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Introduction: Studies evaluating the rate and histology of appendiceal neoplasms between complicated and uncomplicated appendicitis include a small number of patients. Therefore, we sought a meta-analysis and systematic review comparing the rates and types of appendiceal neoplasm between complicated and uncomplicated appendicitis. Methods: We included articles published from the time of inception of the datasets to September 30, 2022. The electronic databases included English publications in Ovid MEDLINE In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, and Scopus. Results: A total of 4962 patients with appendicitis enrolled in 4 comparative studies were included. The mean age was 43.55 years (16- 94), and half were male (51%). Based on intra-operative findings, 1394 (38%) had complicated appendicitis, and 3558 (62%) had uncomplicated appendicitis. The overall incidence rate of neoplasm was 1.98%. No significant difference was found in the incidence rate of appendiceal neoplasm between complicated (3.29%) and uncomplicated (1.49%) appendicitis (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.16- 1.23; p < 0.087; I2 = 54.9%). The most common appendiceal neoplasms were Neuroendocrine Tumors (NET) (49.21%), Nonmucinous Adenocarcinoma (24.24%), Mixed Adeno-Neuroendocrine Tumor (MANEC) (11.40%), Mucinous Adenocarcinoma (4.44%). There was a significant difference between complicated and uncomplicated appendicitis in rates of adenocarcinoma (50% vs. 13%), NET (31% vs. 74%), MANEC (19% vs. 13%) (P < 0.001). Conclusion: While there was no significant difference in the overall neoplasm rate between complicated and uncomplicated appendicitis, the NET rate was significantly higher in uncomplicated appendicitis. In comparison, the Adenocarcinoma rate was considerably higher in Complicated appendicitis. These findings emphasize the importance of evaluating risk factors for neoplasm when considering appendectomy in patients with appendicitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Internally penetrating Crohn's Disease complications, including abscesses and phlegmon, represent a high-risk Crohn's Disease phenotype. Anti-tumor-necrosis-factor-α (Anti-TNF) therapies are effective in treating penetrating Crohn's Disease and early initiation has shown unique benefits. However, timing of anti-TNF initiation in the setting of internally penetrating Crohn's Disease complications is typically heterogenous due to concern over precipitating serious infections. Recent studies demonstrate such an association may not exist. Aims: We aimed to describe the multidisciplinary management of pediatric patients with internally penetrating Crohn's Disease complications, focusing on the utilization and timing of anti-TNF therapy relative to complication resolution and adverse events. Methods: We performed a single-center retrospective cohort study of pediatric patients with internally penetrating Crohn's Disease complications from 2007 to 2021. The safety and effectiveness of anti-TNF therapy initiation prior to complication resolution was assessed by comparing rates of infectious and Crohn's Disease-related adverse events between those who received anti-TNF therapy prior to complication resolution, versus those who did not. Results: Twenty-one patients with internally penetrating Crohn's Disease complications were identified. 7/21 received anti-TNF therapy prior to complication resolution. Infectious adverse events within 90 days of complication occurred in 0/7 patients initiating anti-TNF therapy prior to complication resolution and 10/14 patients who did not (p = 0.004). Crohn's Disease-related surgeries and hospitalizations within 1 year of complication occurred in 12/20 patients, with similar frequency between groups. Conclusions: Initiating anti-TNF therapy prior to internally penetrating Crohn's Disease complication resolution may be a safe and effective strategy to improve clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 67-year-old woman with symptoms of shock was admitted to hospital with a suspected diagnosis of acute pulmonary artery embolism. After ruling out a thromboembolic event, sepsis was diagnosed by using the SOFA score. A CT scan of the chest with contrast revealed phlegmonous inflammation of the subcutis at the level of the right upper arm. After taking two pairs of peripheral blood samples, calculated antibiotic therapy with piperacillin/tazobactam was administered. After administration of an initial volume bolus, the patient could be transferred to the general medical ward in a stable condition with normal serum lactate level. On day one after hospital admission, blood cultures were positive for Pasteurella multocida, a gramnegative rod that belongs to the oral flora of dogs and cats. Intensified history revealed that the patient had been bitten on the forearm by her cat 2 weeks earlier. The patient did not present to a general practitioner. Despite antibiotic therapy, the patient developed increasing leukocytosis with progressive pain and swelling in the area of the right upper arm and the right ankle. On recommendation of the department of infectious diseases antibiotic therapy was escalated to imipenem and transesophageal echocardiography was performed. Endocarditic vegetations could be ruled out. Despite further escalation of the antibiotic regimen, spontaneous pus discharge occurred at the right ankle. A CT scan of the chest as well as the foot and the right ankle with contrast showed new abscess formations in the right thoracic wall between the pectoralis major and minor muscles as well as extensive abscesses in the extensor compartment of the right lower leg. On day 12 after admission, surgical drainage of multiple abscesses was performed, with rapid improvement in general condition and normalized leukocytes. A further six operations were necessary before the patient could be discharged home after 7 weeks of inpatient treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The safety and role of emergency (EA) versus interval appendicectomy (IA) for appendicular abscess and phlegmon remains debatable with no optimal strategy identified. