Spontaneous perforation of Meckel's diverticulum: A rare entity.

Meckel's diverticulum is the most common gastrointestinal tract's congenital abnormality. Spontaneous perforation of Meckel's diverticulum is very rare and can mimic acute appendicitis. Here we report the case of an 11-year-old male patient, who was presented to the Surgical A unit of Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad on 21st January, 2021 with one-day history of abdominal pain, predominantly in the periumbilical area and right iliac fossa, associated with nausea. On physical examination his abdomen was tense, tender with guarding and generalized rigidity. A provisional diagnosis of perforated appendix or enteric perforation of a hollow viscus was made. The patient had an emergency laparotomy, where a perforated Meckel's diverticulum was discovered. Resection of the portion of gut containing Meckel's diverticulum was done along with primary anastomosis. Heterotopic gastric mucosa of diverticulitis, associated with perforation was confirmed on histopathology. The patient made an uneventful recovery during postoperative period. This case report is an interesting and an unusual case of Meckel's diverticulum complication. It highlights the importance of considering Meckel's diverticulum as a differential diagnosis in every patient presenting with acute abdomen in this age group.

Nationwide observational study of mortality from complicated intra-abdominal infections and the role of bacterial cultures.

BACKGROUND: The benefit of taking intra-abdominal cultures during source control procedures in patients with complicated intra-abdominal infection (CIAI) is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether intra-abdominal cultures reduce the mortality rate of CIAI. METHODS: The Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination database was used to identify adult patients with CIAI who had undergone source control procedures on the first day of admission to hospital between April 2014 and March 2016. In-hospital mortality was compared between patients who did and those who did not have intra-abdominal cultures taken. A generalized linear mixed-effect logistic regression model and a random intercept per hospital were used to adjust for baseline confounders and institutional differences. Subgroup analyses were also performed according to disease cause, site of onset and severity of CIAI. RESULTS: Intra-abdominal cultures were taken from 16 303 of 41 495 included patients. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that patients with intra-abdominal cultures had a significantly lower mortality than those without (odds ratio 0·85, 95 per cent c.i. 0·77 to 0·95). Subgroup analyses revealed statistically significant differences in mortality between patients with and without cultures among those with lower intestinal perforation, biliary tract infection/perforation, healthcare-associated CIAI and high-risk community-acquired CIAI. CONCLUSIONS: Intra-abdominal cultures obtained during source control procedures may reduce in-hospital mortality, especially in patients with lower intestinal perforation, biliary tract infection/perforation, or healthcare-associated or high-risk community-acquired CIAI.

Perforation of a Peptic Ulcer in a Hiatal Hernia Into the Left Ventricle With Systemic Air and Food Embolism.

Perforation of a peptic ulcer into the ventricle is uncommon, and the definitive diagnosis is difficult in living patients. We herein report a case of perforation of a peptic ulcer in a hiatal hernia into the left ventricle with systemic air and food embolism. This is the first case report of the perforation diagnosed by computed tomography and confirmed by autopsy. Computed tomography was useful for the diagnosis of perforation into the ventricle.

Concurrent Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum and Pneumorrhachis.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous pneumomediastinum with concurrent pneumorrhachis (air in the spinal canal) and subcutaneous emphysema can be an alarming presentation, both clinically and radiographically. These clinical entities often require only conservative measures after ruling out any worrisome underlying causes. Management often involves appropriate imaging, hospital admission, and sub-specialty consultation as needed to help determine any potential causes for the presentation that may require anything more than a period of medical observation. CASE REPORT: A 20-year-old man presented to the Emergency Department (ED) with acute onset of chest pain. Physical examination was significant for subcutaneous emphysema across the anterior chest wall. Radiographs of the neck revealed extensive soft tissue emphysema extending into the upper mediastinum. Computed tomography (CT) of the neck with contrast revealed a small amount of air within the central canal of the spinal cord, in addition to extensive pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema. The patient remained stable and was discharged home on hospital day 2, after significant threats for morbidity or mortality were ruled out. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Spontaneous pneumomediastinum, pneumorrhachis, and subcutaneous emphysema are rare clinical entities, but each requires thorough investigation in the ED to rule out any underlying life-threatening cause. A conservative treatment approach is appropriate for most patients without evidence of cardiorespiratory compromise or neurologic deficits accruing due to these problems.

