Peripheral cemento-ossifying fibroma: A case report with review of literature

Peripheral cemento-ossifying fibroma (PCOF) is a rare osteogenic neoplasm that ordinarily presents as an epulis-like growth. This is of a reactive rather than neoplastic nature and its pathogenesis is uncertain. PCOF predominantly affects adolescent and young adults with greatest prevalence around 28 years. We report here a rare clinical case of PCOF of the mandible, 1 cm mesiodistally and 1.5 cm occluso-gingivally in diameter, which caused difficulty in eating and speech, in a 42-year-old female patient. She was asymptomatic for 1 year and on follow-up for 6 mo post surgically showed gingival health and normal radioopacity of bone without any recurrence. Clinical, radiographic and histological characteristics are discussed and recommendations regarding differential diagnosis, treatment and follow up are provided. The controversial varied nomenclature and possible etiopathogenesis of PCOF are emphasized.

Monitoring photodynamic therapy of head and neck malignancies with optical spectroscopies

In recent years there has been significant developments in photosensitizers (PSs), light sources and light delivery systems that have allowed decreasing the treatment time and skin phototoxicity resulting in more frequent use of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the clinical settings. Compared to standard treatment approaches such as chemo-radiation and surgery, PDT has much reduced morbidity for head and neck malignancies and is becoming an alternative treatment option. It can be used as an adjunct therapy to other treatment modalities without any additive cumulative side effects. Surface illumination can be an option for pre-malignant and early-stage malignancies while interstitial treatment is for debulking of thick tumors in the head and neck region. PDT can achieve equivalent or greater efficacy in treating head and neck malignancies, suggesting that it may be considered as a first line therapy in the future. Despite progressive development, clinical PDT needs improvement in several topics for wider acceptance including standardization of protocols that involve the same administrated light and PS doses and establishing quantitative tools for PDT dosimetry planning and response monitoring. Quantitative measures such as optical parameters, PS concentration, tissue oxygenation and blood flow are essential for accurate PDT dosimetry as well as PDT response monitoring and assessing therapy outcome. Unlike conventional imaging modalities like magnetic resonance imaging, novel optical imaging techniques can quantify PDT-related parameters without any contrast agent administration and enable real-time assessment during PDT for providing fast feedback to clinicians. Ongoing developments in optical imaging offer the promise of optimization of PDT protocols with improved outcomes.

A rare case of acute compartment syndrome after saphenectomy

Saphenectomy is one of the most validated criteria to treat varicose veins of the lower legs. Although many complications were well described, little is known about compartment syndrome due to muscle ischemia caused by constrictive bandages applied after stripping of varicose veins. We presented a case of successful conservative treatment of compartment syndrome after saphenectomy. Rehabilitation was found effective in improving fatigue, stiffness and tenderness showing the effectiveness of the combined conservative-rehabilitative treatment. However conservative treatment could not be considered the treatment of choice in daily practice. A severity score assessment of compartment syndrome should be useful to assess to which patients is allowed to not perform fasciotomy.

A vaginal drain of a pelvic abscess due to colonic diverticulitis

Although well recognized for tubo-ovarian abscesses, we report, in our best knowledge, the first case of a vaginal drain of a pelvic abscess due to colonic diverticulitis. A 78-year-old patient presented with abdominal and pelvic pain, fever (39.3 °C) and an elevated white blood cell count (18500/mL). After abdominopelvic computed tomography the patient was presumed to have a pelvic abscess, which developed as a complication of the sigmoid diverticulitis. Due to the numerous intervening structures that create obstacles to safe percutaneous access, we planned a trans-vaginal drain. A rapid recovery was obtained within 2 d from the procedure and, at present, the follow-up was uneventful after 18 mo. We believe that transvaginal drain of pelvic abscess could be a useful alternative, when percutaneous approach is not feasible.

Synchronous rectal and esophageal cancer treated with chemotherapy followed by two-stage resection

We report a case of 61-year-old male who had synchronous advanced rectal cancer involving the urinary bladder massively associated with multiple liver metastases, and esophageal cancer successfully treated by neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by two-stage resection. Although complete resection of each of the lesions was considered possible by performing anterior pelvic exenteration, liver resection, and esophagectomy, it might be impossible for the patient to endure the stress of all of these operative procedures at once. Therefore, we planned to perform staged treatment with prioritizing consideration. First, we instituted chemotherapy with the FOLFOX (oxaliplatin + fluorouracil + leucovorin) plus cetuximab regimen, which could adequately control both rectal and esophageal cancer. After 6 cycles of chemotherapy, high anterior resection combined with cystoprostatectomy and lateral segmentectomy plus partial hepatectomy was performed followed by staged esophagectomy with three-field lymph node dissection. It was possible to use oxaliplatin and cetuximab safely as neoadjuvant therapy not only for advanced rectal cancer but for esophageal cancer, and it was effective.

