Abdominal Ultrasound Findings Research Articles

The Pattern of Abdominal Ultrasound Scan Findings at the Department of Radiology at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital

The Pattern of Abdominal Ultrasound Scan Findings at the Department of Radiology at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital

Exploring Disease Manifestations and Influencing Factors in Acute and Chronic Hepatitis B

Scope and Aims: The investigation of disease manifestations and influencing factors in both acute hepatitis B (AHB) and chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remains limited, with varying results. This study aimed to explore the factors influencing AHB and CHB and their disease manifestations within a Ghanaian population, with the goal of developing a control strategy. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 569 admitted hepatitis B cases. Demographic data and disease manifestations were compared between AHB and CHB patients. Logistic regression and correlation analyses were employed to identify the factors influencing the progression of the disease. Results: Significant differences were observed between AHB and CHB patients in terms of median age and hospitalization duration. Variations in age, gender, education level, and occupational distributions were statistically significant (P < 0.05) between the two groups. Symptoms such as fever, nausea, polydipsia, palpitation, anicteric presentation, anorexia, and itching were less common in CHB patients (P < 0.05), while abdominal pain, jaundice, and enlarged liver were more frequent (P < 0.05). CHB patients exhibited significantly higher levels of aspartate aminotransferase, viral load, bilirubin, prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, HBeAg, albumin, abdominal ultrasound findings, and globin (P < 0.05), while HBsAg and liver function test levels were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in CHB patients compared to AHB patients. Logistic regression identified age, gender, occupation, education level, and hospitalization duration as significant influencing factors. Conclusion: Males and the adult population represented a higher proportion of CHB patients, with a significant association between CHB and elevated clinical and laboratory characteristics. Age, gender, occupation, education level, and hospitalization duration were established as key influencing factors in the progression of hepatitis B.

Initial signs in patients with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms: time for an expanded triad?

Background and objectiveMisdiagnosis of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (rAAA) contributes to delayed treatment and potentially higher mortality. The symptomatology in patients with rAAA is complex and challenging, 25–50% presumably fulfill the criteria of the standard triad of signs (STS). The objective was to determine the initial signs registered for patients with verified rAAAs, and to investigate if an expanded diagnostic triad could increase the diagnostic accuracy.MethodsA population-based study was conducted among all patients presenting with verified rAAAs in Stockholm County, Sweden, from January 2010 to October 2021. Patients were identified with ICD code 171.3 (rAAA). The STS was defined as (1) abdominal pain, (2) syncope and (3) the finding of a pulsatile abdominal mass, the prevalence of STS was investigated. An expanded triad included similar and related signs commonly registered for patients with rAAA, and was referred to as the modified abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture signs (MARS). The MARS-signs encompassed (1) the registered pain-associated symptoms or signs, (2) all hypovolemic associated signs, and (3) pulsatile abdominal mass and/or ultrasound finding, and the prevalence was similarly investigated. Finally, the STS and MARS were compared to evaluate the usefulness and performance of the MARS-score.ResultsA total of 216 patients were identified. The majority were men (77%) with a median age of 78 years. The dominating symptom was abdominal pain (84%), followed by dizziness (50%). Few patients presented with three STS (13%), two STS were found in 37% and one STS in almost half of the patients (41%). By contrast, when applying MARS 35% presented with the complete expanded triad, 47% with two and 17% with one. Comparison of accuracy favored MARS (13 vs. 35% with 3 signs, P < 0.001 for STS vs. MARS) (2 or 3 signs, 48 vs. 82% STS vs. MARS, P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe expanded MARS-signs could aid in easier and faster identification of rAAA patients, thus facilitating the first step with accurate diagnosis into the lifesaving rAAA care chain. Supportive diagnostic mnemonics and tools are especially important when targeting fatal diagnoses such as rAAA. Further studies are needed to investigate the implementation of the MARS-signs in various clinical settings.

Application of the mesh bridging technique in the excision of abdominal endometriosis lesions: Case report and literature review.

