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Biomedical subjects

R Rymer

Publications and source records attributed to R Rymer.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

[CT-Guided transgluteal approach for percutaneous drainage of pelvic abscesses: results in 21 patients].

OBJECTIVE: Percutaneous drainage of pelvic abscesses may be challenging using a conventional anterior route because of overlying intestinal or vascular structures. Although, the posterior transgluteal route is not commonly performed, it may provide a safer approach when the conventional anterior route is not feasible. We retrospectively analyzed our experience in transgluteal percutaneous drainage of pelvic abscesses in 21 patients to determine the feasibility, safety, tolerance and efficacy of this technique. METHODS: The data of 21 patients with pelvic abscesses (15 postoperative and 6 secondary to diverticulitis) who were treated by CT-guided percutaneous transgluteal drainage between 1992 and 2002 were reviewed. Transgluteal drainage was considered as failure in case of persisting clinical sepsis, recurrence of abscess or when surgery was needed. RESULTS: The procedure was well tolerated in all patients. No major complication was observed. In one patient mild hematoma of the piriform muscle was noticed on postprocedure CT scan but did not require a specific treatment. Successful drainage as documented by follow-up CT examination was observed in 20 patients (20/21; 95%). One case of recurrence which was successfully treated by repeated percutaneous transgluteal drainage was observed in our series. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous imaging-guided transgluteal drainage is a feasible, safe, well-tolerated and effective method for the treatment of pelvic abscess when a conventional anterior route is not feasible.

Abscess↗

[Splenic rupture following colonoscopy: report of an unusual case in the absence of underlying splenic disease].

Splenic injury following colonoscopy is rare and, to our knowledge, 18 cases only have been reported so far in the literature. The presumed mechanisms for splenic injury during colonoscopy are direct trauma to the spleen or excessive traction of the splenocolic ligament this latter mechanism being due to decreased mobility between the spleen and the colon secondary to adhesions. Splenomegaly or underlying splenic disease are two conditions which are considered to be predisposing factors to splenic injury. We report one case of splenic rupture which was due to colonoscopy in the absence of any underlying splenic disease. This case was diagnosed and monitored by computed tomography, thus avoiding unnecessary splenectomy.

Aged↗

[Carcinoid tumor of the small bowel: value of hydro-MR imaging for diagnosis].

Hydro-MR imaging is a technique based on the use of a strongly T2-weighted single-shot fast spin-echo (SSFSE) sequence, similar to that used for MR-cholangiography. We report herein one case of carcinoid tumor of the small bowel diagnosed by hydro-MR imaging. This non invasive MR technique showed suggestive features such as radial convergence and segmental dilatation of a small bowel loop, similar to those seen on conventional follow-through studies. This case illustrates the major role that may be played in the future by hydro-MR imaging for the non invasive diagnosis of carcinoid tumor of the small bowel without the use of ionizing radiation.

Carcinoid Tumor↗

Should routine spiral computed tomography be performed in adult patients with acute abdominal pain of the right lower quadrant?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: To determine whether spiral computed tomography (SCT) is helpful in the management of adult patients with acute pain of the right lower quadrant. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The prospective study included 204 patients with acute pain of the right lower quadrant during two periods: 104 before and 100 after the introduction of SCT. A questionnaire was completed for each patient before and after standard clinical and laboratory assessment and SCT, indicating the suspected diagnosis and a provisional therapeutic option. RESULTS: In the pre-SCT period the negative laparotomy rate was 29% vs. only 13% in the SCT period. During the SCT period 10 of the 24 nonoperated patients were discharged on the same day, and 14 were hospitalized 1.6+/-1 days, and only one was readmitted for operation on day 7. The accuracy of SCT assisted by results of clinical and laboratory findings (true positives + true negatives/total of patients) was 86% (vs. 73% for standard clinical and laboratory assessment): 93% in men (vs. 76% for standard clinical and laboratory assessment) but only 63% in women (vs. 60% for standard clinical and laboratory assessment). SCT changed the therapeutic decision guided by standard clinical and laboratory assessment in 18 cases, accurately in 16 cases (90%). CONCLUSION: SCT is helpful in the management of adult patients with acute abdominal pain of the right lower quadrant. In our study it reduced negative laparotomy rate from 29% (guided by standard clinicobiological evaluation) to only 13%.

Abdominal Pain↗

[Interventional radiology in managing post-partum hemorrhage].

