Pileflebitis en pediatría: un desafío diagnóstico / Pylephlebitis in pediatrics: A diagnostic challenge

La pileflebitis es definida como la trombosis supurativa de la vena porta como complicación de infecciones abdominales. En pediatría, la etiología más frecuente es la apendicitis, generalmente de diagnóstico tardío, que se presenta como sepsis, con una elevada mortalidad. Para el diagnóstico son necesarios métodos de diagnóstico por imágenes; los más utilizados son la ecografía Doppler y la angiotomografía. El tratamiento se basa en la intervención quirúrgica, la antibioticoterapia y la anticoagulación. Esta última tiene indicación controvertida, pero podría mejorar el pronóstico y disminuir la morbimortalidad. Se presenta un caso clínico de pileflebitis secundaria a sepsis por Escherichia coli con punto de partida en una apendicitis aguda, en un paciente pediátrico que evoluciona a la transformación cavernomatosa de la vena porta. Es de importancia conocer el manejo de esta entidad, ya que, una vez superado el cuadro inicial, requerirá un minucioso seguimiento por la posibilidad de evolucionar a la insuficiencia hepática.

Pylephlebitis is defined as suppurative thrombosis of the portal vein as a complication of abdominal infections. In pediatrics, the most frequent etiology is appendicitis, generally of late diagnosis, presenting as sepsis, with a high mortality rate. Imaging methods are necessary for diagnosis; the most common are the Doppler ultrasound and computed tomography angiography. Treatment is based on surgery, antibiotic therapy, and anticoagulation. The indication for the latter is controversial, but it may improve prognosis and decrease morbidity and mortality. Here we describe a clinical case of pylephlebitis secondary to Escherichia coli sepsis, which started as acute appendicitis in a pediatric patient who progressed to cavernomatous transformation of the portal vein. It is important to know the management of this disease because, once the initial symptoms are overcome, it will require close follow-up due to a potential progression to liver failure.

Rare encounter: facial vein thrombosis and thrombophlebitis as a complication of acute submandibular sialadenitis.

Thrombosis and thrombophlebitis of the facial vein represent exceptionally rare diagnoses, particularly when occurring as complications of acute sialadenitis of the submandibular gland. This case report details the experience of a middle-aged man initially presenting at a tertiary care ear, nose and throat department with right submandibular gland sialadenitis. Despite initiating outpatient treatment involving oral antibiotics and sialagogues, the patient returned after a week with persistent and worsening pain, accompanied by swelling of the right submandibular gland and cheek. Using ultrasound, the accurate diagnosis was promptly identified, revealing thrombosis in the facial vein.The patient underwent a comprehensive treatment regimen involving anticoagulation and intravenous antibiotics. With a subsequent reduction in pain and swelling, the patient was discharged, continuing oral anticoagulation and antibiotics. Outpatient follow-up revealed a complete recovery 3 weeks later. This case underscores the importance of timely and precise diagnostic measures in managing rare complications associated with sialadenitis.

Lemierre-like syndrome after soft tissue infection due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: A case report and literature review.

RATIONALE: Lemierre-like syndrome (LLS) is characterized by bacteremia, septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein, and metastatic abscesses. In contrast to classic Lemierre syndrome, sources of infection are not related to oropharyngeal infections, as are frequent soft tissue infections. In recent years, Staphylococcus aureus has been identified as an emergent pathogen that causes this syndrome. The mortality rate of LLS caused by this pathogen is approximately 16%. Timely diagnosis, antibiotic treatment, and infection control are the cornerstones to treat LLS. Anticoagulant therapy as adjuvant treatment remains controversial. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 31-year-old woman from California, United States (US), was admitted to the emergency room with a history of 2 days of fever and severe throbbing pain in the left cervical region. Thorax and neck CT tomography revealed confluent cavities suggestive of septic embolism in the lungs and a filiform thrombus in the lumen of the left internal jugular vein, with moderate swelling of the soft and muscular tissues. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was isolated from the blood culture. DIAGNOSIS: The thrombus in the internal jugular vein associated with cellulitis in the neck and multiple cavitary lesions in the lungs support the diagnosis of LLS caused by MRSA with septic embolization. INTERVENTIONS: During treatment, the patient received vancomycin IV for 25 days and returned to the US with linezolid orally. In addition, assisted video-thoracoscopy and bilateral mini-thoracotomy with pleural decortication were performed for infectious source control, where 1700cc of purulent pleural fluid was drained. OUTCOMES: The patient was discharged with optimal evolution. LESSONS: LLS should be suspected in patients with skin and soft tissue infections who develop thrombosis or metastatic infections. MRSA infections should be considered in patients from areas where this pathogen is prevalent.

