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Cureus May 2024Ascites can manifest as a result of many conditions, with cirrhosis being the most common cause in the United States. Here, we present a case of lymphocytic ascites, a...
Ascites can manifest as a result of many conditions, with cirrhosis being the most common cause in the United States. Here, we present a case of lymphocytic ascites, a less common variant that occurred due to infection with Chlamydia trachomatis. This was a 37-year-old female with a history of substance and sexual abuse who presented with the chief complaints of abdominal pain, abdominal distension, and weight gain. She was febrile on admission with a distended, tender abdomen. The more common cardiac, renal, and hepatic causes were ruled out with extensive workup. Diagnosis and therapeutic paracentesis were done with fluid analysis significant for lymphocyte predominance and absence of malignant cells. Multi-modal imaging had ruled out suspicious malignant masses but CT abdomen/pelvis did show complex large volume ascites. Urine chlamydia and gonorrhea polymerase chain reaction (PCR) had resulted positive for chlamydia, leading us to start Doxycycline. Other infectious workups were negative, but ascitic fluid chlamydia NAAT was positive. Though initially worsening, the patient started showing significant clinical improvement after starting doxycycline, with the resolution of ascites and associated symptoms. This case report intends to bring to attention the importance of testing for chlamydia infection in cases of lymphocytic ascites, especially in sexually active females.
PubMed: 38846180
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.59760 -
Medecine Tropicale Et Sante... Mar 2024Accidental ingestion of a foreign body into the gastrointestinal tract is not uncommon, however the development of hepatic abscesses secondary to digestive perforation...
Accidental ingestion of a foreign body into the gastrointestinal tract is not uncommon, however the development of hepatic abscesses secondary to digestive perforation by a foreign body is rare. We report the case of pyogenic hepatic abscesses secondary to gastric perforation by a fishbone complicated by acute peritonitis. A 53-year-old patient was admitted to our hospital with the main complaints: diffuse abdominal pain with vomiting in a context of fever and physical asthenia. A painful febrile hepatomegaly with jaundice was objectified, as well as a non-specific biological inflammatory syndrome. An initial abdominopelvic CT scan revealed multifocal liver abscesses. Faced with the initial therapeutic failure associating parenteral antibiotic therapy and abscess drainage, a second abdominal CT scan identified a foreign body straddling the antropyloric wall and segment I of the liver.A xypho-pelvic midline laparotomy was performed with nearly 200 cc of peritoneal fluid coming out. A fishbone approximately 5 cm long was extracted by laparotomy, followed by gastric closure with omentum, peritoneal cleansing and drainage. Symptomatic adjuvant treatment was initiated, including a proton pump inhibitor (Pantoprazole). He also benefited from transfusion support in the face of anemia. Antibiotic therapy was continued for a total of 2 weeks after surgery. The evolution was favorable with follow-up imaging at 3 months, showing complete resorption of the hepatic abscesses.
Topics: Humans; Middle Aged; Peritonitis; Male; Liver Abscess, Pyogenic; Foreign Bodies; Acute Disease; Senegal; Stomach
PubMed: 38846121
DOI: 10.48327/mtsi.v4i1.2024.390 -
Frontiers in Neurology 2024The disruption of intracranial fluid dynamics due to large unruptured cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM) commonly triggers a domino effect within the central...
Unveiling the domino effect: a nine-year follow-up on pentalogy of central nervous system induced by a large unruptured cerebral arteriovenous malformation: a case report and literature review.
BACKGROUND
The disruption of intracranial fluid dynamics due to large unruptured cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM) commonly triggers a domino effect within the central nervous system. This phenomenon is frequently overlooked in prior clinic and may lead to catastrophic misdiagnoses. Our team has documented the world's first case of so-called () induced by a AVM.