UNLABELLED: EMBOLISATION OF THE UTERINE ARTERIES: Is the technique of choice for the management of post-partum hemorrhage, since it is efficient and virtually non-invasive. However, initial obstetrical measures and appropriate reanimation should never be neglected. The decision for embolisation must be made by all of the competent staff (obstetrician, reanimator, interventional radiologist). The clinical state of the patient must be assessed and the biological controls analyzed and eventually the decision can be made to transfer the patient to a specialized unit equipped not only with a team of interventional radiologists but also a multi-disciplinary team, experienced in the management of this type of pathology. PRACTICAL METHODS: An arterial inducer is placed in the femoral artery under local anesthesia. The angiographic exploration includes, when necessary, a global series showing the aorta and the pelvic vessels followed by the successive exploration of the two internal iliac arteries. Embolisation, conducted under scopic control, must be bilateral. Gelatin fragments or powder is the most appropriate embolus. LIMITS: Very few maternal delivery structures are able to perform an arterial embolisation at any time of the day or night. This raises the problem of transporting patients with uncontrolled hemorrhages; only those who exhibit no hemorrhagic disorders can be transported fairly easily. EFFICACY AND COMPLICATIONS: Concerning the three principle causes at the origin of post-partum hemorrhages, efficacy is constant in the case of uterine atonia; conversely, failures have been reported in the case of cervical-vaginal tearing and abnormal placental insertion (placenta accreta). In young women with healthy arteries, the complications of uterine embolisation during post-partum hemorrhage are exceptional.

Adult↗

[Post-operative small bowel obstruction: spiral computed tomography].

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate prospectively the impact of the routine use of abdominal spiral computed tomography (SCT) in patients with postoperative small bowel obstruction (SBO) for whom initial conservative treatment was proposed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We have compared the management of SBO in patients with clinical stable condition in two successive periods : from 1989 to 1998, 127 patients (preSCT group) for whom management was based on standard clinical-biological-radiological assessment (CBRA) et from 1999 to 2000, 30 patients (SCT group) for whom management included SCT. The decision of surgical team was correlated with the type of small bowel obstruction at laparotomy : closed-loop obstruction without intestinal necrosis (true-positive), intestinal necrosis as a consequence of delayed diagnosis defined as false-negative, diffuse adhesion defined as false-positive et patient non operated defined as true-negative. RESULTS: Among the 127 patients from the preSCT group, 87 were treated conservatively and 40 were operated : SBO with closed-loop obstruction without intestinal necrosis (n = 29,72%), SBO with diffuse adhesion (n = 4, 10%) and SBO with intestinal necrosis (n = 7, 17%). Among the 30 patients from the SCT group, 16 were treated conservatively and 14 were operated: SBO with closed-loop obstruction without intestinal necrosis (n = 8, 57%), SBO with diffuse adhesion (n = 6,43%) and SBO with intestinal necrosis (n = 0,0%; NS). Both groups were similar for rates of patients with SBO with or without necrosis and rate of patients treated conservatively (NS). In SCT group, there was significantly more patients operated for diffuse adhesions (p < 0,01). Negative predictive value of CBRA + TDM was significantly higher than those of CBRA alone (p = 0,041). CONCLUSION: Due to a very high sensibility, TDM increase probably the rate of early laparotomies, maybe unnecessary, in patients without any sign of SBO due to closed-loop obstruction. Thus, systematic use of TDM in patients with clinical suspicion of SBO remains to be evaluated.

Duodenal Obstruction↗

Arterial blood supply to the uterus in nonpregnant sheep: a pertinent model for clinical practice?

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Our goal was to study the arterial supply to the sheep uterus to compare its similarity with that of women and to evaluate the interest of this animal model for training in uterine artery embolization. METHODS: Ten nonpregnant sheep underwent aortography and selective study of the ovarian, internal iliac, uterine, and vaginal arteries. RESULTS: The uterus was supplied mainly by the uterine arteries in all sheep. The ovarian artery, which was identified in five sheep, had a thin anastomosis with the ipsilateral uterine artery at the tubal junction. The vaginal artery provided blood flow to the inferior part of the cervix and anastomosed with the ipsilateral uterine artery. CONCLUSIONS: Because uterine vascularization of nonpregnant sheep is similar to that of women, the sheep represents an appropriate model for experimental uterine artery embolization. This model should be used for interventional radiologists in training not familiar with endovascular navigation inside pelvic arteries.

Angiography↗

[Imaging of primary carcinoid tumor of the pancreas].

PURPOSE: To describe the imaging features of primary carcinoid tumors of the pancreas. Materials and Methods. The sonographic and computed tomographic examinations of six patients with pathologically proven primary carcinoid tumor of the pancreas were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: In all cases, sonography showed hypoechoic and well circumscribed tumors. CT scan demonstrated hypoattenuating tumors on noncontrast images, with variable enhancement on postcontrast images. Small tumors (less than 2cm in diameter) were homogeneous whereas larger tumors were heterogeneous with areas of cystic necrosis. In two cases, enlarged lymph nodes were found in association with ascitis. In one case, hepatic metastases were present. CONCLUSION: Primary carcinoid tumors of the pancreas display various and non specific imaging features. Small tumors are likely to be homogeneous and hypervascular whereas larger tumors are heterogeneous and hypovascular.

Adult↗

[Primary epiploic appendicitis: CT diagnosis for conservative treatment].

