Incidental actinomycosis in a 44-year-old female during total abdominal hysterectomy for abnormal uterine bleeding: A case report.

Actinomycosis, a rare chronic bacterial infection caused by Actinomyces species, presents diagnostic challenges due to diverse clinical presentations. This report presents a case of peritoneal actinomycosis incidentally discovered during a total abdominal hysterectomy in a 44-year-old female with refractory abnormal uterine bleeding and a history of long-term intrauterine contraceptive device use. The patient presented with persistent abnormal uterine bleeding despite conservative management. Intraoperative findings during total abdominal hysterectomy revealed peritoneal involvement, prompting histopathological evaluation confirming actinomycosis. This case highlights diagnostic complexities associated with actinomycosis, emphasizing the significance of histopathological confirmation. Postoperative management with antibiotics demonstrated favorable outcomes, supporting their efficacy in treating actinomycosis. The case underscores the importance of considering uncommon infections in pelvic pathology, particularly in patients with prolonged intrauterine contraceptive device usage. It prompts further exploration of actinomycosis in relation to intrauterine contraceptive device use and highlights the need for timely intervention and histopathological confirmation for optimal patient care.

Spontaneous rupture of renal angiomyolipoma presenting with shock; a case report from Tanzania.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Renal angiomyolipoma (AML) are benign tumors, often incidentally diagnosed with rupture being the commonest complication and cause of mortality. These tumors are rare with a higher prevalence among patients with tuberous sclerosis and female predominance. Management is dependent on tumor size and whether or not the tumor has ruptured. CASE PRESENTATION: 32-year-old female presenting with sudden right flank pain with shock without history of prior trauma or surgeries. Underwent imaging revealing a suspected ruptured AML thus underwent emergent nephrectomy with admission to intensive care. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Wunderlich syndrome manifests as the Lenk triad, which includes acute flank pain, flank mass, and hypovolemic shock with signs of internal bleeding such as hematuria. It is a rare manifestation signifying spontaneous renal hemorrhage. Due to the instability of the patient had to undergo emergency laparotomy and nephrectomy. CONCLUSION: Renal AML occur as a rare benign phenomenon which when ruptured are associated with high mortality rate if not treated promptly in a setting with specialized treatment and intensive unit care. We hope that through our experience patients presenting with Lenk's triad are identified early for adequate intervention.

Prolonged retention of gauze sponge resulting in ileocolic fistula, a rare complication following cesarean section; case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Retained gauze sponge is a medical legal issue with significant clinical implications with catastrophic complications. We report a case of a female who presented with chronic right iliac fossa pain only to be found to have a retained gauze sponge causing bowel fistulisation. We describe our experience on diagnostic formulation and work up and subsequent operative intervention. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 37-year-old female patient who presented to the outpatient surgical department with symptoms of chronic right iliac fossa pain with a history of cesarean section 2 years prior. A computed tomography scan revealed an inflammatory mass and operative exploration revealed a retained gauze sponge causing a fistula between the terminal ileum and caecum. Underwent a right hemicolectomy with an uneventful postoperative period. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Retained gauzes can lead to a spectrum of complications including fistulisation presenting with vague non-specific abdominal symptoms. The subtle presentation challenges the clinician to consider the possibility of retained foreign bodies in patient with history of abdominal surgeries. This emphasizes the importance of policies enforcing swab count as a simple retained gauze led to catastrophic complication and ultimately a right hemicolectomy. CONCLUSION: This case report presents a complex and instructive clinical scenario, emphasizing the challenges of diagnosing atypical presentations of retained foreign bodies, the critical importance of surgical counting protocols, and the implications for patient safety and quality of care.

Gall bladder schistosomiasis diagnosed incidentally post laparoscopic cholecystectomy: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by parasitic worms of the genus Schistosoma. It primarily affects the intestines, liver, and urinary tract however, rare cases have been reported where the parasite invades other organs. This case report presents an incidental finding of schistosomiasis, upon histopathology evaluation, in a patient who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic gallstone disease with recurrent attacks of cholecystitis. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 42-year-old female patient who presented to the emergency department with symptoms and signs suggestive of acute cholecystitis. She underwent conservative management with interval laparoscopic cholecystectomy with histopathology findings of Schistosoma eggs within the walls of the gallbladder. Underwent eradication therapy with praziquantel. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: The finding of Schistosoma eggs in the gallbladder wall during routine histopathological examination highlights the importance of considering schistosomiasis, and other parasites, in cases of recurrent bouts of cholecystitis. The case challenges the conventional understanding of the transmission patterns of this parasitic infection and raises questions about potential atypical life cycle routes within the human body. It also emphasizes the importance of routine histopathology analysis of specimen removed from the body. CONCLUSION: This case report presents a rare occurrence of schistosomiasis cholecystitis in a 42-year-old female patient underscoring the importance of considering parasitic infections. Thorough histopathological examination in routine surgeries is crucial for early detection and targeted treatment. The patient's positive response to praziquantel therapy highlights its effectiveness in managing schistosomiasis, which is a neglected tropical disease.

