Comparative analysis of lymphoscintigraphy between lipedema and lower limb lymphedema

Lipedema is characterized by bilateral enlargement of the legs due to abnormal deposition of fat tissue from pelvis to ankles. It is seen most frequently in obese women. Lipedema appears to be a distinct clinical entity but may be confounded with lymphedema. AIM OF THE STUDY: To analyze and to compare between lipedema and lymphedema the qualitative and quantitative aspects of lymphoscintigraphy. METHODS: Fifteen women with lipedema were recruited. Mean age of onset of lipedema was 31.5 +/- 15 years. Body mass index was 35.1 +/- 7.9 kg/m2, 13 women were obese. Lipedema was compared to 15 cases of primary lymphedema (women: 13, men: 2) of the lower limbs (unilateral: 13, bilateral: 2), with a mean age at onset of 28.7 +/- 12.6 years. Lymphoscintigraphy of the lower limbs with morphologic (visualization of inguinal lymph nodes) and kinetic (half-life, lymphatic speed of the colloid) studies was performed in all cases. RESULTS: Absence of visualization of inguinal lymph nodes was observed in 14/15 cases of lymphedema and in 1/15 cases of lipedema (p<0.001). In the 13 cases of unilateral lymphedema, colloid half-life was higher in the pathologic limb than in the controlateral limb (230 +/- 92 vs 121 +/- 36 minutes, p<0.01) and lymphatic speed of the colloid was slower (6.91 +/- 0.86 vs 8.16 +/- 1.02 cm/min, p<0.001). The two patients with bilateral lymphedema had an increased half-life and decreased lymphatic speed of the colloid. Colloid half-life was significantly higher in lipedema than in controlateral limbs of lymphedema (154 +/- 23 vs 121 +/- 36 minutes, p<0.01) with no difference in lymphatic speed of the colloid. Colloid half-life was significantly higher in lymphedema than in lipedema (230 +/- 92 vs 154 +/- 23 minutes, p<0.01) and the lymphatic speed of the colloid was slower (6.91 +/- 0.86 vs 8.10 +/- 0.45 cm/min, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Lower limb lymphoscintigraphy showed lymphatic insufficiency in lipedema without morphologic abnormality as seen in lymphedema. Lymphoscintigraphy is not indispensable but is a useful tool when diagnosis is doubtful. Treatment is difficult and may include weight loss and possible surgery.     

The role of operative management of varicose veins in patients with lymphedema and/or lipedema of the legs

The role of operative management of "symptomatic" varicose veins in patients with lower extremity lymphedema or lipedema is controversial. We reviewed the clinical outcome of 261 patients between 1989-1997 at the F?ldiclinic with lower extremity lymphedema (68 patients), lipo-lymphedema or lympho-lipedema (103 patients) or lipedema (90 patients) who had undergone operation for varicose veins. In each group, the results were dismal as leg swelling worsened or was unchanged in greater than 90% whereas symptoms such as heaviness, fatigue, cramps (termed varicogenic symptomatology) were improved in less than 10%. These findings support that operations for varicose veins in the legs of patients with lymphedema, lipedema, or combinations of these disorders should be undertaken only if there is an absolute indication present (ascending phlebitis and/or bleeding). Otherwise, complete decongestive physiotherapy is still the best treatment approach for these groups of patients.     

Lipedema complicated by lymphedema of the abdominal wall and lower limbs

We describe a 52 year-old woman in whom lymphedema primarily of the abdominal wall was superimposed on lipedema resulting in an abdomen of enormous dimensions with marked impairment of ambulation. Treatment consisted of preoperative compression of the legs by an external pneumatic device (Lympha-Press) followed by excision of the lymphedematous abdominal fat pad in conjunction with "debulking" of the right leg. The patient illustrates the extremes of lipedema complicated by lymphedema and the technical difficulties associated with its management.     

