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A I De Backer

Publications and source records attributed to A I De Backer.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Tuberculous adenitis: comparison of CT and MRI findings with histopathological features.

Our aim was to investigate the relationship between the various histopathological features and the CT and MRI findings in routinely submitted histopathological specimens for the diagnosis of tuberculous lymphadenopathy. Twelve formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue blocks from ten patients who were clinically suspected of having tuberculous lymphadenopathy were evaluated. We assessed the presence of histopathological features including granuloma formation, caseous necrosis, and presence of Langhans-type giant cells, calcifications, fibrosis or normal lymphoid tissue. We performed polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assay for mycobacterial DNA and Ziehl-Neelsen staining for acid-fast bacilli (AFB). Findings were compared with those of CT and MRI, including signal intensities on unenhanced MR images, lymph node homogeneity, attenuation values on contrast-enhanced CT and enhancement patterns on MRI. Based on CT and MRI findings, four lymph node types could be defined: (1) homogeneous nodes, visible on both pre- and post-contrast images and corresponding histopathologically to granulation tissue without or with minimal caseation necrosis (n = 2); (2) heterogeneous nodes, showing heterogeneous enhancement patterns with central non-enhancing areas and corresponding to minor or moderate intranodal caseation/liquefaction necrosis (n = 3); (3) nodes showing peripheral rim enhancement and corresponding to moderate or extensive intranodal caseation/liquefaction necrosis (n = 5); (4) heterogeneous nodes showing intranodal hyperdensities on CT and hypointense areas on T1- and T2-weighted images and corresponding to fibrosis and calcifications (n = 2). On CT and MRI, the findings reflect different stages of the tuberculous process. Imaging findings depend on the presence and the degree of granuloma formation, caseation/liquefaction necrosis, fibrosis and calcifications.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Vascular involvement secondary to tuberculosis of the abdomen.

Although involvement of the abdomen is a common site of extrapulmonary tuberculosis, involvement of abdominal vessels with complications is rare after infections with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis). Vascular complications may result from direct involvement by M. tuberculosis of the vascular wall or may occur as a consequence of local spreading from a tuberculous mass. We describe the imaging findings in two patients with proven tuberculosis of the abdomen and significant vascular complications. In one patient, "dry plastic" peritonitis and tuberculous lymphadenopathy at the level of the porta hepatis with subsequent encasement and compression of the portal vein resulted in prestenotic dilatation and varicose formation in the upper abdomen. In the other patient, bulky necrotic tuberculous lymphadenopathy, located at the splenic hilum, resulted in encasement with stenosis of the splenic vessels and subsequent splenic infarction.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Imaging of extraspinal musculoskeletal tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis (TB) is still a major cause of significant morbidity and mortality despite universal availability of effective chemotherapy. The emergence of multidrug-resistant mycobacteria along with a worldwide increase in HIV infection has led to a recent surge in the number of patients with TB. TB involves both pulmonary and extrapulmonary sites. Tuberculous spondylitis is the most common form of musculoskeletal TB and accounts for approximately 50% of cases. Extraspinal musculoskeletal TB is among the least common manifestations of TB. It shows a predilection for joints and para-articular areas while isolated soft tissue TB occurs extremely rare. A non-specific, often indolent clinical presentation in conjunction with its low prevalence constitutes obstacles for diagnosis. The differential diagnosis of extraspinal musculoskeletal TB consists of degenerative processes, inflammatory and infectious conditions, primary neoplasms, and metastatic lesions. Early diagnosis and treatment is of utmost importance to prevent serious joint and bone destruction. Radiological assessment of patients with musculoskeletal TB is often the key to adequate diagnosis and early treatment. The purpose of this manuscript is to review the imaging features of extraspinal musculoskeletal TB and to focus on the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of this pathology.

Diagnosis, Differential↗
PubMed2005

Abdominal tuberculous lymphadenopathy: MRI features.

