Laparoscopic Repair of a Rare Abdominal Wall Deformity and Review of the Literature.

Linea arcuate herniae (LAH) are rare and usually asymptomatic but can present with generalized abdominal pain in the absence of bulging and are impalpable. Diagnosis is dependent on cross-sectional imaging, and operative approach to their management is debatable. Here, we report the case of a 56-year-old female with abdominal pain diagnosed with a linea arcuate hernia by computed tomography (CT) scan. She went on to have laparoscopic primary suture closure of the hernial defect with reinforcing underlay mesh. LAH are effectively elucidated with CT. Although there are concerns regarding mesh-related complications, we advocate a laparoscopic approach and repair with prosthetic mesh reinforcement, fixated with sutures. Long-term follow-up of these patients is still required.

Locoregional recurrence of breast cancer presenting as upper limb venous thromboembolism.

Locoregional recurrence of breast cancer is a major concern for both patient and oncologist. Presentation as venous thromboembolism (VTE) carries risk of delayed diagnosis and has a poor prognosis. Here we describe, for the first time in the literature, a delayed diagnosis of local recurrence of infiltrative inflammatory breast cancer presenting as extensive deep venous thrombosis of the upper arm veins. This case demonstrates the need for a high level of vigilance for recurrence of malignancy in patients with no concurrent risk factors for VTE and atypical clinical progression in order to reach a timely diagnosis.