OBJECTIVE: Primary epiploic appendicitis is an uncommon, self-limited disease with spontaneous resolution. Diagnosis is usually made at surgery as the disease is generally mistaken for acute appendicitis or sigmoid diverticulitis. CT allows a non-invasive diagnosis, thus avoiding unnecessary surgery. The condition can be managed conservatively with the use of analgesic drugs only, and clinical evolution is uneventful. The aim of this study is to report the CT features of this pathologic process before and after medical treatment by analgesics. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Six patients (4 men and 2 women aged from 23 to 70 year old mean; 29 year old) underwent abdominal CT scan because of acute abdominal pain located in the left lower quadrant (n = 3) and right lower quadrant (n = 3). No patient had fever. Laboratory findings were normal in all cases. Follow-up CT scans were obtained in 4 patients respectively at 2, 4, 8 and 80 weeks. RESULTS: CT scan showed in all cases a fatty mass located to the anterolateral wall of the colon, delineated by an hyper attenuating rim. Infiltration of the pericolic fat was noted in all cases. Follow up CT scans obtained in 4 patients showed that the inflammatory signs had cleared in all cases, the lesion had disappeared (n = 2), decreased in size (n = 1) or a residual paracolic node was observed (n = 1). CONCLUSION: Primary epiploic appendicitis is a rare disease. Knowledge of CT signs allowed the correct diagnosis and a conservative management.

Abdomen, Acute↗

CT of radiation-induced injury of the gastrointestinal tract: spectrum of findings with barium studies correlation.

Because of improvement in survival rate of patients with abdominal cancer, gastrointestinal complications following external radiation therapy are becoming more frequent. Thus, an increased number of patients are commonly investigated with imaging because of suspected radiation-induced injury of the gastrointestinal tract. This pictorial review highlights the spectrum of CT and barium study manifestations of radiation-induced injury of the gastrointestinal tract. The major role of CT in the evaluation and management of patients with radiation injury of the gastrointestinal tract is highlighted. Emphasis is placed on CT imaging signs that may help in distinguishing between radiation-induced injury and recurrent disease.

Abdominal Neoplasms↗

Fibroid-related menorrhagia: treatment with superselective embolization of the uterine arteries and midterm follow-up.

PURPOSE: To prospectively evaluate the effectiveness and safety of selective embolization of the uterine arteries in the management of symptomatic uterine leiomyoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty consecutive women (mean age, 44.7 years) with symptomatic uterine leiomyoma, none of whom desired future pregnancy, underwent superselective embolization of the uterine arteries with polyvinyl alcohol particles. In all women, arterial embolization was performed because of persistent, fibroid-related menorrhagia after failure of hormonal therapy. Follow-up consisted of office visits at 2, 6, 12, and 24 months and of ultrasonography at 2 and 6 months after the procedure. RESULTS: Bilateral embolization of the uterine arteries was performed in 76 women; unilateral embolization, in four women. Menorrhagia disappeared in 72 (90%) women. In five (6%) women (including three women with unilateral embolization), clinical improvement was not observed, and myomectomy was needed. In one woman with a large submucosal uterine leiomyoma, hysterectomy was needed because of septic uterine necrosis. Normal menstruation resumed in all but six women. Full-term pregnancy occurred in three women after the procedure. CONCLUSION: Superselective arterial embolization of the uterine arteries is an effective means of controlling symptomatic uterine leiomyoma. However, the ideal embolic regimen remains to be determined.

Adult↗

[Abdominal complications of Crohn's disease: CT features].

Crohn's disease is characterized by transmural inflammation and chronic disorder of the gastrointestinal tract. Abdominal complications of Crohn's disease are frequent and quite variable and their diagnosis is commonly performed with CT. The purpose of this article is to review the CT features of the abdominal complications of Crohn's disease, including ileocolitis, abscess, phlegmon, fistula, bowel obstruction, portal vein gas, colonic distention, as well as urinary, hepatobiliary and pancreatic complications.

Abdominal Abscess↗

[Pancreatic pseudocyst: unusual presentation of polyarteritis nodosa].

Even though pancreatic involvement in case of polyarteritis nodosa is uncommon, it reveals infrequently the disease. Furthermore, the occurrence of pancreatic pseudocyst in case of polyarteritis nodosa is rare. One case of intrapancreatic pseudocyst complicating chronic pancreatic during polyarteritis nodosa is reported. CT scan showed non specific intrapancreatic cystic lesion for which the diagnosis of mucinous cystic tumor of the pancreas was considered. After surgical resection, histopathologic analysis led to the diagnosis of intrapancreatic pseudocyst secondary to polyarteritis nodosa.

Chronic Disease↗

[Uterine artery embolization: anatomical and technical considerations, indications, results, and complications].

The first reported use of transcatheter arterial embolization in the management of intractable bleeding related to pelvic trauma appeared in the literature in 1973. Other indications for pelvic embolization in women include postoperative and postpartum hemorrhage and bleeding related to gynecologic malignancy. Recently, the use of uterine artery embolization in the management of symptomatic leiomyoma has been reported as an alternative to surgery. The widespread acceptance of this procedure necessitates greater knowledge of the arterial anatomy of the female genital tract. In this paper, main arterial variations in uterine vascularization and procedure-relevant technical considerations will be discussed. Indications, results and potential complications of uterine artery embolization will be listed and explained.

Angiography↗