Upper Gastrointestinal Contrast Study Research Articles

Gastric Diverticulum: A Case Report with a Brief Literature Review

Gastric diverticula are the rarest type of diverticula detected in the gastrointestinal tract. With possible forms of congenital or acquired origin, it shows no gender predominance and is commonest in the ages of 50-70 years. Here, we report a case of gastric diverticulum detected in a 48-year-old female presenting with symptoms of dyspepsia and early satiety. The gastric diverticulum was detected during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, which was further defined by an upper gastrointestinal contrast study. The patient recovered after two weeks of treatment with a proton pump inhibitor and a prokinetic, counselled regarding possible complications and advised to be reviewed if symptoms recur. Although gastric diverticula are rare, this can worsen with ulceration, bleeding, perforation, and malignant transformation. This emphasizes how crucial it is to identify and comprehend this condition in order to provide patients with the proper care and follow-up.

Neonatal Intestinal Obstruction Caused by a Perforated Duodenal Web

Aim: To report the clinical courses of two patients with intestinal obstruction caused by duodenal web, who were diagnosed with this rare congenital anomaly at Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka in a span of 5 months. Case report: One of the patients was prenatally suspected to have duodenal obstruction due to ultrasonographic findings, while the other showed signs of obstruction by not tolerating oral intake from the second day of life (DOL). Ceasing enteral feeding, placing a nasogastric tube and introducing intravenous hydration and parenteral nutrition was performed as initial management. Abdominal ultrasonography, abdominal radiography, upper gastrointestinal contrast study and contrast enema were performed but showed no signs of obstruction. Both patients showed improvement in tolerating oral intake over the next few days. However, the first patient did not tolerate meals exceeding 15 mL of infant formula, and the second patient again did not tolerate any oral intake from the 15th day of life. A broad diagnostic workup was repeated but did not show conclusive evidence of obstruction regarding the first patient. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy found duodenal obstruction of unknown origin regarding the second patient. Laparotomy was performed on the 19th and 25th DOL, respectively. Duodenal web was visualized and excised in both patients following duodenotomy. Postoperative recovery was orderly with minor nonsurgical complications. The patients were discharged from hospital on the 21st and 36th postoperative day, respectively. Conclusions: Diagnosing a perforated duodenal web is often challenging because of possible intermittent nature of its symptoms. Exploratory laparotomy is sometimes required to reach diagnosis.

Delayed Presentation of Malrotation: Case Series and Literature Review.

Intestinal malrotation is a congenital anomaly resulting from abnormal or incomplete rotation and fixation of the midgut during embryogenesis. It commonly presents in the neonatal period (75%) with sudden onset bilious vomiting and rarely beyond infancy (<10%). The aim of the study was to highlight the clinical features, radiological findings, and treatment outcomes of patients with malrotation presenting beyond infancy. Eleven consecutive cases of delayed presentation of malrotation presented over a period of 5 years (2017-2021). Data were analyzed retrospectively. Out of the 11 patients, four were female and seven were male. The age of patients ranged from 14 months to 18 years. Patients beyond infancy present usually with diffuse pain abdomen compared to neonates which present with sudden onset bilious vomiting and therefore difficult to diagnose. Five patients had associated abnormalities such as intussusception or nutcracker syndrome or mesenteric cyst or jejunal stricture or mesenteric lymphadenopathy along with malrotation. Patients underwent ultrasonography, upper gastrointestinal contrast study, and contrast-enhanced computed tomography abdomen to confirm the diagnosis. All patients underwent the Ladd procedure with four requiring resection anastomosis and one requiring excision of the mesenteric cyst. Eight out of eleven patients had favorable outcomes, two develop adhesive intestinal obstruction and required re-exploration, and one had persistent complaints of hematochezia. Malrotation beyond infancy is a rare diagnosis. Malrotation in older children is usually not suspected because of the wide range of symptoms. A high index of suspicion on ultrasound or computed tomography is required to demonstrate the reversal of superior mesenteric artery and superior mesenteric vein position and related conditions. Early intervention and treatment can prevent catastrophic events such as intestinal volvulus and intestinal ischemia in these patients.