Evaluation and Management of Buprenorphine Extended-Release Injection Thrombophlebitis: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Buprenorphine extended-release subcutaneous injection (BUP-XR) is a medication used to treat opioid use disorder. It is a long-acting formulation of buprenorphine, which is a partial opioid agonist. Buprenorphine extended-release subcutaneous injection is injected into the subcutaneous space forming a depot that can last up to a month. The most common adverse effects of BUP-XR are injection site pain, erythema, and induration. CASE REPORT: A man in his late 30s presented to the emergency department 48 hours after BUP-XR injection with abdominal pain. He was found to have superficial venous thrombosis of an abdominal wall vessel extending near the deep venous system. He was subsequently started on apixaban for 30 days and cefadroxil for 7 days to reduce the risk of extension and infection. He fully recovered and has since restarted BUP-XR without further complications. CONCLUSIONS: Venous thrombosis is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication of BUP-XR. It is important for emergency and outpatient clinicians to be aware of adverse reactions associated with this medication. The patient was successfully treated with a 30-day course of apixaban and able to resume taking BUP-XR without further complications. Clinicians may want to consider supplementing BUP-XR with sublingual film after injection-related complications due to possible lower serum levels.

Pylephlebitis in pediatrics: A diagnostic challenge. / Pileflebitis en pediatría: un desafío diagnóstico.

Pylephlebitis is defined as suppurative thrombosis of the portal vein as a complication of abdominal infections. In pediatrics, the most frequent etiology is appendicitis, generally of late diagnosis, presenting as sepsis, with a high mortality rate. Imaging methods are necessary for diagnosis; the most common are the Doppler ultrasound and computed tomography angiography. Treatment is based on surgery, antibiotic therapy, and anticoagulation. The indication for the latter is controversial, but it may improve prognosis and decrease morbidity and mortality. Here we describe a clinical case of pylephlebitis secondary to Escherichia coli sepsis, which started as acute appendicitis in a pediatric patient who progressed to cavernomatous transformation of the portal vein. It is important to know the management of this disease because, once the initial symptoms are overcome, it will require close follow-up due to a potential progression to liver failure.

La pileflebitis es definida como la trombosis supurativa de la vena porta como complicación de infecciones abdominales. En pediatría, la etiología más frecuente es la apendicitis, generalmente de diagnóstico tardío, que se presenta como sepsis, con una elevada mortalidad. Para el diagnóstico son necesarios métodos de diagnóstico por imágenes; los más utilizados son la ecografía Doppler y la angiotomografía. El tratamiento se basa en la intervención quirúrgica, la antibioticoterapia y la anticoagulación. Esta última tiene indicación controvertida, pero podría mejorar el pronóstico y disminuir la morbimortalidad. Se presenta un caso clínico de pileflebitis secundaria a sepsis por Escherichia coli con punto de partida en una apendicitis aguda, en un paciente pediátrico que evoluciona a la transformación cavernomatosa de la vena porta. Es de importancia conocer el manejo de esta entidad, ya que, una vez superado el cuadro inicial, requerirá un minucioso seguimiento por la posibilidad de evolucionar a la insuficiencia hepática.

PROMETHAZINE-INDUCED THROMBOPHLEBITIS IN A NIGERIAN MAN: A CASE REPORT.

