Intra-abdominal Lesions Research Articles

Ultrasonographic liver nodules are more often benign lesions in dogs with hemoperitoneum secondary to splenic tumor rupture.

To evaluate the reliability of preoperative abdominal ultrasonography as a staging tool for dogs with hemoperitoneum due to presumed splenic tumor rupture, focusing on the detection of metastatic lesions in the liver. 99 dogs from 20 emergency and specialty hospitals across the US. Dogs with nontraumatic hemoperitoneum secondary to splenic tumor rupture were included. A post hoc analysis was conducted on data from a nationwide prospective trial investigating novel treatments for canine hemangiosarcoma. The accuracy of preoperative staging was assessed by comparing ultrasonographic findings with intraoperative observations and histologic findings. On preoperative ultrasonography, there was a 20% incidence of liver lesions identified, with no association to liver lesions seen during operation. Notably, 22% of liver lesions observed during operation were missed on preoperative ultrasonography. The presence of liver lesions on preoperative ultrasonography was associated with a higher likelihood of a benign splenic tumor diagnosis. There was no association between the identification of liver lesions on preoperative ultrasonography and the presence of metastatic disease on liver biopsy, with a sensitivity and specificity of 19% and 82%, respectively. Additionally, ultrasound had low sensitivity in detecting intra-abdominal lesions beyond the liver and spleen, with 82% of these lesions missed preoperatively. This study challenges conventional perceptions around the approach to staging in dogs with hemoperitoneum. These findings advocate for a reevaluation of the staging approach, with more comprehensive modalities like whole-body CT or MRI potentially being more warranted.

Feasibility and Safety of Transesophageal Mediastinal Cryobiopsy in the Diagnosis of Mediastinal Pathologies

Introduction: Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of mediastinal pathologies. Its greatest limitation has been the low diagnostic yield in lymphoproliferative disorders as well as insufficient samples for molecular testing. Transesophageal examinations using an EBUS scope have helped increase the diagnostic yield by allowing for additional biopsies of paraesophageal and intra-abdominal lesions. Similarly, the novel approach of transbronchial mediastinal cryobiopsy has further increased the yield by providing larger and better-preserved biopsies. Both complimentary techniques have shown great individual feasibility and safety. However, the feasibility of transesophageal cryobiopsies in the evaluation of mediastinal pathologies remains a subject of debate. Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the safety and feasibility of transesophageal EBUS-guided mediastinal cryobiopsies performed at our center. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of 30 patients who underwent mediastinal cryobiopsy through the esophagus at our institution between October 2023 and March 2024. Data on patient demographics, diagnostic yield, and complications were collected and analyzed. Results: The mean patient age was 43 years, with a gender distribution of 60% male and 40% female. The primary indications included suspicion of lymphoproliferative disorders, suspected sarcoidosis, and malignancies with paraesophageal lesions. The overall diagnostic yield was 93%. No major complications were noted in any of the patients. Conclusion: Transesophageal mediastinal cryobiopsy appears to be a promising complimentary technique for mediastinal evaluation with a relatively high diagnostic yield and favorable safety profile. However, further studies with larger cohorts are warranted to validate the findings at our institution.

Rare presentation of Omental Cyst in Inguinal Hernia

Introduction: Inguinal hernia is one of the most frequent surgery performed by pediatric surgeons and majority of the hernias are indirect inguinal hernia. Mostly the sac is empty or might contain omentun , small bowel , ovaries , fallopian tubes etc. Rarely we see patients in which sac contains huge cystic lesion. We present a case report of patient who presented to us with swelling in left inguinal region and a preiminalry diagnosis of Left inguinal hernia was made later on it was found that the hernia sac contains a huge omental cyst which remained un-diagnosed till the time of surgey. Omental cyst is one of the rarest types of intraabdominal cystic lesions in pediatric age group.

