Relevance of Medical Imaging in the Pre-Therapeutic Evaluation of Acute Intestinal Obstruction at CIMED

Objective: We initiated this work with the aim of studying the contribution of imaging in the diagnosis of acute intestinal obstruction at CIMED. Patients and methods: This was a prospective, descriptive and analytical study involving 96 patients collected at the radiology and medical imaging department of CIMED, from January 2022 to January 2023. Result: The age of our patients varied between 11 and 86 years with an average age of 36 years. There was a male predominance of 64.6% compared to 35.4% for women, i.e. a sex ratio of 1.82. The notion of previous surgery was found in 61.5% of our patients. Pain was present in all patients. Radiography of the ASP was performed in 89.6% of patients. It showed hydro-aerial levels in 96.5% of patients. Abdominopelvic CT was performed in 12 patients and made it possible to make the diagnosis of occlusion in all patients. The results of the positive diagnosis were concordant with those intraoperatively in 92% of cases. 8% of our patients, compared to the treatment, spontaneously resumed their transit, 91% benefited from surgical treatment and 1% died before surgery. The outcome was favorable in 80 patients or 83.3%, poor with death in 16 patients or 16.7% of cases. Conclusion: Acute intestinal obstruction remains a serious pathology for which ASP radiography often remains the only radiological examination performed urgently. However, abdominopelvic CT seems widely indicated thanks to its contribution both for the positive diagnosis and for the serious and etiological diagnoses. However, this imaging technique is largely underused in our practice due to its high cost and lack of availability.

New application of intestinal obstruction catheter in enterocutaneous fistula:A case report

BACKGROUND Enterocutaneous fistula(ECF)is an abnormal connection between the gastrointestinal tract and the skin.ECF can lead to massive body fluid loss,hypercatabolism,and malnutrition.Therefore,nutritional support plays a crucial role in managing ECFs and promoting the healing of fistulas.For nutritional support,enteral nutrition(EN)is the preferred method when gastrointestinal function is recovering.Currently,various EN approaches have been applied for different anatomical positions of the ECF.However,the effectiveness of administering EN support for treating lower ECFs still needs further exploration and improvement.CASE SUMMARY We present the case of a 46-year-old male who underwent gastrointestinal stromal tumour resection.Six days after the surgery,the patient presented with fever,fatigue,severe upper abdominal pain,and septic shock.Subsequently,lower ECFs were diagnosed through laboratory and imaging examinations.In addition to symptomatic treatment for homeostasis,total parenteral nutrition support was administered in the first 72 h due to dysfunction of the intestine.After that,we gradually provided EN support through the intestinal obstruction catheter in consideration of the specific anatomic position of the fistula instead of using the nasal jejunal tube.Ultimately,the patient could receive optimal EN support via the catheter,and no complications were found during the treatment.CONCLUSION Nutritional support is a crucial element in ECF management,and intestinal obstruction catheters could be used for early EN administration.

Pharmacodynamic Experiment of Dachengqi Decoction and Separated Decoction on Incomplete Intestinal Obstruction in Rats

[Objectives]To investigate the effect and mechanism of Dachengqi Decoction and separated decoction on incomplete intestinal obstruction in rats.[Methods]80 healthy SD rats were selected to establish incomplete intestinal obstruction model by silk ligation.The dosage was 20 mL/kg for 3 d,and the damage index of ileocecal mucosa was analyzed;the morphology of ileocecal mucosa was observed by HE staining;the serum levels of IL-1α,IL-1β,IL-6,IL-18,Ach,NO,ET,IL-1,TNF-αand ultra-micro Na+-K+-ATPase were detected by ELISA.[Results]Compared with the model group,the mucosal damage index of Dachengqi Decoction and each separated decoction group decreased significantly(P<0.05);compared with the normal group and sham operation group,the serum level of IL-1,IL-6,TNF-αand other factors in the model group increased significantly(P<0.05);compared with the model group,the serum IL-1,IL-6 and TNF-αsecretion levels of rats in Dachengqi Decoction group and separated decoction group decreased(P<0.01).[Conclusions]Dachengqi Decoction and each separated decoction can effectively improve intestinal tissue pathological damage in the incomplete intestinal obstruction model rats,and reduce the inflammatory reaction in the rat body.

Phasic study of intestinal homeostasis disruption in experimental intestinal obstruction

AIM: To investigate the phasic alteration of intestinal homeostasis in an experimental model of intestinal obstruction.

