Traumatic Rupture of Cystic Left Retroperitoneal Mass: An Atypical Presentation of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Though the presentation is diverse, patients typically have a history of "B" symptoms and lymphadenopathy in areas such as the neck, mediastinum, or abdomen. However, a growing body of evidence suggests DLBCL can present as a cystic mass in diverse tissues. We present the case of a large cystic left retroperitoneal mass of unknown origin in a patient subsequently diagnosed with DLBCL. The diagnosis was obtained via percutaneous biopsy of the cystic mass in preparation for surgical excision. Upon diagnosis, surgical intervention was aborted, and the patient was started on chemotherapy treatment. However, four weeks into her treatment, she slipped and fell while in the bathroom and presented to the emergency department in shock with a computed tomography (CT) scan suggestive of splenic rupture. She underwent emergent splenectomy and resection of the cystic mass. She was discharged on postoperative day 7 and is currently continuing with outpatient chemotherapy. The presentation of DLBCL is notoriously diverse, however, this patient represents a unique presentation that adds to a growing body of literature suggesting DLBCL can present as a cystic mass. Pathological diagnosis should be obtained in all patients with cystic lesions of unknown origin before any surgical intervention to avoid unnecessary surgery and provide an optimal management plan.

An Unusual Case of Cecal Perforation: Accidental Ingestion of a Tooth in an Elderly Trauma Patient.

Foreign body ingestion is a common occurrence in the United States, with the majority passing asymptomatically. In cases where complications occur, such as intestinal perforation, it may present as an acute abdomen with diagnostic challenges regarding the etiology. A 70-year-old male was brought to the emergency department (ED) after he jumped from the second floor of a burning building, sustaining 10% second-degree burns to his forearms. He was intubated for concerns of inhalational injury and resuscitated. His intensive care unit (ICU) course included the management of respiratory failure, sepsis, and acute kidney injury. On hospital day 28, imaging showed moderate pneumoperitoneum with ascites. He was taken for abdominal exploration, during which it was noted that there was gross fecal contamination and a 1 cm cecal perforation. After resection of the ileocecum, it was left in discontinuity due to hemodynamic instability and contamination. He was brought for a second-look laparotomy in 48 hours, and an incisor tooth was found in the right pelvis, and an ileocolic (ileum-ascending colon) anastomosis was performed. His post-operative course was complicated by an anastomotic leak and an intra-abdominal collection. Despite attempts at source control with percutaneous drainage, the patient remained septic with a poor prognosis. Goals of care were discussed, and the decision was made to de-escalate care. Although there is literature on foreign body ingestion resulting in intestinal perforation, there is a paucity of literature highlighting the importance of dental exams in elderly trauma patients, the incidence of perforation due to tooth ingestion, and maintaining a high index of suspicion for an acute abdomen in unusual presentations of sepsis.

A Rare Cause of Popliteal Artery and Vein Transection: A Case Report and Literature Review.

We present a rare occurrence of popliteal vascular injury due to blunt trauma. The patient had an isolated blunt lower extremity trauma. The patient subsequently experienced moderate tenderness and non-expanding hematoma at the popliteal fossa, reduced range of motion at the knee, and diminished distal pulses. X-rays showed a patella dislocation and tibial plateau non-displaced fracture but no knee dislocation. CT angiography showed an abrupt non-opacification of the distal portion of the popliteal artery with an overlying large hematoma. Surgical exploration was performed which revealed a concomitant transection of the popliteal artery and vein with a 5 cm defect. It was repaired with an interposition graft, and a fasciotomy was also performed. Literature has noted that although the overall incidence of popliteal injuries is low, when present due to blunt trauma there is increased morbidity. A high index of suspicion is recommended for vascular injuries in all patients with blunt trauma to the lower extremities. Minimizing time to diagnosis and intervention for limb salvage and improved outcomes.