Presence Of Free Fluid Research Articles

Ruptura de vesícula urinária decorrente de hemangioma em um cão – relato de caso

Hemangioma is a benign, noninvasive and non-metastatic neoplasm originating from endothelial cells of the blood vessels. The involvement of the urinary vesicle with neoplasias occurs in less than 0.5% of dogs. The main clinical signs are hematuria, dysuria, pollakiuria, incontinence and urinary obstruction. The diagnosis is based on imaging tests and is confirmed by histopathological examination. The treatment of choice is surgical resection with safety margins. This paper reports the case of a twelve-year-old Poodle with a history of abdominal pain, which was attended at the Florianópolis Veterinary Hospital. Abdominal ultrasound showed the presence of free fluid. During exploratory laparotomy, the urinary vesicle was observed to be ruptured, presenting a thickened wall and small areas of necrosis. A sample was sent for histopathological analysis and the diagnosis was of benign vascular neoplasia compatible with hemangioma.

Pneumatosis Intestinalis in Patients Receiving Tube Feeds

Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) identified on computed tomography (CT) suggests an underlying pathology including bowel ischemia. Patients receiving tube feeds can develop PI, potentially requiring surgical intervention. We identify clinical factors in PI to predict those that may be safe to observe versus those that need immediate intervention. We retrospectively reviewed patients from a single institution from 2008 to 2016 with CT findings of PI and an enteric feeding tube. Patients who had not received tube feeds within one week of the CT were excluded. We analyzed clinical, operative, and outcome data to differentiate benign from pathologic outcomes. P values < 0.05 were set as significant. Forty patients were identified. We classified 24 as benign (no intervention) and 16 as pathologic (requiring intervention). A pathologic outcome was demonstrated for free fluid on CT [odds ratio (OR) = 5.00, confidence interval (CI) 1.23-20.30, P = 0.03)], blood urea nitrogen (BUN) elevation (OR = 8.27, CI 1.53-44.62, P = 0.01), creatinine (Cr) elevation (OR = 5.00, CI 1.27-19.62, P = 0.02), BUN/Cr ratio >30 (OR = 8.57, CI 1.79-40.98, P = 0.006), and vomiting/feeding intolerance (OR = 9.38, CI 1.64-53.62, P = 0.01). Bowel function within 24 hours of the CT, bowel dilatation (small ≥ 3 cm; large ≥6 cm), and lactic acidemia were not significant. Peritonitis was only seen in pathologic states, but this did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.06). This represents the largest single-center retrospective analysis of tube feeding-induced PI to date. The presence of free fluid on CT, BUN and Cr elevation, BUN/Cr >30, vomiting/feeding intolerance and peritonitis were predictive of a pathologic etiology of PI.

Retrospective analysis of factors that affect the success of single-dose methotrexate treatment in ectopic pregnancy.

Objective:Detection of factors that affect the success of single-dose methotrexate treatment in ectopic pregnancy.Materials and Methods:We investigated 99 patients who had been treated with single-dose methotrexate for ectopic pregnancy in our clinic between January 2009 and June 2014. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory results of possible factors that affect treatment success were retrospectively analyzed. Successfully and unsuccessfully treated patients were compared based on their pre-treatment results.Results:The success rate of single-dose methotrexate treatment was found to be 70.7%. No significant difference was found between succesfully and unsuccessfully treated patients before treatment in terms of factors such as gestational weeks, mass size, presence of yolk sac, and presence of free fluid (p=0.224, p=0.201, p=0.200, p=0.200). Serum β-hCG values in patients whose treatment was unsuccessful was found to be higher compared with the successfully treated group (mean β-hCG value of unsuccessful group: 4412±3501 mIU/mL; mean β-hCG value of successful group: 1079±942 mIU/mL; p<0.001).Conclusion:Single-dose methotrexate treatment is an effective and reliable method in the treatment of ectopic pregnancy. Elevation of serum β-hCG value stands as the main prognostic factor that affects the success of single-dose methotrexate treatment.

A multi-institution prospective observational study of small bowel obstruction: Clinical and computerized tomography predictors of which patients may require early surgery.

