Extrinsic Lesions Research Articles

Descriptive Analysis of the Long Head of the Biceps Abnormalities in Distal Isolated Supraspinatus Tears Based on Video Records: A Study From the SFA Biceps Study Group Using the “Biceps Box” Concept

Background: Considering the long head of biceps (LHB) management, important cultural differences exist among the surgeons around the world, especially when repairing small isolated distal supraspinatus tears under arthroscopy. In the perspective of an international survey to analyze our practice regarding biceps management in small rotator cuff tears, the aim is to collect all the possible LHB abnormalities according to literature review, before considering that the LHB could be normal or pathologic. Indications: The SFA (Société Francophone d’Arthroscopie) behind its research biceps group summarized these abnormalities in a description analysis called the “biceps box” concept, which was validated with a strong inter-rater reliability. The aim is to present the description analysis using a common language with short video records for each abnormality described to reproduce “intraoperatively” the different possible scenarios the surgeon has to encounter during arthroscopic evaluation. Technique Description: The description of the “biceps box” concept classifies lesions of the LHB, with so-called intrinsic lesions, for which the LHB should be considered pathological: partial rupture or delamination, fissuring, lateral or medial instability or subluxation, hypertrophy with an hourglass figure; and so-called extrinsic lesions, for which the LHB should be considered healthy: damage to the pulley without bicipital instability, exposure of the articular portion of the biceps by rupture of the supraspinatus tendon, inflammation of the superficial surface of the tendon, presence of type 1 or 2 superior labral anterior to posterior (SLAP) lesions, or a chondral print. Results: We present the 10 possible scenarios with video records according to our description analysis. Discussion/Conclusion: The LHB could be considered as a pain generator in certain situations which are still not completely clear. The indication of biceps tenotomy or tenodesis depends on the interpretation of the surgeon of these abnormalities as a pathologic or a normal condition. The next step is to use these videos in an international survey to assess cultural differences regarding the management and eventually find a consensus regarding treatment options for each abnormality. Patient Consent Disclosure Statement: The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.

Imaging of Vertebral Artery Dissection in Children: An Underrecognized Condition with High Risk of Recurrent Stroke.

Vertebral artery dissection (VAD) is a common cause of a rare condition, pediatric posterior circulation arterial ischemic stroke (PCAIS). VAD is clinically important due to the risk of multifocal and continuing infarcts from artery-to-artery thromboembolism, with the potential for occlusion of arteries that perfuse the brainstem. Early diagnosis is important, as recurrent stroke is a common effect of VAD in children. Although the relative efficacies of different treatment regimens for VAD in children remain unsettled, early initiation of treatment can mitigate the risk of delayed stroke. Clinical diagnosis of PCAIS may be delayed due to multiple factors, including nonspecific symptoms and the inability of younger patients to express symptoms. In fact, subacute or chronic infarcts are often present at initial imaging. Although the most common cause of isolated PCAIS is VAD, imaging of the cervical arteries has been historically underused in this setting. Cervical vascular imaging (MR angiography, CT angiography, and digital subtraction angiography) for VAD must be optimized to detect the sometimes subtle findings, which may be identified at initial or follow-up imaging. Osseous variants of the craniocervical junction and upper cervical spine and other extrinsic lesions that may directly injure the vertebral arteries or lead to altered biomechanics have been implicated in some cases. The authors review characteristic imaging features and optimized imaging of VAD and associated PCAIS and related clinical considerations. Identification of VAD has important implications for evaluation, treatment, and imaging follow-up, as this condition may result in progressive arteriopathy and recurrent stroke. © RSNA, 2023 Supplemental material is available for this article. Quiz questions for this article are available through the Online Learning Center.

Airway Stent in Lung Cancer: A Narrative Literature Review

Lung cancer complications are the leading cause of death in lung cancer patients. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of stent placement, indications for stent placement, success and complication rates, and prognosis of airway stent placement in patients with lung cancer. Malignant central airway obstruction (MCAO) is one of the significant complications. Insertion of airway stent can restore airway patency in more than 90% of patients with MCAO. Airway stent placement is indicated in patients with extrinsic lesions, obstruction of ≥ 50%, have patent airway below the obstruction, and are not in the terminal state. The technical success was reported to be very high and consistent with the range of 95-100%. Early complications were relatively rare; however, up to 87% of long-term complications were reported. Stent placement is a risk factor for lower respiratory tract infection, an adverse prognostic factor in lung cancer survival. Airway stents should be indicated and used with caution and discretion. With the advancement and development of technology, various materials and types of airway stents are being developed to minimize adverse outcomes.

