Misleading Mercedes-Benz sign: A case report of misdiagnosed cholecysto-hydatid cyst fistula in acute cholecystitis.

INTRODUCTION: Liver hydatid cysts represent a significant health concern globally, particularly in endemic regions like Tunisia. While they often lead to complications such as biliary fistulas, diagnostic errors can arise from radiologic signs like the "Mercedes Benz sign," which indicates gas within the gallbladder. This report highlights the challenge of diagnosing a rare cholecysto-hydatid cyst fistula, where the presence of gas in the gallstones initially suggested a fistula. CASE PRESENTATION: A 30-year-old female presented with right hypochondrium pain and fever. Ultrasound suggested cholecystitis and identified two cystic formations in liver segments IVb and VII. CT scan revealed intravesicular air bubbles, suggesting a cholecysto-hydatid fistula. Emergency surgery was performed. Intraoperatively, there was an acute cholecystitis. The liver hydatid cyst of segment IVb communicated with the biliary tree and there was no cholecysto-hydatid fistula. We performed a cholecystectomy, cholangiography, and a total pericystectomy for the two liver hydatid cysts. The postoperative follow-up was uneventful. DISCUSSION: The "Mercedes Benz sign," often indicating gas within gallstones, is rare but can mislead the diagnosis toward a cholecysto-hydatid cyst fistula. This case highlights the diagnostic challenge posed by this radiological feature, which led to initial suspicion of a fistula. Hydatid cysts, though common in endemic regions, can lead to diagnostic dilemmas, especially when atypical signs are present. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of gas in the gallbladder can mislead the diagnosis, particularly when the "Mercedes Benz sign" is present, as it may suggest a rare cholecysto-hydatid cyst fistula. However, this is not always the case. Prompt and accurate evaluation, including intraoperative findings, to reinforce clinical suspicion and decision-making in endemic regions.

Measuring Peri-Anastomotic Pressure to Identify Patients at High-Risk for Dialysis Associated Steal Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Dialysis Access-associated Steal Syndrome (DASS) is one of the most serious complications of hemoaccess surgery. Treatment algorithms involve significant morbidity; a tool to reliably identify patients at risk who could benefit from interventions at time of operation would be useful. We present a strategy of using peri-anastomotic pressure (PAP) measurement to identify patients who may be at high risk of developing DASS. METHODS: Patients who underwent dialysis access creation between January 1, 2018 and September 30, 2022 at our institution were reviewed. Beginning October 2019, we developed a strategy of measuring systolic pressure at the arterial anastomosis intra-operatively. A ratio of this value compared to the systemic systolic pressure was calculated. In patients believed to be high-risk for developing DASS based on clinical findings, selective banding of the access was performed intra-operatively to augment distal perfusion. RESULTS: Of 857 total patients, 36 (4.2%) developed clinically significant DASS, defined as requiring operative treatment, either intraoperatively or during follow-up (mean, 76 days; range, 0-602 days). DASS was more common for femoral-based accesses (6/12, 46.2%) compared to upper extremity accesses (30/840, 3.6%, p < 0.001). No patients who underwent radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula (AVF) or infraclavicular axillary arteriovenous graft construction developed DASS. There was no difference in DASS for upper extremity AVFs (20/576, 3.47%) vs. AV grafts (10/264, 3.79%, p = 0.82). 216 patients had PAP measured intra-operatively. Fourteen (6.5%) of these 216 patients developed DASS requiring intervention in follow-up. The mean PAP ratio of these 14 patients was 0.395 vs. 0.557 for the 202 patients who did not [CI 0.07-0.25, p = 0.001]. Seventeen patients who had low PAP ratio with poor distal perfusion underwent intra-operative banding, which improved mean PAP ratios from a mean of 0.33 to 0.58. Despite banding, 3 of these 17 (17.6%) patients in this high-risk subgroup went on to develop DASS postoperatively. The calculated mean PAP ratio in patients who either developed DASS post-operatively or underwent prophylactic banding intra-operatively was 0.37, which was significantly lower than the mean ratio of 0.57 in the control group (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Low PAP ratios (less than 0.50) identified patients at elevated risk for DASS, but prophylactic banding did not always prevent the occurrence of DASS in select patients. Because steal is a dynamic phenomenon, intraoperative conditions are not always going to reflect later adaptation. Nonetheless, PAP measurement may identify a subgroup warranting procedural modification or closer postoperative physiologic monitoring.