Isolated gastric Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic idiopathic inflammatory disease of gastrointestinal tract characterized by segmental and transmural involvement of gastrointestinal tract. Ileocolonic and colonic/anorectal is a most common and account for 40% of cases and involvement of small intestine in about 30%. The stomach is rarely the sole or predominant site of CD. To date there are only a few documented case reports of adults with isolated gastric CD and no reports in the pediatric population. Isolated stomach involvement is very unusual presentation accounting for less than 0.07% of all gastrointestinal CD. The diagnosis is difficult to establish in cases of atypical presentation as in isolated gastroduodenal disease. In the absence of any other source of disease and in the presence of nonspecific upper GI endoscopy and histological findings, serological testing can play a vital role in the diagnosis of atypical CD. Recent studies have suggested that perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody and anti-Saccharomycescervisia antibody may be used as additional diagnostic tools. The effectiveness of infliximab in isolated gastric CD is limited to only a few case reports of adult patients and the long-term outcome is unknown.

Biological therapy for dermatological manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are the two forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The advent of biological drugs has significantly changed the management of these conditions. Skin manifestations are not uncommon in IBD. Among the reactive lesions (immune-mediated extraintestinal manifestations), erythema nodosum (EN) and pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) are the two major cutaneous ills associated with IBD, while psoriasis is the dermatological comorbidity disease observed more often. In particular, in the last few years, anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α agents have been successfully used to treat psoriasis, especially these kinds of lesions that may occur during the treatment with biological therapies. The entity of the paradoxical manifestations has been relatively under reported as most lesions are limited and a causal relationship with the treatment is often poorly understood. The reason for this apparent side-effect of the therapy still remains unclear. Although side effects may occur, their clinical benefits are undoubted. This article reviews the therapeutic effects of the two most widely used anti-TNF-α molecules, infliximab (a fusion protein dimer of the human TNF-α receptor) and adalimumab (a fully human monoclonal antibody to TNF-α), for the treatment of the major cutaneous manifestations associated with IBD (EN, PG and psoriasis).

Squamous papilloma in the external auditory canal: A common lesion in an uncommon site

Squamous papillomas (SPs) are common benign neoplastic lesions, usually affecting the skin, oral mucosa, upper aerodigestive tract and genital organs. However, SPs of the external auditory canal (EAC) are rarely reported in the English literature. In this report, we present a 19-year-old female with left EAC SP. The etiology, natural course, diagnosis and management of this disease are discussed, with a brief review of the literature.

Globalised world, globalised diseases: A case report on an amoebiasis-associated colon perforation

In 2010 the World Health Organisation estimated the number of infections with Entamoeba histolytica at about 50 million cases including 100000 fatal courses. In most cases this infection is a subclinical event with few or none symptoms noticeable for the patient. Courses of this disease and incidence of this parasite in industrialised nations are not yet fully investigated. Our case reports about a 68-year-old male patient from Turkey who lives for more than 30 years in Germany and had not been abroad during the past 2 years. Resistant asymptomatic amoebic dormant bodies caused an emergency-laparoscopy and revealed the seldom complication of a colon perforation. In the age of globalisation all providers in the health care systems are urged to acquaint themselves also with non-typical syndromes for the countries they work in order to reduce preventable morbidity respectively mortality rates.

Proteinuria in paediatric patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection

In human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected people kidney disease is as an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Clinical features of kidney damage in HIV-infected patients range from asymptomatic microalbuminuria to nephrotic syndrome. The lack of specific clinical features despite the presence of heavy proteinuria may mask the renal involvement. Indeed, it is important in HIV patients to monitor renal function to early discover a possible kidney injury. After the introduction of antiretroviral therapy, mortality and morbidity associated to HIV-infection have shown a substantial reduction, although a variety of side effects for long-term use of highly active antiretroviral therapy, including renal toxicity, has emerged. Among more than 20 currently available antiretroviral agents, many of them can occasionally cause reversible or irreversible nephrotoxicity. At now, three antiretroviral agents, i.e., indinavir, atazanavir and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate have a well established association with direct nephrotoxicity. This review focuses on major causes of proteinuria and other pathological findings related to kidney disease in HIV-infected children and adolescents.

