Gastrointestinal tract perforation: CT diagnosis of presence, site, and cause

Gastrointestinal tract perforation is an emergent condition that requires prompt surgery. Diagnosis largely depends on imaging examinations, and correct diagnosis of the presence, level, and cause of perforation is essential for appropriate management and surgical planning. Plain radiography remains the first imaging study and may be followed by intraluminal contrast examination; however, the high clinical efficacy of computed tomographic examination in this field has been well recognized. The advent of spiral and multidetector-row computed tomographic scanners has enabled examination of the entire abdomen in a single breath-hold by using thin-slice sections that allow precise assessment of pathology in the alimentary tract. Extraluminal air that is too small to be detected by conventional radiography can be demonstrated by computed tomography. Indirect findings of bowel perforation such as phlegmon, abscess, peritoneal fluid, or an extraluminal foreign body can also be demonstrated. Gastrointestinal mural pathology and associated adjacent inflammation are precisely assessed with thin-section images and multiplanar reformations that aid in the assessment of the site and cause of perforation.     

From esophagus to rectum: a comprehensive review of alimentary tract perforations at computed tomography

Gastrointestinal (GI) tract perforation is a life-threatening condition that can occur at any site along the alimentary tract. Early perforation detection and intervention significantly improves patient outcome. With a high sensitivity for pneumoperitoneum, computed tomography (CT) is widely accepted as the diagnostic modality of choice when a perforated hollow viscus is suspected. While confirming the presence of a perforation is critical, clinical management and surgical technique also depend on localizing the perforation site. CT is accurate in detecting the site of perforation, with segmental bowel wall thickening, focal bowel wall defect, or bubbles of extraluminal gas concentrated in close proximity to the bowel wall shown to be the most specific findings. In this article, we will present the causes for perforation at each site throughout the GI tract and review the patterns that can lead to prospective diagnosis and perforation site localization utilizing CT images of surgically proven cases.     

Imaging of acute appendicitis in children

Acute appendicitis is the most common acute abdominal condition that results in surgical intervention in childhood. The clinical diagnosis of acute appendicitis in children can be challenging. Approximately one-third of children with the condition have atypical clinical findings and are initially managed nonoperatively. Complications associated with delayed diagnosis of this condition include perforation, abscess formation, peritonitis, sepsis, bowel obstruction, infertility, and death. The use of cross sectional imaging has proven useful for the evaluation of suspected acute appendicitis in children. Both graded compression sonography and CT have been widely utilized in the imaging assessment of the condition. The principal advantages of sonography are its lower cost, lack of ionizing radiation, and ability to assess ovarian pathology that can often mimic acute appendicitis in female patients. The principal advantages of CT include less operator dependency than sonography as reflected by a higher diagnostic accuracy, and enhanced delineation of disease extent in perforated appendicitis.     

Extrauterine Migration of a Mirena® Intrauterine Device: A Case Report

Background: The extrauterine migration of an intrauterine device (IUD) can be life threatening and require emergent surgical intervention and treatment. Migration is usually the result of IUD expulsion or uterine perforation. Objective: This case report describes a presentation of extrauterine migration of an IUD due to probable perforation. Case Report: This is a case report of an uncommon but potentially dangerous outcome of IUD placement and use. The potential migration of an IUD and resultant uterine perforation must be considered in the differential diagnosis of any woman using this type of contraception who presents with abdominal pain. This report is unique due to the subtle presentation of a potentially life-threatening diagnosis. Conclusion: This article presents the case, discusses the incidence, potential causes, predisposing factors, diagnostic modalities, and the course of treatment for this particular diagnosis.     

Suspected pharyngoesophageal perforation after a difficult intubation: a case report

Although uncommon and rarely reported, pharyngoesophageal perforation has medical and legal consequences of substantial proportion. Perforation of the upper aerodigestive system may result in severe airway complications that include pneumothorax, pneumonia, mediastinitis, and retropharyngeal abscess. Despite the relative rare occurrence of esophageal perforation during intubation, this type of injury is associated with the poorest outcome, especially when the diagnosis and treatment are delayed. Our case report presents a healthy 23-year-old female for a thyroidectomy. Postoperatively she developed what appeared to be symptoms of pharyngoesophageal injury, suspected to be related to blunt trauma from laryngoscopy. Knowledge of and prompt attention to the cardinal signs of pharyngoesophageal injury in partnership between the anesthetist and the surgical team were the key instruments in ruling out this potentially devastating diagnosis.     