Validity of the ischemic score in degenerative and vascular dementia and depression in old age

Thirty six male and 45 female patients (mean age 66 years) suffering from either dementia of Alzheimer type (DAT) or dementia of vascular type (DVT) with comparable severity and suffering from depression in old age were included in the investigation. The study was performed to evaluate the diagnostic value of Ischemic Score, EEG and CT scan of the brain in differentiating dementia types and depression in old age. The patients underwent physical, psychiatric, psychometric, neurological, neurophysiological and CT scan examinations. Clinical diagnosis and diagnosis related to Ischemic Score were consistent in 86% of DAT and in 65% of DVT. Patients suffering from DVT showed significantly higher incidence of distinct Ischemic Scale items than was found in DAT patients. The Ischemic Scale items were found to be of major importance in differentiating vascular dementia from both DAT and depression. However, it was insufficient to distinguish between the latter two. In EEG, general slowing predominated in DAT (68%), and focal disturbances in DVT (71%). Patients with DAT and depression could not be differentiated on the basis of their EEG findings. CT scans of the brain yielded a higher incidence of brain atrophy in patients with DAT (71%) and DVT (70%) as compared to depressive patients (37%). In DAT, ventricular enlargement seems to be rather disease- than age-related. Psychological testing showed abnormalities in attention and memory performance in DAT and DVT to a significantly greater extent as compared to depression. This study demonstrated that the combination of Ischemic Score and EEG was found to be most valid in differentiating DAT from DVT. Additional cranial computerized tomography and the psychological testing of attention and memory were able to confirm the diagnosis of dementia and to differentiate dementia from depression in old age.     

The swollen leg. Clinical significance and differential diagnosis

An elderly patient with a swollen leg or legs can present a challenging problem in differential diagnosis. Although most swollen legs are the result of congestive heart failure, thrombophlebitis, cellulitis, or lymphedema, many other conditions should also be considered.     

CT平扫对结核性腹膜炎的诊断价值

目的 探讨结核性腹膜炎的CT平扫表现特征。方法 回顾性分析46例有CT扫描资料的结核性腹膜炎患者,其中经手术病理证实6例,腹腔穿刺证实2例,腹腔镜检证实4例,试验性治疗诊断34例。观察内容包括结核性腹膜炎累及壁腹膜、大网膜、肠系膜及腹膜后间隙的CT表现特征。结果 （1）壁腹膜增厚33例,其中均匀、光滑增厚27例,局部不规则增厚6例;（2）腹腔积液31例,其中20例为少量积液;（3）大网膜增厚26例,表现为污迹样增厚22例,饼状增厚2例;（4）肠系膜受累32例,其中9例合并小结节影：（5）淋巴结增大16例;（6）肠壁增厚1例,肠间距增宽2例。结论 结核性腹膜炎CT平扫的主要表现有少量腹腔积液、均匀性腹膜增厚、大网膜污迹样增厚,以及肠系膜、肠管受累与腹腔淋巴结增大,CT平扫能为结核性腹膜炎的诊断提供重要信息。     

Fluorescence microlymphography: diagnostic potential in lymphedema and basis for the measurement of lymphatic pressure and flow velocity

Fluorescence microlymphography (FML) is an almost atraumatic technique used to visualize the superficial skin network of initial lymphatics through the intact skin of man. Visualization was performed with an incident light fluorescence microscope following subepidermal injection of minute amounts of FITC-dextran 150,000 using microneedles. Emanating from the bright dye depot, the surrounding network of microvessels is filled, documentation performed by photography or video film. In congenital Milroy lymphedema, a lack of microlymphatics (aplasia) is typical while in other primary lymphedemas and in secondary lymphedema after mastectomy or irradiation of proximal lymph nodes, the network remains intact but the depicted area is enlarged. Lymphatic microangiopathy characterized by obliterations of capillary meshes or mesh segments develops in phleboedema with trophic skin changes, progressive systemic sclerosis and Fabry's disease. In lipedema, lymphatic microaneurysms are stained. Microlymphatic pressure may also be measured using FML. For this purpose, glass micropipettes are inserted into the capillaries by means of a micromanipulator and pressure is determined by the servo-nulling technique. Normal subjects produced significantly lower pressure (7.9 +/- 3.4 mmHg) compared to patients with primary lymphedema (15.0 +/- 5.1 mmHg, p<0.001). This characteristic lymphatic hypertension may be improved by complex physiotherapy or local application of prostaglandins. Additionally, a modification of the FML procedure can be used to measure lymphatic capillary flow velocity in controls and patients. FML is suited to confirm the clinical diagnosis of lymphedema, contributes to distinguish among various forms of edema, and is useful in clinical research. In addition, FML has also become a tool for experimental animal studies including the depiction of gastric microlymphatics, the measurement of flow velocity in the naked mouse tail, and in evaluation of lymphangiogenesis in a model of Milroy disease.     

