Acute Abdomen Research Articles

Joint deficiency of coagulation factors VII and IX: a case report.

The diagnostic and therapeutic approach for an unusual clinical situation is presented. Twenty-three-year-old female patient is evaluated for hematuria and metrorrhagia. She reported irregular follow-up with hematology because of bleeding in childhood. She has also been receiving factor VII for 2 years, denying hospitalizations because of bleeding. Laboratory reported hb: 5.2 g/dl; platelets: 234 000/mm3; PT: 100 s; PTT: 112 s, fibrinogen: 90 mg/dl without other alterations. Abdominal ultrasound reported uterine myoma, urinalysis was pathological. The gynecology indicated oral progesterone. She started antibiotic therapy, transfusion of red-blood cells, plasma, and cryoprecipitates and subsequently reported: factor VII: 2%, IX: 1% and VIII: 70%. She received factor VII-recombinant (rFVII), achieving resolution of bleeding. She was prescribed prophylactic rFVII and hematology monitoring. Readmission due to acute abdomen with Hb 5 g/dl, prolonged prothrombin time (PT)/partial thromboplastin time (PTT) and abdominal tomography reported hemoperitoneum. She received rFVII and required laparotomy and left oophorectomy. Then readmission to metrorrhagia, hb6 g/dl, prolonged PT/PTT and factor VII-IX of two coagulation factors were reported, without reports found in the literature consulted.

Gallbladder Perforation as a Complication of Enteric Fever: An Intriguing Case of Acute Abdomen

Gallbladder Perforation as a Complication of Enteric Fever: An Intriguing Case of Acute Abdomen

Construction of a clinical prediction model for complicated appendicitis based on machine learning techniques

Acute appendicitis is a typical surgical emergency worldwide and one of the common causes of surgical acute abdomen in the elderly. Accurately diagnosing and differentiating acute appendicitis can assist clinicians in formulating a scientific and reasonable treatment plan and providing high-quality medical services for the elderly. In this study, we validated and analyzed the different performances of various machine learning models based on the analysis of clinical data, so as to construct a simple, fast, and accurate estimation method for the diagnosis of early acute appendicitis. The dataset of this paper was obtained from the medical data of elderly patients with acute appendicitis attending the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine from January 2012 to January 2022, including 196 males (60.87%) and 126 females (39.13%), including 103 (31.99%) patients with complicated appendicitis and 219 (68.01%) patients with uncomplicated appendicitis. By comparing and analyzing the prediction results of the models implemented by nine different machine learning techniques (LR, CART, RF, SVM, Bayes, KNN, NN, FDA, and GBM), we found that the GBM algorithm gave the optimal results and that sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, precision, recall, F1 and brier are 0.9167, 0.9739, 0.9429, 0.9613, 0.9429, 0.9167, 0.9296, and 0.05649, respectively. The GBM model prediction results are interpreted using the SHAP technology framework. Calibration and Decision curve analysis also show that the machine learning model proposed in this paper has some clinical and economic benefits. Finally, we developed the Shiny application for complicated appendicitis diagnosis to assist clinicians in quickly and effectively recognizing patients with complicated appendicitis (CA) and uncomplicated appendicitis (UA), and to formulate a more reasonable and scientific clinical plan for acute appendicitis patient population promptly.

Gastric band removal: mind the arterial anastomoses!

Bariatric surgery may sometimes be challenging and may lead to severe complications. Surgical re-intervention in such cases is not the preferred option due to co-morbidities. When severe bleeding occurs, embolization of the lacerated vessels is the preferred minimal invasive management option and needs to be available if possible. We would like to report a case of young patient who underwent severe bleeding after migration of a gastric band. The patient was successfully embolized and the band was removed. However, on the second post-operative day, the patient complained again for acute abdominal pain and turned haemodynamically unstable. Fresh blood was aspirated from the surgical drain. A new emergency CT scan was performed and a new large pseudoaneurysm was revealed taking origin from the left gastric artery. The second bleeding occurred due to an anastomotic communication and was also successfully embolized. The main take home messages are that bariatric surgery may lead to several complications including bleeding, gastric band may cause vessel erosion but also offer a tamponade effect, endovascular embolization of the lacerated vessels is the preferred management and pseudoaneurysms arising in hepato-splenic or gastroduodenal arteries should be treated with the sandwich embolization technique.

