Ketamine Impact on Kidney Health.

Ketamine-induced uropathy (KIU) is a serious consequence of chronic ketamine abuse, presenting with complex renal and urinary symptoms. This study describes a 34-year-old female with a history of chronic ketamine abuse, resulting in stage 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD) and severe urological complications. Despite discontinuing ketamine use five years ago, she remains dependent on ureteral stents due to recurrent hydronephrosis and ureteral obstruction. The patient began using ketamine at the age of 25 years, consuming approximately 5 g daily for two years. By the age of 27 years, she developed dysuria, flank pain, and burning micturition and was later diagnosed with ketamine-associated cystitis and renal failure secondary to hydronephrosis. Initially, bilateral ureteral stents were placed to manage her condition, but she continued to experience worsening symptoms. Although studies suggest that early cessation of ketamine can resolve ulcerative cystitis and ureteral obstruction, this was not observed in our patient. This case highlights the importance of high suspicion for ketamine abuse in young patients presenting with ureteral complications such as hydronephrosis and cystitis-like symptoms. It highlights the need for early detection, ongoing follow-up, and a comprehensive approach involving pharmacological and surgical interventions. Effective management also requires counseling on ketamine discontinuation to prevent further and permanent damage to the urinary system.

When flank pain leads to fainting: a case of a ruptured angiomyolipoma diagnosed by point-of-care ultrasound.

BACKGROUND: Acute flank pain is a common presentation in the Emergency Department (ED). Point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) has emerged as an invaluable tool in the evaluation of acute flank pain and provides real-time images resulting in the early identification of the underlying pathology. CASE REPORT: Here we report a case of a young lady presented to the ED with a complaint of right flank pain followed by a syncopal episode. The diagnosis of ruptured angiomyolipoma was made using a PoCUS and an immediate consult to interventional radiology and urology was provided. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the importance of PoCUS in assessing patients presented to the ED with acute flank pain. Its incorporation into clinical practice promises to revolutionize the approach to renal emergencies, emphasizing its important role in delivering timely and effective care.

Retroperitoneal ancient schwannoma presenting as left flank pain and moderate unilateral hydronephrosis: A case report and literature review.

Key Clinical Message: Benign ancient retroperitoneal schwannomas (BARS) exhibit abdominal masses and flank pain to incidental findings at more advanced stages. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis is essential for confirmation of benign nature. Our patient was misdiagnosed as ureteric colic, highlighting the need to consider BARS in differential diagnosis to prevent complications like hydronephrosis. Abstract: Ancient schwannomas are usually benign neoplasms that originate from Schwann cells of peripheral nerves. We present a novel case of a 24-year-old young male with left flank pain and nausea which was initially thought to be left ureteric colic. However, in-depth imaging and biopsy revealed a retroperitoneal mass. The definitive diagnosis was narrowed down to Benign Retroperitoneal Ancient Schwannoma (BARS) via immunohistochemistry and histopathological analysis. This often marble-shaped S100 protein-positive tumor is an under-recognized and potential cause of hydronephrosis if localized near the renal structures. In addition, the retroperitoneal location with infrarenal abdominal aortic adherence is another rare peculiarity in the present case that demands prompt diagnosis and surgical excision to avoid any cardiovascular sequelae such as hypotension and abdominal pain, as indicated by the natural history of growth of this benign tumor. Therefore, timely excision of this benign tumor prior to its further proliferation is paramount. We initially planned laparoscopic removal but adopted excision via laparotomy because of the proximity of the vital structures. The postoperative course of the patient was uneventful and subsequently the patient's presenting complaint of left abdominal flank pain greatly improved. The patient was advised to undergo follow-up computed tomography scan of kidney ureter bladder and RFT evaluation 6 months postsurgery which indicated no evidence of recurrence or iatrogenic complications. The diagnosis and management of the present case share valuable experiences for similar future cases worldwide.

Renal autotransplant as a definitive treatment for nutcracker syndrome: A multicenter retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: Nutcracker syndrome is a rare condition that involves mechanical compression of the left renal vein, leading to chronic and debilitating left flank pain. The etiology of the pain is misdiagnosed frequently, and patients usually require long-term opioid use to manage their pain. Multiple therapeutic options for nutcracker syndrome have been described in the literature but the reports are limited by small numbers of patients, and the lack of convincing data demonstrating consistently improved outcomes. Here we report the largest series to date of patients undergoing renal autotransplantation for the treatment of nutcracker syndrome. METHODS: We performed a multicenter retrospective cohort review of patients 105 patients with nutcracker syndrome who underwent renal autotransplantation as a primary or salvage therapy. RESULTS: During the overall study period, 93.1% of patients treated with autotransplantation had durable, complete flank pain relief at 12 months with both open and robotic surgical approach. After autotransplantation, a statistically significant decrease in the percentage of patients using opioids from 48.6% to 17.0% was demonstrated at 12 months. In those patients using opioids before autotransplantation, a statistically significant decrease in morphine milligram equivalents was demonstrated from an alarming 68.9 ± 15.0 per day to 25.0 ± 11.02 morphine milligram equivalents per day. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that renal autotransplantation, as a primary treatment or a salvage treatment, in patients with nutcracker syndrome provides durable pain relief and a marked decrease in chronic opioid use regardless of surgical approach.

