The ileocaecal knot

Variations in intestinal knot syndromes have been described in the past, including ileoileal knots, ileosigmoid knots and appendico-ileal knots. We report a new type of intestinal knot syndrome, an ileocaecal knot, which, to our knowledge, has not been reported before in the world literature. Features on CT that may raise suspicion of an ileal knot syndrome are described.

Gallbladder torsion-induced emphysematous cholecystitis in a 16-year-old boy

The patient was a 16-year-old boy who had turned to the right rapidly as he fielded a baseball that had come to him quickly. Two days after this event, which occurred in July 2004, he was admitted to hospital with repeated vomiting and increasing right hypochondralgia. Laboratory examination on admission showed elevation of the white blood count and of serum C-reactive protein and total bilirubin. Computed tomography on admission demonstrated an enlarged gallbladder and a thickened wall without gallstones, and magnetic resonance imaging performed 1 day later showed air within the gallbladder wall. His symptoms worsened, with a positive Murphy's sign, and emergency laparotomy was performed, with a diagnosis of emphysematous cholecystitis. Intraoperatively, the gallbladder was dark red, necrotic, distended, and enlarged. The cystic duct was attached only to the mesentery, and the gallbladder was floating freely, with the neck of the gallbladder having rotated 180 degrees counterclockwise, leading to a definitive diagnosis of gallbladder torsion with emphysematous cholecystitis. Cholecystectomy was performed, and analysis of bile showed Escherichia coli to be the causative organism. Histopathologic examination revealed necrotized cholecystitis. The patient is doing well 25 months after surgery, with an uneventful postoperative course.

Intense FDG Uptake in the Ovary With Painless Torsion

We report a case demonstrating intense FDG uptake in the ovary, which was diagnosed to be a hemorrhage and congestion due to painless torsion. An asymptomatic retropelvic mass was detected in a 51-year-old female by echography. FDG-PET demonstrated intense uptake in the mass, thus suggesting an ovarian tumor. A resection of the tumor was performed, and histopathological examination revealed hemorrhage and congestion in the ovary due to ovarian torsion. An ovarian hemorrhage due to painless torsion should be considered in the differential diagnosis of intrapelvic masses demonstrating high FDG uptake, even in asymptomatic patients.

Omental torsion without a whirl sign

Omental torsion is a very rare cause of acute abdomen. Its primary diagnostic modality is CT. The whirl sign visible in CT images is pathognomonic. The whirl sign is not present in all cases. When no whirl sign is seen, omental torsion is rather difficult to be differantieted radiologically from omental infarct and epiploic appendicitis. The diagnosis of these three entites is clinically important due to their different treatments. We present in this paper an omental torsion case where whirl sign was not present and diagnosis was made by other suggestive CT image findings.

Primary epiploic appendagitis: the role of computed tomography in diagnosis

Primary epiploic appendagitis is a rare entity that occurs due to torsion and inflammation of the epiploic appendages. Clinically, this entity may be mistaken for acute abdomen with resultant unnecessary surgery. In contrast to acute surgical abdomen, epiploic appendagitis usually does not require surgical treatment; most of the patients resolve with conservative management. Diagnosis can be achieved with imaging modalities of which computed tomography is the gold standard procedure. Herein, a patient who presented with acute abdomen like clinical picture, with the computed tomography demonstration of primary epiploic appendagitis, is presented.

Gall bladder torsion and rupture in a dog

A 6-year-old desexed female German Shepherd dog was referred to the Murdoch University Veterinary Hospital for assessment and management of acute onset vomiting, diarrhoea, polydipsia and lethargy of 2 days duration. Surgical, microbiological and histological findings were consistent with necrotising cholecystitis secondary to gall bladder torsion, resulting in gall bladder rupture and secondary non-septic bile peritonitis. A chronic peritoneopleural perforation resulting from an abdominal cavity foreign body and congenital peritoneopericardial hernia were also present. The dog made a full recovery following cholecystectomy, foreign body removal, repair of the peritoneopleural perforation and peritoneopericardial herniorrhaphy. This is the first recorded case of gall bladder torsion in the dog.

