Spinal epidural lipomatosis following bilateral spinal decompression surgery.

A 73-year-old man underwent bilateral spinal decompression of L4/5 for severe spinal canal stenosis, requiring minimal analgesia and providing immediate relief. Two days post-operatively, he presented with new onset bilateral leg pain and difficulty mobilising. MRI demonstrated spinal epidural lipomatosis (SEL), which was not present pre-operatively, at L5/S1. Further surgery was performed with decompression of L5/S1 through removal of epidural fat. At both 3 weeks and 5 months follow-up clinics, the patient was asymptomatic. To our knowledge, this is the first case of acute spinal epidural lipomatosis directly following spinal surgery. It is important to recognise SEL as a complication following spinal surgical intervention, due to the potential development of significant neurological consequences.

Left main coronary artery atresia complicated by fistulae between the left anterior descending artery and the right ventricle.

This case describes a 60-year-old man with congenital atresia of the left main coronary artery (LMCA), with fistulae between the left anterior descending artery (LAD) and the right ventricle (RV). This was detected at coronary CT. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of congenital atresia of the LMCA in conjunction with fistulae between the LAD and RV. The patient remains asymptomatic at a 2-year follow-up. No treatment has been recommended. Coronary artery anomalies are rare. Although usually asymptomatic, they can present with symptoms varying from angina to sudden death. Identification and accurate description of coronary artery anomalies are vital in assessing the risk of associated adverse events.

Osteochondroma of the clavicle causing Horner's syndrome.

A 17-year-old girl was admitted with a 1-year history of right-sided headaches and unilateral ptosis for 6 months. She was diagnosed with Horner's syndrome. Ultrasound and CT scan demonstrated an osteochondroma of the posterosuperior aspect of the medial clavicle compressing adjacent structures, including the right internal jugular vein and right common carotid artery. Cartilage sequence MRI showed an osteochondroma with a 5 mm cartilage cap. There were no suspicious features of malignancy. The patient was referred to a specialist centre for surgical resection. Osteochondroma of the clavicle presenting with Horner's syndrome is extremely rare, with only one previously reported case. In this case report, we discuss the anatomy of the oculosympathetic chain, which consists of a three neuron arc. The disruption of the neuronal arc, at any point, may result in Horner's syndrome. We also discuss the various causes of Horner's syndrome and its radiological investigation.

Acute calcific periarthiritis of the knee presenting with calcification within the lateral collateral ligament.

A 71-year-old woman was admitted with acute swelling of the right knee, pain on the lateral aspect and restricted movement. There was no instability or locking. She had no history of trauma and was generally in good health. Plain radiographs demonstrated a calcific opacity adjacent to the lateral femoral condyle. This was shown to be within the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) at ultrasound and MRI. A diagnosis of acute calcific periarthritis (ACP) was made. The patient's symptoms resolved within a few weeks with simple analgaesia. ACP presenting with calcification within the LCL is rare. It is important to recognise the clinical and imaging findings of this condition as it may mimic other more serious pathologies such as infection and gout. This may result in unnecessary investigations, misdiagnoses and incorrect treatments.

Streptococcus pneumoniae mycotic aneurysm with contiguous vertebral discitis treated by endovascular aortic repair and antibiotics.

A 61-year-old man was admitted with a history of right upper quadrant and left iliac fossa pain and raised inflammatory markers. Initial investigations, including contrast-enhanced CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis, were reported as normal. Following readmission 2 months later with thoracolumbar back pain and recurrent fevers, an MRI showed T11/12 discitis and an adjacent mycotic aneurysm of the aorta. CT angiogram confirmed an 8 cm mycotic aneurysm. A second, more distal aneurysm was found located at the left common femoral artery. The aortic aneurysm was treated by antegrade stenting. The left common femoral artery aneurysm was excised. The patient was also treated with antibiotics. He made a good recovery and was well 8 months later apart from mild residual thoracolumbar spinal pain. To date, he has been followed up for 1 year and remains asymptomatic.