CLINICAL PRESENTATION AND RESULT
A 30-year-old female was first seen 9 years ago with an occasional fainting, at which time a huge unruptured AVM was discovered. Subsequently, due to progressive symptoms, she sought consultations from several prestigious neurosurgical departments in China, where all consulting neurosurgeons opted for conservation treatment due to perceived surgical risks. During the follow-up period, the patient gradually presented with hydrocephalus, empty sella, secondary Chiari malformation, syringomyelia, and scoliosis (we called as ). When treated in our department, she already displayed numerous symptoms, including severe intracranial hypertension. Our team deduced that the hydrocephalus was the primary driver of her P symptoms, representing the most favorable risk profile for intervention. As expected, a ventriculoperitoneal shunt successfully mitigated all symptoms of at 21-months post-surgical review.
CONCLUSION
During the monitoring of unruptured AVM, it is crucial to remain vigilant for the development or progression of AVMP. When any component of AVMP is identified, thorough etiological studies and analysis of cascade reactions are imperative to avert misdiagnosis. When direct AVM intervention is not viable, strategically addressing hydrocephalus as part of the AVMP may serve as the critical therapeutic focus.
PubMed: 38846033
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1365525 -
Journal of Surgical Case Reports Jun 2024Neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs) of the gallbladder are very rare and aggressive tumors with poor prognosis. Most of them are poorly differentiated and belong to the...
Neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs) of the gallbladder are very rare and aggressive tumors with poor prognosis. Most of them are poorly differentiated and belong to the small cell type. We report a case of a 59-year-old woman who presented with abdominal pain and distension. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a large heterogeneous mass in the liver, adjacent to the gallbladder, and omental nodules. CA 19-9 level was elevated and ascitic fluid cytology was suspicious for malignancy. Percutaneous biopsy of the liver mass confirmed the diagnosis of small cell NEC of the gallbladder. The patient was considered inoperable and planned for chemotherapy, but she died 20 days after admission. This case illustrates the diagnostic challenges and the dismal outcome of small cell NEC of the gallbladder. Early detection and multimodal treatment are essential for improving the survival of these patients.
PubMed: 38832057
DOI: 10.1093/jscr/rjae386 -
The American Journal of Case Reports Jun 2024BACKGROUND Peritoneal dialysis (PD) serves as a critical renal replacement therapy for individuals with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), leveraging the peritoneum for... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND Peritoneal dialysis (PD) serves as a critical renal replacement therapy for individuals with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), leveraging the peritoneum for fluid and substance exchange. Despite its effectiveness, PD is marred by complications such as peritonitis, which significantly impacts patient outcomes. The novelty of our report lies in the presentation of a rare case of PD-associated peritonitis caused by 2 unusual pathogens, emphasizing the importance of rigorous infection control measures. CASE REPORT We report on an 80-year-old African-American female patient with ESRD undergoing PD, who was admitted twice within 8 months for non-recurring episodes of peritonitis. These episodes were attributed to the rare pathogens Achromobacter denitrificans/xylosoxidans and Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. Despite presenting with similar symptoms during each episode, such as abdominal pain and turbid dialysis effluent, the presence of these uncommon bacteria highlights the intricate challenges in managing infections associated with PD. The treatment strategy encompassed targeted antibiotic therapy, determined through susceptibility testing. Notably, the decision to remove the PD catheter followed extensive patient education, ensuring the patient comprehended the rationale behind this approach. This crucial step, along with the subsequent shift to hemodialysis, was pivotal in resolving the infection, illustrating the importance of patient involvement in the management of complex PD-related infections. CONCLUSIONS This case underscores the complexities of managing PD-associated peritonitis, particularly with uncommon and resistant bacteria. It emphasizes the importance of rigorous infection control measures, the need to consider atypical pathogens, and the critical role of patient involvement in treatment decisions. Our insights advocate for a more informed approach to handling such infections, aiming to reduce morbidity and improve patient outcomes. The examination of the literature on recurrent peritonitis and treatment strategies provides key perspectives for navigating these challenging cases effectively.
