Rare presentations of small bowel endometriosis.

Despite endometriosis being a relatively common chronic gynecological condition in women of childbearing age, small bowel endometriosis is rare. Presentations can vary from completely asymptomatic to reported symptoms of abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea. The following two cases depict very atypical manifestations of ileal endometriosis that presented as obscure intermittent gastrointestinal bleeding and bowel obstruction requiring surgical intervention. The first case describes a previously healthy 40-year-old woman with severe symptomatic iron deficiency anemia and intermittent melena. A small bowel enteroscopy diagnosed multiple ulcerated strictures in the distal small bowel as the likely culprit. Despite nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced enteropathy being initially considered as the likely etiology, histopathological examination of the resected distal ileal segment revealed evidence of endometriosis. The second case describes a 66-year-old with a presumptive diagnosis of Crohn's disease who reported a 10-year history of intermittent perimenstrual abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea with vomiting. Following two subsequent episodes of acute bowel obstruction and surgical resection of the patient's stricturing terminal ileal disease, histopathological examination demonstrated active chronic inflammation with endometriosis. Small bowel endometriosis should be considered as an unusual differential diagnosis in women who may present with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding from the small bowel or recurrent bowel obstruction.

Diving deep into lupus: Gastrointestinal involvement insights from the Oman lupus study.

OBJECTIVES: This multicenter longitudinal study investigated the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations in lupus patients and determined the risk factors associated with mortality. METHODS: This study is part of the Oman Lupus Study, which included 1160 patients who met the classification criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) from January 2006 to February 2020. All patients were screened for GI symptoms and involvement. RESULTS: We identified 91 patients with GI manifestations, with a prevalence rate of 8.53% in the pediatric group and 7.75% in the adult group, and this difference was not statistically significant (p = .755). Ischemic colitis was significantly associated with longer disease duration (p < .001) and positivity for B2-glycoprotein I (B2GPI) autoantibodies (p < .0001). Moreover, a significant correlation was found between ischemic colitis and hematologic manifestations (p = .001), lupus nephritis (p = .007), pulmonary complications (p = .000-.039), and some cardiac complications (p = .012-.269). Mortality rates were greater in patients with GI involvement (24.37%), including those with ischemic colitis (p = .005), chronic peritonitis (p < .001), and spleen/liver infarction (p = .001). Sepsis, thrombocytopenia, and different internal organ involvement rates were significantly associated with increased mortality. CONCLUSION: This research provides significant insights into GI manifestations in lupus patients. A higher mortality rate was found to be associated with organ involvement, disease duration, autoantibody profile, and specific complications. Considering this fact, it is vital to prioritize management strategies to improve clinical outcomes in this group of patients.

A pilot case-control study on the fecal microbiota of pediatric functional abdominal pain-not otherwise specified and the role of early life stress.

Background: Gut microbial features and the role of early life stress in pediatric functional abdominal pain-not otherwise specified (FAP-NOS) have never been investigated before. Here, we hypothesize that early life stress is more prevalent in FAP-NOS compared to healthy controls and that fecal microbial profiles and related metabolites differ between groups. Methods: In an international multicenter case-control study, FAP-NOS patients (n = 40) were compared to healthy controls (n = 55). Stool samples and demographic and clinical data including early life traumatic events and antibiotics treatments were collected from children aged four to twelve years. Fecal microbial profiles were assessed with 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Microbial metabolite concentrations in fecal supernatant, including short-chain fatty acids and amino acids, were detected via liquid chromatography. Results: Microbial richness was increased in FAP-NOS compared to healthy controls and microbial composition (unweighted UniFrac) differed between groups. Three distinct amplicon sequencing variants and two distinct species were enriched in FAP-NOS compared to controls, with no observed changes at higher taxonomic levels. No differences in microbial metabolites and early life stress were observed between groups. Conclusion: The presented hypothesis could not be proven, with no observed differences in occurrence of early life stress, and fecal microbial metabolic profiles between pediatric FAP-NOS and healthy controls. Pediatric FAP-NOS patients exhibited mild differences in the fecal microbial community compared with controls. Further large-scale studies with high-resolution techniques are warranted to address the biological relevance of present observations.

A Synbiotic Combining Chitin-Glucan and Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM Induces a Colonic Molecular Signature Soothing Intestinal Pain and Inflammation in an Animal Model of IBS.