Actinomycosis masquerading recurrent carcinoma after hemicolectomy - A rare case report

Abdominal actinomycosis is a chronic suppurative infection caused by anaerobic bacteria, Actinomyces species. The ileocecal region is most commonly affected, while the left side of the colon is more rarely involved. The presentation may vary from non-specific symptoms and signs to an acute abdomen. We present the case of colonic actinomycosis in a 74-year-old woman who had undergone left hemicolectomy due to carcinoma of the sigmoid colon and became infected with actinomycosis at the anastomotic site, which mimicked local recurrence of cancer. The patient presented with intermittent colicky left-sided abdominal pain for 3 months’ duration. Computed tomography of the abdomen showed a circumferential thickening of the wall of the sigmoid colon surrounded by inflammation. The patient underwent resection of the bowel including the anastomotic site. The macroscopic evaluation revealed mucosal irregularities with abscesses attached to the sigmoid colon and histopathological examination of the specimen revealed actinomycosis of the sigmoid colon with no evidence of malignancy. We are presenting this case to illustrate the preoperative diagnostic difficulties of this rare disease and its ability to mimic malignancy.

Spontaneous Sigmoid Colon Perforation and Ruptured Subserosal (“Zebra” Pattern) Small-Bowel Hematomas in Type IV Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome: A Case Report and a Short Review

Background and Objectives: Spontaneous colonic perforations (SCPs) in teenagers and young adults are extremely rare. Common underlying conditions, such as colonic tumors and diverticulitis, are absent at that age. The vascular type of Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome (vEDS) is one cause of SCP. Methods: A 23-year-old male presented with an acute abdomen. The abdominal CT showed pneumoperitoneum with a large amount of fluid in the pelvis and abdomen, indicating hollow viscus rupture. At the level of the sigmoid colon, a defect in the intestinal wall and gas bubbles were seen. Results: Exploratory laparotomy confirmed sigmoid colon perforation without underlying pathology. Loop sigmoid colostomy was performed. Revisional surgery was undertaken due to clinical deterioration and intra-abdominal free fluid with small-bowel distension and air-liquid levels on abdominal CT 6 days later. Ileal subserosal hematomas were found, and many had ruptured, leaving a “zebra” pattern with lines of residual hematomas on the borders of subserosal hematomas. Genetic analysis confirmed vEDS. Conclusions: SCP in young adults or teenagers, in the absence of colonic disease, with clinical manifestations of connective tissue disorders should trigger genetic investigations for vEDS. SCP with a known vEDS could be treated with total colectomy to prevent further SCPs in the remaining colon. If segmental resections are performed, further SCP should be immediately excluded with any significant abdominal pain.

Androgen-Induced, β-Catenin-Activated Hepatocellular Adenomatosis with Spontaneous External Rupture

Androgens have long been recognized as oncogenic agents. They can induce both benign and malignant hepatocellular neoplasms, including hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) and hepatocellular carcinoma, though the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Androgen-induced liver tumors are most often solitary and clinically silent. Herein, we reported an androgen-induced HCA complicated by spontaneous rupture. The patient was a 24-year-old male presenting with fatigue, diminished libido, radiology-diagnosed hepatocellular adenomatosis for 3 years, and sudden-onset, severe, sharp, constant abdominal pain for one day. He used Aveed (testosterone undecanoate injection) from age 17 and completely stopped one year before his presentation. A physical exam showed touch pain and voluntary guarding in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. An abdominal CT angiogram demonstrated multiple probable HCAs, with active hemorrhage of the largest one (6.6 × 6.2 × 5.1 cm) accompanied by large-volume hemoperitoneum. After being stabilized by a massive transfusion protocol and interventional embolization, he underwent a percutaneous liver core biopsy. The biopsy specimen displayed atypical hepatocytes forming dense cords and pseudoglands. The lesional cells diffusely stained β-catenin in nuclei and glutamine synthetase in cytoplasm. Compared to normal hepatocytes from control tissue, the tumor cells were positive for nuclear AR (androgen receptor) expression but had no increased EZH2 (Enhancer of Zeste 2 Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 Subunit) protein expression. The case indicated that androgen-induced hepatocellular neoplasms should be included in the differential diagnosis of acute abdomen.