Ultrasonography of extremity lymphedema.

Ultrasonography of the extremities was performed in 91 patients with unilateral or bilateral peripheral lymphedema of the arms or legs. Linear 3.5 to 10 mHz ultrasonographic linear probes were used in accordance with standardized procedure. The data demonstrated a volumetric increase of the lymphedematous limb with increased thickness of both the subcutaneous and subfascial (muscular) compartments consistent with fibrosclerosis in both compartments with chronic disease. Whereas dermal thickening was minimal, subcutaneous and subfascial changes were more prominent in primary than secondary lymphedema. By providing information about the volumetric and structural alterations with chronic lymphedema, ultrasonography safely and simply supplements conventional and isotopic lymphography in assessing patients with chronic lymphedema.     

血浆基质金属蛋白酶9与急性高血压性脑出血患者血肿扩大的相关性研究

目的研究血浆基质金属蛋白酶9(MMP-9)与急性高血压性脑出血血肿扩大的关系。方法前瞻性纳入发病后12 h内经头部CT确诊的高血压性脑出血患者,证实脑出血后4 h内抽取静脉血,检测血浆MMP-9浓度。记录患者入院时血压、头部CT特征、美国国立研究院卒中量表(NIHSS)评分、既往病史等资料。距首次头部CT检查42～54 h内复查CT或患者意识障碍加重时即刻复查CT,与首次CT结果比较,血肿体积差≥12.5 cm3或2次血肿体积之比>1.4即为血肿扩大。分析MMP-9水平与血肿扩大的关系。结果共纳入186例患者,其中41例发生血肿扩大,发生率为22.0%。①单因素分析显示,血肿扩大组MMP-9中位数水平为112μg/L,血肿非扩大组为79μg/L;血肿扩大组入院时的NIHSS评分、首次测量的收缩压水平高于血肿非扩大组,发病至首次CT检查时间短于血肿非扩大组;血肿形态为不规则的比率高于血肿非扩大组。两组上述指标比较,差异有统计学意义。②多因素Logistic回归分析显示,除发病至首次CT检查时间短、血肿形态不规则外,血浆中MMP-9水平升高也是脑出血患者血肿扩大的独立危险因素(OR值=15.65,95%CI:5.30～46.15)。③通过ROC曲线获得MMP-9的临界值为97.5μg/L,其预测血肿扩大的敏感度是0.791,特异度是0.727。结论血浆MMP-9水平增高是急性高血压性脑出血患者血肿扩大的独立危险因素。     

The effects of Unguentum Lymphaticum on skin in patients with obstructive lymphedema of the lower extremities

