Acute ischaemia of the glans penis post-circumcision managed with pentoxifylline, topical nitroglycerin and epidural.

Acute ischaemia of the glans penis is a rare and serious complication following circumcision. We report the case of a teenage boy with glanular ischaemia shortly after circumcision with dorsal penile nerve block. This was successfully treated with total 11 days of topical 2% nitroglycerin ointment, 14 days of oral pentoxifylline 400 mg three times a day and 3 days of epidural (0.2% ropivocaine). There was marked clinical improvement at 4 days with a few patches of cyanosis remaining. Surgical intervention was not required, and the patient was discharged with follow-up review. At 12 days, there was complete resolution of ischaemia and the glans penis appeared normal. We suggest that oral, topical and epidural regimen of vasodilators and anti-sympathomimetic agents can be used in combination for acute ischaemia of the glans penis.

Eosinophilic cystitis and haematuria: Case report of a rare disease and common presentation.

INTRODUCTION: Eosinophilic cystitis is a rare inflammatory condition of the bladder that can cause haematuria. The aetiology is unknown and clinical presentation is difficult to distinguish from other causes of haematuria. Diagnosis is confirmed by biopsy. In this case, a patient with haematuria is diagnosed with eosinohpilic cystitis after presenting to hospital. He was commenced on antibiotics for a presumed urinary tract infection with no resolution of haematuria and symptoms. After diagnosis he was commenced on treatment with resolution of symptoms. CASE PRESENTATION: A 73-year-old male presents with first episode of haematuria. He was initially diagnosed with a urinary tract infection and commenced on antibiotics with no resolution. After further investigations including a cystoscopy and bladder biopsy, he was diagnosed with eosinophilic cystitis. He was treated with steroids improving his symptoms. CONCLUSION: Eosinophilic cystitis is a rare disease of the bladder which is difficult to distinguish from other causes of haematuria, and is often misdiagnosed. Bladder biopsy is necessary for diagnosis. Early diagnosis is important, and it is through a combination of non-operative and operative interventions such as biopsy. Natural history is difficult to predict as it is difficult to determine is a patient will have a benign course with resolution with or without treatment, or result in a chronic course which may result in bladder damage and renal failure. This case highlights the importance of investigating haematuria that is unresponsive to initial empiric treatment such as antibiotics. It is important to refer to a Urologist for further investigation to rule out a sinister cause, but to also obtain a diagnosis, leading to definitive treatment.

Testicular infarction and rupture: an uncommon complication of epididymo-orchitis.

Epididymo-orchitis is a common diagnosis in men presenting with unilateral testicular pain. It can be of an infectious or non-infectious aetiology. Clinical examination and laboratory investigations do not reliably differentiate testicular infarction secondary to epididymo-orchitis from uncomplicated epididymo-orchitis. Definitive diagnosis is usually made by ultrasound. Misdiagnosis and under-treatment can lead to poor outcome, such as infarction and loss of the affected testis. We present an uncommon case of epididymo-orchitis resulting in testicular infarction and rupture despite normal initial investigations.

Green chemistry in California: a framework for leadership in chemicals policy and innovation.

This article summarizes a University of California chemicals policy report commissioned by the California Legislature. The report makes the case that long-standing weaknesses in the Toxic Substances Control Act have produced a flawed chemicals market in the U.S. that "undervalues" the hazardous properties of chemicals relative to their function, price, and performance. These market conditions have dampened industry interest in cleaner chemical technologies, such as green chemistry. A new U.S. chemicals policy will need to improve the flow of chemical information; enhance the capacity of government to control chemical hazards; and increase public investments in green chemistry research and education.