Lesser Omental Infarction: Clinical Insights and Diagnostic Challenges in a Rare Case of Acute Abdominal Pain

Lesser Omental Infarction: Clinical Insights and Diagnostic Challenges in a Rare Case of Acute Abdominal Pain

Urachal abnormalities in the adult population. Is physical activity involved in clinical manifestation Literature review

Introduction The urachal anomaly is a developmental defect, a remnant of fetal life consisting of a patent connection between the dome of the urinary bladder and the umbilicus. It can take various forms. Most commonly it occurs in males, very rarely in adults. The main symptoms associated with this condition are: foul-smelling discharge from the umbilicus, abdominal pain, hematuria, or recurrent urinary tract infections. Imaging plays a crucial role in the diagnosis of the persistent urachus. Aim of the studyThe aim of the study is to sentize doctors’ attention that patent urachus is the rare but possible diagnosis of acute abdomen pain in adults population and bring the proceedings.Materials and methods: An analysis of papers avaliable on Pubmed and Google Scholar was performed. The following key words: urachal anomalies, adults, abdomen pain, urachal remnants, urachal carcinoma were used.Results:Lately, thanks to modern precise imaging diagnostics, more valuable studies have been conducted, allowing to characterize residual ureteral remnants, which are most often asymptomatic in population of adults. However the manifestation of symptoms is mostly associated with infection of the mentioned area or a tumor transformation. There are at least two case reports which report that infection of urachal remnants could manifestate after intensive physical activity. It is worth in-depth interviewing. Studies indicate the necessity of surgical removal of persistent urachal anomalies, as they carry the risk of rapid growth and unfavorable prognosis of cancerous spread.

Urachal abnormalities in the adult population. Is physical activity involved in clinical manifestation Literature review

Introduction The urachal anomaly is a developmental defect, a remnant of fetal life consisting of a patent connection between the dome of the urinary bladder and the umbilicus. It can take various forms. Most commonly it occurs in males, very rarely in adults. The main symptoms associated with this condition are: foul-smelling discharge from the umbilicus, abdominal pain, hematuria, or recurrent urinary tract infections. Imaging plays a crucial role in the diagnosis of the persistent urachus. Aim of the studyThe aim of the study is to sentize doctors’ attention that patent urachus is the rare but possible diagnosis of acute abdomen pain in adults population and bring the proceedings.Materials and methods: An analysis of papers avaliable on Pubmed and Google Scholar was performed. The following key words: urachal anomalies, adults, abdomen pain, urachal remnants, urachal carcinoma were used.Results:Lately, thanks to modern precise imaging diagnostics, more valuable studies have been conducted, allowing to characterize residual ureteral remnants, which are most often asymptomatic in population of adults. However the manifestation of symptoms is mostly associated with infection of the mentioned area or a tumor transformation. There are at least two case reports which report that infection of urachal remnants could manifestate after intensive physical activity. It is worth in-depth interviewing. Studies indicate the necessity of surgical removal of persistent urachal anomalies, as they carry the risk of rapid growth and unfavorable prognosis of cancerous spread.

Association between mesenteric panniculitis and urolithiasis.