Obstructive lymphedema of extremities in humans is characterized by swelling of tissues with lymph stasis and inflammatory infiltrates in skin and subcutaneous tissues. Treatment of the inflammatory component requires application of antiinflammatory drugs. We studied the effect of topical application of Unguentum Lymphaticum (UL) containing antiphlogistic compounds (digitalis, calendulin, hyoscyamine, colchicine and podophyllin) on lymphedematous skin in 33 patients with stage II postinflammatory obstructive lymphedema. A three-week treatment of swollen legs with UL brought about stimulation of epidermal cells with proliferation of keratinocytes, increased numbers of Langerhans cells, accumulation of macrophages in the dermis and activation of infiltrating cells and endothelia. Besides some foci of acanthosis, no degenerative changes were observed in the skin in patients treated for 12 weeks and no changes were observed in the placebo treated groups. Immunohistochemical evaluation of biopsy specimens of inguinal lymph nodes in patients treated for 12 weeks revealed reactive granulocyte and macrophage accumulation in the cortical and paracortical areas. Components of UL inhibited stimulation of blood mononuclear cells in in vitro cultures. UL did not change the spectrum of calf skin bacterial populations. The nonspecific stimulation of skin-associated lymphoid tissue and putative elimination of factors responsible for lymphe-dematous skin inflammation appears to be responsible for the beneficial clinical effect of UL on legs with lymph stasis.     

Primary amyloidosis of the mesentery and the retroperitoneum presenting with lymphedema

We report the case of a 57-yr-old woman presenting with moderate weight loss, abdominal distension, and lymphedema of the legs and vulva. Computed tomography of the abdomen revealed massive thickening of the rectal wall, mesentery, and retroperitoneum. Primary amyloidosis was diagnosed by immunohistochemistry from the rectum and duodenum. To our knowledge, lymphedema due to primary amyloidosis has not yet been reported. The diagnosis should be presumed in the case of retroperitoneal thickening and lymphedema and can be established by immunohistochemistry.     

Lymphoedema: modern diagnostic and therapeutic aspects.

The author reports his clinical experience regarding the diagnostic assessment of patients with lymphedema and the selection criteria for those assigned to microsurgery. Patients were classified according to aetiology and stages and sites of the lymphedema and underwent a diagnostic protocol consisting of lymphoscintigraphy, lymphography (in selected cases), Doppler venous flowmetry and manometry, lymphangio-RM and, in the case of angiodysplasias, phlebography and arteriography. This protocol is essential in deciding the appropriate microsurgical technique in those selected for surgery, whether derivative lympho-venous anastomosis or reconstructive lymphatic-venous-lymphatic plasty. The results of surgery were assessed both clinically (with the aid of photographs, water volumetry and measurements of limb circumference) and by lymphangioscintigraphy, and were classified as marked, moderate or mild regression of oedema. The overall results were very encouraging, particularly those of patients in the earlier stages of the condition. With regard to secondary prevention, early diagnosis plays an important role as does the identification of patients at high risk for the onset of lymphostatic disease after oncological lymphadenectomies, especially when associated with radiotherapy. In such cases, in order to combat right from the outset those lymphedemas which, based on statistical probability, are expected to show unrelenting progression if untreated, early microsurgery is a reasonable option.     

Changes in lymphatic function after complex physical therapy for lymphedema

Twenty-two extremities of 19 lymphedema patients (6 arms, 16 legs) were treated by 2 weeks of complex physical therapy (CPT) and self home maintenance therapy (bandage/wearing of elastic garment and exercise). In addition to the clinical response of volume reduction before and 3 months after CPT, we analyzed the functional changes of the peripheral lymphatic system by use of lymphoscintigraphy (LS). Before CPT, the main LS findings of lymphedema included dermal backflow (100%), absent or faintly visualized regional lymph nodes (95.5%), presence of collateral lymphatic vessels (68.2%), and no or barely visualized lymphatic vessels (27.3%). LS findings suggesting improved lymphatic function after CPT were a decrease in dermal backflow (72.7%), an increase in radioisotope uptake by lymphatic vessels (27.3%), and an increase in radioisotope uptake by lymph nodes (9.1%). 81.8% of limbs showed improved lymphoscintigraphic findings and no change in 9.1%. In the others (9.1%), LS findings appeared worse. There was, however, no correlation between LS "improvement" and the amount of limb volume reduction.     