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate outcomes of managing appendicular abscesses and phlegmon with emergency or interval appendicectomy. Methods: We conducted a systematic search of electronic databases using key terms including 'appendicular abscess', 'appendicular phlegmon' and 'interval appendicectomy'. Randomised controlled trials and observational studies comparing the two management approaches were included. Operative time, post-operation complication, unplanned bowel resection, rate of surgical site infection, post-operative length of stay and overall mortality rate were evaluated. Results: We identified six studies (2 RCTs and 4 observational studies) with a total of 9264 patients of whom (n = 1352) underwent IA, and (n 7912) underwent EA. The EA group was associated with statistically significant unplanned bowel resection (OR 0.55, 95% CI [0.33–0.90], P = 0.02) and longer total operating time (MD − 14.11, 95% CI [− 18.26–− 9.96] P = 0.00001). However, the following parameters were compared for both EA and IA groups; there were no significant statistical differences: surgical site infection (OR 0.49, 95% CI [0.17–1.38], P = 0.18), post-operative intra-abdominal collection (RD − 0.01, 95% CI [− 0.04–0.01], P = 0.29), total length of hospital stay (MD 1.83, 95% CI [− 0.19–3.85], P = 0.08), post-operative length of hospital stay (MD − 0.27, 95% CI [− 3.66–3.13], P = 0.88) and mortality rate (MD − 0.27, 95% CI [− 3.66–3.13], P = 0.66). Conclusion: Emergency operation for appendicular abscess and phlegmon may lead to a higher rate of reported morbidity when compared with interval appendicectomy. Although emergency appendicectomy performed for appendicular abscess and phlegmon is a feasible and safe operative approach, it is associated with significantly increased operative time and unplanned bowel resection (ileocolic and right hemicolectomies) compared to interval appendicectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The treatment algorithm for appendicitis is evolving, with recent interest in non-operative management. However, the safety of non-operative management for patients with complicated appendicitis has been questioned due to concern for increased risk of occult appendiceal neoplasm in this patient population. Our study aims to determine the rate of neoplasms discovered during interval appendectomy for patients with complicated appendicitis and determine the necessity of interval appendectomy. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted on interval appendectomies performed in adult patients for complicated appendicitis at our institution over a 9-year period. Interval appendectomy was defined as appendectomy delayed from initial presentation with appendicitis. Complicated appendicitis was defined as perforation, phlegmon, and/or abscess as seen on computed tomography at time of presentation. Results: We identified 402 patients who underwent interval appendectomy for complicated appendicitis. A total of 36 appendiceal neoplasms were discovered on final pathology with an overall neoplasm rate of 9%. Patients with an appendiceal neoplasm were significantly older (56.6 years vs 45.1 years, p < 0.01). No patients under the age of 30 had a neoplasm. The rate of appendiceal neoplasms in patients 30 years and older was 11%. The rate for patients 50 years and older was 16%. For patients 80 years and older, the rate of appendiceal neoplasm was 43%. Conclusion: The risk of occult appendiceal neoplasm is low in patients under the age of 30; however, there was an 11% rate of appendiceal neoplasm in patients 30 years and older. The risk increases with increased age, with a 16% risk in patients 50 years and older. Given these findings, we recommend consideration of interval appendectomy in all patients 30 years and older with complicated appendicitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This article gives an overview of severe and fulminant infections of the head and neck region. The focus is on the treatment, diagnostics and causes of abscesses, phlegmon and necrotizing fasciitis. Objective: Despite guideline-conform treatment soft tissue infections of the head and neck can spread rapidly and be life-threatening. Material and methods: Analysis and discussion of basic research and expert recommendations, case reports. Results: While purulent tonsillitis is the primary cause of severe bacterial soft tissue infections in children, dental infections are the leading cause in adults. The infections often spread along anatomic spaces and can extend into the brain or mediastinum and a hematogenic dissemination is also possible. Multiple operations and combined