Introduction: Promethazine is a phenothiazine derivative that possesses antihistamine, anti-dopaminergic and anticholinergic properties. It is commonly used to treat motion sickness, allergic conditions, nausea and vomiting, in addition to its use as a sedative. Promethazine has vesicant properties and is highly caustic to the intima of blood vessels and surrounding tissues. Intravenous administration may result in thrombophlebitis, unintentional intra-arterial administration, perivascular extravasation and tissue necrosis. To the best of our knowledge there is no previous published report of promethazine-induced thrombophlebitis from sub- Saharan Africa. Case Report: A 29-year-old Nigerian male was admitted at our hospital on account of malaria with acute gastroenteritis. Due to persistent vomiting, he was administered 25 mg of promethazine injection via a size 22G intravenous cannula which was inserted the previous day on the anteromedial aspect of his right forearm and maintained with continuous intravenous crystalloid infusion. Upon administration of promethazine, he experienced intense burning and erythema. The cannula was removed immediately, another cannula was inserted on the contralateral arm, and promethazine was replaced with ondansetron. Subsequently, he developed a tender, subcutaneous cord-like swelling extending from the middle-third of the anteromedial aspect of his right forearm, corresponding with the site of previous venous cannulation. Ultrasonography revealed a hypoechoic, non-compressible basilic vein, with no flow on colour Doppler interrogation, in keeping with superficial thrombophlebitis. He was treated with a topical anti-inflammatory agent, and the pain and redness subsided after four weeks. Conclusion: The preferred parenteral route of administration of promethazine is deep intramuscular injection. Recommendations to prevent promethazine-induced thrombophlebitis include: use of large and patent veins, use of lower doses, drug dilution and slow administration, use of alternative therapies, and patient education. Promethazine-induced tissue injury is under-reported in this part of the world. Creating awareness through this case report would help reduce the morbidity following promethazine administration.

Group A Streptococcal Endometritis and Toxic Shock causing Septic Pelvic Thrombophlebitis and Septic Pulmonary Emboli.

Group A Streptococcus (GAS) in the setting of postpartum endometritis can have severe and life-threatening complications. We report a rare case of septic pulmonary emboli that we surmised to have originated from septic pelvic thrombosis in the setting of GAS toxic shock syndrome (TSS) secondary to postpartum endometritis and intrauterine demise. Although the patient had source control with hysterectomy, she continued to have new septic emboli to the lungs seen on CT scans. CT scan of the pelvis demonstrated several filling defects in the renal and pelvic veins. The patient eventually responded well to anticoagulation in addition to antibiotics, which is similar to cases of Lemierre's syndrome. Additionally, we would like to bring attention to how important radiological findings can be missed if there is lack of interspecialty communication about the patient's clinical situation.

The effectiveness of adalimumab as an add-on therapy in two cases with leg ulcers in Behçet's disease resistant to conventional immunosuppressive therapy alone and a review of the literature.

The current report presents two cases with leg ulcers related to Behçet's disease (BD) resistant to conventional immunosuppressive therapy (CIST) but successfully treated with adalimumab (ADA). BD, which can affect vessels of any size and type, is a systemic vasculitis. In the vascular system, veins are the most predominantly affected blood vessels, with deep vein thrombosis and recurrent superficial vein thrombophlebitis being the most common vascular signs of the disease in the lower extremities. Leg ulcers, commonly associated with vasculitis or deep vein thrombosis, are rare in patients with BD. Conventional immunosuppressive therapy is very critical to prevent relapses and diminish the risk of post-thrombotic syndrome. In patients with BD-associated venous thrombosis (deep vein thrombosis or superficial vein thrombophlebitis) resistant to these treatments, tumour necrosis factor-α inhibitors can be used alone or in combination with traditional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. In view of such information, add-on adalimumab treatment was considered appropriate for both patients. Response to this intervention was highly satisfying for the patients at the end of the 6-month treatment. Nonetheless, it warrants further studies directly evaluating the efficacy of tumour necrosis factor-α inhibitors alone in leg ulcers in BD.

Bilateral pterygoid abscesses in a patient with Lemierre's syndrome.

Patients with Lemierre's syndrome may have complications such as lung lesions, large joint arthritis and central nervous system involvement. However, complications involving a pterygoid abscess have scarcely been reported. Here, we report a case of bilateral Lemierre's syndrome accompanied with an intracranial epidural abscess and bilateral pterygoid abscesses. A woman in her 70s presented to the emergency room with a decreased level of consciousness. Infection was suspected, and Slackia exigua and species of Fusobacterium were identified in blood cultures, which suggested that the origin of infection was odontogenic, particularly as the patient had poor oral hygiene. Head and neck CT with contrast enhancement revealed bilateral internal jugular vein thrombophlebitis, septic pulmonary embolism, frontal epidural abscess and bilateral pterygoid abscesses. After antibiotic treatment and drainage, her condition improved. Pterygoid abscesses should be recognised as a rare complication of Lemierre's syndrome, especially when the infection origin is odontogenic.