Airway abnormalities associated with congenital heart disease

Airway abnormalities are important but sometimes overlooked problems in children with congenital heart disease. It is often difficult to separate symptoms related to cardiac disease from those associated with airway or lung disease. Some of the lesions are incidental while others cause significant symptoms and are important in overall functional outcome. Congenital and acquired as well as intrinsic and extrinsic lesions occur and can overlap. We review and illustrate these lesions here. Imaging plays a crucial role in diagnosing and assessing the severity of airway abnormalities and guiding medical and surgical management decisions.

Clinical analysis of ureteral endometriosis complicated with hydronephrosis:92 cases series

Objective: To investigate the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of ureteral endometriosis with hydronephrosis. Methods: A retrospective study was performed of 92 cases diagnosed as ureteral endometriosis with surgery confirmed in Peking University First Hospital from January 2000 to January 2021. Results: The incidence of ureteral endometriosis was 0.9% (92/10 222), with an average age of (40.0±6.0) years. Among 92 cases, urological symptoms and pelvic pain including dysmenorrheal, periodic abdominal pain were the main forms of clinical characteristics, while 11 patients (12%, 11/92) were asymptomatic. All patients with ureteral endometriosis had hydronephrosis and hydroureter before surgery, hydronephrosis were left sided in 48 (52%, 48/92) patients, right sided in 39 (42%, 39/92) patients, both sided in 5 (5%,5/92) patients. The distal and middle sections of ureteral obstructions existed in 73 (79%, 73/92) patients and 19 (21%, 19/92) patients, respectively. Out of the 92 ureteral lesions 71 (77%, 71/92) patients were extrinsic lesions, 21 (23%, 21/92) patients presented intrinsic lesions. Of the 38 cases who took preoperative radionuclide renal dynamic imaging examination, there were 6 (16%, 6/38) cases of mildly damaged, 7 (18%, 7/38) cases of moderately dameged, 14 (37%, 14/38) cases of severely damaged, and 11 (29%, 11/38) cases of normal renal function. Laparotomy was decided in 25 (27%, 25/92) patients, and laparoscopic surgery in 67 (73%, 67/92) patients. In cases of ureteral surgery, ureterolysis, partial ureteral resection and ureterocystoneostomy, partial ureteral resection and end-to-end ureteral anastomosis and nephroureterectomy were undertaken in 52 (57%, 52/92), 20 (22%, 20/92), 12 (13%, 12/92) and 8 (9%, 8/92) patients separately. The median follow up was 108 months (range: 6 to 240 months). During the follow-up period, 68 (87%, 68/78) patients took urinary ultrasound after surgery, and 60 (88%, 60/68) cases of hydronephrosis disappeared, and 8 (12%, 8/68) cases were better than before. Conclusion: Most of the patients with ureteral endometriosis are impaired with renal function, and early surgical treatment could effectively relieve urinary obstruction and promote the recovery of renal function.

70-Year-Old Man With Chronic Nausea and Vomiting

70-Year-Old Man With Chronic Nausea and Vomiting

Relationship between extrinsic factors and non-carious cervical lesions in patients of the National Hospital “Hipólito Unánue”

Non-carious cervical lesions cause destructive dental disorders that actively contribute to the progressive loss of dental structure and the immediate need for dental treatment, due to their multiple symptoms and factors that produce them. Aim: The purpose of the study was to determine the relationship between extrinsic factors and non-carious cervical lesions in patients of the National Hospital Hipólito Unánue. Methods: The research was of a descriptive correlative type. The sample consisted of male and female patients between 18 and 65 years old, who attended the carielogy service of this hospital. For data collection, 2 questionnaires were used to estimate the values of the extrinsic factors that allowed us to obtain the necessary information on the variables to be studied. Spearman’s Rho was applied to determine the relationship between the variable’s study. Results: According to Spearman’s Rho of 0.622, compared to p-0.000 <0.01. Between the variables studied; extrinsic factors and noncarious cervical lesions there is a moderate and significant positive correlation. Conclusion: Through this section it was possible to demonstrate the existing relationship between extrinsic variable factors and non-carious cervical lesions, therefore it was concluded that there is a moderate and significant positive correlation in the sample comprised by the patients of the Hospital in mention.