Gastric perforation into the pericardium

Gastric perforation into the pericardium is an extremely rare but lethal condition. Only a few case reports have been described in the literature. It is difficult to diagnose these patients with clinical evaluation. Accurate and immediate diagnosis of the intestinal perforation is vital. Herein, we present a 56-year old female patient with gastric perforation into the pericardium due to benign gastric ulcer diagnosed with computed tomography (CT). We also emphasized the imaging findings in the diagnosis of intestinal perforation into the pericardium.     

Role of Imaging in the Management of Splenic Artery Steal Syndrome

Objective. The purpose of this study is to discuss the etiology and role of imaging in the management of splenic artery steal syndrome (SASS) following orthotropic liver transplantation (OLT). Methods. Hepatic arterial thrombosis and stenosis have been the most commonly recognized arterial complications following OLT. Splenic artery steal syndrome is a recently described entity in the transplant literature and thought to be an under‐recognized cause of graft ischemia. It is characterized by hepatic arterial hypoperfusion accompanied by splenic arterial and portal venous hyperperfusion and leads to various vascular and biliary graft complications. Because the clinical manifestations of SASS are so non‐specific, imaging plays a key role in the diagnosis of this condition. Results. This article discusses the role of imaging in the management of this potentially reversible cause of graft ischemia. Conclusions. Awareness of the imaging features and having a high index of suspicion are essential for the early diagnosis and prompt management of this condition.     

Tympanic membrane perforation in adults. How to manage, when to refer.

Tympanic membrane perforation is a common and potentially serious condition. One of the most important aspects of primary care for perforations is deciding which patients need to be seen by an otolaryngologist and how urgently they need to be referred. There are several indications for surgical repair, but most cases can be managed with conservative care and require no referral.     

Radiology of small bowel obstruction: contemporary approach and controversies

The radiologic workup of patients with known or suspected small bowel obstruction and the timing of surgical intervention in this complex situation have undergone considerable changes over the past two decades. The diagnosis and treatment of small bowel obstruction, a common clinical condition often associated with signs and symptoms similar to those seen in other acute abdominal disorders, continue to evolve. This article examines the changes related to the use of imaging in the diagnosis and management of patients with this potentially dangerous problem and revisits pertinent controversies.     

Rupture of the pectoralis major: a case report and review

Background: Rupture of the pectoralis major muscle is a rare clinical entity that is becoming more common due to the increasing popularity of weightlifting and recreational sports. Due to the rarity of this condition, it may be missed at initial presentation and inappropriately treated, potentially leading to increased disability. Objectives: This case highlights the mechanism of injury, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of rupture of the pectoralis major. Case Report: The patient was a 31-year-old male bodybuilder who presented to the Emergency Department with acute pain and swelling in the left axilla after performing a bench press with a 400-pound barbell. The diagnosis of pectoralis major rupture was suspected and confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging, and early surgical repair was performed. Conclusion: The most common mechanism of injury is excessive tension on a maximally contracted pectoralis major muscle. Weightlifting, specifically bench pressing, is a common cause. The diagnosis can usually be made based on a patient's history and physical examination, but shortly after injury, the diagnosis may be obscured by severe pain and swelling. Magnetic resonance imaging is the imaging modality of choice when the diagnosis remains unclear, and can avoid surgical delays. Early diagnosis and treatment within 3 to 8 weeks after the injury has the advantage of avoiding adhesions and muscle atrophy, and can prevent a delayed return to normal activities. Given the trend toward improved results with early surgical repair of complete rupture, it is important to raise awareness about pectoralis major muscle injury among Emergency Physicians to prevent missed or delayed diagnosis and repair.     

A case of traumatic rupture of the distal oesophagus: the importance of early diagnosis.