Delayed presentation of malrotation and midgut volvulus: imaging findings

Midgut volvulus presenting outside the neonatal period often manifests with less than classic findings. One must be ever vigilant for any deviation from normal when imaging the gastrointestinal tract in these patients. Plain films often are noncontributory, and gastrointestinal imaging findings frequently are subtle and not exactly the same as those seen in classic cases in the neonatal period. Cases are presented illustrating the following: abnormal but less than classic small bowel location and configuration, malabsorption and fortuitous spiraling of a nasogastric tube, viral gastroenteritis and pseudo intussusception, intractable vomiting and dehydration with abnormal cecal position, and duodenal obstruction: pseudo SMA syndrome. Fortunately, one now can confirm one's suspicions with computed tomography and ultrasound in terms of determining whether the superior mesenteric artery and superior mesenteric vein positions are normal or reversed.

Complication of laparoscopic detorsion of adnexal mass

Detorsion of an ischemic adnexal mass has recently been advocated for most cases of twisted adnexa. Usually, the affected ovary regains some or all of its vitality and function. However, when the ovary is completely necrotic, it may form an abscess if it contains tissue components that cannot be eliminated by the peritoneal immune system. We report a case of pelvic abscess formation in a detorsed ovary that previously contained an unsuspected dermoid cyst. We call for an extensive inspection of the detorsed ovary before ending the laparoscopic operation, and if it remains necrotic and is suspected of containing a dermoid cyst, it should be removed promptly.

Torsion causing interruption of the ampullary portion of the fallopian tube

OBJECTIVE

To present a description of a young girl who presented acutely with symptoms and findings that are consistent with acute adnexal torsion, where resultant outcome would have led to perception of a congenital anomaly.

DESIGN

Case report.

SETTING

Tertiary pediatric hospital.

PATIENT(S)

A young girl who presented acutely with symptoms consistent with adnexal torsion but who was found to have a torsion affecting a paratubal cyst and the midsegment of her fallopian tube.

INTERVENTION(S)

A salpingectomy was performed because of damage involving the ischemic paratubal cyst and tubal segment that left too little residual tube to allow for a future anastomosis of the residual unaffected components.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Operative findings, which give an explanation for midsegmental tubal absence.

RESULT(S)

This case challenges previous reports that absent midsegment of a tube is a rare congenital anomaly.

CONCLUSION(S)

Absent midsegment of a tube can be explained as an acquired anomaly, rather than proposing an unusual congenital anomaly.

Cecal epiploic appendagitis: a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma

Acute epiploic appendagitis (EA) is a rare and often misdiagnosed cause of acute abdominal pain. Though a benign and often self-limiting condition, EA's ability to mimic other disease processes makes it an important consideration in patients presenting with acute abdominal symptoms. Careful evaluation of abdominal CT scan findings is crucial in the accurate diagnosis of epiploic appendagitis, thus avoiding unnecessary surgical intervention. We report a case of a 29-year-old male presenting with a two day history of generalized abdominal pain. Physical exam revealed a diffusely tender abdomen with hypoactive bowel sounds. The patient had a leukocytosis of 18,000 and abdominal CT scan revealed right lower quadrant inflammatory changes suggestive of acute appendicitis. Laparoscopic exploration revealed an inflamed gangrenous structure adjacent to the ileocecal junction. Pathologic evaluation revealed tissue consistent with epiploic appendagitis. Retrospective review of the CT scan revealed a normal appearing appendiceal structure supero-lateral to the area of inflammation. The patient recovered uneventfully with resolving leukocytosis. We present a case of cecal epiploic appendagitis mimicking acute appendicitis and review the current literature on radiographic findings, diagnosis, and treatment of this often misdiagnosed condition. General surgeons should be aware of this self-limiting condition and consider this in the differential diagnosis.

Massive ovarian edema with torsion: unusual hemorrhage and the recovery of contrast enhancement

We report a case of massive ovarian edema due to left adnexal torsion. On initial magnetic resonance (MR), unusual hemorrhages were demonstrated as several hypointense areas on T2-weighted images. The lack of contrast enhancement was also observed in the left adnexa. Abdominal pain resolved spontaneously, and then follow-up MR demonstrated the recovery of enhancement and hemorrhages as hyperintense signals on T1-weighted images.