Clinical characteristics and early surgical outcomes of aortoesophageal fistula.

BACKGROUND: The incidence and prognosis of aortoesophageal fistula (AEF) has not been clarified. The clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes of AEF were investigated. METHODS: The clinical data of patients who underwent surgical treatment for AEF from January 2020 to December 2021 that were registered in the Japan Cardiovascular Surgery Database (JCVSD) were analyzed. RESULTS: During the period, 123 patients (71.0 [IQR: 61.0-78.0] years old; 76.4% men) underwent surgical treatment for AEF. The prevalence of secondary AEF was 61%. Secondary AEF after aortic grafting was the most frequent (n = 40; 32.5%), followed by AEF after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) (n = 30; 24.4%). Operative mortality was observed in 23 patients (18.7%). TEVAR for AEF (p = 0.019), postoperative bleeding (p = 0.047), stroke (p = 0.004), renal failure (p < 0.001), newly required hemodialysis (p = 0.023), pneumonia (p = 0.003), multisystem failure (p < 0.001), and dyslipidemia (p = 0.02) were associated with risk factors of operative mortality after surgical treatment of AEF on univariable logistic regression analyses. CONCLUSIONS: This first nationwide study on the surgical treatment for AEF demonstrated a higher incidence of secondary AEF than primary AEF. Both open surgical repair and TEVAR for AEF were associated with high operative mortality. TEVAR and dyslipidemia were risk factors for operative mortality. Precautions and further improved treatment strategies for AEF are still required.

Endovascular Treatment of Scalp Arteriovenous Fistula: Transvenous Onyx Embolization with Balloon Occlusion.

Scalp arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are rare vascular anomalies characterized by abnormal connections between arterial and venous systems in the scalp. These lesions can lead to significant complications, including chronic headaches, tinnitus, cosmetic deformities, and in severe cases, high-output cardiac failure or intracranial hemorrhage. We present a case of a middle-aged female patient with a 20-year history of a pulsating mass on the left parietal scalp. Magnetic resonance imaging and cerebral angiography confirmed the presence of a scalp AVF with multiple arterial feeders from the external carotid artery and venous drainage into the left external jugular vein. Due to the tortuosity of the feeding arteries, a transarterial approach was unsuccessful, leading to the decision to perform transvenous embolization with balloon occlusion using Onyx-18. The procedure resulted in complete obliteration of the AVF without complications. This case highlights the efficacy of transvenous embolization with balloon occlusion as a treatment option for complex scalp AVFs, particularly when transarterial access is challenging.

