scholarly journals A case of needle embolism in a drug abuser, a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Valentina Scheggi ◽  
Tiziano Mariani ◽  
Carlotta Mazzoni ◽  
Pier Luigi Stefàno

Abstract Background Needle embolism is a rare complication of intravenous habit. Clinical manifestations include recurrent pericarditis, tamponade, cardiac perforation, and infective endocarditis. We describe the case of needle embolization in a young intravenous opiate abuser. Case presentation We describe a rare complication of intravenous misuse in a 23-year-old patient. He presented at the emergency department with chest pain and shortness of breath. He complained of remittent fever ensued 6 months before. Echocardiographic and radiologic images revealed pericardial effusion and a needle fragment inside the pericardium. The needle was removed through left-anterior mini-thoracotomy, after CT-guided carbon tracking. Conclusions The presence of a foreign body within the heart resulted from the migration of a needle fragment from a peripheral vessel. It caused fever and recurrent pericarditis. In similar cases, surgical extraction is the therapy of choice.

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fitsum Fikru Gebresenbet ◽  
Abdu Mengesha Mulat ◽  
Namus Muhajir Nur ◽  
Ferehiwot Bekele Getaneh

Abstract Background Lithopedion is a word derived from the Greek words lithos, meaning stone, and paidion, meaning child, to describe a fetus that has become stony or petrified. Lithopedion is a rare complication of pregnancy which occurs when a fetus dies and becomes too large to be reabsorbed by the body. This entity in rare circumstances can be challenging for physicians to diagnose since it has a range of clinical manifestations. Case presentation We present a case of a 55-year-old, gravida IV para III, Ethiopian woman from Ethiopia with a retained fetus and vesicovaginal fistula after an obstructed labor and a neglected intrauterine fetal demise of approximately 22 years. The diagnosis was confirmed by suggestive clinical history, physical examination findings, and an abdominopelvic computed tomography scan. Laparotomy and removal of the lithopedion was done and our patient was sent to a fistula hospital for vesicovaginal fistula repair. Conclusion This case is a rare phenomenon in which the dead fetus remained in the uterus for a long time after a neglected obstructed labor and uterine rupture.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katsunori Shijo ◽  
Sodai Yoshimura ◽  
Fumi Mori ◽  
Shun Yamamuro ◽  
Koichiro Sumi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background : Pituitary apoplexy is an acute clinical syndrome caused by infarction and/or hemorrhage of pituitary adenoma, which typically presents with severe headache, visual deterioration, and endocrine abnormalities. However, temporal lobe epileptic seizure has not been viewed as a symptom of pituitary apoplexy in the literature. Case presentation : To elucidate further such a rare complication of temporal lobe epilepsy-like seizure, we describe here the rare clinical manifestations of a 55-year-old previously healthy male with pituitary apoplexy harboring headache, combined palsies involving cranial nerves III to VI, endocrinologic disturbances, and temporal lobe epilepsy-like seizure. In addition, we discuss the temporal lobe epilepsy associated with pituitary adenoma based on the literature. Conclusion : Although further accumulation of clinical data is needed, we would like to emphasize the importance of recognition of temporal lobe epilepsy-like seizure due to pituitary apoplexy, and to suggest that early surgery should be considered as an option in patients displaying such a rare complication.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
V Scheggi ◽  
T Mariani ◽  
B Alterini

