Myelofibrosis-associated massive splenomegaly: a cause of increased intra-abdominal pressure, pulmonary hypertension, and positional dyspnea

A Case Report of Pseudotumor Cerebri Syndrome with a Huge Retroperitoneal Cyst

Background: Aside from primary pseudotumor cerebri syndrome (PTCS) with an unknown etiology (i.e., idiopathic intracranial hypertension), which typically occurs in association with obesity, several conditions including cerebral venous abnormalities, drug use, and hormonal imbalance may be a secondary cause of PTCS. However, a focal space-occupying lesion outside of the brain as a cause of PTCS has rarely been reported. Case Presentation: A previously healthy 34-year-old man presented with blurred vision for three weeks. The patient had a three-month preceding history of worsening headache. On admission, he was hypertensive (160/90 mmHg) and underweight with a body mass index of 18.4 kg/m2. Fundus examination documented papilledema in both eyes. Neurological examination was unremarkable except for mild nuchal rigidity, and results of routine serologic testing were normal. Gadolinium-enhanced brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed bilateral posterior scleral flattening, suggesting intracranial hypertension. There was no other abnormal brain parenchymal lesion or meningeal enhancement. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) assay showed a markedly increased opening pressure (30.0 cmH2O) with normal CSF composition. A tentative diagnosis of PTCS was made based on ophthalmological, neuroradiological, and laboratory findings. During differential diagnosis, abdomen computed tomography demonstrated a huge benign cystic lesion (14.7 × 10.6 × 16.4 cm) in the right retroperitoneal space, which originated from the mesentery and resulted in hydronephrosis and renovascular hypertension due to external compression of the right kidney. Other evaluations were unremarkable. After successful surgical removal of the cyst, clinical symptoms such as headache, blurred vision, and papilledema on fundus examination were markedly improved, and blood pressure was normalized during the three-month follow-up period. Conclusions: A large retroperitoneal cyst that can increase intra-abdominal pressure could be a rare cause of PTCS. Therefore, meticulous evaluation is warranted for patients with PTCS, especially those without known risk factors.

Pulmonary hypertension with massive megalosplenia: A case report

RATIONALE

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a complicated disease which has complex causes and poor outcome. Many factors are involved in the increase of pulmonary artery pressure. It is often difficult to identify the specific cause of a particular patient. However, identifying the etiology is of great importance for specifying treatment strategies and improving the prognosis of patients.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 58-year-old male was admitted because of fatigue, breath shortness for 6 months, which got worse in the last 3 months. The ultrasound cardiogram (UCG) indicated a remarkably elevated pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP = 82 mm Hg). He had hypertension for 15 years. Besides, his spleen was found to be enlarged since 15 years ago. Bone marrow biopsy of the patient revealed myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) with severe myelofibrosis (MF).

DIAGNOSIS

Myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) with severe myelofibrosis (MF) which in turn caused PH and portal vein hypertension (PVH).

INTERVENTIONS

We treated the patient with diuretics and fosinopril, and also steroids and thalidomide for his MPN/MF.

OUTCOMES

Two weeks later, the pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) was remarkably decreased (PASP = 53.1 mm Hg by UCG, mean PAP = 21 mm Hg by right cardiac catheterization). Within 2 years' follow-up, his circulatory state and hematological state remained stable.

LESSONS

It is often difficult to define the cause of PH, but it is important for making the appropriate treatment at the same time.

Pulmonary hypertension in patients with chronic myeloproliferative disorders

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a major complication of several haematological disorders. Chronic myeloproliferative diseases (CMPDs) associated with pulmonary hypertension have been included in group five of the clinical classification for pulmonary hypertension, corresponding to pulmonary hypertension for which the aetiology is unclear and/or multifactorial. The aim of this review is to discuss the epidemiology, pathogenic mechanism and treatment approaches of the more common forms of pulmonary hypertension in the context of CMPD's: chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, precapillary pulmonary hypertension and drug-induced PH.

Pulmonary hypertension associated with chronic hemolytic anemia and other blood disorders

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) has emerged as a major complication of several hematologic disorders, including hemoglobinopathies, red cell membrane disorders, chronic myeloproliferative disorders, and splenectomy. With the exception of sickle cell disease, there are a limited number of studies systematically evaluating the prevalence of PH using the gold standard right heart catheterization in these disorders. The cause of the PH in patients with hematologic disorders is multifactorial, and a thorough diagnostic evaluation is essential. More importantly, there are virtually no high-quality data on the safety and efficacy of PH-targeted therapy in this patient population.

Intra-abdominal hypertension: evolving concepts

This article focuses primarily on the recent literature on abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) and the definitions and recommendations published by the World Society for the Abdominal Compartment Syndrome. The definitions regarding increased intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) are listed and are followed by an overview of the different mechanisms of organ dysfunction associated with intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH). Measurement techniques for IAP are discussed, as are recommendations for organ function support and options for treatment in patients who have IAH. ACS was first described in surgical patients who had abdominal trauma, bleeding, or infection; but recently, ACS has been described in patients who have other pathologies. This article intends to provide critical care physicians with a clear insight into the current state of knowledge regarding IAH and ACS.