Proposal of a revised 3-tier "2 mm" risk classification model for postoperative pancreatic fistula in robotic pancreatoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: The recent International Study Group for Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS) risk classification for postoperative pancreatic fistula (grade B/C) was developed based on data from open and mixed minimally invasive pancreatoduodenectomy. The ISGPS risk classification model has not been validated specifically for POPF after robotic pancreatoduodenectomy (RPD). METHODS: We calculated the rate of POPF (ISGPS 2016 definition, grade B/C) by analyzing consecutive patients after RPD by surgeons after their learning curves (80 RPDs per surgeon). The validation of the ISGPS 4-tier and the simplified 3-tier risk classification was conducted using the area under the receiver operating curve (AUC). RESULTS: From 2019 to 2023, 187 patients after RPD were included. Neither the ISGPS 4-tier nor the simplified 3-tier classification model showed robust discrimination (AUC: 0.696 and 0.685, respectively). Moreover, both risk classifications failed to differentiate the rates of POPF and major complications among subgroups. Multivariate analysis suggested that soft pancreatic texture and pancreatic duct ≤ 2 mm were independent risk factors for POPF after RPD. After adjusting the duct size's cutoff from 3 to 2 mm, the revised 4-tier "2 mm" classification model showed no significant difference between risk categories B and C (6.7% vs. 9.4%, P = 0.063). The revised 3-tier "2 mm" classification model stratified patients into A (n = 54), B (n = 68), and C (n = 65) groups, with corresponding POPF rates of 0.0%, 8.8%, and 23.1% (P < 0.001), and major complication rates of 5.6, 14.7, and 24.6% (P = 0.014), respectively. Compared to the simplified 3-tier classification model, the revised 3-tier "2 mm" classification model showed improved discrimination (AUC: 0.753 vs. 0.685, P = 0.034) and clinical utility. CONCLUSIONS: The current ISGPS 4-tier and the simplified 3-tier classification models lacked sufficient discrimination in patients after RPD. We propose a revised 3-tier "2 mm" risk classification model for RPD with a robust discrimination, which requires further international validation with prospectively obtained data.

Delayed Pontomesencephalic and Cervical Cord Venous Drainage Followed by Contralateral Carotid-Cavernous Fistula after Craniofacial Fractures: A Case Report.

A 24-year-old male was admitted with progressive cervical hypesthesia, tetraparesis, dyspnea, and a history of craniofacial fracture. Spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed brainstem edema extending to the thoracic spine with multiple prominent perimedullary vascular structures. Cerebral digital-substraction angiography revealed Barrow type A carotid-cavernous fistula. Total occlusion with preservation of internal carotid artery flow was achieved using 1 detachable balloon and 6 coils. Postoperatively, immediate respiratory recovery, gradual extremities strength improvement, and right abducens nerve palsy were found. One month follow-up cervical MRI showed good recovery of spinal cord edema and perimedullary veins.

Methylene Blue Instillation: A Cost-Effective Diagnostic Approach for Pleuroperitoneal Fistula in Resource-Limited Settings.

A pleuroperitoneal fistula, an uncommon complication of peritoneal dialysis, involves a connection between the peritoneal cavity and the pleural space. This case highlights a cost-effective diagnostic option for detecting these fistulas in primary care hospitals and emphasizes the importance of considering this condition in patients with a history of peritoneal dialysis and persistent pleural effusion. We present a case of a 55-year-old female patient undergoing peritoneal dialysis for end-stage renal disease who developed a pleuroperitoneal fistula, leading to persistent pleural effusion. This condition was successfully diagnosed using methylene blue instillation into the dialysis bags, demonstrating a potentially viable diagnostic technique that is effective, safe, and cost-efficient for primary and secondary care hospitals. The presented case underscores that pleural effusion, as a complication with high mortality, should be considered in any patient with end-stage renal disease presenting with dyspnea, desaturation, and pleuritic pain secondary to peritoneal dialysis sessions. Furthermore, the use of methylene blue is proposed as a cost-effective and accessible diagnostic alternative. This approach not only facilitates accurate diagnosis but also simplifies the diagnostic process without relying on advanced imaging technologies that might not be available.

Effect of Stromal Vascular Fraction in the Rat Model of Pharyngocutaneous Fistulas.