The aim of this study was to describe the MRI features of abdominal tuberculous lymphadenopathy. MRI studies of 13 patients with abdominal tuberculous lymphadenopathy were reviewed with regard to anatomic distribution and size. Signal intensities, in relation to abdominal wall muscle, on unenhanced T1- and T2-weighted images and patterns of contrast enhancement of lymphadenopathy were evaluated in each patient. In each patient, the largest lymph node with the same imaging characteristic was evaluated. The upper paraaortic region was the most common site of involvement (n=12 patients), followed by the lesser omentum (n=10 patients), the anterior pararenal space (n=9 patients), the lower paraaortic area (n=8 patients), the small bowel mesentery (n=6 patients), the greater omentum (n=2 patients) and the originating site of the inferior mesenteric artery (n=2 patients). The mean lymph node size was 1.8 cm (range 0.5-5 cm). The overall mean lymph node number per patient was 16 (range 2-50). A total of 41 lymph nodes were evaluated in 13 patients. On T2-weighted images, 40 lesions were hyperintense and one lesion was isointense. Nine hyperintense lesions showed a hypointense peripheral rim and seven internal heterogeneïty. Perinodal T2-hyperintensity was present in 23 lesions. The latter finding was valid for all patients. On T1-weighted images, 30 lesions were hypointense and 11 isointense. Nine hypointense lesions demonstrated a hyperintense peripheral rim, and six were heterogeneous. Contrast-enhanced fat-suppressed T1-weighted images demonstrated predominant peripheral enhancement in 28 lesions: (1) peripheral uniform, thin (n=19); (2) thick irregular, complete (n=3); and (3) conglomerate group of nodes showing peripheral and central areas of rim enhancement (n=6). Heterogeneous and homogeneous enhancement was present in ten and three lesions, respectively. Combinations of enhancing patterns in the same nodal group and different nodal groups were seen in eight and nine patients, respectively. Abdominal tuberculous lymphadenopathy may show a variety of signal intensities and patterns of contrast enhancement on MRI. Lymphadenopathy, hypointense on T1-weighted, hyperintense on T2-weighted images with perinodal hyperintensity, and predominant peripheral rimlike enhancement may suggest the diagnosis of tuberculosis.

Abdominal Cavity↗
PubMed2005

Clinical and radiological deterioration in a patient with AIDS.

Paradoxical clinical deterioration of miliary tuberculosis, characterized by pulmonary and abdominal manifestations, is reported in a patient with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, after initiation of treatment with highly active antiretroviral therapy. Paradoxical reaction was attributed to partial restoration of cell-mediated immunity related to highly effective antiretroviral therapy. Because tuberculosis has a high prevalence in HIV patients and tuberculosis is often characterized by miliary spreading of disease in these patients, it is important to recognize this phenomenon.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed2005

Tuberculosis of the pancreas: MRI features.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe the MRI features of tuberculosis of the pancreas. CONCLUSION: Pancreatic tuberculosis can be focal or diffuse. If focal, it presents as a sharply delineated mass located in the pancreatic head, showing heterogeneous enhancement. Lesions are hypointense on fat-suppressed T1-weighted images and a mixture of hypo- and hyperintense on T2-weighted images. The appearances of common bile duct and main pancreatic duct are normal. Diffuse involvement is characterized by pancreatic enlargement with narrowing of the main pancreatic duct and heterogeneous enhancement. Signal intensity abnormalities indicating diffuse involvement include hypointensity on fat-suppressed T1-weighted images and hyperintensity on T2-weighted images.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Treatment of hepatitis B virus-related polyarteritis nodosa: two case reports and a review of the literature.

A substantial number of cases of polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) are related to hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Different treatment strategies are reported in the literature. The aim of this study was to review 15 years of literature (1988-2002) to determine the optimal treatment for HBV-related PAN at present, and to discuss the indications and mechanism of action of corticosteroids in HBV-related PAN, as many physicians are reluctant to use these in the presence of HBV infection. The first patient stopped his initial treatment, relapsed and died of cerebral infarction. The second case illustrates the favorable outcome with the standard treatment: corticosteroids, lamivudine and plasma exchanges. If adequate follow-up is possible, antiviral agents as well as corticosteroids are indicated in HBV-related PAN. Corticosteroids diminish inflammation and corticosteroid withdrawal induces an alanine aminotransferase (ALT) rebound in patients with a low baseline ALT level. Antiviral agents are essential, as they reduce the production of HBV antigens and help to achieve hepatitis B early antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion. Plasma exchanges reduce the level of circulating immune complexes and are included in the treatment protocol of all recent studies. However, their effect has not been evaluated in controlled trials. We concluded that if adequate follow-up is possible, antiviral agents as well as corticosteroids are indicated in HBV-related PAN.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Tuberculous epididymitis associated with abdominal lymphadenopathy (2004:1b).

Although the predominant form of tuberculosis is pulmonary disease, an increasing number of cases with extra-pulmonary involvement have been reported. The diagnosis of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis is often difficult because of its protean clinical manifestations and non-specific laboratory findings. Abdominal lymph node involvement may be present alone or in combination with involvement of the gastrointestinal tract, peritoneum, and solid viscera. Tuberculous epididymitis occurs sporadically and represents a specific secondary subacute or chronic inflammatory process involving the epididymis. We present the imaging findings in a patient with tuberculous epididymitis associated with abdominal tuberculous lymphadenopathy.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Imaging of gastrointestinal and abdominal tuberculosis.

This article discusses the range of manifestations of tuberculosis (TB) of the abdomen, including involvement of the gastrointestinal tract, the peritoneum, mesentery, omentum, abdominal lymph nodes, solid abdominal organs, the genital system and the abdominal aorta. Abdominal TB is a diagnostic challenge, particularly when pulmonary TB is absent. It may mimic many other abdominal diseases, both clinically and radiologically. An early correct diagnosis, however, is important in order to ensure proper treatment and a favorable outcome. Modern imaging is a cornerstone in the early diagnosis of abdominal TB and may prevent unnecessary morbidity and mortality. Generally, CT appears to be the imaging modality of choice in the detection and assessment of abdominal tuberculosis, other than gastrointestinal TB. Barium studies remain superior for demonstrating mucosal intestinal lesions. Ultrasound may be used for follow-up to monitor therapy response. The diagnosis of abdominal TB should be considered if suggestive imaging findings are found in patients with a high index of suspicion.