Abdominal wall scar endometriosis (AWE) is a rare endometriosis that usually occurs after gynecological or obstetric surgery and for which surgical resection is the standard treatment. For large tissue defects after resection, abdominal wall reconstruction is needed. Here, we describe a mesh bridging technique using biological and polypropylene meshes for abdominal wall reconstruction. A 34-year-old woman visited the center with complaints of low abdominal wall pain during menstruation for more than 5 years. Her surgical history included undergoing a cesarean section delivery twice. A mass measuring 6 cm × 5 cm × 3 cm was found above the symphysis pubis in the lower part of the abdominal incision. Endometriosis lesion was considered based on abdominal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging findings. After a multidisciplinary discussion that included surgical experts and gynecologists, the decision was made to perform abdominal endometrial focus excision plus abdominal wall reconstruction. Two kinds of mesh were skillfully used in the operation of this patient. Biological mesh was used close to the peritoneal side and covered with polypropylene mesh to reduce the stimulation by the polypropylene mesh of the peritoneum, enhance the strength of the biological mesh, and reduce the incidence of abdominal wall hernia. Our case demonstrates that accurate diagnosis of AWE followed by complete resection and reconstruction of the abdominal wall using a combination of biological and polypropylene mesh bridging can achieve good therapeutic results and patient satisfaction.

Histologic findings of gastrointestinal biopsies and clinical outcome in dogs undergoing cholecystectomy for gallbladder mucoceles: 71 cases (2014-2021).

To determine the presence and categorise the severity of enteritis in dogs with gallbladder mucoceles, and evaluate for any associations with enteritis. This study also aimed to report clinical outcome following cholecystectomy and evaluate for associations with survival. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed (2014 to 2021) for dogs undergoing cholecystectomy and duodenal biopsy procedures for gallbladder mucocele. Signalment, bloodwork, abdominal ultrasound findings, surgical details, histology results and outcomes were reported. Surgeries were considered elective or emergent based on each dog's clinical presentation. Enteritis was categorised based on cell type and severity. Inflammation and clinical outcome were statistically evaluated. Seventy-one dogs met the study criteria. Enteritis was present in 85.9% (61/71) of cases with the majority being lymphoplasmacytic (53.5%). Twelve dogs (16.9%) underwent gastrointestinal biopsies from multiple sites, which revealed the same enteritis type at each location. A total of 87.3% (n = 62) dogs survived, including 90.4% elective and 86% emergent cases. No significant differences in enteritis severity or patient survival were found between elective and emergent cases. Septic peritonitis was diagnosed in two dogs (2.82%). Mortality was significantly associated with leukocytosis, with nonsurviving dogs having a mean WBC count of 27.6 G/L (95% confidence interval: 10.6 to 21.5). Enteritis is present in a majority of dogs with gallbladder mucocele, especially mild to moderate with lymphoplasmacytic cell type. Obtaining a duodenal biopsy had minimal impact on patient outcome. Compared to previous studies, improved survival in emergent cases was noted. Further studies with long-term follow-up are needed to determine if enteropathy-related signs persist after cholecystectomy.

Abdominal ultrasound has inconsistent agreement with subsequent surgery or necropsy findings in dogs and cats with septic peritonitis.

To evaluate whether abdominal ultrasound correctly diagnosed septic peritonitis and correctly identified its causative lesion in dogs and cats. 84 client-owned dogs and 10 cats that underwent an abdominal ultrasound and had confirmation of septic peritonitis via exploratory laparotomy or necropsy. This retrospective case series documented abdominal ultrasound findings, surgical or necropsy findings, and method for initial diagnosis of septic peritonitis, if different from surgery or necropsy. The surgical report and necropsy findings were compared to sonography results to confirm a diagnosis of septic peritonitis. The frequency at which sonography diagnosed septic peritonitis and its causative lesion was calculated for each type of lesion pathology and organ system. Secondary aims included evaluating the effect of patient characteristics (body weight and species) on sonographic results and whether lesion type or location affected mortality. Most lesions causing septic peritonitis (70.2%) were gastrointestinal in origin and were nonneoplastic ulcerations or perforations (50%). Abdominal ultrasound diagnosed 56.3% of cases of subsequently confirmed septic peritonitis and correctly identified 67% of the causative lesions. Lesions of the gastrointestinal tract and ulcerations/perforations were the most frequent correct sonographic diagnoses and most likely to lead to a correct sonographic diagnosis of septic peritonitis. Lesions located in the hepatobiliary system and lesion types other than neoplasia or ulcerations/perforations were the most frequently missed by abdominal ultrasound. Abdominal ultrasound often fails to diagnose septic peritonitis or the underlying causative lesion, and its accuracy depends on the affected organ and type of lesion.