Stridor during sleep: description of 81 consecutive cases diagnosed in a tertiary sleep disorders center.

To describe the characteristics of stridor during sleep (SDS) in a series of adults identified by video-polysomnography (V-PSG). Retrospective clinical, V-PSG, laryngoscopic, and therapeutic data of patients diagnosed with SDS in a tertiary referral sleep disorders center between 1997 and 2017. A total of 81 patients were identified (56.8% males, age 61.8 ± 11.2 years). Related etiologies were multiple system atrophy (MSA), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinocerebellar ataxia type 1, anti-IgLON5 disease, fatal familial insomnia, brainstem structural lesions, vagus nerve stimulation, recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, the effect of radiotherapy on the vocal cords, cervical osteophytes, and others. Stridor during wakefulness coexisted in 13 (16%) patients and in MSA was only seen in the parkinsonian form. Laryngoscopy during wakefulness in 72 (88.9%) subjects documented vocal cord abductor impairment in 65 (90.3%) and extrinsic lesions narrowing the glottis in 2 (2.4%). The mean apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was 21.4 ± 18.6 and CT90 was 11.5 ± 19.1. Obstructive AHI > 10 occurred in 52 (64.2%) patients and central apnea index >10 in 2 (2.4%). CPAP abolished SDS, obstructive apneic events and oxyhemoglobin desaturations in 58 of 60 (96.7%) titrated patients with optimal pressure of 9.0 ± 2.3 cm H20. Tracheostomy in 19 (23.4%) and cordotomy in 3 (3.7%) subjects also eliminated SDS. SDS in adults is linked to conditions that damage the brainstem, recurrent laryngeal nerve, and vocal cords. V-PSG frequently detects obstructive sleep apnea and laryngoscopy usually shows vocal cord abductor dysfunction. CPAP, tracheostomy, and laryngeal surgery abolish SDS.

P687 Left atrial mass - a potential pitfall

Abstract Background. Echocardiography is an important diagnostic tool in differential diagnosis of retrosternal pain. Despite the high prevalence of hiatus hernia, a relatively small number of echocardiographically manifested cases have been reported. Case summary. A 75 y old female patient with rheumatic polymialgia and diabetes was admitted for progressive weakness, retrosternal pain and dyspnoea. Due to elevated levels of D-dimer and troponin I an urgent CT angiography was performed and a diagnosis of pulmonary embolism was confirmed in the ER. Echocardiography showed a mildly hypertrophied left ventricle with normal EF, a mildly dilated right ventricle, moderate pulmonary hypertension 45 mmHg, and an apparent mass in the left atrium (picture). To further characterize the left atrial mass a cardiac MR angiography was made, that excluded potential cardiac tumor and confirmed that the suspected mass was a large hiatus hernia impressing the left atrium. Patient was treated with anticoagulant therapy due to PE and corticosteroids due to polymialgia and was discharged in improved condition. We also consulted thoracic surgeons regarding hernia and did not decide to operate on the hernia urgently but opted for conservative reflux measures and an outpatient follow up with barium contrast oesophagus imaging. Discussion. Hiatal hernia may exert a wide spectrum of manifestations mimicking acute cardiovascular events, from ECG changes to angina, dyspnoea and even syncope as a consequence of total compression of the left atrium. A history of known hiatus hernia and aforementioned clinical correlates postprandially may shed some clues. Echocardiographic features that may suggest a hiatus hernia include: 1. A large ill-defined mass filling the left atrial chamber from posteriorly, with its maximal size seen when imaged in a posterior plane. 2. Respiratory variation in the degree of encroachment of the mass on the left atrium. 3. Loss of the normal sharply defined sonolucency of the descending thoracic aorta in the apical 4-chamber and long-axis views due to superimposition of the hiatus hernia. 4. A swirling motion seen within the mass after consumption of effervescent fluids. 5. Occasionaly, identification of an inner lining reminiscent of gastric mucosa is possible. Various intracardiac or extrinsic lesions can resemble the echocardiographic appearance of hiatus hernia. Other potential causes of extracardiac masses that could encroach on the left atrium include structures such as aneurysm or dissection of the aorta, dilation of coronary sinus, abcesses, oesophageal carcinoma and other mediastinal space occupying structures. Conclusion. Hiatus hernia can simulate clinical and sonographic characteristics of cardiac disorders. Its echocardiographic manifestation may mimic a left atrial mass and must therefore be differentiated from such lesions. Abstract P687 Figure. Hiatal hernia mimicking LA mass(PLAX)