Long-term follow-up of distal intestinal obstruction syndrome in cystic fibrosis

AIM: To investigate the long-term follow-up of distal intestinal obstruction syndrome(DIOS) in Israeli cystic fibrosis(CF) patients.METHODS: This is a multi-center,comparative,retrospective study in which we reviewed the medical records of all CF patients from three major CF centers in Israel who were treated in the period from 1980 to 2012.Patients diagnosed with DIOS were defined as the study group.The patients were diagnosed with DIOS based on their clinical presentation and typical findings on either abdominal X-ray or computerized tomography scan.For the control group,CF patients with no DIOS were matched to the patients in the study group for age,sex,and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator(CFTR) mutations.For both groups,the collected data included age,sex,CFTR genotype,weight,height,and body mass index.Clinical data included respiratory function tests in the last five years prior to the study,respiratory function test immediately before and after the DIOS event,number of hospitalizations,sputum culture results,and CFrelated conditions diagnosed according to the CF clinical practice guidelines.In the study group,data on the DIOS treatment and tendency for DIOS recurrence were also analyzed.RESULTS: The medical charts for a total of 350 CF patients were reviewed.Of the 350 CF patients,26(7.4%) were diagnosed with DIOS.The control group included 31 CF patients with no DIOS diagnosis.The mean follow-up period was 21.6 ± 8.2 years.The total of DIOS episodes in the follow-up period was 60.The distribution of DIOS episodes was as follows: 6/26(23.1%) study patients had one episode of DIOS intheir lifetime,7/26(26.9%) had two episodes,7/26(26.9%) had three episodes,and 6/26(23.1%) had four or more episodes.Compared to the control group,DIOS patients had a significantly higher incidence of meconium ileus in the past(65.4% vs 0%,respectively,P < 0.02),more Aspergillus spp.colonization(34.6% vs 3.2%,respectively,P < 0.02),and a higher number of hospitalizations due to respiratory exacerbations(8.6 vs 6.2 mean total hospitalizations per follow-up period,respectively,P < 0.02).No other significant differences were found between the control and study groups.The conservative treatment of DIOS,which mainly includes hydration and stool softeners,was successful in 82% of the episodes.The survival rate was similar for both groups.CONCLUSION: CF patients with DIOS suffer from recurrent hospitalizations and airway pathogen acquisition.Although recurrence of DIOS is common,conservative treatment is successful in most patients.

Comparison of different methods of intestinal obstruction in a rat model

AIM:To investigate different methods of creating incomplete intestinal obstruction in a rat model and to compare their electrophysiologic,morphologic and histologic characteristics. METHODS:Rat ileum was partially obstructed by the respective application of:braided silk(penetrated the mesentery and surrounded intestine);half ligation (penetrated directly and ligated 1/2 cross-section of the intestine);wide pipe(6 mm in width,surrounded the intestine);narrow pipe(2 mm in width,surrounded the intestine).A control was also included(no obstruction). Various behavioral and electrophysiologic variables, as well as morphologic and immunohistochemical observations were recorded by blinded investigators at different time points(12,24,48,72 h),including daily general condition,ileal wet weight and circumference, macromorphous and micromorphous intestine,bowel movement capability in vivo and in vitro,slow wave and neural electrical activity,and the number of c-Kit positive interstitial cells of Cajal(ICC). RESULTS:Despite being of a similar general condition, these methods resulted in different levels of obstruction in each group compared with the control at different time points(12,24,48,72 h).However,these fields of the wide pipe rat showed significantly differences when compared with the other three obstructed groups at 12 to 72 h,including macroscopic and histological presentation,intestinal transit ratio and contractility,circumference and wet weight,amplitude and frequency of nerve electrical discharge and slow wave,and ICC numbers(all P<0.01). CONCLUSION:The wide pipe rat method is significantly more reliable and stable than the other methods of obstruction,demonstrating that use of the wide pipe method can be a useful model of incomplete intestinal obstruction.

Intestinal obstruction caused by torsed gangrenous Meckel's diverticulum encircling terminal ileum

Meckel's diverticulum(MD)is considered the most prevalent congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract. It may result in a number of complications including hemorrhage,obstruction,and inflammation.Obstruction of various types is the most common presenting symptom in the adult population.Loop formations with the end of an MD and adjacent mesentery constricting the distal ileum is an uncommon cause of obstruction. Axial torsion and gangrene of MD is the rarest of the complications.The correct diagnosis of complicated MD before surgery is often difficult because this condition may mimic other acute abdominal pathologies.Delay in the diagnosis of a complicated MD can lead to signifi- cant morbidity and mortality.Here we describe the case of a patient with a very rare form of acute small bowel obstruction secondary to giant torsed gangrenous MD encircling the terminal ileum.To our knowledge, this co-occurrence of axial torsion and a loop-forming mechanism of obstruction has been reported only once in English medical literature.

