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Cureus Dec 2023Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) and invasive aspergillosis (IA) are two examples of the broad clinical spectrum of infection. It mainly affects severely...
Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) and invasive aspergillosis (IA) are two examples of the broad clinical spectrum of infection. It mainly affects severely immunocompromised hosts, while immunocompetent people can sometimes be affected, especially those receiving treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU) for emergency cases with few instances of chronic cases. The risk factors in ICU patients for aspergillosis include intubated patients receiving hot and humidified air, viral infections like covid, and influenza, and diseases like diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, etc. A case of 35-year-old male reported to us with a complaint of stomach discomfort that was acute and non-progressive in the epigastric area, radiating to the back, not accompanied by fever, and not linked with loose stools/vomiting. In addition, the patient experienced a nonproductive cough for two days that was not associated with dyspnea or chest discomfort. He had a high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) thorax, which revealed a single pulmonary nodule in the left lung's middle zone; histology of the same nodule biopsy material revealed that it was caused by . He had an abdominal ultrasound, which revealed portal vein thrombosis, dilated periportal tortuous veins, evident peri splenic and mesenteric collaterals, and significant splenomegaly - suggestive of portal cavernoma formation with chronic liver parenchymal disease. Our patient has a past history of alcohol use disorder for the last 15 years due to which the patient has had recurrent episodes of acute pancreatitis for the last three years which has now progressed to chronic pancreatitis, also the patient has been diabetic for the last 10 years on insulin for the same. A patient with multiple comorbidities, such as cirrhotic portal cavernoma, type 2 diabetes, diabetic neuropathy, and acute and chronic pancreatitis, is the subject of our case study on chronic IPA.
PubMed: 38179385
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.49944 -
Journal of Anatomy Apr 2024Odontocetes primarily rely on fish, cephalopods, and crustaceans as their main source of nutrition. In the digestive system, their polygastric complex exhibits...
Odontocetes primarily rely on fish, cephalopods, and crustaceans as their main source of nutrition. In the digestive system, their polygastric complex exhibits similarities to that of their closest terrestrial relatives such as cows, sheep, and giraffes, while the entero-colic tract shares similarities with terrestrial carnivores. The morphology, caliber, and structure of the odontocete intestine are relatively constant, and, since there is no caecum, a distinction between the small and large intestine and their respective subdivisions is difficult. To address this issue, we used the intestinal vascularization pattern, specifically the course and branching of the celiac artery (CA) and the cranial and caudal mesenteric arteries (CrMA and CdMA). A series of pictures and dissections of 10 bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) were analyzed. Additionally, we performed a cast by injecting colored polyurethane foam in both arteries and veins to measure the caliber of the arteries and clarify their monopodial or dichotomous branching. Our results showed the presence of multiple duodenal arteries (DAs) detaching from the CA. The CrMA gave origin to multiple jejunal arteries, an ileocolic artery (ICA), and, in six cases, a CdMA. In four specimens, the CdMA directly originated from the abdominal aorta. The ICA gave rise to the mesenteric ileal branches (MIB) and mesenteric anti-ileal branches and the right colic arteries (RCA) and the middle colic arteries. From the CdMA originated the left colic and cranial rectal arteries (LCA and CrRA). The measurements revealed a mixed monopodial and dichotomous branching scheme. The analysis of the arteries and their branching gave us an instrument, based on comparative anatomy, to distinguish between the different intestinal compartments. We used the midpoint of anastomoses between MIB and RCA to indicate the border between the small and the large intestine, and the midpoint of anastomoses between LCA and CrRA, to tell the colon from the rectum. This pattern suggested an elongation of the duodenum and a shortening of the colic tract that is still present in this species. These findings might be related to the crucial need to possess a long duodenal tract to digest prey ingested whole without chewing. A short aboral part is also functional to avoid gas-producing colic fermentation. The rare origin of the CdMA on the CrMA might instead be a consequence of the cranial thrust of the abdominopelvic organs related to the loss of the pelvic girdle that occurred during the evolution of cetaceans.