antibiotic treatment are often required as well as additional treatment, such as intubation, tracheotomy and dialysis. Late or early onset complications can occur and reconstructive measures might be necessary in addition to rehabilitation. Conclusion: Severe bacterial soft tissue infections can be still life-threatening despite guideline-conform treatment and are associated with a high mortality especially in high-risk patients even with intensive medical care. They can lead to disfiguration and loss of function resulting in a greatly reduced quality of life. Rapid diagnostics and therapy are essential for successful treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to review a case comprised of a cervical spinal epidural abscess, cervical and thoracic paraspinous edema, and widening of the right thoracic neural foramen secondary to a phlegmon. Methods: We reviewed the case of a spinal epidural abscess managed medically in a 4-year-old male and performed a review of the literature with 15 other cases that have previously been reported. Results: The current mainstay of treatment is largely variant but generally falls into a laminectomy-based surgical approach or longstanding antibiotics. Our review of the literature concluded that there are currently no clear guidelines established to recommend treatment, and current practice is largely based on the discretion of the pediatric neurosurgeon. Conclusions: Based on the literature review, and our personal case illustration, we conclude that an antibiotic-based treatment is a valid approach for therapy if initiated promptly in a pediatric patient with no neurological deficit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Appendectomy is accepted as the standard treatment of acute appendicitis, but in complicated cases, the treatment of choice is not straightforward. In this prospective study, we compared failure rate, complications, and recurrence rate of three different approaches to complicated appendicitis. In a 5-year prospective cohort study, patients with appendicular phlegmon were studied in three groups based on the treatment protocols. Group A included patients who underwent an appendectomy; patients of group B were treated by interval appendectomy; and in group C, conservative management was performed without interval appendectomy. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 11.5. In total, 3896 patients with acute appendicitis were admitted, and 127 patients with complicated appendicitis were treated. Fifty-four patients were excluded from the study. Differences in age, gender, weight, and duration of symptoms were not statistically significant in the three groups. In group A (N = 23), appendectomy was impossible in 4 patients and 5 patients experienced complications. In group B (N = 24), two patients underwent exploration and appendectomy. In another two patients, a recurrent episode of acute appendicitis with mild signs and symptoms occurred after discharge from the hospital. In group C (N = 25), three patients experienced a recurrent appendicitis. Interval appendectomy is not indicated in all patients and continuous non-operative management may be appropriate in some patients. As the epidemiology of colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel diseases is different in Iran, we recommend other researchers to perform a cost-effectiveness analysis on colon and appendicular neoplasms workup after non-operative management of complicated appendicitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The objective of the present study was to analyze the efficacy of 256-slice CT in differentiation between the perforated and non-perforated appendicitis. Subjects and methods The study included 85 patients with acute appendicitis. Appendicectomy and pathological confirmation were done for 79 patients and classified into 44 patients with non-perforated appendix and other 35 patients with perforated appendix. The statistical analysis was performed using six CT findings (abscess formation, phlegmon, extraluminal air, extraluminal appendicolith, focal defect in the appendicular wall and inflammatory changes of the retroperitoneal space) individually and when combined together in five groups. Results The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of each CT finding were ranged between 20%–51%, 86–100% and 65–76% respectively. The PPV and NPV of these findings ranged between 75–100% and 61–70% respectively. Detection of any of these findings in combination of different groups resulted in raising of the sensitivity reaching between 71 and 97%. Conclusion Multislice CT is considered the modality of choice for imaging of acute appendicitis, not only to confirm the diagnosis but also it plays an important role in assessment of appendicular complication, particularly in detection of perforated appendix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infections in the neck layers and spaces are potentially life-threatening diseases causing further complications, like mediastinitis, airway obstruction, or sepsis. Despite of the need for a conservative approach, they still regularly require surgical intervention. Records of 17 patients with severe neck infections that were treated by wide external incision and open wound management were retrospectively analyzed. The aim of the study was to clinically characterize these most serious neck infections. The most common presenting