Chitin-glucan (CG) is a new generation of prebiotic. Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM® (NCFM) is a probiotic with the ability to decrease abdominal pain. We evaluate the functional and molecular gastrointestinal responses to a synbiotic administration combining CG and NCFM in a rat model of long-lasting colon hypersensitivity. The intracolonic pressure was assessed during the 9-week experiment in animals receiving CG in association or not with NCFM and compared to that in Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Lpc-37®-treated animals and control rats receiving tap water. The effects of the synbiotic were evaluated using the Wallace score, the quantification of colon myeloperoxidase (MPO) and the master genes driving analgesia and inflammation. CG 1.5 alone and NCFM 109 colony forming units (CFU) alone similarly decreased the visceral pain sensitivity. Lpc-37 had no significant effect. The best profile of pain perception inhibition was obtained with the combination of CG 1.5 g and NCFM 109 CFU, confirming a synbiotic property. This synbiotic treatment significantly reduced macroscopic colonic lesions and MPO concentrations, and induced master genes involved in analgesia (CB1, CB2, MOR, PPARα), with a downregulation of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, TNFα) and an induction of IL-10 and PPARγ. In conclusion, CG 1.5 g + NCFM 109 CFU significantly decreased visceral pain perception and intestinal inflammation through the regulation of master genes.

Case Series of Abdominal Actinomycosis: An Old Diagnostic Conundrum.

Abdominal actinomycosis is a rare disease caused by the Actinomyces bacteria. We report a case series of two similar cases with a mismatch between the initial differential diagnosis, the radiological findings, the surgical findings, and the actual histological result. The first case is a 25-year-old woman with a month's history of right-sided abdominal pain. The diagnostic workup including computed tomography (CT) showed possible acute appendicitis, in addition to ascending colon looking abnormal with inflammatory changes and adjacent peritoneal nodules. A diagnostic laparoscopy revealed a normal-looking appendix and a hard mass involving the ascending colon potentially of inflammatory or malignant origin. A laparoscopic right hemicolectomy was performed. Surprisingly, the histology concluded actinomycosis. The second case is a 38-year-old woman with a six-week history of lower abdominal pain and right iliac fossa (RIF) swelling. The diagnostic workup including a CT scan showed a complex mass suggesting complicated appendicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or neoplastic process. Furthermore, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pelvis showed complex bilateral cystic lesions in both iliac fossas with an abscess formation within the subcutaneous fat overlying the lower pelvis. The patient underwent an ultrasound (US)-guided drainage of the subcutaneous pelvic collection and a diagnostic laparoscopy that showed an inflamed mass with dense adhesions to the anterior abdominal wall. Intraoperative biopsies were taken to confirm the diagnosis, which ultimately confirmed severe pelvic actinomycosis. Both patients were discharged home and received extended antibiotic treatment according to microbiology guidelines with good outcomes. Both cases are interesting because there was a mismatch between the initial differential diagnosis, the radiological findings, the intraoperative findings, and the final histology. Reported cases in the literature highlight the diagnostic challenges of abdominal actinomycosis, as it often presents with atypical symptoms and imaging findings sometimes mimic malignancy leading to surgical intervention.

Utility of Follow-Up Computed Tomography (CT) and Fluorodeoxyglucose-Positron Emission Tomography/CT (FDG-PET/CT) in Diagnosing Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) Presenting as Spontaneous Hemoperitoneum: A Case Report.

Spontaneous hemoperitoneum is a rare and potentially life-threatening condition with a wide differential diagnosis. Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) can present with spontaneous hemoperitoneum, although diagnosing GIST as the cause of hemoperitoneum is challenging due to its rarity. A 76-year-old Japanese man presented with sudden epigastric pain and was found to have a 10 cm space-occupying lesion and ascites on ultrasonography. Despite stable vital signs, computed tomography (CT) findings showed a 10×15 cm mass with heterogeneously enhanced solid and cystic lesions, and the patient opted for conservative treatment. Two months later, a contrast-enhanced CT scan revealed a high-density area within the hematoma, prompting further investigation with fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/CT (FDG-PET/CT), which showed FDG accumulation suggestive of malignancy. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a large encapsulated mass from the greater omentum, and histopathology confirmed a diagnosis of high-risk extraluminal gastric GIST. The patient was successfully treated with surgical resection. This case highlights two important clinical issues. First, follow-up CT and FDG-PET/CT are useful in detecting GIST when an unexplained intraperitoneal hematoma is identified. Second, surgical intervention is recommended in such cases to determine the cause. Contrast-enhanced follow-up CT and FDG-PET/CT are valuable in clarifying the presence of GIST, and surgical intervention is recommended to identify the causes of intraperitoneal hematoma. Further studies are needed to standardize the approach to spontaneous hematoma from GIST.