Lipoma within inverted Meckel’s diverticulum as a cause of recurrent partial intestinal obstruction and hemorrhage: A case report and review of literature

Lipoma within an inverted Meckel's diverticulum presen- ting with hemorrhage and partial intestinal obstruction is an exceptional clinical entity. We report a case of 47-year-old male with a history of recurrent episodes of partial intestinal obstruction and melena due to a subserosal lipoma located in the base of an inverted Meckel's diverticulum. According to our knowledge, this is the first case of a lipoma within a Meckel's diverticulum giving rise to this clinical scenario without the existence of heterotrophic gastric or pancreatic tissues.

Enteric duplication cyst as a leading point for ileoileal intussusception in an adult:A rare cause of complete small intestinal obstruction

Duplication of alimentary tract(DAT) presenting as an ileoileal intussusception is a very rare clinical entity.Herein,a case of an ileoileal intussusception due to DAT is presented.A 32-year-old woman was hospitalized due to diffuse,intermittent abdominal pain,vomiting and constipation for 3 d associated with abdominal distention.Plain abdominal X-ray revealed dilated small bowel.Abdominal computed tomography showed grossly dilated small bowel with "sausage" and "doughnut" signs of small bowel intussusception.She underwent laparotomy,with findings of ileoileal intussusception due to a cystic lesion adjacent to the mesenteric side.Resection of the cystic lesion along with the affected segment of intestine,with an end to end anastomosis was performed.The histopathology was consistent with enteric duplication cyst.This case highlights the DAT,although,an uncommon cause of adult ileoileal intussusception should be considered in the differential diagnosis of intussusception in adults,particularly when the leading point is a cystic lesion.

Giant Meckel's diverticulum: An exceptional cause of intestinal obstruction

Meckel's diverticulum(MD) results from incomplete involution of the proximal portion of the vitelline(also known as the omphalomesenteric) duct during weeks 5-7 of foetal development. Although MD is the most commonly diagnosed congenital gastrointestinal anom-aly, it is estimated to affect only 2% of the population worldwide. Most cases are asymptomatic, and diagno-sis is often made following investigation of unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding, perforation, inflammation or obstruction that prompt clinic presentation. While MD range in size from 1-10 cm, cases of giant MD(≥ 5 cm) are relatively rare and associated with more severe forms of the complications, especially for obstruction. Herein, we report a case of giant MD with secondary small bowel obstruction in an adult male that was suc-cessfully managed by surgical resection and anasto-mosis created with endoscopic stapler device(80 mm, endo-GIA stapler). Patient was discharged on post-operative day 6 without any complications. Histopatho-logic examination indicated Meckel's diverticulitis with-out gastric or pancreatic metaplasia.

Intestinal pseudo-obstruction in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: A real diagnostic challenge

Intestinal pseudo-obstruction secondary to systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE) is a rare syndrome described in recent decades. There are slightly over 30 published cases in the English language literature, primarily associated with renal and hematological disease activity. Its presentation and evolution are a diagnostic challenge for the clinician. We present four cases of intestinal pseudo-obstruction due to lupus in young Mexican females. One patient had a previous diagnosis of SLE and all presented with a urinary tract infection of varying degrees of severity during their evolution. We consider that recognition of the disease is of vital importance because it allows for establishing appropriate management, leading to a better prognosis and avoiding unnecessary surgery and complications.

Study on multi-target mechanism of Radix et Rhizoma Rhei (Dahuang) and Semen Persicae (Taoren) on adhesion intestinal obstruction based on network pharmacology

Objective: To explore the mechanism of action of Radix et Rhizoma Rhei (Dahuang)(RERR) and Semen Persicae (Taoren)(SP) on adhesive intestinal obstruction (AIO). Methods: The main targets of the active ingredients of RERR and SP were filtered based on the traditional Chinese medicine system pharmacology analysis platform. Cytoscape 3.2.1 was applied to build the ingredient-target network of RERR and SP for AIO. Results: Fifteen active components were predicted from the RERR and SP herb pair, such as aloe-emodin, catechin, rhein, gibberellin (GA) 119, GA120 and GA121. These components were applied to 59 targets mainly involved in many biological processes such as signal transduction, anti-apoptosis, and inflammatory response involved in activating the immune effect. Conclusion: This study proposes the system pharmacology method and identifies the potent combination therapeutic mechanism of RERR and SP for AIO. This strategy will provide a new insight to the study of herb combinations.