For patients with adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO), early surgery after a failed trial of nonoperative treatment can improve outcome. However, deciding which patients require early surgery is difficult, given the lack of specific clinical or radiographic signs. The study goals were to identify clinical and computed tomography (CT) predictors of which patients may need early surgery and to evaluate the utility of the common CT findings. This was a multi-institution prospective observational study for patients who were admitted with ASBO. Patients were excluded if their SBO were not managed conservative initially; were within 30 days postoperatively; were caused by external hernias, small bowel tumor, or intussusception; and were related to Crohn's disease. Clinical and laboratory variables were collected prospectively. CT findings were interpreted by a blinded designated radiologist. To identify significant predictors, we performed a multivariable regression analysis. During 22 months, we enrolled 200 patients with ASBO. Patients' mean (SD) age was 60 (18) years; 50% were male. Fifty-two patients (26%) underwent surgery. Of those who underwent surgery, the median duration of nonoperative treatment was 1.5 days (interquartile range, 1-2.5 days). In the regression model, we identified no flatus (odds ratio [OR], 3.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.51-7.12; p = 0.003), presence of free fluid on CT (OR, 2.59; 95% CI, 1.13-5.90; p = 0.023), and high-grade obstruction by CT (OR, 2.44; 95% CI, 1.10-5.43; p = 0.028) to be significant predictors for ASBO patients who may need early surgery. In this study, we prospectively derived one clinical and two CT predictors which ASBO patients may benefit from an early surgical intervention. However, a future study to validate these predictors is needed. Therapeutic study, level III; prognostic study, level II.

Is pneumoperitoneum the terra ignota in ultrasonography?

In most cases, pneumoperitoneum is caused by gastrointestinal perforation, which usually requires surgical treatment. Many authors believe that ultrasound imaging of pneumoperitoneum is at least as effective as conventional radiography, or even that its efficacy is superior. In such a situation, it is imperative to make this modality one of the main tools in the diagnostic arsenal of emergency medicine. This is the main aim of this paper. First, ultrasound anatomy of so-called thoracic-abdominal border is discussed. The equipment requirements emphasize that the diagnostic process can be conducted with the simplest portable US scanner, even without the Doppler mode. The technique of a US examination, the aim of which is to detect, free air in the peritoneal cavity is also simple and conducted with the patients lying down, either in the supine or lateral position. A convex transducer with the frequency of 3.5–5 MHz is applied above the lower intercostal spaces on the right and left side, to the epigastric region below the xiphoid process and in various sites of the abdominal wall. The most effective examination, however, is conducted in the left lateral position via the right intercostal spaces. The differential diagnosis on the right side under the diaphragm should include the presence of a subdiaphragmatic abscess with gas and a hepatic abscess with a similar content as well as transposition of the colon in between the diaphragm and the liver (Chilaiditi syndrome). It seems that the inclusion of a US examination to the E-FAST method in order to detect free gas in the peritoneal cavity is justified since it is a sign of gastrointestinal perforation in numerous cases, and is clinically as relevant as the presence of free fluid.

Hallazgos laparoscópicos en pacientes con diagnóstico de embarazo ectópico

Objetivos: Determinar los hallazgos más frecuentes en pacientes con diagnóstico de embarazo ectópico sometidas a intervención quirúrgica vía laparoscópica. Diseño: Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, transversal. Institución: Servicio de Emergencia de Gineco Obstetricia, Hospital Alberto Sabogal Sologuren. Participantes: Pacientes con diagnóstico de embarazo ectópico, tratadas quirúrgicamente vía laparoscópica. Intervenciones: Se incluyó 26 pacientes con diagnóstico de embarazo ectópico y consideradas aptas (lo más importante fue la estabilidad hemodinámica de la misma y sin contraindicaciones para la anestesia general) para ser tratadas quirúrgicamente vía laparoscópica. Se tomó datos como la edad, estado hemodinámico, ubicación del embarazo ectópico, tamaño de la tumoración, presencia de liquido libre en la cavidad, tipo de cirugía realizada, conversión a laparotomía. Principales medidas de resultados: Características del embarazo ectópico y resultados de la laparoscopia. Resultados: La edad media fue 31,1 años. Se presentaron en la misma proporción el embarazo tubárico ístmico y el ampular. El tamaño de la tumoración tubárica fue menor de 5 cm en 23 (88,5%) pacientes. La salpingectomía fue la intervención quirúrgica más realizada, en 87,5%, mientras la salpingostomía y la anexectomía fueron poco realizadas. La conversión laparoscópica se presentó en 7,7% de las pacientes. Conclusiones: La laparoscopia mostró ser un método seguro, una buena opción para el tratamiento quirúrgico del embarazo ectópico. Una evaluación adecuada de la paciente es el paso más importante para la decisión del tipo de abordaje. No se encontró mayor asociación entre la presencia de hemoperitoneo mayor de 100 mL y la tasa de conversión a laparotomía.