Giant multiloculated omental cyst in a pediatric patient. Case report and literature review

Introduction: Omental cysts are rare intra-abdominal lesions, with a frequency of 1:250,000, which often present asymptomatically. However, they can cause abdominal distension, or even surgical abdominal symptoms. Case report: A 3-year-old female patient presents with a clinical picture of 2 years of evolution, reporting progressive abdominal distention since she was one year old and abdominal pain for 2 weeks. Physical findings show an abdomen with great abdominal distention, tense and painful on superficial and deep palpation. A contrast-enhanced CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis revealed abdominopelvic cystic lesions. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a giant multilocular cystic mass dependent on the greater omentum. The pathological report revealed a giant omentum cyst. A successful surgical resection of the cystic lesions was performed and a favorable post-surgical evolution was performed. Conclusions: Omentum cysts are rare in paediatrics. Diagnosis is based on imaging studies and is confirmed during surgery. Surgical treatment is effective and with few complications

131I-mIBG Therapy in the Management of High-Risk Neuroblastoma: A Retrospective Study from a Tertiary Level Hospital in South India

Abstract Introduction Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor in childhood. The data on the treatment experience with 131iodine-meta-iodo-benzyl-guanidine (131I-mIBG) and clinical outcome data are meager from India. Objectives This article studies the efficacy and treatment outcomes in patients treated with 131I-mIBG in high-risk neuroblastoma. Materials and Methods The study group consisted of 201 consecutive patients (aged between 1 and 15 years) with biopsy-proven neuroblastoma who underwent 131I-mIBG scans from 2012 to 2022. The majority of these children had a disease that was inoperable or had poor response to chemotherapy. Patients with positive scintigraphy were considered for therapy with 131I-mIBG. The findings were analyzed and correlated with the final diagnosis and outcomes obtained from survival during follow-up and reviewing patient records. Results Thirty-nine children, 22 males and 17 females, with a median age of 4 years had positive 131I-mIBG scintigraphy. Intra-abdominal primary lesions and osseous lesions were the most common sites of uptake on 131I-mIBG scan. Of these, 13 had upfront chemotherapy and 26 had surgery followed by chemotherapy. All the patients underwent therapy with 131I-mIBG. Fourteen patients had multiple therapies while the remaining 25 had only one therapy. Eight patients had no follow-up, and 13 had disease relapse. The remaining 18 had regression of disease which was confirmed by follow-up 131I-mIBG scintigraphy and with bone scintigraphy in patients with osseous metastases. Conclusion 131I-mIBG scintigraphy should be preferred in intermediate and high-risk neuroblastoma to know the extent of the disease and also for patient selection for early therapy with 131I-mIBG. It holds significant utility in the management of metastatic neuroblastoma, facilitating palliative pain relief and tumor size reduction in inoperable or metastatic disease.

Ultrasound imaging of bowel obstruction in infants and children.

We review the etiologies of bowel obstruction in infants and children that can be identified on ultrasound (US) including perforated appendicitis, intussusception, foreign body ingestion, colonic volvulus, intra-abdominal mass lesions, internal hernia, and stricturing inflammatory bowel disease. US can potentially identify the cause of bowel obstruction in these age groups, without the need for additional cross-sectional imaging, and can aid in patient management including interventional and surgical planning. Hence, it is important to be familiar with the sonographic imaging findings of bowel obstruction in infants and children.

Cystica indeterminata – A novel intriguing pelvic pathology in a 9-year-old girl

Abstract Intra-abdominal cystic lesions are commonly associated with visceral locations such as renal, hepatic, pancreatic, ovarian/adnexal, and mesenteric. Rarely, nonvisceral locations such as retroperitoneum, free intra-peritoneum, prevertebral space, and pelvis harbor cystic lesions. In almost all these lesions, radiology, histopathology, immunostaining, and serology markers are able to assign a definite origin and pathogenesis. Very rarely a clear diagnosis is not possible, and these lesions have been designated as “indeterminate” lesions. We report the first case of “cystica indeterminata” with completely obscure origin and histopathogenesis in a 9-year-old female child. Clinical, radiological, seromarkers, histopathology, related differentials, and pathogenesis have been discussed. We hypothesize that aborted organogenesis or acquired degenerative/involutory changes may lead to such indeterminate lesions.

Effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy on bone metastases in non-small-cell lung cancer.

Bone metastases (BoMs) are prevalent in patients with metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) however, there are limited data detailing how BoMs respond to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). The purpose of this study was to compare the imaging response to ICIs of BoMs against visceral metastases and to evaluate the effect of BoMs on survival. A retrospective, multicentre cohort study was conducted in patients with NSCLC treated with nivolumab or pembrolizumab in Alberta, Canada from 2015 to 2020. The primary endpoint was the real-world organ specific progression free survival (osPFS) of bone versus visceral metastases. Visceral metastases were categorized as adrenal, brain, liver, lung, lymph node, or other intra-abdominal lesions. The secondary outcome was overall survival (OS) amongst patients with and without BoMs. A total of 573 patients were included of which all patients had visceral metastases and 243 patients (42.4%) had BoMs. High PD-L1 expression was identified in 268 patients (46.8%). No significant difference in osPFS was observed between bone, liver, and intra-abdominal metastases (p=0.20 and p=0.76, respectively), with all showing shorter osPFS than other disease sites. There was no difference in the osPFS of extra-thoracic sites of disease in patients with high PD-L1 expression. There was significant discordance between visceral disease response and bone disease response to ICI (p=0.047). The presence of BoMs was an independent poor prognostic factor for OS (HR 1.26, 95%CI: 1.05-1.53, p=0.01). Metastatic bone, liver, and intra-abdominal lesions demonstrated inferior clinical responses to ICI relative to other sites of disease. Additionally, the presence of bone and liver metastases were independent poor prognostic factors for overall survival. This real-world data suggests that BoMs respond poorly to ICI and may require treatment adjuncts for disease control.

Assessment of abdominal lesions in pigs with wounded umbilical outpouchings transported to slaughter

BackgroundUmbilical outpouchings (UOs) in pigs are of welfare and production concern in Danish pig herds. One of the challenges is the transportation of these animals due to the size of the UOs and ulcerations on them. With certain precautions and an approval from a veterinarian, pigs with UOs may be transported, however, UOs are associated with several intra-abdominal lesions, e.g. peritonitis and incarceration, which may worsen during the process of transportation. The prevalence and characterization of intra-abdominal lesions associated with UOs following transportation has not been investigated. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to evaluate lesions associated with the intestines and peritoneum in slaughter pigs with wounded UOs following transportation to an abattoir.ResultsA cross-sectional study involving three conventional Danish pig herds was conducted comprising 96 slaughter pigs with wounded UOs transported to an abattoir. Following slaughter the UOs with accompanying intestines were examined pathologically. Three distinct morphological categories were present: hernia, enterocystoma and herniating enterocystoma. Intra-abdominal lesions were present in 72% of the animals, representing 65% (44/68) of the hernias, 77% (10/13) of the enterocystomas, and 100% (15/15) of the herniating enterocystomas. Several different lesions were found like bleedings, acute/chronic peritonitis and hypertrophy of the intestinal muscular layers.ConclusionsThe prevalence of intra-abdominal lesions in pigs transported with a wounded UO was found to be high independent of the underlying condition, and it is clear that these pigs possess a vulnerable group of animals, especially during physical stressful situations like transportation. More information is needed regarding the prevalence of intra-abdominal lesions in UO pigs without wounds on the UO. The results provide valuable knowledge, that can be used when examining and evaluating UO pigs before transportation.