Topics: Humans; Peritonitis; Female; Aged, 80 and over; Peritoneal Dialysis; Kidney Failure, Chronic; Acinetobacter baumannii; Achromobacter denitrificans; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections; Acinetobacter Infections; Practice Guidelines as Topic
PubMed: 38831580
DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.943953 -
Journal of Family Medicine and Primary... Apr 2024Portal hypertension commonly occurs due to liver cirrhosis, and esophageal varices (EV) is one of the major complications associated with it. The most common cause of...
BACKGROUND
Portal hypertension commonly occurs due to liver cirrhosis, and esophageal varices (EV) is one of the major complications associated with it. The most common cause of death in liver cirrhosis is EV bleeding. Hence, GE screening for EV is required, which is an invasive procedure. Regular use of endoscopy results in low compliance due to cost and discomfort for patients. Hence, identifying non-invasive markers that could grade EV provides a useful screening tool for family physicians and primary health centers (PHCs) by referring the patient to higher centers for definitive treatment, which could reduce mortality due to variceal bleeding in cirrhotic patients.
AIMS
To assess non-invasive predictors of grade EV in patients diagnosed with liver cirrhosis.
SETTINGS AND DESIGN
Cross-sectional study.
METHODS AND MATERIAL
A total of 109 patients with liver cirrhosis underwent clinical and biochemical evaluation, USG abdomen with spleen bipolar diameter, ascitic fluid analysis, and upper GE with a grade of EV are recorded.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED
SPSS software with Student -test, Chi-square -test, analysis of variance, receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves, and Spearman correlation with 95% CI is used. <0.05 is considered significant.
RESULTS
Aminotransferase to Platelet count Ratio Index (APRI) score >1.815, PC/SD ≤909, and SAAG >1.1g/dl showed EV in liver cirrhosis ( < 0.05). The order of prediction with ROC curves shows APRI score > PC/SD > SAAG. In grading EV, APRI scores of 1.9-2.5 and >2.5 showed small and large EV, respectively ( < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
APRI score may be used in PHC as an early intervention to grade EV and refer the patient to higher centers for definitive treatment. This would prevent the progression of varices to rupture and reduce mortality due to variceal bleeds in liver cirrhosis patients.
PubMed: 38827661
DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_792_23 -
Journal of Surgical Case Reports May 2024Heterotopic pregnancy (HP) is the coexistence of living or dead intrauterine pregnancy, single or multiple, and extrauterine pregnancy located in the oviduct, ovary,...
Heterotopic pregnancy (HP) is the coexistence of living or dead intrauterine pregnancy, single or multiple, and extrauterine pregnancy located in the oviduct, ovary, uterine corner, cervix or peritoneal cavity. This condition is very rare (1:30 000 pregnancies). HP constitutes a rare obstetric condition. Its occurrence after natural conception is sparsely documented in the literature. Here in, we present a case of a 27-year-old primeparous women who presented at 18 weeks with features of ruptured ectopic pregnancy. Initial ultrasonographic imaging showed an intrauterine pregnancy corresponding to 18 weeks. It also revealed a floating fetus with significant collection of fluid in the pouch of Douglas, retroceacal recess and both hepatocellular recess. An emergency explorative laparotomy was done where right salpingectomy was performed. She was later followed up to term and delivered by elective cesarean section successfully. A brief narrative of the challenges in the management, clinical presentation and limitation in the management is highlighted in the present case report. Heterotopic pregnancy can occur in natural conception irrespective of usage of ovulation induction. Routine early pregnancy ultrasound can promote early detection with prompt surgical intervention to mitigate its complications.
PubMed: 38826862
DOI: 10.1093/jscr/rjae373 -
CEN Case Reports Jun 2024Peritoneal dialysis (PD)-associated peritonitis is a common complication of PD. Enteric peritonitis is defined as peritonitis arising from an intestinal or...