Spontaneous Subclavian Artery Dissection Causing Ischemia of the Medulla Oblongata and Cerebellum.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous subclavian artery dissection is a rare etiology. Spontaneous artery dissection causing brain ischemia is rare in all ischemic strokes. However, in young to middle-aged patients with brain ischemia, spontaneous carotid or vertebral artery dissection causing ischemic stroke accounts for 10-25%. CASE REPORT: A 58-year-old man with a history of hypertension presented to the Emergency Department with a sudden onset of left-arm paresthesia and numbness followed by symptoms of vertigo and vomiting. A neurological examination showed left-arm paresthesia, horizontal-rotational nystagmus, and left-side dysmetria according to a finger-to-nose test. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed left subclavian artery dissection. Diffusion-weighted imaging demonstrated hyperintensity in the left medulla oblongata and inferior part of the cerebellum. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Spontaneous artery dissection is an important etiology of ischemic stroke among young patients. Cervical magnetic resonance angiography is the gold standard for the diagnosis of arterial dissection. Cervical disc disease is a common etiology in a patient with neck and shoulder pain without cause or neurologic symptoms, when cervical MRI is negative, however, spontaneous subclavian artery dissection should be considered in the differential diagnosis when a patient, especially in a case of younger patient, presents with acute new-onset neck and shoulder pain followed by the onset of neurological symptoms.

A bloodstream infection by Ruminococcus gnavus in a patient with a gall bladder perforation.

Ruminococcus gnavus is frequently found among human gut microbiome. However, human bloodstream infections by R. gnavus have been reported only three times. Clinical details were lacking for one case; the other two cases with concurrent bacteremia in patients with diverticulitis. We report a case of R. gnavus bloodstream infection in a patient with a gall bladder perforation suggesting its association with damage to the gastrointestinal tract. R. gnavus was misidentified using biochemical test but 16S rRNA sequencing and Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry were useful for correct identification. With the advancement of identification method in clinical laboratory, more frequent identification of R. gnavus from clinical specimens is expected.

Congenital diaphragmatic eventration complicated with neonatal gastric perforation.

Congenital diaphragm eventration is a rare and usually asymptomatic developmental defect. Neonatal gastric perforation is also a rare but lifethreatening condition. In our knowledge, the association of these two pathologies has been, exceptionally reported. We report a case who illustrates clinical and radiological features of this possible co-morbidity. A full-term male neonate was born from uneventful pregnancy and delivery. The antenatal scan was reported as normal. At birth, clinical exam was normal, no special resuscitation was necessary. The newborn was examined and admitted the 4th day of life for fever, tachypnea, cyanosis, hemodynamic shock and refusing feeds. Clinical examination suggested peritonitis. Chest radiography and ultrasonography suggested congenital hernia. A laparotomy was performed after a brief resuscitation and confirmed the presence of diaphragm eventration with gastric perforation. Suturing of gastric perforation with a diaphragmatic plication was performed with favorable evolution.

[Spontaneous perforation of the bile duct in a neonate: An unexpected finding. Case report]. / Perforación espontánea de la vía biliar en un neonato: un hallazgo inesperado. Caso clínico.

Spontaneous extrahepatic bile duct perforation is rare in newborns. It is a surgical cause of jaundice in this period and the acute presentation is unusual. OBJECTIVE: To report a case of spontaneous bile duct perforation in a newborn due to its serious complications if an early and timely diagnosis is not performed. CLINICAL CASE: A 10-day-old newborn who developed food rejection, fever and abdominal distension without jaundice, acolia, or coluria two days prior of admission. The laboratory tests showed leukopenia, thrombocytosis, increased C-reactive protein, and normal hepatic function. The abdominal x-ray showed pneumoperitoneum, and the diagnosis of necrotizing enterocolitis was made. Laparotomy was performed; extrahepatic bile duct perforation and biliary peritonitis were noted. Intraoperative cholangiography demonstrated rescatable proximal bile duct and dilated cystic duct. Hepatic-jejunostomy was performed with Roux-en-Y and cholecystectomy. In the postoperative study portal thrombosis was found, so he received anticoagulant treatment. At 8 months of age, the patient had enteral feeding tolerance and adequate weight gain. CONCLUSIONS: Biliary perforation is a rare entity and more in the neonatal period, a condition that makes it a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. The prognosis will depend on early intervention and intraoperative findings.

Spontaneous circumferential intramural esophageal dissection complicated with esophageal perforation and esophageal-pleural fistula: a case report and literature review.

