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Iranian Journal of Pathology 2024The occurrence of rectosigmoid junction inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is uncommon in children. This is a rare form of mesenchymal tumor, belonging to the...
The occurrence of rectosigmoid junction inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is uncommon in children. This is a rare form of mesenchymal tumor, belonging to the category of soft tissue tumors, and can be found at any anatomical site from the central nervous system to the gastrointestinal tract. Our patient was a 10-year-old male subject complaining of lack of defecation and constipation. The patient had decreased the frequency of defecation and constipation about two weeks before his referral and had not improved despite the use of laxatives. The abdomen was completely distended and there was no tenderness or guarding in the examination. Several airfluid levels are shown on the abdominal X-ray. In the ultrasound, free fluid was reported in the interlobular and pelvic spaces. The patient was transferred into the operating room. A tumor of the rectosigmoid junction was detected. Histopathologic studies showed evidence of IMT. IMT is a rare neoplasm of unknown origin, which may occur in various sites of the body. Complete surgical removal is usually curative, but early detection of recurrence is required. Treatment options include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. Further investigations are needed to improve the understanding and management of this rare tumor.
PubMed: 38864087
DOI: 10.30699/ijp.2024.2003653.3122 -
International Journal of Surgery Case... Jul 2024Xanthogranulomatous Cholecystitis (XGC) is a rare inflammatory condition characterized by the presence of xanthogranulomas within the gallbladder wall, often mimicking...
INTRODUCTION
Xanthogranulomatous Cholecystitis (XGC) is a rare inflammatory condition characterized by the presence of xanthogranulomas within the gallbladder wall, often mimicking gallbladder carcinoma (GBC). Diagnosis is challenging and may require biopsy. Once GBC is excluded, an open cholecystectomy is recommended, although laparoscopic cholecystectomy is increasingly being performed with great caution. This case report aims to evaluate clinical and radiological features, surgical outcomes, and treatment approaches for XGC.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 70-year-old patient presented with right hypochondrial pain and a palpable gallbladder. A CT scan revealed a distended lithiasic gallbladder with a thickened irregular wall and hepatic nodules. A hepatic MRI suggested xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis. A CT-guided biopsy of the liver nodule showed no signs of malignancy. An open cholecystectomy with a trans-cystic drain was performed. Histological examination confirmed chronic xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 10. A clinical and radiological follow-up at 6 months postoperatively showed no abnormalities.
CLINICAL DISCUSSION
XGC presents diagnostic challenges due to its resemblance to GBC. Imaging aids in diagnosis, but biopsy may be necessary. Open cholecystectomy is the recommended surgical treatment due to excessive local inflammation and the risk of concomitant malignancy.
CONCLUSION
Managing XGC demands a holistic approach that integrates all clinical insights and mandates close collaboration among a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, radiologists, and pathologists. Further research is needed to refine diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for this rare condition, especially in geriatric patients.
PubMed: 38852568
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109857 -
International Journal of Surgery Case... Jul 2024Right-side diaphragmatic hernia is a very rare cause of bowel obstruction and strangulation in adults, which is usually a congenital disorder.
INTRODUCTION
Right-side diaphragmatic hernia is a very rare cause of bowel obstruction and strangulation in adults, which is usually a congenital disorder.
CASE PRESENTATION
A- 55-year-old male presented to the emergency department of our hospital complaining of abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension, fever, and constipation for 4 days. On physical examination, the patient was fibril, toxic, tachycardic, and hypotensive. The patient had a distended abdomen with exaggerated bowel sounds, abdominal tenderness, guarding, and rigidity mostly in the right upper quadrant. There were some degrees of tempanicity on percussion. The digital rectal examination was normal with no evidence of impacted stool.
DISCUSSION
Patients with a diaphragmatic hernia frequently present with manifestations of internal herniation, incarceration, obstruction, ischemia from strangulation, or perforation. The patient may present with respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea, absence of breath sounds in the thorax, or abdominal symptoms such as abdominal pain and bowel dilatation.
CONCLUSION
Diaphragmatic hernia, which is a rare case, should be included in the differential diagnosis of small bowel obstruction to preclude complications.
PubMed: 38852557
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109831 -
Annals of Medicine and Surgery (2012) Jun 2024The presentation of a strangulated obturator hernia is rare, with it accounting for less than 0.04% of all hernias. Delay in presentation and diagnosis results in...
INTRODUCTION
The presentation of a strangulated obturator hernia is rare, with it accounting for less than 0.04% of all hernias. Delay in presentation and diagnosis results in complications like bowel ischemia, necrosis, perforation, and peritonitis, thereby increasing morbidity and mortality.
CASE PRESENTATION
The authors report the case of an 85-year-old multiparous woman who presented with a 3-day history of abdominal pain and vomiting. Upon examination, she exhibited hypotension, altered sensorium, and a distended abdomen with visible peristalsis. An abdominal pelvic computed tomography scan confirmed the diagnosis of 'intestinal obstruction secondary to an incarcerated obturator hernia'. Subsequently, a lower midline laparotomy was performed, successfully reducing the bowel and repairing the hernial orifice. The patient was discharged on the fourth postoperative day, and there has been no hernia recurrence as of her 3-month follow-up.