An uncommon cause of acute abdomen--epiploic appendagitis: CT findings

Epiploic appendagitis, which is an uncommon cause of acute abdomen, is a benign self-limiting inflammatory process of epiploic appendices. It has primary and secondary types. Computed tomography findings of the primary type are specific but are demonstrated rarely. Herein, we present pre- and post-treatment computed tomography findings of two cases who admitted to the emergency clinic with acute abdominal pain and were diagnosed to have epiploic appendagitis. Follow-up computed tomography features correlated well with clinical improvement.

[Clinical study on operative treatment of acute scrotum]

Between July 1986 and March 2006, 102 patients underwent an operation for acute scrotum. Median age was 12.0 years old (range 0-51). Post-operative diagnosis revealed 50 cases (49%) of spermatic cord torsion, 29 cases (28%) of epididymal appendix torsion, and 13 cases (13%) of acute epididymitis. Spermatic cord torsion was most frequent in the age between 0 and 5, and 11 and 20, while epididymal appendix torsion was most frequent between 6 and 10. Moreover, acute epididymitis was most frequently seen in the age over 20. There were no apparent differences in the clinical symptoms such as scrotal pain, scrotal swelling, and abdominal pain. In the physical examinations, pyuria was the only finding to indicate acute epididymitis. In case of spermatic cord torsion, 'golden time' is defined as the time from onset to operation when testicular function can be expected for preservation. In this study golden time was defined as 8 hours because the testes was preserved in all 23 patients receiving the operation within 8 hours, but in only 10 (37%) out of 27 patients receiving the operation after 8 hours. Moreover, the operation within 24 hours saved the testes in approximately 90% of the patients. In patients with acute scrotum, emergency operation should be performed as speedily as possible for preservation of testicular function.

Progress over 32 years of a survivor of giant exomphalos and outcome of pregnancy

We report the progress of a female survivor of ruptured giant exomphalos over 32 years. Two-stage repair was performed at birth, resulting in a giant ventral hernia, which was repaired at 31 months. She developed gross benign ascites at 24 years, not previously described in association with congenital abdominal wall defects. This was associated with a misleading radiologic finding of a complex ovarian cyst and led to laparotomy. There were dense adhesions. Benign ascites and loculated pelvic fluid were drained, but the ovaries appeared healthy. A further laparotomy was performed for acute abdominal pain 2 years later. She subsequently had a successful pregnancy complicated by urinary retention. The abdomen expanded without difficulty, unlike the only other such case reported in the literature. A healthy baby girl was delivered by cesarean section at 37 weeks' gestation, which was necessary because of a footling breech presentation.

[A case of nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI) which occurred in a patient with torsion of gallbladder]

We report a case of nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI) which occurred in a patient with torsion of gallbladder. A 91-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital and was diagnosed of acute cholecystitis. The next day, she went into shock. Then, we diagnosed her illness as torsion of gallbladder by computed tomography and ultrasonography, and performed an emergency operation. After cholecystectomy, it was recognized that the wide range of the small intestine had become necrotic sporadically. We diagnosed it as NOMI, and performed the wide resection of the small intestine followed by making double stomas. There is no previous report of NOMI associated with torsion of gallbladder. We guess the cause of NOMI in this case would be dehydration because of gallbladder torsion. NOMI has high mortality. Early diagnosis and early treatment are of great importance in NOMI.

Laparoscopic resection of an axially torted Meckel's diverticulum in a 13-year-old

We report an unusual case of acute abdomen due to axial torsion and infarction of a Meckel's diverticulum in a 13-year-old boy and illustrate the versatility of laparoscopy in the diagnosis and management of acute surgical abdomen in children. We believe that this is only the third case reported in a child of torsion of a Meckel's diverticulum and the first to be managed by laparoscopic resection.

