Superior mesenteric artery syndrome managed laparoscopically: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Superior mesenteric artery syndrome is a rare condition that has only around 400 reported cases so far. Typically, the superior mesenteric artery branches off the abdominal aorta at 45° to create an aortomesenteric distance of 10-28 mm, with the duodenum passing through. However, if this aortomesenteric angle reduces to less than 25°, the third portion of the duodenum becomes compressed between the SMA and aorta, causing mechanical obstruction. CASE PRESENTATION: This case report aims to demonstrate the diagnostic difficulties and the laparoscopic management of a 52-year-old Indian male presenting with abdominal pain and vomiting, with associated weight loss. Imaging was further suggestive of high intestinal obstruction, and he was later found to have superior mesenteric artery syndrome. CONCLUSION: Taking into account a significant reduction in morbidity, we propose laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy to be the new procedure of choice for superior mesenteric artery syndrome.

Efficacy of botulinum toxin injection using the right-sided unilateral retrocrural approach for celiac plexus in a cancer survivor with persistent abdominal pain: a case report.

Cancer survivors often face persistent abdominal pain, necessitating optimal pain management. While celiac plexus block (CPB) and botulinum toxin (BT) injection are viable options, traditional methods may encounter challenges due to patient-specific concerns and anatomical complexities. Here, the case of a cancer survivor in his 70 s experiencing recurrent abdominal pain, who declined conventional percutaneous CPB approaches due to anxiety related to aortic puncture, is presented. Following a pancreaticoduodenectomy, the patient developed chronic abdominal pain attributed to adhesions leading to small bowel obstruction. Concurrently, there was notable psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, and heightened concerns regarding tumor recurrence. Considering the patient's specific concerns, a right-sided unilateral retrocrural single-needle technique was proposed, aimed at alleviating pain, while avoiding conventional CPB approaches. Initial right-sided retrocrural CPB offered short-term relief, prompting a subsequent BT injection using the same approach. Following BT injection, the patient reported significant and sustained pain reduction (from 8 to 1 on an 11-point numerical rating scale) at both 12 and 20 weeks post-procedure. Right-sided retrocrural BT injection offers an alternative approach, addressing patient concerns and demonstrating prolonged pain relief. This may benefit cancer survivors with upper abdominal pain, emphasizing the importance of personalized and innovative pain management strategies.

Evaluation of surgical condition during laparoscopic gynaecological surgery in patients with moderate vs. deep neuromuscular block in low-pressure pneumoperitoneum.

INTRODUCTION: The significant effect of deep neuromuscular block (NMB) in laparoscopic surgery is still controversial, especially in lower-pressure pneumoperitoneum. This study investigates the effect of deep neuromuscular block on intraabdominal pressure (IAP), surgical space quality, post-operative abdominal pain, and shoulder tip pain in laparoscopic gynaecological surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a randomised, double-blinded control trial which randomised samples to moderate NMB (train-of-four count [TOF] of 1 or 2) or deep NMB (post-tetanic count [PTC] of 1 or 2). Surgery began with IAP 8 mmHg but was allowed to increase the pressure if the surgical condition was unfavourable. The surgical condition was rated on a 4-point scale. Post-operative abdominal pain and shoulder tip pain was assessed using a numerical rating scale for pain, with 0 defined as no pain and 10 severe pain at recovery area (time 0), 30 minutes, and 24 hours post-operation. RESULTS: Seventy patients completed the study. The rate of increasing IAP between the 2 groups ( P = 0.172) is not significant, but deep NMB requires less pressure - mean highest IAP of 10.31 (± 1.39) mmHg, moderate NMB 11.54 (± 1.69) mmHg. The mean surgical space condition score was significantly better in the deep NMB group at 2.4 (± 0.7) compared to moderate NMB at 3.2 (± 0.66), P < 0.005. There was a significantly lower post-operative abdominal pain score in deep NMB but no significant difference in shoulder tip pain score between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Deep NMB enables the usage of lower IAP in laparoscopic surgery without interfering with surgical space condition, and it reduces the post-operative abdominal pain score in 24 hours compared to moderate NMB.

