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International Journal of Surgery Case... Mar 2024Intestinal atresia is a congenital anomaly commonly happening in the small bowel and rarely in the colon. Colonic atresia can manifest as intestinal obstruction with...
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE
Intestinal atresia is a congenital anomaly commonly happening in the small bowel and rarely in the colon. Colonic atresia can manifest as intestinal obstruction with abdominal distention and bilious vomiting.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 3-day-old male new-born who was referred from a rural hospital, full term, product of normal vaginal delivery, with a weight of 2400 g. The patient had a complaint of bilious vomiting, inability to pass meconium, and abdominal distension for three days. On clinical examination the patient had visible bowel loops and yellowish aspiration from the orogastric tube. An erect abdominal radiograph showed distended bowel loops and sharp air-fluid levels. Administration of contrast enema revealed resistance to pass the rectal tube and stopping of contrast pas the rectosigmoid region with contrast spillage from the anus.
CLINICAL DISCUSSION
Sigmoid atresia is a rare congenital anomaly that occurs in approximately 1 in 20,000 live births. The most common presentation is bilious vomiting and abdominal distension in the first 24 h of life. Diagnosis is confirmed with abdominal X-ray and contrast enema. Treatment is surgical, with primary repair being the most common approach. He underwent two stages of repair with an end colostomy and mucous fistula, then closure of the colostomy after four months of the first stage.
CONCLUSION
This presentation requires clinical suspicion with prompt care, as this condition can mimic Hirschsprung's disease. In our case, the patient has a classical presentation of sigmoid atresia that had an early diagnosis, which resulted in a better outcome.
PubMed: 38401322
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109434 -
Revista Espanola de Enfermedades... Dec 2023We report the case of a middle-aged man who had undergone two diagnostic laparoscopies with no significant findings after he was attended at the emergency department...
We report the case of a middle-aged man who had undergone two diagnostic laparoscopies with no significant findings after he was attended at the emergency department with cramping pain, abdominal distention and vomiting, with radiological images simulating a small bowel obstruction. After multiple hospitalisations and an extensive set of tests, including a genetic study, he was diagnosed with chronic pseudo-obstruction, an uncommon, unrecognides syndrome with high morbidity. Being aware of this pathology can make it easier to diagnose, and thereby, we can avoid unnecessary surgical interventions, because its management and treatment are mainly based on pharmacological therapy. After a proper diagnosis our patient's progression was satisfactory due to the treatment introduced, with no further hospitalisations.
Topics: Male; Middle Aged; Humans; Intestinal Obstruction; Pain; Intestine, Small; Vomiting; Laparoscopy
PubMed: 37114416
DOI: 10.17235/reed.2023.9630/2023 -
Drug Delivery and Translational Research Sep 2023Subcutaneous (SC) delivery is a preferred route of administration for biotherapeutics but has predominantly been limited to volumes below 3 mL. With higher volume drug...
Subcutaneous (SC) delivery is a preferred route of administration for biotherapeutics but has predominantly been limited to volumes below 3 mL. With higher volume drug formulations emerging, understanding large volume SC (LVSC) depot localization, dispersion, and impact on the SC environment has become more critical. The aim of this exploratory clinical imaging study was to assess the feasibility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to identify and characterize LVSC injections and their effect on SC tissue as a function of delivery site and volume. Healthy adult subjects received incremental injections of normal saline up to 5 mL total volume in the arm and up to 10 mL in the abdomen and thigh. MRI images were acquired after each incremental SC injection. Post-image analysis was performed to correct imaging artifacts, identify depot tissue location, create 3-dimensional (3D) SC depot rendering, and estimate in vivo bolus volumes and SC tissue distention. LVSC saline depots were readily achieved, imaged using MRI, and quantified via subsequent image reconstructions. Imaging artifacts occurred under some conditions, necessitating corrections applied during image analysis. 3D renderings were created for both the depot alone and in relation to the SC tissue boundaries. LVSC depots remained predominantly within the SC tissue and expanded with increasing injection volume. Depot geometry varied across injection sites and localized physiological structure changes were observed to accommodate LVSC injection volumes. MRI is an effective means to clinically visualize LVSC depots and SC architecture allowing assessment of deposition and dispersion of injected formulations.Trial Registration: Not applicable for this exploratory clinical imaging study.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Injections, Subcutaneous
PubMed: 36913105
DOI: 10.1007/s13346-023-01318-7 -
International Medical Case Reports... 2023Intestinal knotting syndromes are rare causes of mechanical bowel obstruction, ileo-sigmoid knotting being the most common type. Ileocecal knotting is the rarest type...