We present a case of blunt traumatic rupture of the distal oesophagus successfully managed following early diagnosis and treatment. This is a rare cause of oesophageal perforation. We present the evidence that early diagnosis of ruptured oesophagus leads to reduced mortality and fewer complications. Our report reminds colleagues to consider this unusual and potentially fatal condition in cases of blunt chest trauma.     

Computed tomography evaluation of diverticulitis

Acute diverticulitis is a frequent and important diagnosis in gastrointestinal disease, most commonly involving the colon. It is estimated that approximately 15% to 30% of patients with diverticulosis develop symptomatic diverticulitis at some point in the natural history of the condition, often requiring medical and/or surgical therapy. The clinical diagnosis is often difficult to make, and several radiological studies have been used over the past decades to assist in the diagnosis of acute diverticulitis. These include barium enema, ultrasound, and computed tomography (CT). A number of studies over the past decade have shown CT to be the preferable initial examination because of its ability to demonstrate not only the extent of intramural inflammation but also the degree of pericolic disease, including intraperitoneal inflammation, perforation, and abscess formation. Additional benefits of CT imaging include guiding therapeutic interventions in complicated forms of diverticular disease and providing an alternative diagnosis in patients without diverticulitis. The accuracy, techniques, criteria for diagnosis, and staging and applications of CT imaging in acute diverticulitis are discussed.     

Managing toxic shock syndrome

A recent case review showed that nurses play an important role in diagnosing toxic shock syndrome (TSS). It is a rare, and potentially fatal condition, which may develop in individuals of all ages. The average A&E nurse will probably only encounter a single case. However, front-line nurses will usually be the first to meet the patient with this condition. Some knowledge of TSS is important because early diagnosis and treatment may save lives.     

超声心动图评价心肌梗死后室间隔穿孔

目的评价超声心动图对于心肌梗死后室间隔穿孔的诊断价值,并对比室间隔穿孔外科修补组与非外科修补组30 d生存率。方法 2000年～2009年本心脏中心的心肌梗死后室间隔穿孔住院患者49例,年龄45～78岁,平均66岁,男27例,女22例。急诊室间隔修补手术32例,将术前急诊超声心动图结果与术中结果进行对比。并对比室间隔外科修补组与非外科修补组患者30 d生存率。结果 32例室间隔外科修补患者,超声诊断室间隔穿孔的准确率100%,穿孔部位的判定率96%,对于合并室壁瘤的准确率93%。室间隔外科修补组患者30 d生存率71.9%(23/32),未行室间隔修补30 d生存率41.2%(7/17)。结论超声心动图对室间隔穿孔具有重要诊断价值,紧急外科修补手术,可明显提高30 d生存率。     

Esophageal perforation due to blunt chest trauma: Difficult diagnosis because of coexisting severe disturbance of consciousness

Esophageal perforation due to blunt trauma is a rare clinical condition, and the diagnosis is often difficult because patients have few specific symptoms. Delayed diagnosis may result in a fatal clinical course due to mediastinitis and subsequent sepsis. In this article, we describe a 26-year-old man with esophageal perforation due to blunt chest trauma resulting from a motor vehicle accident. Because a severe disturbance of consciousness masked the patient's trauma-induced thoracic symptoms, we required 11 h to diagnose the esophageal perforation. Therefore, the patient developed septic shock due to mediastinitis. However, his subsequent clinical course was good because of prompt combined therapy involving surgical repair and medical treatment after the diagnosis.     

Exploratory laparotomy or peritoneal drain? Management of bowel perforation in the neonatal intensive care unit

Premature infants in the neonatal intensive care unit are at risk for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and bowel perforation. Unfortunately the mortality and morbidity for intestinal perforation in neonates, especially extremely low-birth-weight infants (VLBW), is high. The criterion standard traditional management for bowel perforation has been exploratory laparotomy (LAP). Another less invasive alternative treatment modality for selected intestinal perforation is primary peritoneal drainage (PPD). The role and efficacy of PPD as a definitive treatment instead of laparotomy remains to be determined. To better appreciate the emergence and evolving role of PPD in the management of intestinal perforation in NEC or isolated intestinal perforation, 8 selected research articles will be reviewed. Findings from these studies will be summarized to address the original purpose of PPD as a rescue and stabilizing measure for VLBW infants with complicated NEC, the expanded and superior role of PPD when it is used for VLBW infants with isolated ileal perforation, and PPD not as a sole surgical management but as an adjunct therapy to LAP in perforated NEC for the VLBW infants.     