Dorsal pancreas agenesis, an incidental finding during acute appendicitis diagnosis; A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Dorsal pancreas agenesis is a rare congenital anomaly characterized by the absence or severe underdevelopment of the dorsal pancreatic bud. We report a case of a man who presented with features of appendicitis only to the incidentally discovery of dorsal pancreas agenesis during the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. We describe our experience on radiological diagnostic formulation and work up. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 45-year-old male patient who presented to the emergency department with symptoms and signs suggestive of acute appendicitis. A computed tomography scan and laboratory investigations confirmed the diagnosis of appendicitis. Incidentally, the scan also revealed the absence of dorsal pancreatic tissue, leading to the incidental diagnosis of dorsal pancreas agenesis. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Dorsal pancreas agenesis is often asymptomatic and can be incidentally discovered during imaging studies or surgical interventions for unrelated conditions. In our case, the initial presentation of acute appendicitis provided an opportunity for the fortuitous diagnosis of dorsal pancreas agenesis. This emphasizes the importance of comprehensive imaging reporting in patients who undergo imaging for other conditions. CONCLUSION: This case report highlights the fortuitous discovery of dorsal pancreas agenesis during the diagnostic workup for acute appendicitis. It emphasizes the need for thorough imaging evaluation and reporting along with the importance of considering anatomical variations in patients presenting with abdominal symptoms. Increased awareness among healthcare professionals about such congenital anomalies can lead to their early recognition and appropriate management.

To err is human; acute appendicitis a mistaken clinical identity for metastatic follicular thyroid carcinoma, a case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Thyroid cancer accounts for majority of endocrine cancers with follicular thyroid cancer the second most common. It tends to spread via hematogenous route with distant metastasis thus besides presenting as a neck mass it may also present with symptoms tallying to regions of metastasis which may misguide the diagnosis. We report a case of a 50-year-old man who presented with features of appendicitis only to discover metastatic right iliac bone follicular thyroid cancer. We describe our experience on diagnostic formulation, radiological work up, surgery, radioactive iodine therapy and follow up. CASE PRESENTATION: 50-year-old man presenting with acute abdomen and fevers with suspicion for appendicitis, worked up and found to have metastatic follicular carcinoma. Underwent total thyroidectomy and radioactive iodine therapy to achieve disease stability without progression with a 5 year follow up completed. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: The tendency to jump to medical imaging to establish a diagnosis in a lab oriented rather than clinical oriented approach. The role of radiology to establish the underlying disease and identify the primary lesion. Successfully halting disease progression for metastatic follicular thyroid carcinoma with surgery and radioactive iodine therapy. CONCLUSION: Right iliac fossa tenderness does not always equate to acute appendicitis hence the use of diagnostic imaging to diagnose the metastatic lesion thus simplifying the puzzle to identify the primary. We hope through sharing our experience, we encourage the use of interventional radiology in a region that tends to opt for open approach when percutaneous approaches have shown to be successful.

Evaluation of venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk assessment and thrombo-prophylaxis practices in hospitalized medical and surgical patients at Aga Khan Hospital Dar es Salaam: single-centre retrospective study.

Introduction: venous thromboembolism is a complication among admitted medical and surgical patients. International guidelines recommend patients are assessed upon admission and appropriate thromboprophylaxis should be initiated. However, studies have shown that thromboprophylaxis for patients at risk of venous thromboembolism is underutilized. Methods: this was a retrospective study conducted on hospitalized medical and surgical patients at Aga Khan Hospital Dar es salaam from January to June 2019. Patient's medical records were reviewed and data was collected for analysis of venous thromboembolism assessment and compliance with Caprini risk assessment model. The data was entered into statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) 25 and categorized into risk groups, frequency of patients' demographic and clinical characteristics data was calculated and the main study outcomes were analyzed with Fisher´s exact test or Pearson chi-square test for categorical variables and student t-test for continuous variables. Regression analyses were done to identify significant risk factors where by P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: compliance of venous thromboembolism assessment among medical and surgical patients was similar at 78% and 80%, respectively, with a baseline 22% of all admitted patients considered at risk of venous thromboembolism, hence needing thromboprophylaxis following the Caprini risk assessment modelscore. Thromboprophylaxis practices was identified at just 25% of at-risk individuals received pharmacological prophylaxis with enoxaparin; the most commonly used agent (92%). Identified risk factors for venous thromboembolism were advancing age (>60 years), history of prior major surgery, Major surgery lasting > 60 minutes, obesity, and immobilization. Conclusion: risk assessment for venous thromboembolism should be emphasized upon admission of both surgical and medical patients. Adequate thromboprophylaxis should be prescribed upon identification of patients at risk.