Abdominal distension resulting from hematocolpos in children: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Hymeneal imperforation is a rare genital malformation often discovered during abdominopelvic emergencies. Hematocolpos typically presents with pelvic pain, a palpable mass, and primary amenorrhoea. The diagnosis is confirmed by clinical evaluation and imaging studies such as ultrasound. CASE PRESENTATION: A 13-year-old girl presented a four-week history of abdominal distension and pain, which worsened over time, along with constipation, but without vomiting or fever. Examination revealed stable vital signs and abdominal guarding. A gynecological exam showed an imperforate hymen. Ultrasound identified a hypoechoic fluid collection in the retrovesical area. Hematocolpos was diagnosed and surgical intervention involved opening the hymen and releasing 800 cc of blood. The patient remained stable after the operation and was discharged painless after two days. DISCUSSION: Imperforate hymen, resulting from incomplete resorption of the hymeneal membrane during embryonic development, is a common cause of hematocolpos. Symptoms often manifest in menarche, with cyclical pelvic pain and primary amenorrhoea. The diagnosis is based on physical examination and imaging, while early intervention prevents complications such as endometriosis and infertility. Surgical treatment varies from hymenotomy to more complex reconstructive procedures based on the underlying cause. CONCLUSIONS: Although rare, imperforate hymen is the most prevalent congenital anomaly of the vagina, often remaining asymptomatic until menarche. Accurate diagnosis and timely surgical intervention are essential to avoid severe complications. This case highlights the importance of comprehensive clinical evaluation and appropriate imaging in the management of hematocolpos.

Low-dose titrated amitriptyline as second-line treatment for adults with irritable bowel syndrome in primary care: the ATLANTIS RCT.

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome, characterised by abdominal pain and a change in stool form or frequency, is most often managed in primary care. When first-line therapies are ineffective, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines suggest considering low-dose tricyclic antidepressants as second-line treatment, but their effectiveness in primary care is unknown and they are infrequently prescribed by general practitioners. Objective: To evaluate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of low-dose titrated amitriptyline as a second-line treatment for irritable bowel syndrome in primary care. Design: A pragmatic, randomised, multicentre, two-arm, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. A nested, qualitative study explored participant and general practitioner experiences of treatments and trial participation, and implications for wider use of amitriptyline for irritable bowel syndrome in primary care. Participants, clinicians, investigators and analysts were masked to allocation. Setting: Fifty-five general practices in three regions in England (Wessex, West of England, West Yorkshire). Participants: Patients aged ≥ 18 years meeting Rome IV criteria for irritable bowel syndrome with ongoing symptoms after trying first-line treatments and no contraindications to TCAs. Intervention: Amitriptyline 10 mg once-daily, self-titrated by participants to a maximum of 30 mg once-daily or matched placebo for 6 months. Participants randomised 1 : 1 with most having the option to continue blinded treatment for a further 6 months. Main outcome measures: The primary participant-reported outcome was the effect of amitriptyline on global irritable bowel syndrome symptoms at 6 months, measured using the irritable bowel syndrome Severity Scoring System, with a 35-point between-group difference defined as the minimum clinically important difference. The key secondary outcome was the proportion of participants reporting subjective global assessment of relief at 6 months, defined as somewhat, considerable, or complete relief of symptoms. Other secondary outcomes included: effect on global symptoms, via the irritable bowel syndrome Severity Scoring System, and subjective global assessment of relief of irritable bowel syndrome symptoms at 3 and 12 months; effect on somatic symptom-reporting at 6 months; anxiety an-d depression scores; ability to work and participate in other activities at 3, 6 and 12 months; acceptability, tolerability and adherence to trial medication. Results: Four hundred and sixty-three participants were randomised to amitriptyline (232) or placebo (231). An intention-to-treat analysis of the primary outcome showed a significant difference in favour of amitriptyline for irritable bowel syndrome Severity Scoring System score between arms at 6 months [-27.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) -46.9 to -7.10; p = 0.008]. For the key secondary outcome of subjective global assessment of relief of irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, amitriptyline was superior to placebo at 6 months (odds ratio 1.78, 95% CI 1.19 to 2.66; p = 0.005). Amitriptyline was superior to placebo across a range of other irritable bowel syndrome symptom measures but had no impact on somatoform symptom-reporting, anxiety, depression, or work and social adjustment scores. Adverse event trial withdrawals were more common with amitriptyline (12.9% vs. 8.7% for placebo) but most adverse events were mild. The qualitative study thematically analysed 77 semistructured interviews with 42 participants and 16 GPs. Most participants found the self-titration process acceptable and empowering. Conclusions: General practitioners should offer low-dose amitriptyline to patients with irritable bowel syndrome whose symptoms do not improve with first-line therapies. Guidance and resources should support GP-patient communication to distinguish amitriptyline for irritable bowel syndrome from use as an antidepressant and to support patients managing their own dose titration. Study registration: This trial is registered as ISRCTN48075063. Funding: This award was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme (NIHR award ref: 16/162/01) and is published in full in Health Technology Assessment Vol. 28, No. 66. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information.