OBJECTIVE: A pharyngocutaneous fistula is one of the complications after laryngeal and pharyngeal surgery. It may also contribute to wound healing due to adipose tissue-derived stem cells and the growth factors in the stromal vascular fraction. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the adipose tissue-derived stromal vascular fraction on wound healing in the pharyngocutaneous fistula model induced in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Approval was received from the Animal Experiments Local Ethics Committee before starting the study (29.01.2016-2016/09). Eleven male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing approximately 300 g were included in the study. The animals were randomly divided into the study and control groups so that each group would include five animals. An animal was assigned as a donor for the removal of omental adipose tissue. Among the animals in which the pharyngocutaneous fistula model was created under general anesthesia, 1 ml of the stromal vascular fraction was injected into the study group on postoperative day 1. In postoperative week 2, all the animals were sacrificed and examined histologically (epithelialization-cell infiltration - mucosal injury). IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 15, was used in the analyses. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Epithelialization was higher in the study group compared to the control group. However, no statistically significant difference was found between the two groups (p = 0.08). The cell infiltration was found to be statistically higher in the control group compared to the study group (p = 0.03). The mucosal injury was found to be significantly higher in the control group compared to the study group (p = 0.03). According to the Pearson correlation test, a negative correlation was found between epithelialization and cell infiltration and mucosal injury (p = 0.019 and p = 0.001). A positive correlation was found between cell infiltration and mucosal injury (p = 0.009). CONCLUSION: It was shown that stromal vascular fraction had a positive effect on wound healing in the pharyngocutaneous fistula model. According to the data we have obtained, we think that it can be effective in the treatment of pharyngocutaneous fistulas after more extensive preclinical and clinical studies are carried out.

Endoscopic vacuum assisted closure therapy for esophagopericardial fistula in a 16-year-old male: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Esophagopericardial fistula (EPF) is a rare, life-threatening condition with limited scientific literature and no established management guidelines. This case report highlights a successful multidisciplinary approach and the innovative use of endoscopic vacuum assisted closure (endoVAC) therapy in treating this complex condition. CASE SUMMARY: A 16-year-old male with a history of esophageal atresia and colon interposition presented with progressive chest pain, fever, and dyspnea. Imaging revealed an EPF with associated pleural and pericardial effusions. Initial management with an esophageal stent failed, prompting the use of an endoVAC system. The patient underwent multiple endoVAC device changes and received broad-spectrum antibiotics and nutritional support. The fistula successfully closed, and the patient recovered, demonstrating no new symptoms at a 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: EndoVAC therapy can effectively manage EPF, providing a minimally invasive treatment option.

Novel endoscopic approach for treatment of malignant tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF): A case report.

Cardiac septal occluder (CSO) can be used endoscopically in treatment of tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF). We present a case of metastatic cervical cancer with direct tracheal invasion resulting in malignant TEF treated previously with radiotherapy and tracheal stenting twice. This TEF was closed by CSO - patent foramen ovale (PFO) occluder as palliative management to prevent recurrent aspiration pneumonia, decrease morbidity and improve quality of life.

Management of bronchopleural fistula after microwave ablation of lung tumor: A case report and literature review.

Several patients with lung tumors are not eligible for surgical treatment. For those patients, percutaneous lung tumor ablation serves as a minimally invasive alternative to address such tumors. Despite its effectiveness, notable complications associated with this procedure can occur, such as bronchopleural fistula (BPF), which can lead to severe consequences. Therefore, the comprehensive understanding of these complications is of great importance for their safe and efficient management. In the present study, the case of a 73-year-old man with BPF following microwave ablation (MWA) of lung tumor and its clinical management was reported. MWA was performed after the diagnosis of lung cancer. Following ablation, the patient received thoracic drainage and anti-infectious therapy. After verifying the presence of BPF, an endobronchial unidirectional valve (EBV) was implanted into the posterior basal segment bronchus (B10) of the right lower lobe using a bronchoscope. EBV can occlude fistula while allowing drainage of secretions and trapped air. The function contributes to reducing infections around the fistula and promoting healing. The air leakage was stopped five days after EBV implantation and the thoracic drainage tube was then removed. At 86 days after EBV implantation, the pulmonary infection disappeared, while chest computed tomography scan revealed that the pulmonary necrotic cavity was narrowed. EBV implantation may have a higher successful rate compared with other endoscopic treatments for BPF.

Stage III xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis with sarcomatoid degeneration.