INTRODUCTION
Intestinal knotting syndromes are rare causes of mechanical bowel obstruction, ileo-sigmoid knotting being the most common type. Ileocecal knotting is the rarest type among knot syndromes and there are few case reports across the world.
CASE PRESENTATION
We present a case of ileocecal knotting in a postpartum patient with abdominal distention, vomiting and failure to pass feces and flatus. Plain abdominal radiograph revealed dilated small bowel loops with multiple air fluid levels. Exploratory laparotomy was performed with intra-operative finding of ileocecal knotting with viable bowel, mobile cecum and ascending colon and gangrenous tip of appendix. We untied the knot and performed an appendectomy. Due to intra-operative instability of the patient's vital signs, right hemicolectomy was differed and cecum as well as ascending colon were fixed to right posterolateral abdominal wall.
CLINICAL DISCUSSION
Ileocecal knotting is a very rare finding, and few case reports have been published. The intra-operative findings of the mobile cecum and ascending colon are consistent with previous reports and it is a predisposing factor for knot besides low BMI and young age of our patient. Surgical management is dictated by intra-operative conditions such as viability of the bowel, intra-operative stability of the patient, extent of resection and length of the remaining bowel. Surgical options include en bloc resection of knot with gangrenous bowel and end to end anastomosis or end ileostomy with closure of distal end.
CONCLUSION
Ileocecal knotting should be considered as a differential diagnosis for patients presenting with intestinal obstruction with unusual radiographic findings. Early diagnosis and prompt surgical intervention prevents bowel infarction and enhance the prognosis. Preoperative abdominal CT scan is helpful in such cases with unusual radiographic findings.
PubMed: 38146343
DOI: 10.2147/IMCRJ.S448334 -
Allergology International : Official... Apr 2024Adults with food-protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) often develop severe abdominal symptoms after eating seafood. However, no investigation of a food...
BACKGROUND
Adults with food-protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) often develop severe abdominal symptoms after eating seafood. However, no investigation of a food elimination strategy for adult FPIES patients has been performed to date.
METHODS
We conducted a retrospective cohort study of seafood-avoidant adults by telephone interview, based on the diagnostic criteria for adult FPIES reported by González et al. We compared the clinical profiles, abdominal symptoms, and causative seafoods between FPIES and immediate-type food allergy (IgE-mediated FA) patients. We also profiled the detailed intake-status of seafoods in adult FPIES patients.
RESULTS
Twenty-two (18.8 %) of 117 adults with seafood-allergy were diagnosed with FPIES. Compared with the IgE-mediated FA patients, FPIES patients had an older age of onset, more pre-existing gastrointestinal and atopic diseases, more episodes, longer latency and duration of symptoms, more nausea, abdominal distention, and severe abdominal pain, and more frequent vomiting and diarrhea. In particular, abdominal distention-reflecting intestinal edema and luminal fluid retention-may be the most distinctive characteristic symptom in adult FPIES (p < 0.001). Bivalves, especially oysters, were the most common cause of FPIES. Strikingly, intake-status profiling revealed that many FPIES patients can safely ingest an average of 92.6 % of seafood species other than the causative species.
CONCLUSIONS
There are many differentiators between FPIES and IgE-mediated FA, which may reflect differences in the underlying immunological mechanisms. Although seafood FPIES is unlikely to induce tolerance, many patients can ingest a wide variety of seafood species after a long period from onset.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Infant; Retrospective Studies; Dietary Proteins; Syndrome; Food Hypersensitivity; Enterocolitis; Allergens; Seafood; Immunoglobulin E
PubMed: 38151409
DOI: 10.1016/j.alit.2023.12.003 -
Cureus Aug 2023Introduction Constipation is a common condition in children, affecting almost one-third of the population at some point in childhood across the world. Functional...