Intra-abdominal Cysts Not Originating from Liver, Spleen, or Kidney in Children: Assessment of the Diagnostic Value of Ultrasound Features

Background: Cystic abdominal masses are relatively prevalent in the pediatric population. Ultrasound (US) often serves as the initial imaging modality for evaluating these lesions, assisting in diagnosis, and guiding clinical decisions. Objectives: This study aimed to delineate the characteristic US features of intra-abdominal cystic lesions not arising from the liver, spleen, or kidney in children and to assess their diagnostic value for providing definitive diagnoses. Methods: Conducted in the radiology department of pediatric hospitals affiliated with Mashhad University of Medical Sciences from 2019 to 2022, this cross-sectional study examined 104 children with cystic abdominal lesions. Patient demographic data and US characteristics were documented. Definitive diagnoses were established through histopathological reports, surgical outcomes, or clinical follow-up. The accuracy of US findings was evaluated against these definitive diagnoses, with the sensitivity and specificity of US features for various intra-abdominal cystic lesions being calculated. Results: The most frequent cystic lesions identified were perinatal ovarian torsion (22.1%) and duplication cysts (18.2%). Ultrasound achieved a sensitivity and specificity of 82.61% (95% CI = 0.6 - 0.94) and 100% (95% CI = 0.94 - 1), respectively, in diagnosing perinatal ovarian torsion and 89.47% (95% CI = 0.65 - 0.98) and 94.11% (95% CI = 0.86 - 0.97) in diagnosing duplication cysts. In 80.8% of the cases, the initial US diagnosis corresponded with the final diagnosis. Conclusions: Ultrasound exhibits commendable sensitivity and specificity in identifying intra-abdominal cysts not originating from the liver, spleen, or kidneys in children, demonstrating its effectiveness in the diagnostic evaluation of these lesions.

Ileal Chylolymphatic Mesenteric Cyst in a 4-year-old Child

Abstract Mesenteric cysts are rare, usually asymptomatic intra-abdominal benign cystic lesions, located in gastrointestinal tract mesentery. Their incidence is estimated about 1/20,000 in the pediatric age group with a male-to-female ratio of 1:2. Here, we report a case of ileal chylolymphatic mesenteric cyst in a 4-year-old male child. A 4-year-old male child presented to the outpatient department with a history of on-and-off abdominal pain and vomiting for the last 2 years. Ultrasound revealed a well-defined anechoic area measuring approximately 68 mm × 52 mm in the lower abdomen and pelvis. Exploratory laparotomy was performed and excised cyst with an attached part of the ileum was sent for histopathology. Correlating histology with immunohistochemical findings, the final diagnosis of ileal chylolymphatic type mesenteric cyst was considered. Mesenteric cysts should be kept as a differential diagnosis of intra-abdominal and pelvic cystic lesions. Although rare, awareness of this entity is necessary for early and prompt diagnosis as well as management, particularly in patients of the pediatric age group.

Abstract B102: Mutational and copy number-based ctDNA profiles mirror high-grade serous cancer tumors and enable detection of genetic changes appearing at recurrence

