Christelle Ackermann

Oesophageal perforation as a complication of primary pulmonary tuberculous lymphadenopathy in children

BackgroundInvolvement of the oesophagus by tuberculosis is rare, and erosion and perforation of the oesophagus by tuberculous lymphadenopathy is an unusual complication of primary pulmonary tuberculosis. There are very few reports describing both CT and contrast swallow appearances of these lesions.ObjectiveTo describe the CT and contrast swallow appearances of oesophageal erosion and perforation by lymphadenopathy as a complication of primary pulmonary tuberculosis in children.Materials and methodsImaging of three children with confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis and oesophageal perforation was retrospectively reviewed.ResultsTuberculosis was confirmed by culture in all three patients. Contrast swallow demonstrated a contained leak in two patients and a tracheo-oesophageal fistula in one. Two patients had mediastinal air and one patient had a mediastinal collection on CT. All patients had features diagnostic of pulmonary tuberculosis on CT.ConclusionThe imaging features comprise leakage of contrast medium with or without fistula formation on contrast swallow, large low-density lymph nodes on CT, and mediastinal air. The use of retrievable stents is a promising idea in this condition.

White matter signal abnormalities in children with suspected HIV-related neurologic disease on early combination antiretroviral therapy.

Background: The natural history and manifestation of HIV-related neurologic disease have been ameliorated by combination antiretroviral therapy (ART). We describe the characteristics of white matter signal abnormalities (WMSA) on magnetic resonance imaging in children with HIV-related neurologic disease. Methods: We reviewed magnetic resonance imaging scans of children with suspected HIV-related neurologic disease despite early ART and correlated with clinical, neurodevelopmental data, virologic markers and time on ART. These children were also on the Children with HIV Early Antiretroviral (CHER) trial. Results: Magnetic resonance imaging scans were performed at a mean age 31.9 months (range 8–54) on 44 children: 10 on deferred and 34 on early treatment arms, commencing ART at mean age of 18.5 and 8 weeks, respectively. Multiple high signal intensity lesions on T2/fluid attenuated inversion recovery were documented in 22 patients (50%), predominantly in frontal (91%) and parietal (82%) white matter. No differences in neurodevelopmental scores comparing children with and without WMSA were found. Neither lesion load nor distribution showed significant correlation with neurodevelopmental scores or neurologic examination. Normal head growth was more common in the WMSA group (P = 0.01). There was a trend for association of WMSA and longer time on ART (P = 0.13) and nadir CD4% (P = 0.08). Conclusions: Half of children referred with HIV-related brain disease had WMSA on T2/fluid attenuated inversion recovery. Our findings of the association with normal head growth and duration of ART require further study. We suspect that WMSA can occur early and that initiating ART by 8 weeks of life may be too late to prevent HIV from entering the central nervous system.

Early Antiretroviral Therapy in HIV-Infected Children Is Associated with Diffuse White Matter Structural Abnormality and Corpus Callosum Sparing

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Fractional anisotropy in the frontal white matter, corpus callosum, and internal capsule is abnormal in human immunodeficiency virus–positive (HIV+) adults. We describe the distribution and nature of white matter abnormalities in a cohort of children who started antiretroviral therapy within the first year of life and the benefit of early treatment by using DTI measures (fractional anisotropy and mean, axial, and radial diffusion). MATERIALS AND METHODS: DTI was performed on children in a neurodevelopmental substudy from the Children with HIV Early Antiretroviral trial. Voxel-based group comparisons were obtained to determine regions where fractional anisotropy and mean diffusion differed between HIV+ and uninfected children. Associations of DTI parameters with the timing of antiretroviral therapy initiation were examined. RESULTS: Thirty-nine HIV+ children (15 boys; mean age, 5.4 years) and 13 controls (5 boys; mean age, 5.7 years) were scanned. Two clusters with lower fractional anisotropy and 7 clusters with increased mean diffusion were identified in the HIV+ group, with symmetric distribution predominantly due to increased radial diffusion, suggestive of decreased myelination. Corticospinal tracts rather than the corpus callosum were predominantly involved. Children on early-interrupted antiretroviral therapy had lower fractional anisotropy compared with those receiving continuous treatment. CONCLUSIONS: HIV+ children at 5 years of age have white matter abnormalities measured by fractional anisotropy, despite early antiretroviral therapy, suggesting that early antiretroviral therapy does not fully protect the white matter from either peripartum or in utero infection. In contrast to adults, the corticospinal tracts are predominantly involved rather than the corpus callosum, possibly due to early antiretroviral therapy. Continuous early antiretroviral therapy can limit white matter damage.