People with irritable bowel syndrome experience stomach (abdominal) pain and changes to their bowel movements. Irritable bowel syndrome can have a serious impact on people's lives. Previous small trials suggest that a drug called amitriptyline used at a low dose may help irritable bowel syndrome. Amitriptyline is already used to treat other conditions. It is available for irritable bowel syndrome but is not used much by general practitioners. We recruited adults aged ≥ 18 years with irritable bowel syndrome from UK general practices who did not have any issues preventing the use of amitriptyline. Patients received either low-dose amitriptyline or placebo (a dummy tablet) for 6 months. Patients could adjust the dose according to symptoms and side effects. Neither the researchers nor the patients knew which treatment they were getting. Participants recorded symptoms using a questionnaire containing an irritable bowel syndrome severity score. We looked at the difference in average irritable bowel syndrome severity score between patients receiving amitriptyline and placebo. We also looked at effects of amitriptyline on mood, ability to work, and non-gut symptoms related to irritable bowel syndrome, as well as safety and acceptability. Some patients and general practitioners were interviewed about their experiences. Four hundred and sixty-three patients took part. Participants receiving amitriptyline reported a bigger improvement in their irritable bowel syndrome severity scores at 6 months, compared with patients on placebo. Amitriptyline was better across a range of irritable bowel syndrome symptom measures but did not impact anxiety, depression or ability to work. Forty-six people (19.8%) stopped taking amitriptyline and 59 (25.5%) stopped the placebo before 6 months. Patients liked being able to adjust their dose and valued contact with the research team. This study showed that amitriptyline is more effective than a placebo and is safe. General practitioners should offer low-dose amitriptyline to people with irritable bowel syndrome if symptoms do not improve with other standard treatments. Patients should be supported and helped to adjust their dose as needed. The dose adjustment sheet used in this trial will be made available.

Surgical Management of Solitary Extrapulmonary Lymphangioleiomyomatosis in the Mesentery: A Case Report.

Pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare condition characterised by infiltration of the lungs with abnormal smooth muscles and cystic lesions. A rarer form of the condition is extrapulmonary LAM (E-LAM) where the same cystic lesions are found in various organs throughout the body resulting in a variety of symptoms. Given the rarity of E-LAM and the difficulty in diagnosing it, there is little evidence to guide its management both surgically and medically. We describe a case of a 22-year-old female with a nine-month history of abdominal pain found to have a large mesenteric mass during laparoscopy for suspected ovarian torsion. She underwent a laparotomy to exteriorise the mass and dissect it off the mesentery. The mass was removed without compromise to the bowel or mesentery. The patient recovered well without symptoms and was discharged without complications. Histopathology of the mass revealed it to be E-LAM. This case is the first to our knowledge that demonstrates the successful removal of a solitary E-LAM from the mesentery with minimal adverse outcomes and symptomatic relief.

Prolonged Peritoneal Attack: A Rare but Crucial Clinical Presentation of Familial Mediterranean Fever.