Management of Traumatic Diaphragmatic Injury-A Peep into Bowel Repair via Thoracotomy.

Background:Traumatic diaphragmatic injury (TDI) is a relatively rare condition, and there is a high tendency for it to be missed if thorough clinical assessment and imaging review are not carried out. The surgical approach for TDI can be challenging, especially with bowel perforation.Materials and Methods:This is a retrospective case series of all consecutive patients with TDI from two tertiary hospitals in the southern part of Nigeria between January 2013 and December 2019. The demographic data of the patients, type, cause, and clinical diagnosis, intraoperative findings, Injury Severity Score, and outcome were noted. The descriptive statistics were presented in percentages and fractions.Results:Fourteen (4.3%) of the 326 chest trauma patients had TDI with 57.1% from penetrating causes and 42.9% from blunt causes. The causes of the TDI were gunshot injuries (42.9%), road traffic crashes (35.7%), stab injury (14.3%), and domestic accidents (7.1%). The preoperative method of diagnosis was mainly by massive haemothorax necessitating open thoracotomy (42.9%) and mixed clinical evaluation, chest radiograph, and upper gastrointestinal contrast studies (35.7%), and the drainage of intestinal content following the insertion of a chest tube to initially drain haemothorax (21.4%) and other modality of diagnoses (7.1%). The operative finding was mainly intestine content in the chest (50%) and only diaphragmatic injury (35.7%). The major complication after surgery was empyema thoracis (14.3%) and the mortality rate (14.3%).Conclusion:Penetrating injury of the chest was the major factor responsible for the TDI, and even with bowel perforation and acute TDI, thoracotomy offered an effective surgical approach for all the patients.

A digital audit of emergency upper gastrointestinal fluoroscopy workflow in children with bilious vomiting.

BackgroundBilious vomiting in children requires an urgent evaluation with upper gastrointestinal (UGI) fluoroscopy as it may herald life-threatening midgut malrotation with volvulus (MMWV). There are no published data available on the duration of time-critical UGI workflow steps.ObjectivesA digital audit of workflow in emergency UGI contrast studies performed on children with bile-stained vomiting at a large South African teaching hospital.MethodA retrospective study was conducted from 01 May 2012 – 31 May 2019. A customised search of the institutional radiology information system (RIS) defined all children with bilious vomiting who underwent emergency UGI fluoroscopy. Extracted RIS timestamps were used to calculate the median duration of the ‘approval’, ‘waiting’, ‘study’ and ‘reporting’ times. One-way analysis of variance and Chi-squared tests assessed the association between key parameters and the duration of workflow steps, with 5% significance (p < 0.05).ResultsThirty-seven patients (n = 37) with median age 0.8 months were included, of whom 20 (54%) had an abnormal C-loop. The median ‘total time’ from physician request to report distribution was 107 min (interquartile range [IQR]: 67−173). The median ‘approval’ (6 min; IQR: 1–15) and ‘reporting’ (38 min; IQR: 17–91) times were the shortest and longest workflow steps, respectively. Abnormal C-loops (p = 0.04) and consultant referrals (p = 0.03) were associated with shorter ‘approval’ times. The neonatal ‘waiting’ time was significantly longer than that for older patients (p = 0.02).ConclusionThe modern RIS is an excellent tool for time-critical workflow analyses, which can inform interventions for improved service delivery.