Unilateral Diaphragmatic Paralysis: A Case Report of an Often Overlooked Diagnosis.

Unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis, resulting from nerve or muscle injuries, is an uncommon phenomenon often missed due to its asymptomatic nature. This condition can lead to decreased pulmonary function, particularly in patients with underlying comorbidities or cardiopulmonary issues. Identification and understanding of the underlying cause of the paralysis are essential for effective management and improved patient outcomes. Here, we present a case of a 49-year-old male who presented with left flank pain and complained of dyspnea on exertion. Further workup and a sniff test confirmed the diagnosis of left hemidiaphragm paralysis.

A Rare Case of Metastatic Adrenal Melanoma.

Metastatic melanoma presents a significant clinical challenge, characterized by its aggressive nature and propensity to spread to multiple organ systems. Despite advances in detection and treatment, managing metastatic disease remains complex. Here, we present the case of a 43-year-old male with metastatic melanoma displaying an unusual pattern of involvement, affecting the adrenal gland, liver, spleen, and bones. The diagnostic process was intricate, involving atypical hormonal profiles and a negative BRAF status, necessitating a comprehensive approach for accurate characterization and treatment selection. Immunotherapy demonstrated efficacy but also highlighted the emergence of immune-related adverse events, notably hyperglycemia. This case discusses the heterogeneous nature of metastatic melanoma and underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, close monitoring, and consideration of evolving treatment strategies in its management.

Acute Appendicitis Presenting As Left Flank Pain: A Case Report.

Acute appendicitis (AA) is a common surgical emergency. The diagnosis is mainly clinical and is largely based on the typical presentation of periumbilical pain radiating to the right iliac fossa. However, atypical presentations have been reported in the literature. Left-sided appendicitis is a rare presentation. Imaging with ultrasonography (US) and computed tomography (CT) is of paramount importance in such cases to aid diagnosis and exclude other causes. We report a case of a 21-year-old man who presented with acute left flank pain. He was diagnosed with AA by CT, which showed an appendix diameter of 13 mm.

Atrial fibrillation and flank pain: Think renal infarction: A case report.

Renal infarction is a rare pathology, threatening the functional prognosis of the kidney. Given the lack of clinical features specific to this pathology, the practitioner may wrongly diagnose pyelonephritis or other causes of abdominal pain. Renal infarction frequently occurs in patients with thromboembolic risk factors, most often secondary to atrial fibrillation. We report the case of a 49-year-old patient, with no previous history, who presented to the emergency room with palpitations and pain in the right flank with an atrial fibrillation rhythm on the ECG, in whom abdominal CT angiography showed signs of a focal renal infarction of the right kidney. Later, the progression was towards non-traumatic macroscopic hematuria with preservation of normal renal function, which resolved spontaneously after a few days. AF was accepted in the face of significant dilatation of the left atrium, in consultation with the patient, and he was put on a beta-blocker to control the rate. Renal infarction must be considered despite its rarity to initiate adequate treatment and increase the chances of renal rescue.

A Rare Case of Renal Vein Thrombosis Secondary to Oral Contraceptive Pills.

Renal vein thrombosis (RVT) is a common complication of nephrotic syndrome and renal malignancy. However, its association with oral contraceptive use has rarely been reported. We report a case of a 29-year-old female with a history of oral contraceptive use, presenting with acute flank pain. On further investigation, she was found to have unilateral RVT. Oral contraception was discontinued, and she was started on therapeutic anticoagulation, initially with low-molecular-weight heparin, and then switched to apixaban. Her symptoms improved, and she is currently doing well. This case signifies the importance of proper history-taking and how oral contraception should be considered a significant risk factor for venous thromboembolism.

Stealthy Encroachment: Unraveling an Encounter With Renal Myelolipoma.