A Cross-Sectional Study on Bedside Abdominal Ultrasound Findings as a Diagnostic and Prognostic Tool in Dengue Fever in Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru, India.

Background Dengue fever poses a significant health burden globally, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Early diagnosis and effective management are crucial in reducing morbidity and mortality associated with the disease. Bedside abdominal ultrasound has emerged as a promising tool for assessing dengue patients, providing real-time imaging of abdominal organs, and aiding clinical decision-making. Materials and methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in55 adult emergency departments of Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru, from March 2017 to March 2018. Adult patients presenting with signs and symptoms suggestive of dengue fever were included. Clinical data, laboratory investigations, and bedside abdominal ultrasound findings were systematically recorded and analyzed using appropriate statistical methods. Results Descriptive statistics revealed characteristic clinical measurements and symptom ratings observed in dengue fever patients. Frequency distributions highlighted common symptoms encountered, while statistical analyses demonstrated significant associations between ultrasonic parameters, disease severity, and outcomes. The study found notable correlations between ultrasonic findings and dengue severity levels, emphasizing the potential of bedside ultrasound as a diagnostic and prognostic tool. Conclusion Bedside abdominal ultrasound shows promise as a valuable adjunctive tool in assessing dengue fever patients. The significant associations between ultrasonic parameters and disease severity suggest its utility in risk stratification and guiding clinical management decisions. Incorporating bedside ultrasound into routine practice may improve patient care and outcomes in dengue fever management. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and explore additional bedside ultrasound applications in dengue fever diagnosis and prognosis.

Early Detection of Renal Complication in Children With Sickle Cell Disease: A Single Center Prospective Study.

This observational cross-sectional study aimed to identify predictors of renal complications in pediatric patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) at King Salman Armed Forces Hospital, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, over six months from February 2023 to July 2023. The study evaluated microalbuminuria as an early indicator of renal injury and explored its correlations with clinical and laboratory parameters and abdominal ultrasound (US) findings. Included were pediatric patients aged 1 to 14 years with confirmed SCD, excluding those with acute infections or pre-existing renal diseases. Data from 100 patients' electronic medical records were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26 (Released 2019; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States), with a significance set at p ≤ 0.05. The mean age was 7.6 ± 3.3 years, with 51 males and 49 females; 11 were diagnosed with Hb-S-beta thalassemia. Hydroxyurea (HU) compliance was high, with only four non-compliant patients, though all took folic acid. Among 42 tested for albuminuria, all had negative results (<30 mg/g creatinine). A significant association was found between SCD diagnosis and kidney, ureter, and bladder (KUB) US results (p=0.008), with abnormal KUB findings more prevalent in the Hb-S-beta thalassemia group. Patients with abnormal KUB results had significantly lower mean weight (p=0.024). Additionally, Hb-S-beta thalassemia patients had lower mean weight than hemoglobin SS (HGSS) patients (p=0.04). Though not statistically significant, Hb-S-beta thalassemia patients had higher mean systolic blood pressure (p=0.053). Significant associations were identified between SCD diagnosis type and renal US results, with lower body weight emerging as a potential predictor of renal complications. High HU compliance and its impact on renal outcomes warrant further investigation. Routine monitoring of microalbuminuria and KUB US may aid early detection of renal complications in pediatric SCD patients. Further studies with larger sample sizes are recommended to validate these findings and develop comprehensive renal protective strategies.

