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International Journal of Surgery Case... Apr 2024Cecal volvulus is a rare intestinal pathology that occurs due to abnormal cecum mobility associated with spectrum of complications. It is usually manifested in adults....
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE
Cecal volvulus is a rare intestinal pathology that occurs due to abnormal cecum mobility associated with spectrum of complications. It is usually manifested in adults. However, on extremely rare occasions, it occurs in pediatrics. We presented a case of cecal volvulus demonstrating the significance of early diagnosis and treatment to reach successful outcomes.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 12 year old boy who presented to the emergency department for clinical evaluation for acute abdomen. History and clinical examination was suggestive of acute bowel obstruction. Abdominal x-ray showed a large, distended gas filled viscus with base pointed towards the right lower quadrant. On the bases of radiological investigations, diagnosis of cecal volvolus made. Accordingly, the patient underwent emergency exploratory laparotomy. The post operative course was uneventful and was discharged in stable condition.
CLINICAL DISCUSSION
Cecal volvulus is an extremely rare manifestation of intestinal obstruction and malrotation. The clinical presentation of cecal volvulus depending on the duration and extent of the involvement of cecal malrotation The exact pathogenesis of cecal volvulus is unclear. However the association of the embryological development of the colon, affects the attachment to the posterior parietal peritoneum after ordinary anatomical rotation of 270°. The core-stone management of cecal volvulus is surgical approach.
CONCLUSION
Cecal volvulus requires a high index of suspicion and delicate care by the pediatric surgeon as it is considered an extremely rare entity in this age group. We highlighted the significance of early diagnosis, surgical treatment and the possibility of developing postoperative complications if left untreated.
PubMed: 38471217
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109495 -
Neuromodulation : Journal of the... Mar 2024The present study explored the effects of different frequencies of noninvasive median nerve stimulation (nMNS) on two autonomic responses: gastric slow waves under...
OBJECTIVES
The present study explored the effects of different frequencies of noninvasive median nerve stimulation (nMNS) on two autonomic responses: gastric slow waves under water-loading condition and heart rate variability (HRV). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to document the effects of different frequencies of nMNS on gastric slow waves (GSW) in humans under 5-minute water-loading condition.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Twenty healthy adult participants were fitted with a noninvasive body-surface gastric mapping, electrocardiogram (ECG), and a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation device and administered with four different nMNS frequencies (placebo-0 Hz, 40 Hz, 120 Hz, and 200 Hz) on four separate counterbalanced days. After the baseline and stimulation periods, a 5-minute water-load test was applied, and a post-water-load period also is recorded for ECG and GSW activity. Time-domain HRV parameters are analyzed with repeated-measures one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and a post hoc Tukey multiple comparison test. Parameters that failed normality tests underwent a Freidman test with a post hoc Dunn multiple comparison test. GSW data are analyzed with repeated-measures mixed-effects ANOVA.
RESULTS
In empty stomach (baseline vs stimulation), only the 40-Hz frequency statistically significantly (p = 0.0129) increased GSW amplitude in comparison with its own baseline. In full (distended) stomach, 40-Hz and 200-Hz stimulations showed a statistically significant difference (post hoc multiple comparison adjusted, p = 0.0016 and p = 0.0183, respectively) in the Gastric Rhythm Index in comparison with the change obtained by placebo stimulation (baseline vs poststimulation periods); 120-Hz nMNS showed a statistically significant difference (p = 0.0300) in the stress index in comparison with the decrease observed in the placebo group. However, 120-Hz nMNS did not induce a statistically significant change in gastric electrical activity compared to placebo stimulation. The nMNS did not follow the linear "dose-response" relationship between nMNS frequency and gastric/HRV parameters.
CONCLUSIONS
The 40-Hz and 200-Hz nMNS frequencies showed the most promising results in response to gastric distension, in addition to 40 Hz for an empty stomach. Further research is essential to explore the potential therapeutic effects of these frequencies on gastric diseases such as gastroparesis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and functional dyspepsia that can be used in wrist wearables.