The clinical implications of bilaterally abnormal impedance plethysmography

Although impedance plethysmography (IPG) is a test of recognized value in the diagnosis of acute proximal deep venous thrombosis (DVT), its meaning in patients with bilaterally abnormal IPGs is unclear. Consequently, we sought to determine the clinical significance of the bilaterally abnormal IPG in hospitalized patients. In a five-month prospective study, 19% (81/425) of all IPGs done at our institution were bilaterally abnormal (55% of all abnormal IPGs). Acute proximal DVT was found in 26% (14/53) of patients with bilaterally abnormal IPGs who underwent further diagnostic testing. Thirty-five percent of the patients with DVT were found to have either bilateral lower extremity DVT or clots in the inferior vena cava. A numerical score, the venous function index (VFI), was computed for the 101 legs for which further definitive diagnostic evaluations for DVT had been completed. The mean VFI of seven for legs with acute proximal DVT was significantly less than the mean VFI of 13 for legs with no DVT. Fifty percent of legs with a VFI less than or equal to five had DVT, whereas only 7% of legs with a VFI greater than 15 had DVT. The bilaterally abnormal IPG is a common clinical occurrence, is frequently associated with acute DVT, and the VFI is helpful in discriminating legs with acute proximal DVT from normal legs in patients with a bilaterally abnormal IPG.     

自发性脑出血后血肿增大的影响因素

目的 探讨自发性脑出血后血肿增大的影响因素.方法 回顾性纳入自发性脑出血患者.收集患者人口统计学、血管危险因素和基线临床资料.血肿增大定义为48 h内复查CT结果 显示血肿体积较基线增大>1/3.对血肿增大组与非血肿增大组人口统计学、血管危险因素和基线临床资料进行比较,采用多变量logistic回归分析确定血肿增大的影响因素.结果 共纳入121例自发性脑出血患者,其中男性69例,女性52例,年龄24~89岁,平均(59.16±12.68)岁.合并高血压45例(37.2%),糖尿病5例(4.1%),高脂血症11例(9.1%).48 h内血肿增大30例(24.79%),发病至首次CT扫描时间(4.21±1.57)h,发病至复查CT扫描时间(34.78±6.90)h.单变量分析显示,血肿增大组饮酒患者的比例(46.7%对26.4%;χ2=4.313,P=0.038)以及收缩压[(174.53±20.02)mmHg对(160.63±19.79)mmHg;t=-3.327,P=0.001;1 mmHg=0.133 kPa]、空腹血糖[7.67(6.70~9.47)mmol/L对6.78(5.81~7.79)mmol/L;Z=-2.266,P=0.023]、美国国立卫生研究院卒中量表(National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale,NIHSS)评分[10.00(8.00~12.00)分对5.00(3.00~8.00)分;Z=-5.468,P<0.001]显著高于非血肿增大组,而低密度脂蛋白胆固醇[2.60(2.10~2.91)mmol/L对3.00(2.60~3.41)mmol/L;Z=-3.905,P<0.001]显著低于非血肿增大组.多变量logistic回归分析显示,基线收缩压[优势比(odds ratio,OR)1.036,95%可信区间(confidence interval,CI)1.007~1.065;P=0.014]和NIHSS评分(OR 1.310,95%CI 1.111~1.544;P=0.001)为血肿增大的独立危险因素,而低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(OR 0.279,95%CI 0.105~0.742;P=0.011)为血肿增大的独立保护因素.结论 收缩压和NIHSS评分为自发性脑出血后血肿增大的独立危险因素,而低密度脂蛋白胆固醇为血肿增大的独立保护因素.     