Peritoneal dialysis (PD)-associated peritonitis is a common complication of PD. Enteric peritonitis is defined as peritonitis arising from an intestinal or intra-abdominal organ source. The delay in the diagnosis or treatment of enteric peritonitis has been reported to increase mortality. Therefore, the early consideration of enteric peritonitis, particularly in cases of culture-negative peritonitis, is imperative. A 67-year-old Japanese man who had been undergoing PD for 3 years, was admitted to our hospital with a diagnosis of PD-associated peritonitis. A month previously, he experienced a bleeding gastric ulcer, which led to severe anemia (hemoglobin 6.3 mg/dL), followed by thrombocytosis. On admission, peritoneal fluid analysis showed a high white blood cell count (WBC: 8,570 /µL), with neutrophils predominating (74.5%). Cultures of both his dialysis effluent and blood were negative. After admission, the WBC count of the dialysis effluent gradually decreased alongside antibiotic therapy, but the patient's abdominal pain did not improve. After 4 days, enhanced computed tomography showed superior mesenteric artery (SMA) thrombosis and intestinal necrosis. Therefore, emergency intestinal resection and PD catheter removal were performed, and then antithrombosis therapy was initiated. Because the patient's abdominal pain was improved and platelet count and D-dimer concentration were reduced by these treatments, he was discharged from the hospital after 47 days. Thus, we report a rare case of culture-negative PD-associated peritonitis, which was caused by SMA thrombosis and intestinal necrosis. It is likely that combination of severe calcification of SMA and prolonged thrombocytosis secondary to the severe anemia contributed to the thrombosis.
PubMed: 38825653
DOI: 10.1007/s13730-024-00894-y -
CEN Case Reports Jun 2024Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a severe demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, is caused by the reactivation of the polyomavirus JC...
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a severe demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, is caused by the reactivation of the polyomavirus JC virus (JCV). It favors the cerebrum and typically occurs in patients with immunodeficiencies, with a progressive course and fatal outcome in the majority of cases. However, the cerebellar form of PML, characterized by isolated posterior fossa lesions, such as those in the cerebellum or brainstem at disease onset, is rare, and reports of its occurrence in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients are lacking. In this paper, we describe a rare case of a cerebellar form of PML in a PD patient. A 64-year-old man undergoing PD was referred to our hospital for anorexia, nausea, and vomiting in the past month. He had finger-to-nose test abnormalities, gaze-directed nystagmus, and scanning speech. He was diagnosed with the cerebellar form of PML based on his progressive cerebellar symptoms, the typical magnetic resonance imaging findings, and the presence of JCV-DNA in the cerebrospinal fluid polymerase chain reaction test. He developed nocturnal delirium, aggravated disquiet, and died of pneumonia on the 69th day. Clinicians should consider the cerebellar form of PML as a differential diagnosis if PD patients develop progressive cerebellar symptoms.
PubMed: 38824484
DOI: 10.1007/s13730-024-00896-w -
Respiratory Medicine Case Reports 2024Medical thoracoscopy with chemical pleurodesis is a last resort for managing patients who suffer. from recurrent hepatic hydrothorax. However, despite pleurodesis, the...
Medical thoracoscopy with chemical pleurodesis is a last resort for managing patients who suffer. from recurrent hepatic hydrothorax. However, despite pleurodesis, the rapid fluid build-up can hinder the successful apposition of the pleural surfaces. To improve the chances of success, we investigated the effectiveness of abdominal paracentesis before chemical pleurodesis via medical thoracoscopy to reduce significant fluid shifts from the peritoneal to the pleural cavity. We present a series of three patients with liver cirrhosis complicated by hepatic hydrothorax who underwent medical thoracoscopy with talc pleurodesis. Before the procedure, we optimised medical treatment, and if needed, we performed large-volume paracentesis to prevent rapid reaccumulation of pleural fluid. All study subjects achieved treatment success, defined as relief of breathlessness and absence of pleural effusion at 12 months. Complications related to the treatment included hepatic encephalopathy and acute kidney injury, which were managed conservatively. To manage symptomatic and recurrent hepatic hydrothorax, medical thoracoscopy with talc pleurodesis, preceded by the evacuation of ascites, can be considered as a treatment option. This procedure should be considered early for those who do not respond to medical management and are not suitable candidates for TIPS or liver transplantation.
PubMed: 38817846
DOI: 10.1016/j.rmcr.2024.102039