[Iliopsoas muscle hematoma after anticoagulant therapy for pyogenic thrombophlebitis that spilled over from ascending colon diverticulitis:a case report].

A 79-year-old male patient presented to our hospital with chief complaints of fever, abdominal pain, and jaundice. Laboratory data revealed marked hepatobiliary enzyme and inflammatory marker elevations, and computed tomography revealed ascending colon diverticulitis, thrombophlebitis, portal vein thrombus, and intrahepatic cholangitis. Blood culture revealed the presence of Prevotella sp. The patient was treated with anticoagulant therapy in addition to antimicrobial therapy;however, activated partial thromboplastin time prolongation remained insufficient. Antithrombin therapy was combined with the current therapy because antithrombin levels were low, which resulted in iliopsoas muscle hematoma. The hematoma resolved conservatively after discontinuing anticoagulation, and the patient was discharged after 19 days of hospitalization with improved cholangitis and diverticulitis. The portal vein thrombus remained after discharge;however, anticoagulation therapy was not restarted due to adverse events. This case was presented because of its difficult treatment.

A previously unreported case of suppurative thrombophlebitis due to Clavispora lusitaniae.

We report a case with Clavispora lusitaniae-induced purulent thrombophlebitis. The patient had multiple risk factors for the development of fungal thrombophlebitis including surgical procedure, mechanical ventilation, admission to intensive care unit, total parenteral nutrition and long-term antimicrobial therapy in addition to the insertion of central venous catheter. The symptoms finally improved by a combination therapy of micafungin and flucytosine, but the therapy did not rapidly resolve candidemia. The appropriate antifungal therapy for C. lusitaniae-induced purulent thrombophlebitis is uncertain. Further study is desired to seek the appropriate therapy for the disease.

Acute septic thrombophlebitis of the lower extremities due to foreign body injury and infection: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Septic thrombophlebitis (STP) of the lower extremities caused by foreign bodies is rare in the clinic, and the symptoms are serious. If the correct treatment is not implemented as soon as possible, the patient may progress to sepsis. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 51-year-old normally healthy male who developed fever 3 days after field work. When he was weeding with a lawn mower in the field, a metal foreign body from the grass flew into his left lower abdomen, resulting in an eschar on his left lower abdomen. He was diagnosed with scrub typhus but did not respond well to anti-infective treatment. After a detailed inquiry of his medical history and an auxiliary examination, the diagnosis was confirmed as STP of the left lower limb caused by a foreign body. After surgery, anticoagulation and anti-infection treatment, the infection and thrombosis were controlled, and the patient was cured and discharged. CONCLUSIONS: STP caused by foreign bodies is rare. Early detection of the aetiology of sepsis and early adoption of the correct measures can effectively block the progression of the disease and reduce the patient's pain. Clinicians should identify the source of sepsis through a medical history and clinical examination.

[Anticoagulation in a patient with Lemierre syndrome and pulmonary septic embolisms]. / Anticoagulación en paciente con síndrome de Lemierre y embolias sépticas pulmonares.

Lemierre's syndrome, also called septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein, necrobacillosis or postanginal sepsis, is an infection that begins in the oropharyngeal space, is complicated by septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein and infectious metastases. The rapid progression to serious clinical conditions that compromise the patient's life and its low frequency justify the disclosure of clinical cases. We present the case of a 27-year-old woman who developed facial edema and trismus 48 hours after completing treatment with phenoxymethylpenicillin for an odontogenic infection. An angio-CT of the craniofacial massif revealed an extensive thrombus in the internal jugular vein and a computed tomography of the chest showed septic pulmonary emboli. Treatment consisted of broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics and early anticoagulation.

El síndrome de Lemierre, también denominado tromboflebitis séptica de la vena yugular interna, necrobacilosis o sepsis postanginal es una infección que inicia en el espacio orofaríngeo, se complica con tromboflebitis séptica de la vena yugular interna y metástasis infecciosas. La rápida progresión a cuadros clínicos graves que comprometen la vida del paciente y su baja frecuencia justifican la divulgación de casos clínicos. Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 27 años de edad, que a las 48 horas de completar el tratamiento con fenoximetilpenicilina por una infección odontógena evolucionó con edema facial y trismus. En la angio-TC de macizo craneofacial se evidenció extenso trombo en la vena yugular interna y en la tomografía computarizada de tórax, embolias sépticas pulmonares. El tratamiento consistió en antibióticos endovenosos de amplio espectro y anticoagulación de manera precoz.