Hodgkin’s lymphoma coexisting with liver failure secondary to acute on chronic hepatitis B

Acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF) is rarely the initial manifestation of a malignant process or precipitated by the initiation of anti-viral treatment with a nucleoside or nucleotide agent. We report an unusual case of ACLF temporally associated with initiation of Entecavir for treatment of chronic hepatitis B. Early Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) was unmasked with initiation of the anti-viral treatment which may have exacerbated ACLF. To the best of our knowledge, this has not been described in the literature. In reviewing our patients clinical course and liver autopsy, he developed a severe acute exacerbation of his chronic hepatitis B virus coinciding with the institution of antiviral therapy and the underlying HL perhaps modulating the overall degree of hepatic injury.

Oral rehabilitation of a Parkinson’s patient: A case report

Parkinson’s disease is an idiopathic disorder of the central nervous system, characterized by resting tremors, muscular rigidity, slow and decreased movements. Oral rehabilitation of these patients requires special care, especially in those cases where the patient’s socioeconomic status is not good and patient cannot come several times for fabrication of a complete denture. This clinical report presents a case of a Parkinson’s patient who was completely rehabilitated in 3 appointments using special techniques. Border molding, final impression and jaw relation procedures were done in one appointment by using a custom tray with detachable handles and occlusal rims.

Treatment of a patient with congenital analbuminemia with atorvastatin and albumin infusion

Congenital analbuminemia is a rare autosomic recessive inherited disorder characterized by low plasma albumin and hypercholesterolemia, which may increase cardiovascular risk. Patients are essentially asymptomatic, apart from ease of fatigue, minimal ankle oedema and hypotension. There is no accepted strategy for safely treating both hypercholesterolemia and analbuminemia in order to eventually decrease the atherosclerotic risk. We report a case of congenital analbuminemia (1.0 g/dL)

in a 38-year-old male with hypercholesterolemia (range: 406-475 mg/dL) and severe arterial dysfunction [no brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD)]. Long-term, cholesterol-lowering treatment with atorvastatin was associated with the appearance of peripheral edema. Two-months of infusion with albumin improved FMD (7%) and reduced serum cholesterol (273 mg/dL), supporting the hypothesis of a compensatory role of hypercholesterolemia. Statin treatment, together with periodical albumin infusions, may contribute to the safe reduction of cardiovascular risk.

Tumour induced osteomalacia due to a sinonasal hemangiopericytoma: A case report

Tumour induced osteomalacia (TIO) is a rare and often unrecognized cause of hypophosphatemia. We report on a case of TIO due to a hemangiopericytoma originating from the left nasal sinus. The patient was a 55-year-old male with a 3-year history of left hip pain and an undisplaced left hip fracture. Biochemical testing demonstrated low levels of serum phosphate and serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, and an elevated level of fibroblast growth factor 23. Octreotide scanning demonstrated uptake in the left nasal sinus area and a computed tomography scan revealed a left nasal sinus mass. The patient underwent surgical resection of the mass and histology was consistent with a sinonasal hemangiopericytoma. His serum phosphate levels normalized almost immediately after surgery and he had complete resolution of hip pain. Our case highlights the importance of considering TIO when assessing patients with low serum phosphate.

Endoscopic papillary balloon dilation for difficult common bile duct stones: Our experience

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) performed for common bile duct (CBD) stones.

METHODS: From a computer database, we retrospectively analyzed the data relating to EBD performed in patients at the gastrointestinal unit of the Sandro Pertini Hospital of Rome (small center with low case volume) who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for CBD from January 1, 2010 to February 29, 2012. All patients had a proven diagnosis of CBD stones studied with echography, RMN-cholangiography and, when necessary, with computed tomography of the abdomen (for example, in cases with pace-makers). Prophylactic therapies, with gabexate mesilate 24 h before the procedure and with an antibiotic (ceftriaxone 2 g) 1 h before, were administered in all patients. The duodenum was intubated with a side-viewing endoscope under deep sedation with intravenous midazolam and propofol. The patients were placed in the supine position in almost all cases. EBD of the ampulla was performed under endoscopic and fluoroscopic guidance with a balloon through the scope (Hercules, wireguided balloon^®, Cook Ireland Ltd. and CRE^®, Microvasive, Boston Scientific Co., Natick, MA, United States).