MRI findings in children with tuberculous meningitis: a comparison of HIV-infected and non-infected patients

BackgroundRadiological studies on HIV infection in tuberculous meningitis (TBM) in children are limited to small, retrospective studies using CT features. They report that HIV-infected children are less likely to display meningovascular enhancement, tuberculoma formation and obstructive hydrocephalus. No similar MRI-based studies were found in the literature.PurposeThe purpose of this study is to compare the MRI features of TBM in HIV-infected and uninfected children.MethodsRetrospective descriptive study comparing clinical, laboratory and MRI features of 8 HIV-infected and 19 HIV-uninfected children with TBM.ResultsIntense basal meningeal enhancement occurred less frequently (p = 0.31) in HIV-infected children whilst cerebral atrophy was more commonly encountered (p = 0.06) Neither finding was however of statistical significance. All HIV-infected children had visible meningeal nodules on MR imaging compared to 72% in HIV-uninfected children with TBM. No differences were noted regarding number or location of infarcts and presence of hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus in HIV-infected children was exclusively of communicating nature.ConclusionsThe MRI criteria for diagnosis of TBM apply to HIV-infected children.The presence of nodular meningeal disease in all HIV-infected children has not previously been reported and requires further investigation.

Radiological changes post-lymph node enucleation for airway obstruction in children with pulmonary tuberculosis.

BACKGROUND Tuberculous lymphadenopathy causing airway obstruction in children may be life threatening and may require surgical enucleation of the lymph glands. There are no studies investigating the radiological picture post-enucleation. We attempt to explore this area in our study. METHOD A retrospective study of the imaging in 21 paediatric cases having undergone tuberculosis (TB) lymph node enucleation. RESULTS Bronchus intermedius (BI) stenosis was present in 95% of patients undergoing enucleation, followed by left main bronchus (LMB) (81%) and right main bronchus (RMB) (67%) stenosis. Right lung collapse/consolidation occurred more frequently (48-62%) than left-lung collapse/consolidation (10-14%). Resolution of BI stenosis and right lower lobe (RLL) collapse/consolidation is the most consistent postoperative finding. Nine children resolved at an average time of 6.5 months postoperatively, while 10 children were still resolving at an average time of 4.5 months. CONCLUSION The resolution of the complications of lymph node enlargement (airway stenosis and lung collapse/consolidation) was seen more frequently than the resolution of the offending lymphadenopathy itself. Right-sided disease was necessary to produce complications severe enough to require enucleation. Subcarinal lymph node enucleation is sufficient for resolution of LMB stenosis and associated left-lung sequelae.

Comparison of paper print and soft copy reading in plain paediatric radiographs

With the introduction of a Picture Archiving and Communication System, Computed (CR) and Digital Radiography (DR), reading digital images takes place from a computer screen. Laser paper print rather than laser film would be a significantly more cost‐effective option for hard copy production, but would need to demonstrate acceptable diagnostic quality compared to the reference standard of screen reading. A comparative study of 51 digital paediatric CR radiographs presented in laser paper print and soft copy format to determine the diagnostic value of the paper print when compared to the reference standard of screen reading. Chest radiography had a poor sensitivity of 66.1% while musculoskeletal and abdominal radiography had acceptable sensitivities of 90% and 99%, respectively. Specificity was excellent for the different regions (98.6–99.5%). The paper print format should not be used for diagnostic purposes in paediatric chest radiography, but may still be used for demonstration when accompanied by the radiology rapport obtained from soft copy reading. Further studies would be needed to investigate the use of paper prints in abdominal and musculoskeletal radiography owing to the low number of abdominal radiographs and lack of musculoskeletal case variety in our study.

CT enteroclysis in the developing world: how we do it, and the pathology we see.