symptoms were neck pain and tense neck mass (94-94 %) regularly with fever (65 %), always accompanied by a marked elevation of C reactive protein level (average 192 uG/l). These findings were constant and very similar among both the deep neck infection and necrotizing fasciitis cases. More than half of the patients (53 %) had at least one systemic co-morbidity. The parapharyngeal space was most commonly affected (83 %), but extended disease involving more than two major neck regions was found in 13 cases (76 %). Dental (29 %) was the most common primary infection, followed by peritonsillar abscess (23 %), Microbiological results showed a wide variety of corresponding bacteria. Mediastinitis was developed in three cases (18 %), and airway obstruction requiring tracheostomy in two cases (12 %). All the patients survived. Severe neck infections are a heterogenous group of diseases regarding to the primary site of infection, microbiology, localisation and host reaction. However, rapidly developed, painful, tense neck mass with a highly elevated CRP level should always alert for an extended or phlegmonous process in the layers or spaces of the neck. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate an alternative route of pelvic abscess drainage in children via a transiliopsoas approach. Background: Appendiceal perforations complicated by inflammatory masses, such as abscesses or phlegmon, are a common indication for abdominal drainage in pediatric interventional radiology. Certain locations of collections may present particular challenges for the operator, owing to numerous surrounding structures, including bowel and other pelvic anatomy. This series describes an alternative route for drainage, which involves traversing the iliopsoas muscle under US guidance to drain a deep pelvic abscess. Materials and methods: Retrospective chart review was performed of the transiliopsoas approach for abscess drainage during a 5-year period. The technique, pre- and post-drainage imaging, aspiration/drain output, duration of catheter dwell, procedure-related complications and abscess recurrence were reviewed. Results: Transiliopsoas needle placement was successful in 14 of 14 patients (100%). Catheter placement was successful in 13 patients. Abscess wall rupture precluded catheter placement in one patient. Mean catheter duration was 4.9 days, with a range of 2 to 9 days. Clinical improvement was achieved in all 14 patients (100%). There were no major complications. Post-procedure pain with ambulation was reported in 3 of 14 patients (21.4%), which was successfully controlled in each case with medication, and resolved after 2 days. Conclusion: The transiliopsoas route is a safe and effective route for US-guided abscess drainage and catheter placement in children with deep pelvic collections. In selected cases, this approach provides a more easily accessible and safer route than more traditional interventional approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phlegmonous infection involving the digestive tract has been reported to have a poor prognosis. However, the pathogenesis and clinical features of acute phlegmonous esophagitis have remained unclear due to the rarity of the disease. We herein report a case of acute phlegmonous esophagitis that showed a fulminant course during chemoradiotherapy for uterine cancer. The patient developed septic shock 10 h after postprandial nausea and vomiting, and a computed tomographic scan showed diffuse thickening of the esophageal wall. Severe leukopenia that was refractory to the administration of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor persisted during the first few days. The patient fortunately survived after intensive treatment. The acute phlegmonous esophagitis of the present case might have been evoked and worsened by chemoradiotherapy due to its emetic and myelosuppressive adverse effects, respectively. Although its incidence is extremely rare, acute phlegmonous esophagitis may occur as a life-threatening complication of chemoradiotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spinal and paraspinal infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae remain a rare event. We present two cases from our institution, discuss the pathophysiology, and present a literature review of an additional 50 cases of spinal pneumococcal infections. Spinal epidural abscess and vertebral osteomyelitis as well as paraspinal abscesses caused by pneumococcus were included in the analysis. As has been reported for spinal infections due to other bacteria, persistent localized back pain with an elevation in inflammatory markers was almost universal. The lumbar spine was the most commonly involved. Pneumococcus was most frequently isolated from material obtained at the site of the infection; blood cultures were a less common source. The majority of patients with neurologic deficits had spinal epidural abscess or phlegmon, and had a higher mortality. Most patients were treated with 6 weeks of parenteral antimicrobials, and surgical intervention was not associated with a mortality benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Infections of the hand commonly result from trivial injuries. The anatomic characteristics of the hand allow for rapid dissemination of an infection without obvious symptoms. Therefore surgical treatment is often delayed. As a result there is a danger for a long-term disability of