Clinical significance of incidentally detected bowel wall thickening on abdominal computerized tomography scan]

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Due to widespread use of computerized tomography (CT) scan to examine patients with variable disease or complaints, detection of incidental or unsuspected gastrointestinal abnormalities are not uncommon. Clinical significance of incidentally detected bowel wall thickening (BWT) on abdominal CT scan is uncertain at present. Despite the necessity for the clinical guidelines describing the evaluation of incidental bowel wall thickening on CT scan, there have been few studies concerning these radiological abnormalities. Our objective was to determine whether endoscopic evaluation is necessary for the evaluation of these abnormal findings. METHODS: This study evaluated one hundred and forty patients with incidentally detected BWT on abdominal CT scan in Inje University Sanggye Paik Hospital from 2001 to 2003. 102 patients of those were proceeded by endoscopic evaluation. Forty-eight patients had received upper endoscopy, 26 patients had colonoscopy, while 28 patients had sigmoidoscopy. RESULTS: Endoscopic work up revealed significant abnormalities in 83% of patients with incidental findings of the distal esophagus, 73% of patients with thickening of the stomach, 35% of patients with thickening of the right colon, and 71% of patients with thickening of the sigmoid colon and rectum. CONCLUSIONS: Although significant pathologic findings are less common in thickening of the right colon than other bowel wall thickening, all of these incidental findings on CT scan warrant further endoscopic evaluation.     

Lymphedema in the morbidly obese patient: unique challenges in a unique population

The population of morbidly obese patients, along with the incidence of lymphedema and massive localized lymphedema associated with this condition, is increasing. A 5-year retrospective review of data (2000-2005) shows that the percentage of patients >350 lb in the authors' clinic population increased from approximately 7% to 11% and 75% of their morbidly obese patients (body mass index >40) had or have lymphedema. After a differential diagnosis between lipedema and lymphedema (primary or secondary) has been made, lymphedema management options include compression bandaging, manual lymphatic drainage, and localized surgeries. The treatment of morbidly obese lymphedema patients requires additional staff time and specialized equipment to move or position them and may be confounded by other conditions (eg, heart failure and venous insufficiency) that contribute to edema. Lymphedema treatments have been found to be useful, providing patients are able to follow treatment guidelines, especially with regard to weight control. In the authors' experience, massive localized lymphedema will recur unless the primary issue of obesity is addressed. Establishing clear criteria and patient participation guidelines before initiating a comprehensive localized lymphedema program will improve outcomes.     

A critical appraisal of non-invasive diagnosis and exclusion of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in outpatients with suspected deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism: how many tests do we need?

The requirement for a safe diagnostic strategy should be based on an overall posttest incidence of venous thromboembolism of less than 1% during 3 month follow-up. Compression ultrasonography (CUS) has a negative predictive value (NPV) of 97% to 98% indicating the need of repeated CUS testing. Serial CUS testing is safe but you have to repeat 100 CUS to find 1 or 2 CUS positive for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is not cost-effective indicating the need to improve the diagnostic work-up of DVT by the use of clinical score assessment and D-dimer testing. The combination of a less sensitive D-dimer test (SimpliRed) and low clinical score does not, whereas the combination of a sensitive D-dimer test (ELISA VIDAS or Tinaquant) and low clinical score does safely exclude DVT without the need of CUS. The combination of a first negative CUS and a negative less sensitive D-dimer test (SimpliRed) or a sensitive ELISA D-dimer at a higher cut off level of 1,000 ng/ml safely excludes DVT with a NPV of > 99% without the need to repeated CUS in about 60%. The sequential use of a sensitive D-dimer and clinical score assessment will safely reduce the need for CUS testing by 40% to 60%. Large prospective outcome studies demonstrate that one negative examination with complete duplex color ultrasonography (CCUS) of the proximal and distal veins of the affected leg with suspected DVT is safe to withhold anticoagulant treatment with a NPV of 99.5%. This indicates that CCUS is equal or superior to serial CUS or the combined use of clinical score, D-dimer testing and CUS. Pulmonary angiography is the gold standard for segmental pulmonary embolism (PE) but not for subsegmental PE. A normal perfusion lung scan and a normal rapid ELISA VIDAS D-dimer test safely exclude PE. Helical spiral CT detects all clinically relevant PE and a large number of alternative diagnoses in symptomatic patients with a non-diagnostic ventilation perfusion scan (VP-scan) or a high probability VP-scan. Single-slice helical CT as the primary diagnostic test in patients with suspected PE in 5 retrospective studies and in 3 prospective management studies indicate that the NPV of a normal helical spiral CT, a negative CUS of the legs together with a low or intermediate pretest clinical probability is 99%. Helical spiral CT can replace both the VP-scan and pulmonary angiography to safely rule in and out PE. The combination of clinical assessment, a rapid ELISA VIDAS D-dimer followed by CUS will reduce the need for helical spiral CT by 40% to 50%.     

