and 11.57 % had increased bulges to ≥5 mm in extension.

Conclusion

A significant increase in the degree of cervical disc bulge was found by examining extension views when compared with neutral views alone. Kinematic MRI views provide valuable added information, especially in situations where symptomatic radiculopathy is present without any abnormalities demonstrated on traditional neutral MRI.     

Can high-spatial resolution T2-weighted endorectal MRI rule out clinically significant prostate cancer?

Purpose

To evaluate whether clinically significant prostate cancer (PCa) can be ruled out by high-spatial resolution T2-weighted endorectal MRI (eMRI) in a cohort of patients with biopsy-proven PCa.

Patients and methods

A retrospective analysis was carried out for consecutive patients who underwent 1.5 Tesla eMRI for local staging before open radical prostatectomy. The cohort was dichotomized into patients with apparent or inapparent tumour on eMRI. The results were compared with final histopathology, and an analysis for presence of clinically significance PCa was performed.

Results

A total of 385 patients were included in the study; in 85 patients (22 %), no apparent lesion suspicious for PCa was detected on eMRI, still final pathology revealed clinically significant PCa in 61 of these patients (72 %). In contrast, 256 (85 %) of the 300 patients with apparent tumour in eMRI harboured clinically significant PCa. eMRI could not differentiate clinically significant from insignificant PCa in neither of the groups (p > 0.6).

Conclusions

Presence of clinically significant cancer cannot be excluded by high-resolution 1.5 Tesla T2-weighted eMRI. The results of the study suggest that the role of T2-weighted eMRI for selecting patients suitable for AS is limited.     

Occurrence and Significance of Odontoid Lateral Mass Interspace Asymmetry in Trauma Patients

Background

The odontoid lateral mass interspace (OLMI) is the space between the lateral aspect of the dens axis and the medial circumference of the massa lateralis atlantis. The position of OLMI asymmetry as a normal variant or pathologic finding is an area of debate and clinical interest in trauma patients. We designed this prospective study to lay a framework for proposing strategies for the appropriate use of OLMI.

Methods

A total of 301 adult patients admitted for trauma were included. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the cervical spine were performed and examined for the presence OLMI asymmetry and bony/ligamentous lesions of the occipitoatlantoaxial complex.

Results

Head rotation is linked to the occurrence of OLMI asymmetry. Reliable OLMI asymmetry evaluation is limited by observer agreement under a threshold value of 1.0 mm. In all, 86 patients (28.6 %) were found to have OLMI asymmetry on CT after trauma. Among these patients, 17.4 % had a bony/ligamentous lesion of the occipitoatlantoaxial complex. Among the patients without OLMI asymmetry, 8.8 % were found to have such lesions.

Conclusions

OLMI asymmetry should only be investigated by CT scans of the head in optimal position and with the threshold value of 1.0 mm. OLMI asymmetry should not be used alone as a sign of a cervical spine lesion. MRI should be performed if: (1) the physician has a high degree of suspicion of a cervical spine lesion; (2) OLMI asymmetry was demonstrated on a technically adequate CT scan; (3) clinical symptoms persist in patients with OLMI asymmetry when no acute MRI was performed.     

MRI fluid sign is reliable in correlation with osteonecrosis after vertebral fractures: a histopathologic study

Introduction

Magnetic resonance images (MRI) fluid sign and intravertebral vacuum phenomenon of the plain radiograph are considered as the characteristic radiological findings for vertebral osteonecrosis after spinal fractures. We aim to study the association between the radiological and histopathologic findings of vertebral osteonecrosis through the use of an open retrieval of specimens.

Materials and methods

Twenty consecutive patients (54–84 years, mean 73 years) of unstable vertebral compression fractures treated with anterior corpectomy and fusion were included. All the images and pathologies were correlated, especially the histopathologic changes to the fluid sign and vacuum phenomenon.

Results

MRI fluid signs and the histopathologic findings of vertebral osteonecrosis were significantly correlated and both were noted in the first 5 months after injury. The power of the fluid sign in diagnosing vertebral osteonecrosis was better than that of the intravertebral vacuum phenomenon (diagnostic odds ratio 65 vs. 2, sensitivity 86 vs. 50 %, specificity 100 vs. 67 %).

Conclusion

MRI fluid sign is more predictable to diagnose vertebral osteonecrosis in operative case, especially within the initial 5 months after injury.     

Risiko iatrogener neurovaskulärer Verletzung bei proximal dreidimensionaler Verriegelung von Tibiamarknägeln

Background

The rate of clinically relevant neurovascular injuries after proximal intramedullary nailing of the tibia remains unclear. The anatomical risk of iatrogenic damage to these structures should be estimated in a prospective MRI examination.

Material and methods

A total of 99 consecutive patients were included in the study cohort. All patients underwent an MRI examination due to suspected intra-articular lesions of the knee joint. Examinations were performed at the Institute for Radiology at the Clinic of Worms. The MRI system used was a Philips Intera 1.0 Tesla (Philips, Böblingen, Deutschland). The distance of the neurovascular bundle (GNB) to the posterior tibial cortex was measured (dTK) to estimate the risk of bicortical drilling. The position of the GNB (pGNB) in the medial (+pGNB) and lateral (?pGNB) directions was determined relative to the tibial head midline to estimate potential advantages of oblique or rotated insertion of the nail.