2893 Epidemiology of Sub-Epithelial Gastrointestinal Lesions and Factors Influencing Their Tissue Yield by EUS Guided Sampling in a Predominantly African-American and Hispanic Population at a Tertiary Care County Hospital

INTRODUCTION: Gastrointestinal subepithelial lesions are generally found incidentally during endoscopy or abdominal imaging, with an approximate prevalence of 0.4%. Our study aims at obtaining the Epidemiology of Sub-Epithelial Gastrointestinal lesions and factors influencing their Tissue yield by Endoscopic Ultrasound guided sampling in a predominantly African- American and Hispanic population. METHODS: In this retrospective observational study, we included the patients from a busy tertiary care County hospital, who underwent EUS from Jan 2010 through Jan 2018 for Sub-Epithelial Gastrointestinal lesions or found to have and SEL on EUS. Data was collected on basic demographic factors, EUS indications, finding, Histopathology and mode of final diagnosis. After collecting the data, we performed analysis with STATA 14.0 College Station, Texas. with Univariate and Multivariate Logistic Regression analysis for tissue sampling yield. RESULTS: 84 patients were included in our study of which 53% women 31% men. 18.6% of our population was uninsured and 41.4% were of African American ethnicity. Out of all the lesions majority were Gastric nodules [54.9%], 21.4% esophageal, 14.3% duodenal, 7.1 rectosigmoid and 1.2% periampullary. Of the total patients, 52.5% had some form of a tissue sampling [FNA, FNB, Forceps biopsy or EMR] and 47.6% had no biopsy. Of all the lesions seen in EUS, 41.7% were less than 1 cm nodules and 4.8% nodules measured >4cm. Echogenicity and the layer of lesion were also assessed. Univariate and Multivariate Logistic Regression to analyze the tissue sampling yield based on the above variables which showed that none of the variables had a statistically significant correlation to the tissue sampling yield, thus inferring that the yield may likely be dependent on the sampling method and the operator. CONCLUSION: Subepithelial lesions are those located beneath the epithelium and originate from any layer of the gastrointestinal wall.EUS is the best imaging modality to assess gastrointestinal subepithelial lesions and can be used for EUS guided tissue sampling, in addition to diagnostic sonological imaging of the nodule. It helps to distinguish extrinsic lesions from intramural ones based on the originating layer, echogenicity and tissue acquisition to reach an accurate diagnosis. In clinical practice, cytological and immunocytochemical results determine the final diagnosis. In contrary to other literature available, our study was done in a predominantly African American and Hispanic population.

Image Case : Pancreatic Rest

18 years old female patient presented by epigastric pain and dyspepsia.Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed umplicated small antral mass(pancreatic rest). Pancreatic rests are benign congenital anomalies defined as pancreatic tissue that lacks anatomic or vascular continuity with the pancreas itself . Also referred to as pancreatic heterotopia, heterotopic pancreas, ectopic pancreas, aberrant pancreas, and accessory pancreas. Although they can be located in many sites throughout the body, they are most commonly found in the upper gastrointestinal tract, with the gastric antrum being the most common site. The differential diagnosis of gastric antral subepithelial lesions includes benign entities such as pancreatic rests, lipomas, inflammatory polyps, hyperplastic mucosa, Leiomyoma and cysts as well as entities with malignant potential such as carcinoid tumors and gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Mucosal biopsies can exclude epithelial tumors, and EUS can help exclude other lesions (such as cysts, lipomas, stromal tumors, or extrinsic lesions). The treatment of symptomatic pancreatic rest is:Endoscopic band ligation snare polypectomy(EBLSP) or Surgery. EUS should be performed prior to endoscopic mucosal resection to ensure safety of resection by making sure the lesion is superficial, not vascular, and does not involve the muscularis propria.

Parinaud syndrome: Any clinicoradiological correlation?