Myelolipoma of the kidney is an exceedingly unusual benign tumor of hematological components mixed with mature adipose tissue. We present a case of a 59-year-old male who presented with left flank pain and was found to have an atrophic left kidney on imaging studies. A computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a small and shrunken left kidney with an extrarenal pelvis. A diethylenetriamine pentaacetate (DTPA) scan results showed a total glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 45.6 ml/min with a non-functional left kidney. The patient underwent a left nephrectomy, and a histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis and highlighted the distinctive morphological features of this rare entity. Postoperatively, the patient experienced a complete resolution of symptoms. This case underscores the importance of considering myelolipoma in the differential diagnosis of renal masses and highlights the successful management of symptomatic cases through surgical intervention. Awareness of this rare tumor is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. Further studies are needed to elucidate the natural history and optimal treatment strategies for renal myelolipomas.

An Unusual Presentation of Membranous Nephropathy in an Adult With Arthrogryposis: A Case Report.

Membranous nephropathy (MN) is an autoimmune condition that is a common cause of nephrotic syndrome in nondiabetic adults. In this study, we highlight a case of a 22-year-old male with a past medical history of arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) who initially presented with right flank pain and hematuria. Subsequent workup revealed significant proteinuria with biopsy-proven primary MN. Early detection of the disease is critical to establish treatment promptly and prevent complications such as those resulting from a hypercoagulable state.

A Case Report of Renal Infarcts Secondary to Segmental Arterial Mediolysis.

Flank pain is an exceptionally common presenting symptom in the emergency and primary care setting; however, most clinicians may not include a differential diagnosis of renal infarct (RI) due to the reported low incidence of this condition. Delayed diagnosis or treatment intervention for RI can have dire consequences for the patient including hypertension and longstanding renal impairment. In this report, we review a case of a previously healthy 39-year-old male presenting with flank pain, which after extensive workup, was revealed to be caused by renal infarction from a renal artery dissection secondary to segmental arterial mediolysis (SAM).

Retrocaval Ureter as a Rare Cause of Hydroureteronephrosis: A Case Report.

Retrocaval ureter (RCU), also known as pre-ureteral vena cava or circumcaval ureter, is a rare congenital anomaly caused by inferior vena cava (IVC) dysgenesis, leading to the right ureter coursing behind the IVC. RCU results in obstructive proximal hydroureteronephrosis, remaining asymptomatic until the third decade when hydronephrosis develops. Diagnosis relies on imaging modalities like intravenous urography (IVU), ultrasonography, computed tomography urography (CTU), magnetic resonance urography, and nuclear scintigraphy. CTU provides comprehensive 3D evaluation. We report a novel case of a 50-year-old male with RCU complicated by a concurrent distal ureteral calculus. CTU demonstrated the characteristic "S-shaped" proximal ureteral deformity and its aberrant posterior course relative to the IVC, enabling accurate preoperative diagnosis. The co-occurrence of RCU with ureteral calculus is notably rare, underlining the necessity of an exhaustive diagnostic process. The patient successfully underwent a combined surgical intervention, consisting of laparoscopic ureteroureterostomy for RCU correction and ureteroscopic lithotripsy for calculus removal, showcasing a minimally invasive approach to simultaneously address both conditions. This report underscores the significance of advanced cross-sectional imaging in diagnosing RCU and demonstrates the effectiveness of integrated minimally invasive surgical techniques in treating complex urological anomalies. By documenting this case, we contribute to the broader understanding and awareness of RCU among clinicians, potentially guiding more prompt recognition and comprehensive management of this rare condition.

Xanthogranulomatous Pyelonephritis: Case Report.

BACKGROUND: In the emergency department (ED), pyelonephritis is a fairly common diagnosis, especially in patients with unilateral flank pain. Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGP) is a rare type of pyelonephritis that is associated with unique features, which may lead to its diagnosis. CASE REPORT: A 30-year-old male patient presented to the ED for evaluation of right-sided abdominal pain that has been ongoing for the past 24 hours. He noted the pain was located predominantly in the right flank and described it as sharp in nature. The pain was nonradiating and was associated with scant hematuria. He stated that he had similar pains approximately 1 month earlier that resolved after a few days. The patient underwent a bedside ultrasound and a subsequent computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen and pelvis, which showed an enlarged, multiloculated right kidney with dilated calyces and a large staghorn calculus, findings that represent XGP. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: This case report highlights an unusual variant of pyelonephritis, a relatively common ED diagnosis. XGP should be considered in patients with recurrent pyelonephritis, as treatment for XGP may require surgical intervention in addition to traditional antibiotic management.

Atypical Clinical Presentation of Xanthogranulomatous Pyelonephritis in a Female Child: A Case Report.

