Diseases of the digestive system of agoutis (Dasyprocta leporina) raised in captivity in the Brazilian semiarid region

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to describe the clinical and pathological aspects of diseases of the digestive system in agoutis (Dasyprocta leporina Linnaeus, 1758) diagnosed by the “Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária” (Veterinary Pathology Laboratory) of the “Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido” (UFERSA), from January 2018 to February 2020. During the study period, necropsy and a survey of the clinical history of 27 agoutis were performed, 25.93% (7/27) of which were diagnosed with digestive system diseases. The percentages of digestive tract diseases among the diagnosed were: acute carbohydrate overload (11.12%), gastric ulcer (7.41%), gastric volvulus (3.70%), and intestinal volvulus (3.70%). Studies on the occurrence rate of these diseases, as well as the description of their clinical and anatomopathological aspects, may serve as a basis for guiding the appropriate management in the breeding of these animals.

P-EGS15 Gastric pneumatosis in an elderly patient with recurrence of gastric volvulus

Background Gastric pneumatosis (GP), defined as the presence of air in the gastric wall, is a rare CT finding. It is associated with a spectrum of conditions which can range from benign and self-limiting to severe with high mortality rate. A gastric volvulus occurs with a rotation of 180 degrees or more of the stomach around its longitudinal or transverse axis. It is a rare event, and can culminate in obstruction, strangulation, ischaemia and necrosis. We present a case of gastric pneumatosis in a patient suffering with hiatus hernia and a history of recurrent gastric volvuli. Methods An 83-year-old man presented with a history of vomiting and abdominal pain. His background included a known hiatus hernia with previous episodes of gastric volvulus. A computer tomography (CT) showed a gastric volvulus with air in the gastric wall, in the intrahepatic biliary tree and porta hepatis. Conservative management was pursued with IV PPI and antibiotics, keeping the patient nil by mouth. He improved clinically and a repeat CT scan showed regression of the gastric pneumatosis, with resorption of gas in the porta hepatis and regression of the pneumobilia. He was discharged home 12 days after his initial presentation. Results Gastric pneumatosis (GP) is described as a rare finding that can occur in conditions such as gastric emphysema (GE) and emphysematous gastritis (EG). GE is described as a more benign condition, usually self-limiting which can be managed conservatively in most cases and rarely requires surgical interventions. EG is a more severe condition with a high mortality rate, and more aggressive treatment is advocated. The diagnostic process can be challenging but literature shows lactate, the presence of metabolic acidosis and peritonitis can help differentiating between the two clinical entities and choosing the appropriate management plan. Conclusions This case described a patient presenting with a gastric volvulus with the presence of gastric pneumatosis, pneumobilia and portal venous gas. These findings were diagnosed as gastric ischaemia secondary to volvulus. In this case the patient made a good recovery after being managed conservatively. GP is a rare CT entity which can be found in the presence of GE or EG. Differentiating between the two can be a challenging process, aided by clinical examination as well as blood test results. Achieving the right diagnosis is key as radical surgical intervention is not always needed to guarantee a good outcome.

Black oesophagus, upside-down stomach and cameron lesions: cascade effects of a large hiatal hernia

Acute oesophageal necrosis, black oesophagus (BE) or Gurvits syndrome (GS) is a rare form of severe oesophagitis appearing as a striking circumferential discolouration of distal mucosa with various proximal extensions abruptly terminating at the gastro-oesophageal junction. It is most commonly associated with acute exacerbations of medical comorbidities, while associations with altered gut anatomy are rare. We present a unique constellation of BE, Cameron ulcers (CU), and gastric volvulus from a large paraesophageal hiatal hernia. Our patient recently recovered from COVID-19 and was malnourished and frail, while the expanding paraesophageal hiatal hernia turned into an acute organoaxial gastric volvulus with accompanying outlet obstruction. In low-flow post-COVID coagulopathic states, compensatory mechanisms may lack against gastric stunning and sudden massive reflux on the oesophagus. We additionally performed a systematic review and discovered additional cases with coexistent volvulus and paraesophageal hernia, although there are no previous reports of BE with CU, which makes this study the first.