Successful preoperative diagnosis and laparoscopic management of primary small bowel volvulus: A case report and literature review.

RATIONALE: Small bowel volvulus (SBV) is a rare cause of acute abdominal pain in adults, which requires surgical intervention to prevent small bowel necrosis. Primary SBV is rare, and its preoperative diagnosis is challenging. This report describes a case of primary SBV diagnosed preoperatively and treated laparoscopically. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 56-year-old man presented complaining of sudden-onset abdominal pain of 3-hour duration. Physical examination revealed tenderness in periumbilical and upper abdominal regions with no signs of peritonitis. DIAGNOSIS: Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a 360°-clockwise rotation of the small intestine when viewed caudally at the mesenteric base. At this region, the superior mesenteric vein was interrupted. Although no dilation of the small intestine was observed, increased density in the mesentery of the affected area was observed. Minimal ascites was observed in the pelvic cavity. No evidence of congenital or secondary SBV was observed, supporting the diagnosis of primary SBV. INTERVENTIONS: Laparoscopic detorsion of the SBV was performed approximately 6 hours after the onset of symptoms. No signs of bowel necrosis were observed, and the procedure was concluded after releasing the torsion. OUTCOMES: Severe abdominal pain disappeared immediately after surgery. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on the 8th postoperative day. LESSONS: This case highlights the importance of preoperatively diagnosing SBV, which enables early laparoscopic devolvulation without bowel resection.

Presentations of Waugh's syndrome:intra-luminal cecal cyst and trans-anal prolapsing intussusception: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Intussusception with intestinal malrotation is termed as Waugh's syndrome. The incidence of Waugh's syndrome is less than 1%. There are very few reported cases. Once presented, it is a pediatric surgical emergency. CASE PRESENTATION: We present here two cases of Waugh's syndrome: an 11-month-old male patient of Punjabi descent and a 4-month-old female patient of Afghan descent who presented to us with abdominal pain and bleeding per rectum. Abdominal sonography revealed an intussusception with a target sign. They were explored and perioperatively had intestinal malrotation alongside intussusception, thus a diagnosis of Waugh's syndrome was made. A right hemicolectomy and Ladd's procedure was performed. CONCLUSION: Waugh syndrome is a rare congenital anomaly but can present with vague abdominal symptoms. Once presented, it is a pediatric surgical emergency. The patient should be optimized followed by surgical exploration.

This is a successful removal of more than 450 pieces of metal objects from a patient's stomach: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Ingestion of foreign bodies may be seen unconsciously or intentionally in patients with mental health problems. Most cases pass through the esophagus slowly; however, in some cases, the tumor may be located in narrower areas of the digestive tract that require endoscopic or surgical intervention. This study describes a rare case of successful removal of more than 450 pieces of metal objects from the stomach of a 36-year-old man via ingestion of foreign bodies at Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ahvaz. CASE PRESENTATION: A 36-year-old male patient (Aryan race) presented with complaints of chronic abdominal pain, frequent vomiting, and intolerance to liquids and food. The patient's companions mentioned a history of gradual ingestion of small metal objects 3 months prior. The patient was conscious and had stable vital signs. In the patient's X-ray and endoscopy, multiple metal objects inside the patient's stomach were observed, causing gastric outlet obstruction. The patient underwent gastrostomy surgery, and 452 screws, nuts, keys, stones, and other metal parts weighing 2900 g were removed from the stomach. Five days after the operation, the patient was transferred to the psychiatric service in good general condition and was diagnosed with psychosis, and her condition returned to normal at follow-up. CONCLUSION: Successful removal of this foreign body is rare. In chronic abdominal pain, especially in the context of psychiatric disorders, attention should be given to the ingestion of foreign bodies. In swallowing large amounts of sharp and metallic foreign objects, surgical intervention is necessary, especially in cases of obstruction, and saves the patient's life.

