Internal medicine
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A 68-year-old woman was diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma (LMS) based on preoperative biopsy of the gastric body. As tumor invasion confined to the submucosa with no breaking of the submucosal layer was confirmed on endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS), the patient underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for gastric LMS, resulting in complete tumor resection. ⋯ This is an extremely rare case of gastric LMS that underwent ESD after a precise preoperative diagnosis, with no signs of recurrence after treatment. ESD may be an acceptable option for gastric LMS when EUS findings allow this treatment method.
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A 73-year-old man with a history of heterotaxy syndrome and intestinal malrotation developed hemorrhagic shock due to bleeding from a duodenal ulcer. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy failed to achieve hemostasis because of restriction of the view by massive hemorrhage. Transcatheter arterial embolization cannot achieve endovascular hemostasis due to the vascular anatomy. ⋯ Intestinal malrotation due to heterotaxy syndrome is a risk factor for gastrointestinal bleeding. Severe gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with intestinal malrotation is difficult to control with endoscopy alone. Therefore, combined therapies with endoscopy, interventional radiology, surgical procedures, and intensive care are vital for achieving a better prognosis.
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POEMS syndrome is often associated with a poor prognosis. Elevated serum vascular endothelial growth factor (sVEGF) is a useful diagnostic marker with high sensitivity and specificity. ⋯ However, at 21 months after the onset, the patient tested positive for sVEGF and was diagnosed with POEMS syndrome. Therefore, it is important to repeatedly measure sVEGF levels in patients with polyneuropathy with an atypical course when POEMS syndrome is suspected, even if the initial sVEGF level is normal.