Abstract Introduction Needle embolism is a rare complication of intravenous drug abuse which has only been reported on a handful of occasions. Potential sequelae include cardiac perforation, tamponade, infective endocarditis and recurrent pericarditis. We report the case of a young intravenous opiate abuser. Case Report A 23-year-old heroin addicted man presented to the emergency department because of chest pain ensued six months before; the pain was sharp, was relieved by sitting up and leaning forward and increased with coughing, swallowing, deep breathing or lying flat. He complained also fatigue and fever since one month before presentation. Echocardiography revealed non haemodinamic pericardial effusion and pleural effusion, treated with pleural drainage. Three haemocoltures were negative. Cardiac biomarkers were negative. HIV, HBV and HCV sierology was negative. He was treated with cochicine and ibuprofen and empiric antibiotic therapy with initial improvement of symptoms and rapid recurrence of them. After a few weeks an ECG showed widespread concave ST segment elevation and an echocardiogram revealed pericardial effusion relapse. A chest radiograph showed a needle near the right ventricle. The patient underwent computed tomography angiography that was able to localize a needle inside the pericardium. A second echocardiogram confirmed the presence of the fragment in the pericardial cavity, beside the right ventricle. The patient underwent minithoracototomy surgical removal of the needle fragment and of 500 cc of haematic pericardial fluid. Discussion and conclusions The presence of a foreign body in the heart may result from either a direct injury to the heart such as a gunshot injury or from some other embolization to the heart from distal penetration sites (eg, the migration of a catheter or a needle fragment from a peripheral vessel). It may cause fever, recurrent pericarditis and arrhythmia. Surgical extraction in the therapy of choice. Abstract P842 Figure.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katsunori Shijo ◽  
Sodai Yoshimura ◽  
Fumi Mori ◽  
Shun Yamamuro ◽  
Koichiro Sumi ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract Background: Pituitary apoplexy is an acute clinical syndrome caused by infarction and/or hemorrhage of pituitary adenoma, which typically presents with severe headache, visual deterioration, and endocrine abnormalities. However, temporal lobe epileptic seizure has not been viewed as a symptom of pituitary apoplexy in the literature. Case presentation: To elucidate further such a rare complication of temporal lobe epilepsy, we describe here the rare clinical manifestations of a 55-year-old previously healthy male with pituitary apoplexy harboring headache, combined palsies involving cranial nerves III to VI, endocrinologic disturbances, and temporal lobe epilepsy. In addition, we discuss the temporal lobe epilepsy of pituitary adenoma based on the literature. Conclusion: Although further accumulation of clinical data is needed, we would like to emphasize the importance of recognition of temporal lobe epilepsy due to pituitary apoplexy, and suggest that early surgery should be considered as an option in patients with such a rare complication.


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. e237076
Author(s):  
George Vatidis ◽  
Eirini I Rigopoulou ◽  
Konstantinos Tepetes ◽  
George N Dalekos

Hepatic brucelloma (HB), a rare manifestation of brucellosis, refers to liver involvement in the form of abscess. A 35-year-old woman stockbreeder was admitted due to 1-month history of evening fever, sweating and weight loss, while she was on 3-week course of rifampicin/doxycycline for suspected brucellosis. On admission, she had hepatosplenomegaly and a systolic murmur, while cholestasis, increased inflammation markers and a strong-positive Wright-Coombs test were the main laboratory findings. As blood and bone marrow cultures were unrevealing, further investigation with CT imaging showed a central liver calcification surrounded by heterogeneous hypodense area being compatible with HB. Material from CT-guided drainage tested negative for Brucella spp. After failure to improve on a 10-week triple regiment, surgical excision was decided and Brucella spp were identified by PCR. Our case highlights challenges in establishing HB diagnosis, which should be considered on the right epidemiological context and when serological and radiological evidence favour its diagnosis.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hong Ouyang ◽  
Bo Chen ◽  
Na Wu ◽  
Ling Li ◽  
Runyu Du ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Most patients with congenital adrenal hypoplasia (AHC) develop symptoms during infantile and juvenile periods, with varying clinical manifestations. AHC is a disease that is easily misdiagnosed as Addison’s disease or congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). There was also a significant time difference between the age at which patients developed symptoms and the age at which they were diagnosed with AHC. Most patients showed early symptoms during infantile and juvenile periods, but were diagnosed with AHC many years later. Case presentation We are currently reporting a male patient who developed systemic pigmentation at age 2 and was initially diagnosed with Addison’s disease. At 22 years of age, he experienced a slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), a disease mostly seen in adolescents aged 8–15 years, an important cause of which is endocrine disorder. Testes evaluated using color Doppler Ultrasonography suggested microcalcifications. Further genetic testing and auxiliary examinations revealed that the patient had hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) and DAX-1 gene disorders, at which time he was diagnosed with AHC complicated by HH. He was given hormone replacement therapy, followed by regular outpatient review to adjust the medication. Conclusions The typical early symptoms of AHC are hyperpigmentation and ion disturbance during infantile and juvenile periods, while few patients with AHC develop puberty disorders as early symptoms. AHC is prone to being misdiagnosed as Addison’s disease, and then gradually develops the symptoms of HH in adolescence. The definitive diagnosis of AHC ultimately is based on the patient’s clinical presentation, laboratory results and genetic testing results.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiao-Yan Shao ◽  
Pei-Lin Wu ◽  
Bi-Yun Lin ◽  
Sen-Jing Chen ◽  
Jian Liu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Terminal deletion of chromosome 10p is a rare chromosomal abnormality. We report a neonatal case with a large deletion of 10p15.3p13 diagnosed early because of severe clinical manifestations. Case presentation Our patient presented with specific facial features, hypoparathyroidism, sen sorineural deafness, renal abnormalities, and developmental retardation, and carried a 12.6 Mb deletion in the 10p15.3 p13 region. The terminal 10p deletion involved in our patient is the second largest reported terminal deletion reported to date, and includes the ZMYND11 and GATA3 genes and a partial critical region of the DiGeorge syndrome 2 gene (DGS2). Conclusion On the basis of a literature review, this terminal 10p deletion in the present case is responsible for a specific contiguous gene syndrome. This rare case may help the understanding of the genotype–phenotype spectrum of terminal deletion of chromosome 10p.