Diagnosis and management of intestinal rotational abnormalities with or without volvulus in the pediatric population

Intestinal malrotation is a congenital anomaly that can be associated with midgut volvulus, requiring an emergent operation in order to maintain blood supply to the compromised intestine. It results from an abnormal rotation of the intestines, leading to three types of malrotation. Non-rotation is complete failure of the intestines to rotate, while the most common configuration is associated with the cecum in the mid-upper abdomen, close to a malpositioned duodenal-jejunal (DJ) flexure. This configuration has a narrow mesentery that has a high risk of volvulus. The final form of malrotation is incomplete rotation, where the DJ flexure and cecum are malpositioned, but the mesentery is not narrowed. The benefits of performing a Ladd's procedure for these individuals is controversial.Workup for malrotation should be considered in all patients who present with abdominal pain/distention and bilious emesis. An upper gastrointestinal contrast study is 93-100% sensitive and will show a corkscrew appearance when a volvulus is present. While the basic tenets of the Ladd's procedure have not changed and include detorsion of a volvulus, adhesiolysis of Ladd's bands and broadening of the mesentery, how this is accomplished and in whom are controversial. Laparoscopic Ladd's is associated with shorter hospital stays but also has a higher incidence of recurrent volvulus compared to an open approach. Patients with heterotaxy syndrome also represent a controversial group with some studies showing no difference in post-operative complications despite a higher mortality due to underlying cardiac disease, while other studies show a low incidence of volvulus and question the need for Ladd's in those who are asymptomatic.This review highlights the major aspects of diagnosing and treating malrotation, including the pathophysiology, workup, surgical options and areas of controversy.

The diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound and upper gastrointestinal contrast studies for locating atresia/stenosis and intestinal malrotation and detecting annular pancreas in pediatric patients with duodenal atresia/stenosis.

This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of ultrasound to locate atresia/stenosis and other abdominal anomalies in pediatric patients with duodenal atresia/stenosis, including intestinal malrotation and annular pancreas. We classified 36 retrospective cases of duodenal atresia/stenosis based on intestinal malrotation status, and evaluated the diagnostic performance of ultrasound/upper gastrointestinal contrast studies to locate atresia/stenosis and intestinal malrotation, as well as ultrasound for detecting additional anomalies such as annular pancreas. The incidence of annular pancreas was compared between groups using Fisher's exact test. Atresia/stenosis was correctly located by ultrasound in 33 (91.7%) cases and by upper gastrointestinal contrast study in 36 (100%) cases. Of the eight cases with intestinal malrotation, five and two were correctly diagnosed by ultrasound and upper gastrointestinal contrast study, respectively. Ultrasound correctly diagnosed annular pancreas in 6/14 cases. The incidence of annular pancreas was significantly different between the groups (present/absent in groups with vs. without intestinal malrotation: 6/2 vs. 8/20, P = 0.036). Ultrasound has a relatively high capability in locating atresia/stenosis. However, some cases are misdiagnosed. In clinical practice, upper gastrointestinal contrast studies should be used complementarily during diagnosis. Additional anomalies may not be detected by preoperative examinations; therefore, surgeons should carefully evaluate for additional anomalies during surgery, especially coexisting intestinal malrotation and annular pancreas.

Neonatal intestinal malrotation: A diagnostic pitfall

Intestinal malrotation is a rare abnormality, resulting in intestinal malrotation and impaired fixation. This clinical entity encompasses spectrum of anatomical conditions and associated clinical disorders. Main symptoms of intestinal obstruction related to malrotation are sudden bilious emesis in a previously healthy term neonate. Upper gastrointestinal (UGI) contrast study is the examination of choice and remains as gold standard for intestinal malrotation. With 90% positive predictive value, misdiagnosis in rotational abnormalities could still happen in UGI contrast study. We report a case of pitfall diagnosis in an 8-day-old male neonate, in which obstruction has been misinterpreted as duodenal web rather than malrotation that was furthered found during surgery.