Abstract Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is the cancer-derived fraction of extracellular DNA fragments present in the bloodstream as cell-free DNA (cfDNA). Consequently, ctDNA harbors the distinct genomic information specific to the cancer from which it derives. Therefore, ctDNA from liquid biopsies provides a non-invasive, universally available alternative to traditional tumor biopsies. ctDNA amount may provide insight into tumor burden, as its concentration is typically highest during diagnosis and relapse. The non-invasive nature of this method facilitates frequent monitoring, enabling longitudinal tracking of the disease's trajectory and response to treatments. By focusing on the key genomic changes, either short mutations or copy number aberrations (CNA), liquid biopsy allows the investigation of cancer progression and evolution over time, providing invaluable insight into the behavior and adaptability of the cancer. We collected 152 longitudinal plasma samples and 92 fresh tissue samples from 29 patients enrolled in the DECIDER cohort (NCT04846933), after a diagnosis of high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC), the most common and deadliest histological subtype of ovarian cancer. With ultra-deep targeted sequencing of a gene panel of more than 700 cancer-related genes we were able to comprehensively evaluate the cancer-related genomic changes. The concordance rate between mutations in plasma compared to tumor tissue was 83 % at diagnosis and 90 % at relapse, confirming the reliability of exploiting ctDNA in monitoring genomic alterations. Furthermore, by comparing plasma- and tissue-derived mutations, we demonstrated that comparable levels of ctDNA are released from adnexa, intra-abdominal lesions, and ascites, proposing that a liquid biopsy represents mutations from various locations. Analysis of CNA showed that our approach successfully detected concordant profiles in most plasma samples, even with tumor content as low as 3%. Additionally, highly amplified regions were identified in samples with approximately 1% tumor content. Longitudinal analysis of both mutations and CNA revealed genomic changes in plasma samples at relapse. Twenty-four new exonic mutations were identified in eight patients at relapse; two of these alterations were related to HRD status, supporting PARP-inhibitors as a valid treatment option. Furthermore, mutations in FGFR3, JAK2, FLT3 and CDKN2A could be investigated as target indications for extended use of currently available therapies. Eleven patients had high tumor content in their plasma samples at the time of relapse. We detected altered CNA profiles in seven of these eleven patients, so that five patients harbored only a few novel focal amplifications or losses, while two patients showed significant changes in their copy-number profile during the therapy. In conclusion, our study identified recurrence-specific genomic aberrations, proposing that ctDNA more accurately represents the metastatic tumor and provides possibilities for personalized therapy options. Citation Format: Giovanni Marchi, Mai T.N. Nguyen, Anna Rajavuori, Taru Muranen, Kaisa Huhtinen, Sinikka Oksa, Sakari Hietanen, Johanna Hynninen, Jaana Oikkonen, Sampsa Hautaniemi. Mutational and copy number-based ctDNA profiles mirror high-grade serous cancer tumors and enable detection of genetic changes appearing at recurrence [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Ovarian Cancer; 2023 Oct 5-7; Boston, Massachusetts. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(5 Suppl_2):Abstract nr B102.

Organ-specific response with first-line atezolizumab-bevacizumab versus lenvatinib for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.

467 Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-based treatments have become the mainstay of first-line treatment for unresectable HCC, but there has been a concern that intrahepatic HCC lesions may be less responsive to ICI monotherapy. Methods: This retrospective study included 386 patients with Child-Pugh A unresectable HCC who were treated with first-line atezolizumab-bevacizumab (n = 217) or lenvatinib (n = 169). The organ-specific response was separately evaluated according to the site of the lesions: liver, lung, lymph node (LN), and intra-abdomen based on a radiological evaluation adopted from RECIST v 1.1. Up to 2 lesions were chosen as target lesions in each organ for the organ-specific response evaluation. Results: The median age was 60 years. The majority of study patients were male in both groups (83.4% and 85.8% in the atezolizumab-bevacizumab and lenvatinib groups, respectively). The etiology of HCC was similar between the two groups: hepatitis B virus infection was the most common etiology in both groups (73.3% and 65.7% in the atezolizumab-bevacizumab and lenvatinib groups, respectively), while 21.2% and 29.0% of patients had non-viral HCC, respectively. Extrahepatic spread was identified in 76.0% and 74.6% of patients in the atezolizumab-bevacizumab and lenvatinib groups, respectively: lung, LN, and intra-abdominal metastases were present in 39.6% vs. 39.1%, 30.0% vs. 33.1% and 16.6% vs. 15.4% of patients, respectively. The proportion of patients achieving a ≥ 30% reduction in the tumor burden for each organ category was higher overall in the atezolizumab-bevacizumab group than in the lenvatinib group: 20.2% vs. 11.8%, 23.0% vs. 12.2%, 27.9% vs. 17.9%, and 33.3% vs. 15.0% for intrahepatic, lung, LN and intra-abdominal lesions, respectively. The corresponding values for the subgroup with a viral etiology were 17.3% vs. 8.1%, 18.8% vs. 13.3%, 28.9% vs. 3.6% and 36.0% vs. 12.5%, respectively. Among patients with a non-viral etiology, atezolizumab-bevacizumab was not clearly associated with a better organ-specific response for the LN and intra-abdominal lesions: 20.0% vs. 54.5% and 20.0% vs. 25.0%, respectively, for a ≥ 30% reduction in the tumor burden. Conclusions: Compared to lenvatinib, atezolizumab-bevacizumab was associated with a favorable organ-specific response regardless of the site of the tumor lesions. Unlike anti-PD-1 monotherapy, atezolizumab-bevacizumab had a comparable organ-specific response between intrahepatic and extrahepatic lesions, especially for those with viral etiology HCCs.