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) presents with various symptoms. Episodic abdominal pain is one of the most prevalent clinical characteristics of FMF and usually improves within 24-48 hours. We encountered a 50-year-old male patient from Japan who experienced recurrent episodes (several episodes occurring per year) of abdominal pain with fever since his late 20s. The abdominal pain and fever began almost simultaneously in each episode. The abdominal pain typically lasted for 1-2 weeks, while the fever subsided within two days. He remained as immobile as possible because walking worsened the pain. MEditerranean FeVer (MEFV) gene analysis revealed exon 10 mutations (p.Met694Ile), resulting in an FMF diagnosis. Colchicine therapy effectively controlled the patient's FMF attacks. Although prolonged abdominal pain lasting over a week is an uncommon clinical characteristic of FMF, a proper diagnosis can improve the quality of life and prevent secondary amyloidosis. Therefore, clinicians should be aware of this rare clinical characteristic.

Stage III xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis with sarcomatoid degeneration.

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGP) is an uncommon chronic condition characterized by destructive granulomatous disease of the kidney with uncertain etiology. Significant risk factors for XGP are represented by the coexistence of history of nephrolithiasis, diabetes mellitus, recurrent urinary tract infections and other immunocompromised conditions. It is also associated with higher risk of malignancy, reported in up to 11% of patients. We report a case of a 76-year-old female who presented to the emergency department with an insidious onset of abdominal and right lower back pain. She had a history of renal stones and diabetes mellitus. On physical examination, a painful fistulous orifice in skin on the right lumbar region was found. CT images showed a nonfunctioning right kidney replaced by multiple necrotic cavities with inflammatory involvement of the right hepatic lobe and a nephron-cutaneous fistula. These CT findings were strongly suggestive of XGP (III state). CT images obtained before and after the administration of intravenous contrast material showed also a hyper-vascularized renal mass with irregularly thickened walls confirmed by a targeted CEUS examination and suspicious for malignancy. Pathologic examination confirmed the chronic pyelonephritis and revealed evidence of a concomitant sarcomatoid lesion. This case underlines the central role of a multimodality imaging approach in the emergency department and how this affects the correct management and treatment of patients. In fact, MDCT is considered the current gold standard for the diagnosis and the staging of XPG but the contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in selected patients can increase the diagnostic accuracy in the uncertain small renal masses detected on CT scans.

Sudden abdominal pain in a patient with pneumonia reveals spontaneous splenic rupture in normal sized spleen.

Splenic rupture is a life-threatening condition that is most frequently of traumatic etiology. Atraumatic or spontaneous splenic rupture is much rarer and less frequently reported. We present a case of an 84-year-old male patient initially hospitalized for pneumonia, who developed sudden abdominal pain and hemodynamic instability. Further investigations revealed a spontaneous splenic rupture. Histopathological examination postsplenectomy identified a splenic hamartoma, which had not been visualized on prior imaging studies.

Disparities in pain management among transgender patients presenting to the emergency department for abdominal pain.

OBJECTIVE: Transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals have a gender identity or expression that differs from the sex assigned to them at birth. They are an underserved population who experience health care inequities. Our primary objective was to identify if there are treatment differences between TGD and cisgender lesbian/gay/bisexual/queer (LGBQ) or heterosexual individuals presenting with abdominal pain to the emergency department (ED). METHODS: Retrospective observational cohort study of patients ≥12 years of age presenting to 21 EDs within a health care system with a chief complaint of abdominal pain between 2018 and 2022. TGD patients were matched 1:1:1:1 to cisgender LGBQ women and men and cisgender heterosexual women and men, respectively. Propensity score matching covariates included age, ED site, mental health history, and gastrointestinal history. The primary outcome was pain assessment within 60 min of arrival. The secondary outcome was analgesics administered in the ED. RESULTS: We identified 300 TGD patients, of whom 300 TGD patients were successfully matched for a total cohort of 1300 patients. The median (IQR) age was 25 (20-32) years and most patients were treated in a community ED (58.2%). There was no difference between groups in pain assessment within 60 min of arrival (59.0% TGD vs. 63.2% non TGD, p = 0.19). There were no differences in the number of times pain was assessed (median [IQR] 2 [1-3] vs. 2 [1-4], p = 0.31) or the severity of pain between groups (5.5 [4-7] vs. 6 [4-7], p = 0.11). TGD patients were more likely to receive nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (32.0% vs. 24.9%, p = 0.015) and less likely to receive opioids than non-TGD patients (24.7% vs. 36.9%, p = <0.001). TGD and nonbinary patients, along with LGBQ cisgender women (24.7%) and heterosexual cisgender women (34%), were less likely to receive opioids than LGBQ cisgender men (54%) and heterosexual cisgender men (42.3%, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: There was no difference in frequency of pain assessment, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. More cisgender men, compared to TGD and cisgender women, received opioids for their pain.

