Preliminary report on embolization with quick-soluble gelatin sponge particles for angiographically negative acute gastrointestinal bleeding.

Prophylactic embolization is usually performed using gelatin sponge particles, which are absorbed within several weeks, for managing angiographically negative gastrointestinal bleeding. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) with quick-soluble gelatin sponge particles (QS-GSP) that dissolve in less than 4 h for treating angiographically negative gastrointestinal bleeding. We included ten patients (M:F = 7:3; mean age, 64.3 years) who underwent prophylactic TAE with QS-GSP for angiographically negative acute gastrointestinal bleeding between 2021 and 2023. The technical success rate of TAE, clinical outcomes focusing on rebleeding, and procedure-related complications were evaluated. The embolized arteries were the gastroduodenal (n = 3), jejunal (n = 4), and ileal (n = 3) arteries. QS-GSP (150-350 µm or 350-560 µm) were used alone (n = 8) or in combination with a coil (n = 1). A 100% technical success rate was accomplished. In 1 patient (10%), rebleeding occurred 2 days after prophylactic TAE of the gastroduodenal artery, and this was managed by repeat TAE. There were no procedure-related complications. The use of QS-GSP for prophylactic TAE appears to be safe and effective for controlling bleeding among patients with angiographically negative gastrointestinal bleeding. There were no cases of related ischemic complications of the embolized bowels likely attributable to recanalization of the affected arteries following biodegradation of QS-GSP.

Primary Peritoneal Psammocarcinoma Misdiagnosed as an Heterotopic Ossification: A Case Report.

Primary peritoneal psammocarcinoma is a rare type of serous carcinoma that is characterized by the massive formation of psammoma bodies and the invasion of adjacent organs. A 55-year-old female who previously underwent a hysterectomy presented to the emergency room with severe abdominal pain. Contrast-enhanced CT revealed an intra-abdominal calcific mass. Initially, it was thought to be a heterotopic ossification due to the previous pelvic surgery with intact ovaries. However, this was diagnosed as a primary peritoneal psammocarcinoma. Primary peritoneal psammocarcinoma is a very rare disease entity that should be considered a differential diagnosis in patients with normal ovaries, massive ossification in the pelvic cavity, and calcific peritoneal nodules.

Parasitic Leiomyoma with Lymphatic Dilatation in Trocar Port-Site of Abdominal Wall: A Case Report.

Uterine leiomyoma is the most common benign pelvic tumor in female and being symptomatic is an indication for surgical removal. As laparoscopic surgery has been developed, some cases related to parasitic leiomyomas in the port site have been reported. A 40-year-old female who a history of previous laparoscopic surgery to remove uterine myoma 2 years ago visited in outpatient clinic of general surgery with palpable mass in left lower abdomen. Contrast enhanced abdomen CT and pelvis MRI were done to evaluate the mass. It was diagnosed parasitic leiomyoma in pathologic study after surgical removal and parasitic leiomyoma should be considered when patient visited presenting abdominal mass with the history of laparoscopic myomectomy.

Large Vessel Vasculitis as an Initial Manifestation of Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Case Report.

Large vessel vasculitis is characterized by chronic inflammation within the aortic wall and its major branches. The inflammation is considered to occur as a result of immune dysregulation. Hematologic malignancy is one of the rare causes of secondary vasculitis. Herein, we report a rare case of large vessel vasculitis associated with acute myeloid leukemia mimicking primary vasculitis.

Extrahepatic Bile Duct Duplication with Intraductal Papillary Neoplasm: A Case Report.

Extrahepatic duct duplication is an extremely rare congenital anomaly. Hilar cholangiocarcinoma with extrahepatic bile duct duplication was reported; however, intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB) with extrahepatic bile duct duplication has not been reported to the best of our knowledge. We report a rare case of IPNB with extrahepatic bile duct duplication of a 64-year-old female. The patient underwent extended right hepatectomy, and the results of a subsequence histopathological examination were consistent with an IPNB with extrahepatic bile duct duplication. We report this rare case with radiologic imaging findings and a brief review of the current literature.

Red ginseng relieves the effects of alcohol consumption and hangover symptoms in healthy men: a randomized crossover study.

Heavy drinking causes hangover symptoms, because the action of alcohol dehydrogenase forms acetaldehyde, which is metabolized by acetaldehyde dehydrogenase into acetate. Red ginseng shows positive effects on alcohol metabolism in animal studies. We investigated the effects of red ginseng on relieving alcohol and hangover symptoms in 25 healthy men in a randomized crossover study. At each visit (0, 1, and 2 weeks), the subjects drank 100 mL whiskey (40% alcohol) and either 100 mL water or 100 mL of a 0.321 mg mL(-1) red ginseng anti-hangover drink (RGD). We took blood samples periodically until 240 min after alcohol consumption, and we investigated the blood profiles, alcohol levels, and acetaldehyde levels. We also measured anthropometric parameters, expiratory air-alcohol levels, and hangover symptoms. The plasma alcohol concentrations within the RGD group were significantly lower than those within the placebo group after 30 min (p = 0.002), 45 min (p = 0.016), and 60 min (p = 0.009); the areas under the response curves revealed a positive effect of RGD (p = 0.051). Furthermore, the expiratory alcohol concentration was significantly lower after 30 min (p = 0.005) and 60 min (p = 0.065), and the areas under the response curves (p = 0.058) likewise revealed a positive effect of RGD. The plasma acetaldehyde level was significantly elevated at 120 min (p = 0.020), but the areas under the response curves showed a similar trend (p = 0.054). While the plasma acetaldehyde concentration slightly increased, the RGD showed positive effects on hangover symptoms. Considering the reduction of plasma alcohol levels, expiratory concentrations, and hangover severity, we conclude that red ginseng relieves the symptoms of alcohol hangover.