Journal of medical case reports
-
Case Reports
A rare case of a splenic hamartoma in a patient with a huge palpable abdominal mass: a case report.
Splenic hamartoma is a primary benign tumor of the spleen, which is often found incidentally. Splenic hamartomas are very rare, with approximately 150 cases documented in the literature to date. They represent benign vascular proliferation. Histological findings consist of disorganized stroma and vascular channels of varying width, with or without lymphoid follicles. ⋯ Hamartoma represents a rare vascular entity characterized by a cluster of differentiation 8-positive immunophenotype. It is usually asymptomatic but large hamartomas may present with symptoms such as hemopoetic disorders, which resolve after splenectomy. It is important for radiologists to be able to differentiate splenic hamartoma from malignant entities.
-
Review Case Reports
Set screw fracture with cage dislocation after two-level transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF): a case report.
Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion is a popular procedure used to achieve spondylodesis in patients with degenerative lumbar spinal diseases. We present a rare case of a patient with a set screw fracture with cage dislocation after an open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion procedure. To the best of our knowledge, this case is the first of its kind to be reported. ⋯ Hardware-related complications are rarely seen in patients with open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion, but must be kept in mind and can potentially cause severe neurological deficits.
-
Obstructive sleep apnea and opioid-induced respiratory depression can unpredictably threaten respiratory competence in the post-anesthesia care unit. Current respiratory monitoring relies heavily on respiratory rate and oxygen saturation, as well as subjective clinical assessment. These assessments have distinct limitations, and none provide a real-time, objective, quantitative direct measurement of respiratory status. A novel, non-invasive respiratory volume monitor uses bioimpedance to provide accurate, quantitative measurements of minute ventilation, tidal volume and respiratory rate continuously in real time, providing a direct measurement of ventilation. ⋯ The events of this case illustrate the limitations of current respiratory rate monitoring and pulse oximetry in the evaluation of post-surgical respiratory status. Our patient displayed stable respiratory rate and no evidence of desaturation, despite sustained low minute ventilation, and he received opioids in the post-anesthesia care unit despite already compromised ventilation. Because the available monitoring did not indicate the patient's true respiratory status, he was treated with additional opioids, markedly increasing his risk for further respiratory decline.
-
Kleine-Levin syndrome is an extremely rare neurological entity characterized by recurrent episodes of hypersomnia which are sometimes associated with compulsive hyperphagia and behavioral changes. Autoimmunity has recently been proposed as a factor contributing to its pathogenesis. Immune thrombocytopenic purpura is a relatively common autoimmune disease showing a lot of complexity and uncertainty regarding its treatment regimens and its refractory nature in some cases. ⋯ Immune thrombocytopenic purpura may be associated with meningococcal vaccination in adulthood. Responses to treatment in immune thrombocytopenic purpura vary among patients. Our patient only had a transient acceptable response to intravenous immunoglobulin while all other options failed to improve his platelet count. Concurrence of immune thrombocytopenic purpura and Kleine-Levin syndrome supports the role of autoimmunity as the proposed pathophysiological mechanism of Kleine-Levin syndrome.
-
Case Reports
Subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum following cocaine inhalation: a case report.
Subcutaneous emphysema or pneumomediastinum can occur as a complication of illicit drug use although this is rare. When occurring without a pneumothorax and spontaneously, it is usually treated conservatively, but can have serious consequences. ⋯ We report a rare case of subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum likely due to the nasal insufflation of cocaine. We discuss the necessary investigations to rule out any serious underlying pathology. These should be considered in patients who present with chest pain after cocaine use.