History of possible foreign body ingestion in children: don't forget the rarities.

Foreign body ingestion in children is a common presenting complaint to the emergency department. Although the majority of ingested foreign bodies pass through the gastrointestinal tract unaided, some children will require either non-surgical or surgical intervention. Retained oesophageal foreign bodies may cause a multitude of problems, including mucosal ulceration, inflammation or infection, and more seriously paraoesophageal or retropharyngeal abscess formation, mediastinitis, empyema, oesophageal perforation and aorta-oesophageal fistula formation. We present a case of a 12-month-old child in whom delayed diagnosis of glass ingestion resulted in the development of a retropharyngeal abscess, oesophageal perforation and mediastinitis. Such complications following foreign body ingestion in children are rare but potentially fatal. A high index of suspicion must be maintained in young children presenting with a possible history of foreign body ingestion as a delayed diagnosis may lead to significant morbidity and mortality. We review the literature surrounding paediatric retropharyngeal abscesses and mediastinitis.     

Retroperitoneal perforation during endoscopic sphincterotomy: imaging findings

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with sphincterotomy has become an important technique in the diagnosis and treatment of biliary and pancreatic diseases. Serious complications, although rare, may occur, and their early recognition and treatment are of the utmost importance. We encountered several such cases. This study reviews the imaging findings in patients with retroperitoneal perforation detected after the procedure. METHODS: Of 796 patients who had endoscopic sphincterotomy at our institution during a 9-year period, retroperitoneal perforation occurred in nine (1.13%). Imaging findings and clinical outcome were assessed. RESULTS: In eight patients, routine abdominal radiographs taken during the procedure disclosed retroperitoneal air, associated with extravasation of contrast material in six patients. This was further confirmed on computed tomography (CT) in three patients. In the ninth patient, the diagnosis was established by an emergent abdominal CT performed a day after the sphincterotomy, because of severe abdominal pain. Two patients died of overwhelming sepsis. CONCLUSIONS: Retroperitoneal perforation during endoscopic sphincterotomy is a rare complication, which occurred in 1.13% of our patients. It can be usually clearly recognized radiographically by an abdominal film and in doubtful cases by CT. We emphasize the importance of recognizing this potentially serious complication with imaging studies.     

Prévention et gestion immédiate de la complication des polypectomies et mucosectomies difficiles

The main complications of polypectomy and mucosectomy are bleeding and perforation. Bleeding is the most common complication of these techniques. An appropriate management of patients with inhibitor of platelet aggregation or anticoagulants, the use of generators of new generation with a current like endocut, a releasable snare like Endoloop®, and equipment of endotherapy for hemostasis permit to consider nowadays post polypectomy bleeding as a side effect and not as a real complication. The risk of perforation after polypectomy or mucosectomy is lower but the management is more delicate. The injection of saline solution into the submucosa can lift the lesion and limit the risk of perforation. If a perforation is suspected, an abdominal CT scan can confirm the diagnosis, and it’s important to inform the surgeon. Nowadays, clips allow the endoscopic closure perforation less than 2 cm, and the treatment is medical with close monitoring medical and surgical. For larger perforation, it will be possible in the near future to use new clips or systems to approximate the edges of the perforation like surgical sutures.     

Nonspecific ulcers of the colon

Nonspecific colonic ulcers (NSCUs) are rare and potentially life-threatening lesions of unknown etiology; the diagnosis is based on histologic findings showing nonspecific inflammatory changes. The condition's variable symptoms can include nonspecific abdominal discomfort, gastrointestinal bleeding, perforation, and peritonitis. Radiologic imaging can be helpful in locating the lesions, but colonoscopy facilitates early definitive diagnosis and aggressive treatment. The potential of NSCUs to recur is currently unknown, and morbidity rates remain high. Long-term colonoscopic follow-up may improve the prognosis.