Fatal outcome of postpolypectomy syndrome: A case report.

Postpolypectomy syndrome (PPS), also known as postpolypectomy coagulation syndrome or transmural burn syndrome, is a rare complication following colonic polypectomy characterized by abdominal pain, fever, and leukocytosis. Herein, we present a case of a patient in his 70s who developed abdominal pain and fever after a polypectomy. He was diagnosed with PPS, which rapidly progressed to septic shock necessitating left hemicolectomy. Pathological findings confirmed intestinal necrosis and severe electrocoagulation injury. Despite surgical intervention, the patient succum to multiple complications. While usually mild, approximately 0.07% of PPS cases require hospitalization due to localized peritonitis from electrocautery. Conservative management is effective, though severe complications are rare. Despite its generally favorable prognosis, our case highlights rapid progression to fatal septic shock postsurgery. Recognition of PPS is crucial, particularly in patients with abdominal pain postpolypectomy, as it can lead to life-threatening outcomes.

Atypical Infective Endocarditis Presenting With Euthermia and Right Lower Quadrant Abdominal Pain.

Infectious endocarditis (IE) is an infection of the heart's endothelial lining, often stemming from an underlying bacteremia. High-risk populations include intravenous substance users, individuals with structural heart disease, those with intravascular devices, and those with prosthetic heart valves. In the emergency department, IE is often suspected in patients with a fever, known risk factors, and unexplained systemic symptoms due to systemic thromboemboli. We present a case of atypical IE occurring in an afebrile 38-year-old woman with a remote history of intravenous drug use. The patient's clinical presentation was characterized by systemic inflammatory response syndrome, stabbing-like right lower quadrant abdominal pain radiating to the right lower back and the rest of the abdomen, malaise, fatigue, and an absence of a fever. A CT scan revealed a right renal embolism and an infarcted right kidney, prompting a bedside point-of-care echocardiogram that showed a large vegetation on the mitral valve, suggestive of IE with systemic thromboembolic disease. The patient received broad-spectrum antibiotics and antipyretics and ultimately underwent mitral valve replacement, with good recovery upon discharge. Patients with IE are at high risk for life-threatening complications due to tissue damage from systemic microemboli and sepsis. It is important to identify IE's atypical presentation and risk factors for early recognition, prompt point-of-care echocardiogram, and initiation of treatment. This is particularly important in the era of increased opioid use among our patient population which could potentially conceal an underlying fever.

Primary ileal myeloid sarcoma presenting with bowel obstruction: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Myeloid sarcoma (MS) is an extramedullary tumor constituted by myeloid blasts or immature myeloid cells. It frequently occurs in conjunction with acute myeloid leukemia (AML); however, it can exceptionally manifest in patients without leukemia. Here, we present a rare case of primary MS originating in the small bowel without evidence of bone marrow involvement. CASE REPRESENTATION: A 33 year-old female with no relevant medical history was admitted to our hospital with recurrent abdominal pain. Computed tomography (CT) revealed bowel obstruction due to thickening of the ileum wall, which was suspected to be an ileal tumor. Initially, ectopic endometriosis was suspected because of abdominal pain associated with the menstrual cycle and changes observed on a follow-up CT scan. The lesion could not be detected by double-balloon endoscopy. Despite conservative treatment, the obstruction persisted, and laparoscopic partial ileal resection was performed, which revealed extensive involvement of the ileum and mesentery. Additionally, the mesentery of the resected ileum was extremely thickened. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations of the surgical specimen indicated ileal MS. Bone marrow aspiration after discharge was negative for cytological findings of leukemia, leading to a final diagnosis of primary ileal MS. Her postoperative course was uneventful, and she is currently undergoing systemic chemotherapy tailored to AML at another hospital. CONCLUSIONS: Even though MS of the small bowel is rare and may not be considered preoperatively, similar surgical treatment to that of other small bowel malignancies can ensure proper postoperative diagnosis and appropriate chemotherapy. Given the potential need for chemotherapy, ensuring surgical safety that allows for its rapid initiation is critical.