Pregnancy following robot-assisted laparoscopic bilateral endometriotic cystectomy rare case report of endometriosis stage IV.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Endometriosis is a common cause of infertility in women. In this case report we explain successful conception in deep-infiltrating ovarian endometriosis following robot-assisted surgery and androgenic agonist treatment. CASE PRESENTATION: A 38-year-old current Para 2, Living 2 presented 8 years ago with chronic lower abdominal pain, dysmenorrhea, and delayed conception. Advance endometriosis was highly suspected from the history and examination. Robot-assisted laparoscopic partial cystectomy was performed for the deep-infiltrating ovarian endometriosis. She was then discharged with postoperative androgenic agonists and with timed intercourse, she got pregnant within 9 months. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Advanced endometriosis (Stage III or IV disease) is associated with distorted pelvic anatomy and adhesions. These changes can impair oocyte release or pick-up, alter sperm motility, cause disordered myometrial contractions, and impair fertilization and embryo transport. Successful rate of conception in advanced endometriosis is <20 %, with minimal chances of successful conception, however, our patient conceived. CONCLUSION: Endometriosis should be considered in evaluation of reproductive woman with chronic lower abdominal pain, history of infertility and dysmenorrhea. Prompt management is crucial, and in a setting of advanced technology, robotic laparoscopic surgery is the best to diagnosis and treat advanced endometriosis.

Penetrating injury with an arrow impacted in the neck in rural Tanzania, a case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Penetrating neck injuries refer to neck injuries that penetrate through the platysma layer which can cause life-threatening injuries to the aerodigestive and neurovascular systems. Currently penetrating neck injuries are mainly due to modern firearms however penetrating neck injuries due to arrows are still seen, although rare, in rural areas among developing countries. Management depends on hemodynamic stability, signs of structural damage and zone of neck involved. CASE PRESENTATION: 19-year-old male presenting with a penetrating arrow impacted in his neck following an attack by cattle raiders who was otherwise stable of presentation. Underwent preoperative imaging with removal of the arrow under general anaesthesia via surgical exploration. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: We concur with the recommendation to first obtain adequate imaging to establish degree of injury as well as for operative planning. Removal of impacted arrow should not be carried out blindly but rather in a controlled environment under general anaesthesia via surgical exploration. CONCLUSION: Penetrative arrow injuries to the neck are an archaic problem that can be dealt with via modern surgical principles towards penetrating neck injuries. Unstable patients warrant emergent exploration however stable patients can first be worked up appropriately to ascertain degree of injury. Impacted arrows can then be removed safely under general anaesthesia rather than risk further injury to critical structures via blind removal.

Shortness of breath in a young lady, rare case report of thoracic endometriosis.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Endometrial glandular tissue can implant in the thorax of women suffering from endometriosis. The clinical presentation is depends on site of implantation. Complications include pneumothorax, pneumohemothorax or hemothorax. CASE PRESENTATION: A 31 year old woman with history of infertility presented with shortness of breath and was found to have a significant right sided pneumohemothorax. Drainage was done followed by chemical pleurodesis using bleomycin with resolution of symptoms on her follow up. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Thoracic endometriosis tend to present with chronic or sub-acute symptoms which are non-specific symptoms leading to late diagnosis. Video Assisted Thoracoscopic surgery offer both diagnostic and therapeutic in thoracic endometriosis. However in limited settings chemical pleurodesis can be carried out done to prevent recurrence of shortness of breath due to thoracic endometriosis. CONCLUSION: Therefore, clinical suspicion of thoracic endometriosis in evaluation of shortness of breath in a young lady with history of infertility or pelvic surgery is indispensable.

A case report of minimally invasive percutaneous ultrasound guided tuberculous iliopsoas abscess drainage in an immunocompromised patient.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Iliopsoas abscess is a collection of pus that presents with nonspecific features with often delays in diagnosis however cause significant morbidity and mortality with Mycobacterium tuberculosis to be considered as causative agent in at risk individuals in tuberculous endemic regions. Management involves drainage and initiation of adequate antibiotics with radiological guided percutaneous approach considered the appropriate initial approach. CASE PRESENTATION: 50-year-old immunosuppressed presenting with left iliopsoas abscess who underwent ultrasound guided drainage and placement of pigtail catheter successfully without the need for open surgical drainage. Our experience of interventional radiology for diagnosis of causative agent and treatment in a sub-Saharan Africa. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: We concur with the recommendation to analyse fluid for tuberculosis in at risk individuals with minimally invasive procedures via interventional radiology as an adequate first line diagnostic and treatment option of psoas abscess. Ultrasound guided catheter placement and drainage successfully drained the abscess by day 10 similarly seen as the average duration in a case series from India. CONCLUSION: The importance of the role of interventional radiology in treatment for complex abdominal pathologies in sub-Saharan Africa with its ability to diagnose and treat via minimally invasive procedures at highest precision and lowest risks and complications while maintaining a high level of suspicion for tuberculosis as the underlying etiology is highlighted.