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGP) is an uncommon chronic condition characterized by destructive granulomatous disease of the kidney with uncertain etiology. Significant risk factors for XGP are represented by the coexistence of history of nephrolithiasis, diabetes mellitus, recurrent urinary tract infections and other immunocompromised conditions. It is also associated with higher risk of malignancy, reported in up to 11% of patients. We report a case of a 76-year-old female who presented to the emergency department with an insidious onset of abdominal and right lower back pain. She had a history of renal stones and diabetes mellitus. On physical examination, a painful fistulous orifice in skin on the right lumbar region was found. CT images showed a nonfunctioning right kidney replaced by multiple necrotic cavities with inflammatory involvement of the right hepatic lobe and a nephron-cutaneous fistula. These CT findings were strongly suggestive of XGP (III state). CT images obtained before and after the administration of intravenous contrast material showed also a hyper-vascularized renal mass with irregularly thickened walls confirmed by a targeted CEUS examination and suspicious for malignancy. Pathologic examination confirmed the chronic pyelonephritis and revealed evidence of a concomitant sarcomatoid lesion. This case underlines the central role of a multimodality imaging approach in the emergency department and how this affects the correct management and treatment of patients. In fact, MDCT is considered the current gold standard for the diagnosis and the staging of XPG but the contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in selected patients can increase the diagnostic accuracy in the uncertain small renal masses detected on CT scans.

Laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection and myocutaneous flap reconstruction for anal fistula cancer arising from complicated anal fistula: two case reports.

BACKGROUND: Anal fistula cancer is rare and definitive treatment has not yet been established. Laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection is generally the first choice of treatment if the cancer is determined to be resectable. However, complicated anal fistula cancer often requires extensive resection. Using a myocutaneous flap for reconstruction after resection in such cases, radical resection can be performed regardless of the size of the anal fistula cancer. CASE PRESENTATION: We report two cases in which we performed laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection with extensive buttock resection and myocutaneous flap reconstruction for widespread anal fistula cancer. One of the cases was reconstruction with a posterior thigh flap, the other was with a bilateral expanded gluteus maximus flap. Both cases were anal fistula cancers that developed from complicated anal fistulas. CONCLUSIONS: If the size of anal fistula cancer is large and extended buttock resection is necessary, radical resection of anal fistula cancer is possible using myocutaneous flap for reconstruction after extended abdominoperineal resection.

Bridging the gap between neuroimaging and neurosurgery: a case of epidural arteriovenous fistula with an intradural presentation. Illustrative case.

BACKGROUND: Epidural arteriovenous fistulas (eAVFs) are rare vascular malformations often mistaken for their intradural counterparts due to similar angiographic features. Differentiation between epidural and intradural vascular lesions is crucial as it impacts surgical planning and prognosis. Despite advancements in diagnostic imaging, these entities can be misinterpreted and challenge management. OBSERVATIONS: The authors report the case of a 68-year-old male suspected to have a type I dural arteriovenous fistula based on magnetic resonance angiography and angiographic evaluation. He presented with progressive myelopathy and multiple neurological symptoms exacerbated by recent trauma. A superselective angiogram of the right T10 segmental artery suggested an intradural arteriovenous fistula; however, intraoperatively, the lesion was epidural. The arterialized venous structures were obliterated, and the patient reported significant postoperative symptomatic improvement. LESSONS: This case highlights the critical importance of comprehensive imaging and cautious interpretation in the diagnosis of spinal vascular malformations. It also underscores the need for a multidisciplinary approach to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Surgeons must be prepared for intraoperative findings that diverge from preoperative imaging to adapt surgical strategies accordingly. Furthermore, this case contributes to the evolving understanding of eAVFs, suggesting that revised imaging protocols may be required to better distinguish epidural from intradural vascular abnormalities. https://thejns.org/doi/10.3171/CASE24331.

Percutaneous injection of minocycline in postoperative sialocele following condylar fracture.