Mesenteric panniculitis is a rare condition and refers to benign and nonspecific inflammation of mesenteric fat. This study aimed to evaluate the hypothesis of a greater prevalence of mesenteric panniculitis in patients with urolithiasis. In this cross-sectional study, abdominopelvic CT scans of 500 patients were reviewed for the presence of urolithiasis and mesenteric panniculitis. The inclusion criteria were patients who were referred with acute abdominal pain and were suspected of having urolithiasis or other urinary conditions and who had undergone abdominopelvic CT scan. Subcutaneous fat thickness was measured, and pain intensity was recorded by patient evaluation. Mesenteric panniculitis was found in 10 patients, all of whom (100%) had urinary stones (ureter or kidney or both), and none of them had previous surgeries or known malignancies. The prevalence of panniculitis was significantly greater in the group with urolithiasis. In the urolithiasis group, subcutaneous fat thickness was greater in patients with panniculitis, although the difference was not statistically significant. In the subgroup analysis, pain intensity was not significantly greater in patients with panniculitis. Mesenteric panniculitis is more prevalent among patients with urolithiasis, but it seems that it does not change the intensity of the pain.

Normal ovarian sizes on MRI in pediatric patients: a preliminary study.

Ovarian enlargement is one of several findings of pathology, including ovarian torsion. With increasing use of MRI for acute abdominal pain in children, data for normal ovary size and appearance are needed. To provide preliminary data on normal sizes of ovaries on MRI in pediatric patients. This retrospective IRB-approved study included girls (5 to 17years of age) with MRI examinations performed for indications not related to the ovaries from 2018 to 2022. For each MRI, coronal T2-weighted single shot fast spin echo and axial T2-weighted fat-saturated images were independently reviewed by three pediatric radiologists who recorded ovary visualization and ovarian linear measurements (3 planes). Ovarian volumes were calculated from linear measurements. Agreement among observers was calculated using kappa statistics and intraclass correlation coefficients. A total of 181 MRIs were reviewed. The left ovary was visualized in 166-176 (92-97%) cases (R1-R3) and the right ovary was visualized in 165-174 (91-96%) cases with excellent agreement among reviewers (left: K = 0.89 [0.84-0.94], right: K = 0.85 [0.79-0.91]). Interrater class coefficient (ICC) for largest single dimension of the ovary was left: 0.83 (CI 0.79-0.87) and right: 0.85 (CI 0.81-0.89). There were significant moderate to strong correlations between ovarian volume and age (left: 0.67 [0.58-0.75], right: 0.66 [0.57-0.74]). The ovaries can be adequately visualized and measured on MRI with excellent inter-reader agreement. This study serves as the foundation for developing normative values for ovarian volumes by age on MRI.

Terminal Ileitis as the Exclusive Manifestation of COVID-19 in Children

The clinical presentation, organ involvement, and severity of disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 are highly variable, ranging from asymptomatic or mild infection to respiratory or multi-organ failure and, in children and young adults, the life-threatening multisystemic inflammatory disease (MIS-C). SARS-CoV-2 enters cells via the angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 receptor (ACE-2), which is expressed on the cell surfaces of all organ systems, including the gastrointestinal tract. GI manifestations have a high prevalence in children with COVID-19. However, isolated terminal ileitis without other manifestations of COVID-19 is rare. In March 2023, two previously healthy boys (aged 16 months and 9 years) without respiratory symptoms presented with fever and diarrhea, elevated C-reactive protein levels, and low procalcitonin levels. Imaging studies revealed marked terminal ileitis in both cases. SARS-CoV-2 (Omicron XBB.1.9 and XBB.1.5 variants) was detected by nucleic acid amplification in throat and stool samples. Both patients recovered fast with supportive measures only. A differential diagnosis of acute abdominal pain includes enterocolitis, mesenteric lymphadenitis, appendicitis, and more. During SARS-CoV-2 epidemics, this virus alone may be responsible for inflammation of the terminal ileum, as demonstrated. Coinfection with Campylobacter jejuni in one of our patients demonstrates the importance of a complete microbiological workup.