Spontaneous intramural esophageal dissection (IED) is a rare disease entity. There are few reports of spontaneous IED requiring surgical treatment. Hereby, we report a 37-year-old gentleman who was diagnosed to have spontaneous extensive circumferential IED complicated with esophageal perforation, empyema, and esophageal-pleural fistula. Esophageal stenting and drainage of empyema were unsuccessful. Computed tomography and gastrografin contrast swallow demonstrated a leak to the pleural cavity, suggestive of esophageal-pleural fistula. Subsequently, a two-stage operation was performed: cervical esophagogastrostomy to bypass the perforated esophagus, followed by esophagectomy and decortication of the right lung. The patient recovered and was discharged home after a 3-week hospitalization. The management principles and recent published literature related to IED were reviewed.

A Case Report and Literature Review of Spontaneous Perforation of Pyometra.

BACKGROUND: Pyometra is defined as an accumulation of purulent material in the uterine cavity. Spontaneous perforation is a very rare complication of pyometra. The clinical findings of perforated pyometra are similar to perforation of the gastrointestinal tract and other causes of acute abdomen. CASE REPORT: We report a rare and difficult case of peritonitis in an elderly female that was caused by a spontaneous perforation of pyometra. A 90-year-old postmenopausal woman was referred to our hospital with complaints of vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain. Computed tomography revealed a large amount of ascites, cystic mass in the uterus, and intraperitoneal and intrauterine air. Transvaginal ultrasound demonstrated a thin area around the fundus. An emergency laparotomy was performed for the suspected gastrointestinal perforation or perforation of pyometra. At laparotomy, copious purulent fluid was present in the peritoneal cavity; however, no perforation of the gastrointestinal tract was observed. We identified a perforation site over the uterine fundus and purulent material exuding from the cavity. Subsequently, hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy were performed. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 13 with no complications. Histopathologic studies revealed endometritis and myometritis with no evidence of malignancy. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: With diffuse peritonitis, ruptured pyometra should be considered, even in elderly female patients. This case illustrates the importance of clinical knowledge of acute gynecologic diseases. Here we also review the perforation of pyometra with no evidence of malignancy.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Group A Streptococcus Rapid Antigen Detection Test on Middle Ear Fluid in Children With Acute Otitis Media With Spontaneous Perforation: A Prospective Multicenter Evaluation.

Group A Streptococcus is one of the leading causes of otorrhea. The performance of rapid antigen tests in 256 children with otorrhea showed excellent sensitivity, 97.3% (95% confidence interval: 90.7%-99.7%), and specificity, 100% (95% confidence interval: 98.0%-100%). In a period of increasing invasive and noninvasive group A Streptococcus infections, an early diagnosis could be useful.

Diaphragmatic Hernia Perforation Leading to Fecopneumothorax.

Hiatal hernia is a common diagnosis. Unless symptomatic, most hiatal hernias are not repaired; in rare cases, however, severe complications can develop during conservative treatment. Although fecopneumothorax occurrence has been described in trauma and related to colonic pathology, it has not been described as occurring from spontaneous strangulation of a hiatal hernia. Regardless of the etiology, prompt recognition of the rare occurrence of fecopneumothorax is imperative. This report describes the presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of a patient presenting with a type IV hiatal hernia that resulted in colonic ischemia, perforation, and fecopneumothorax.

Spontaneous Perforation of Anterior Choroidal Artery with Resultant Pseudoaneurysm Formation: Unusual Cause of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Subarachnoid hemorrhage resulting from spontaneous perforation of a small intracranial vessel, with resultant pseudoaneurysm formation, has not been widely reported in the literature. CASE DESCRIPTION: We present the case of a 71-year-old patient with rupture of a small aneurysm of a duplicated left anterior choroidal artery causing an acute third nerve palsy. The aneurysm was not able to be treated endovascularly without sacrifice of the parent vessel. At surgery, a pseudoaneurysm was seen completely separate from the parent vessel, which was actively bleeding through a hole in the vessel. The pseudoaneurysm was indenting the oculomotor nerve. After confirmation of adequate collateral flow, the abnormal segment of vessel was trapped and the pseudoaneurysm removed with surrounding clot. The patient's cranial nerve palsy resolved. CONCLUSIONS: This case illustrates an unusual sequela of subarachnoid hemorrhage presenting a unique challenge in surgical management.

Generalised purulent peritonitis and small bowel obstruction due to a spontaneously perforated ovarian dermoid cyst.