The utility of CT for predicting bile leaks in hepatic trauma.

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of CT to predict the development of bile leaks in hepatic trauma. This HIPAA-compliant retrospective study was IRB approved and consent was waived. All patients who sustained hepatic trauma between January 1, 2006, and January 31, 2012, and who underwent CT and hepatobiliary scans during the same hospital admission were included. One hundred and thirty-two patients met the inclusion criteria. Comparison between the presence of biliary injury relative to American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) hepatic injury grade and mean distance of the hepatic laceration to the inferior vena cava (IVC) was made. The ability of free fluid to predict bile injury was analyzed. Forty-one (31 %) of the 132 patients had positive hepatobiliary scans. Of these 41 patients, seven (17 %) sustained low-grade and 34 (83 %) sustained high-grade hepatic injury compared with the 37 (41 %) low-grade and 54 (59 %) high-grade hepatic injuries in the negative hepatobiliary scan group. The mean distance to the IVC was 2.4 cm (SD 2.9 cm) and 3.6 cm (SD 3.3 cm) in patients with and without bile leaks, respectively. A statistically significant difference in the proportion of high-grade injuries and the mean distance from the IVC between the two groups was identified. The presence of free fluid on CT is sensitive, but not specific, for detecting a bile leak. CT findings, including AAST liver injury grade and location of the liver laceration, are able to predict which patients are at risk for developing bile leaks as seen on hepatobiliary scintigraphy, whereas the presence of free fluid is not.

The hi-map scan: The use of emergency ultrasound to evaluate haemodynamically unstable patients in the emergency setting

The HI-MAP (Heart, IVC, Morrison’s pouch, Aorta, Pneumothorax) scan is a focussed bedside ultrasound examination designed to assess the hydration status of patients by quick assessment of cardiac contractility, inferior vena cava collapsibility during inspiration, the aorta and the presence of free fluid in the abdomen or chest. In the Emergency Centre (EC) this non-invasive tool can assist in early accurate diagnosis of critically ill patients. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the use of the HI-MAP scan in a tertiary EC in KZN to assist in diagnosis and determine hydration status in critically ill patients. This is a cross sectional retrospective descriptive study of HI-MAP scans performed on critically ill patients admitted to the EC from January 2010 until October 2011. The scans were performed by level 2 emergency ultrasound trained doctors. Provisional diagnosis using clinical skills and history was documented on admission. The HI-MAP scan was performed and final diagnosis documented in the database, based on clinical findings as well as ultrasound findings. Diagnosis was categorized into fluid overload, cardiogenic and hypovolaemic shock. A total of 133 patients were included. When provisional compared to final diagnosis after HI-MAP, 87(66%) patients had the same diagnosis confirmed by ultrasound. Forty six (34%) patients had different diagnosis after HI-MAP was performed. In fluid overloaded patients 95% had either poor contractility or Inferior vena cava collapsibility index (IVC-CI) of less than 25%. In hypovolaemic patients 96% had either hyperdynamic cardiac contractility or IVC-CI of less than 50%. HI-MAP scan is a good non-invasive tool for assessing volume status in critically ill patients and can be used to categorize patients into fluid overload, cardiogenic shock or hypovolaemic shock. Cardiac contractility and IVC-CI are the two most sensitive components of this scan.

