Adolescent with abdominal pain poorly responsive to analgesia

2020 ◽  
pp. edpract-2020-320772
Author(s):  
Neil Chanchlani ◽  
Philip Jarvis ◽  
James W Hart ◽  
Christine H McMillan ◽  
Christopher R Moudiotis
Keyword(s):  
Abdominal Pain ◽  
Ct Scan ◽  
White Cell Count ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Free Fluid ◽  
List Type ◽  
Reactive Protein ◽  
Normal Limits ◽  
History Of ◽  
Normal Gallbladder

Case presentationA 14-year-old boy, with autism spectrum disorder, presented with a 1-day history of colicky abdominal pain, non-bilious vomiting, anorexia and loose normal-coloured stool. Two days previously, he had a poorly reheated takeaway chicken.On examination, body mass index (BMI) was >99th centile. He had inconsistent epigastric, periumbilical and umbilical tenderness, and guarding, with normal bowel sounds. Observations were within normal limits, but his pain was poorly responsive to paracetamol, ibuprofen, hyoscine butylbromide, codeine and morphine.Investigations are in table 1. On day 3, his temperature increased to 38.5° and a CT scan was performed, which showed concerning features (figure 1).Table 1Serology and further investigations throughout admissionDay 1Day 2Day 3Day 4Serology White cell count (3.8–10.6×109/L)7.514.615.713.6 Neutrophils (1.8–8.0×109/L)5.312.312.85.3 C reactive protein (<5 mg/L)12010398 Bilirubin (0–21 μmol/L)812Further investigations Urine dipstickNegative UltrasoundSmall volume of free fluid, normal gallbladder, pancreas and appendix not visualisedFigure 1CT scan of the abdomen (A) and pelvis (B).QuestionsWhat is the diagnosis?Appendicitis.Pancreatitis.Cholecystitis.Gastroenteritis.Which serology would have been most helpful at presentation?Renal function.Coagulation.Amylase and lipase.Gamma glutamyltransferase.What are the acute treatment principles?What is the the most common cause?Idiopathic.Gallstones.Medications.Genetic.Answers can be found on page 2.

A toddler with a persisting limp after a minor trauma

2019 ◽  
pp. edpract-2019-317506
Author(s):  
Andrea Trombetta ◽  
Ester Conversano ◽  
Giorgio Cozzi ◽  
Andrea Taddio ◽  
Flora Maria Murru ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
White Cell Count ◽  
Surgical Excision ◽  
List Type ◽  
Minor Trauma ◽  
Normal Value ◽  
Reactive Protein ◽  
Oral Ibuprofen ◽  
History Of ◽  
Wait And See ◽  
A Minor

A 3-year-old toddler was admitted for a 5-day history of worsening painful limping on his left leg. History was remarkable only for a minor trauma 2 days before the onset of symptoms; the boy fell on his buttocks but was walking normally in the following days. No fever was reported. Pain was also present at night, with no response to oral ibuprofen.On physical examination, the patient refused to stand on his left leg, palpation of the left buttock evoked pain, and exorotation and abduction of the left hip were only moderately limited, without local signs of inflammation such as redness, swelling or skin warming. Blood tests showed elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (98 mm/hour, normal value <20 mm/hour) with normal C reactive protein (CRP) level (0.5 mg/dL, normal value <0.5 mg/dL). His white cell count was 12 110 x 109/L, haemoglobin was 127 g/L and PLT was 430 x 109/L. Creatine kinase values were within the normal range.An X-ray of the pelvis was unremarkable. An ultrasound of the left hip showed a 2 mm articular effusion.QuestionsBased on the clinical picture and laboratory tests, what is the most likely diagnosis?Perthes disease.Pyomyositis.Septic arthritis.Bone fracture.Leukaemia.What test could confirm the diagnosis?Bone scintigraphy.CT.Bone marrow aspirate.MRI.Intra-articular puncture.What is the mainstay of management of this condition?Wait and see.Surgical excision.Antibiotic course.Antineoplastic treatment.Answers can be found on page 2.