RESULTS: A total of 14 patients (9 female, 5 male; mean age of 73 years; range 57-82 years) were enrolled in the study, in whom a total of 15 EBDs were performed. All patients underwent minor endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) prior to the EBD. The size of balloon insufflation depended on stone size and CBD dilation and this was performed until it reached 16 mm in diameter. EBD was performed under endoscopic and fluoroscopic guidance. The balloon was gradually filled with diluted contrast agent and was maintained inflated in position for 45 to 60 s before deflation and removal. The need for precutting the major papilla was 21.4%. In one patient (an 81-year-old), EBD was performed in a Billroth II. Periampullary diverticula were found only in a 74-year-old female. The adverse event related to the procedures (ERCP + ES) was only an intra procedural bleeding (6.6%) that occurred after ES and was treated immediately with adrenaline sclerotherapy. No postoperative complications were reported.

CONCLUSION: With the current endoscopic techniques, very few patients with choledocholithiasis require surgery. EBD is an efficacious and safe procedure.

Can neck swelling lead to spinal cord compression?

Spinal cord compression (SCC) caused by cervical spinal canal invasion of a pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma metastasis has never been reported previously. A 59-year-old man, with a history of pulmonary carcinosarcoma, developed over several weeks important neck swelling. Admitted to our division with severe tetraparesis he underwent a cervical spine computed tomography scan that showed a large cervical mass measuring 11 cm × 27 cm × 17 cm with SCC, extending from the occiput to C7. Emergency spinal cord decompression was performed leading to minor neurological improvement. Poor outcome was due to the unusual clinical sign that led to late diagnosis and treatment.

Low ADAMTS-13 in plavix induced thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

Thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura (TTP) was first described in 1924 as a “pathologic alteration of the microvasculature, with detachment or swelling of the endothelium, amorphous material in the sub-endothelial space, and luminal platelet aggregation leading to compromise of the microcirculation”. Ticlopidine induced TTP has been highly associated with autoimmune induced reduction in ADAMTS-13 activity. These findings, to a lesser extent, have also been found in clopidogrel induced TTP. We report a case of clopidogrel associated TTP in a patient that presented with acute stroke, renal failure, and non-ST elevation myocardial infarction.

Fulminant sepsis after liver biopsy: A long forgotten complication?

We report on a 74-year-old patient with recurrent cholangitis and a large juxtapapillary duodenal diverticulum. Despite drainage of the common bile duct by an endoscopically placed stent, the elevated liver enzymes normalized only partially. To rule out other possible causes of liver injury, a percutaneous liver biopsy was done. After the liver biopsy the patient developed fulminant septic shock and died within 24 h. We discuss the possible causes of the septic shock following percutaneous liver biopsy in our patient and give a concise overview of the literature.

Gastric hyperplastic polyps causing upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage in a young adult

Here, we report a case of a young man who presented with a significant upper gastrointestinal bleed treated by endoscopic removal of multiple hyperplastic polyps. Gastric hyperplastic polyps are a relatively uncommon cause of overt gastrointestinal bleeding. While most hyperplastic gastric polyps are asymptomatic, they may present with abdominal pain, iron deficiency anemia or gastric outlet obstruction. These polyps are associated with conditions such as Helicobacter pylori gastritis and atrophic autoimmune gastritis, which predispose the epithelium to chronic inflammation and epithelial repair. The patient presented to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in July 2011. The polyps were resected by clip-assisted snare polypectomy. Histopathologic assessment of the resected polyps demonstrated multiple, non-ulcerative hyperplastic polyps measuring 1.3-1.8 cm in size, without evidence of dysplasia or malignancy. This case describes a young adult patient with multiple, large gastric polyps causing overt gastrointestinal bleeding. This is a rare presentation in a young individual, as these polyps are typically identified in patients older than 60 years of age and less commonly, pediatric populations.

Low grade chondrosarcoma of the nasal septum

Chondrosarcoma of the nasal septum is extremely rare. In some cases, it may be difficult to preoperatively differentiate low grade chondrosarcoma from benign cartilaginous tumors such as chondroma. We report a case of low grade chondrosarcoma of the nasal septum with characteristic radiologic findings. Characteristic radiologic findings such as calcifications on computed tomography scan and a ring-and-arc pattern on enhanced T1 weighted image were useful in the preoperative diagnosis of low grade chondrosarcoma of the septum. Awareness of radiologic findings of low grade chondrosarcoma can help to make an accurate diagnosis and perform appropriate excision, leading to successful local control.