Abdomen↗
PubMed2002

Chronic pancreatitis: diagnostic role of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.

The value of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis and detection of complications in patients with chronic pancreatitis are reviewed. CT and MRI diagnoses are based on changes in the pancreatic duct and parenchyma and on the detection of ductal calculi. Despite technical refinements of these imaging methods, the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis remains often difficult because of the complexity of the morphologic changes and the false-negative results in the early stages of the disease. This article describes and illustrates the imaging features of chronic pancreatitis classified according to the underlying etiology.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2001

CT of angioedema of the small bowel.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the added diagnostic value of CT for the diagnosis of visceral angioedema. CONCLUSION: Thickening of the small-bowel wall and mucosa with increased contrast enhancement, depiction of more layers of the small-bowel wall than normal, prominent mesenteric vessels, ascites, and fluid accumulation in the small bowel or together in the small bowel and the colon were the most significant CT findings in three patients with visceral angioedema. Findings appear to be transient.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Heterotaxy syndrome in an adult, with polysplenia, visceral and cardiovascular malposition.

A rare case of an asymptomatic heterotaxy syndrome associated with dextrocardia is presented in a 45-year-old woman. This anomaly was incidentally discovered on computed tomography and ultrasound of the upper abdomen. Besides the presence of multiple abnormally positioned spleens, right-sided stomach, left-sided liver, short pancreas and venous anomalies, like interrupted left-sided inferior vena cava with azygos continuation, and dextrocardia were seen. Although cardiac abnormalities are frequently associated with heterotaxy syndromes with polysplenia in children, this is far less frequent in adults because of early decease in children with cardiac abnormalities. To the best of our knowledge, this is the third reported case of heterotaxy with polysplenia associated with dextrocardia in an asymptomatic adult patient.

Female↗
PubMed2001

Pancreatocolonic fistula due to severe acute pancreatitis: imaging findings.

Colonic involvement is an uncommon but potentially lethal complication of severe acute pancreatitis. The spectrum of colonic complications includes localized ileus with "pseudo-obstruction", obstruction, necrosis, hemorrhage, fistula, and ischemic colitis. We report on a patient who developed pancreatocolonic fistulization in the course of protracted severe acute pancreatitis. Emphasis is made on the computed tomographic and water soluble contrast enema findings.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2000

Splenosis.

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Diagnosis, Differential↗
PubMed1999

Intestinal stenosis from mesenteric injury after blunt abdominal trauma.

We report a case in which blunt abdominal trauma resulted in injury to the mesentery with subsequent ischemic stricture of the adjacent small bowel. We present CT images at the time of trauma and 5 weeks later when clinical signs of intestinal obstruction occurred. We include images of enteroclysis and angiography of this uncommon sequela of blunt abdominal trauma. At surgery, a stenotic small bowel loop was found adjacent to a healed defect in the mesentery. Histological examination of the resected segment showed mucosal and submucosal ischemia with mucosal ulceration, mural inflammation, and fibrosis. Posttraumatic intestinal stenosis subsequent to a mesenteric tear should be included in the differential diagnosis in a patient with a history of blunt abdominal trauma and signs of intestinal obstruction.

Abdominal Injuries↗
PubMed1999

Radiographic manifestations of intestinal obstruction in the newborn.

Intestinal obstruction in the newborn infant may be due to a variety of conditions, including atresia and stenosis, annular pancreas, malrotation, duplication cyst, meconium ileus, meconium plug syndrome and neonatal small left colon syndrome, and Hirschsprung's disease. Neonates with unrecognised intestinal obstruction deteriorate rapidly, show an increase of associated morbidity and appropriate surgical treatment becomes more hazardous. Early diagnosis depends largely on the prompt detection of obstructive manifestations by the clinician and the subsequent accurate interpretation of radiographic findings by the radiologist. Plain film of the abdomen is often helpful in determining the level of obstruction and usually dictates, together with clinical symptoms, the choice of the contrast study firstly to perform. In this article we will review the clinical and radiological signs of different pathological conditions causing intestinal obstruction in the newborn.

Colon↗
PubMed1997

A patient with congenital short small bowel associated with malrotation.

A case of congenital short small bowel associated with malrotation and malabsorption in a baby girl is presented. Clinical manifestations developed in the first days after birth and consisted of diarrhea, vomiting and poor weight increase. Congenital short small bowel was suspected on radiological examination, which showed an associated malrotation. The diagnosis was confirmed by exploratory laparotomy. The length of the small intestine was only 50 cm. The intensive work of maintaining nutrition and controlling infection is described.

Body Weight↗