Expression and Release of Tumor Cell Tissue Factor Triggers Recurrent Thromboembolism in a Patient with Endometrial Cancer.

Although cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT) is a frequent complication in patients with malignancies, its treatment remains a challenge in daily practice. Here, we report the clinical course of a 51-year-old woman presenting with a highly thrombogenic paraneoplastic coagulopathy. Despite therapeutic anticoagulation with various agents, including rivaroxaban, fondaparinux, and low-molecular-weight heparin, the patient suffered from recurrent venous and arterial thromboembolism. Locally advanced endometrial cancer was identified. Tumor cells showed strong expression of tissue factor (TF), and significant concentrations of TF-bearing microvesicles were detected in patient plasma. Coagulopathy was controlled only by continuous intravenous anticoagulation with the direct thrombin inhibitor, argatroban. Multimodal antineoplastic treatment, including neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery and postoperative radiotherapy, resulted in clinical cancer remission, which was paralleled by normalization of tumor markers, CA125 and CA19-9, D-dimer levels, and TF-bearing microvesicles. In summary, continuous anticoagulation with argatroban and multimodal anticancer treatment may be necessary to control TF-driven coagulation activation with recurrent CAT in endometrial cancer.

Pylephlebitis: An uncommon complication of sigmoid diverticulitis.

Pylephlebitis is defined as a septic thrombophlebitis of the portal vein, usually secondary to infection in regions contiguous to or drained by the portal system. Although extremely uncommon in the modern era, pylephlebitis still carries an appreciable risk of severe morbidity and mortality, if unrecognized and left untreated. Herein we report the case of severe pylephlebitis in a patient with acute sigmoid diverticulitis. Although highly elusive, prompt diagnosis is crucial to ensure appropriate management and limit associated morbidity.

Odontogenic Lemierre's syndrome with septic superior ophthalmic vein and cavernous sinus thrombophlebitis complicated by blindness and ophthalmoplegia.

Lemierre's syndrome is a triad consisting of oropharyngeal infection, internal jugular vein thrombophlebitis, and systemic embolisation typically involving lung and brain. Orbital involvement in this life-threatening condition is rare but potentially blinding and may be an indicator of intracranial involvement. We describe a case of odontogenic Lemierre's syndrome complicated by extensive orbital and intracranial septic venous thrombosis, with optic and cranial neuropathy resulting in monocular blindness and ophthalmoplegia. A multidisciplinary approach with abscess drainage, antibiotic and antithrombotic therapy, and close radiological monitoring was critical for preserving contralateral vision and neurological function.

Septic Pulmonary Embolism: A Contemporary Profile.

Septic pulmonary embolism (SPE) is a rare clinical entity that is distinct from the classic and more common non-septic thrombotic pulmonary embolism. SPE should be suspected in patients with a systemic acute inflammatory reaction or sepsis who develop signs and symptoms of pulmonary involvement. The diagnosis of SPE depends on the specific radiologic finding of multiple, peripheral, nodular, possibly cavitated lesions. SPE should prompt an immediate search for the primary source of infection; typically, right-sided infective endocarditis, cardiac implantable electronic devices, and septic thrombophlebitis as a complication of bone, skin, and soft tissue infection including Lemierre's syndrome, indwelling catheters, or direct inoculation via injection drug use. Invasive treatment of the infection source may be necessary; in thrombophlebitis, the efficacy and safety of anticoagulation remain undefined. Blood cultures may be negative, particularly among patients with recent antibiotic exposure, and broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy should be considered. The in-hospital mortality of SPE ranges up to 20% in published case series. While trends in the incidence of SPE are unknown, the opioid epidemic, the growing use of cardiac implantable electronic devices worldwide, and the reported increase in cases of septic thrombophlebitis may be leading to an escalation in SPE cases. We provide a contemporary profile of SPE and propose a clinical management algorithm in patients with suspected or confirmed SPE.