[Omental torsion. An acute abdomen etiology]

INTRODUCTION

Omental torsion is an uncommon cause of acute abdomen, usually mimicking acute appendicitis; almost all described cases are diagnosed with laparotomy. It can be a primary or secondary condition. Primary torsion occurs without evidence of intrabdominal abnormalities.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective, observational, longitudinal, descriptive study carried out between January 2001 and December 2005. Patients diagnosed as acute appendicitis were included and we assessed diagnostic accuracy by means of anatomopathology and omental torsion incidence.

RESULTS

2135 patients were included; diagnostic accuracy was 91.71%. Eight omental torsion cases were identified, with an incidence of 0.37% and all diagnosed with laparotomy. Patients in the first and fourth decades of life were mostly affected; 75% of the cases were observed in adults, and 62.5% displayed secondary torsion.

DISCUSSION

Omental torsion is a rare cause of acute abdomen. Acute appendicitis is a frequent differential diagnosis that should be taken into account. In our series, we found a two-fold higher incidence of omental torsion, compared with previously reported incidence data. We also found a difference in age and sex distribution among patients with this diagnosis.

Primary torsion of the greater omentum. An obscure and unusual cause of acute abdomen

A 36-year-old man was admitted with a 3-day history of severe abdominal pain in the right upper abdomen and was initially diagnosed with acute cholecystitis or acute retrocecal appendicitis. The patient was transferred to the department of surgery for close surgical observation. CT of the entire abdomen was performed just before the operation, which demonstrated inflammation in the omental fat. Surgery revealed primary omental torsion and subsequent resection of the infarcted segment offered a rapid recovery. We report a case of primary segmental omental torsion and discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic implications of this unusual entity.

Isolated torsion of the fallopian tube in a 14-year-old adolescent

OBJECTIVE

Torsion of adnexa is relatively common, but isolated torsion of the fallopian tube is rare. It should be considered in all adolescents who present with acute pelvic pain. Laparoscopy or laparotomy is often necessary to establish the diagnosis. This report focuses on a 14-year-old girl with isolated tubal torsion who presented with acute pelvic pain.

CASE REPORT

A 14-year-old adolescent was admitted to our hospital because of acute right-sided abdominal pain without vomiting and diarrhea. Pelvic ultrasound showed an adnexal mass. Conservative treatment was given but did not improve her condition. Emergent laparoscopy was performed due to persistent symptoms, which later confirmed the diagnosis of isolated torsion of the fallopian tube. Pathology showed hemosalpinx with necrosis.

CONCLUSION

Isolated torsion of the fallopian tube is an uncommon event, especially in adolescents. It must be kept in mind whenever a young girl presents with low abdominal pain and pelvic mass on ultrasound. Prompt laparoscopic intervention may allow for early diagnosis, treatment and preservation of the tube if possible.

Torsion d’un appendice épiploïque au sein d’une hernie de Spigel : premier cas rapporté en imagerie

We present the first case illustred in imaging of an epiploic appendage torsion inside a Spigelian hernia.

Effect of aging on twist-displacement loop by 2-dimensional speckle tracking imaging

BACKGROUND

Newly developed 2-dimensional (2D) speckle tracking imaging provides simultaneous information on both cardiac rotation and radial displacement throughout the cardiac cycle, thus, providing the opportunity to noninvasively construct twist-displacement loops. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of aging on twist-displacement loops.

METHODS

Basal and apical 2D left ventricular (LV) short-axis images with high frame rates were acquired in 59 asymptomatic healthy volunteers. Using commercially available software, LV rotation and radial displacement were obtained at each plane by 2D speckle tracking analysis. LV twist was defined as apical LV rotation relative to the base. To adjust intersubject differences in heart rate, the time sequence was normalized to the percentage of systolic and diastolic duration. Volunteers were divided into 3 groups according to age.

RESULTS

Twist-displacement loops were characterized by a figure of 8 configuration. There was a linear relation between twist and displacement during systole (r = 0.97), with its slope being significantly larger in the older group compared with the young group. During early diastole, a substantial degree of untwisting developed despite a relatively small reversal of systolic radial displacement, resulting in a much steeper twist-displacement relationship observed in all groups. Subsequent diastolic expansion occurred with more gradual additional untwisting.