Bitter components related to alleviating intestinal obstruction in traditional Mongolian medicine

Intestinal obstruction is a blockage that keeps digesta from passing through upper or lower intestine.Traditional Mongolian medicine(TMM)has been proven to be efficacious in the clinical treatment of intestinal obstruction.However,the mechanism of its treatment has not been studied.The bitter taste receptors(T2Rs)are highly expressed in the extra-oral digestive system,such as gastrointestinal tract,which can regulate gastrointestinal peristalsis and contraction of gastrointestinal smooth muscle.In the respiratory system,T2Rs can relax the airway smooth muscle and effectively alleviate asthma symptoms.In this review,the theory and clinical applications of bitter herbs in TMM were discussed and the functional expression of T2Rs and bitter taste signal transduction pathway were analyzed to investigate whether bitter Mongolian medicine may play an effective role in promoting gastrointestinal peristalsis.Therefore,the scientific connotation of the theory of bitter medicinal property of TMM was interpreted by combining T2Rs research and application of modern technology.This new research approach may enrich and improve the basic theory and accelerate the modernization of TMM.

Experience on Diagnosis and Treatment of Strangulated Intestinal Obstruction Caused by Mesentery Vein Thrombosis on Account of Portal Hypertension

In the present study, to investigate diagnosis and treatment of strangulated intestinal obstruction caused by mesentery vein thrombosis on account of portal hypertension, the data in twelve patients with this disease from 1998 to 2008 were analyzed. All patients presented abdominal pain and vomiting and were confirmed strangulated intestinal obstruction caused by mesentery thrombosis with operation. In this group, nine patients underwent part of small intestine excision, and three patients underwent open-closed operation because of the whole small intestine necrosis caused by intensive mesentery thrombosis. Five patients died after operation. The diagnosis of strangulated intestinal obstruction caused by mesentery thrombosis was difficult because of the slow disease processes and severe outcomes. It is necessary to take some measures to get over the dangers duration after operation.

Intestinal pseudo-obstruction in inactive systemic lupus erythematosus: An unusual finding

Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIP) is an infre-quent complication of an active systemic lupus erythema-tosus (SLE). We illustrate a case of SLE inactive-related CIP. A 51-year old female with inactive SLE (ECLAM score 2) was hospitalized with postprandial fullness, vomiting, abdominal bloating and abdominal pain. She had had no bowel movements for five days. Plain abdominal X-ray revealed multiple fluid levels and dilated small and large bowel loops with air-fluid levels. Intestinal contrast radiology detected dilated loops. CIP was diagnosed. The patient was treated with prokinetics, octreotide, claritromycin, rifaximin, azathioprine and tegaserod without any clinical improvement. Then methylprednisolone (500 mg iv daily) was started. After the first administration, the patient showed peristaltic movements. A bowel movement was reported after the second administration. A plain abdominal X-ray revealed no air-fluid levels. Steroid therapy was slowly reduced with complete resolution of the symptoms. The patient is still in a good clinical condition. SLE-related CIP is generally reported as a complication of an active disease. In our case, CIP was the only clinical demonstration of the SLE.

Mechanical intestinal obstruction due to isolated diffuse venous malformations in the gastrointestinal tract: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Isolated gastrointestinal venous malformations(GIVMs)are extremely rare congenital developmental abnormalities of the venous vasculature.Because of their asymptomatic nature,the diagnosis is often quite challenging.However,as symptomatic GIVMs have nonspecific clinical manifestations,misdiagnosis is very common.Here,we report a case of isolated diffuse GIVMs inducing mechanical intestinal obstruction.A literature review was also conducted to summarize clinical features,diagnostic points,treatment selections and differential diagnosis in order that doctors may have a comprehensive understanding of this disease.CASE SUMMARY A 50-year-old man presented with recurrent painless gastrointestinal bleeding for two months and failure to pass flatus and defecate with nausea and vomiting for ten days.Digital rectal examination found bright red blood and soft nodular masses 3 cm above the anal verge.Computed tomography showed that part of the descending colon and rectosigmoid colon was thickened with phleboliths in the intestinal wall.Colonoscopy exhibited bluish and reddish multinodular submucosal masses and flat submucosal serpentine vessels.Endoscopic ultrasonography showed anechoic cystic spaces within intestinal wall.The lesions were initially thought to be isolated VMs involving part of the descending colon and rectosigmoid colon.Laparoscopic subtotal proctocolectomy,pullthrough transection and coloanal anastomosis and ileostomy were performed.Histopathology revealed intact mucosa and dilated,thin-walled blood vessels in the submucosa,muscularis,and serosa involving the entire colorectum.The patient recovered with complete symptomatic relief during the 52-mo follow-up period.CONCLUSION The diagnosis of isolated GIVMs is challenging.The information presented here is significant for the diagnosis and management of symptoms.

