Case Reports in Gastrointestinal Medicine最新文献

Introduction: Cystic echinococcosis, also known as hydatid cyst, is a parasitic infection of mammals that can affect any organ. Although the diagnosis of primary splenic echinococcosis is challenging, especially in nonendemic areas, it can be life-saving because an anaphylactic shock may occur when the cyst ruptures. Recommendations regarding optimal treatment options after rupture are scarce, and the overall prognosis remains poor. Case Presentation: A patient with a spontaneous rupture of an isolated splenic hydatid cyst was treated with splenectomy and peritoneal lavage with a hypertonic salt solution. The patient survived despite rapidly progressive hypernatremia, which was treated with conventional therapy along with continuous venovenous hemofiltration with gradient sodium replacement. Discussion: When the decision is made to treat a patient with a spontaneously ruptured splenic echinococcus cyst, splenectomy is the only surgical option. Hypernatremia is a complication to be expected when hypertonic saline is used to rinse the splenic and abdominal cavities. Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of prompt surgical intervention and the management of hypernatremia in patients with ruptured splenic hydatid cysts.

Hemosuccus pancreaticus (HP) is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition, characterized by upper gastrointestinal bleeding from the ampulla of Vater, often originating from a ruptured pseudoaneurysm of the peripancreatic arteries. Despite its rarity, HP presents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge due to its elusive clinical presentation and complex underlying pathophysiology. In this case report, we presented a compelling instance of HP, diagnosed in a 48-year-old man, complicated with gastrointestinal bleeding and severe anemia successfully managed with urgent endovascular intervention. We highlighted the importance of early recognition, prompt intervention, and interdisciplinary collaboration in achieving favorable outcomes in patients afflicted by this distinctly unusual condition.

Background: Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) are mesenchymal tumours of the digestive tract that can involve any part of the tract. The tumours can be harmless or life-threatening. Materials and Methods: A case report of a surgeon who fell in a Finnish sauna, and he immediately felt that some ribs were broken. Magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound showed three fractured ribs and an intrasplenic haematoma. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a small intrasplenic anomaly but no haematoma. Incidentally, an incidentaloma in the left adrenal gland was diagnosed. Three months later, a control CT scan was performed. The radiological findings on the adrenal gland and laboratory examinations matched those of a benign adenoma. Incidentally, a small duodenal tumour was diagnosed. At the same time, anaemia (haemoglobin: 104 g/L) and iron deficiency (ferritin: 8 μg/L) were noticed. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed an intramural tumour localised after the bulb-descending junction. Because the tumour was submucosal, the pathological diagnosis failed. Three months later, a radical surgical resection of the tumour with a resection margin of 2 mm and primary closing of the duodenum was performed. Pathological examination showed a well-circumscribed submucosal mesenchymal tumour with spindle cells. A tumour-free margin was uncertain. Immunohistochemistry findings showed a GIST. Due to the uncertain margin, an esophagogastroduodenoscopy control was planned at 2 years postoperatively. The patient disagreed with the decision and ordered a private control CT 3 months after the operation. The new CT found no local recurrence or metastasis. The patient contacted the head surgeon of the clinic, who ordered a 1-year postoperative CT. The 1-year follow-up CT finding agreed with the previous findings. Conclusion: The aftertreatment of a radical-operated GIST is extremely important if histologic examination of the tumour-free margin is uncertain. In that case, CT controls should be considered once a year for at least 3 years.

Novel therapeutics used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease pose an increased risk of viral reactivation in patients. We present a case of a patient with refractory Crohn's disease (CD) who developed primary varicella (chickenpox) of a vaccine-viral strain after receiving combination immunosuppression with high-dose corticosteroids, tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi), and a Janus kinase inhibitor (JAKi) in the hospital. While this patient recovered and did not experience long term adverse effects, her case provides an opportunity for improvement. To improve safety, healthcare facilities should develop protocols that use electronic medical records enhanced with clinical decision support systems to identify and protect immunocompromised patients from inappropriate live vaccinations.