The significance of MRI findings of patients with Parinaud syndrome (PS) with respect to clinical characteristics is poorly defined. Over the past decades, all patients with PS undergo magnetic resonance imaging which allows a better identification of the lesion localization. We compared the neuro-ophthalmological findings of patients with PS caused by intrinsic (intra-axial) vs extrinsic (pineal gland tumor) brainstem lesions. Medical records of patients with PS evaluated between 2000 and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Twenty-six patients with PS were included. Eight patients had pineal gland tumors and hydrocephalus. Two patients had hydrocephalus due to aqueduct stenosis and fourth ventricle tumor. Sixteen patients suffered from an intrinsic brainstem lesion and seven associated with hydrocephalus. The neuro-ophthalmological findings did not differ between patients with extrinsic and intrinsic brainstem lesions. No correlation was found between the grade of hydrocephalus and number of clinical findings except for more findings in low-grade hydrocephalus in intrinsic (40%) vs extrinsic (0%) lesions (P=.003). Patients with moderate brainstem lesions and hydrocephalus had more clinical findings (65%) than patients with the same grade of brainstem involvement without hydrocephalus (29%) (P=.03). The resolution rate of ophthalmological findings was comparable in all groups of patients. Our results did not show differences in neuro-ophthalmological findings between intra- and extra-axial lesions causing PS. However, the presence of hydrocephalus was an important factor influencing clinical findings. The prognosis of PS was less favorable than generally reported.

Anatomical and morphological study of the subcoracoacromial canal

IntroductionMany clinical anatomy studies have looked into how variations in the acromion, coracoacromial ligament (CAL) and subacromial space are associated with rotator cuff injuries. However, no study up to now had defined anatomically the fibro-osseous canal that confines the supraspinatus muscle in the subcoracoacromial space. Through an anatomical study of the scapula, we defined the bone-related parameters of this canal and its anatomical variations. Materials and methodsThis study on dry bones involved 71 scapulas. With standardised photographs in two orthogonal views (superior and lateral), the surface area of the subcoracoacromial canal and the anatomical parameters making up this canal were defined and measured using image analysis software. The primary analysis evaluated the anatomical parameters of the canal as a function of three canal surface area groups; the secondary analysis looked into how variations in the canal surface area were related to the type of acromion according to the Bigliani classification. ResultsRelative to glenoid width, the group with a large canal surface area (L) had significantly less lateral overhang of the acromion than the group with a small canal surface area (S), with ratios of 0.41±0.23 and 0.58±0.3, respectively (P=0.04). The mean length of the CAL was 46±8mm in the L group and 39±9mm in the S group (P=0.003). The coracoacromial arch angle was 38°±11° in the L group and 34°±9° in the S group; the canal surface area was smaller in specimens with a smaller coracoacromial arch angle (P=0.20). ConclusionApart from acromial morphology, there could be innate anatomical features of the scapula that predispose people to extrinsic lesions to the supraspinatus tendon (lateral overhang, coracoacromial arch angle) by reducing the subcoracoacromial canal's surface area. Level of evidenceAnatomical descriptive study.

Suburothelial and extrinsic lesions of the urinary bladder: radiologic and pathologic features with emphasis on MR imaging.

The purpose of this article is to present a contemporary review of the imaging appearance of diseases which affect the deeper layers of the urinary bladder, including both suburothelial and extrinsic pathologies, using radiologic-pathologic correlation. Compared to the more common urothelial lesions, at cystoscopy, suburothelial and extrinsic diseases of the urinary bladder wall oftenhave a non-specific appearance or may be occult. Cross-sectional imaging, in particular MRI, plays an integral role in diagnosis. Mesenchymal tumors have distinct imaging features on MRI. Leiomyomas are characteristically low signal intensity on T2-weighted (T2W) imaging and progressively enhance. Lipomas and lipomatous hypertrophy are diagnosed by the presence of macroscopic fat. Neurofibromas, hemangiomas, and paragangliomas are hyperintense on T2W sequencesand hypervascular. Reactive lesions occur in the setting of chronic inflammation and include: nephrogenic adenoma, cystitis cystica, and cystitis glandularis. Imaging findings are commonly non-specific; however, a mass with internal cystic spaces in association with pelvic lipomatosis is suggestive ofcystitis glandularis. Urachal anomalies may be complicated by infection or malignancy. Urachal mucinous adenocarcinoma has a poor prognosis and may present as aT2-hyperintense suburothelial/extrinsic mass centered in the bladder dome. Other diseases may extrinsically involve the urinary bladder by hematogenous and peritoneal spread, including infection, endometriosis, and malignancy. A familiarity with suburothelial and extrinsic pathologies of the urinary bladder is critical for the radiologist, who may be the first to suggest these diagnoses.