Six-year-old boy with a slow-onset persistent back pain

2019 ◽  
pp. edpract-2018-316648
Author(s):  
Giulia Caddeo ◽  
Paola Paganin ◽  
Giulia Gortani ◽  
Marco Carbone ◽  
Massimo Gregori ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Back Pain ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Ct Scan ◽  
Spinous Process ◽  
Posterior Arch ◽  
List Type ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Reactive Protein ◽  
Nocturnal Pain ◽  
History Of

A 6-year-old boy was evaluated for a 6-week history of low back pain. Initially, the pain was exacerbated by movements, eventually showing a milder and fluctuating trend. History was unremarkable for previous traumatic events, fever or nocturnal pain. Physical examination revealed localised pain at palpation of the spinous processes at the lumbosacral level. Blood tests showed a normal blood count, negative C reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, normal lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine phosphokinase.A posterior–anterior radiograph of the lumbar spine resulted normal. An MRI scan revealed a lumbosacral transitional vertebra with bone oedema of the posterior arch until the spinous process.For better bone definition, a CT scan was performed (figure 1).Figure 1CT scan of the transitional lumbosacral (L5) vertebra.QuestionsWhich causes of persistent low back pain should be ruled out in children under 10 years of age?OsteochondrosisNeoplasmFunctional painInfectionsWhat is the diagnosis in this patient?How is the diagnosis performed?How is this condition managed?Answers can be found on page 2.

An adolescent with recurrent ankle swelling

2020 ◽  
pp. edpract-2019-318096
Author(s):  
Andrea Trombetta ◽  
Maria Rita Lucia Genovese ◽  
Giulia Gortani ◽  
Egidio Barbi
Keyword(s):  
White Cell Count ◽  
Gastrointestinal Symptoms ◽  
Supportive Therapy ◽  
List Type ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Sports Activity ◽  
Reactive Protein ◽  
Lymphatic Circulation ◽  
History Of ◽  
Patient’S History

A 14-year-old girl was admitted to our institute with a history of intermittent bilateral ankle swelling, and moderate but progressively worsening pain which has lasted for 2 years.The patient’s history was unremarkable. She did not take medications and was not involved in any sports activity. She reported no fever, gastrointestinal symptoms, fatigue, weight loss, travels abroad or previous infections. She reported moderate pain at night, associated with a sense of heaviness, tightness and general discomfort, and with no response to ibuprofen.Physical examination was remarkable only for bilateral ankle non-pitting oedema, more evident on the left leg, with a thickened skinfold at the base of the second toe, and without redness, swelling or skin warming.The patient had been previously examined, and her foot and ankle X-rays, ultrasound (US) and MRI were all negative. Blood tests (white cell count, C reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, albumin, antinuclear antibodies, creatinine, transaminase, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, thyroid function and glucose) and urinalysis were in the normal range. Her ocular assessment and echocardiogram were also normal.Question 1Based on the clinical picture and laboratory tests, what is the most likely diagnosis?Deep venous thrombosis.Osteochondritis.Lymphoedema.Juvenile idiopathic arthritis.Question 2Based on what you see in figure 1, what is the underlying cause?Recurrent bacterial lymphangitis.Primary lymphoedema.Tumour.Filariasis.Figure 1Lymphoscintigraphy of the lower extremities showing insufficient deep lymphatic circulation in the left leg (red arrow, A) replaced by superficial drainage (B).Question 3Which is the best diagnostic test to confirm the diagnosis?US scan.MRI.Lymphoscintigraphy.Reassurance and clinical follow-up.Question 4What is the mainstay of management of this condition?Wait and see.Antibiotic course.Supportive therapy (ie, physical activity, elevation of extremities, pneumatic compression).Surgical intervention.Answers can be found on page 2.

