Angioleiomyoma of the small intestine - a rare cause of gastrointestinal bleeding

Background

Benign tumors are a rare cause of gastrointestinal hemorrhage of which angioleiomyomas constitute a very small minority. They have been reported in literature to present with volvulus, bleeding or intussusceptions.

Case presentation

An interesting case of a patient presenting with gastrointestinal bleeding from an underlying angioleiomyoma is discussed along with its management options.

Conclusion

Angioleiomyoma though rare can be managed successfully by surgical and/or minimally invasive endovascular procedures.

Mediastinal extension of a complicated pancreatic pseudocyst; a case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

Mediastinal pancreatic pseudocyst is a rare complication of acute or chronic pancreatitis.

CASE PRESENTATION

This case report describes the management of a difficult case of pancreatic pseudocyst with a mediastinal extension in a patient having chronic pancreatitis. Different management strategies were used until complete resolution of this complex pseudocyst occurred using open surgical cystogastrostomy.

CONCLUSION

Despite the availablity of different minimally invasive techniques to treat pancreatic pseudocysts, management of complex mediastinal pseudocyst may still require open surgical drainage procedures.

Superior epigastric artery pseudoaneurysm--a rare complication of chest drain insertion in coronary artery bypass grafting

BACKGROUND

Although chest drain insertion during coronary artery bypass grafting is a fairly standard procedure, however it may result in extremely rare complications.

CASE PRESENTATION

This is the first case being reported that demonstrates a pseudoaneurysm of superior epigastric artery resulting from chest drain insertion following coronary artery bypass grafting.

CONCLUSION

Adequate caution should be used along with good understanding of the anatomical landmarks during apparently simple and standard operative procedures.

Tuberculosis of the breast: experience of a UK breast clinic serving an ethnically diverse population

Tuberculosis (TB) of the breast is an uncommon disease in the West but its incidence is likely to increase. Five cases of breast tuberculosis are presented. The diagnosis and management of this condition are discussed.