Efficiency of Cruroplasty as a Treatment of Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease in Morbid Obese Patients with Hiatus Hernia during SleeveGastrectomy

Abstract Background The effect of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is controversial. Although concomitant hiatal hernia repair (HHR) at the time of LSG is common and advocated by many, there are few data on the outcomes of GERD symptoms in these patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of concomitant HHR on GERD symptoms in morbidly obese patients undergoing LSG. Aim of the Work To analyse the impact of hiatal hernia repair (HHR) on gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in morbidly obese patients with hiatus hernia undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Patients and Methods This is a retrospective cohart study. We collected the data of Patients who underwent lap sleeve gastrectomy with cruroplsty in the same operation in the period between July 2018 and July 2019. Results Before surgery, symptomatic GERD was present in 14 patients (70%), and HH was diagnosed In 20 patients (100%), HH was diagnosed pre-operatively. The mean follow-up was 6 months. GERD remission occurred in 18 patients (90%). In the remaining 2 patients, antireflux medications were diminished, with complete control of symptoms. HH recurrences developed in 1 patient (10%). "De novo" GERD symptoms developed in 22.9% of the patients undergoing SG alone compared with 0% of patients undergoing SG plus HHR. Conclusion SG with HHR is feasible and safe, providing good management of GERD in obese patients with reflux symptoms. Small hiatal defects could be underdiagnosed at preoperative endoscopy and/or upper gastrointestinal contrast study. Thus, a careful examination of the crura is always recommended intraoperatively.

Failure to Thrive and Vomiting in a 32-day-old Girl.

Failure to Thrive and Vomiting in a 32-day-old Girl.

Is There a Role for Elective Early Upper Gastrointestinal Contrast Study in Neurologically Impaired Children following Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication?

Assessment of discomfort as a sign for early postoperative complications in neurologically impaired (NI) children is challenging. The necessity of early routine upper gastrointestinal (UGI) contrast studies following laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication in NI children is unclear. We aimed to evaluate the role of scheduled UGI contrast studies to identify early postoperative complications following laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication in NI children. Data for laparoscopic Nissen fundoplications performed in NI children between January 2004 and June 2021 were reviewed. A total of 103 patients were included, with 60 of these being boys. Mean age at initial operation was 6.51 (0.11–18.41) years. Mean body weight was 16.22 (3.3–62.5) kg. Mean duration of follow up was 4.15 (0.01–16.65 years) years. Thirteen redo fundoplications (12.5%) were performed during the follow up period; eleven had one redo and two had 2 redos. Elective postoperative UGI contrast studies were performed in 94 patients (91%). Early postoperative UGI contrast studies were able to identify only one complication: an intrathoracal wrap herniation on postoperative day five, necessitating a reoperation on day six. The use of early UGI contrast imaging following pediatric laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is not necessary as it does not identify a significant number of acute postoperative complications requiring re-intervention.

Is there a role for upper gastrointestinal contrast study to predict the outcomes of sleeve gastrectomy? Lessons learnt from a prospective study.

Context:The importance of upper gastrointestinal (UGI) contrast study following sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is equivocal. It can, however, yield anatomical and functional details, the significance of which mostly remains unknown.Settings and Design:This prospective, single-center study included SG patients between January 2018 and January 2019.Materials and Methods:UGI contrast study was done on post-operative day 1. The findings of the study namely gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) holdup time, presence of fundus, gastroduodenal emptying (GDE) time, and sleeve shape were compared with weight loss, improvement of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms at 3, 6, and 12 months follow-up.Results:There were 138 patients with 100% follow-up. Radiological sleeve patterns observed were: tubular (62.3%), superior (16.0%), and inferior (21.7%) pouches. GEJ holdup time had no effect on percentage total weight loss (%TWL) (P = 0.09) or HbA1c improvement (P = 0.077). The absence of fundus led to greater %TWL at 6 months (P = 0.048). GDE time <15 s led to higher %TWL (P = 0.028) and lower HbA1c (P = 0.010) at 12 months. Antrum size <2 cm was associated with higher %TWL (P = 0.022) and lower HbA1c level (P = 0.047) at 12 months. Vomiting and regurgitation were common with tubular sleeves.Conclusion:UGI contrast study can predict weight loss, HbA1c improvement, and GERD symptoms. The absence of fundus, small antrum, and rapid GDE are associated with better weight loss. HbA1c improvement is better with small antrum and rapid GDE. Tubular sleeve predisposes to vomiting and regurgitation.