INTRODUCTION Imaging and diagnosis of small bowel disease is challenging, especially in developing countries where access to supplementary imaging equipment is not readily available. Imaging of the small bowel has evolved from small bowel follow-through to the first enteroclysis by Pesquera in 1929. This technique evolved over time with advances in enteral intubation catheters, enteral contrast media and techniques for infusing enteral contrast. OBJECTIVE (1) Describe our modification of performing CTE and (2) to show pathology and discuss its relevance in our clinical practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a retrospective study that included 73 patients since the introduction of our modified technique of performing CT enteroclysis (CTE) using saline vaculitres, intravenous line connection sets and a drip stand. We recorded patient data in Microsoft Corporation Excel 2007 to include indications for the CTE, patient demographics and imaging findings related to small bowel pathology with associated extra luminal findings and incidental extra-intestinal non small bowel findings that was statistically analyzed. RESULTS Of the 73 patients included in the study 42 where females and 31 males. 15 (20.5%) had small bowel pathology and 12 (16.4%) had non-small bowel pathology that could explain the clinical symptoms. Malabsorption/chronic diarrhea group was the largest indication for referral (26% of referrals). Most prevalent small bowel findings were in the inflammatory bowel subgroups where 30% had imaging features of active inflammatory bowel disease. CONCLUSION Decades of experience have shown that only small bowel examinations that uniformly distend the small bowel lumen can confidently confirm or rule out small bowel pathology. With our modified technique performed, with readily available and affordable infusion equipment and enteral contrast we achieve diagnostic quality small bowel distention to demonstrate and diagnose with confidence small bowel pathology in our population. This is of particular value in developing countries where we are resource limited and expensive equipment and contrast material is often not available.

Correlating brain volume and callosal thickness with clinical and laboratory indicators of disease severity in children with HIV-related brain disease

BackgroundObjective MRI markers of central nervous system disease severity may precede subjective features of HIV encephalopathy in children. Previous work in HIV-infected adults shows that brain atrophy was associated with low CD4 and with neuropsychological impairment. Significant thinning of the corpus callosum (CC), predominantly anteriorly, was also found in HIV-infected adults and correlated with CD4 levels. These findings have not been tested in children.PurposeThe aim of this study was to determine if brain volume and midsagittal CC linear measurements (thickness and length) on MRI in children with HIV-related brain disease correlate with clinical and laboratory parameters of disease severity.MethodsRetrospective MRI analysis in children with HIV-related brain disease used a volumetric analysis software and a semi-automated tool to measure brain volume and callosal thickness/length, respectively. Each measure was correlated with clinical parameters of disease severity including Griffiths Mental Development scores (GMDS), absolute CD4 counts (cells/mm3), nadir CD4 (the lowest CD4 recorded, excluding baseline), duration of HAART, and decreased brain growth.ResultsThirty-three children with HIV-related brain disease were included. Premotor segment of the CC mean thickness correlated with age (p = 0.394). Motor CC maximum thickness correlated significantly with general developmental quotient (p = 0.0277); CC length correlated with a diagnosis of acquired microcephaly (p = 0.0071) and to CD4 level closest to date of the MRI scan (p = 0.04).ConclusionsLength of the CC and the “motor CC segment” may represent surrogate clinical biomarkers of central nervous system disease severity and with decreased level of immunity in HIV-infected patients that precede established HIV encephalopathy.

An intrapericardial hernia

Intrapericardial hernias represent the rarest form of diaphragmatic hernias. A 57-year-old male presented with chest pain and dyspepsia. He reported a motor vehicle accident 10 years prior. Imaging and intra-operative findings (Figs. 1 and 2) revealed an intrapericardial hernia, with transverse colon and mesentery within the pericardial sac. www.elsevier.com/locate/ejcts European Journal of Cardio-thoracic Surgery 39 (2011) 135

Bilirubin-Induced Neurological Dysfunction A Clinico-Radiological-Neurophysiological Correlation in 30 Consecutive Children

The clinical expression of bilirubin-induced neurological dysfunction varies according to severity and location of the disease. Definitions have been proposed to describe different bilirubin-induced neurological dysfunction subtypes. Our objective was to describe the severity and clinico-radiological-neurophysiological correlation in 30 consecutive children with bilirubin-induced neurological dysfunction seen over a period of 5 years. Thirty children exposed to acute neonatal bilirubin encephalopathy were included in the study. The mean peak total serum bilirubin level was 625 μmol/L (range 480-900 μmol/L). Acoustic brainstem responses were abnormal in 73% (n = 22). Pallidal hyperintensity was observed on magnetic resonance imaging in 20 children. Peak total serum bilirubin levels correlated with motor severity (P = .03). Children with severe motor impairment were likely to manifest severe auditory neuropathy (P < .01). We found that in a resource-constrained setting, classical kernicterus was the most common bilirubin-induced neurological dysfunction subtype, and the majority of children had abnormal acoustic brainstem responses and magnetic resonance imaging.