Computed tomography characteristics of isolated caecal ischaemia

ObjectiveThe aims of this review are to describe the main characteristics for the CT diagnosis of isolated caecal ischaemia (ICA) and give details of the differential diagnosis with other conditions with a similar clinical picture. Material and methodsA retrospective study was conducted to review the CT findings of 4 patients diagnosed with ICA in our hospital. The parameters recorded to analyze their characteristics in the CT were: maximum thickness of the cecum wall, the appearance of the peri-cecum fat, presence of free fluid, signs of caecal or portal pneumatosis, the appearance of the caecal appendix, and general signs of the presence of vasculopathy. ResultsIn all cases it was recorded that there was a thickening of the walls of the blind loop with an abrupt transition between the caecal wall and the walls of the ascending colon wall. In all cases the caecal thickening had a characteristic image in the central area. Signs of caecal pneumatosis were observed in two cases. All of them had an appendix with normal characteristics. ConclusionsThe combination of caecal wall thickening with oedematous characteristics, with no changes in the appendix, ileum and colon, suggests the diagnosis of caecal ischaemia, particularly with the presence of pneumatosis.

JOURNAL CLUB: Ultrasound for Differentiation Between Perforated and Nonperforated Appendicitis in Pediatric Patients

Acute appendicitis is the most common condition requiring emergency surgery in children. Differentiation of perforated from nonperforated appendicitis is important because perforated appendicitis may initially be managed conservatively whereas nonperforated appendicitis requires immediate surgical intervention. CT has been proved effective in identifying appendiceal perforation. The purpose of this study was to determine whether perforated and nonperforated appendicitis in children can be similarly differentiated with ultrasound. This retrospective study included 161 consecutively registered children from two centers who had acute appendicitis and had undergone ultra-sound and appendectomy. Ultrasound images were reviewed for appendiceal size, appearance of the appendiceal wall, changes in periappendiceal fat, and presence of free fluid, abscess, or appendicolith. The surgical report served as the reference standard for determining whether perforation was present. The specificity and sensitivity of each ultrasound finding were determined, and binary models were generated. The patients included were 94 boys and 67 girls (age range, 1-20 years; mean, 11 ± 4.4 [SD] years) The appendiceal perforation rate was significantly higher in children younger than 8 years (62.5%) compared with older children (29.5%). Sonographic findings associated with perforation included abscess (sensitivity, 36.2%; specificity, 99%), loss of the echogenic submucosal layer of the appendix in a child younger than 8 years (sensitivity, 100%; specificity, 72.7%), and presence of an appendicolith in a child younger than 8 years (sensitivity, 68.4%; specificity, 91.7%). Ultrasound is effective for differentiation of perforated from nonperforated appendicitis in children.

Predicting Hollow Viscus Injury in Blunt Abdominal Trauma with Computed Tomography

Evaluation of blunt abdominal trauma is controversial. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen is commonly used but has limitations, especially in excluding hollow viscus injury in the presence of solid organ injury. To determine whether CT reports alone could be used to direct operative treatment in abdominal trauma, this study was undertaken. The trauma database at Auckland City Hospital was accessed for patients who had abdominal CT and subsequent laparotomy during a five-year period. The CT scans were reevaluated by a consultant radiologist who was blinded to operative findings. The CT findings were correlated with the operative findings. Between January 2002 and December 2007, 1,250 patients were evaluated for blunt abdominal injury with CT. A subset of 78 patients underwent laparotomy, and this formed the study group. The sensitivity and specificity of CT scan in predicting hollow viscus injury was 55.33 and 92.06 % respectively. The positive and negative predictive values were 61.53 and 89.23 % respectively. Presence of free fluid in CT scan was sensitive in diagnosing hollow viscus injury (90 %). Specific findings for hollow viscus injuries on CT scan were free intraperitoneal air (93 %), retroperitoneal air (100 %), oral contrast extravasation (100 %), bowel wall defect (98 %), patchy bowel enhancement (97 %), and mesenteric abnormality (94 %). CT alone cannot be used as a screening tool for hollow viscus injury. The decision to operate in hollow viscus injury has to be based on mechanism of injury and clinical findings together with radiological evidence.