Protocol for a randomized controlled trial of an internet-based prevention intervention for young children at-risk for functional abdominal pain.

BACKGROUND: Chronic pain often clusters in families, where parents and their offspring both experience chronic pain conditions. Young children of parents with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) represent an at-risk group for the development of abdominal pain, disability, and excess health care visits in later childhood. Parental solicitous responses to children's expressions of discomfort and maternal modeling of their own illness behavior contribute to a greater focus on somatic sensations, leading to illness behaviors in children. This randomized controlled trial will test the effectiveness of an early preventive web-based psychosocial intervention (REACH)[TM] vs. an educational web-based safety comparison condition delivered to parents with IBS to alter parental responses and lead to improved child health and decreased health care costs. METHODS: Parents with IBS who have children ages 4-7 years are recruited via community-based approaches (e.g., social media advertisements, school electronic distribution, research networks) and health care providers. The target sample is 460 parents randomized to REACH, a web-based social learning and cognitive behavior therapy (SLCBT) intervention or an educational web-based safety comparison condition (EC). Participants will be assessed at baseline, 6-week (immediate post-intervention), 6-month, 12-month, and 18-month follow-up periods (months post-completion of intervention). The primary outcome is change in parental solicitous/protective behaviors. Secondary outcomes include parent risk and protective factors, child health and symptom outcomes, and health care utilization and cost savings. DISCUSSION: This study adapts a validated, parent-delivered intervention to treat chronic pain in children to a web-based application designed to prevent the development of chronic pain in very young, high-risk children. If successful, this strategy can both prevent adverse sequelae of this condition from developing as well as be widely accessible. Furthermore, the availability of a prevention model for parent training could result in significant short- and long-term health benefits across a broad spectrum of conditions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05730491. Registered on February 15, 2023.

Comparison of Clinical and Genetic Characteristics of Familial Mediterranean Fever Patients Among Adult Age Groups.

Familial mediterranean fever (FMF) is a genetic autoinflammatory disease typically diagnosed in childhood. In this study, we aimed to investigate the demographic, clinical, and genetic characteristics of patients aged 18 years and older who were diagnosed with FMF. Patients diagnosed with FMF between 2014 and 2022 at Karadeniz Technical University Faculty of Medicine Hospital were included in the study. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on the age of disease onset. Group I included patients with adult-onset (ages 18-40), while group II comprised patients with late onset (ages 40 and above). Subsequently, the 2 groups were compared. A total of 150 patients with a mean age of 32 (18-79) were included in the study. There were 116 patients in group I and 34 (22.7%) in group II. The most common presenting complaint was abdominal pain (91.3%), and the most prevalent complication was amyloidosis (4.7%). No significant differences were observed between age groups regarding clinical findings and symptoms. The most frequent homozygous mutations were M694V (9.3%) and R202Q (1.8%), while the heterozygous mutations were M694V (37.3%) and R202Q (35.5%), respectively. The rate of M694V gene positivity in the adult-onset group was significantly higher compared to the lateonset group (52.9% and 25%, respectively, P = .020). There does not appear to be a significant difference in clinical signs and symptoms between adult-onset and late-onset FMF patients. The higher rate of M694V gene positivity in the adult-onset group suggests that the M694V mutation may be responsible for the early expression of the disease.

Adrenaline intravenous therapy persistence grade I severe allergic reaction: A case report and literature review.