We outline the narrative of a 28-year-old woman who initially presented to the emergency department with vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and fever. Blood tests revealed significantly raised inflammatory markers and acute renal failure. Initially, this was attributed to gastroenteritis due to a recent foreign travel, but further investigations and radiological imaging revealed a large right ovarian dermoid cyst with a significant amount of free intra-abdominal fluid and small bowel dilation. She underwent laparotomy, which revealed a spontaneously perforated right ovarian dermoid cyst resulting in generalised purulent peritonitis and small bowel obstruction due to bowel adherence at the perforation site. Meticulous adhesiolysis, right salpingo-oophorectomy and extensive peritoneal lavage were performed, with a good postoperative recovery. Spontaneous perforation of an ovarian dermoid cyst, without an associated torsion, is extremely rare, but it should be considered in cases of peritonitis and bowel obstruction of unclear cause with a concomitant finding of a dermoid cyst.

Should All Complicated Appendicitis Be Treated the Same? The Answer Is No.

Delayed presentation of acute appendicitis is associated with increased complications. We hypothesized that the outcomes of appendectomy in delayed presentations of acute appendicitis (>72 hours of pain) were dependent on radiologic findings rather than late presentation. We reviewed records from 2009 to 2015 and analyzed delayed presentations of acute appendicitis. We divided patients into three groups based on specific CT findings: uncomplicated appendicitis (UA), phlegmon or abscess (PA), and other perforated appendicitis (PERF, signs of perforation without abscess or phlegmon). One hundred thirty-eight patients were included in this study (58 in the UA, 67 in the PA, and 13 in the PERF groups). Overall, 78 (57%) patients underwent early appendectomy (EA) and 60 (43%) underwent initial conservative management. The incidence of adverse events was lower in EA than that in initial conservative management (17% vs 42%, P = 0.005). EA in the UA group was associated with shorter hospitalization (3.2 vs 5.6 days, P < 0.001) and less adverse events (6% vs 29%, P < 0.05). Severe adverse events (two colectomies and one fecal fistula) were observed in the PA group. In conclusion, in these late presentations of appendicitis, complicated appendicitis was common. EA was safe in selected patients, however, and associated with decreased adverse events.

Spontaneous gall bladder perforation with ischaemic bowel disease: a rare cause of acute abdomen with pneumoperitoneum in elderly.

Perforation of the gall bladder can occur due to a complication of acute (in 3%-10%) or chronic cholecystitis, presenting with or without gallstones. Other causes include trauma, neoplasms, steroid therapy or vascular compromise. In 1934, Niemeier classified the condition into three types: type I, acute perforation into the free peritoneal cavity; type II, subacute perforation with abscess formation; and type III, chronic perforation with fistula formation between the gall bladder and another viscus with type I experiencing the highest mortality rate. In particular, there are very few cases of gall bladder perforation associated with ischaemic bowel disease. We present a case of type I gall bladder perforation in a 70-year-old woman, without any apparent comorbidities, presenting with acute abdomen consistent with perforated duodenal ulcer with pneumoperitoneum on a plain abdominal radiograph and contrast-enhanced CT with eventual discovery of fundal perforation and ischaemic small bowel at laparotomy.

Rare case of cystic artery pseudoaneurysm.

A patient with a cystic artery pseudoaneurysm (CAP) presented to the emergency department with upper abdominal and back pain. The patient also had clinical signs of sepsis. CT revealed gallstones with acute suppurative cholecystitis with a gallbladder perforation. In addition, a CAP was also suspected and subsequently diagnosed on CT angiography. The pseudoaneurysm was treated with embolisation and a cholecystostomy was performed for the gallbladder perforation. Following her acute admission, the patient underwent an elective cholecystectomy and made a good recovery post surgery.

Spontaneous perforation of Meckel diverticulum: A case report.

RATIONALE: Meckel diverticulum (MD) is the most common congenital abnormality of the gastrointestinal tract. It is asymptomatic in the majority of patients. Perforation is a rare complication of MD and can be life-threatening. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 20-year-old male patient denying previous systemic disease and complaining of epigastric pain for 5 days came to our emergency department for help. Physical examination showed right lower quadrant tenderness without muscle guarding and rebounding pain. DIAGNOSIS: Blood examination including white blood cell, C reactive protein, liver, and renal function all showed within normal range. Abdominal computed tomography showed suspect MD in the distal ileum and enteritis at the ileum. INTERVENTION: Perforation of MD was found while in surgery, and Meckel diverticulectomy was performed. OUTCOMES: The patient was discharged 7 days after the operation with stable condition. LESSONS: Perforation is an uncommon complication of MD, and the symptom can mimic other acute abdominal conditions such as acute appendicitis while in the emergency space. We should take diagnosis under consideration as a differential diagnosis when we encounter patients whose impression was firstly acute appendicitis.