Simultaneous volvulus of the transverse and sigmoid colon. Case report

Introduction. Volvulus of transverse colon is rare when compared to cecal and sigmoid volvulus. Cases involving simultaneous volvulus of the transverse colon and another colonic segment are extremely rare. Case report. We report a rare case of simultaneous sigmoid and transverse colon volvulus in a 82-year-old Caucasian female Conclusion. Volvulus is a well recognized cause of large bowel obstruction. The development of transverse and sigmoid volvulus in the same patient is extremely rare. Though rare this possibility must always be considered in the differential diagnosis, when dealing with recurrent intermittent abdominal pain or acute intestinal obstruction

Ectopic thyroid carcinoma. Case report

Introduction. Ectopic thyroid tissue can be found in many sites, including the tongue, thyroglossal duct, mediastinum, trachea, lung, aorta and abdomen. Ectopic thyroid tissue may also be involved in the same processes as normal, orthotopic thyroid gland. These processes include tumors, inflammation and hyperplasia. The appearance of such tissue in rare locations may lead to diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas. Case report. We report a rare case of ectopic thyroglossal thyroid carcinoma in a 63-year-old Caucasian male with a normal orthotopic thyroid gland. Conclusion. Although 99% of thyroid cancers develop within the thyroid itself, in rare cases a carcinoma can arise in ectopic thyroid tissue located in the neck or in other areas of the body. Though rare, the possibility of an ectopic thyroid carcinoma must always be considered by the surgeon in cases of a pathological mass in the neck

Serum PCSK9 levels in infants with deviant birth weight: a biomarker of the lipoprotein metabolism

Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin-Type 9 (PCSK9), a modulator of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol metabolism, has been reported to be a promising biomarker for evaluating lipoprotein metabolism; however, evidence in infants is limited. In the current study, we sought to investigate potential differences in serum PCSK9 levels between infants with deviant birth weight and controls. We enrolled 82 infants, classified into 33 small (SGA), 32 appropriate (AGA), and 17 large for gestation (LGA) infants. Serum PCSK9 was measured on routine blood analysis within the first postnatal 48 h. PCSK9 was significantly higher in SGA as compared to AGA and LGA infants [322 (236–431) as compared to 263 (217–302) and 218 (194–291) ng/ml respectively, p = .011]. In comparison to term AGA infants, PCSK9 was significantly elevated in preterm AGA and SGA infants. We also found a significantly higher level of PCSK9 in term female SGA infants as compared to term male SGA infants [325 (293–377) as compared to 174 (163–216) ng/ml, p = .011]. PCSK9 was significantly correlated with gestational age (R = –0.404, p R = –0.419, p R = 0.248, p = .028) and LDL cholesterol (R = 0.370, p = .001). SGA status (OR 2.56, p = .004, 95% CI 1.83–4.28) and prematurity (OR 3.10, p = .001, 95% CI 1.39–4.82) were strongly related to serum PCSK9 levels. PCSK9 levels were significantly associated with total and LDL cholesterol. Moreover, PCSK9 levels were higher in preterm and SGA infants, suggesting that PCSK9 might be a promising biomarker for evaluating infants with increased later cardiovascular risk.HighlightsWhat’s already known? Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin-Type 9 (PCSK9) is a promising biomarker for evaluating lipoprotein metabolism; however, evidence in infants is limited. Infants that were born with a deviant birth weight have a unique lipoprotein metabolism profile.What this study adds? Serum PCSK9 levels were significantly associated with total and LDL cholesterol. PCSK9 levels were higher in preterm and small for gestation infants, suggesting that PCSK9 might be a promising biomarker for evaluating infants with increased later cardiovascular risk. What’s already known? Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin-Type 9 (PCSK9) is a promising biomarker for evaluating lipoprotein metabolism; however, evidence in infants is limited. Infants that were born with a deviant birth weight have a unique lipoprotein metabolism profile. What this study adds? Serum PCSK9 levels were significantly associated with total and LDL cholesterol. PCSK9 levels were higher in preterm and small for gestation infants, suggesting that PCSK9 might be a promising biomarker for evaluating infants with increased later cardiovascular risk.</p