CT Texture analysis and CT scores for characterization of fluid collections

Background Texture analysis derived from Computed tomography (CT) might be able to better characterize fluid collections undergoing CT-guided percutaneous drainage treatment. The present study tested, whether texture analysis can reflect microbiology results in fluid collections suspicious for septic focus. Methods Overall, 320 patients with 402 fluid collections were included into this retrospective study. All fluid collections underwent CT-guided drainage treatment and were microbiologically evaluated. Clinically, serologically parameters and conventional imaging findings as well as textures features were included into the analysis. A new CT score was calculated based upon imaging features alone. Established CT scores were used as a reference standard. Results The present score achieved a sensitivity of 0.78, a specificity of 0.69, area under curve (AUC 0.82). The present score and the score by Gnannt et al. (AUC 0.81) were both statistically better than the score by Radosa et al. (AUC 0.75). Several texture features were statistically significant between infected fluid collections and sterile fluid collections, but these features were not significantly better compared with conventional imaging findings. Conclusions Texture analysis is not superior to conventional imaging findings for characterizing fluid collections. A novel score was calculated based upon imaging parameters alone with similar diagnostic accuracy compared to established scores using imaging and clinical features.

Coexistence of thymoma and necrotizing pneumonia: a case report with a fatal outcome

Thymoma is an entity with an estimated incidence of 1.2-3.2 per million people, with a prognosis and treatment determined by its clinical stage and histological classification, the most widely used classification systems being the Masaoka-Koga for clinical stage and that of the world health organization (WHO) for histology. Necrotizing pneumonia is another rare entity that was initially described in adults in the 1940s; however, it is currently being studied more extensively in the pediatric setting, and currently its treatment, especially in adults, is unclear and surgical treatment usually reserved in the presence of complications and poor response to medical management. The coexistence of two rare entities is a problem for which therapeutic options are limited; the general condition of the patient is a determining factor in the outcome in a critically ill patient. In the present case, the association of two infrequent entities is reported, which presented a pneumothorax as a complication that required placement of an endo-pleural tube for drainage, pre-surgical biopsy a B1 thymoma was reported. The post-surgery pathology report was an encapsulated thymoma, WHO type A, the broad-spectrum antibiotic management did not prevent the dissemination of the septic focus in the context of a patient with malnutrition and immunosuppression.

SARS-CoV-2-associated gastrointestinal and liver diseases: what is known and what is needed to explore

Background The pandemic of COVID19 which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first described in China as an unexplained pneumonia transmitted by respiratory droplets. Gastrointestinal (GI) and liver injury associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection were reported as an early or sole disease manifestation, mainly outside China. The exact mechanism and incidence of GI and liver involvement are not well elucidated. Main body We conducted a PubMed search for all articles written in the English language about SARS-CoV-2 affecting the GI and liver. Following data extraction, 590 articles were selected. In addition to respiratory droplets, SARS-CoV-2 may reach the GI system through the fecal-oral route, saliva, and swallowing of nasopharyngeal fluids, while breastmilk and blood transmission were not implicated. Moreover, GI infection may act as a septic focus for viral persistence and transmission to the liver, appendix, and brain. In addition to the direct viral cytopathic effect, the mechanism of injury is multifactorial and is related to genetic and demographic variations. The most frequently reported GI symptoms are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and bleeding. However, liver infection is generally discovered during laboratory testing or a post-mortem. Radiological imaging is the gold standard in diagnosing COVID-19 patients and contributes to understanding the mechanism of extra-thoracic involvement. Medications should be prescribed with caution, especially in chronic GI and liver patients. Conclusion GI manifestations are common in COVID-19 patients. Special care should be paid for high-risk patients, older males, and those with background liver disease.