the hand and a decreased ability to work. Therapy: The most important criteria concerning surgical treatment are clinical findings and anamnesis. Surgical treatment includes the excision of infected tissue and flushing of the area. Wound closure should not be performed during the first operation. Several operations are generally necessary. To avoid stiffness, physiotherapy should be started the first day after operation. For splinting, bandages with gauze pads are sufficient. Casting is not required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The role of laparoscopic surgery has been shown to be safe, feasible, and equivalent to open surgery for moderate diverticulitis, but its role in severe disease is still being elucidated. The aim of this study was to compare short-term outcomes in patients who underwent laparoscopic sigmoidectomy for moderate and severe diverticulitis. Methods: All patients who had elective laparoscopic sigmoidectomy for diverticulitis between April 2003 and September 2011 at the University Hospital of Luxembourg were selected from a retrospective database. The patients were divided in two groups: moderate acute diverticulitis (MAD) included patients with an episode of left-lower-quadrant pain, elevated inflammatory markers, and radiologic evidence of diverticulitis, and severe acute diverticulitis (SAD) included patients with diverticula associated with abscess, phlegmon, perforation, fistula, obstruction, bleeding, or stricture. Results: A total of 121 patients (81 MAD and 40 SAD) underwent elective laparoscopic sigmoidectomy with primary anastomosis. There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to demographic characteristics, except for sex ratio. In this series the overall morbidity rate at 30 postoperative days (POD) was 12.4 %, with no significant differences between MAD and SAD (16.0 vs. 5 %, respectively; P = 0.083). No significant differences were found with respect to mean length of hospital stay (6.7 vs. 7.7 days; P = 0.399) as well. The overall conversion rate to open surgery was 2.5 % (3 patients), with no difference between the two groups. Conversion to laparotomy was associated with an increased morbidity rate (11.0 % for full laparoscopy vs. 66.6 % for conversion; P = 0.040) and a longer length of stay (6.8 vs. 16.7 days; P = 0.008). There were no deaths within 30 POD. Conclusions: Elective laparoscopic sigmoidectomy is safe and feasible for patients with moderate and severe acute diverticulitis and the outcomes are equivalent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The initial approach to complicated appendicitis in children has become increasingly nonoperative, particularly when there is presumed perforation and a localized abscess. We extended the indications for nonoperative management to include most cases other than simple appendicitis, including those with diffuse peritoneal involvement. We evaluated outcomes and sought to identify factors at the time of hospital admission that predicted an extended length of stay (LOS) with this strategy. Methods: The records of 223 consecutive children who were managed nonoperatively for complicated appendicitis were reviewed. A conservative approach was typically pursued in those with an abscess, phlegmon, or free fluid on initial imaging studies, and diffuse tenderness, diarrhea, or significant leukocytosis after 2 days of symptoms. Interval appendectomies were performed selectively. Results: The average LOS was 5.6 days (1-38), but nine subjects had a LOS of greater than 14 days. Eleven (4.9 %) required appendectomy during the initial admission. Free fluid on admission imaging studies, present in 78 % of those with an extended LOS, [odds ratio (OR) 5.5], in addition to a requirement for early nasogastric drainage (OR 24.2) and a higher band count (19 vs 15 %), was significantly associated with an extended LOS. Conclusions: An expansion of the indications for nonoperative management of complicated appendicitis yielded an acceptable average LOS and a low incidence of early appendectomy. However, a small subset of subjects had an extended LOS, and most of those had free peritoneal fluid on admission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The role of single-site laparoscopy (SSL) for the treatment of ileocolic Crohn's disease complicated by an abscess, a phlegmon, or fistulizing disease has not been thoroughly assessed. Methods: A prospectively maintained database of SSL surgeries performed between October 2010 and March 2011 was reviewed. Consecutive patients with ileocolic Crohn's disease complicated by a paracolic abscess, a phlegmon, or a fistula were included for analysis. Data recorded included demographic information, body mass index (BMI), estimated blood loss (EBL), length of surgery, rate of conversion to standard laparoscopic surgery or open surgery, length of hospital stay, and rate of complications. Results: A total of six patients were identified. Complications from Crohn's disease included four (66%) patients who developed a paracolic abscess that required drainage upon admission, one (16%) patient who developed a phlegmon, and one (16%) patient who developed an enterocutaneous fistula. Mean age of the study population was 25 years, with a mean BMI of 21 and a mean ASA score of 3. Five (83%) of the patients were immunosuppressed with high-dose steroids. Mean operative time was 160 min, with a median EBL of 60 mL. One