Urinary endometriosis: MR imaging appearance with surgical and histological correlations.

The goals of the study were to describe the MR imaging features of endometriosis of the urinary tract and identify those that suggest intrinsic involvement of ureteric wall. Thirty-five women with proven urinary tract endometriosis and who had preoperative MR imaging between 2001 and 2011 were included retrospectively. MR images were intrepreted by one junior and one senior radiologists. To characterize the intrinsic parietal involvement, the ureteric circumference involved by the lesion of endometriosis was noted. Thirty-eight ureteric and 13 bladder lesions were analyzed. They were found in association in nine women. Ureteric lesions were bilateral in seven women. Of the 38 ureteric lesions, 27 were extrinsic and 11 intrinsic at histopathological analysis. Sixteen women with extrinsic lesions and 10 with intrinsic ones were correctly identified on MR imaging. When the ureter was included less than 360° in the lesion, extrinsic involvement was confirmed in 80% of cases. MR imaging appears to be more sensitive (91%vs 82%) but less specific (59% vs 67%) than surgery for the diagnosis of intrinsic form of ureteric location.

Tu1392 Clinical Usefulness of Self-Expandable Metal Stents for Malignant Esophageal Obstruction: a Comparative Study Between Extrinsic and Intrinsic Compression

Self-expandable metal stents (SEMSs) are effective palliation for malignant esophageal obstruction. Malignant esophageal obstruction can occur from intrinsic or other extrinsic malignant lesions, but the clinical usefulness for SEMSs in extrinsic lesions are yet to be elucidated. The aims of study were to evaluate clinical usefulness of SEMSs for the palliation of dysphagia due to extrinsic esophageal compression compared with intrinsic obstruction.

The role of endoscopy in the evaluation and management of dysphagia

The role of endoscopy in the evaluation and management of dysphagia

Anatomy and pathology of the masticator space

ObjectiveThis article reviews and illustrates the anatomy and pathology of the masticator space (MS).BackgroundPathology of the masticator space includes inflammatory conditions, vascular lesions, and tumours. Intrinsic tumours of this space can be benign and malignant, and they may arise from the mandibular ramus, the third division of the trigeminal nerve, or the mastication muscles. Malignant tumours may appear well defined and confined by the masticator fascia, without imaging signs of aggressive extension into neighbouring soft tissues. Secondary invasion of the masticator space can also occur with tumours of the nasopharynx, oropharynx, oral cavity, and parotid glands. Perineural tumour spread (PNS), especially along the trigeminal nerve, can also occur with masticator space malignancies.ConclusionMasses of the MS are difficult to evaluate clinically, and computed tomographic (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) images are essential for the diagnosis and characterisation of these lesions. Malignant tumours may appear well defined and confined by the fascia. Thus, when a mass is identified, a biopsy should be done promptly. PNS may occur in tumours involving the MS and its recognition on imaging studies is essential to plan the appropriate treatment.Teaching points • Differentiating between intrinsic and extrinsic lesions is essential to the differential diagnosis • Infections of the MS may cross the fascia and mimic neoplasms on imaging studies • Malignant tumours may show no aggressive signs, such as bone erosion or violation of the fascia • Perineural spread (PNS) is often clinically silent and frequently missed at imaging and leads to tumour recurrence

Use of endoscopic ultrasound to reduce the need for SpyGlass cholangioscopy and improve its diagnostic yield.