Minimal Incision Venectomy for Peripheral Septic Thrombophlebitis

Peripheral septic thrombophlebitis is an uncommon but potentially lethal condition fraught with systemic complications. Optimal treatment calls for surgical excision of the inflamed venous segment, followed by antimicrobial therapy. However, the extended skin incision and meticulous flap elevation of conventional venectomy leaves substantial residual scarring. Herein, we detail a minimal incision venectomy performed for peripheral septic thrombophlebitis in a 55-year-old man. The patient was initially admitted for conservative management of intracranial hemorrhage but subsequently developed high fever and hypotension. An abscessed intravenous catheter site of the left forearm was the apparent source. Following emergency drainage and serial irrigation, surgical venectomy was undertaken to radically remove the septic focus, excising a 10-cm segment of infected vein through a separate proximal incision. After the procedure, the patient’s recovery was complete and free of complications at postoperative 6-month visit. Under appropriate indications, minimal incision venectomy can be an effective therapeutic alternative with minimal scarring.

Neonatal sepsis-blood culture, antibiotic stewardship and clinico-bacteriological study

Background: Neonatal sepsis refers to an infection involving bloodstream in newborn infants less than 28 days old. It continues to remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among infants, especially in middle and lower-income countries. Neonatal sepsis is divided into 2 groups based on the time of presentation after birth: early-onset sepsis and late-onset sepsis.Methods: This study was done in the neonatal intensive care unit of tertiary hospital, Surendranagar. Study design being observational, data collected from clinical examination and records of the neonates admitted with positive septic screen, neonates admitted with suspected clinical sepsis (temperature >990F or <950F, respiratory rate more than 60 per minute, change in behavior, abnormal cry, not accepting feed, drowsy or unconscious, septic focus on skin or umbilicus, diarrhea and seizures) and neonates admitted with culture positive sepsis.Results: As per this research, neonatal sepsis has more male preponderance, with more commonly occurring in low birth weights and preterm. Klebsiella, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas being the most isolated organisms. Their resistance pattern, antibiotic profile and newer trends also came across.Conclusions: Neonatal sepsis comes as one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity of the newborns admitted. By this research, analyzing the sex, age, gestational weeks, organism isolated and the antibiotic profile, emerging new resistance and newer useful antibiotics can thus be studied and can be taken as a base for further study as well as evaluation of the same, along with also guiding to manage and treat neonatal sepsis better.

Septic Hip Arthritis in Patients with Osteonecrosis of Femoral Head: Two Cases Report and Review of the Literature

Background: In patients with osteonecrosis of femoral head (ONFH), septic arthritis of the hip is rare, especially in the absence of factors likely to cause infection, which are often ignored by surgeons. Methods: Two patients seen at our hospital who had ONFH and concomitant septic arthritis of the hip joint were selected for inclusion in the study. Results: The clinical course suggests that ONFH developed prior to the hip infection. The two patients were not immune-compromised, and no remote septic focus was identified. The 2 patients, clinical manifestations of infection included fever and elevated white blood cell count. Elevated levels of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were observed in all 2 patients. In all patients, the results of hip magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) indicated hip infection. For 1 patients, culturing joint fluid revealed the presence of bacteria. In the second case, joint fluid was not cultured. In each case, the hip was debrided, and a spacer made of bone cement and containing vancomycin was implanted in the hip. Intravenous antibiotics were administered for 6 weeks postoperatively. There was no recurrence of infection, and total hip arthroplasty (THA) was performed 6 months after the operation. Conclusions: Septic hip is rare but exist in patients with ONFH. Elevated ESR and CRP contributed to the initial diagnosis; the results of hip MRI help to confirm the diagnosis. Overall, THA was an effective treatment.