Evaluation of selected ultrasonographic parameters and marker levels in the preoperative differentiation of borderline ovarian tumors and ovarian cancers

ObjectivesIn young patients with borderline tumors the fertility-sparing treatment is indicated, thus the preoperative investigation is important. The aim of this study was to perform a comparative assessment of sensitivity and specificity of selected ultrasonographic and clinical parameters for the diagnoses of borderline tumors and ovarian cancers.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 57 patients who underwent surgical treatment in the Maria Sklodowska-Curie Memorial Cancer Center from Jan 01, 2008 to Dec 31, 2009. Ovarian cancers were diagnosed in 41 patients, and borderline ovarian tumors in 16 patients. Statistical model was developed to determine independent predictive factors that would be useful in preoperative differentiation between both tumors. The model included the following factors: menopausal status, tumor morphology, wall thickness (including outgrowths), septal thickness, echogenicity, resistive index, serum CA-125 level, and free fluid in the peritoneal cavity.ResultsBased on the statistical model developed, independent predictive factors in the differentiation between ovarian cancers and borderline tumors included the menopausal status (P = 0.005), tumor echogenicity (P = 0.047) and the presence of free fluid in the Douglas pouch (P = 0.043). With the cutoff value of 13 (with scores below 13 indicating a borderline ovarian tumor, and scores of ≥13 indicating ovarian cancer), sensitivity was 90.2 % and specificity was 87 %.ConclusionsOur proposed model of preoperative evaluation has a sensitivity of 90 % in the differentiation between ovarian cancers and borderline tumors. When combined with intraoperative findings, it allows optimal surgical therapeutic decisions to be made in patients with borderline ovarian tumors.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) Examinations Performed by Emergency Medical Technicians

Objective. We aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) examinations when used by emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to detect the presence of free abdominal fluid. Methods. Six level 1 EMTs (similar to intermediate EMTs in the United States) who worked at a tertiary emergency department in Korea underwent an educational program consisting of two one-hour didactic lectures that included the principles of ultrasonography, the anatomy of the abdomen, and two hours of hands-on practice. After this educational session, the EMTs performed FAST examinations on a convenience sample of patients from July 1 to October 5, 2009. These patients also received an abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan regardless of their chief complaints. The CT findings served as the definitive standard and were interpreted routinely and independently by emergency radiologists who were blinded to the study protocol. In addition, the EMTs were blinded to the CT findings. A positive CT finding was defined as the presence of free fluid, as interpreted by the radiologist. The sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Informed consent was obtained from all participating patients. Results. Among the 1,060 eligible patients with abdominal CT scans, 403 patients were asked to participate in the study, and 240 patients agreed. Of these 240 patients, 80 (33.3%) had results showing the presence of free fluid. Fourteen patients had a significant amount of peritoneal cavity fluid, 15 had a moderate amount of peritoneal cavity fluid, and 51 had a minimal amount of peritoneal cavity fluid. Compared with the CT findings, the diagnostic performance of the FAST examination had a sensitivity of 61.3% (95% CI, 50.3%–71.2%), specificity of 96.3% (95% CI, 92.1%–98.3%), positive predictive value of 89.1% (95% CI, 77.0%–95.4%), and negative predictive value of 83.2% (95% CI, 76.9%–88.2%). For a significant or moderate amount of peritoneal cavity fluid, the sensitivity was considerably higher (86.2%). Conclusion. EMTs in Korea showed a high diagnostic performance that was comparable to that of surgeons and physicians when detecting peritoneal cavity free fluid in a Korean emergency department setting. The validity of FAST examinations in prehospital care situations should be investigated further.

