Unexpected presentation of ischemic colitis: a case report and review of the literature.

Ischemic colitis accounts for many cases of bowel infarction. Usually, it has various manifestations, such as vomiting, abdominal pain, hematochezia and many other symptoms. Risk factors might include age, medications, hypercoagulable state and chronic illnesses. However, it can still occur in healthy young patients. This might make it difficult for physicians to establish a correct diagnosis and generate the appropriate treatment plan for patients suffering from ischemic colitis. In this case we report a previously healthy 37-year-old female who had a sudden onset of lower abdominal pain associated with hematochezia. This patient was treated for upper respiratory tract infection by amoxicillin-clavulanate 2 weeks prior to her symptoms. The computed tomography abdomen findings along with the exploratory laparotomy confirmed the diagnosis of ischemic colitis. Ischemic colitis is a serious condition with high mortality and morbidity rate. Therefore, prompt investigation, and if indicated, surgical intervention should be calculated in sick patients complaining of abdominal pain and lower gastrointestinal bleeding.

"Is percutaneous extraction of gallstones safe and effective in high-risk patients? Evidence from a systematic review".

Gallstone disease in high-risk patients presents a management dilemma as cholecystectomy is often not performed due to their co-morbidities. Alternatively, such patients can be managed by percutaneous removal of gallstones. To date, there is paucity of high-quality evidence addressing the safety and efficacy of percutaneous cholecystolithotomy in high-risk patients. We aimed to conduct a systematic review on the feasibility of percutaneous gallstone removal in high-risk patients. METHODS: A literature review was conducted using the Cochrane review and preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines without setting the time limits to assess the outcomes of percutaneous gallstone removal in high-risk patients. RESULTS: Twelve studies were identified. A total of 435 patients underwent percutaneous gallstone removal. Success rate was 91%. Overall complications (including minor and major) were 28%. The mean length of stay was 7 days (range, 1-80). Procedure related mortality was 0.7%. The recurrence rate was 7%. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous cholecystolithotomy is a safe and effective technique. Although, it cannot substitute the current standard treatment for gallstones i.e., laparoscopic cholecystectomy. However, it may be considered for the patients who cannot undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy due to their comorbid conditions.

Retroperitoneal filariasis diagnosed by fine needle aspiration: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Filarial worms lodge anywhere, from body fluids to subcutaneous tissue, as various case reports prove. CASE: A 21-year-old Nepali male presented with bilateral groin swellings. Imaging studies showed dilated retroperitoneal lymphatics forming a mass, suggestive of lymphangioma or lymphangioleiomyoma. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) of the retroperitoneal mass revealed microfilariae of Wuchereria bancrofti. CONCLUSION: This is the first reported case of retroperitoneal filarial lymphangiectasia diagnosed on FNA, thus stressing the importance of FNA as a simple yet effective diagnostic tool.

Omphalolith presented with peritonitis: a case report.

Omphalolith is a hard, smooth, almost black bolus found in the umbilicus, resembling a malignant melanoma. It is often accompanied by seborrhea which may lead to abscess formation. It may be related to poor hygiene. Patient is usually complaining of umbilical discharge and pain. This report describes a rare case of omphalolith (umbilical stone) induced peritonitis, in a patient who presented as acute appendicitis. In our case the two umbilical stones found their way to the peritoneal cavity and induced peritonitis.