An unexpected cause of retroperitoneal gangrene

Retroperitoneal Gangrene is a serious condition whose causes are many. We report three originally cases of anorectal suppuration complicated by retroperitoneal gangrene without Fournier's gangrene until there ever described in the literature. The diagnosis was made in all cases on CT because of atypical clinical presentation. The surgical approach was carried out in different ways to treat perineal and retroperitoneal lesions.

['Life-saving' interventions in subacute thrombosis of crural and plantar arteries]

The authors report a clinical case concerning successful endovascular treatment for subacute thrombosis of crural and plantar arteries in a patient with the only leg, substantiating therapeutic decision making with due regard for the duration of thrombosis and localization of the lesion of the arterial bed. Taking into consideration the statistical data on survival in case of performing major amputation in this cohort of patients, an 'aggressive' endovascular approach including three vascularizations made it possible not only to preserve the leg but also to save the patient's life.

Bilateral optic neuropathy, acral gangrene and visceral ischaemia as a rare presentation of calciphylaxis: A case report

We report a case with calciphylaxis very rarely presenting with bilateral optic neuropathy, acral gangrene and visceral ischaemia. Bilateral papilloedaema was found in a 43 year-old female with chronic renal failure. Acral dry gangrene was observed. Pathological examination of her amputated thumb revealed calcification, thrombi, obstructive endovascular fibrotic areas in the walls of arteries. She was diagnosed with calciphylaxis. Bilateral optic neuropathy was defined secondary to calciphylaxis. Abdominal computerized tomography revealed prominent calcifications in mesenteric, spleen and renal arteries. She died eight months after the diagnosis. Calciphylaxis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of the optic neuropathy.

Thrombotic complications after radial arterial line placement in systemic sclerosis: A case series

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate potential thrombotic complications after radial arterial line placement in patients with scleroderma.

METHODS

This is a retrospective case series of 4 patients with scleroderma who were hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU) requiring invasive hemodynamic monitoring and developed severe complications after radial arterial line placement. We reviewed their medical records to assess their laboratory findings and clinical presentations.

RESULTS

All 4 patients met the 2013 ACR/EULAR criteria for systemic sclerosis and had a radial arterial line placement in the setting of invasive hemodynamic monitoring. Overall, 2 of 4 patients had arterial line placement during surgery; while 1 patient had it placed for invasive blood pressure monitoring during an ICU admission for renal crisis; and 1 patient had arterial line placement during cardiac resuscitation, but before administration of vasopressor support. In all, 3 of 4 patients had major ischemic events including digital gangrene, hand auto-amputation, and below-elbow amputation. Among all, 1 patient had temporary hand ischemia with recovery of perfusion with immediate arterial line removal within 24 hours.

CONCLUSIONS

Radial arterial line placement may trigger critical ischemic events in scleroderma patients. This experience suggests that placement of radial lines needs to be thoughtfully weighed prior to insertion in patients with scleroderma, and alternative options should be carefully considered.

Comparison of Computed Tomography Angiography to Contrast Arteriography for Patients Undergoing Evaluation for Lower Extremity Revascularization

In an effort to explore alternatives to contrast arteriography, we compared computed tomography angiography to contrast arteriography for defining anatomic features of patients undergoing lower extremity revascularization. From November 2003 to March 2004, 36 inpatients with chronic lower extremity ischemia underwent contrast arteriography and computed tomography angiography before undergoing lower extremity revascularization procedures. A Siemens 16 slice multiplanar computed tomography device with bolus tracking was used for these exams. The reports of these tests and images were compared prospectively, and the differences in the aorto-iliac segment, femoral-popliteal, and infrapopliteal segments were noted. The vessels were classified as mild disease (<50%), moderate disease (50%-70%), severe (71%-99%), and occluded. The studies and treatment plans based on these data were compared. The mean age was 76 ± 12 years (SD). Indications for the procedures included gangrene (45%), ischemic ulcer (32%), rest pain (19%), and severe claudication (3%); 69% were diabetics. Accuracy of computed tomography angiography in the aorto-iliac, femoral-popliteal, and infrapopliteal segments was 100%, 81%, and 59%, respectively. Thirteen of 18 (72%) of these disagreements resulted in a different procedure than that suggested by computed tomography angiography. A review of the data obtained in this series indicated that computed tomography angiography appears to be unable to obtain adequate information in this highly selected population at our institution.

Shock, acute disseminated intravascular coagulation, and microvascular thrombosis: is 'shock liver' the unrecognized provocateur of ischemic limb necrosis?