Organ-specific response with first-line atezolizumab-bevacizumab versus lenvatinib for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.

Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-based treatments have become the mainstay of first-line treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but there has been a concern that intrahepatic HCC lesions may be less responsive to ICI monotherapy. We aimed to investigate the organ-specific response patterns among unresectable HCC patients treated with first-line atezolizumab-bevacizumab or lenvatinib. This retrospective study included 386 patients with Child-Pugh A unresectable HCC who were treated with first-line atezolizumab-bevacizumab (n = 217) or lenvatinib (n = 169). The organ-specific response was separately evaluated according to the site of the lesions: liver, lung, lymph node (LN), and intraabdomen based on a radiological evaluation adopted from RECIST v 1.1. The median age was 60years. Hepatitis B infection was the most common etiology (n = 270, 69.9%), and 291 (75.4%) patients had a viral etiology. The proportion of patients achieving a ≥ 30% reduction in the tumor burden for each organ category was overall higher in the atezolizumab-bevacizumab group than that in the lenvatinib group: 20.2% vs. 11.8%, 23.0% vs. 12.2%, 27.9% vs. 17.9% and 33.3% vs. 15.0% for intrahepatic, lung, LN, and intraabdominal lesions, respectively. The corresponding values for the subgroup with a viral etiology were 17.3% vs. 8.1%, 18.8% vs. 13.3%, 28.9% vs. 3.6%, and 36.0% vs. 12.5%, respectively. Compared to lenvatinib, atezolizumab-bevacizumab was associated with a favorable organ-specific response regardless of the site of the tumor lesions. Unlike anti-PD-1 monotherapy, atezolizumab-bevacizumab had a comparable organ-specific response between intrahepatic and extrahepatic lesions, especially for those with viral etiology HCCs.

Mesenteric and Omental Lymphatic Cysts in Children: A 23-Year Retrospective Descriptive Study from Central India

Introduction: Lymphatic cystic malformations occur in the mesentery of the small and large bowel, omentum and retroperitoneal area and are rare, benign, intra-abdominal cystic lesions. Aim: To review the demographics, clinical presentation and surgical outcomes of children’s mesenteric and omental lymphatic cystic lesions. Materials and Methods: A single-institution, retrospective descriptive study was conducted in the Department of Paediatric Surgery, Gandhi Medical College and Associated Hospitals, Bhopal, India, from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2023. It included cases of lymphatic cystic lesions in infants and children below 12 years of age involving the mesentery of the small and large bowel and omentum. The details collected from the case records were the age, sex, clinical presentation, radiological investigations carried out, operative findings and the outcome of the operative intervention executed for mesenteric and omental lymphatic cysts in children. The results obtained from the present study are expressed in numbers and percentages. Results: The present study analysed 18 children aged ≤12 years who underwent surgery for lymphatic cysts of the mesentery of the small bowel (n=14), large bowel/mesocolon (n=1) and omentum (n=3) during the study period. There were 11 boys and 7 girls. More than four-fifths (n=15) of the children were ≤5 years old at the time of diagnosis and operative therapy provided. One-third (n=7) of the cases clinically presented with the clinical features of intestinal obstruction. The cysts involved the mesentery of the small bowel in three-fourths (n=14) of the cases. The complete excision of the lymphatic cysts was possible in three-fourths (n=14) of the cases. In 10 children, resection of the adjacent/involved small bowel segment was also required during the operative procedures. Fifty percentage of the cases revealed volvulus of the small bowel caused by mesenteric cysts involving the small bowel. More than half of the cases required resection of the adjacent/involved segment of the small bowel along with excision of the mesenteric cysts. Conclusion: Mesenteric cysts are rare abdominal pathology with diverse clinical presentations ranging from vague abdominal pain and lump to an acute abdomen. Early referral to higher centres, diagnosis and prompt surgical excision of the mesenteric cysts can prevent volvulus, one of the most common complications and requirements of an emergency surgical procedure.