56例结核性腹膜炎患者CT影像分析

目的 探讨结核性腹膜炎（TBP）特征性CT影像表现及治疗中影像动态变化的特点。方法 回顾性分析56例临床及病理确诊的TBP患者,观察分析CT影像特征,包括腹腔积液、腹膜（壁腹膜、肝包膜、大网膜及肠系膜）及腹腔淋巴结。56例均行CT平扫+增强扫描。治疗过程中收集动态复查CT影像。结果 腹腔积液45例,大量1例,中少量44例,限制性38例,CT值>20 HU者34例。壁腹膜增厚46例,肝脏边缘部腹膜均有受累,均匀增厚17例,扁丘状凸起或腹膜结核瘤29例,增强扫描结核瘤边缘强化,肝包膜或肝脏受累15例;网膜增厚35例,结节及斑片34例,网膜饼1例,增强扫描网膜饼呈轻度不均匀强化;肠系膜增厚41例,表现为斑片、结节及线状、星芒状条索状高密度影,与肠袢粘连,增强扫描肠系膜血管包埋其内,走形扭曲。腹腔及腹膜后淋巴结增大19例,伴钙化5例,簇集状排列,增强扫描环状或蜂窝状强化。17例完整的动态CT图像,腹腔积液吸收最快,网膜及肠系膜病变吸收稍慢,腹膜结核瘤缩小速度最慢。结论 TBP的CT诊断为多种征象的综合,中少量腹腔积液伴壁腹膜、网膜及肠系膜的增厚粘连是最为常见的影像表现;CT影像动态变化对临床评价疗效具有重要意义。     

Irritable bowel syndrome and negative appendectomy: a prospective multivariable investigation

OBJECTIVE: To examine prospectively whether irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or other variables-that is, psychiatric profiles, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and clinical features-are associated with negative appendectomy (NA). DESIGN: Longitudinal study. SETTING: Inpatient and emergency service in a university-affiliated teaching hospital. PATIENTS: 430 consecutive patients underwent emergent surgery for suspected appendicitis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Rome-II IBS questionnaire; the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale; the Short-Form 36 survey; the clinical, pathological and CT findings. RESULTS: The NA group (n = 68, 15.8%) was younger, with female predominance, higher prevalence of Rome-II IBS, higher anxiety/depression scores and lower levels of HRQoL than the positive appendectomy group. The patients with NA tended to have atypical presentations (absence of migration pain/fever/muscle guarding), lower white cell count and percentage of polymorphonuclear cells (PMNC) and lower rate of CT scan usage than the positive group. After multiple logistic regression, IBS (OR 2.17; 95% CI 1.14 to 4.24), degree of anxiety (OR 1.12; 95% CI 1.02 to 1.49), absence of migrating pain (OR 3.43; 95% CI 1.90 to 5.95)/muscle guarding (OR 3.72; 95% CI 2.07 to 6.70), a lower PMNC percentage (<75%; OR 3.05; 95% CI 1.69 to 5.51) and no CT scan usage (OR 2.32; 95% CI 1.27 to 4.26) were found to be the independent factors in predicting NA. CONCLUSION: Both patient (IBS, anxiety, atypical presentation) and physician (low CT scan usage) factors are the independent determinants predicting NA. Physicians should be cautious before operating on or referring patients with IBS for appendectomy. CT scan should be considered in patients with suspected appendicitis, particularly in those with IBS and atypical clinical presentations.