A rare case report: Primary isolated hydatid cyst of the spleen- diagnosis and management.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Hydatid disease is widespread in agricultural regions and globally. Tunisia is notably affected in the Mediterranean. Although liver involvement is common, splenic hydatidosis is rare, with incidence worldwide ranging from 0.5 % to 4 %. Surgery, particularly total or partial splenectomy, remains the primary treatment. We present a unique case of isolated splenic hydatid cyst successfully managed by total splenectomy. CASE REPORT: A 40-year-old Tunisian farmer presented with persistent pain in the left hypochondrium for 4 months, accompanied by a sensation of heaviness. Physical examination revealed splenomegaly, and laboratory tests showed a positive Indirect Hemagglutination test for Echinococcus sp. (titer >160). Thoracoabdominal CT scan revealed a 10 cm splenic hydatid cyst. Surgery involved total splenectomy via an extended left subcostal approach. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, with successful albendazole therapy and vaccination following splenectomy. During biannual follow-up, the patient remained asymptomatic and did not present with any other hydatid localization. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Splenic hydatid cyst is rare. Diagnostic and therapeutic advancements are crucial for its management. Therapeutic options include total splenectomy, spleen preservation, and percutaneous interventions. However, these approaches carry unique risks and benefits. Close monitoring and individualized management are essential to ensure optimal outcomes. CONCLUSION: Diagnosis of splenic hydatid cysts is challenging due to their often asymptomatic nature and lack of specific signs. With no standardized management protocols available, personalized treatment strategies are essential. Further research is crucial to improve treatment approaches and outcomes for this rare yet clinically important condition.

Arteriovenous gastric malformation: A challenging diagnosis. A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Gastro-intestinal bleeding etiological diagnosis could be challenging especially for rare etiologies as it was the case of our patient having an arteriovenous gastric malformation. CASE PRESENTATION: A 50-years old man consulted for hematemesis. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy didn't show bleeding signs. Angio-scan revealed an arteriovenous gastric malformation. Median laparotomy revealed multiple radiologically unsuspected great omentum arteriovenous malformations and confirmed the existence of this arteriovenous malformation in the posterior part of the lesser curvature guided by per-operative esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Atypical gastrectomy was performed. DISCUSSION: Our case illustrated a rare life-threatening condition with a challenging diagnosis. Arteriovenous gastric malformation accounted for 1 to 2 % of nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Great omentum localization corresponded to an exceptional condition that had been reported in only one adult patient and one childhood case. Its pathogenesis is still unknown. CONCLUSIONS: Arteriovenous gastric malformation had to be considered in case of normal endoscopic esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Computed tomography had to be done for both diagnosis and therapeutic purposes.

Reversed midgut rotation revealed by cecal volvulus in the elderly: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Reverse midgut rotation constituted an extremely rare intestinal malrotation. Its recognition in the elderly was challenging as in our case revealed by cecal volvulus. CASE PRESENTATION: A 78-years old man consulted for diffuse abdominal, vomiting, bowel movement and passing gas inability. Computed tomography concluded to cecal and last ileum loop volvulus with small intestine dilation upstream. Emergent laparotomy confirmed the existence of a cecal volvulus associated to a reversed midgut rotation non diagnosed at computed tomography before surgery. A Ladd' procedure was carried out. An isoperistaltic side-by-side ileocolic manual anastomosis was performed. DISCUSSION: Our case illustrated an extremely rare reversed midgut rotation in the elderly accounting for 2 to 7 % of all embryologic midgut malrotation anomalies. It could be revealed by mobile right colon volvulus as in our case, whole midgut volvulus, retro-arterial tunnel pressure transverse colon stenosis, or Ladd' bands duodenojejunal obstruction. Its recognition at the elderly was challenging and needed careful computed tomography combined signs determination. Surgical treatment accounted for the treatment of choice for reversed midgut rotation especially in emergency settings as in our case. Ladd' procedure is still the most performed procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Reverse midgut rotation constituted an extremely rare congenital intestinal malrotation. Its diagnosis in the elderly was challenging implicating careful interpretation of computed tomography.

Exceptional vascular variants during oncological right colectomy: Case reports.

INTRODUCTION: Carcinological right colectomy with complete D3 mesocolon excision has to be guided by vascular variants in order to avoid complications especially in exceptional cases as illustrated by our two cases. CASE PRESENTATIONS: Two women had right colectomies with compete D3 mesocolon excision via laparotomy for right colon tumors with a non-modal anatomy: an X-shaped relationship between the superior mesenteric artery and the superior mesenteric vein and a Y-shaped superior mesenteric vein, an ileocolic artery behind the two trunks, a right colic artery behind the left trunk, and the middle colic artery anterior to the main trunk of the superior mesenteric vein respectively. DISCUSSION: Our cases illustrated extremely rare vascular variants during right colectomy with complete mesocolic excision. These variants should be identified based on the computed tomography with coronal reconstructions allowing to guide surgical procedure before the operating room in order to anticipate per-operative difficulties and reduce morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: Vascular anatomical study based on computed tomography with coronal reconstructions was mandatory before right colectomy with complete mesocolic excision and D3 lymphadenectomy.

