Aneurysmal Rupture of a Mesodiverticular Band to a Meckel’s Diverticulum

Aneurysmal rupture of a mesodiverticular band has not previously been reported in the clinical literature. We are reporting a case of hemoperitoneum in a 51-year-old male after an aneurysmal rupture of a mesodiverticular band. This case demonstrates that in rare instances, a rupture of the mesodiverticular band leading to Meckel’s diverticulum can lead to significant hemoperitoneum. This is usually caused by a traumatic injury but in our case was apparently caused by an aneurysm of the mesodiverticular artery. Patients with known Meckel’s diverticula should be aware of the possibility of rupture, as should clinicians treating those with a history of this usually benign congenital abnormality. Rapid surgical intervention is necessary to repair the source of bleeding, as massive blood loss was encountered in this case

Blunt trauma resulting in pneumothorax with progression to pneumoperitoneum: a unique diagnosis with predicament in management

Here, we present a case of pneumoperitoneum caused by traumatic pneumothorax after a fall. The patient is an 82-year-old male who was brought into the emergency department after being found at the bottom of a flight of stairs with a bleeding scalp laceration. Upon presentation, the patient underwent emergent intubation followed by tube thoracostomy placement, had necessary imaging and was transferred to the surgical intensive care unit (SICU). Imaging revealed signs of pneumomediastinum and pneumoperitoneum in addition to the partially resolved pneumothorax. In the SICU, the patient became hemodynamically unstable requiring vasopressor support, which in the face of documented pneumoperitoneum without a clear cause mandated exploration. He was taken to the operating room for suspected viscus perforation, though none was found after extensively searching during an exploratory laparotomy. We suspect the patient developed pneumomediastinum and pneumoperitoneum as a result of traumatic pneumothorax, hastened by his subsequent intubation and mechanical ventilation

Primary Pure Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Gallbladder Locally Invading the Liver, Duodenum, and Stomach: A Case Report and Literature Review

Primary pure squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the gallbladder is an exceptionally rare type of tumor that comprises only 1% of all gallbladder cancer. SCC of the gallbladder portends a worse prognosis than the more common adenocarcinoma variant because of its aggressive invasion to local structures and because it is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Owing to its rarity, diagnosis and management can be challenging. Herein, we present the case of a 75-year-old female complaining of abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Computed tomography and ultrasonography results of the abdomen were consistent with acute cholecystitis and cholelithiasis. Histologic evaluation of the resected mass revealed a malignant tumor with prominent keratinization, confirming the diagnosis of an invasive primary pure SCC of the gallbladder. Microscopic examination showed direct infiltration to the liver, duodenum, and stomach. This case report describes the hospital course of a patient with SCC of the gallbladder and suggests that gallbladder cancer should be considered as part of the differential diagnosis in elderly patients presenting with acute cholecystitis. In addition, this article will review existing literature to examine the utility of different diagnostic techniques and treatment modalities available in the management of gallbladder cancer

Evaluation of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Screening Measures of Emergency Medical Services Clinicians in Urban and Suburban New York During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the psychological impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the self-reported rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among emergency medical services (EMS) clinicians in urban and suburban settings that were one of the primary epicenters during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Anonymous surveys containing the PTSD Checklist–Specific (PCL-S) were sent electronically between November 2020 and April 2021 to EMS clinicians working in 2 EMS agencies. A threshold score ≥ 36 was considered a positive screen for PTSD symptomology; a score ≥ 44 was considered a presumptive PTSD diagnosis. Results: Of the 214 surveys sent, 107 responses were returned. The total PCL-S scores suggested PTSD symptoms were present in 33% of responding EMS clinicians (95% confidence interval [CI], 24.1%-42.5%), and 25% (95% CI, 17.6%-34.7%) met the criteria for a presumptive diagnosis of PTSD. Regression revealed increasing PCL-S scores were associated with thoughts of job resignation (+3.8; 95% CI, 1.1-6.4; P = .006), whereas lower PCL-S scores were related to the degree that respondents believed emotional support was available at their institution (−3.6; 95% CI, −6.8 to −0.4; P = .03). Conclusion: Sixth months after the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, one third of participating EMS clinicians screened positive for PTSD symptoms. Pandemic planning must address the mental health of EMS clinicians to reduce subsequent burnout and maintain a healthy workforce

Trauma Risk Score Also Predicts Blood Transfusion Requirements in Hip Fracture Patients

Introduction The purpose of this study is to determine if the risk of receiving a blood transfusion during hip fracture hospitalization can be predicted by a validated risk profiling score (Score for Trauma Triage in Geriatric and Middle Aged (STTGMA)). Materials and Methods A consecutive series of 1449 patients 55 years and older admitted for a hip fracture at one academic medical center were identified from a trauma database. The STTGMA risk score was calculated for each patient. Patients were stratified into risk groups based on their STTGMA score quantile: minimal risk (0–50%), low risk (50–80%), moderate risk (80–95%), and high risk (95–100%). Incidence and volume of blood transfusions were compared between risk groups. Results There were 562 (38.8%) patients who received a transfusion during their admission. 58.3% of patients in the high risk group received a transfusion during admission compared to 31.2% of minimal risk group patients, 42.6% of low risk group patients, and 50.0% of moderate risk group patients ( p &lt; 0.001). STTGMA was predictive of first transfusion incidence in both the preoperative and postoperative periods. There was no difference in mean total transfusion volume between the four risk groups. Conclusion The STTGMA model is capable of risk stratifying hip fracture patients more likely to receive blood transfusions during hospitalization. Surgeons can use this tool to anticipate transfusion requirements. </jats:sec