Alan H. Robbins

Early diagnosis of pancreatic infection by computed tomography-guided aspiration

We performed 92 computed tomography-guided percutaneous needle aspirations of pancreatic inflammatory masses in 60 patients suspected of harboring pancreatic infection. Thirty-six patients (60%) were found by Gram stain and culture to have a total of 41 separate episodes of pancreatic infection. Among 42 aspirates judged to be infected by computed tomography-guided aspiration, all but one were confirmed by surgery or indwelling catheter drainage. Among 50 aspirates judged to be sterile, no subsequent evidence of infection was found. All patients tolerated the procedure well and no complications were noted. As a result of this technique, we observed that pancreatic infection occurs earlier than has been previously appreciated (within 14 days of the onset of pancreatitis in 20 of the 36 patients) and that infection may recur during prolonged bouts of pancreatitis. We conclude that guided aspiration is a safe, accurate method for identifying infection of the pancreas at an early stage.

Percutaneous Catheter Drainage of Abdominal Abscesses

We used computed tomography (CT) and ultrasonography for detection and localization of intra-abdominal abscesses. On the basis of these images, safe routes for diagnostic aspiration and percutaneous drainage were planned. Over these routes indwelling catheters were inserted to provide immediate decompression, evacuation, and continuous drainage until the abscess resolved. All patients received concomitant intravenous antibiotics. The treatment was used for 71 abscesses in 67 patients. Sixty-one abscesses (86 per cent) were satisfactorily drained. There were 11 complications (15 per cent). Six deaths were attributable to sepsis, three of which (4 per cent) were related to inadequate drainage. There was one recurrence (1 per cent) during a follow-up period ranging from one month to five years (means, 22.3 months). The mean duration of treatment was 20.2 days (range, five to 120 days). We conclude that percutaneous drainage is an effective method for treatment of abdominal abscesses and is indicated when sectional imaging demonstrates an accessible unilocular lesion.

Treatment of abdominal abscesses: comparative evaluation of operative drainage versus percutaneous catheter drainage guided by computed tomography or ultrasound.

Computed tomography and, to a lesser extent, ultrasonography provide detailed anatomic localization of intraabdominal abscesses that permit precise percutaneous placement of catheters large enough to effect drainage. Using routes similar to surgical approaches, the authors have used this technique as definitive therapy for intra-abdominal abscesses. To assess its efficacy, the results in the 27 patients treated percutaneously over the last five years have been compared with the results in the 43 patients treated by operative intervention over the past ten years. In the percutaneous group, complications (4%), inadequate drainage (11%), and duration of drainage (17 days) were less than in the operative group (16%, 21% and 29 days respectively). These results indicate that percutaneous drainage is at least as efficacious as operative drainage and avoids the risks of a major operative procedure

Intrahepatic pyogenic abscesses: Treatment by percutaneous drainage

During a 6 year period, 18 liver abscesses in 12 patients were identified by computerized tomography. Five patients had presumed hematogenous seeding. Five patients previously had bilioenteric anastomoses, stents, or both to relieve obstructive jaundice. Four patients with abscesses had recent abdominal operations. Diagnosis was established by guided needle aspiration and treatment was provided by percutaneous catheter drainage. Organism-specific antibiotics were administered to all patients. Patients were evaluated for recurrence by serial computerized tomographic studies and were clinically followed up for a minimum of 15 months. Ten of 12 patients (83 percent) and 16 of 18 abscesses (89 percent) were successfully treated by percutaneous catheter drainage. Two failures required operative intervention. In summary, the low morbidity and high success rate in treating hepatic abscesses by percutaneous drainage suggests that this therapy be tried before operative intervention is considered.

Control of bleeding varices by vasopressin: a prospective randomized study.

From July 1975 to November 1976 25 patients with bleeding esophagogastric varices documented by endoscopy who failed to respond to conservative medical treatment were transferred to the Surgical Service. These patients, who were mainly Childs Class “C” alcoholic cirrhotic patients, were treated with vasopressin infused continuously using a standardized dose into cither a peripheral vein or the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) according to a predetermined randomization. No significant difference in efficacy for control of bleeding (average rate = 56%) related to route of administration was found. Because catheter-related complications in the SMA group were significantly greater, we concluded that the method of choice in vasopressin treatment of esophagogastric variceal bleeding is a continuous infusion by way of a peripheral vein.

Prevalence of normal serum amylase levels in patients with acute alcoholic pancreatitis

Acute alcoholic pancreatitis is uncommonly diagnosed when the serum amylase level is normal. We defined acute alcoholic pancreatitis as a clinical syndrome in which hyperamylasemia was not a necessary component and sought support for the diagnosis by ultrasonography and computed tomography of the pancreas. In 68 episodes of acute alcoholic pancreatitis identified in a one-year period, the serum amylase level was normal at the time of hospital admission in 32%. In 40 episodes, we performed ultrasonography and computed tomography within 48 hr of admission. The diagnosis was supported by ultrasonography in 43%, by computed tomography in 68%. Ultrasonography and computed tomography supported the diagnosis as frequently in patients with normal serum amylase levels as in patients with hyperamylasemia. We conclude that patients with acute alcoholic pancreatitis frequently have normal serum amylase levels. The widespread clinical practice of relying solely on hyperamylasemia to establish the diagnosis of acute alocholic pancreatitis is unjustified and should be abandoned.

The columnar-lined esophagus--analysis of 26 cases.

A review of 26 cases of columnar-lined (Barretts) esophagus suggests that this lesion is more common than generally appreciated, usually arising consequent to reflux esophagitis. The radiologically detectable lesions frequently do not support the idea that Barretts esophagus presents only with high esophageal ulcer and/or stricture. Hiatal hernia, gastroesophageal reflux, stricture, ulcers, and even minor mucosal abnormalities may be present alone or in combination, and may be variably located.

Necrotizing Angiitis in a Methamphetamine User with Hepatitis B — Angiographic Diagnosis, Five-Month Follow-up Results and Localization of Bleeding Site

THE vascular changes of necrotizing angiitis have been demonstrated angiographically in a number of drug users, and the disorder has been putatively linked to methamphetamine sensitivity.1 , 2 Acut...

Portal architecture: a differential guide to fatty infiltration of the liver on computed tomography.

Fatty infiltration of the liver, like fatty lesions elsewhere in the body, typically appears as low-density areas on computed tomography (CT). Fatty infiltration of the liver should be considered in the differential diagnosis of homogeneous lowdensity hepatic lesions regardless of distribution or size. As a physiologic rather than anatomic change, fatty infiltration of the liver characteristically leaves the portal venous architecture unaltered. Although fatty infiltration of the liver typically presents with complete or near complete involvement, other unusual patterns may be encountered. In these atypical cases, recognition of the normal portal structures on CT aids in correct diagnosis.

Endoscopic Pancreatography: An Analysis of the Radiologic Findings in Pancreatitis

The endoscopic pancreaticographic findings in 46 proved cases of pancreatitis are analyzed. Pathologic ductograms were demonstrated in approximately 60%. Significant information was obtained in many cases, allowing both proper diagnosis of the primary disease process and complications thereof. Because of the latter, the procedure has proved to be quite helpful in isolating those patients who could benefit from surgery.