Endoscopic Management of Gastrojejunal and Jejunocutaneous Fistulae: A Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Complication in a Pediatric Patient

Introduction: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a method of gastric feeding access that has had increasing use by pediatric surgeons in recent years. Known risks of the procedure include bleeding, infection, and accidental placement into the liver, colon, and small bowel.1–3 Endoscopic management of PEG complications is a rapidly evolving field.4,5 This video describes the use of endoscopic techniques to manage a PEG complication in a pediatric patient. Materials and Methods: The patient was a 15-year-old boy who suffered a stroke resulting in ventilator and tube feed dependence. For long-term feeding access, the patient underwent a (PEG) procedure. The patient had difficulty tolerating gastric tube feeds and the decision was made to convert the gastrostomy to a gastrojejunostomy. Fifty-nine days after the initial PEG procedure, the patient was taken to the operating room for conversion to a gastrojejunostomy tube. After PEG removal, attempts were made to place a guidewire through the tract into the stomach. However, the guidewire did not go in the expected direction. Fluoroscopic and endoscopic evaluation raised concern for communication with the small bowel. An advanced surgical endoscopist was then consulted. The gastrostomy site was identified and traversed with an ultraslim endoscope. The gastrostomy site entered immediately into small bowel. A jejunocutaneous fistula was noted on the opposite site of the bowel, suggesting that the original PEG had traversed a loop of small bowel in a through-and-through manner. The tracts appeared stable and there was no evidence of contamination or insufflation leaking into the peritoneal cavity. Attention was then turned to closing the jejunocutaneous fistula, which could only be accessed through the gastrojejunal fistula. Given that only an ultraslim endoscope, without a proper working channel for the desired intervention, could access the site, an endoclip device was affixed to the side of the ultraslim endoscope. The jejunocutaneous fistula was then closed with five endoclips. Next, the gastrojejunal fistula was closed using an over-the-scope clip. Fluoroscopic evaluation with air insufflation demonstrated complete closure. Finally, to afford enteral access, a PEG was performed using the pull technique. Endoscopic and fluoroscopic observation confirmed good positioning. Results: An upper gastrointestinal contrast study on postoperative day 3 demonstrated no signs of fistula or leak. Tube feeds were initiated and slowly advanced to goal by postoperative day 7. The patient tolerated his gastric tube feeds and had no further surgical complications. Conclusion: This case has several key learning points. First, it demonstrates the high clinical suspicion for PEG complication that must be held when a patient fails to tolerate feeds. Second, it demonstrates how the skilled use of endoscopic and surgical principles can provide minimally invasive definitive management of PEG complications. Next, this case demonstrates how a thorough understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of available endoscopic tools can lead to innovative solutions to difficult problems. Finally, this case demonstrates the advanced care that can be offered to patients when a multidisciplinary approach is utilized. C.G.D., D.J.M., A.Y.T., and M.C.S.: No competing financial interests exist. E.M.P.: Speaking/teaching: Cook Biotech, Inc., C.R. Bard, Inc., Boston Scientific Corp. Ovesco; Research Support: C.R. Bard, Inc.; Consultant: Boston Scientific Corp., Actuated Medical, Inc., Medtronic, Baxter, Surgimatrix, CMR Surgical; Royalties: UpToDate, Inc., Springer. Runtime of video: 7 mins 45 secs This video was presented as a video presentation at the 2020 American College of Surgeons Virtual Clinical Congress, on October 3, 2020.

Duodenal displacement and acquired intrathoracic stomach in an extreme premature baby on jejunostomy feeds- a case report

Repeated and persistent displacement forces can lead to acquired abnormalities in the position of the foregut in premature neonates. Cow milk protein intolerance should be considered early as a cause of feed intolerance, recurrent vomiting and other gastrointestinal symptoms in premature neonates. Upper gastrointestinal contrast study cannot be used to diagnose gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

Biliary Reflux in Annular Pancreas in Upper Gastrointestinal Contrast Study.