Sialocele is a common complication of parotid tumour surgery. Aspiration and pressure dressing are the most common conservative treatments for sialoceles. However, they occasionally exhibit a refractory nature. In this case report, a minocycline injection was administered for refractory sialocele following a condylar fracture treated using the retromandibular anterior transparotid approach. Aspiration of the sialocele and the same amount of minocycline injection using three-way stopcocks were performed four weeks after surgery. After the injection, the buccal swelling completely disappeared without complications, including facial palsy. Percutaneous injection of minocycline might be the first choice for postoperative refractory sialocele following condylar fracture.

Endoscopic or combined management of post-surgical biliary leaks: a two-center recent experience.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Post-surgical biliary leaks (PSBL) are one of the most prevalent and significant adverse events emerging after liver or biliary tract surgeries. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) alone or combined with another approach (Rendez Vous) as treatment of PSBL obtains optimal outcomes due to the possibility of modifying the resistances in the biliary tree. METHODS: A retrospective double-center study was conducted in two tertiary centers. Consecutive patients who underwent at least one attempt of PSBL correction by ERCP or Rendez Vous procedure between January 2018 and August 2023 were included. The primary outcome was overall endoscopic clinical success. In contrast, the secondary outcomes were hospital stay exceeding five days and endoscopic clinical success with the first endoscopic procedure at the tertiary center. Both univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess outcomes. RESULTS: 65 patients were included. Patients with one or multiple) leaks had more possibility to achieve the endoscopic clinical success compared to those affected by the association of leaks and stricture (96% vs 67%, p value 0.005). Leaks occurring in the main biliary duct had less probability (67%) to achieve the overall endoscopic clinical success compared to those in the end-to-end anastomosis (90%), in the resection plane or biliary stump (96%) or first or secondary order biliary branches (100%, p value 0.038). A leak-bridging stent positioning had more probability of achieving the endoscopic clinical success than a not leak-bridging stent (91% vs 53%, p value 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: ERCP and Rendez Vous procedures are safe and effective for treating PSBL, regardless of the type of preceding surgery, even if technical or clinical success was not achieved on the first attempt. A stent should be placed, if feasible, leak-bridging to enhance treatment efficacy.

The safety and efficacy of stapler method for transection of the pancreatic parenchyma during pancreatoduodenectomy (STRAP-PD trial): study protocol for a randomized control trial.

BACKGROUND: Pancreaticoduodenectomy is a highly difficult and invasive type of gastrointestinal surgery. Prevention of postoperative pancreatic fistula is important, and this may be possible by the stapler method. METHODS: STRAP-PD is a single center randomized controlled trial. We compare a method of transecting the pancreatic parenchyma in pancreaticoduodenectomy using a surgical stapler device with a conventional transecting method using energy devices (e.g., scalpel, ultrasonic coagulator and incision devices). Patients with soft pancreas who are scheduled to undergo pancreaticoduodenectomy are randomized to arm A (conventional method) or arm B (stapler method). We aim to examine the safety and usefulness of dissection by the automatic suture device, with attention to the rate of pancreatic fistula ISGPF grade B or C and to postoperative complications. This is a single-center randomized study, which began in September 2023 at Wakayama Medical University Hospital. DISCUSSION: Pancreatic parenchymal transection is typically performed either by direct incision using a scalpel or by employing energy devices such as ultrasonic coagulating cutting devices during pancreaticoduodenectomy. In a prospective pilot study, we conducted pancreatic parenchymal transection in 20 consecutive normal pancreatic cases during pancreaticoduodenectomy, observing postoperative pancreatic fistula grade B in one case (5%). Traditional methods involving scalpel incision or the use of ultrasonic coagulating cutting devices have been historically favored but perceived as technically challenging, and they have been reliant upon the surgeon's skill. Notably, relatively high incidences of postoperative pancreatic fistula among patients with soft pancreas have also been observed. Our proposed stapler method may therefore be a useful method responsible for reducing the development of pancreatic fistula. This method would be as part of minimally-invasive surgery for pancreaticoduodenectomy. It uses an endoscopic linear stapler to cut the pancreatic parenchyma, so it is likely to be more convenient than conventional methods and can be used universally. TRIAL REGISTRATION: University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry, UMIN000052089. the Registration Date on 1st September 2023.