Topics: Female; Animals; Cattle; Sheep; Bottle-Nosed Dolphin; Colic; Intestines; Mesenteric Arteries; Veins
PubMed: 38168875
DOI: 10.1111/joa.13989 -
Cureus Nov 2023All surgeries, from minor procedures, such as sutures, to major surgeries, such as open abdominal surgery, carry with them risk for complications. Among the most...
All surgeries, from minor procedures, such as sutures, to major surgeries, such as open abdominal surgery, carry with them risk for complications. Among the most frequently encountered complications are surgical site infections and thrombotic complications. Less frequently, cardiac complications such as atrial fibrillation are seen. In this case report, we discuss the various complications encountered during the hospital stay of a 61-year-old male following a laparoscopic converted to open colectomy procedure for the treatment of a colorectal mass. Following surgery, a surgical pathology report revealed a newly diagnosed stage 3b colorectal adenocarcinoma. Multiple abscesses in the abdominopelvic cavity were discovered on computed tomography (CT), revealing a major surgical site infectious process. These findings warranted emergent surgical intervention and placement of multiple Jackson-Pratt drains. Due to previously untreated carcinoma promoting a prothrombotic state, the patient developed numerous thrombotic complications such as segmental pulmonary embolism, superior mesenteric vein thrombosis, and superficial thrombophlebitis of the saphenous veins. He also developed new-onset paroxysmal atrial fibrillation secondary to postoperative pain, as well as bilateral pleural effusions. Here, we shed light on the mechanisms of development of such complications, as well as the management and methods for prevention.
PubMed: 38149168
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.49384 -
BMJ Case Reports Dec 2023Colonic self-expanding metal stents (SEMSs) are commonly used to treat large bowel obstruction due to gastrointestinal malignancy with great success. While mortality is...
Colonic self-expanding metal stents (SEMSs) are commonly used to treat large bowel obstruction due to gastrointestinal malignancy with great success. While mortality is negligible, morbidity from both early and late complications can be significant. Stent perforation, erosion and migration are the most feared complications. We present the first reported case of wire-associated colon perforation with placement and migration of an SEMS into the inferior mesenteric vein (IMV). A man in his early 60s presented with a large bowel obstruction due to a colorectal mass. He underwent endoscopic colonic SEMS placement for colonic decompression. The stent was later found to be within the IMV, requiring a colon resection and retrieval of the stent.
Topics: Humans; Male; Colonic Diseases; Colorectal Neoplasms; Intestinal Obstruction; Mesenteric Veins; Palliative Care; Retrospective Studies; Stents; Treatment Outcome; Middle Aged
PubMed: 38123323
DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2023-256786 -
Cureus Dec 2023Mesenteric vein thrombosis (MVT) is a rare pathological entity that results in compromised venous return from the intestine due to involvement, in most cases, of the...
Mesenteric vein thrombosis (MVT) is a rare pathological entity that results in compromised venous return from the intestine due to involvement, in most cases, of the superior mesenteric vein. Its diagnosis is not straightforward, since the findings on physical examination are often disproportionate to the patient's pain complaints, leading to it being undervalued by clinicians. The patient is a 48-year-old female with a medical history of essential arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, class II obesity, and Hashimoto's thyroiditis. She also had a family history of gastric and colon cancer, with an age at diagnosis of over 70 years. She went to an appointment at a primary care facility for abdominal pain located in the left hypochondrium and flank, with ipsilateral lumbar irradiation and no other accompanying symptoms. Physical examination revealed a globose, depressible abdomen, painful on palpation of the left quadrants, with no other associated signs of peritoneal irritation. Due to suspicion of acute diverticulitis, the patient was referred to the emergency department (ED) for assessment by general surgery. In the emergency department, given the patient's body type and the fact that the physical examination findings were disproportionate to her symptoms, an abdominal and pelvic computed tomography (CT) scan was ordered, which revealed complete thrombosis of the entire length of the inferior mesenteric vein, with a focal extension of the thrombus, partially obstructing the confluence with the superior mesenteric and portal veins. Various complementary diagnostic tests were requested, which revealed no clinically significant findings, and obesity was therefore identified as the only risk factor. In this context, the patient started anticoagulation with warfarin, with the indication that it should be ad aeternum. To date, the patient remains asymptomatic, and there have been no new thrombotic events. Given the high morbidity and mortality rates of this pathological entity, it is imperative that clinicians are trained to recognize the typical signs of mesenteric venous thrombosis, in the characteristic epidemiological context, in order to establish a timely diagnosis and carry out early targeted therapeutic intervention.