Biliary Reflux in Annular Pancreas in Upper Gastrointestinal Contrast Study.

Clinical spectrum and presentation of patients with absent contractility

BackgroundPrimary absent contractility is an uncommon finding on high-resolution manometry (HRM). The goal of this study was to describe the clinical spectrum and presentation of patients with primary absent contractility.MethodsWe queried a prospectively maintained esophageal testing registry to identify patients with absent contractility who presented between August 2016 and September 2018. Patients with poor quality studies and patients with insufficient clinical records as well as those with a history of previous foregut surgery or esophagram consistent with achalasia were excluded.ResultsA total of 2068 patients underwent HRM during the study period. Of these, 66 patients (3.2%) met the inclusion criteria and formed the study cohort; 52 patients in the cohort had an upper gastrointestinal contrast study, 50 had endoscopy, and 51 completed a foregut symptom questionnaire. Thirty-eight patients (57.6%) were women. The mean age was 56.6±13.86 years, and the mean body mass index was 26.37±5.7 kg/m2. Almost half of the patients (29/66, 43.9%) were undergoing lung transplant evaluation, and 22 patients (37.3%) had a history of autoimmune immune-mediated or myopathic diseases. On the symptom questionnaire, 42 of 51 patients (82.3%) reported heartburn, 24 of 51 (47.1%) reported dysphagia, and 23 of 51 patients (45.1%) reported both. On ambulatory pH monitoring, 23 of 37 patients (62.2%) had pathological esophageal acid exposure (acid exposure time >6%).ConclusionsAbsent contractility on HRM is uncommon and is frequently associated with connective tissue, myopathic or autoimmune disorders. The usual clinical presentation is reflux, dysphagia or both.

Intestinal Malrotation in Children: Experience of a Tertiary Care Hospital in a Developing Country

Background and Objectives: Intestinal malrotation is a congenital disorder resulting from abnormal rotation of the intestine during fetal development. The aim of this study was to evaluate our experience in the management of pediatric patients with intestinal malrotation.&#x0D; Material and Methods: This was a retrospective study of children aged 3 years and below who were treated for intestinal malrotation between January 2014 and December 2018 at the pediatric surgery unit of Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTH) Enugu, Nigeria.&#x0D; Results: Sixty-one patients had laparotomy for intestinal malrotation during the study period. There was predominance of male neonates and the age range was 10 days to 3 years. Abdominal pain and upper gastrointestinal tract contrast study were the most common symptom and investigation respectively. Intestinal obstruction caused by congenital (Ladd’s) bands was the most common intraoperative finding and Ladd’s procedure was the most performed surgical procedure. Most patients did not develop any post-operative complications. However, surgical site infection was the most common complication following surgery. Mortality occurred in 8 (13.1%) patients.&#x0D; Conclusion: Intestinal malrotation symptoms occur mainly in male neonates and abdominal pain is a common and consistent symptom. Upper gastrointestinal contrast study is diagnostic. There are morbidity and mortality associated with treatment of intestinal malrotation.

Repair of post-bariatric surgery, recurrent, and de novo hiatal hernias improves bloating, abdominal pain, regurgitation, and food intolerance.