PubMed: 38466259
DOI: 10.1016/j.neurom.2023.12.005 -
Cureus Feb 2024Cecal volvulus is a rare, life-threatening form of bowel obstruction caused by the entanglement of the bowel around the mesenteric axis, compromising blood supply and...
Cecal volvulus is a rare, life-threatening form of bowel obstruction caused by the entanglement of the bowel around the mesenteric axis, compromising blood supply and leading to obstruction and ischemia. The diagnosis is challenging due to its highly variable clinical presentation and differential diagnoses, which may delay timely intervention. This is a case report of an 89-year-old woman who presented with a two-day history of lower right quadrant abdominal pain, nausea, and a temporary loss of consciousness. She also reported a history of chronic constipation. Clinical examination and imaging were suggestive of bowel obstruction, prompting further investigation. Plain radiography and abdominal CT confirmed bowel obstruction, with suspicion of volvulus. The diagnostic uncertainty between cecal and sigmoid volvulus prompted a colonoscopy, which excluded sigmoid volvulus. Emergency laparotomy revealed cecal volvulus and a distended cecum with ischemic changes but without necrosis. A right hemicolectomy was performed, and the patient recovered well postoperatively. This case report aims to expand the medical knowledge around the topic of cecal volvulus. It underscores the challenges in diagnosing and managing this condition and emphasizes the importance of prompt recognition and surgical intervention to improve patient outcomes.
PubMed: 38445161
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.53571 -
Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound : the... May 2024Small intestinal obstruction in rabbits, although demonstrated to be common, is still poorly characterized. The objective of this study was to report features of small...
Small intestinal obstruction in rabbits, although demonstrated to be common, is still poorly characterized. The objective of this study was to report features of small intestinal obstruction caused by trichobezoars in rabbits upon CT and their clinical outcomes. Rabbits with a diagnosis of intestinal obstruction that underwent CT scanning were included in this study. From each CT scan, obstruction location, appearance, Hounsfield units, size (mm), volume (mm), distance from the stomach, and diameter of the small intestine proximal and distal to it, were extracted. Nine rabbits were included in the study. All rabbits presented for anorexia and had a distended or enlarged stomach (7) or abdomen (2). CT scan showed a non-contrast-enhancing, ovoid, smoothly marginated structure with a hyperattenuating rim, heterogeneous center, and variable amount of centrally located gas, in the duodenum (5), the jejunum (2), or the ileum (2). The density of the trichobezoars ranged from -156 to 58 HU (median, -44 HU) and volume ranged from 86.1 to 633.8 mm (median, 320.6 mm). Three rabbits underwent medical management. Two of them survived, and one of them died. Six rabbits underwent surgery, of which three were successfully discharged from the hospital. CT proved to be a valuable imaging modality in rabbits with a suspected intestinal obstruction to provide the exact location of the obstruction and the characteristics of the obstructive material. The location and size of the trichobezoar may have relevant clinical implications.
Topics: Animals; Rabbits; Intestinal Obstruction; Bezoars; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Female; Intestine, Small; Male
PubMed: 38436052
DOI: 10.1111/vru.13349 -
Journal of the Formosan Medical... Mar 2024Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is an effective treatment for patients with morbid obesity, but the optimal gastric volume (GV) for resection remains unclear....
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE
Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is an effective treatment for patients with morbid obesity, but the optimal gastric volume (GV) for resection remains unclear. Accordingly, we aimed to determine the optimal percentage of excised stomach that could engender significant weight loss and improve fatty liver.
METHODS
This prospective study included 63 patients. Computed tomography (CT) scans were performed before and 1 year after LSG to evaluate the gastric lumen (GL) and GV. Specifically, the stomach was distended with effervescent powder, following water-contrast mixture (20:1) and assessed by three-dimensional reconstruction. The correlations of reduced gastric lumen/volume (RGL/RGV) with total body weight (BW) loss and liver-spleen density ratio (LSDR) changes were analyzed, and optimal RGL/RGV associated with significant BW and fatty liver changes were determined.