Postoperative intestinal obstruction caused by Meckel’s diverticulitis after appendectomy

Surgical treatment of the complications associated with Meckel’s diverticulum is widely accepted, but surgical management of an asymptomatic diverticulum found incidentally during laparotomy for other reasons is controversial. Appendectomy is the most common reason for laparotomy in many pediatric surgery clinics. The most common causes of an intestinal obstruction in the early period after appendectomy are an intra-abdominal abscess, adhesive small bowel obstruction and invagination. Obstruction due to Meckel’s diverticulum is reported rarely. In this study, we present 2 cases, five and eleven years old, with an asymptomatic Meckel’s diverticulum where appendectomy was performed due to acute and perforated appendicitis and obstruction developed due to Meckel’s diverticulitis in the postoperative early stage. Meckel’s diverticulitis must be considered in intestinal obstruction cases developing in the early stages after appendectomy although quite rare.

Diverticulosis of the jejunum with intestinal obstruction: A case report

A diagnosis of intestinal diverticulosis is difficult to make pre-operatively because the clinical symptoms are usually non-specific. We report the case of a 70-year-old man who had suffered from three episodes of intestinal obstruction in 1 year. He experienced dull pain and a sensation of fullness over the whole abdomen. The symptoms did not improve after conservative treatment.The presumptive diagnosis was intestinal obstruction, and an exploratory laparotomy found diverticulosis of the proximal jejunum, with an adhesion band formed from the base of one diverticulum. Strangulation of a segment of the jejunum resulted from the internal herniation caused by the band. The band was removed and the proximal jejunum segmentally resected. His postoperative course was uneventful.

Intestinal Obstruction Associated with Pharmacobezoar in a Patient with Crohn’s Disease: A Case Report

Crohn’s disease might result from a complex interplay between genetic susceptibility, environmental factors, and altered gut microbiota, leading to dysregulated innate and adaptive immune responses. The reported case presents a patient with intestinal subocclusion associated with a pharmacobezoar who had a good evolution with clinical treatment. This case report aims to demonstrate the complexity of diagnostic search, even with the classic version of the disease. And it also comes to show the need for a thorough medical history and differential diagnosis investigation.

Reliability of Medical Imaging in the Pre-Therapeutic Assessment of Acute Intestinal Obstruction at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Du Point “G”.

Introduction: Acute intestinal obstruction is a serious pathology, a surgical emergency for which medical imaging plays an important role in the management. We initiated this work in order to study the contribution of imaging in the diagnosis of acute intestinal obstruction at the Point-G University Hospital. Patients and Methods: This was a prospective, descriptive and analytical study of 96 patients collected at the radiology and medical imaging department of CHU Point-G from January 2018 to January 2019. Results: The age of our patients varied from 11 to 86 years, with an average of 36 years old. There was a male predominance of 64.6% against 35.4% for women, i.e., a sex ratio of 1.82. Previous surgery was found in 61.5% of our patients. The pain was present in all patients. An unprepared abdominal X-ray was performed in 89.6% of patients. Hydroaerobic levels were found in 96.5% of patients. Abdominopelvic CT scans were performed on 12 patients, all of whom were diagnosed with occlusion. These positive diagnostic findings were consistent with intraoperative findings in 92% of cases. The causes were dominated by bridges in 46 patients and tumors in 9 patients. Signs of severity on CT were dominated by signs of distress of the upstream bile ducts in 8.3%. Exactly 8% of our patients spontaneously resumed transit, 91% received surgical treatment and 1% died before surgery. The outcome was favorable in 80 patients (83.3%) and poor with death in 16 patients (16.7%). Conclusion: Acute intestinal obstruction remains a serious pathology for which the X-ray of the PSA is often the only radiological examination performed in an emergency. However, abdominopelvic CT seems to us to be widely indicated thanks to its contribution both to the positive diagnosis and to the diagnosis of severity and etiology. However, this imaging technique is widely underused in our practice because of its high cost and lack of availability.