CONCLUSION

We found that 2D speckle tracking imaging successfully provides twist-displacement loop, noninvasively. Aging affects the systolic component of the twist-displacement loop. The assessment of twist-displacement loop may be useful for evaluating LV function.

Adnexal Torsion Involving Hydatids of Morgagni

OBJECTIVE

Hydatids of Morgagni are common embryonal remnants of the müllerian duct and among the infrequent causes of adnexal torsion. The purpose of this study was to investigate the occurrence of adnexal torsion involving hydatids of Morgagni, as well as its possible mechanisms.

METHODS

A database search was conducted for cases of adnexal torsion treated in our institution from January 2002 to July 2005. These cases were analyzed, focusing on a subgroup of adolescents with adnexal torsion involving the hydatids of Morgagni.

RESULTS

There were 76 patients with adnexal torsion. The rate of hydatid of Morgagni torsion was 26% (4 of 15 cases, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.15-0.51) in the adolescent subgroup (10-19 years old), compared with 0% (0 of 61 cases, 95% CI 0-0.048) in the adult subgroup. The difference between the hydatid torsion rates in the two subgroups was statistically significant (P = .01, 95% CI 0.001-0.532). The four patients with hydatid torsion (postmenarchal girls, aged 13-18 years) were managed with laparoscopic adnexal detorsion and cystectomy of the affected hydatid of Morgagni. At surgery, we noted three different mechanisms of hydatid torsion: torsion of the adnexa together with torsion of the hydatid of Morgagni, torsion of the hydatid of Morgagni with intact adnexa (n = 2), and entanglement of the hydatid's pedicle around the distal fallopian tube. The hydatids of Morgagni were observed on the preoperative transabdominal ultrasonogram in only one patient and appeared as a simple cyst.

CONCLUSION

Adnexal torsion involving the hydatids of Morgagni appears to be more common in adolescents than previously thought.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Prise en charge cœlioscopique des masses latéro-utérines pendant la grossesse

OBJECTIVES

To determine the feasibility, safety and limiting factors of laparoscopic management of pelvic mass in pregnancy.

MATERIAL

and methods. During a 10-year period, 21 laparoscopic procedures were performed in patients with pelvic masses in pregnancy after exclusion of appendicitis and ectopic pregnancy. Laparoscopic surgery was done during the first trimester of pregnancy in 8 cases, the second trimester in 12 cases and the third trimester in one case. All the procedures were performed with general anesthesia and the laparoscopic cystectomies were performed with the intraperitoneal technique.

RESULTS

The indications were: persistent or sonographically abnormal ovarian cyst (12 cases), torsion of ovarian cyst (5 cases), and symptomatic pelvic mass (4 cases: 2 painful cysts and 2 infarction of fibroma). One borderline tumor were discovered. The laparoscopic procedure could not be performed in two cases due to difficulty of access to the lesion. No patient encountered complications during the intra- and post-operative periods. The mean hospital stay was 4.5 days. The outcome of the pregnancy was normal in all cases.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic management of pelvic masses in pregnancy by an experienced team, is a safe and effective procedure.

Primary torsion of the falciform ligament: Computed tomography and ultrasound findings

Torsion of the free end of the falciform ligament is an extremely rare cause of localized peritonitis. A surgically proven case is presented here, with ultrasound and CT findings and a review of the published work.

[Surgical correction of subjective excyclotorsion by tucking the anterior part of the superior oblique muscle tendon]

BACKGROUND

Asymmetrical folding of the anterior portion of the superior oblique muscle is a simplified variant of the Harada-Ito procedure that is supposed to selectively correct ocular torsion.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This surgical technique was applied to 22 patients suffering from bilateral acquired IV nerve palsy. Ocular torsion was evaluated with the Harms tangent screen. Pre- and post-operative torsional values were compared. Post-operative follow-up was 12 months.