Role of Image Guided FNAC in Assessment of Intra-Abdominal and Retroperitoneal Masses

Introduction: Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology is a widely used method for palpable/nonpalpable masses. Radiological image guided Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology is less invasive, safe and cost effective method for diagnosis of masses in less accessible sites like intra-abdominal organs. Ultrasound or Computed Tomography guided methods are usually preferred.
 Aims: This study was done to evaluate the diagnostic utility of image guided Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology in an intra-abdominal and retroperitoneal lesions and confirmation by histopathology whenever available.
 Methods: This is a hospital based prospective study over a period of one year (October 2022 to September 2023) in department of Pathology, Nepalgunj Medical College, Kohalpur, Nepal. Patients who presented clinically and radiologically with intraabdominal or retroperitoneal masses were included in which direct Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology was not possible. A cytological opinion was made by correlating with clinical and radiological findings. Histological correlation was carried out in patients who went surgical excision or biopsy of lesion.
 Results: Among 52 cases studied, all were accessible via ultrasonography. Cytopathological diagnosis was obtained in 49 cases and three cases were unsatisfactory. Among them 44 were malignant, one was suspicious and seven were non-neoplastic. Liver was most frequently aspirated organ (23 cases) with commonest diagnosis being metastatic adenocarcinoma (17 cases). Cyto-histological correlation was available in 16 cases. This study shows 100% specificity and 93.3% sensitivity. Diagnostic accuracy was 94.2%.
 Conclusion: Image guided Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology plays an important role in diagnosis of deep-seated nonpalpable lesions. It is safe and provides rapid diagnosis with minimal complications.

Prenatal Diagnosis of Fetal Ovarian Cyst. Report of a Case

Background: Prenatal diagnosis of abdominal cysts is relatively common; The ovarian cyst is the most predominant chemical lesion of abdominal masses in female fetuses; however, given the wide variety of intra-abdominal masses, determining the origin of the chemical lesion is the most frequent diagnostic challenge, especially to establish fetal prognosis. Clinical Case: 30-year-old patient, who went to the emergency department for uterine contractions, no prenatal control, during the ultrasound evaluation, polyhydramnios and an intra-abdominal cystic lesion measuring 4.9 x 3.9 cm, without septa and with a thin wall were documented, the area was intentionally reviewed. renal, hepatic, and intestinal; Without involvement of these structures, female genitalia were confirmed, concluding in a probable ovariandependent cyst, admission for resolution of the pregnancy via the abdomen due to pelvic presentation and labor, at birth the diagnosis was confirmed. Conclusions: Timely detection of an intra-abdominal chemical injury and ecological follow-up improve perinatal prognosis.