Management of a liver hydatid cyst patient who fistulized the diaphragm and subsequently presented with thorax rupture: a case report.

Hydatid cysts, caused by Echinococcus species, are zoonotic diseases frequently observed in endemic regions worldwide, including Turkey. It is most commonly localized in the liver, followed by the lungs. Anaphylaxis and peritonitis, which develop after cyst rupture, are the most significant complications observed in these patients. Early diagnosis and prompt surgical intervention are extremely important. This study presented an extremely rare case of a hepatic hydatid cyst ruptured into the thorax, which may have high morbidity and mortality. A 24-year-old male patient presented to our emergency department with cough, dyspnea, fever, and allergy symptoms. He had a history of hepatic hydatid cyst surgery 5 years ago. Physical examination revealed urticarial lesions on the skin. The body temperature was 39 °C, and the pulse rate was 120 beats/min. Laboratory tests revealed leukocytosis and elevated C-reactive protein. Contrast-enhanced thoracic and abdominal computed tomography was performed. Diagnostic tests revealed that the patient had a ruptured hepatic hydatid cyst in the right thoracic cavity; hence, he was scheduled for emergency surgery. Laparotomy was performed via a right subcostal incision, and the ruptured cyst was located. It was understood that this cyst had fistulized into the diaphragm during a chronic process and subsequently ruptured acutely into the thorax. Partial cystectomy was performed for a ruptured liver cyst. The diaphragm was repaired, and catheters were placed in the thorax and abdomen for drainage. There were no other postoperative complications. Rupture of hydatid cyst disease is frequently observed in endemic regions. The rupture of a hepatic hydatid cyst into the thorax is an extremely rare event. In patients presenting with pulmonary symptoms who have a history of hepatic hydatid cyst surgery, the abdomen should always be thoroughly evaluated, and emergency surgery should be performed if required.

Indirect Carotid Cavernous Fistula with Ocular Manifestations: A Case Report.

ABSTRACT: Carotid-cavernous fistulas are rare entity with incidence of less than 1%, refers to abnormal connections between the carotid artery and cavernous sinus. Indirect types usually occur in elderly female patients and can resolve spontaneously with conservative management like external manual compression of the carotid artery. We report a case of 65-year-old female who presented with complaints of redness, proptosis, chemosis, headache and ophthalmoplegia in her right eye. Digital subtraction angiography revealed Barrow type B indirect carotid-cavernous fistulas. External manual carotid compression was done after which her symptoms improved significantly. Thus, indirect type carotid-cavernous fistulas can occur spontaneously and could be a sight threatening condition especially in elderly females but can resolve with conservative management.

Our Experience with Labyrinthine Fistula: Prospective Hearing Outcomes.

Introduction: Chronic otitis media with cholesteatoma is a locally destructive middle ear infection with bone erosive properties which can lead to fistula if erodes labyrinth. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at tertiary health care centre with a total of 12 patients who presented with complaints of otorrhoea, hearing loss and vertigo. Such patients were evaluated clinic audiologically and radiologically as a pre op assessment. Post-surgery audiological assessment was done. Results: Hearing preservation was seen in 91.7% patients and none of the patients had iatrogenic sensorineural hearing loss. Conclusion: Complete removal of the cholesteatoma is beneficial and does not lead to any iatrogenic SNHL when performed meticulously. A newer way of diagnosing membranous labyrinthine breach utilizing Magnetic Resonance Imaging T2 Diffusion Weighted (MRI- T2 DW) sequence can be implemented.