A rare case report: Spontaneous rectus sheath and iliopsoas hematomas: Clinical presentation, management, and implications.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Frequently misdiagnosed, the clinical condition of soft tissue hematoma typically emerges following blunt abdominal trauma and/or anticoagulant medication usage, with spontaneous occurrences being infrequent. In this case report, we present a spontaneous rectus sheath and iliopsoas hematomas without obvious classical risk factors. The purpose of presenting this case is to bring attention to this unusual clinical condition and emphasize the role of thorough history and physical examination in determining the suitable course of treatment. CASE REPORT: A 50-year-old woman with no medical history presented at the emergency room due to sudden asthenia and abdominal pain. Physical examination revealed a painful 20 cm hypogastric mass and left lumbar swelling causing leg bending. Lab tests indicated anemia and normal coagulation. CT scans showed significant hematomas in the left rectus and psoas muscles. Intensive monitoring and supportive measures stabilized her condition without resorting to surgery. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Soft tissue hematomas, notably in the rectus sheath or iliopsoas muscle, are rare but potentially severe conditions. Their pathophysiology is not fully understood, and risk factors include age, anticoagulant use, and comorbidities. Diagnosis involves abdominal examination, anemia, and CT findings. Management varies based on symptom severity and blood loss, ranging from conservative approaches to surgery or embolization. CONCLUSION: Swift identification and effective handling of soft tissue hematomas hold utmost importance. The thorough history-taking and comprehensive physical examination play pivotal roles within this protocol. While supportive care constitutes the primary mode of management, instances arise where surgical intervention or vascular embolization becomes imperative for hematomas unresponsive to treatment and presenting hemodynamic instability.

Spontaneous right hepatic artery branch gallbladder fistula revealed by haemobilia and upper cataclysmic gastrointestinal bleeding.

Spontaneous right hepatic artery branch gallbladder fistula is a rare condition. Our case reported a spontaneous fistula between the right branch of the hepatic artery and the gall bladder. It constitutes a rare cause of haemobilia. In fact, the most common aetiology of haemobilia is traumatic or iatrogenic secondary to hepatobiliary surgery or interventions. Diagnosis of vascular-biliary fistula is not easy. The gallbladder endoluminal clot can mimic a mass, as in our patient. Selective arterial angiography is helpful in identifying the source of gastrointestinal haemorrhage. It can demonstrate the presence of arteriobiliary fistula. The differential diagnosis is arterial pseudoaneurysm in the vicinity of the vessel. Mini-invasive treatment of this fistula constitutes the best treatment. We here report a case of haemobilia with upper cataclysmic gastrointestinal bleeding revealing a spontaneous fistula between the right branch of the hepatic artery and the gall bladder.

Retroperitoneal paragangliomas: Report of 4 cases.

We reviewed the data of all patients managed for retroperitoneal paragangliomas (PGLs) between June 2010 and June 2011 to present our experience concerning this uncommon entity to highlight diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of retroperitoneal PGLs. All patients were admitted to the department of general and hepatobiliary surgery in the regional hospital of Jendouba, Tunisia. The size of the tumor was taken at its largest dimension, as determined in a computed tomography (CT) scan and pathological reports. There were 4 patients (all women) with a median age of 48 years (range 46-56 years). Abdominal pain was the commonest presentation. CT showed and localized the tumors which were all retroperitoneal. All patients had successful surgical resection of the tumors under invasive arterial blood pressure monitoring. One patient underwent surgery for a presumed tumor of the pancreatic head. The fresh-mount microscopic study of the peroperative biopsy yielded inflammatory tissue without malignancy and no resection was performed. Final histological examination of the biopsy concluded PGL. A second laparotomy was performed and the tumor was entirely resected. The diagnosis was made after surgery by histology in all patients. The control of the blood pressure was improved after surgery in 3 patients. Paragangliomas are rare tumors. The retroperitoneal localization is uncommon. Complete surgical resection remains the only curative treatment but it is often challenging as these tumors are located near multiple vital blood vessels.

Pancreaticoduodenectomy in the elderly over 80 years: a case report.

BACKGROUND: An increasing number of elderly patients have been considered for major surgical procedures, such as pancreaticoduodenectomy. The decision to recommend this operation for localized pancreatic cancer or other periampullary process in a very elderly patient is complicated by the frailty of the patient and the poor prognosis of the disease. Moreover, increased surgical experience associated with better patient selection may reduce the mortality rate, even in very elderly patients (over 80 years of age), after pancreaticoduodenectomy. METHODS: An 84-year-old woman underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy for ampullary adenocarcinoma. The tumor was classified pT3N0M0. RESULT: A good postoperative outcome was obtained. The patient is still alive, 18 months after operation. CONCLUSIONS: Radical resection of periampullary tumors is safe in selected patients of advanced age, with morbidity and mortality rates approaching those observed in younger patients. Age alone should not be a contraindication for pancreatic resection.