Introduction Constipation is a common condition in children, affecting almost one-third of the population at some point in childhood across the world. Functional constipation is the most common cause, with no clear etiology. From April 25, 2014, through October 16, 2015, the water source for the city of Flint residents was untreated Flint River water, which resulted in lead-contaminated drinking water. Lead poisoning has been associated with constipation and has multisystem sequelae, including neurological, muscular, and hematological impacts. Children may be especially vulnerable to this with their higher water intake-to-body weight ratio. There has been no previous study examining the possible relationship between the Flint water crisis and constipation in children. In our study, we aimed to see if the increased lead level in the water had any effect on constipation in children in Flint. Methods We included all children seen and diagnosed with constipation at Hurley Medical Center's Pediatric Gastrointestinal (GI) Clinic. We included only children seen in 2013 (pre-water crisis) and 2017 (post-water crisis). Children with chronic neurologic disorders, celiac disease, hypothyroidism, diabetes, Hirschsprung's disease, short bowel syndrome, and gastrointestinal surgeries were excluded. We looked at the age of presentation, associated symptoms, medications used, need for hospital admission or emergency department (ED) visits, and improvements at follow-up. Results A total of 79 patients were included in the study. There were 29 patients from 2013 and 50 patients from 2017 (post-lead exposure period). The rate of constipation referrals to the GI clinic for the Flint population of children was significantly higher in 2017 (p=0.001). The most common associated symptom was abdominal pain in both groups. Straining was more prominent in the 2017 group (60%) compared to the 2013 group (34.5%, p=0.029). There was no clinical or statistically significant difference between the groups noted in abdominal pain, blood in the stool, fecal incontinence, vomiting, history of urinary tract infection (UTI), abdominal distention, or stool impaction. Conclusions The number of patients referred to Hurley's Pediatric GI Clinic for constipation increased after the lead water crisis in Flint. Moreover, straining has significantly increased in post-lead exposure compared to pre-lead exposure. There was no clinical or statistically significant difference noted in abdominal pain, blood in the stool, fecal incontinence, vomiting, history of UTI, abdominal distention, or stool impaction between both groups. A larger study would need to be done to confirm these findings, rule out other cofactors, and look into minerals in water and their effect on intestine innervations.
PubMed: 37767257
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.44189 -
Cureus Jul 2023A common bariatric procedure known as gastric sleeve surgery can cause significant weight loss and co-morbid condition alleviation. However, patients could experience...
BACKGROUND
A common bariatric procedure known as gastric sleeve surgery can cause significant weight loss and co-morbid condition alleviation. However, patients could experience persistent problems such as gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal/neural, and psychiatric disorders after surgery. This study aims to identify the most prevalent chronic symptoms following sleeve gastrectomy among a sample of Saudi patients and the impact these symptoms have on patients' lives.
METHODOLOGY
Patients who underwent gastric sleeve surgery at the Ensan Clinic, a facility specializing in gastroenterology, were the subjects of this retrospective cohort analysis. The study population consisted of patients who underwent gastric sleeve surgery, showed up for follow-up after the procedure, and met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The data collection sheet is divided into seven sections. Sociodemographic information was required in the first section, gastric sleeve surgery information in the second, vital signs in the third, lab results in the fourth, past medical history in the fifth, current treatments in the sixth, and postoperative complications and chronic symptoms in the seventh and final sections.
RESULTS
In 117 patients, the study evaluated the effects of gastric sleeve surgery. Participants had an average age of 40.21 years, and 61.5% were female. Regarding persistent symptoms after surgery, a sizable percentage of patients mentioned digestive issues such as GERD (44.4%), dyspepsia (60.7%), vomiting (23.1%), nausea (39.3%), and abdominal distention (45.3%). A total of 34.2% of patients reported experiencing anxiety, compared to 11.1% who said they had depression or 2.6% who said they had social issues. A few patients reported experiencing neurological or musculoskeletal issues, including exhaustion (7.7%), faintness (5.1%), back or joint discomfort (7.7%), and shortness of breath (8.5%).