Value of Imaging in the Non-traumatic Acute Abdomen of Elderly Patients

Value of Imaging in the Non-traumatic Acute Abdomen of Elderly Patients

259 Comparing the Use of Antibiotics Versus No Antibiotics in the Management of Acute Left-Sided Uncomplicated Diverticulitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract Background Acute uncomplicated diverticulitis (AUD) is a common cause of acute abdominal pain. Recent guidelines advise selective use of antibiotics in AUD patients. This meta-analysis aimed to compare the effectiveness of no antibiotics versus antibiotics in AUD patients. Method This review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) involving AUD patients which compared the use of antibiotics with no antibiotics. Pooled outcome data was calculated using a random effects model with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results Five RCTs with 1934 AUD patients were included. 979 patients were managed without antibiotics (50.6%). Patients in the no antibiotic and antibiotic groups had comparable demographics (age, sex and body mass index) and presenting features (temperature, pain score and C-reactive protein levels). There was no significant difference in rates of complicated diverticulitis (OR: 0.61, 95% CI:0.27-1.36, p=0.23), abscess (OR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.08-3.25, p=0.47) or fistula (OR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.03-3.15, p=0.33) formation, perforation (OR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.32-3.07, p=0.98), recurrence (OR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.66-1.41, p=0.85) need for surgery (OR: 1.36, 95% CI: 0.47-3.95, p=0.37), mortality (OR: 1.27, 95% CI: 0.14-11.76, p=0.82) or length of stay (MD: 0.215, 95% CI: -0.43-0.73, p=0.61) between the two groups. However, the likelihood of readmission was higher in the antibiotics group (OR: 2.13, 95% CI: 1.43-3.18, p=0.0002). Conclusions There is no significant difference in baseline characteristics, clinical presentation and adverse health outcomes between AUD patients treated without antibiotics compared to those with antibiotics.

Evaluating Pediatric Appendicitis Score and Alvarado Scoring System for Detecting Acute Appendicitis in Pediatric Population

Abstract Background Acute appendicitis is the most common surgical condition of children. About 1 to 10% of children presenting in surgical emergencies with acute abdomen fall within the domain of acute appendicitis. In few of these cases, clinical signs and symptoms at presentation are such that acute appendicitis is a clear diagnosis while more often it is challenging for a surgeon to make a clinical diagnosis of acute appendicitis. In these circumstances, explorations reveal negative appendectomies and an organ with potential functions can be lost. Objective To evaluate the Pediatric Appendicitis Score and Alvarado Scoring System in Detecting Acute Appendicitis in Pediatric Population in terms of applicability, safety, and specificity in the diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis among the study group and to suggest improvements and/or modifications to increase the predictive values of Pediatric Appendicitis Score and Alvarado Scoring System, decrease the rates of false diagnosis or reduce costs. Methods a prospective cohort study that was conducted on 50 patients aged under 14 years admitted to pediatric surgery department in Ain Shams University Hospital within a period of 6 months with an expected diagnosis of Acute appendicitis. Each patient was subjected to a detailed medical history taking (with emphasis on The age, gender, duration of pain, complaint complaints ofabdominal pain and duration, fever, nausea-vomiting, diarrhea or constipation), Clinical examination:(right lower quadrant sensitivity,defense, rebound tenderness, percussion/ cough/ right lower quadrant sensitivity with jumping). Laboratory investigations:(complete blood count, the total white blood cell (WBC) and total neutrophil counts c-reactive protein ) and Ultrasound examination. Alvarado score as well as PAS were calculated for each patient . the results were then compared to the intra operative findings confirming or excluding the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Results in the study group that was 38% males and 62% females with ages ranging from 3 to 14 years .Pediatric appendicitis score (PAS) was found to significantly predict acute appendicitis in the studied patients at cutoff 5.0 with sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV was 60.5%, 100%, 100% and 71.9% respectively (p < 0.001). Alvarado score can significantly predict acute appendicitis in the studied patients at cutoff 4.0 with sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV was 79.1%, 85.7%, 84.7% and 80.4% respectively (p < 0.001). Conclusion The results of this study showed the higher sensitivity of Alvarado score and more specificity of the Pediatric Appendicitis score. However, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of these criteria were not considered enough to confirm the diagnosis of acute appendicitis alone. There is a need for new parameters in the scoring systems. Such as including ultrasonagraphic findings and additional laboratory investigations such as CRP.