Características en tomografía computarizada de la isquemia cecal aislada

ObjectiveThe aims of this review are to describe the main characteristics for the CT diagnosis of isolated caecal ischaemia (ICA) and give details of the differential diagnosis with other conditions with a similar clinical picture. Material and methodsA retrospective study was conducted to review the CT findings of 4 patients diagnosed with ICA in our hospital. The parameters recorded to analyse their characteristics in the CT were: maximum thickness of the caecum wall, the appearance of the peri-caecum fat, presence of free fluid, signs of caecal or portal pneumatosis, the appearance of the caecal appendix, and general signs of the presence of vasculopathy. ResultsIn all cases it was recorded that there was a thickening of the walls of the blind loop with an abrupt transition between the caecal wall and the walls of the ascending colon wall. In all cases the caecal thickening had a characteristic image in the central area. Signs of caecal pneumatosis were observed in two cases. All of them had an appendix with normal characteristics. ConclusionsThe combination of caecal wall thickening with oedematous characteristics, with no changes in the appendix, ileum and colon, suggest the diagnosis of caecal ischaemia, particularly with the presence of pneumatosis.

Reactive pleural effusion

The presence of free fluid in the pleural space can be a sign of many pathological processes. Some of them may be of inflammatory or hemodynamic origin but others are caused by a malignant neoplasm spreading either in the pleural cavity or from distant site. The importance of establishing the origin of the cells in the pleural fluid lies not only in the fact that a correct diagnosis leads to a correct therapy, but it also is essential in the staging of a malignant tumor. The aims of this study were to evaluate the frequency of various types of pleural effusion and to discuss the value of reactive atypia of mesothelial cells in longstanding effusions. The introduction of a third cathegory of pleural effusion called reactive, would be helpful to the general pathologists to avoid making false-positive diagnosis in the presence of atypical reactive mesothelial cells or missing the diagnosis of a malignant effusion in case when malignant cells are scarse or look like an activated mesothelial cell. In this study, a total of 157 patients from the thoracic department of the General Hospital in Kruševac were examined. Of this number, 33 patients or 21% had the so-called reactive type of pleural effusion. In the everyday practice, one in five patients could be expected to have reactive mesothelial atypia, which may be quite confusing in inexperienced hands.

Sonographic Diagnosis of Ovarian Torsion

The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of sonographic diagnosis of ovarian torsion and the predictive value of typical sonographic signs. The study included 63 women attending an ultrasound unit of a tertiary obstetrics and gynecology department in 2002 through 2008 who had suspected ovarian torsion on sonography and subsequently underwent laparoscopy. Sonography had diagnostic accuracy of 74.6% for ovarian torsion. Abnormal ovarian blood flow and the presence of free fluid were the most diagnostically accurate isolated sonographic signs (positive predictive values, 80.0% and 89.2%, respectively; negative predictive values, 46.2% and 46.2%). Using combinations of sonographic signs yielded higher specificity and positive predictive values and lower sensitivity and negative predictive values for ovarian torsion. The diagnostic accuracy was largely affected by the ultrasound operator (mean ± SD, 78.8% ± 16.0%; range, 60.0%-100%). In the setting of a specialized ultrasound unit, sonographic diagnosis of ovarian torsion had high (74.6%) accuracy compared with previous reports. The absence of typical sonographic signs does not rule out ovarian torsion, especially when the clinical presentation is suggestive. Basing assessments on multiple sonographic signs, including Doppler evaluation, increases the diagnostic specificity.

Reevaluating the role of dilation and curettage in the diagnosis of pregnancy of unknown location

To evaluate the clinical utility of dilation and curettage (D&C) in diagnosing ectopic pregnancy (EP). Retrospective cohort study. University hospital. Clinically stable women (n = 321) who underwent a diagnostic D&C with no visible intrauterine pregnancy (IUP) on transvaginal ultrasound or those with an abnormal hCG trend. None. EP or IUP made by final pathologic review. Overall, 73.2% of the patients were ultimately diagnosed with EP and 26.8% were found to have a nonviable IUP. Those with EPs had significantly lower initial hCGs than those with nonviable IUPs and were more likely to have had a history of an EP. On ultrasound, the overall impression, the presence of free fluid, and the endometrial echo complex correlated well with the final diagnoses but did not have 100% predictive value. D&C remains valuable to differentiate EP from nonviable IUP and to avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary exposure to methotrexate. Low initial hCG values and ultrasound findings such as a thin endometrial echo complex and the presence of free fluid are associated with but are not diagnostic of an ectopic pregnancy.