CONCLUSION
After undergoing gastric sleeve surgery, a sizable proportion of patients complained of various chronic symptoms and nutritional inadequacies, primarily gastrointestinal problems and musculoskeletal/neurological issues. The study's findings show a connection between these symptoms and surgery.
PubMed: 37593300
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.42000 -
Scientific Reports Sep 2023High altitude acclimatization and disease have been the centerpiece of investigations concerning human health at high altitude. Almost all investigations have focused on...
High altitude acclimatization and disease have been the centerpiece of investigations concerning human health at high altitude. Almost all investigations have focused on either understanding and ameliorating high altitude disease or finding better methods of acclimatization/training at high altitude. The aspect of altitude de-induction/de-acclimatization has remained clouded despite the fact that it was documented since the first decade of twentieth century. A few recent studies, particularly in China, have stated unanimously that high altitude de-acclimatization involved multiple observable clinical symptoms ranging from headache to abdominal distention. These symptoms have been collectively referred to as "high altitude de-acclimatization syndrome" (HADAS). However, computational omics and network biology centric investigations concerning HADAS are nascent. In this study, we focus on the quantitative proteo-informatics, especially network biology, of human plasma proteome in individuals who successfully descended from high altitude areas after a stay of 120 days. In brief, the protein list was uploaded into STRING and IPA to compute z-score based cut-offs which were used to analyze the directionality and significance of various identified protein networks as well as the proteins within them. Relevant upstream regulators extracted using computational strategies were also validated. Time-points till the 180th day of de-induction have been investigated to comparatively assess the changes in the plasma proteome and protein pathways of such individuals since the 7th day of arrival at altitude. Our investigation revealed extensive effects of de-induction on lipid metabolism, inflammation and innate immune system as well as coagulation system. This novel study provides a conceptual framework for formulating therapeutic strategies to ease the symptoms of HADAS during de-acclimatization. Such strategies should focus on normalization of lipid metabolism, inflammatory signaling and coagulation systems.
Topics: Humans; Altitude; Proteome; Acclimatization; Blood Coagulation; China
PubMed: 37679378
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40576-w -
Cureus Sep 2023This report presents a perplexing case involving a 16-year-old adolescent presenting with persistent upper abdominal pain and distention. The patient had no history of...
This report presents a perplexing case involving a 16-year-old adolescent presenting with persistent upper abdominal pain and distention. The patient had no history of substance abuse or animal-related encounters. Clinical examination revealed abdominal tension, distention, and localized tenderness. Laboratory analysis indicated elevated white blood cell count, mildly reduced hemoglobin and platelet levels, and notably heightened amylase and lipase levels. Serum albumin displayed a minor decrease. Despite repeated consultations and ultrasound evaluations, the underlying cause remained elusive. Advanced imaging unveiled substantial abdominopelvic ascites, a shrunken pancreas with an expanded main duct, and thickening at the ileocecal junction. Ascitic fluid analysis unveiled hemorrhagic fluid with elevated cell and neutrophil counts. Notably, the fluid accumulation extended into the omental apron covering the intestines. Biopsy results ruled out malignancy and chronic infections. We diagnosed him as a case of idiopathic chronic pancreatitis presenting as hemorrhagic ascites. This case underscores the intricacies of diagnosing complex abdominal disorders. A comprehensive approach, involving multidisciplinary collaboration, rigorous diagnostic assessments, and meticulous patient evaluation, is essential for elucidating such challenging clinical scenarios.
PubMed: 37846267
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.45303 -
Cureus Dec 2023A 43-year-old woman experienced acute nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, leading her to our hospital. No relevant medical history or physical abnormalities were...
A 43-year-old woman experienced acute nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, leading her to our hospital. No relevant medical history or physical abnormalities were noted. Symptoms persisted for a month, causing weight loss and abdominal bloating. CT scans revealed distension throughout the gastrointestinal tract without stenosis. Intestinal pseudo-obstruction and aerophagia were suspected. MR enterography confirmed normal gastric and intestinal motility, diagnosing the condition as aerophagia-induced gastrointestinal distention. This case underscores the value of MR enterography in assessing intestinal motility and differentiating between intestinal pseudo-obstruction and aerophagia.
PubMed: 38192934
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.50070