Comments and illustrations of the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine contrast-enhanced ultrasonography guidelines: multiparametric imaging and EUS-guided sampling in rare pancreatic tumors. Mesenchymal pancreatic tumors of intermediate biological behaviour.

The focus of the review is on mesenchymal pancreatic tumors with intermediate biological behavior and their imaging appearance. Similar to benign and malignant mesenchymal pancreatic tumors, these tumors are extremely rare. The diagnosis is often confirmed only by postoperative histology. The very limited data on abdominal ultrasound and EUS findings including contrast-enhanced techniques of these pancreatic lesions are summarized here.

Evaluation of hepatosteatosis and gallstone disease in patients with chronic kidney disease.

The prevalence rates of hepatosteatosis and gallstones are increasing owing to the multifactorial causes of chronic kidney disease, and the prevalence may change with the availability of different forms of renal replacement therapy. We aimed to determine the incidence or prevalence rates of hepatosteatosis, cholelithiasis, and acute cholecystitis in patients with chronic kidney disease and compare them between renal replacement therapy modalities. A total of 270 patients (90 with chronic kidney disease stages III-V, 90 undergoing peritoneal dialysis, and 90 undergoing hemodialysis) were included and categorized into the pre-dialysis, hemodialysis, and peritoneal dialysis groups. The patients were questioned about previous gallbladder surgeries and chronic diseases. The results of abdominal ultrasonography, tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging were retrospectively evaluated with respect to the findings on the hepatobiliary system. Hepatosteatosis and cholelithiasis were diagnosed by expert radiologists on the basis of abdominal ultrasonography, tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging findings. The prevalence rates of hepatosteatosis, cholelithiasis, and other liver findings were compared between the groups. Hepatosteatosis and cholelithiasis were detected in 16.7% and 21.5% of the 270 cases, respectively. Hepatosteatosis was present in 17.8%, 25.6%, and 6.7% of patients in the pre-dialysis, hemodialysis, and peritoneal dialysis groups, respectively. The prevalence of hepatosteatosis was significantly higher in patients undergoing hemodialysis than in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (p = 0.002). However, no statistically significant difference was found between the peritoneal dialysis and pre-dialysis groups or between the hemodialysis and pre-dialysis groups (p >0.05). The prevalence rates of cholelithiasis were 15.6%, 28.9%, and 20.0%, in the pre-dialysis, hemodialysis, and peritoneal dialysis groups, respectively, and there were no statistically significant differences among the groups. The incidence of acute cholecystitis was significantly higher in the hemodialysis group than in the pre-dialysis group (p = 0.006). Our study showed that the hepatobiliary system is frequently affected in chronic kidney disease and that the findings may differ depending on the renal replacement therapy modality.

A Simple Clinical Scoring System to Determine the Risk of Pancreatic Cancer in the General Population.

This study aimed to develop and validate a simple scoring system to determine the high-risk group for pancreatic cancer (PC) in the asymptomatic general population. The scoring system was developed using data from PC cases and randomly selected non-PC cases undergoing annual medical checkups between 2008 and 2013. The performance of this score was validated for participants with medical checkups between 2014 and 2016. In the development set, 45 PC cases were diagnosed and 450 non-PC cases were identified. Multivariate analysis showed three changes in clinical data from 1 year before diagnosis as independent risk factors: ΔHbA1c ≥ 0.3%, ΔBMI ≤ -0.5, and ΔLDL ≤ -20 mg/dL. A simple scoring system, incorporating variables and abdominal ultrasound findings, was developed. In the validation set, 36 PC cases were diagnosed over a 3-year period from 32,877 participants. The AUROC curve of the scoring system was 0.925 (95%CI 0.877-0.973). The positive score of early-stage PC cases, including Stage 0 and I cases, was significantly higher than that of non-PC cases (80% vs. 6%, p = 0.001). The simple scoring system effectively narrows down high-risk PC cases in the general population and provides a reasonable approach for early detection of PC.