Background: Typhoid fever is a multisystemic illness caused by Salmonella typhi and Salmonella paratyphi, transmitted fecal orally through contaminated water and food. It is a rare diagnosis in the US, with most cases reported in returning travelers. Hepatitis and cholestasis are rare sequelae of salmonella infection. However, acute liver failure (ALF) is exceptionally uncommon. We report a case of typhoid fever in a returning traveler to the US progressing to ALF. Case Presentation: A 48-year-old man presented with high-grade fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, acholic stools, dark urine, and yellowish discoloration of skin and sclera for one week. He was immune to hepatitis A and B, with no recent change in medications. He had no history of alcohol consumption. On presentation, the patient was tachycardic but well perfused with diffuse abdominal tenderness. Laboratory results showed leukocytosis, elevated creatinine, mixed hepatocellular and cholestatic pattern of raised liver enzymes, elevated ammonia levels, and negative hemolytic parameters. Viral, autoimmune, and metabolic causes of hepatitis were negative. Ultrasound of the abdomen revealed a normal biliary system and a computerized tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen showed multiple liver cysts, mesenteric and porta-hepatis lymphadenopathy, and mild thickening of the terminal ileum. Intravenous (IV) ceftriaxone and metronidazole were initiated. Blood cultures grew S. typhi. The patient clinically deteriorated and developed altered mental status, respiratory distress, and an up-trending Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score and was upgraded to the intensive care unit. IV meropenem was initiated, resulting in clinical recovery and negative repeat blood cultures. The patient completed 2 weeks of meropenem and was discharged. Conclusion: Typhoid fever can cause life-threatening liver failure which is rare. Clinicians should be aware of this due to the rapid progression and life-threatening clinical course, as well as the rise of multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant typhoid causing delays in starting the right antibiotic.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) continues to be a significant global health issue contributing to a high mortality rate. Despite advancements in treatment, the risk of recurrence remains due to inherent mutations and the rapid turnover of intestinal mucosa. We present an exceptionally rare case of CRC metastasis to the duodenum in a 42-year-old female who has been compliant with postsurgical surveillance. Despite previous negative surveillance results, elevated CEA levels and a 3-cm mesenteric mass were detected, raising concerns for carcinoma, which was later confirmed by biopsy. The tumor board deemed her ineligible for surgery due to vascular involvement, leading to palliative care and an attempt at neoadjuvant therapy. Vigilant monitoring is crucial for early detection and intervention.

We present a case of an 80-year-old female who presented with chest pain, vomiting and night sweats a few weeks post thoracic endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (TEVAR). A computed tomography (CT) scan demonstrated a type 1B endoleak for which she underwent a repeat TEVAR. Postoperatively, she developed fever, dysphagia, haematemesis and melaena. CT angiography subsequently confirmed an aorto-oesophageal fistula (AEF). Gastroscopy was performed to confirm this and found an ovoid oesophageal perforation with visible aortic graft and purulent fluid. Serial endoscopic oesophageal stents were placed and the patient recovered after an oesophageal Ultraflex stent was placed. Unfortunately, however, the patient was found unresponsive at home with black vomitus and in cardiac arrest and passed away 18 months after her initial endoscopic procedure. This case highlights that AEF is a complication following a TEVAR procedure. This can be managed temporarily with oesophageal stent placement and an Ultraflex stent in the longer term. However, oesophageal stent placement is not curative in cases of significant oesophageal perforation as it does not lead to lead to closure of a large defect.

Introduction: Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (ACPO), or Ogilvie syndrome, is a rare condition marked by significant colon distention without mechanical obstruction. Symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and an inability to pass gas or stool. Although common in males over 60, we report a challenging case of a 44-year-old man from Africa with recurrent abdominal distention and discomfort. Ultimately, he improved after receiving multiple treatment modalities, highlighting the complexities of Ogilvie syndrome management. Case Presentation: A 44-year-old Nigerian male in the United States with hypertension and significant alcohol use disorder presented with altered mental status and bilateral lower extremity weakness after fasting and hydrochlorothiazide abuse. Initial diagnostics indicated metabolic encephalopathy from hypokalemia and dehydration. Despite aggressive treatment, he developed severe abdominal distension and obstipation. A CT scan showed diffuse colonic dilatation without a normal small bowel. Conservative measures failed, necessitating ICU transfer, TPN, and empiric antibiotics. Despite an initial response to colonoscopy decompression, the patient experienced recurrence. Neostigmine significantly improved his condition, leading to full recovery and discharge. Conclusion: This challenging case highlights the complexities of managing Ogilvie syndrome and the importance of early identification and a stepwise approach to treatment. Incorporating a patient-centered plan utilizing conservative measures, pharmacological agents and endoscopic interventions are essential for improving outcomes in these cases.

Background: Esophageal embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS), a rare pediatric cancer, mimicked achalasia in a case involving dysphagia and vomiting. Diagnosis and chemotherapy necessitate careful monitoring due to potential complications. Case presentation: A 12-year-old girl with no prior medical history presented with progressive dysphagia and vomiting. Initial diagnosis suggested achalasia, but further evaluation revealed a large mediastinal mass causing esophageal compression. Biopsies confirmed primary ERMS of the esophagus with metastases. Despite chemotherapy, she developed complications, including neutropenic enterocolitis and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES). Unfortunately, she succumbed to neutropenic sepsis. Conclusion: In this case study, we presented our experience regarding the clinical course of this disease, treatment strategy, and prognosis, in addition to the limited previous information in the literature.

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is a rare and complex condition that can be difficult to identify due to its resemblance to malignancies. This case report presents a unique instance of AIP in a 9-year-old male patient who presented with painless jaundice and elevated liver function test results. His symptoms were persistent even after previous common bile duct stent placement, requiring additional investigation. The possibility of AIP was raised by further serological tests and imaging examinations. The diagnosis was then confirmed by multiple characteristic findings revealed through history, imaging, clinical examination, histology, and lab results. Treatment was initiated with corticosteroids, which resulted in a complete resolution of symptoms and remarkable recovery. This case emphasizes the significance of including AIP in the differential diagnosis of pancreatic disorders, even in pediatric patients.