RATIONALE: At present, there is still insufficient understanding of the progression from persistent allergic reactions to severe reactions. Adrenaline remains the preferred medication for severe allergic reactions, and intramuscular injection of adrenaline can also be considered for patients with grade I reactions that are difficult to alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms. It is worth further discussing whether it is possible to break the conventional intramuscular injection recommended by the guidelines when the effect of intramuscular injection is not ideal for persistent grade I severe allergic reactions. PATIENT CONCERNS: A young male, 20 years of age, was admitted to emergency department because of repeated rash for 3 days and abdominal pain for 6 hours after taking traditional Chinese medicine. After hormone therapy, the rash continued to recur and secondary gastrointestinal symptoms occurred on the 3th day. Adrenaline intramuscular injection was given to temporarily relieve the rash and abdominal pain, but symptoms still persisted. DIAGNOSIS: The patient was diagnosed with persistent severe allergic reaction (grade I). INTERVENTIONS: Continuous intravenous infusion of low-dose adrenaline under electrocardiographic monitoring, real-time monitoring of heart rate and blood pressure, and routine treatment with methylprednisolone, diphenhydramine, calcium gluconate, and cetirizine. During this period, adrenaline intramuscular injection is temporarily added when abdominal pain symptoms are obvious. The entire treatment process used a total of 6.8 mg of adrenaline. OUTCOMES: During the entire period of adrenaline intervention, the patient did not experience any new discomfort, and there were no abnormal fluctuations in heart rate, rhythm, or blood pressure. The symptoms of rash and abdominal pain gradually improved. LESSONS: For patients with persistent grade I severe allergic reactions, intravenous administration of low-dose adrenaline under close vital sign monitoring is safe, feasible, and highly effective in preventing biphasic, persistent, or worsening allergic reactions.

Clinical and Molecular Analysis in Patients with Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome.

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is a rare hereditary disorder linked to increased cancer risk due to specific genetic variants in the STK11 gene. This study aimed to assess disease manifestations, genetic profiles, and genotype-phenotype correlations in PJS patients. Twenty patients from 14 families with PJS who were followed up at our clinic between 2011 and 2021 were included. Genetic susceptibility to hereditary cancers was assess-ed using targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) of the STK11 gene. Clinical data were also collected and analyzed in conjunction with the genetic findings. Initial symptoms appeared around 18.9 years, predominantly abdominal pain and intussusception. Mucocutaneous lesions were found in 85%, and hamartomatous polyps in 90%. Dysplastic polyps were found in 4 patients, with 3 cases of malignancy. Nextgeneration sequencing identified 11 pathogenic and 3 likely pathogenic mutations, including 3 novel STK11 variants (LRG_319: c.598- 8_601del, LRG_319: c.708_718del, and LRG_319: c.146_147del). Next-generation sequencing diagnostic rate was 78.5% (11/14), and the overall diagnostic rate with NGS and MLPA studies was 85.7% (12/14). Patients without STK11 mutations had later symptom onset and potentially lower cancer risk. Truncated mutations are associated with earlier symptoms and elevated cancer risk. This is the first PJS case series in Turkey using the NGS and MLPA methods. It reports 3 novel mutations and emphasizes the genotype-phenotype relationship of PJS. With further studies, the genotype-phenotype relationship of STK11 variants will be better understood.

Health care utilization of patients with acute abdominal pain before and after emergency department visits.

BACKGROUND: Acute abdominal pain (AAP) is a major driver for capacity-use in emergency departments (EDs) worldwide. Yet, the health care utilization of patients with AAP before and after the ED remains unclear. The primary objective of this study was to describe adult patients presenting to the ED with AAP and their outpatient care (OC) use before and after the ED. Secondary objectives included description of hospitalization rates, in-hospital mortality, ED re-visits, and exploration of potential risk factors for hospitalization and ED re-visits. METHODS: For the analysis, we combined routine hospital data from patients who visited 15 EDs in Germany in 2016 with their statutory health insurance OC claims data from 2014 to 2017. Adult patients were included based on a chief complaint or an ED diagnosis indicating unspecific AAP or the Manchester Triage System indicator "Abdominal pain in adults". Baseline characteristics, ED diagnosis, frequency and reason of hospitalization, frequency and type of prior-OC (prOC) use up to 3 days before and of post-OC use up to 30 days after the ED visit. MAIN RESULTS: We identified 28,085 adults aged ≥ 20 years with AAP. 39.8% were hospitalized, 33.9% sought prOC before the ED visit (48.6% of them were hospitalized) and 62.7% sought post-OC up to 30 days after the ED visit. Hospitalization was significantly more likely for elderly patients (aged 65 and above vs. younger; adjusted OR 3.05 [95% CI 2.87; 3.25]), prOC users (1.71 [1.61; 1.90]) and men (1.44 [1.37; 1.52]). In-hospital mortality rate was 3.1% overall. Re-visiting the ED within 30 days was more likely for elderly patients (1.32 [1.13; 1.55) and less likely for those with prOC use (0.37 [0.31; 0.44]). CONCLUSIONS: prOC use was associated with more frequent hospitalizations but fewer ED re-visits. ED visits by prOC patients without subsequent hospitalization may indicate difficulties of OC resources to meet the complex diagnostic requirements and expectations of this patient population. Fewer ED re-visits in prOC users indicate effective care in this subgroup.