RESULTS

Pre-operatively, mean excyclotropia was 8.8 degrees in primary position and 15.9 degrees in downgaze. Post-operatively, these values decreased to 1.5 degrees and 4.1 degrees, respectively. An enlarged field of binocular single vision, extending beyond 10 degrees inferiorly, was obtained in 17/22 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The selective technique of superior oblique muscle anterior tendon tucking allows one to efficiently correct the ocular torsion induced by acquired bilateral IV nerve palsy.

Novel serum inflammatory markers in patients with adnexal mass who had surgery for ovarian torsion

OBJECTIVE

To determine the diagnostic value of preoperative levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and E-selectin in patients with an adnexal mass who had surgery for ovarian torsion.

DESIGN

Prospective study.

SETTING

University hospital.

PATIENT(S)

Fifty consecutive women with adnexal mass who were admitted with a diagnosis of ovarian torsion.

INTERVENTION(S)

All had a single preoperative measurement of IL-6, IL-8, TNF-alpha, and E-selectin by ELISA.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

To determine if a single preoperative serum sampling of IL-6, IL-8, TNF-alpha, and E-selectin by ELISA can diagnose ovarian torsion.

RESULT(S)

Thirteen patients had proven torsion of the ovary. Serum levels of IL-6 were significantly higher in the 13 patients with proven ovarian torsion compared with the 37 without ovarian torsion. Patients with IL-6 serum values > or =10.2 pg/mL had a 16 times higher risk of having ovarian torsion. No significant difference was found in TNF-alpha, IL-8, and E-selectin between the two groups.

CONCLUSION(S)

The IL-6 levels might assist in the prompt diagnosis of ovarian torsion and allow a timely surgical intervention.

Twisting and infarction of the entire greater omentum managed by laparoscopy: a report of two cases

Twisting with infarction of the greater omentum is a rare cause of acute abdominal pain. Depending on the location, clinical symptoms can mimic other acute abdominal pathologies. The etiology remains elusive. Because of its rarity, correct diagnosis is difficult to make, but it can be helped by computed tomographic scan. The laparoscopical approach allows exploration of the abdominal cavity and surgical intervention. The preferred treatment remains resection of the necrotic omentum. We describe two cases of twisting with infarction (one left and one right) of the entire greater omentum managed laparoscopically over a period of two weeks.

The effects of N-acetylcysteine on antioxidant enzyme activities in experimental testicular torsion

Testicular torsion is a serious problem in male children and, if not treated at the right time, can lead to subfertility and infertility. The main reason for testicular damage is ischemia-reperfusion injury. A number of chemical substances have been used to protect testes against ischemia-reperfusion injury in experimental animals. The possible protective effect of N-acetylcysteine on testicular tissue after testicular detorsion was examined in the current study. Twenty-four rats were divided into four groups: sham operation, torsion, detorsion, and NAC + detorsion groups (n = 6 for each group). Excluding sham operation group, the rats were subjected to unilateral torsion (720-degree rotation in clockwise direction). After torsion (5 h) and detorsion (2 h), unilateral orchidectomy was performed. Malondialdehyde levels and superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase activities were determined in testicular tissue. Administration of N-acetylcysteine caused a decrease in malondialdehyde levels and an increase in glutathione peroxidase levels compared to detorsion group. The results suggest that N-acetylcysteine may be a potential protective agent for preventing the negative biochemical changes related to oxidative stress in testicular injury caused by testis torsion.

A case of torsion of a mucinous cystadenoma in triple-X syndrome with pure gonadal dysgenesis

Triple-X female characterized by primary amenorrhea and pure gonadal dysgenesis is extremely rare. We present a patient of triple-X syndrome who has not had menarche or the development of the secondary sexual characteristics. She had a hypoplastic uterus and streaked gonads on both sides with a twisted mucinous cystadenoma in the right adnexa.

Cranial strains and malocclusion: IV. Torsion

The cranial strain known as torsion does not fit within the Angle Classification. This strain is described and how to identify it. Torsion may occur as the only strain or is more commonly superimposed on another strain. Recognizing the presence of a torsion has a significant bearing on treatment sequencing. An approach to treatment is demonstrated.

