Pelvic malignant hemangiopericytoma mimicking an ovarian neoplasm; a case report.

BACKGROUND: Malignant hemangiopericytoma (MHPC) is a rare vascular tumor and has been reported to occur in the musculature of the extremities, retroperitoneum and pelvis. Omental hemangiopericytomas (HPCs) are extremely rare. Synovial sarcomas and solitary fibrous tumors share histologic features with HPCs, causing diagnostic difficulties. Immunohistochemistry is essential for the diagnosis. CASE: A 74-year-old woman presented with an abdominopelvic mass. A malignant ovarian tumor was suspected on clinical features, ultrasound and computed tomography. Staging laparotomy revealed a large, vascular tumor adherent to loops of small bowel, colon, cecum and appendix, but the ovaries and uterus were normal. The tumor was completely removed after extensive dissection. Histopathology and detailed immunohistochemistry established the diagnosis of a malignant hemangiopericytoma arising from the omentum. The patient developed recurrent subacute bowel obstruction and died 4 months after the initial diagnosis. CONCLUSION: MHPCs are rare tumors and not likely to be diagnosed preoperatively. Treatment is therefore individualized and based on the findings at laparotomy. Some tumors, such as the one described here, exhibit very aggressive behavior.

Colocutaneous fistula secondary to amoebiasis.

Here we present an interesting and extremely rare case of a 66 year old male who developed a colocutaneous fistula secondary to amoebiasis. The patient presented with an acute history of right lower abdominal pain, weight loss and a palpable mass. A CT scan demonstrated a fluid filled cavity in the right iliac fossa consistent with an appendiceal abscess which was drained under radiological guidance. However, following drainage his symptoms remained requiring open surgical drainage, and a controlled caecostomy was performed due to a small caecal perforation. Despite appropriate conservative therapy he failed to progress, and developed localised sepsis in the right iliac fossa with a colocutaneous fistula, requiring a formal right hemicolectomy. The histological examination confirmed the presence of abundant trophozoites of Entamoeba histolytica.We highlight the fact that in the modern age of immigration and long distance travel, it will become increasingly likely that the so-called 'tropical' diseases will present throughout the world. This case also highlights the need to keep an open mind in cases that do not progress as expected, and to react accordingly to any unusual developments.

Appendiceal carcinoma masquerading as recurrent urinary tract infections: case report and review of literature.

We report on a female patient who presented with recurrent urinary tract infections. The investigations revealed an adenocarcinoma of the appendix fistulating into the bladder and causing irritative symptoms. After right hemicolectomy and partial cystectomy, she was well at 3 months without any need for adjuvant therapy. This unusual situation reminds us that the finding of bladder adenocarcinoma is rare, and it would be prudent to examine the lower gastrointestinal tract thoroughly to look for a bowel source, before recommending any ablative surgery.