How Much Free Fluid Can a Pregnant Patient Have? Assessment of Pelvic Free Fluid in Pregnant Patients Without Antecedent Trauma

The amount of free fluid that can normally be present in a pregnant patient is unknown. Evaluation of pelvic free fluid in a population of pregnant patients without early history of trauma would help determine what amount of free fluid should raise suspicion of intra-abdominal injury in those who have suffered trauma. Patients presenting for routine obstetric ultrasound without an early history of trauma were offered participation in the study. Routine imaging of the cul de sac and ovaries was used for assessment of presence or absence of free fluid, with accompanying digitally recorded images. Depth of the fluid pocket was measured in millimeters. Six of 89 patients successfully scanned were found to have free fluid in to the cul de sac for an occurrence of 6.7%. Four patients had free fluid present during the first trimester with subsequent resolution by the late first trimester or early second trimester. Two of these patients had an identifiable cause for free fluid, one with right ovarian hyperstimulation and the second with idiopathic theca lutein cysts. Two patients had isolated free fluid appearing in the third trimester. These results suggest that the presence of pelvic free fluid in pregnant patients without antecedent trauma is very low. After blunt abdominal trauma, the presence of free fluid in the pelvis of a pregnant patient may not be physiologic, especially if there is >2 mm to 4 mm, and there is no history of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome or other known associations.

Diagnostic and therapeutic value of laparoscopy for small bowel blunt injuries: A case report

INTRODUCTIONSmall bowel injuries after blunt abdominal trauma represent both a diagnostic and a therapeutic challenge. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are necessary in order to avoid a dangerous diagnostic delay. Laparoscopy can represent a diagnostic and therapeutic tool in patients with uncertain clinical symptoms. PRESENTATION OF THE CASEWe report the case of a 25-year-old man, haemodynamically stable, admitted for acute abdominal pain a few hours after a physical assault. Giving the persistence of the abdominal pain and the presence of free fluids at the computed tomography examination, an exploratory laparoscopy was performed. DISCUSSIONAt the laparoscopic exploration, an isolated small bowel perforation was found, 60cm distal from the ligament of Treitz. The injury was repaired by laparoscopic suturing and the patient was discharged home at postoperative day 3 after an uneventful postoperative course. CONCLUSIONSLaparoscopy represents a valuable tool for patients with small bowel blunt injuries allowing a timely diagnosis and a prompt treatment.

Tumor necrosis factor alpha in experimental empyema thoracis

To determine serum and pleural concentrations of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in an experimental model of empyema induced by intrapleural inoculation of Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pneumoniae. Wistar rats were inoculated with S. aureus (SA group, 17 animals) or S. pneumoniae (SP group, 30 animals). The presence of free fluid or pus in the pleural space was investigated. TNF-α levels >150 pg/ml (minimum detection limit) were determined in pleural fluid and blood. Histopathological examination of pleural tissue was performed to determine the severity of infection. Serum TNF-α was >150 pg/ml in nine SA versus 10 SP rats. In pleural fluid, TNF-α was >150 pg/ml in 11 SA versus 19 SP rats. Pleural and serum TNF-α concentrations were significantly different in the SP group (P = 0.035), but not in the SA group (P = 0.727). Pleural TNF-α was similar in both groups (P = 0.92), but serum TNF-α was significantly higher in SA (P = 0.03). Out of 17 SA animals, 1 (5.8%) did not develop empyema, versus 4 (13.3%) out of 30 SP animals. A mild inflammatory response was predominant in both groups, but the inflammatory process was significantly more severe in SP (P = 0.012). However, TNF-α levels were not associated with severity of the inflammatory response. We describe a simple and effective rat model of empyema. TNF-α levels above 150 pg/ml in the pleural fluid are useful to confirm empyema, but cannot predict the severity of the inflammatory response. TNF-α levels below 150 pg/ml are useful to rule out empyema.