Trend of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Type II Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is becoming quite common in Type II Diabetes Mellitus (TIIDM) as obesity and insulin resistance are common within TIIDM and it is becoming a widespread liver condition globally. This study evaluated the prevalence of NAFLD patients who also had type II diabetes. Methods: The demographic data (name, age, body mass index (BMI), gender, occupation, duration of TIIDM, and treatment taking for TIIDM), as well as the results of the tests for these enzymes, were also recorded. Alanine transaminase (ALT) and Aspartate transaminase (AST) levels, as well as abdominal ultrasound findings of the liver, were recorded in a proforma after informed consent for a total of 200 Type II diabetic patients. Using SPSS, the data were analyzed, and stratified groups were subjected to the Chi-square tests. Results: There was a significant difference (p&lt;0.05) observed in NAFLD patients of TIIDM concerning age, gender, BMI, treatment, occupation, and duration of diabetes. The sample size consisted of 200 patients of which 111 (55.5%) were men and 89 (44.5%) were women. Patients ranged in the age range of 40-70 years old, with a mean age of 55.08 ± 8.98 years and a mean BMI of 29.69±4.04, respectively. It was concluded that 64% of cases with diabetes mellitus had NAFLD. Conclusion: TIIDM is an independent risk factor for NAFLD so early screening, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment are mandatory to reduce the risk of NAFLD and its related complications.

Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis in a toddler: An atypical presentation in Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Gastric outlet obstruction resulting from hypertrophic pyloric stenosis typically manifests in early infancy and seldom occurs after this period. The case is a 14-month-old toddler with multiple episodes of nonbilious, projectile vomiting with persistent hunger, and progressive weight loss for three weeks. The symptoms were preceded by ingestion of a water-based herbal concoction. His barium meal and abdominal ultrasonographic findings were diagnostic of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS), following which he had an initial pyloromyotomy, which failed before he later had pyloroplasty. The patient was subsequently discharged home four days after the second surgery and has remained stable since then. Although hypertrophic pyloric stenosis is uncommon beyond early infancy, it should be suspected in toddlers with persistent postprandial vomiting that is projectile and nonbilious. Early diagnosis is essential to limit malnutrition as well as other complications associated with HPS.

Evaluating the Diagnostic Accuracy of the Alvarado Score and Abdominal Ultrasound for Acute Appendicitis: A Retrospective Single-Center Study.

Acute appendicitis is a complex diagnosis that often requires both clinical and radiological evaluation. Significant variations in diagnostic approaches are evident among clinicians and healthcare institutions. While certain guidelines advocate for risk stratification based on clinical characteristics, others emphasize the importance of pre-operative imaging. This study seeks to explore the accuracy of the Alvarado Score and abdominal ultrasound (AUS) in diagnosing acute appendicitis. Suspected cases of appendicitis admitted to Al-Thora Hospital in Ibb, Yemen, from Jan 2021 to July 2022 were evaluated. The demographics, clinical, and laboratory data were collected and analyzed. This study assessed Alvarado scores (calculated based on clinical evaluation and laboratory data) and pre-operative AUS findings, correlating them with post-operative and histopathology findings. The Alvarado scores and AUS sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were assessed using the ROC curve. Out of 1021 cases of acute abdomen, 171 patients were suspected of appendicitis. Using AUS along with the Alvarado score, appendicitis was presumed in 137 patients who underwent appendectomy. 130 (94.9%) patients had positive intraoperative and histopathology findings while 7 (5.1%) had negative findings. The Alvarado Score had a sensitivity and specificity of 94.62% and 87.80% at cutoffs of 6, respectively [Area under the curve (AUC): 0.985; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.954 to 0.998; p < 0.0001]. Abdominal US showed a sensitivity of 98.46% and specificity of 82.93% (AUC:0.907; 95% CI, 0.853 to 0.946; p < 0.0001). Alvarado's score and AUS exhibited high sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing acute appendicitis. The substantial accuracy and efficacy of both the Alvarado score and AUS support their utilization as primary investigative tools in resource-limited settings. This approach can help avoid unnecessary appendectomies and minimize the financial burden on patients.