Intrauterine negative-pressure therapy (IU-NPT) to treat peritonitis after caesarean section

ObjectivesWe describe the first application of intrauterine negative-pressure therapy (IU-NPT) for an early rupture of a uterine suture after a third caesarean section with consecutive peritonitis and sepsis. Because all four quadrants were affected by peritonitis, a laparotomy was performed on the 15th day after caesarean section. Abdominal negative-pressure wound therapy (A-NPWT) of the open abdomen was initiated. During the planned relaparotomy, a suture defect of the anterior uterine wall was identified and sutured. In the second relaparotomy, the suture appeared once more insufficient.Case presentationFor subsequent IU-NPT, we used an open-pore film drainage (OFD) consisting of a drainage tube wrapped in the double-layered film. The OFD was inserted into the uterine cavity via the uterine defect and IU-NPT was established together with A-NPT. With the next relaparotomy, local inflammation and peritonitis had been resolved completely. IU-NPT was continued transvaginally, the uterine defect was sutured, and the abdomen was closed. Vaginal IU-NPT was also discontinued after another eight days.ConclusionsBy using IU-NPT, local infection control of the septic focus was achieved. The infectious uterine secretions were completely evacuated and no longer discharged into the abdominal cavity. As a result of the applied suction, the uterine cavity collapsed around the inlaid OFD. The total duration of IU-NPT was 11 days. The uterine defect was completely closed, and a hysterectomy was avoided. The patient was discharged four days after the end of IU-NPT. IU-NPT follows the same principles as those described for endoscopic negative-pressure wound therapy of the gastrointestinal tract.

Surgical Management of Non-Malignant Esophageal Perforations: A Single-Center Analysis Over a 15-Year Period

Purpose: Esophageal perforations are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Different nonoperative and operative treatment options have been proposed. This study focuses on the impact of different surgical treatments in nonmalignant esophageal perforations and tries to identify predictors of mortality in a single tertiary center over a 15-year period. Methods: From 2002 to 2017, patients with surgically managed esophageal perforation were identified from our database. Patients with esophageal malignancies were excluded. Etiology, clinical data, treatment, and outcome were analyzed. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the impact on mortality. Results: A total of 72 patients were identified. The majority of perforations were iatrogenic (54.2%) followed by Boerhaave’s syndrome (23.6%). Most ruptures were found in the distal third of the esophagus (59.7%) measuring <3 cm (61.1%). Patients were treated with exploration and drainage (8.3%), primary suture and patch reinforcement (36.1%), resection and restoration of continuity (25.0%), or resection without restoration of continuity (30.6%). Delayed therapy significantly correlated with sepsis (p < 0.0001) and mortality (p = 0.032). A correlation between an increasing perforation length with sepsis (p = 0.012) was observed. A higher Perforation Severity Score (PSS; OR 4.430; 95% CI 1.143–17.174; p = 0.031) and a higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score (OR 2.923; 95% CI 1.011–8.448; p = 0.048) were associated with mortality in multivariate analysis. Conclusion: Esophageal perforations are associated with high mortality, and larger ruptures are associated with worse outcome. Rapid diagnosis and treatment are crucial for patient survival. Hence, PSS and ASA score help to identify high-risk patients. The advantage of surgical management lies in the rapid control of the septic focus in an already critically ill patient. Though, the kind of surgical technique needs to be adjusted to the individual situation.

Early Сontrast-Enhanced Multispiral Computed Tomographic Diagnosis of Septic Pulmonary Embolism and a Case of Successful Surgical Treatment

The review presents a rare clinical case of right-sided infective endocarditis (IE), a variant of early diagnosis using contrast-enhanced multispiral computed tomography (CE-MSCT), and successful surgical treatment for septic pulmonary embolism and right-sided IE. The clinical manifestation of the disease lasted about 3 weeks. The diagnosis was established according to the results of an emergency complex CE-MSCT study. At 4 hours after the patient went to the clinic, a combined operation (removal of part of the venous port and thrombectomy from the left pulmonary branch) was successfully performed. There was a complete coincidence of CE-MSCT study data and intraoperative results; staphylococcal septic focus was confirmed in a laboratory. The total length of stay in hospital was 9 days; that of full performance restoration was 3 weeks. The presented case has proven that the CE-MSCT may be the only sufficient technique for detecting septic pulmonary embolism and deciding in favor of surgical treatment, eliminating the need for a different kind of instrumental diagnosis, which significantly reduces the time of diagnosis.