RESULTS
We noted a positive correlation between the percentage of RGV/RGL (%RGV/%RGL) and percentage of total weight loss (%TWL; r = 0.359, p = 0.004 and r = 0.271, p = 0.032). Furthermore, a %RGL value of >78.2% and %RGV value of >75.3% were associated with more significant BW loss than did limited excision (both p < 0.01). On the other hand, LSDR values increased significantly after LSG, corresponding to the improvement of fatty liver disease at %RGL and %RGV values of >59.1% and >56.4% (both p < 0.01), respectively.
CONCLUSION
%RGV and %RGL were determined to be factors affecting LSG outcomes. LSG engendered significantly more BW loss when %RGV was >75.3% and resulted in fatty liver disease improvement when %RGV was >56.4%.
PubMed: 38433034
DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2024.02.018 -
Cureus Jan 2024Uterine rupture in the setting of pyometra is a rare occasion, with an incidence of less than 0.5%. The clinical manifestation of a perforated pyometra is non-specific;...
Uterine rupture in the setting of pyometra is a rare occasion, with an incidence of less than 0.5%. The clinical manifestation of a perforated pyometra is non-specific; therefore, it can mimic many other causes of acute abdomen, such as perforated viscus, acute appendicitis, or diverticulitis, which poses unique challenges to diagnosis solely based on clinical information. We reviewed a case of an elderly postmenopausal lady who presented with a sudden onset of generalized abdominal pain, preceded by fever and vomiting. Physical examination revealed a distended abdomen with clinical signs of peritonism. She was initially diagnosed with possible obstructed gastrointestinal carcinoma by clinical examination, with the differential diagnosis of diverticular abscess. Eventually, further abdominal and pelvic contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) study revealed a pyometra with uterine rupture, complicated with pneumoretroperitoneum and pneumoperitoneum. This case emphasizes the value of a CT scan in establishing an accurate diagnosis and early detection of life-threatening complications, such as uterine rupture, as in this case.
PubMed: 38420051
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.53154 -
The American Journal of Case Reports Feb 2024BACKGROUND Cloaca malformations result from a disproportion of apoptosis, cell growth, and maturation. The range of cloacal malformations is extensive and diverse, with...
BACKGROUND Cloaca malformations result from a disproportion of apoptosis, cell growth, and maturation. The range of cloacal malformations is extensive and diverse, with a lack of a straightforward classification system. Cloacal dysgenesis sequence (CDS), also known as urorectal septum malformation sequence, is a rare cloaca variant described as the absence of a perineal orifice. Prenatal magnetic resonance imaging and antenatal ultrasounds may reveal a cloacal malformation; however, many patients are not diagnosed with cloacal malformation until birth. CASE REPORT We present a case of a female neonate delivered by a 23-year-old G2P1T1A0L0 mother who had received comprehensive prenatal care. During pregnancy, bilateral multicystic dysplastic kidneys were identified prenatally, leading to the in utero placement of a vesicoamniotic shunt. The physical exam revealed a distended abdomen with reduced abdominal musculature and laxity, ascites, a vesicoamniotic shunt in place, absent urethra, ambiguous genitalia with no vaginal opening, no perineal opening, and clubfoot. Abdominal radiograph showed findings consistent with significant abdominal ascites. An exploratory laparotomy was performed that included diverting colostomy, mucous fistula creation, tube vaginostomy, removal of the vesicoamniotic shunt, and suprapubic tube placement. The patient recovered well from this operation with no complications. CONCLUSIONS CDS is an uncommon condition in pediatric patients, and although sonographic findings can reveal urinary tract abnormalities, prenatal imaging might not always identify CDS. Our case underscores the uniqueness of the case and the significance of early detection and immediate medical and surgical intervention.