929 Not Another Abscess - A Case of Streptococcal Myositis Misdiagnosed as a Right Axillary Abscess

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
O Oyende ◽  
J Jackman
Keyword(s):  
White Cell Count ◽  
General Surgeon ◽  
High Dose ◽  
General Anaesthetic ◽  
Microbiological Analysis ◽  
Reactive Protein ◽  
Affected Tissue ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
History Of ◽  
High Degree

Abstract Introduction Streptococcal myositis is a rare form of infectious myositis caused by Lansfield A beta-haemolytic streptococci. It is characterised by rapidly spreading inflammation that can result in severe systemic toxicity and necrosis of the affected tissue if not diagnosed and aggressively treated. Presentation We report a case of a 42-year-old male who presented with a one-week history of worsening right axillary swelling that progressed to painful swelling of his arm. Inflammatory markers were significantly elevated with a white cell count of 17 ×109/L and C-reactive protein of 212 mg/L. On examination, a fluctuant axillary swelling was appreciated, and a decision was made for incision and drainage under general anaesthetic. Intraoperative aspiration of his arm revealed copious purulent fluid prompting intraoperative orthopaedic consult and exploration of the anterior compartment in which there was extensive involvement of the biceps muscle. The microbiological analysis revealed gram-positive cocci in chains, and microbiology advice sought for tailoring of antibiotic regimen. He has recovered well. Discussion Though uncommon, the emergency general surgeon should have a high degree of suspicion when evaluating soft tissue infections to avert potentially disastrous outcomes. Conclusion Early diagnosis, aggressive management with high-dose intravenous antibiotics, and surgical debridement are principles to treat this rare, life-threatening infection.

scholarly journals Predictors of hospital discharge and mortality in patients with diabetes and COVID-19: updated results from the nationwide CORONADO study

Diabetologia ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 64 (4) ◽  
pp. 778-794 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthieu Wargny ◽  
◽  
Louis Potier ◽  
Pierre Gourdy ◽  
Matthieu Pichelin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prognostic Factors ◽  
Hospital Discharge ◽  
Microvascular Complications ◽  
White Cell Count ◽  
Symptom Duration ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Reactive Protein ◽  
Patients With Diabetes ◽  
History Of ◽  
Routine Therapy

Abstract Aims/hypothesis This is an update of the results from the previous report of the CORONADO (Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and Diabetes Outcomes) study, which aims to describe the outcomes and prognostic factors in patients with diabetes hospitalised for coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Methods The CORONADO initiative is a French nationwide multicentre study of patients with diabetes hospitalised for COVID-19 with a 28-day follow-up. The patients were screened after hospital admission from 10 March to 10 April 2020. We mainly focused on hospital discharge and death within 28 days. Results We included 2796 participants: 63.7% men, mean age 69.7 ± 13.2 years, median BMI (25th–75th percentile) 28.4 (25.0–32.4) kg/m2. Microvascular and macrovascular diabetic complications were found in 44.2% and 38.6% of participants, respectively. Within 28 days, 1404 (50.2%; 95% CI 48.3%, 52.1%) were discharged from hospital with a median duration of hospital stay of 9 (5–14) days, while 577 participants died (20.6%; 95% CI 19.2%, 22.2%). In multivariable models, younger age, routine metformin therapy and longer symptom duration on admission were positively associated with discharge. History of microvascular complications, anticoagulant routine therapy, dyspnoea on admission, and higher aspartate aminotransferase, white cell count and C-reactive protein levels were associated with a reduced chance of discharge. Factors associated with death within 28 days mirrored those associated with discharge, and also included routine treatment by insulin and statin as deleterious factors. Conclusions/interpretation In patients with diabetes hospitalised for COVID-19, we established prognostic factors for hospital discharge and death that could help clinicians in this pandemic period. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT04324736 Graphical abstract

Twenty-three year-old with pleuritic chest pain

Heart ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 105 (6) ◽  
pp. 464-469
Author(s):  
Karina P Gopaul ◽  
Helen M Parry ◽  
Damien Cullington
Keyword(s):  
Chest Pain ◽  
Congenital Heart ◽  
White Cell Count ◽  
Coarctation Of The Aorta ◽  
List Type ◽  
Pleuritic Chest Pain ◽  
Reactive Protein ◽  
Pulmonary Angiogram ◽  
Night Sweats ◽  
Ct Pulmonary Angiogram