Abdominal paracentesis in the field setting for horses with acute abdominal pain

Abdominal paracentesis in the field setting for horses with acute abdominal pain

Problematic issues of diagnosis and treatment of Boerhaave’s syndrome

Boerhaave’s syndrome is a rare disease with an incidence of 3.1/1,000,000 per year, has a high mortality rate due to late diagnosis and difficulty in treatment. The purpose of the message is to draw the attention of doctors to the variety of clinical manifestations of Boerhaave’s syndrome, which complicates early diagnosis and decision making. Clinical observation of two patients with Boerhaave’s syndrome is presented. One patient was hospitalized 7 hours after the onset of pain in the upper left side, nausea, vomiting. Clinical examination, ultrasound and chest X-ray revealed no pathology. However, after 3 hours, the patient’s condition deteriorated sharply, emphysema of the neck and chest appeared. X-ray revealed left-sided pneumohemothorax. Thoracotomy revealed a 3.5-cm long rupture in the lower third of the esophagus on its left lateral wall, which was sutured. The chest cavity and mediastinum are debrided and drained using tubes. A gastrostomy was formed. The postoperative period was complicated by multiple organ failure and sepsis. Patient was in the intensive care unit for 29 days. The esophageal wound healed on the 46th day and the patient was discharged for outpatient observation. Another patient was hospitalized three hours after onset of illness with a left-sided pneumohemothorax and acute abdomen symptoms. Chest tube on the left was placed and a dark brown liquid released under pressure. The peritonitis clinical symptoms prompted surgeons to perform urgent laparotomy during which no pathology of the abdominal organs was detected. Only after computed tomography, a rupture of the esophagus was diagnosed. As a result of delayed surgery, infection complications and sepsis developed, which led to the patient’s death.

Perforated duodenal ulcer after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: an unusual complication.

Bariatric surgery is increasingly being accepted as a viable treatment for managing the growing obesity epidemic. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is one of the most commonly performed procedures. Perforated duodenal ulcer following RYGB is a rare condition with a low incidence. We report a case of a patient with a perforated duodenal ulcer post RYGB, and the surgical approach. A 66-year-old man with hypertension and a history of laparoscopic RYGB for class III obesity was admitted to the emergency department with severe epigastric pain radiating to the right side of his abdomen and right shoulder, associated with nausea and vomiting. Computed tomography (CT) showed intraperitoneal free fluid, a thickened wall of the duodenum and free air, duodenal perforation was suspected. The patient underwent exploratory laparoscopy that revealed a perforated duodenal ulcer that was closed with an absorbable barbed suture and omental patch. Perforated ulcers in excluded segments after RYGB are a rare entity with a challenging diagnosis, and clinicians should be aware of and have a low threshold for diagnostic laparoscopy. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is one of the most commonly performed procedures in bariatric surgery. Perforated ulcers in excluded segments after RYGB are a rare entity with a challenging diagnosis. The pathophysiology of this perforation is not clear, but several mechanisms have been proposed. Helicobacter pylori has been implicated. Clinicians should be aware and have a low threshold for diagnostic laparoscopy for a patient who has acute abdominal pain after RYGB, despite negative diagnostic measures.

A rare bleeding disorder with severe haemorrhagic manifestation

Factor V is a major part of the coagulation system and maintains a balance in pro-coagulant and anticoagulant pathways. Any deficiency or mutation can lead to disequilibrium in coagulation. Factor V deficiency can be congenital or acquired. Congenital factor V deficiency (parahemophilia or Owren’s disease) is a rare autosomal recessive condition. We present a case of an adolescent unmarried girl presenting with an acute abdomen and deranged coagulation parameters. It was confirmed that the bilateral haemorrhagic ovarian cysts and hemoperitoneum were due to factor V deficiency. In her case, the bleeding was likely due to a ruptured corpus luteum during ovulation. She was successfully managed conservatively with red cells and fresh frozen plasma transfusions, tranexamic acid and combined oral contraceptive pills (COCP) with instructions to continue the use of COCP to prevent such bleeding manifestations.