Topics: Infant, Newborn; Animals; Female; Pregnancy; Humans; Child; Young Adult; Adult; Ascites; Cloaca; Ultrasonography, Prenatal; Abnormalities, Multiple; Vagina
PubMed: 38412145
DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.942203 -
The American Journal of Emergency... Apr 2024Spleno-sigmoid knotting is the twisting of the spleen around the sigmoid colon, causing obstruction of the sigmoid colon. It is an uncommon cause of intestinal...
INTRODUCTION
Spleno-sigmoid knotting is the twisting of the spleen around the sigmoid colon, causing obstruction of the sigmoid colon. It is an uncommon cause of intestinal obstruction. To our knowledge, there has been no previous case report of spleno-sigmoid knotting before our case.
CASE REPORT
Here, we present the case of an 18-year-old female patient who visited the surgical emergency outpatient department with diffuse and progressive abdominal pain lasting for one and a half days. She also experienced obstipation and frequent episodes of vomiting of ingested matter. Upon initial evaluation, she exhibited tachycardia and tachypnea, and her abdomen was grossly distended with diffuse direct and rebound tenderness. Further investigation revealed significant leukocytosis with neutrophil predominance. Emergency laparotomy was performed with a possible diagnosis of generalized peritonitis secondary to gangrenous sigmoid volvulus, which revealed gangrenous spleno-sigmoid knotting.
DISCUSSION
Various types of intestinal knots have been reported, with ileo-sigmoid knots being the most common and ileo-ileal knots being the rarest. Wandering spleen is a rare congenital anomaly with a variable clinical presentation ranging from asymptomatic to mild abdominal pain or acute abdomen due to torsion or acute pancreatitis. It can also cause intestinal obstruction, which may be the initial presentation.
CONCLUSION
In patients presenting with acute abdominal pain and features of bowel obstruction, the possibility of spleno-sigmoid knotting should be considered, and early intervention should be instituted to prevent gangrenous progression and sepsis.
Topics: Humans; Female; Adolescent; Colon, Sigmoid; Spleen; Acute Disease; Pancreatitis; Intestinal Obstruction; Intestinal Volvulus; Abdominal Pain; Abdomen, Acute; Gangrene
PubMed: 38402100
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2024.02.027 -
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 -
International Journal of Surgery Case... Mar 2024Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rare and rapidly progressing soft tissue infection. The commonly involved body parts are the extremities and trunk. Necrotizing fasciitis...
INTRODUCTION
Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rare and rapidly progressing soft tissue infection. The commonly involved body parts are the extremities and trunk. Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) involving the retroperitoneum is very uncommon but associated with higher morbidity and mortality. There are only a few patients survived according to the report.
PRESENTATION OF CASE
This is a 19-year-old male patient presented with abdominal pain, high-grade fever, vomiting and abdominal distension for 3 days. On physical examination, he was hypotensive, tachycardic and febrile. He had a distended, tender abdomen, and hypoactive bowel sound. There were no significant pertinent findings on the other systems. Laboratory tests showed leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, and elevated liver enzymes. After optimizing with resuscitation and initiating antibiotics, a laparotomy was performed. The finding was 300 ml of hemorrhagic fluid, ischemic cecum and ascending colon, and retroperitoneal necrosis. Subsequently, multiple debridement and right hemicolectomy with stoma was performed. Despite the close monitoring in the ICU, the patient died of uncontrolled sepsis.
CLINICAL DISCUSSION
Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rapidly progressing infectious condition that requires urgent intervention. While it is rare for the retroperitoneum to be affected by NF, it is associated with a high mortality rate. The symptoms of retroperitoneal NF are not specific, making it difficult to diagnose. Here, we present a case of retroperitoneal NF with signs and symptoms of generalized peritonitis, resembling perforated appendicitis.
CONCLUSION
When patients are presented with a case of generalized peritonitis, it is important to include retroperitoneal NF as a potential differential diagnosis.
PubMed: 38382145
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109412