Clinical introductionA 23-year-old woman followed at another medical centre for congenital heart disease (CHD) presented to our emergency clinic with 3 weeks of bilateral pleuritic chest pain. She returned from holiday in Greece 6 weeks earlier where a tattoo and nasal piercing had been performed. There was no history of night sweats or fever.Her temperature was 37.5°C, heart rate 120 beats/min, oxygen saturations 94% on room air and blood pressure 110/74. Her chest was clear and there was systolic murmur on auscultation. The chest radiograph showed peripheral bilateral lower zone atelectasis. The ECG demonstrated sinus tachycardia. The haemoglobin was 11.2 g/dL, white cell count 10.18×109/L, C-reactive protein 67 mg/L (normal <5 mg/L) and D dimer=430 ng/mL (normal <230 ng/mL).A pulmonary embolus was suspected and a CT pulmonary angiogram was performed (figure 1).QuestionBased on the CT findings, what is the most likely underlying congenital heart lesion in this patient?Bicuspid aortic valveCoarctation of the aortaFontan circulationParachute mitral valveVentricular septal defectFigure 1CT pulmonary angiogram (coronal views).

scholarly journals Clozapine-induced stercoral colitis: a surgical perspective

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. e227718 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jayan George ◽  
Richard Hotham ◽  
William Melton ◽  
Keith Chapple
Keyword(s):  
Abdominal Pain ◽  
Ct Scan ◽  
Total Colectomy ◽  
Postoperative Recovery ◽  
Presenting Symptoms ◽  
History Of

We describe a case of a 46-year-old man with schizophrenia treated with clozapine who presented as an emergency with abdominal pain on the background of a 1 month history of constipation. The initial presenting symptoms were vague and a diagnosis was difficult to establish. Initial CT of the abdomen and pelvis demonstrated only minor abnormalities. He continued to deteriorate until a further CT scan revealed worsening stercoral colitis. He subsequently underwent an emergency total colectomy and ileostomy formation and had a complicated prolonged postoperative recovery. This case highlights the risks that clozapine can have on slowing bowel transit and the dangerous consequences that can occur if not identified early.

scholarly journals Incarcerated Lumbar Hernia Complicated by Retroperitoneal Pseudoaneurysm 50 Years after Resection and Radiation Therapy of a Sarcoma

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Oluwatobi Onafowokan ◽  
Dabanjan Bandyopadhyay ◽  
Dale Johnson ◽  
Hugo J. R. Bonatti
Keyword(s):  
Abdominal Pain ◽  
Small Bowel ◽  
Ct Scan ◽  
Late Complication ◽  
Abdominal Hernia ◽  
Emergency Laparotomy ◽  
Incisional Hernias ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Right

Background. Lumbar hernias are rare abdominal hernias. Surgery is the only treatment option but remains challenging. Posterior incisional hernias are even rarer especially with incarceration of intra-abdominal contents.Case Presentation. A 68-year old female presented with a 3-day history of worsening acute abdominal pain and distension, with multiple episodes of emesis. A CT scan indicated a large incarcerated posterolateral abdominal hernia. The patient had a history of resection of a sarcoma on her back as a child and also received chemotherapy and radiation. During emergency laparoscopy, a hemorrhagic small bowel segment incarcerated in the hernia was reduced and resected, and the distended small bowel was decompressed. An elective hernia repair was scheduled. After temporary clinical improvement, the patient again developed abdominal pain, distention, and emesis. During emergency laparotomy, a large hematoma in the right flank was found and partially evacuated. The right colon was mobilized out of the hernia and the duodenum was kocherized. A20×20cm BIO-A mesh was placed on top of the Gerota fascia and cranially tucked under liver segment VI. Anteriorly, the mesh was fixated with absorbable tacks. The duodenum and colon were placed into the mesh pocket. A postoperative CT scan identified a 2 cm pseudoaneurysm of a side branch of a lumbar artery, and the bleeding source was embolized. The postoperative course was complicated byClostridium difficile-associated colitis, but ultimately, the patient recovered fully. At 6-month follow-up, there was no evidence for a recurrent hernia.Discussion. There is a paucity of literature concerning lumbar incisional hernias. Repair with bioabsorbable mesh seems feasible, but longer follow-up is necessary as the mesh was placed in an unusual fashion due to the retroperitoneal hematoma. The exact cause of the hemorrhage is unclear and may have been caused during the initial incarceration, during surgery, or may be a late complication of her previous radiation.