Post-bariatric surgery hiatal hernias are associated with a cluster of symptoms, including bloating (nausea/vomiting or fullness), abdominal pain, regurgitation, and food intolerance or dysphagia (BARF). To report the short-term outcomes of repairing post-bariatric surgery hiatal hernias in patients with BARF. Large, multispecialty group practice with university affiliation. We reviewed the records of all consecutive patients who underwent repair of post-bariatric surgery hiatal hernias (2012-2020). Data are shown as means ± standard deviations. We repaired hiatal hernias in 52 patients (age, 57 ± 10 yr), 4 ± 3 years post sleeve gastrectomy (SG; n = 27), 11 ± 6 years following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB; n = 24), and 11 years post duodenal switch with SG (DS-SG; n = 1). Diagnoses were made by upper gastrointestinal contrast study (80%), computed tomography (70%), and/or endoscopy (56%). Hernias in patients with SG were repaired by a posterior cruroplasty after reducing the neo-stomach into the abdomen (n = 11 SG patients; n = 1 DS-SG patient) or converting the SG to RYGB (n = 16). All 24 RYGB patients underwent hernia repair similarly. At 12 ± 10 months of follow-up, dysphagia or regurgitation improved in >80% of patients; nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain improved in 70% of patients; and heartburn persisted in 56% of patients. Subsequent recurrent hernias that required operative repair developed in 3 patients. Hiatal hernias containing the neo-stomach present earlier after SG than RYGB. The diagnosis can be made with a combination of imaging studies and endoscopy. Repair of post-bariatric surgery hiatal hernias markedly improves symptoms of BARF in most patients.

Imaging pearls of the annular pancreas on antenatal scan and its diagnostic dilemma: A case report

Background: Annular pancreas is an uncommon cause of duodenal obstruction and rarely causes complete duodenal obstruction. Due to its rarity of identification in the antenatal period and overlapping imaging features with other causes of duodenal obstruction; it is often misdiagnosed.&#x0D; Case presentation: A 33-year-old primigravida came for routine antenatal ultrasonography at 28 weeks and 4 days of gestational age. On antenatal ultrasonography, dilated duodenum and stomach were seen giving a double bubble sign and a hyperechoic band surrounding the duodenum. Associated polyhydramnios was also present. Fetal MRI was also done. Postpartum ultrasonography demonstrated pancreatic tissue surrounding the duodenum. The upper gastrointestinal contrast study showed a non-passage of contrast beyond the second part of the duodenum. Due to symptoms of obstruction, the neonate was operated on, and the underlying cause was found to be the annular pancreas.&#x0D; Conclusion: Diagnosis of duodenal obstruction due to the annular pancreas is very important in the antenatal period to plan for appropriate therapeutic interventions after birth. A double bubble sign is seen due to various etiologies however the presence of a hyperechoic band in the antenatal ultrasound may point to the diagnosis of the annular pancreas.

Challenges in the Diagnosis of Leak After Sleeve Gastrectomy: Clinical Presentation, Laboratory, and Radiological Findings

BackgroundThe presentation of leak after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is variable. A missed or delayed diagnosis can lead to severe consequences. This study presents our experience: the clinical presentations, laboratory, and radiological findings in patients with leak after LSG.MethodsA retrospective review of patients who were diagnosed and treated as leak after LSG at our center (January 2012–November 2019).ResultsEighty patients developed leak: 68 (85%) after primary LSG, 6 (7.5%) after Re-LSG and 6 (7.5%) after band removal to revisional LSG. Mean age 35.9 ± 10 years. The diagnosis was within 18 ± 14 days after surgery. Five (6.3%) patients were diagnosed during the same admission. Only 29.3% of patients were diagnosed correctly from the first visit to the ER. Most were misdiagnosed as gastritis (49%) and pneumonia (22.6%). Thirty-four patients (45.3%) were diagnosed correctly at the third visit. The most common presenting symptoms were abdominal pain (90%), tachycardia (71.3%), and fever (61.3%). The mean white blood cells (WBCs) count was 14700 ± 5900 (cells/mm3), c-reactive protein (CRP) 270 ± 133 mg/L, lactic acid 1.6 ± 0.85 mmol/L, and albumin 30.3 ± 6.6 g/L. The abdominal CT scans revealed intraabdominal collection in 93.7% of patients, extravasation of contrast in 75%, and pleural effusion in 52.5%. Upper gastrointestinal contrast study (UGIC) showed extravasation of contrast in 77.5% of patients.ConclusionAbdominal pain, tachycardia, or fever after LSG should raise the suspicion of a leak. CT scan of the abdomen and UGIC study detected leaks in 75% and 77.5% consecutively. Only 29.3% of patients were diagnosed correctly as a leak from the first visit to the ER.