Omental torsion mimicking acute appendicitis: a case report

Primary omental torsion is an uncommon cause of an acute abdomen that can mimic acute appendicitis. Herein we report a case of suspected acute appendicitis that proved to be a distal segment of infarcted omentum secondary to primary torsion.

Omental torsion with right-sided inguinal hernia

Omental torsion is a rare cause of acute abdomen. The diagnosis is usually not established before surgery, but recently some reports have described the usefulness of computed tomography (CT) for the detection of this condition. We encountered a 58-year-old man with torsion of the greater omentum secondary to right-sided inguinal hernia, and present the characteristic CT findings of a whirl-like mass with hyperattenuated fatty tissue.

Abdominal pain in a patient with osteosarcoma

Abdominal pain often occurs in patients receiving chemotherapy. The authors describe a patient with osteosarcoma who developed severe right-sided abdominal discomfort several days after being admitted for fever, neutropenia, and mucositis. Unexpectedly, the patient's pain was not therapy-related, but rather was caused by a midline pelvic mass.

Treatment of osteochondral fracture of the trochlea of the PIP joint

INTRODUCTION

Osteochondral (OC) fractures of the trochlea of the PIP joint are rare but the treatment of these fractures can be challenging [2, 5, 6, 10]. And the therapeutic guideline is not determined.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All of the three cases were male. Two were delayed union with minimal displacement and the other was a fresh displaced fracture. All cases were treated with ORIF using small K-wires. In delayed union cases, bone grafting was added.

RESULTS

Although bone union was obtained in all cases, rotation of the fragment due to the absorption of the grafted bone resulted in deformity of the trochlea in one of the delayed union cases. The functional recovery at the 2-year follow-up was satisfactory in all cases.

CONCLUSION

Although OC fracture of the trochlea of PIP joint carry significant fixation implications, successful treatment could be done with ORIF using small K-wire fixation technique.

Ocular overelevation in adduction in craniosynostosis: is it the result of excyclorotation of the extraocular muscles?

PURPOSE

We sought to determine whether radiological evidence supports excyclorotation of the extraocular muscle cone as a cause of overelevation in adduction in children with craniosynostosis.

METHODS

This was a retrospective case series of 40 patients with craniosynostosis. Ophthalmic findings were assessed for incomitant vertical strabismus in particular excessive elevation in adduction. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans were reviewed. Those scans with adequate coronal imaging of their orbits to assess the position and angulation of the horizontal extraocular muscles were identified, and the degree of rotation of the muscles formally measured along with aged matched controls. These groups were analyzed for the association between presence of overelevation in adduction and degree of excyclorotation of the extraocular muscle cone.

RESULTS

The identified updrift on adduction that mimics inferior oblique muscle overaction was present in 63% (25/40) of patients. Imaging that permitted accurate measurement of the muscles positions was available in 10 of the 40 patients. Of these 10, 8 had the updrift, and 7 of these 8 (88%) demonstrated more excyclorotation than their aged matched controls. Comparison of scan measurements of patients revealed a significant difference in degree of excyclorotation (mean difference = 16.2, 95% confidence interval 6.2-31.5; P = 0.006) between patients with and without excess elevation in adduction.

CONCLUSION

Overelevation in adduction is significantly associated with excyclorotation of the extraocular muscle cone in children with craniosynostosis. We demonstrate a simple method to assess for the excyclorotation. Our findings support the importance of imaging of the orbits in these children before strabismus surgery.

Preterm Torsion of a Gravid Uterus Didelphys Horn of a Twin Pregnancy

BACKGROUND

Simultaneous pregnancy in each horn of a uterus didelphys is a rare and complex clinical situation.

CASE

Torsion of one horn of a gravid didelphic uterus during a twin pregnancy was diagnosed during cesarean delivery after erroneous diagnosis of abruptio placentae.

CONCLUSION

Localization of the placenta in a pregnancy complicated by uterine didelphys may improve the ability to diagnose hemiuterus torsion.

[Gallbladder torsion as a rare cause of acute abdomen; a case report and review of literature.]

