ABSTRACT
Ingestion of foreign bodies is often found in clinical practice; however, intestinal perforation due to ingestion of foreign bodies is rare. Sharp and metallic objects are usually the ones that cause most complications. Preoperative diagnosis is difficult since the clinical presentation is vague and nonspecific presentation can simulate many abdominal pathologies. Patients are rarely aware of foreign body ingestion, and a high index of suspicion is required to make a timely diagnosis. In addition, treatment demands prompt surgery to avoid dangerous complications. We present the case of a 19-year-old tailor; he inadvertently swallowed a needle and presented to the emergency department with a colonic perforation. Surgery was required, and he recovered completely.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI) is a rare condition characterized by gas infiltration into the intestine wall. When gas is seen in the intestinal wall, it is usually a sign of bowel wall infarction and a surgical emergency; therefore, an adequate differentiation of benign and urgent conditions of pneumatosis intestinalis is necessary to prevent misdiagnosis and inadequate therapies. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 79-year-old male with past medical history of Alzheimer's, cholecystectomy, and umbilical hernia. PCI was identified, and conservative therapy was started. Since the patient's pain persisted, a complication was suspected, and surgery was decided. After successful treatment, the patient completely recovered. CONCLUSION: There are many benign and life-threatening causes of pneumatosis intestinalis, the imaging appearance of both may look very similar. Therefore, clinical history, physical examination, and laboratory test results are the best indicators of whether it is due to a benign or life-threatening cause. PCI must be managed with a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, radiologists, and surgeons to achieve better results for our patients.
ABSTRACT
Inadvertent ingestion of foreign bodies is a common condition within clinical practice. It rarely produces any symptoms. The diagnosis is difficult since most patients do not recall having swallowed any object. Needles, pins, keys, nails and bones are among the most commonly ingested foreign bodies. Severe complications are uncommon, but if present they can put patients' lives at risk. Although extremely rare, the ingested foreign body may end lodging in the appendix, posing a challenge for the clinical team. Once the exact location of the object is confirmed, the extraction of the foreign object must be performed to avoid complications. The present report describes a case of a young adult patient, who presented to the emergency room after a routine medical examination. A 30 mm metallic nail was discovered in the tip of the appendix. After a failed endoscopic approach an appendectomy was performed, and the patient underwent a complete recovery.
ABSTRACT
Intestinal duplication is rare congenital pathology generally diagnosed in infancy or early childhood. Presentation in adults is extremely rare. We present a case of a 36-year-old otherwise healthy female patient without any past medical history. She presented with a month of lower abdominal pain, clinical examination revealed pain and a palpable mass in the lower abdomen. CT scan confirmed a cystic mass dependent of the cecum wall and colonoscopy showed an extrinsic compression of the lateral wall of the ascending colon. However, the mucosa and the rest of the colon appeared normal. Since pain became more intense laparoscopy was performed and a cystic mass dependent on the cecum was discovered. Laparoscopic hemicolectomy was performed. Patient underwent full recovery. On follow up controls, pathology described intestinal cystic duplication of the colonic wall.