169 Background: The accuracy of SpyGlass cholangioscopy (SGC) guided biopsy is only modest (60%) due to extrinsic lesion causing ductal stricture. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) can visualise the biliary tree and acquire tissue via fine needle aspiration (FNA). The aim is to evaluate the utility of EUS-FNA in patients who were referred for SGC for biliary strictures. Methods: The clinical impact of EUS-FNA was prospectively examined in 17 patients (10M; 56.2±1.9 yrs) who were referred for SGC to investigate difficult biliary strictures over 15 months. All patients had endoscopic retrograde cholangiography and biliary stenting with negative ductal brushing. Any mass lesion(s) or pathological node(s) found on EUS were biopsied. SGC and ductal biopsy were only performed if EUS-FNA could not provide a diagnosis. The results were compared to the surgical specimens or the positive histo-cytological findings from biopsies. Results: EUS examination was able to identify all ductal or peri-ductal abnormalities responsible for the biliary strictures, with sonographic diagnoses of cholangiocarcinoma (n=10), autoimmune pancreatitis (n=2), choledochocyst related stricture (1); pancreatic cancer (n=1), gallbladder cancer (n=1), Mirrizi’s syndrome (n=1) and colorectal metastasis (n=1). EUS-FNA was possible in 13 (76%) cases and provided tissue diagnosis in 9 (59%) patients, which can potentially avoid the need for SGC and cost saving of ~$ 48,000. SGC examination was successful in 7/8 patients, with 100% correct tissue diagnosis from Spybite biopsy (4 cholangio-carcinomas, 1 autoimmune pancreatitis, 1 biliary villous adenoma, 1 hepatoma, 1 high grade dysplastic choledochocyst). SpyScope intubation was not possible in a patient with long-standing primiary sclerosing cholangitis who had tight stricturing of the entire extra-hepatic duct. Overall, tissue diagnosis was established in 94% (16/17) patients. Conclusions: EUS able to detect 100% ductal or peri-ductal abnormalities responsible for biliary strictures referred for SGC. Together with FNA, EUS provides correct diagnosis and avoids the need for SGC in 59% of cases, resulting in significant cost saving but also improving the yield of SpyGlass guided biopsy.

Hematoma of Meckel’s cave: a rare possible symptomatic trigeminal neuralgia

According to the International Classification of Headache Disorders (2004), trigeminal neuralgia (TN) can be divided into classical and symptomatic [1]. The symptomatic TNs represent about 2% of cases and typically are caused by extrinsic lesions that produce neuropathy, demyelination, and axonopathy. We report on an unusual case of symptomatic TN due to an expansile lesion in the Meckel’s cave. A 54-year-old man presented with repetitive, severe stabbing pain localized to the left first and second trigeminal branch territory (zygomatic arch and orbit) lasting 1–2 min with a frequency of about 10–15 attacks/day. Despite that this symptomatology had developed abruptly, a dull background of persistent pain in the same region had started about 15 days before. The background pain was associated with photo-phonophobia and worsened with physical exertion. His past medical history was unremarkable. The patient did not present any cerebrovascular risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, or high blood pressure. The neurologic examination revealed an absence of the left corneal reflex and numbness in the ophthalmic and maxillary divisions of the nerve. A contrast-enhanced brain MRI detected an expansile lesion of the Meckel’s cave (Fig. 1a–d) with a cisternal portion and consequent dumbbell appearance. The lesion was T1-hyperintense on non-enhanced images and did not disappear on fat-saturated diffusion-weighted imaging, thus suggesting the presence of blood degradation products; after contrast medium administration, a marked enhancement of the cisternal portion of the trigeminal nerve was noted. Routine blood tests and hemocoagulative screening were normal; conventional catheter angiography of cerebroafferent vessels was negative. The patient underwent surgery that found a swollen and hemorrhagic Gasserian ganglion. At histology, blood without other pathologic tissue or microarteriovenous malformation was evidenced. After surgery, the pain resolved almost completely, while a complete left trigeminal deficit still persisted. At 3-year contrast-enhanced brain MRI, no sign of tumor was found in the Meckel’s cave, whereas a severe left masticatory muscles fatty degeneration was noted (Fig. 1d–f). Indeed, the patient presented with evident facial asymmetry due to severe left temporal and masseter muscle atrophy, without severe functional impairment. Traditionally, secondary TN constitutes a clinical syndrome attributed to a distinct, structural, pathologic lesion such as tumor, aneurysm, or other vascular malformation. The description of the pain can be identical to that seen in primary TN, with the exception that it tends to be accompanied by a continuous dull pain in the background and by trigeminal hypoesthesia or depression of the corneal reflex [2]. The age of onset may be somewhat younger than in the idiopathic cases, but it depends on the type of the structural lesion. We highlight an unusual cause of symptomatic TN related to an unknown-origin bleeding of the Gasserian ganglion mimicking a lesion. In the literature, only one case of spontaneous hematoma of Meckel’s cave has been reported [3]. A differential diagnosis needed to be performed with a hemorrhagic trigeminal schwannoma [4] or bleeding due to microarteriovenous malformation in the Meckel’s cave. Sometimes the latter might be F. Maggioni (&) M. Bellamio M. Margoni G. Zanchin Department of Neurosciences, Headache Centre, University of Padua, Via Giustiniani 5, 35128 Padua, Italy e-mail: ferdinando.maggioni@unipd.it