scholarly journals Factors predicting significant pathology on ultrasonography in women presenting with non-specific lower abdominal pain

2012 ◽  
Vol 94 (3) ◽  
pp. 155-158
Author(s):  
DK Bilku ◽  
TC Hall ◽  
AR Dennison ◽  
MS Metcalfe ◽  
G Garcea
Keyword(s):  
Abdominal Pain ◽  
Strong Predictor ◽  
White Cell Count ◽  
Lower Abdominal Pain ◽  
Reactive Protein ◽  
Significant Pathology ◽  
Continued Use ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Abnormal Pathology ◽  
Group 1

INTRODUCTION Ultrasonography is used frequently to exclude significant pathology in young women presenting with nonspecific lower abdominal pain (NSLAP). This study examined parameters that predicted the likelihood of significant findings on ultrasonography. These results could be used to select patients for priority imaging or identify those who could be managed with no ultrasonography. METHODS A total of 65 women with NSLAP were identified from 283 admissions. Group 1 (n=42) consisted of patients with normal imaging. Group 2 (n=23) included patients with ‘positive’ scans requiring treatment. White cell count (WCC), C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, platelet count, age, duration of pain and length of stay in hospital were compared between the groups. RESULTS The median WCC and CRP were greater in Group 2 than in Group 1: 15 x 10 9 /l and 123mg/l versus 11 x 1071 and 72mg/l respectively (p=0.01 and p=0.05). CRP was a weak predictor of positive pathology on ultrasonography (area under curve [AUC]=0.66, p=0.027) and WCC was a strong predictor of abnormal pathology on ultrasonography (AUC=0.7, p=0.005). A WCC of >12.8 x 10 9 /l was 65% sensitive and 71% specific in predicting subsequent pathology on ultrasonography. The median wait for ultrasonography was 24 hours (range: 1-96 hours). CONCLUSIONS This study failed to define any criteria that could select patients not requiring ultrasonography. Since ultrasonography is a relatively cheap and safe investigation, its continued use to screen women with NSLAP is justified. WCC should be used to prioritise imaging.

scholarly journals Whirl Sign and Midgut Volvulus: An Unusual Cause of an Acute Abdomen in an Adult Patient

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eoghan P. Burke ◽  
Munir Saeed ◽  
Maham Mahmood ◽  
Cathal Hayes ◽  
Mohamed Salama ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Acute Cholecystitis ◽  
White Cell Count ◽  
Free Fluid ◽  
Midgut Volvulus ◽  
Blood Tests ◽  
Initial Impression ◽  
Abdomen Ct ◽  
Whirl Sign ◽  
History Of

We report the case of a 50-year-old lady who presented to the emergency department complaining of a two-day history of colicky right upper quadrant (RUQ) pain, which radiated through to her back, associated with nausea, anorexia, and two episodes of vomiting that day. She was found to be tender in the RUQ. Her blood tests were notable for an elevated white cell count. Initial impression was of acute cholecystitis. Ultrasound of her abdomen did not identify any features of acute cholecystitis; however, a large volume of free fluid was identified within the abdomen. CT of the abdomen/pelvis was obtained which identified dilated loops of small bowel, interloop ascites, and a whirl sign highly suggestive of midgut volvulus. During laparoscopy, the midgut volvulus was found to have resolved. No cause for the volvulus could be identified, and the patient was discharged home well on postoperative day two.

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