PubMed: 38058525
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.49966 -
Journal of Vascular Surgery. Venous and... Mar 2024Thrombi in the axial calf veins have quite different anatomical and physiological characteristics from that in the muscular calf veins, but their treatment was usually... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
Thrombi in the axial calf veins have quite different anatomical and physiological characteristics from that in the muscular calf veins, but their treatment was usually addressed in the same manner. We performed a meta-analysis of randomized and cohort studies to compare clinical outcomes among patients with isolated axial vs muscular calf deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
METHODS
Recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) was selected as the primary outcome. Resolution, proximal propagation of calf DVT, pulmonary embolism (PE), major bleeds, and clinically relevant non-major bleeds were separately analyzed as secondary outcomes. Data were pooled and compared with risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).
RESULTS
Thirteen studies, consisting of 4889 patients, met the inclusion criteria and were included for analysis. A greater rate of recurrent VTE (FE model: RR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.00-1.53; I = 29%), resolution (FE model: RR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.01-1.72; I = 31%), proximal propagation (FE model: RR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.10-2.41; I = 40%), and PE (FE model: RR, 2.79; 95% CI, 1.31-5.95; I = 0%) in the axial group compared with the muscular group. There was no difference in the pooled estimates for major bleeds (FE model: RR, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.61-1.95; I = 0%), and clinically relevant non-major bleeds (FE model: RR, 1.80; 95% CI, 0.93-3.48) in the axial and muscular arms.
CONCLUSIONS
Patients with calf DVT limited to muscular veins might have a lower rate of recurrent VTE, resolution, proximal propagation, and PE vs those with axial calf vein involvement and exhibited similar safety outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Anticoagulants; Venous Thromboembolism; Mesenteric Ischemia; Venous Thrombosis; Pulmonary Embolism; Hemorrhage
PubMed: 38043681
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2023.101727 -
Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons... May 2024The nutcracker phenomenon, also known as left renal vein entrapment, occurs when there is extrinsic compression of the left renal vein, most often between the abdominal... (Review)
Review
The nutcracker phenomenon, also known as left renal vein entrapment, occurs when there is extrinsic compression of the left renal vein, most often between the abdominal aorta and the superior mesenteric artery. Nutcracker syndrome refers to the constellation of clinical symptoms that may arise from the nutcracker phenomenon, typically inclusive of haematuria, flank/pelvic pain, orthostatic proteinuria and (in male patients) varicocele. We provide a short review of the nutcracker syndrome including various diagnostic and therapeutic modalities. We utilise our own experience with a patient as a case study and highlight the modern management option of endovascular stenting.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Male; Endovascular Procedures; Flank Pain; Hematuria; Renal Nutcracker Syndrome; Renal Veins; Stents
PubMed: 38038139
DOI: 10.1308/rcsann.2023.0090 -
Korean Journal of Radiology Dec 2023
Topics: Humans; Mesenteric Veins; Hyperplasia; Biopsy
PubMed: 38016688
DOI: 10.3348/kjr.2023.0782 -
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2023Given in reperfusion, the use of stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 is an effective therapy in rats. It strongly counteracted, as a whole,...