Late anastomotic perforation of the ileum 3 years after intestinal resection.

Late perforation of the ileum is a rare and potentially life-threatening complication following intestinal resection. We present a unique case of a woman in her 60s with a history of appendiceal carcinoid tumour, who underwent a right hemicolectomy. Positron emission tomography and surveillance CTs showed normal surgical changes and no recurrent malignancy. Three years postoperatively, she presented with severe abdominal pain. CT revealed a perforation along the ileal wall of the ileocolonic anastomosis. She underwent emergent resection and repeat ileocolonic anastomosis. We conclude that the patient had subclinical ischaemia of the anastomosis, which eventually progressed to perforation 3 years later. We discuss a literature review on late small intestinal anastomotic perforations and their associated risk factors. Our case and literature review emphasise the importance of considering delayed anastomotic leak in postoperative patients with a history of intestinal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, Roux-en-Y enteroenterostomy or side-to-side anastomosis.

Sclerosing mesenteritis as a cause of porto-mesenteric vascular obstruction.

A woman in her 20s presented with haematemesis, post-prandial abdominal pain, weight loss and anaemia. Imaging revealed a non-enhancing mass in the retroperitoneal space along the mesenteric plane, encasing the porto-mesenteric vasculature. Endoscopy showed oesophageal varices. She was diagnosed with sclerosing mesenteritis, causing extrinsic compression of the portal vein and superior mesenteric artery. She underwent endoscopic variceal ligation and received prednisolone and tamoxifen. After 3 months, her post-prandial pain improved, and she did not have further bleeding episodes.

[Clinical features and prognostic analysis of colorectal extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma].

Objective: To investigate the clinical manifestations, endoscopic characteristics, and prognostic factors of patients with colorectal extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma. Methods: The clinical data of 52 patients with colorectal extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2013 to January 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Their clinical manifestations and endoscopic characteristics were summarized, and the prognostic factors were analyzed by Cox regression model. Results: Among the 52 patients with colorectal extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma, there were 35 males and 17 females, with a male-to-female ratio of 2.06∶1. Among the general symptoms, abdominal pain was the most common (39 cases), and B symptoms occurred in 47 patients, among which fever was the most common lymphoma B symptom (42 cases), and gastrointestinal perforation was the most common complication (18 cases). Forty-three patients underwent colonoscopy, and the main manifestations under endoscopy were the ulceration type (24 cases). The ulcers were irregular at the edges and often covered with moss at the bottom. The median survival time was 4.3 months. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that hemocytic syndrome (HR=8.50,95% CI: 1.679-8.328,P=0.001), serum albumin (HR=3.59,95% CI: 1.017-6.551, P=0.048), and with or without chemotherapy (HR=0.31, 95% CI: 0.246-1.061, P=0.025) were independent factors influencing the overall survival of patients with colorectal extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma. Conclusions: Colorectal extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma is a rare disease with a very poor prognosis. When patients present with abdominal pain and lymphoma B symptoms, and when ulcers with irregular edges and moss covering the bottom are found under endoscopy, the disease should be considered, and endoscopic biopsy should be taken in time for pathological diagnosis. The prognosis of patients with hemophagocytic syndrome and hypoproteinemia is poor. This disease should be treated with chemotherapy and surgery, and on this basis, hemophagocytic syndrome and hypoproteinemia should be treated to improve the prognosis of patients.