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGPN) is an uncommon chronic obstructive renal suppuration disease. Histopathologically, XGPN manifests as lipid-laden macrophage infiltration in renal microstructure and inflammation of an engorged non-functional kidney. Nephrectomy is the standard therapeutic treatment, and the overall prognosis is good. Here, we report a case of XGPN presented as flank pain in an otherwise healthy child.

An Unusual Case of Flank Pain Late in Life: A Case Report.

Abnormalities in renal fusion represent a subset of congenital anomalies of the kidneys and urinary tract (CAKUT). Horseshoe kidneys (HSKs) are the fusion of kidneys at their lower poles. It is the most common form of CAKUT. Symptoms are usually subtle. The diagnosis is usually made incidentally during childhood. Rarely does an HSK become symptomatic later in life. We present the case of an 88-year-old female with a history of HSK who presented to the emergency department (ED) with a three-week history of left-sided flank pain, intermittent nausea, and reduced urine output. Her inpatient workup included imaging that revealed an HSK and bilateral hydronephrosis, which was more prominent on the left. The onset of symptoms for an HSK late in life is extremely rare.

A Rare Case of Page Kidney in a Young Man with Flank Pain.

BACKGROUND: Page kidney is a rare condition in which an external compression of the kidney as a result of a hematoma or mass causes renal ischemia and hypertension. In a patient with flank pain, elevated blood pressure, and recent trauma, this condition should be considered. Since this condition was first described in 1939, more than 100 case reports have surfaced. CASE REPORT: We describe the case of a 26-year-old man who presented to the Emergency Department with flank pain, vomiting, and elevated blood pressure. A computed tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis confirmed the presence of a perinephric hematoma, and the interventional radiology team was consulted to resolve the Page kidney. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Symptoms seen in Page kidney may be similar to other more common diagnoses encountered in the emergency department. It is important to maintain a high suspicion and order imaging studies as needed, especially in the setting of trauma, or a recent procedure in the vicinity of the renal parenchyma.

Ovarian torsion masquerading as a ureteral stone.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal pain is the most common complaint within the emergency department (ED) and has many varied etiologies. Some of these conditions can be medical emergencies, including ovarian torsion. While representing just 3% of gynecologic emergencies, ovarian torsion should be considered in all females presenting to the ED with abdominal or pelvic complaints. CASE: A 38-year-old G5P5 female with a past medical history significant for ureterolithiasis presented to a freestanding ED with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. She developed sudden onset of right sided abdominal pain radiating to her right flank upon awakening. The initial differential diagnosis was for ureterolithiasis or appendicitis. Her complete blood count (CBC) was normal, and testing for pregnancy, infection, and hematuria was negative. Computed topography (CT) imaging of the abdomen and pelvis revealed a 9 cm adnexal mass, consistent with a possible dermoid cyst. A pelvic ultrasound was ordered which showed a possible ovarian torsion. She was transferred to a tertiary care hospital where she had a laparoscopy with right-sided oophorectomy and salpingectomy performed. DISCUSSION: This patient presented with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting and was first suspected to have ureterolithiasis or appendicitis. She was found to have an ovarian torsion with a dermoid cyst, which resulted in the loss of her ovary and fallopian tube. This case demonstrates the importance of including gynecologic emergencies in the differential on all female patients presenting with abdominal pain.

How I treat nutcracker syndrome.

Anatomic compression of the left renal vein in the angle between the aorta and superior mesenteric artery may be asymptomatic or may result in symptoms, including flank pain, hematuria, or pelvic pain and/or congestion. Patients can be referred to a vascular surgeon due to symptoms and/or radiologic findings. Because symptoms of nutcracker syndrome can be vague and/or nondiagnostic, careful evaluation, assessment, and counseling with patients are required before undertaking intervention, which is often an open surgical procedure. The definitive diagnosis is ideally confirmed with diagnostic venography, including pressure measurements from the left renal vein and inferior vena cava. The optimal treatment includes open decompression of the left renal vein with renal vein transposition or gonadal vein transposition, with or without concomitant management of pelvic varicosities if symptomatic. Because most patients with nutcracker syndrome are young, long-term follow-up with scheduled ultrasound examinations should be maintained.

Unprovoked Spontaneous Kidney Rupture (Wunderlich's Syndrome) Managed by Renal Artery Embolization.

Wunderlich's syndrome is a rare, unfamiliar disease that can present with flank pain, flank mass, and hypovolemic shock without any history of trauma. In this article, we present a sudden, unprovoked kidney rupture managed by renal artery embolization. This report emphasizes the importance of early referral and prompt management, which can be lifesaving.