2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan Le Ho ◽  
Pui Fong Ng ◽  
Sotheenathan Krishinan ◽  
Basheer Ahamed Abdul Kareem

Abstract Background Papillary fibroelastomas are rare but benign cardiac tumour that are often found on cardiac valvular surfaces. Their clinical manifestations ranging from clinically asymptomatic to substantial complications that are usually secondary to systemic embolism. Multiple theories have been proposed to explain the pathophysiology of its formation. Case presentation We reported a rare case of large papillary fibroelastoma in the right atrium of a young gentleman which was complicated with pulmonary embolism. Transthoracic echocardiography identified a large pedunculated mass measuring 3.4cmX3.4cmX2cm in right atrium with stalk attached to interatrial septum. The intracardiac mass was resected surgically, which revealed papillary fibroelastoma in histology examination. Conclusion Differential diagnosis of intracardiac masses requires clinical information, laboratory tests and imaging modalities including echocardiography. Incidentally discovered papillary fibroelastomas are treated on the basis of their sizes, site, mobility and potential embolic complications. Due to the embolic risk inherent to intraacardiac masses, surgical resection represents an effective curative protocol in treating both symptomatic and asymptomatic right sided and left sided papillary fibroelastomas, with excellent long term postoperative prognosis.


2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Koji Morishita ◽  
Hideaki Sasaki

Abstract Background Endoscopic balloon dilatation (EBD) is the established treatment for common bile duct (CBD) stones. Although pancreatitis and bleeding have been reported as major complications of EBD, balloon-related complications are rarely reported in EBD. Case presentation A 30-year-old woman with suspected CBD stones underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and EBD. During EBD, the balloon of the EBD catheter suddenly burst at the biliary sphincter. We therefore performed surgical intervention: removal of the broken EBD catheter and T-tube drainage. Finally, the patient was discharged without any complications. Conclusions We present a case involving a burst balloon of an EBD catheter as a rare complication during EBD, as well as the surgical technique that was used to treat this complication.


Author(s):  
Shatishraj Jothee ◽  
Mohamed Swarhib Shafie ◽  
Faridah Mohd Nor

Abstract Background Previous reported cases on excited delirium syndrome studied on the common clinical manifestations of the syndrome. The usual forensics implication for the syndrome is that death commonly is associated with restraint procedures by law enforcement agencies; however, not many cases reported highlights the difficulties in attributing a violent scene of death to the syndrome. Case presentation We present a case of a partially naked body found in an apartment unit under suspicious circumstances with multiple injuries. The scene of death was violent, and the body was found with blood wiped all over the floor and walls. Investigators believed a violent crime had occurred, and a suspect was reprimanded. However, upon autopsy, it was found that all injuries were superficially inflicted and were unlikely to have been part of an act of commission or caused his death. Internal examination found no remarkable pathology. Toxicology revealed a presence of psychostimulants, that is, methamphetamine, MDMA, and ethyl alcohol. Reconstruction of events by the witness, who was initially suspected of the ‘murder’, revealed that the injuries and his death could likely be explained by an episode of excited delirium. Conclusion The case highlights the challenges faced when attributing excited delirium syndrome as a cause of death. The syndrome can present with injuries from aggressive or bizarre behaviour, coupled with the destruction of property, which may confuse investigators on the possible manner of death.


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