DISCUSSION
The presentation of a strangulated obturator hernia can be elusive. During clinical examination, both the Howship-Romberg sign and the Hannington-Kiffs sign tests may be negative. Laparoscopic obturator hernia repair has been shown to reduce hospital stay and morbidity. A midline laparotomy has the advantage of easy manual reduction, minimizing bowel trauma, accurately accessing the bowel, and facilitating bowel resection.
CONCLUSION
Obturator hernias constitute rare subtypes of abdominal hernias. They typically occur in older women, and patients often present with poor functional status and multiple comorbidities. The clinical diagnostic tests are uncertain, even in patients with a high index of suspicion. Timely diagnosis and appropriate surgical management are crucial for a favorable outcome.
PubMed: 38846839
DOI: 10.1097/MS9.0000000000002073 -
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 -
International Journal of Surgery Case... Jul 2024Ovarian fibromas are benign tumours arising from the connective tissue of the ovarian cortex, classified into three pathological subtypes: fibroma, thecoma, and...
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE
Ovarian fibromas are benign tumours arising from the connective tissue of the ovarian cortex, classified into three pathological subtypes: fibroma, thecoma, and fibrothecoma. Their diagnosis is complicated by their solid nature and potential association with ascites and pleural effusion, resembling Meigs syndrome. Elevated serum CA125 levels can further complicate differentiation from malignant ovarian epithelial tumours.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 37-year-old female from a rural area presented with a distended abdomen and weight loss lasting 2 months. Clinical examinations revealed a solid pelvic mass and diagnostic tests showed significantly elevated CA125 levels. Imaging suggested a large ovarian mass and surgical intervention confirmed a fibrothecoma of the left ovary. The postoperative course was uneventful, with subsequent resolution of ascites and pleurisy.
CLINICAL DISCUSSION
The diagnosis of ovarian fibromas/fibrothecomas poses challenges due to their asymptomatic nature, solid appearance, and occasional association with the Meigs syndrome. Elevated CA125 levels can mislead the diagnosis of epithelial ovarian carcinoma. The case underscores the importance of considering ovarian fibromas/fibrothecomas in the differential diagnosis of ovarian tumours with elevated CA125 levels, especially in women of reproductive age. The benign nature of these tumours necessitates a conservative surgical approach, emphasizing the importance of intraoperative frozen section analysis.
CONCLUSION
Ovarian fibrothecomas associated with elevated serum CA125 levels are rare. Their presentation can mimic malignant ovarian neoplasms, leading to potential diagnostic confusion. Surgical removal remains the treatment of choice, with a favorable prognosis post-surgery.
PubMed: 38830334
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109847 -
Clinical Case Reports Jun 2024The case highlights the importance of decisive action in addressing large gallstones causing gastric outlet obstruction. The chosen single-stage surgical approach...
KEY CLINICAL MESSAGE
The case highlights the importance of decisive action in addressing large gallstones causing gastric outlet obstruction. The chosen single-stage surgical approach reflects the need to manage both obstruction and the gallstone simultaneously.
ABSTRACT
Bouveret's syndrome is a rare cause of gastric outlet obstruction secondary to gallstones entering the enteric system through an acquired cholecystoduodenal fistula. Here, we present the case of an 85-year-old female who presented to our emergency department with gastric outlet obstruction secondary to a large gallstone in the third part of the duodenum. Abdominal X-ray did not demonstrate air-fluid levels but revealed a dilated gastric shadow, suggesting gastric outlet obstruction. EGD showed a dilated stomach and a hard, golf ball-sized gallstone in the duodenum. CT scan showed a distended stomach with a large gallstone obstructing the DJ junction and air in the biliary tree. Findings were suggestive of perforation of the gallbladder with stone impaction in the duodenojejunal (DJ) junction. The patient was managed surgically with a one-stage procedure comprising enterotomy, fistula closure, and cholecystectomy. Although Bouveret's syndrome is rare, it is important for practicing surgeons to have a high index of suspicion for this condition due to the high mortality associated with it.
PubMed: 38827939
DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.8969 -
Journal of Surgical Case Reports May 2024A previous surgical incision can lead to an abdominal wall defect known as an incisional hernia. The protrusion of abdominal viscera, particularly bowel loops, through...
A previous surgical incision can lead to an abdominal wall defect known as an incisional hernia. The protrusion of abdominal viscera, particularly bowel loops, through this defect can result in various complications and affect organ function. Bowel loops are frequently involved and can lead to incarceration, obstruction or even strangulation. A 38-year-old male with a history of open reduction internal fixation for the left iliac wing presented with abdominal pain, vomiting and obstipation. Abdominal examination revealed a tender, distended abdominal area with swelling on the left hip. Radiological examination revealed bowel obstruction at the previous surgery site. During surgery, an incisional hernia was confirmed, and the bowel was found viable. Incisional hernias can occur even many years after primary surgery and may remain asymptomatic until complications arise. Elective hernial repair is recommended in some cases, such as the one presented here, as complications can be fatal.