Schwannoma of the rectum: A case report and literature review

Schwannoma is a tumor originating from the Schwann cells. Gastrointestinal schwannomas are uncommon stromal tumors of the intestinal tract and, in particular, rectal schwannomas are extremely rare. In fact, it is well established that schwannomas appear more frequently in the stomach and in the small intestine, while location in the colon or in the rectum is uncommon. Reading the literature, only few cases of rectal schwannoma have been reported. Their diagnosis is confirmed by the immunohistochemical panel (S-100 protein). When these tumors are located in the colon and in the rectum, radical excision with wide margins is mandatory, due to their tendency to recur locally or become malignant, if left untreated. In the present study, we describe a case of a rectal schwannoma occured in a 72-year-old man, presented as a small polypoid lesion, which was successfully removed in toto by hot-biopsy, during the same endoscopy, due to the dimensons. No recurrence of the lesion was observed after 6 mo of follow-up.

Saphenous graft on transesophageal echocardiogram masquerading as an abnormal vascular communication into the right atrium

An unknown aberrant flow in the right atrium observed on doppler with transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) in a patient with prior coronary bypass. TEE revealed normal size left ventricle with severely dilated left atrium. There was moderate aortic regurgitation and moderate aortic stenosis noted. Patient was incidentally found to have an abnormal vascular communication noted to the right atrium. To further evaluate this finding, the patient underwent cardiac magnetic resonance angiography which revealed that the tubular structure noted on TEE was actually a graft that was abutting onto the coronary sinus, and the flow anomaly was really the graft coming up and running adjacent to the coronary sinus.

Intracystic hemorrhage in a non-endometriotic mullerian vaginal cyst

The commonest type of simple vaginal cyst is the Mullerian cyst. These are typically lined by columnar epithelium and contain serous or mucinous fluid. If blood is found in the cyst, the source is usually due to the presence of endometrial elements in the cyst wall. The cyst is then termed an endometriotic cyst. In this case report, we have described a woman with a symptomatic 3 cm upper vaginal cyst who underwent surgical excision of the cyst. The cyst cavity was found to be full of old dark blood and mucous, however the wall contained no endometrial tissue and was lined by columnar epithelium which stained positive for mucous with mucicarmine. No cause for the intracystic hemorrhage was identified. We conclude that intracystic hemorrhage can occur in a simple Mullerian vaginal cyst in the absence of endometrial components.

Current concepts on spinal arthrodesis in degenerative disorders of the lumbar spine

Back pain is a common chronic disorder that represents a large burden for the health care system. There is a broad spectrum of available treatment options for patients suffering from chronic lower back pain in the setting of degenerative disorders of the lumbar spine, including both conservative and operative approaches. Lumbar arthrodesis techniques can be divided into sub-categories based on the part of the vertebral column that is addressed (anterior vs posterior). Furthermore, one has to differentiate between approaches aiming at a solid fusion in contrast to motion-sparing techniques with the proposed advantage of a reduced risk of developing adjacent disc disease. However, the field of application and long-term outcomes of these novel motion-preserving surgical techniques, including facet arthroplasty, nucleus replacement, and lumbar disc arthroplasty, need to be more precisely evaluated in long-term prospective studies. Innovative surgical treatment strategies involving minimally invasive techniques, such as lateral lumbar interbody fusion or transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion, as well as percutaneous implantation of transpedicular or transfacet screws, have been established with the reported advantages of reduced tissue invasiveness, decreased collateral damage, reduced blood loss, and decreased risk of infection. The aim of this study was to review well-established procedures for lumbar spinal fusion with the main focus on current concepts on spinal arthrodesis and motion-sparing techniques in degenerative disorders of the lumbar spine.

Liver failure in an obese middle-aged woman after biliointestinal bypass

Obesity is considered an emerging epidemic that is often associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Among the therapeutic options for morbid obesity, bariatric surgery plays an important role when conventional therapies fail. The effects of bariatric surgery on liver function and morphology are controversial in the literature. Liver failure has been reported after jejunoileal bypass (JIB), biliopancreatic diversion and gastric bypass. Biliointestinal bypass (BIB) is considered an effective procedure among recently introduced bariatric surgery techniques. It is a clinically safe, purely malabsorptive operation in which the blind intestinal loop of the JIB is anastomosed to the gallbladder, allowing a portion of bile to transit into excluded intestinal tract. BIB is the only procedure, to our knowledge, to have no liver side effects reported in the literature. We report the case of a young obese woman who developed liver failure 8 mo after BIB. She had a rapid weight loss (70 kg) with a reduction in body mass index of 41% from January to September 2012. Because of a severe hepatic decompensation, she was referred to a transplantation centre. We strongly believe that the most important pathogenetic mechanism involved in the development of liver injury is the rapid weight loss that produced a significant fatty liver infiltration.