The American journal of case reports
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Case Reports
A Case of Thoracic Endometriosis Syndrome Presenting with Recurrent Catamenial Pneumothorax.
BACKGROUND Catamenial pneumothorax (CP) is a spontaneous pneumothorax commonly associated with menstrual periods. Endometrial tissues most commonly involve the pelvic region. However, after the pelvis, the lungs are most frequently involved. ⋯ She underwent videothoracoscopic pleurodesis with pathology, establishing the diagnosis of catamenial pneumothorax. CONCLUSIONS Thoracic endometriosis resulting in catamenial pneumothorax should be suspected in young women of child-bearing age. Treatment options still under debate include endoscopic resection and videothoracoscopic pleurodesis followed by gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) therapy to reduce the rate of postoperative recurrence.
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Review Case Reports
Primary Papillary Serous Carcinoma of the Fallopian Tube Presenting as a Vaginal Mass: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.
BACKGROUND There is now evidence to support that some cases of high-grade serous papillary carcinoma arise from the fallopian tubes rather than the ovaries. Common symptoms at presentation include abdominal pain and swelling, vomiting, altered bowel habit and urinary symptoms. To our knowledge, this is the first case of serous papillary carcinoma presenting as a vaginal mass lesion. ⋯ Histopathology of the surgical specimens showed a poorly differentiated serous carcinoma originating from the fimbria of the right fallopian tube. CONCLUSIONS To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to describe primary fallopian tube papillary serous carcinoma presenting as a vaginal mass. Therefore, physicians should be aware of this possible diagnosis.
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Case Reports
Malposition of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Into the Right Inferior Thyroid Vein: A Case Report.
BACKGROUND A peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) causes few serious complications but can be malpositioned. To avoid malpositioning, ultrasound guidance is widely used. Here, we report the case of a patient who received a PICC that was inserted under ultrasound guidance, but the catheter tip accidentally entered the right inferior thyroid vein. ⋯ However, the chest X-ray performed after the PICC insertion showed that the catheter had moved into the right inferior thyroid vein. CONCLUSIONS Malpositioning of a PICC can occur into any small vein. Ultrasound should be used not only to avoid malpositioning into the IJV, but also to confirm the proper position of the catheter tip during PICC insertion.
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Case Reports
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Presenting with Liver Infiltration and Severe Lactic Acidosis.
BACKGROUND Type-B lactic acidosis is a rare complication of solid tumors and hematological malignancies. It occurs secondary to Warburg effect, when glucose metabolism in cancer cells switches from the oxidative pathway to the glycolytic pathway. Malignant lactic acidosis is a life-threatening condition if not promptly diagnosed and treated urgently. ⋯ Lactic acidosis normalized after initiation of chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS Cancer, particularly hematological malignancy, should be considered as an etiology and differential diagnosis of type-B lactic acidosis. Prompt recognition and urgent initiation of specific therapy to control the underlying malignancy are critical to manage this serious metabolic complication.
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Case Reports
Left Upper-Quadrant Appendicitis in a Patient with Congenital Intestinal Malrotation and Polysplenia.
BACKGROUND Appendicitis is the most common cause of abdominal pain requiring emergent surgical intervention. Although typically presenting as right lower-quadrant pain, in rare cases it may present as left upper-quadrant pain secondary to abnormal position due to intestinal malrotation. Since atypical presentations may result in diagnostic and management delay, increasing morbidity and mortality, accurate and prompt diagnosis is important. ⋯ CONCLUSIONS Acute appendicitis may present with atypical symptoms due to unusual appendix locations, such as in malrotation. Most cases are asymptomatic until development of acute complications, requiring imaging for diagnosis. Clinicians and radiologists should have a high index of suspicion and knowledge of its clinical presentations to achieve early diagnosis and intervention.