patient required the insertion of an additional trocar, whereas there were no conversions to laparotomy. Four (66%) patients required diversion with a loop ileostomy. Median time to flatus was 1 day. All patients tolerated a diet on the day of surgery, with a median length of stay of 3 days. There were no deaths and no complications related to bleeding, organ injury, surgical site infections, or anastomotic leaks. Conclusions: A single-site laparoscopic approach for complicated ileocolic Crohn's disease can be performed safely, with short lengths of hospital stay and with a low rate of complications. A multicenter study would be beneficial to validate these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hand as a tactile organ is continuously exposed to pathogens with the risk of developing severe hand infection. Bacterial infections are encountered most frequently. Next to severe soft tissue trauma, small lesions with or without foreign body entrapment often prove to be the causative agents for hand infections. Bite wounds caused by humans or animals are in particular prone to spread of infection as they lead to a deep bacterial inoculation in the different anatomical spaces of the hand. In order to prevent severe infection initial diagnosis and adequate treatment is of major importance. Surgical treatment is primarily indicated with radical debridement of all affected structures. Delayed diagnosis by temporizing treatment strategies can lead to fulminant infection with functional deficits or in the end to septic shock with multiple organ failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The article discusses the dental and oral infections involving anaerobic bacteria. The bacteria usually involved in dental and oral infections are the Streptococcus species and the Prevotella species. Inflammation is often confined to the alveolus in dental infection cases. Dental infections may subside within several days if surgical manipulations and antibacterial chemotherapy are applied appropriately. It may also lead to serious infections such as phlegmon and necrotizing fasciitis if there will be delayed initiation of therapy.

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A series of 65 patients suffering from acute inflammatory disease of the orbit was studied by CT. Ethmoiditis was the cause in the vast majority; trauma and dental extraction played a lesser role in causation. Orbital cellulitis was diagnosed in 17 and subperiosteal abscess in the remaining 48. It was not possible to differentiate 33 pus-containing abscesses from the six with inflammatory masses (phlegmons). The satisfactory response to aggressive medical treatment in those patients with inflammatory masses that were not drained justifies a more conservative approach; surgical drainage being reserved for those with a deterioration in proptosis, ocular movements or vision. Six abscesses arose de novo, of which some were in the orbital fat rather than the subperiosteal space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the significant complications of pancreatitis is the development of a pancreatic phlegmon, a noninfected solid mass of inflamed pancreatic and retroperitoneal tissues. Clinically, a phlegmon may be confused with other pancreatic masses., especially a pseudocyst. Phlegmons typically present as palpable epigastric masses which arc solid on sonography and computerized tomography. They usually resolve in a few weeks with nonsurgical conservative therapy. This report discusses the radiographic and clinical picture of pancreatic phlegmons as illustrated by four cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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We report the simultaneous development of fulminant hepatic failure and necrotizing pancreatitis in a patient treated with sulfasalazine. The patient had recent onset of ulcerative colitis. A diffuse skin rash and fulminant hepatic failure developed 2-3 wk after initiation of sulfasalazine therapy. An exploratory laparotomy revealed severe necrotizing pancreatitis with phlegmon, in addition to confluent hepatic necrosis. Electron microscopy of the liver was consistent with drug injury. The patient died after 2 months of hospitalization. This is the first reported case of the concurrent development of these complications associated with sulfasalazine hypersensitivity. These potential adverse effects of sulfasalazine should be considered when using this agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports a case of acute intestinal obstruction associated with a pancreatic phlegmon. Histopathology of the inflammatory mass; Indication of colonic involvement in patients with pancreatitis; Cause of lesions of the pancreatic head.

A 9-year-old boy with thigh pain, high fever, hyperleukocytosis and positive blood cultures for Staphylococcus aureus had a left obturator internus phlegmon. Lack of evidence for hip infection or osteomyelitis in a child with thigh pain, high fever and hyperleukocytosis points to a possible infection of pelvic structures. Abscess or phlegmon of the obturator internus muscle is a very rare condition. The most frequent agent is Staphylococcus aureus. CT of the pelvis is the procedure of choice to show diffuse swelling of the muscle or collection of pus. Conservative treatment with adequate antibiotics is the treatment of choice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]