Pre-operative Predictive Factors for Difficult Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy at Tertiary Care Centre

INTRODUCTION Gallstones are present in 10 to 15% of general population and asymptomatic in more than 80% cases. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a gold standard treatment for cholelithiasis. The rate of conversion from laparoscopic cholecystectomy to open is about 1-13%. Predicting the difficulty of laparoscopic cholecystectomy is essential to optimize patient outcomes. The levels of difficulties during laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be predicated based on certain preoperative clinical, laboratory or radiological parameters. The main aim of the study was to find out the pre-operative predictive factors for difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy at a tertiary care centre. MATERIAL AND METHODS This was an observational cross-sectional study that included sixty nine patients who underwent elective laparoscopic cholecys- tectomy in UCMS. Preoperative predictive parameters such as age, gender, BMI, previous abdominal surgery, gallbladder condition, and ultrasound findings were assessed. A scoring system developed by Randhawa and Pujahari was used to predict difficulty in laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and intraoperative criteria were used to categorize cases as easy or difficult. RESULTS History of acute cholecystitis (p=0.026), previous abdominal scar (p=0.024), thick gallbladder wall (p=0.012), impacted stone (p=0.057), pericholecystic fluid collection (p&lt;0.001) and increased BMI were considered as the significant factors that predict difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Sensitivity and specificity for easy - difficult cut off of the scoring method were 75.6% and 67.16%, respectively, with the area under the ROC curve being 0.524. CONCLUSION The difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy and conversion to open surgery can be predicted preoperatively based on preoperative scoring system.

A Teenage Boy with Abdominal Pain and Vomiting

This diagnostic image presented a plain abdominal radiograph and ultrasonographic findings from a case of intestinal ascariasis, which is a relatively common cause of abdominal symptoms in developing countries. The plain x-ray highlighted soft tissue mass within the small bowel which could be accompanied by features of intestinal obstruction. The ultrasound study depicted triple-parallel lines or four-parallel lines which are characteristics of the roundworm.

Urinary biomarkers of early kidney injury in children with beta-thalassemia

Beta-thalassemia is considered as one of the most common genetic disorders in the world caused by the reduced or absent synthesis of b-globin chain. The aim of this work was to evaluate renal function in children with b-thalassemia using predictive biomarkers such as urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and N-acetyl-b-D-glycosaminidase (NAG). This prospective case–control study was carried out on 80 subjects aged between 3 and 17 years. The subjects were divided into two equal groups: thalassemia group which included 40 children with b-thalassemia major, and control group which included 40 age- and gender-matched healthy, non-anemic controls without any diseases that could potentially affect renal function, who underwent routine check-ups. All thalassemia patients received chelation therapy: 35 (87.5%) of them were treated with deferasirox and 5 (12.5%) patients received deferasirox + deferoxamine. The results of echocardiography, kidney function tests (serum creatinine, urea and estimated glomerular filtration rate as well as urinary albumin/creatinine ratio and urinary NGAL/urinary albumin–creatinine ratio were insignificantly different between the two groups. Abdominal ultrasound findings were significantly different between both groups. Total WBC counts, platelet counts, the results of liver function tests (total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, alanine transaminase and aspartate aminotransferase), urinary NAG/creatinine ratios, urinary NGAL/creatinine ratios and serum ferritin levels were significantly higher in the thalassemia group, while hemoglobin, urinary NAG/urinary albumin–creatinine ratios were significantly lower in this group. Urinary markers NGAL and NAG could be used as predictive markers of renal disease in b-thalassemia major patients. The study was initiated after obtaining approval from the Ethical Committee of Menoufia University Hospital. Informed written consent was obtained from the parents of the children involved in the study.

Abdominal ultrasonographic findings of cats with feline infectious peritonitis: an update.

