Budd-Chiari syndrome mimicking autoimmune hepatitis.

Budd-Chiari syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by obstruction of hepatic venous outflow involving either the hepatic veins or the inferior vena cava. Risk factors include thrombophilia and myeloproliferative disorders, and symptoms are often unspecific. We present a case of a 60-year-old woman admitted to our medical unit for ascites and abdominal pain. Although her medical history significant for a mixed connective tissue disease and a mild increase of the transaminases had raised the suspicion of autoimmune hepatitis, the demonstration on computed tomography of the absence of outflow in the terminal tract of the supra-hepatic veins allowed a correct diagnosis. The contribution of radiological imaging is fundamental in the diagnosis of this rare and elusive pathology.

Pulmonary embolism and renal artery thrombosis in a patient with patent foramen ovale.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Paradoxical embolism is a rare condition in which a thrombus migrates from the venous system to the arterial circulation, usually through a patent foramen ovale (PFO). Pulmonary embolism (PE) and isolated occlusion of one renal artery has been seldom reported. METHODS: We describe a case of a 47-year old white man with a one-month history of exertional dyspnea who was admitted to our hospital for  severe pain in the right lumbar region. RESULTS: A computed tomography showed  PE and a thrombotic occlusion of the right renal artery. A trans-thoracic echocardiogram documented a PFO with right to left shunt. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and venous compression ultrasonography of the lower extremities were normal. Therapeutic anticoagulation was started. CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary embolism and thrombotic occlusion of one renal artery is a rare manifestation of paradoxical embolism. Exertional dyspnea is an atypical manifestation of PE and can delay the diagnosis.

Comparison between two different reconstruction techniques after pancreatic head resection. Technical feasibility and clinical benefits.

BACKGROUND: The study aim was to evaluate if diverting drainage of bile and pancreatic secretions with an isolated Roux loop technique helps to decrease the rate of postoperative morbidity and mortality, in particular postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). METHODS: A prospectively maintained database between 2006 and 2018 was reviewed. Patients who underwent primary elective pancreaticoduodenectomy were included. Two types of reconstruction methods were compared: single loop (SJL) reconstruction (28 patients) and isolated Roux-en-Y (DJL) reconstruction (36 patients). Demographic characteristics and perioperative results were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: This study includes 64 patients. The average duration of surgery was 308 mins; it was longer for DJL (P<0.0001). Major postoperative complications were seen in 24 patients (9 in SJL; 15 in DJL) without statistically significant difference. The most frequent complication that occurred was PJ anastomosis failure (4 in SJL; 6 in DJL). The choice of postoperative complication management was not related to surgical reconstruction technique (P=0.389). Length of hospital stay in DJL was significantly longer than in SJL (P=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: No significant advantage of one technique over the other was found. In our opinion, surgeons should choose the approach with which they have the most experience and ease.