Surgical Treatment of Sternal Fracture: Case Report and Literature Review

Sternal fractures are uncommon thoracic trauma that can ensue in isolation or conjunction with other organ injuries, implying more significant morbidity and mortality. These fractures result from diverse aetiological mechanisms, some of which may provoke minor chest wall issues, while others can have deadly outcomes. The sternal fracture’s primary aetiological culprits are direct impact and the upper thoracic region’s compression. Studies reveal that traumatic sternum fractures occur in 8-18% of blunt thoracic and polytrauma victims, whereas they are unusual in open trauma. This report aims to outline the case of a 54-year-old Caucasian male with hypertension and an alcohol consumption history who sustained a direct impact on the anterior thorax after a traffic accident. He experienced severe pain that worsened with movement and coughing, and breathing difficulty. We noticed a painful haematoma and depression with bony crepitus at the sternal body level. Abdominal-pelvic echography indicated no intraabdominal lesions and showed pleural effusion in the left lung base, while thoracic X-rays (lateral and anteroposterior view) and chest computerized tomography (CT) scan exhibited mid-sternum segment displaced fracture and haemothorax. We diagnosed a mid-sternum completely displaced overlapping fracture and a traumatic left haemothorax. Therefore, urgent surgical intervention was required. We performed a minimal-lower pleurotomy and internal fixation to address the fracture. His post-operative recovery was satisfactory. Although various authors advocate X-rays as an effective diagnostic means for sternal fractures, CT uncovers overlooked radiography abnormalities; therefore, CT must be considered in patients’ initial assessment. While most sternal fractures can be treated conservatively, surgery is feasible in displaced fractures.

Reimaging study in the management of blunt abdominal trauma in children: a low income country single center experience

Introduction The abdomen is the most prevalent site of primarily unidentified fatal injury after blunt trauma, and represents the third major affected part. However, follow-up strategies of intra-abdominal injuries remain controversial. The aim of this study is to describe the characteristics of children with blunt abdominal trauma (BAT) and who presented radiographic amendments in re-imaging studies and predict factors that could identify patients group requiring control in this population. Methods A retrospective study was conducted in the department of pediatric surgery and the intensive care unit of Monastir involving all patients under the age of 14 years old who were admitted for blunt abdominal trauma between January 2010 and December 2021.An analysis of epidemiological, clinical, radiological and therapeutic management characteristics were performed. Results A total of 151 patients were included in this study with a mean age of six years. The sex ratio (m/f) was 2.7. Most trauma circumstances were related to road accidents (43.7%) and falls (32.4%). The liver, the spleen, and the kidneys were the most frequently affected organs. A combination of intra-abdominal lesions was recorded in 32 cases. 84% of the cases (110/131) of the reimaged patients had no complications, compared to 16% (21/131) who developed intra-abdominal complications. The complicated reimaging findings were significantly associated with high grade hepatic and renal injuries (p=0.019 and 0.002, respectively), and patient symptom persistence or development (p=0.001). Conclusion It is safe to avoid performing reimaging studies if clinical progression remains uneventful in children with low-grade hepatic, splenic, and renal lesions. However, the clinical assessment is the most crucial consideration during BAT management in children.

Comprehensive management of umbilical endometriosis using a unique laparoscopic entry portal (Darwish point) and postoperative dienogest

Umbilical endometriosis, although relatively rare, has been described with plenty of case reports and case series available in the literature. Surgical excision has been the preferred mode of treatment, with or without excision of the umbilicus. Few cases described laparoscopically assisted excision but lacked descriptions of a safe alternative non-umbilical laparoscopy entry portal, management of possible concomitant intraperitoneal lesions, and aesthetic umbilicus repair. The aim of this work is to describe a modified technique of laparoscopically assisted excision of umbilical endometriosis and treat concomitant intraperitoneal lesions via a new laparoscopic entry portal with aesthetic preservation of the umbilicus. Successful complete excision of the mass with aesthetic preservation of the umbilicus followed by 3 months of Dienogest therapy resulted in complete resolution of the mass. It is concluded that utilizing “Darwish point” for abdominal access to excise umbilical endometriosis and treat concomitant intraabdominal lesions, offers smart abdominal access with aesthetic umbilicus repair. Moreover, postoperative hormonal treatment (Dienogest) is helpful to ensure a better cure.