PubMed: 38826863
DOI: 10.1093/jscr/rjae369 -
SAGE Open Medical Case Reports 2024Prune belly syndrome is a rare disorder that occurs mainly in men. It is characterized by the triad of deficient abdominal wall muscles, the dilated urinary collecting...
Prune belly syndrome is a rare disorder that occurs mainly in men. It is characterized by the triad of deficient abdominal wall muscles, the dilated urinary collecting system, bilateral cryptorchidism, and infertility. It mainly affects the genitourinary system, which involves the prognosis. We present the case of a preterm neonate male whose diagnosis of a prune belly was suspected in antenatal ultrasound. He had a urinary tract abnormality starting at 22 weeks of gestation. At birth, a clinical examination revealed a distended abdomen within a wrinkled and flaccid abdominal wall, a macropenis, and bilateral cryptorchidism. A urinary tract ultrasound revealed a right pyelocaliciel dilatation and a right megaureter with a megacystis. The neonate ultimately died due to severe renal failures. Prune Belly syndrome is a complex disease with a high mortality rate. Early antenatal ultrasound may ameliorate the prognosis.
PubMed: 38812837
DOI: 10.1177/2050313X241258850 -
Circulation Research Jun 2024Vein graft failure following cardiovascular bypass surgery results in significant patient morbidity and cost to the healthcare system. Vein graft injury can occur during...
BACKGROUND
Vein graft failure following cardiovascular bypass surgery results in significant patient morbidity and cost to the healthcare system. Vein graft injury can occur during autogenous vein harvest and preparation, as well as after implantation into the arterial system, leading to the development of intimal hyperplasia, vein graft stenosis, and, ultimately, bypass graft failure. Although previous studies have identified maladaptive pathways that occur shortly after implantation, the specific signaling pathways that occur during vein graft preparation are not well defined and may result in a cumulative impact on vein graft failure. We, therefore, aimed to elucidate the response of the vein conduit wall during harvest and following implantation, probing the key maladaptive pathways driving graft failure with the overarching goal of identifying therapeutic targets for biologic intervention to minimize these natural responses to surgical vein graft injury.
METHODS
Employing a novel approach to investigating vascular pathologies, we harnessed both single-nuclei RNA-sequencing and spatial transcriptomics analyses to profile the genomic effects of vein grafts after harvest and distension, then compared these findings to vein grafts obtained 24 hours after carotid-carotid vein bypass implantation in a canine model (n=4).
RESULTS
Spatial transcriptomic analysis of canine cephalic vein after initial conduit harvest and distention revealed significant enrichment of pathways (<0.05) involved in the activation of endothelial cells (ECs), fibroblasts, and vascular smooth muscle cells, namely pathways responsible for cellular proliferation and migration and platelet activation across the intimal and medial layers, cytokine signaling within the adventitial layer, and ECM (extracellular matrix) remodeling throughout the vein wall. Subsequent single-nuclei RNA-sequencing analysis supported these findings and further unveiled distinct EC and fibroblast subpopulations with significant upregulation (<0.05) of markers related to endothelial injury response and cellular activation of ECs, fibroblasts, and vascular smooth muscle cells. Similarly, in vein grafts obtained 24 hours after arterial bypass, there was an increase in myeloid cell, protomyofibroblast, injury response EC, and mesenchymal-transitioning EC subpopulations with a concomitant decrease in homeostatic ECs and fibroblasts. Among these markers were genes previously implicated in vein graft injury, including , , and , in addition to novel genes of interest, such as and . These genes were further noted to be driving the expression of genes implicated in vascular remodeling and graft failure, such as , , , and By integrating the spatial transcriptomics and single-nuclei RNA-sequencing data sets, we highlighted the spatial architecture of the vein graft following distension, wherein activated and mesenchymal-transitioning ECs, myeloid cells, and fibroblasts were notably enriched in the intima and media of distended veins. Finally, intercellular communication network analysis unveiled the critical roles of activated ECs, mesenchymal-transitioning ECs, protomyofibroblasts, and vascular smooth muscle cells in upregulating signaling pathways associated with cellular proliferation (MDK [midkine], PDGF [platelet-derived growth factor], VEGF [vascular endothelial growth factor]), transdifferentiation (Notch), migration (ephrin, semaphorin), ECM remodeling (collagen, laminin, fibronectin), and inflammation (thrombospondin), following distension.
CONCLUSIONS
Vein conduit harvest and distension elicit a prompt genomic response facilitated by distinct cellular subpopulations heterogeneously distributed throughout the vein wall. This response was found to be further exacerbated following vein graft implantation, resulting in a cascade of maladaptive gene regulatory networks. Together, these results suggest that distension initiates the upregulation of pathological pathways that may ultimately contribute to bypass graft failure and presents potential early targets warranting investigation for targeted therapies. This work highlights the first applications of single-nuclei and spatial transcriptomic analyses to investigate venous pathologies, underscoring the utility of these methodologies and providing a foundation for future investigations.
Topics: Animals; Dogs; Transcriptome; Single-Cell Analysis; Male; Tissue and Organ Harvesting; Female; Signal Transduction; Gene Expression Profiling
PubMed: 38808504
DOI: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.123.323939