Polypoid heterotopic gastric mucosa: in terminal ileum causing extensive lower gastrointestinal bleeding without Meckel's diverticulum: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Heterotopic gastric mucosa (HGM) can be located in various parts of the gastrointestinal tract. As a rare anomaly in the small intestine, it can become complicated by intussusception, obstruction, gastrointestinal bleeding, and even peritonitis, leading to death. CASE PRESENTATION: This case report focuses on a 12-year-old Middle Eastern boy who presented with hematochezia and abdominal pain for a couple of days. A tagged Red blood cell (RBC) scan and Technetium scan revealed gastrointestinal bleeding at the lower abdomen, highly suggestive of the diagnosis of Meckel's diverticulum. Subsequently, exploratory laparotomy revealed contiguous and scattered mucosal lesions with multiple polyps of various sizes in the terminal ileum. Meckel's diverticulum was absent, and the patient was treated with resection and primary anastomosis. The resected tissue revealed extensive ectopic gastric mucosa and polypoid tissues. The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged four days after the surgery. The symptoms did not recur within six months after his surgery. CONCLUSION: Our case demonstrated that despite the rarity of multiple polypoid gastric heterotopias in the terminal ileum, it should be considered as one of the differential diagnoses of gastrointestinal tract bleeding.

Constipation and DIOS: Diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and management.

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a complex disorder that requires multidisciplinary expertise for effective management. The GALAXY study estimated the prevalence of constipation to be about 25% among People with Cystic Fibrosis (PwCF), identifying it as one of the common gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms within this patient population. Quality of Life (QoL) assessments uncovered high patient dissatisfaction, highlighting the imperative need for enhanced treatment strategies. Similarly, Distal Intestinal Obstruction Syndrome (DIOS) is a unique condition exclusive to PwCF that, if left undiagnosed, can lead to considerable morbidity and mortality. Given the broad spectrum of differential diagnoses for abdominal pain, including constipation and DIOS, it is paramount for healthcare providers to possess a clear understanding of these conditions. This paper aims to delineate various differentials for abdominal pain while elucidating the pathogenesis, diagnostic criteria, and treatment options for managing constipation and DIOS in PwCF.

Early detection of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Multiple endocrine neoplasias (MENs) are a group of hereditary diseases involving multiple endocrine glands, and their prevalence is low. MEN type 1 (MEN1) has diverse clinical manifestations, mainly involving the parathyroid glands, gastrointestinal tract, pancreas and pituitary gland, making it easy to miss the clinical diagnosis. CASE SUMMARY: We present the case of a patient in whom MEN1 was detected early. A middle-aged male with recurrent abdominal pain and diarrhea was admitted to the hospital. Blood tests at admission revealed hypercalcemia and hypophosphatemia, and emission computed tomography of the parathyroid glands revealed a hyperfunctioning parathyroid lesion. Gastroscopy findings suggested a duodenal bulge and ulceration. Ultrasound endoscopy revealed a hypoechoic lesion in the duodenal bulb. Further blood tests revealed elevated levels of serum gastrin. Surgery was performed, and pathological analysis of the surgical specimens revealed a parathyroid adenoma after parathyroidectomy and a neuroendocrine tumor after duodenal bulbectomy. The time from onset to the definitive diagnosis of MEN1 was only approximately 1 year. CONCLUSION: For patients who present with gastrointestinal symptoms accompanied by hypercalcemia and hypophosphatemia, clinicians need to be alert to the possibility of MEN1.