Anorectal malformation, associated with colon atresia and intestinal malrotation, a case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: In this case report from Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es salaam, Tanzania, we present the unexpected findings of anorectal malformation, colonic atresia, and intestinal malrotation in a 2-day old neonate. This combination is exceedingly rare, with only case reports published in the literature. We describe the challenges in diagnosis and offer our insights based on this experience and review of the literature. CASE PRESENTATION: Our patient was a male born at term, weighing 2600 g, diagnosed clinically with a high anorectal malformation. He was planned for colostomy, and we unexpectedly found a collapsed descending colon. Exploration revealed intestinal malrotation and three segments of type I colonic atresia from the mid transverse colon to the sigmoid colon in addition to the high anorectal malformation. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Creating a colostomy in a high anorectal malformation and failure to identify proximal intestinal atresia would result in potentially devastating consequences. Colonic atresia and anorectal malformation will both present as large bowel obstruction. In the extremely rare situation, when occurring in combination, the obvious clinical diagnosis of anorectal malformation will mask the clinical suspicion of the possibility of colonic atresia. Finding a distal bowel air bubble above the pubococcygeal line on an invertogram is useful in identifying proximal atresia preoperatively. CONCLUSION: The current report emphasizes the importance of maintaining an awareness of possible associated colonic atresia in neonates with anorectal malformation. An invertogram and intraoperative finding of a collapsed descending colon should prompt evaluation for a proximal obstructing lesion.

Testicular torsion induced by epididymo-orchitis: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Acute scrotum is considered a urological emergency requiring early intervention depending on the cause. There are multiple causes of acute scrotum with testicular torsion being the most feared as delayed treatment leads to testicular loss. However, differentiating between epididymo-orchitis and torsion can be very difficult. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of an 18-year old male patient with 2 separate episodes of acute scrotum. He had epididymo-orchitis as the first presentation followed by testicular torsion 5 days later. To our knowledge this is the first case of testicular torsion secondary to epididymo-orchitis. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Differentiating between epididymo-orchitis and torsion is challenging but important due to risk of loss of testis with a wrong diagnosis. Once you establish epididymo-orchitis the suspicion for subsequent torsion should be high with close follow up and adequate counselling. CONCLUSION: He ultimately had orchiectomy, although a rare presentation, enlarged testis due to epididymo-orchitis can predispose an individual to developing testicular torsion thus adequate counselling on warning signs to patients with epididymo-orchitis is of particular importance so as to intervene early and ultimately save the testis.

Recurrent Morel-Lavallée lesion obliterated with povidone iodine, a case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: A Morel-Lavallee lesion is a closed degloving injury due to traumatic separation of the hypodermis from underlying fascia. Accumulation of hemolymphatic fluid that occurs is a potential habitat for bacteria. Management options include percutaneous aspiration, open debridement, or a non-surgical approach, each with recurrence risk. In the event of recurrence, sclerotherapy is used. In this case report, after reviewing povidone iodine's efficacy in treating seromas, we used it as a sclerosant for recurrent Morel-Lavallee lesion as the more established options were unavailable in our setting. CASE PRESENTATION: A 49-year-old with no known comorbid presented following a motor traffic accident, with left lateral thigh swelling. He was stable systematically, with a tense, tender left lateral thigh swelling and intact neurovascular assessment distally. X-ray and computed tomography ruled out skeletal and vascular injuries. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 580 ml type 1 Morell-Lavallee lesion. Open surgical debridement was done to drain and debride the lesion. He developed two recurrences that necessitated percutaneous aspiration. Doxycycline and talc sclerosants were considered; however, due to their unavailability, povidone iodine was used. It is now five months post-intervention without increased pain, recurrence, or wound complications. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Recurrence is hypothesized to be due to the persistence of fluid loculations, unobliterated dead space, and pseudocyst formation. Sclerotherapy stimulates inflammation that results in fibrosis of the cavity walls causing its obliteration. Doxycycline, the most studied sclerosant in Morel-Lavallée lesion has an efficacy of 95.7%. CONCLUSION: The current report is the first successful use of povidone iodine for sclerotherapy of recurring Morel-Lavallée lesions. Based on povidone iodine experiences as a sclerosant, it is associated with increased analgesic requirements. We cautiously propose its use as an alternative in settings where talc powder and doxycycline powder are unavailable.