Torsion of the gallbladder is a rare cause of acute surgical abdomen. Less than 300 patients have been reported so far. On the other hand incidence seems to be higher than expected especially in elderly patients. This condition must be suspected in an elderly patient who represents signs and symptoms of toxemia and cholecystitis . Diagnosis is usually established during laparotomy. Torsion occurs at the base of the gallbladder around cystic duct and artery. Treatment is emergent cholecystectomy.

Stress fracture at the junction of the middle and distal third of the ulnar diaphysis in a spinner bowler: a case report and a review of the literature

Stress fractures of the ulnar shaft are uncommon injuries, which have been documented in a variety of sports. The location of the fracture is influenced by the activity and mechanism of injury with which it is associated. The combined traditional approach of clinical history, physical examination, plain radiographs and nuclear scintigraphy for unusual stress fracture may be troublesome. This report is the first to describe a stress fracture at the junction of the middle and distal third of the ulnar diaphysis in a bowler due to chronic torsional stress. We discuss the possible mechanism of injury and describe the diagnostic imaging. A review of the literature is also given and compared with the findings and data of this case.

Müllerian agenesis and ovarian torsion. A case report and review of literature

A case report of a premenarcheal patient with an ovarian torsion and müllerian agenesis is presented. An 11-year-old prepubertal girl presented with severe left lower quadrant abdominal pain and mild rebound. A computed tomography showed a normal appendix; an ultrasound showed a left ovary measuring 3 x 2 cm with multiple 0.5-mm simple cysts. A diagnostic laparoscopy showed the left ovary tube to be twisted, but the uterus was absent, and the right ovary and tube were not visualized in the appropriate location; instead, a right adnexal structure was buried in the right sidewall. The ovary was untwisted and fixed to the pelvic sidewall. Chromosomes were 46,XX, and her hormonal evaluation was normal. Ovarian torsion and müllerian agenesis are rarely reported. An association between the lax attachment of the adnexa and torsion may be a contributing factor in this condition.

Pathologic uterine torsion associated with placental abruption, maternal shock, and intrauterine fetal demise

Torsion of the uterus is a rare obstetric complication. This report describes a 270-degree uterine torsion associated with placental abruption, maternal shock, and fetal demise. At laparotomy, the uterus and ovaries were necrotic. This patient presented in a manner typically managed by labor induction, thus delaying her diagnosis of uterine torsion.

Meconium peritonitis secondary to torsion of fallopian tube cyst and transient central diabetes insipidus in a preterm infant

Meconium peritonitis is a sterile chemical peritonitis caused by peritoneal seeding of meconium from an antenatal gastrointestinal perforation. We report a 32-week preterm female neonate who developed meconium peritonitis due to bowel perforation, secondary to a twisted left fallopian tube mass, which was excised and confirmed by histopathology. This association has not been reported earlier. The infant also developed transient central diabetes insipidus, a very rare condition in a preterm neonate.

Acute scrotum -- etiology and management

OBJECTIVE

Acute scrotal pain is a common urological emergency. Urgent exploration is the standard means of management, since no investigation can confidently exclude torsion of testis from the differential diagnosis.

METHODS

A review of all boys presenting with acute scrotal pain who underwent emergency scrotal exploration between January 1983 and March 2003 was performed.

RESULTS

195 boys were included in this study. They were divided into 3 groups: group 1-73 with epididymo-orchitis, group 2-63 with torsion of testicular appendages and group 3- 57 with spermatic cord torsion. The patients in group 2 were older than group 1, also patients in group 1 were older than group 3. During neonatal period the most common pathology was spermatic cord torsion, whereas in prepubertal period torsion of appendages was more common. In all boys, mean duration of pain at presentation was 2.11 days. Epididymo-orchitis was diagnosed in 37% of patients, with torsion of the appendages being the next most common entity. Testicular torsion was diagnosed in 29% of patients. In the group with testicular torsion salvage rate of testis was 37% because of late admission. The perioperative morbidity and mortality was not seen in any of the groups.

CONCLUSION

We believe that any boy with acute scrotal pain and any suspicion of testicular torsion in physical examination must be applied routine surgical exploration.