Results

The mean distance between the posterior tibial cortex and the GNB was 11.54 mm (range 4–21 mm standard deviation 3.42 mm). In relation to the tibia head midline, the maximal lateral position was determined as 23 mm and maximal medial position was 6 mm. In 9 cases the GNB was found medially, in 12 cases in the midline and in 69 cases laterally. The mean lateral position of the GNB was 6.03 mm.

Conclusions

Triple proximal interlocking in tibial nailing procedures can be considered a safe procedure if care is taken with the correct operation technique and careful image intensification control of drilling procedures. A rotated nail insertion to avoid a strict anterior-posterior positioning of proximal interlocking screw is not to be recommended.     

Knee sonography as a diagnostic test for medial meniscal tears in young patients

Purpose

To prospectively evaluate whether age of patient affects diagnostic accuracy of sonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of medial meniscal tears.

Methods

We prospectively evaluated 74 consecutive patients (54 males and 20 females), in two different groups [group A (37 patients ≤ 30 years; mean age: 23.5 ± 5 years) and group B (37 patients > 30 years; mean age: 43.5 ± 9.35 years)] with clinical suspicion of medial meniscal tear. After inclusion, patients underwent ultrasonography and then MRI for signs of tearing. The ultrasonographic and MRI findings were compared with arthroscopic findings, which served as a gold standard for accurate detection of meniscal tearing.

Results

The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and accuracy of ultrasonography in detecting medial meniscal tears in group A were 100, 88.9, 96.5, 100, 97.3 % and in group B were 83.3, 71.4, 92.6, 50, 81.1 %, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and accuracy of MRI in group A were 100, 88.9, 96.5, 100, 97.3 % and in group B were 96.7, 85.7, 96.7, 85.7, 94.6 %, respectively.

Conclusions

Given the fact that the sensitivity and specificity of the results of knee sonography matched that of MRI in patients who were 30 years old or less, we suggest ultrasonography as an effective initial investigation for tears of medial meniscus in this group of patients. Patients with negative ultrasonographic findings will need no further investigation.

Level of evidence

Diagnostic studies—investigating a diagnostic test, Level II.     

What Is the Risk of Clinical Anastomotic Leak in the Diverted Colorectal Anastomosis?

Objective

The objective of this study was to identify clinical leak in diverted colorectal anastomoses.

Design

Cohort analysis.

Setting

The study was conducted in a subspecialty practice at a tertiary care facility.

Patients

Consecutive subjects undergoing colorectal anastomosis and proximal fecal diversion between July 16, 2007 and June, 31 2012.

Interventions

No intervention was applied.

Main Outcome Measures

Clinical anastomotic leak.

Results

Two hundred forty-five patients underwent a colorectal anastomosis with proximal fecal diversion. A total of 34 (14 %) clinical leaks were identified at a median of 43 days. Clinical leaks were identified in 13 (5 %) patients within 30 days of surgery (early leaks) and in 21 (9 %) patients after 30 days of surgery (late leaks). Age, sex, use of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, and method of anastomotic construction were similar in patients with clinical leaks as compared to those with no evidence of leak. However, clinical leaks were more likely to develop in patients with a diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease or other diagnoses, i.e., radiation enteritis, ischemia, and injury/enterotomy. Patients with clinical leak were not more likely to have air leaks on intraoperative air leak testing.

Conclusions

In diverted anastomoses, most leaks become clinically apparent beyond 30 days. The standard practice of censoring outcomes that occur beyond postoperative day 30 will fail to identify a substantial fraction of leaks in diverted colorectal anastomoses.     

Surveillance MR Imaging is Superior to Serum Tumor Markers for Detecting Early Tumor Recurrence in Patients with Appendiceal Cancer Treated with Surgical Cytoreduction and HIPEC

Background

The purpose of this study was to determine if MRI surveillance is better than serum tumor makers in detecting early recurrence in patients with mucinous appendiceal neoplasm.

Materials and Methods

A total of 50 patients with appendiceal neoplasm (DPAM 11, PMCA 39) underwent abdominal and pelvic MRI prior to surgical cytoreduction and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). Patients then entered follow-up surveillance with serial MRI every 6 months and serial laboratory studies including CA 125, CEA, and CA19-9. Written reports for surveillance MRI exams were reviewed for tumor recurrence and compared with results of serial laboratory tests. Proof of tumor recurrence was by a consensus of surgery and histopathology, as well as clinical and imaging findings on serial examinations.

Results

During surveillance tumor recurrence was documented in 30 patients (60 %) with median time to recurrence of 13 months (range 3–56 months). MRI detected recurrent tumor in 28 patients, including 11 patients with normal laboratory values (sensitivity 0.93, specificity 0.95, accuracy 0.94, PPV 0.97, and NPV 0.90). Serial laboratory values showed tumor recurrence in 14 patients (sensitivity 0.48, specificity 1.00, accuracy 0.69, PPV 1.0, and NPV 0.57). Median survival was 50 months for 11 patients with earlier MRI detection of recurrence vs 33 months for the other 19 patients with recurrence.

Conclusions

Following cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC MRI detects tumor recurrence earlier and with greater accuracy than serial tumor markers alone.