ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Recently, the utilization of surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has been increasing owing to its effectiveness. The present report describes the case of a patient who underwent SSRF with VATS and subsequently developed a splenic rupture that was speculated to be related to intrathoracic manipulation during surgery. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 62-year-old male patient sustained injuries from a fallen festival car over his thoracoabdominal zone and was diagnosed with bilateral multiple rib fractures and burst fractures of the twelfth thoracic and first lumbar vertebrae. The patient underwent SSRF with VATS. Following surgery, the patient went into hemorrhagic shock due to a splenic rupture, necessitating an emergency open splenectomy. DISCUSSION: Despite no initial detection of splenic injury on contrast-enhanced CT, it is possible that a slight splenic injury existed at the time of the initial diagnosis. Moreover, during surgery, additional external forces may have been applied to the spleen due to positional changes, such as shifting to the lateral position or retracting the diaphragm using forceps; these manipulations could have potentially caused a slight splenic injury, possibly leading to splenic rupture. CONCLUSION: When performing SSRF through VATS, it is important to recognize that manipulation and traction of the diaphragm could potentially cause splenic rupture, even if a slight force is applied. Therefore, the diaphragm should be evaluated without traction and manipulation whenever possible.
ABSTRACT
Autoimmune syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA) is an uncommon clinical condition reported by Shoenfeld et al. Although this syndrome is not scientifically validated, numerous reports on it have been published, and the manifestations are postulated to be diverse, including generalized symptoms such as chronic fatigue, myalgia, arthralgia, or dry mouth, induced by exogenous substances, specifically adjuvants, which can encompass vaccines, organisms, and silicone. Concurrently, adult-onset Still disease (AOSD) is also an infrequent ailment, characterized by spiking fever, arthritis, skin rash, lymphadenopathy, and serositis. Although the precise pathogenesis remains incompletely understood, some case reports suggest that ASIA may be at the root of AOSD development with the same instigator. In this context, we present three cases of patients diagnosed with AOSD, which possibly could be considered an association with ASIA, years after undergoing breast reconstruction with silicone breast implants. In one case, the patient solely received medical treatment due to her refusal to have the implant removed, resulting in multiple flares and severe complications related to glucocorticoid therapy. Conversely, in the other two cases, a combination of immunosuppressive therapy and silicone breast implant explantation led to the complete resolution of clinical symptoms. To the best of our knowledge, there are only 10 documented case reports of AOSD associated with silicone breast implants insertion. We believe this report serves as a complementary addition to prior research and offers further insights into the ongoing debate about whether explantation should be carried out early in the clinical course or not.
ABSTRACT
Dermatomyositis (DM), an autoimmune disorder, is linked to increased malignancy risk. A 53-year-old man with anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5)-positive clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis (CADM) and rapidly progressing interstitial lung disease (RP-ILD) developed heterochronous gastric and colorectal cancers. Early endoscopic screenings led to successful curative resections, preventing recurrence. Despite low cancer incidence assumptions in patients with anti-MDA5-positive RP-ILD, this case advocates for reevaluation and periodic cancer screenings to enhance management, considering the improved survival with intensive therapy. Vigilance for multiple carcinomas at various time points is vital in CADM management.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Occupational cholangiocarcinoma is associated with exposure to organic solvents, such as dichloromethane (DCM) and 1,2-dichloropropane (DCP). This report describes a case of occupational cholangiocarcinoma detected through regularly imaging following the discovery of elevated serum γ-glutamyl trans peptidase (γ-GTP) levels revealed during regular checkup. CASE PRESENTATION: A 43-year-old man who had been working in a printing company with 15 years of exposure to organic solvents presented to our hospital owing to abnormalities found during a routine checkup. Ultrasound (US) imaging revealed thickening of the gallbladder wall accompanied by gallstones, although in the blood tests, γ-GTP levels were within normal range. Given the high risk of cholangiocarcinoma development, the patient underwent regular monitoring with abdominal US and blood tests at a local doctor's office. At the age of 48, his serum γ-GTP level mildly elevated for the first time, prompting the initiation of semi-annual magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). By the age of 50 years, dilation in B8 was detected, and one and a half years later, a tumor on the central side of the B8 dilation appeared. The patient was diagnosed with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, which was treated with anterior sectionectomy. Pathological examination revealed an adenocarcinoma with a papillary glandular ductal structure at the root of the B8. In addition, biliary intraepithelial neoplasia (BilIN) and dysplasia have been identified around the tumor and periphery bile ducts and in noncancerous bile ducts. Postoperatively, the patient received 6 months of adjuvant chemotherapy with S-1monotherapy. Eight months after surgery, the patient remained under observation with no signs of recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: We report a case of occupational cholangiocarcinoma detected during a prolonged period of regular follow-up after exposure to DCM and DCP. Given the delayed carcinogenesis process, occupational cholangiocarcinomas manifest long after exposure to organic solvents, therefore, ongoing screening is extremely important. Vigilance is essential to avoid underdiagnosis, particularly for individuals who are at an increased risk of developing this form of cancer. Continuous monitoring is key to the early detection and effective management of occupational cholangiocarcinoma.
ABSTRACT
Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours (MPNSTs) are malignant tumours arising from a peripheral nerve or displaying nerve sheath differentiation. Most MPNSTs are found on the head, body trunk and extremities, whereas cases in the gastrointestinal are extremely rare. About half arise in neurofibromatosis type 1 patients and 10% arise post-irradiation. This is probably the first small bowel MPNST post-radiation therapy case reported. A 72-year-old female who received radiotherapy 30 years ago for cervical cancer was admitted with progressive abdominal pain and weight loss. Computed tomography revealed a mass with inhomogeneous enhancement in the lumen of the small intestine. Tumour excision was performed with ileocecal and sigmoid colon resection due to suspicion for peripheral tissue invasion. Histopathological examination revealed spindle-shaped cells with focal cartilage differentiation. Together with immunochemistry stain showing complete loss of H3K27me3, a final diagnosis of MPNST was made. The patient is presently under regular follow-ups, and has remained disease-free for 24 months.