Aortic ulcerated plaque discovery following mesenteric infarction in a 60-year-old patient: a case report.

Introduction: A penetrating aortic ulcer (PAU), which accounts for 2-7% of all acute aortic syndromes, is the ulceration of an aortic atherosclerotic plaque that passes through the internal elastic lamina and into the aortic medium. Although PAUs are frequently seen in the middle and lower descending thoracic aortas, it is rare for them to arise in the ascending aorta. Atherosclerotic vascular illnesses and isolated peripheral arterial illnesses are associated with similar risk factors, such as male sex, advanced age, a history of tobacco use, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and coronary artery disease. Just 20-54% of people with PAU first exhibit symptoms, suggesting that the condition might sometimes present as an asymptomatic phenomenon. Case presentation: A 60-year-old male came to the emergency department due to severe abdominal pain and abdominal contractures, which were diagnosed as mesenteric infarction with a relatively small infarcted intestinal segment. A part of the intestine was resected. Then he was referred to request a cardiac consultation to search for the source of the mesenteric infarction, which turned out to be an embolus. Clinical discussion: The patient was referred to cardiac surgery to perform aortic grafting. Conclusion: Aortic ulcer and mesenteric infarction together provide a challenging clinical picture that has to be recognized and treated right away. A high index of suspicion is necessary due to the possibility of fast deterioration, particularly in individuals who have risk factors like arteriosclerosis. Improving outcomes depends critically on early diagnostic imaging and intervention.

Lead poisoning as a differential diagnosis in pediatric patients with chronic abdominal pain: a case-control study in Tehran-Iran.

BACKGROUND: Chronic abdominal pain is a potential symptom of lead poisoning, which is often challenging to diagnose. This case-control study aimed to evaluate blood lead levels in pediatric patients with chronic abdominal pain. METHODS: The case-control study was conducted on 190 pediatrics who presented to the Children's Medical Center Hospital clinics, Tehran between April 2021- 2023. The children were divided into two groups: the case group, consisting of 81 patients with chronic abdominal pain, and the matched control group; 109 children without any gastrointestinal symptoms. The statistical analysis of the data was performed using STATA 16. A multiple logistic regression model was used to assess the association of different independent variables with chronic abdominal pain. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between mean (± standard deviation [SD]) of age (8.80(2.7) years vs. control group: 9.23(3.9) years), sex, and BMI (16.55(4.6) vs. 17.32(4.7)) of the patients with chronic abdominal pain (case group) and the control group, whereas the mean weight was remarkably low in patients with chronic abdominal pain: 27.25(± 12.1) kg vs. 31.70(± 14.7) kg (P value = 0.028). Fifty-nine percent of children with chronic abdominal pain had serum lead levels ≥ 10 µg/dL. The mean (SD) of blood lead levels was statistically high in the case group: 11.09 (± 5.35) µg/dL vs. control group: 8.26 (± 5.01) µg/dL) (P value ≤ 0.05). The appetite level was significantly low in the case group: 3.8 (± 2.5) vs. control group 5.4 (± 1.3). CONCLUSIONS: Lead poisoning could be a possible cause of children's chronic abdominal pain. Regarding the high rate of lead poisoning in children exerting appropriate measures to reduce their exposure to lead is necessary.

An Unusual Complication of Lisinopril: A Report of Iatrogenic Henoch-Schönlein Purpura.

Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP), also known as IgA vasculitis, is a hypersensitivity vasculitis characterized by palpable purpuric lesions associated with polyarthralgia, abdominal discomfort, and renal involvement. We present the case of a 41-year-old man who was admitted to the emergency department due to generalized purpuric lesions and abdominal pain. During the complementary study, there was no evidence of thrombocytopenia or coagulopathy but confirmed microscopic haematuria. The diagnosis of HSP was supported by the presence of leukocytoclastic vasculitis with perivascular IgA deposits in the skin biopsy. After excluding infectious, autoimmune, and neoplastic pathologies, the possibility of HSP associated with taking lisinopril, which had been recently initiated after hospitalization for acute heart failure, was assumed. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor suspension and treatment with systemic corticosteroids lead to significant clinical regression, supporting our suspicion.