The aim of this study was to describe the abdominal ultrasonographic findings in cats with confirmed or presumed feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). This was a retrospective study performed in an academic veterinary hospital. The diagnosis of FIP was reached on review of history, signalment, clinical presentation, complete blood count, biochemistry panel, peritoneal fluid analysis, cytology and/or histopathology results from abnormal organs, and/or molecular testing (immunohistochemical or FIP coronavirus [FCoV] RT-PCR). Cats with confirmed FIP by molecular testing or with a highly suspicious diagnosis of FIP were included. Abdominal ultrasound examination findings were reviewed. In total, 25 cats were included. Common clinical signs/pathology findings included hyperglobulinemia (96%), anorexia/hyporexia (80%) and lethargy (56%). Abdominal ultrasound findings included effusion in 88% and lymphadenopathy in 80%. Hepatic changes were noted in 80%, the most common being hepatomegaly (58%) and a hypoechoic liver (48%). Intestinal changes were noted in 68% of cats, characterized by asymmetric wall thickening and/or loss of wall layering, with 52% being ileocecocolic junction and/or colonic in location. Splenic changes were present in 36% of cats, including splenomegaly, mottled parenchyma and hypoechoic nodules. Renal changes were present in 32%, encompassing a hypoechoic subcapsular rim and/or cortical nodules. Mesenteric and peritoneal abnormalities were seen in 28% and 16% of cats, respectively. Most cats (92%) had two or more locations of abdominal abnormalities on ultrasound. The present study documents a wider range and distribution of ultrasonographic lesions in cats with FIP than previously reported. The presence of effusion and lymph node, hepatic and/or gastrointestinal tract changes were the most common findings, and most of the cats had a combination of two or more abdominal abnormalities.

A rare case of localized peliosis hepatis during adjuvant chemotherapy including oxaliplatin mimicking a liver metastasis of colon cancer

BackgroundOxaliplatin-based regimens are commonly used as adjuvant chemotherapy following surgery for colorectal cancer. Adverse events associated with oxaliplatin include blue liver, which is caused by sinusoidal dilation and diffuse peliosis hepatis. We report herein a case of localized peliosis hepatis closely resembling a metastatic liver tumor.Case presentationThe patient, a 50-year-old male, underwent a robotically assisted colectomy for rectosigmoid colon cancer, which was discovered when hematochezia occurred. The patient received a diagnosis of pStage IIIb and was treated with four courses of CAPOX as adjuvant chemotherapy starting at postoperative month 1. At postoperative month 4, contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen revealed a 20-mm, low-density area with heterogeneous internal structure in S6/7 of the liver. Abdominal ultrasound and gadolinium ethoxybenzyl-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (EOB-MRI) findings led to a diagnosis of metastatic liver tumor, for which a laparoscopic partial hepatectomy was performed. The resected lesion was a dark reddish-brown nodule with indistinct margins that appeared to be continuous with the surrounding area. Histopathological analysis revealed severe, localized dilatation of the sinusoids and congestion consistent with the gross nodule. Based on these findings, localized peliosis hepatis associated with oxaliplatin-induced sinusoidal damage was diagnosed.ConclusionsLocalized peliosis hepatis associated with oxaliplatin use can be difficult to distinguish from a metastatic liver tumor on imaging studies.

Development and validation of a model for early diagnosis of biliary atresia

Background and aimsEarly diagnosis of biliary atresia (BA), particularly distinguishing it from other causes of neonatal cholestasis (NC), is challenging. This study aimed to design and validate a predictive model for BA by using the data available at the initial presentation.MethodsInfants presenting with NC were retrospectively identified from tertiary referral hospitals and constituted the model design cohort (n = 148); others were enrolled in a prospective observational study and constituted the validation cohort (n = 21). Clinical, laboratory, and abdominal ultrasonographic features associated with BA were assessed. A prediction model was developed using logistic regression and decision tree (DT) analyses.ResultsThree predictors, namely, gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (γGT) level, triangular cord sign (TC sign), and gallbladder abnormalities, were identified as factors for diagnosing BA in multivariate logistic regression, which was used to develop the DT model. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) value for the model was 0.905, which was greater than those for γGT level, TC sign, or gallbladder abnormalities alone in the prediction of BA.ConclusionA simple prediction model combining liver function and abdominal ultrasonography findings can provide a moderate and early estimate of the risk of BA in patients with NC.