Abscess formation of a spherical-shape duplication in the splenic flexure of the colon: case report and review of the literature

Gastrointestinal tract duplications are rare congenital malformations that may occur anywhere in the alimentary tract from the mouth to the anus, and vary greatly in presentation, size, location, and especially in symptoms. We present a case of an infected spherical colonic duplication, in a 20-day-old baby, located at the splenic flexure of the colon. The prominent symptom was acute abdomen, accompanied by bilious vomiting, intestinal obstruction, and high fever. We present this case, due to atypical clinical presentation and the inability of the imaging modality to establish the diagnosis preoperatively

Endovascular Stent Treatment for Symptomatic Benign Iliofemoral Venous Occlusive Disease: Long-Term Results 1987–2009

Venous stenting has been shown to effectively treat iliofemoral venous obstruction with good short- and mid-term results. The aim of this study was to investigate long-term clinical outcome and stent patency. Twenty patients were treated with venous stenting for benign disease at our institution between 1987 and 2005. Fifteen of 20 patients (15 female, mean age at time of stent implantation 38 years [range 18–66]) returned for a clinical visit, a plain X-ray of the stent, and a Duplex ultrasound. Four patients were lost to follow-up, and one patient died 277 months after stent placement although a good clinical result was documented 267 months after stent placement. Mean follow-up after stent placement was 167.8 months (13.9 years) (range 71 (6 years) to 267 months [22 years]). No patient needed an additional venous intervention after stent implantation. No significant difference between the circumference of the thigh on the stented side (mean 55.1 cm [range 47.0–70.0]) compared with the contralateral thigh (mean 54.9 cm [range 47.0–70.0]) (p = 0.684) was seen. There was a nonsignificant trend toward higher flow velocities within the stent (mean 30.8 cm/s [range 10.0–48.0]) and the corresponding vein segment on the contralateral side (mean 25.2 cm/s [range 12.0–47.0]) (p = 0.065). Stent integrity was confirmed in 14 of 15 cases. Only one stent showed a fracture, as documented on x-ray, without any impairment of flow. Venous stenting using Wallstents showed excellent long-term clinical outcome and primary patency rate

Giant renal hydatid cyst resembling a simple cyst: An intraoperative diagnosis

PubMedID: 16307317An interesting case of a giant renal hydatid cyst is presented. The big cystic mass detected at ultrasonography (US) and computerized tomography (CT) in a ten-year-old girl looked like a simple cyst. No germinative membrane or any other radiological sign of a hydatid cyst was present. The operation was planned for a simple cyst; but was altered, after an intraoperative diagnostic needle sampling brought out the characteristic fluid of hydatid cyst. We came to the conclusion that hydatid cystic masses may not always present with their characteristic radiological findings; and that extreme caution should be practiced by the radiologist and the surgeon in order to prevent iatrogenic echinococcal dissemination. © Springer 2005

Anterior abdominal wall malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor in an infant

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST), also known as malignant schwannomas, are highly malignant lesions that tend to arise in the head and neck region or on the extremities, and only rarely in the retroperitoneum. These tumors are not common in children. Almost 50% of cases are associated with neurofibromatosis. When these neoplasms arise in the retroperitoneum, they usually are difficult to diagnose and to treat. Although various radiologic imaging methods are helpful for identifying some features of the mass, definitive diagnosis requires histologic examination and immunohistochemical staining. After treatment, the tumor recurs in 25% of patients. Five-year survival rates as high as 80% have been reported. Total excision, lack of invasion of surrounding tissues and vessels, and absence of neurofibromatosis, are features associated with better outcome. The authors present the case of a 1-month-old boy who had malignant schwannoma diagnosed in a unique location over the peritoneum of the anterior abdomen. The location and rapid growth of the tumor permitted early identification and total excision. Copyright © 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company

Complications of total implantable access ports and efficacy of Taurolidine-citrate lock solution against catheter-related infections

Background: Totally, implantable access ports (TIAPs) are used for long standing venous catheterization. This study was designed to present our experiences of the TIAPs applications and efficacy of Taurolidinecitratelock solution (TCLS) against catheterrelated infections.Materials and Methods: We evaluated records of the 108 patients  implanted with 112 TIAPs, which had been performed using heparin solution or TCLS between 2005 and 2013. Results: Duration of exposure to TIAPs was 17-2051 days (median: 411 days). The primary diagnoses were solid tumours (n = 57), lymphoma (n = 23), haematologic diseases (n = 23), nephrotic syndrome (n = 4), Hirschsprung disease (n = 1). The right external jugular vein was most frequently used vascular access route (72.3%). Mechanical complications were observed in four cases. TIAPs were removed due to remission in19 cases and infection in 19 cases. Median time from implantation and to the development of infection was 60 days. Heparin solution had been used for care in 33 ports, whereas heparin and TCLS had been used in 79 ports. Based on statistical comparison, use of TCLS was considered to be an important factor for preventing infection (P = 0.03).Conclusion: We consider that TCLS reduces infection prevalence so TIAPs would be used more extensively and effectively to prevent infections.Key words: Catheter, infection, malignancy, port, Taurolidine-citrat