Given in reperfusion, the use of stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 is an effective therapy in rats. It strongly counteracted, as a whole, decompression/reperfusion-induced occlusion/occlusion-like syndrome following the worst circumstances of acute abdominal compartment and intra-abdominal hypertension, grade III and grade IV, as well as compression/ischemia-occlusion/occlusion-like syndrome. Before decompression (calvariectomy, laparotomy), rats had long-lasting severe intra-abdominal hypertension, grade III (25 mmHg/60 min) (i) and grade IV (30 mmHg/30 min; 40 mmHg/30 min) (ii/iii), and severe occlusion/occlusion-like syndrome. Further worsening was caused by reperfusion for 60 min (i) or 30 min (ii/iii). Severe vascular and multiorgan failure (brain, heart, liver, kidney, and gastrointestinal lesions), widespread thrombosis (peripherally and centrally) severe arrhythmias, intracranial (superior sagittal sinus) hypertension, portal and caval hypertension, and aortal hypotension were aggravated. Contrarily, BPC 157 therapy (10 µg/kg, 10 ng/kg sc) given at 3 min reperfusion times eliminated/attenuated venous hypertension (intracranial (superior sagittal sinus), portal, and caval) and aortal hypotension and counteracted the increases in organ lesions and malondialdehyde values (blood ˃ heart, lungs, liver, kidney ˃ brain, gastrointestinal tract). Vascular recovery promptly occurred (i.e., congested inferior caval and superior mesenteric veins reversed to the normal vessel presentation, the collapsed azygos vein reversed to a fully functioning state, the inferior caval vein-superior caval vein shunt was recovered, and direct blood delivery returned). BPC 157 therapy almost annihilated thrombosis and hemorrhage (i.e., intracerebral hemorrhage) as proof of the counteracted general stasis and Virchow triad circumstances and reorganized blood flow. In conclusion, decompression/reperfusion-induced occlusion/occlusion-like syndrome counteracted by BPC 157 therapy in rats is likely for translation in patients. It is noteworthy that by rapidly counteracting the reperfusion course, it also reverses previous ischemia-course lesions, thus inducing complete recovery.
PubMed: 38004420
DOI: 10.3390/ph16111554 -
Hamostaseologie Apr 2024Splanchnic or visceral vein thromboses (VVTs) are atypical thrombotic entities and include thrombosis of the portal vein, hepatic veins (Budd-Chiari syndrome),... (Review)
Review
Splanchnic or visceral vein thromboses (VVTs) are atypical thrombotic entities and include thrombosis of the portal vein, hepatic veins (Budd-Chiari syndrome), mesenteric veins, and splenic vein. All VVTs have in common high 30-day mortality up to 20% and it seems to be difficult to diagnose VVT early because of their rarity and their wide spectrum of unspecific symptoms. VVTs are often associated with myeloproliferative neoplasia, thrombophilia, and liver cirrhosis. VVT is primarily diagnosed by sonography and/or computed tomography. In contrast to venous thromboembolism, D-dimer testing is neither established nor helpful. Anticoagulation is the first-line therapy in patients with stable circulation and no evidence of organ complications. Anticoagulation improves significantly recanalization rates and stops the progress of thrombosis. Low-molecular-weight heparin, vitamin K antagonists, as well as direct-acting oral anticoagulants are possible anticoagulants, but it is noteworthy to be aware that all recommendations supporting the off-label use of anticoagulants are based on poor evidence and consist predominantly of case series, observational studies, or studies with small case numbers. When choosing a suitable anticoagulation, the individual risk of bleeding and thrombosis must be weighted very carefully. In cases of bleeding, bowel infarction, or other complications, the optimal therapy should be determined on a case-by-case basis by an experienced multidisciplinary team involving a surgeon. Besides anticoagulation, there are therapeutic options including thrombectomy, balloon angioplasty, stenting, transjugular placement of an intrahepatic portosystemic shunt, liver transplantation, and ischemic bowel resection. This article gives an overview of current diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Topics: Humans; Anticoagulants; Venous Thrombosis; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Viscera; Budd-Chiari Syndrome; Portal Vein
PubMed: 37992729
DOI: 10.1055/a-2178-6670