For unknown reasons, a small minority of critically ill patients with septic or cardiogenic shock, multiorgan failure, and disseminated intravascular coagulation develop symmetrical acral (distal extremity) limb loss due to microvascular thrombosis ('limb gangrene with pulses'). Case reports have described preceding 'shock liver' in some critically ill patients who developed such a picture of ischemic limb necrosis. This suggests that profoundly disturbed procoagulant-anticoagulant balance featuring uncontrolled generation of thrombin-resulting from failure of the protein C and antithrombin natural anticoagulant systems due to insufficient hepatic synthesis of these crucial proteins-could explain the microvascular thrombosis and associated limb loss. We hypothesize that shock liver is the key predisposing risk factor underlying ischemic limb necrosis in the majority of patients who develop this complication in the setting of acute disseminated intravascular coagulation complicating septic or cardiogenic shock. As shock liver precedes onset of limb ischemia by several days, therapeutic intervention may be possible.

Extreme Thrombocytosis

A 55 years old female presented with hitherto abdominal pain and gangrenous changes of lower limbs. Patient was found to have extreme thrombocytosis. Approach to thrombocytosis is discussed here.

Detection of undisclosed neuropathy and assessment of its impact on quality of life: a survey in 25,000 Romanian patients with diabetes

AIMS

The objective of this cross-sectional survey was to capture undiagnosed neuropathy in Romanian patients with self-reported diabetes using Norfolk QoL-DN as a screening tool and to assess its impact on quality of life (QoL).

METHODS

25,000 Romanian-translated, validated Norfolk QoL-DN questionnaires were distributed between June and December 2012. 21,261 patients who self-reported diabetes and answered questions related to neuropathy, ulceration, gangrene and amputation were included in the analysis.

RESULTS

52% of diabetic patients (n = 6615) who answered "no" to the question "Do you have neuropathy?" had total QoL scores above the cut-off, suggesting the presence of diabetic neuropathy. 13,854 (65.2%) patients answered "yes" to the question "Do you have neuropathy?" and 3,150 (14.8%) reported at least one episode of ulceration, gangrene or amputation. Total QoL score was 3-fold higher (worse) for patients who answered "yes" to the question "Do you have neuropathy?" than for those who answered "no" (38.39 vs. 13.71; p < 0.001) and 1.4-fold worse for patients who reported ulceration, gangrene or amputation than for those who did not report any of these (50.38 vs. 34.87; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

We found a high prevalence of undisclosed diabetic neuropathy in this population and showed that neuropathy severity has an increasing impact on total QoL and its domains.

[A rare case of an acute abdomen patient with gangrene of the colon as a complication of systemic lupus erythematosus]

The authors present a case report of a 39-year-old woman with acute abdomen - a comorbid patient with systemic lupus erythematosus, chronic renal insufficiency as a complication of lupus nephritis, included in a haemodialysis programme. The patient had also undergone transplantation of the left kidney in the past. She was initially admitted to the Department of Traumatology for a total endoprosthesis procedure due to bionecrosis of the head of the thigh bone. Postoperatively, the patients condition was complicated by gangrene of the colon confirmed by CT scan and during the operation. The patient was operated on - subtotal colectomy, terminal ileostomy and left-sided ovariectomy was performed. The postoperative course was complicated by perforation of the jejunum which was sutured. The patient was admitted to ICU and, after recovery, to our surgical department. Because of the metabolic disturbance she was treated in the internal medicine department. After 60 days she was discharged in a good condition, walking and with full per os realimentation.Key words: lupus erythematosus gangrene of the colon acute abdomen.

[A Case of Delayed Dia-gnosis of Acral Lentiginous Melanoma]

BACKGROUND

Melanoma is a malignant skin disease. The tumor development is caused by an uncontrollable proliferation of melanocytes. The most common occurrence is on the skin, but melanoma may also develop on the mucous membrane, meninges, and eyes. Some melanomas develop from melanocytic nevus. Acral lentiginous melanoma occurs on palms, feet, fingers and under nails, and is the most common type of melanoma for phototype VI. The most important factor for successful treatment of malignant melanoma is an early detection, excision of the primary tumor and histological staging. Surgical treatment of an early-stage melanoma is a key to successful therapy; however, many patients (mostly men) do not seek medical attention before it istoo late.

CASE REPORT

This case study presents a 59-year-old patient, who suffers from white coat syndrome and whose finger was amputated for alleged gangrene. Subsequently, brownish black nodules appeared across his arm. Histological examination proved metastases of malignant melanoma. It was only at this phase, when the patient admitted a nevus at the tip of his amputated finger, from which ulceration and gangrene gradually emerged.

CONCLUSION

This case demonstrates a combination of multiple unfavorable factors, which led to delayed diagnosis and therapy.

Profil bactériologique du pied diabétique et son impact sur le choix des antibiotiques

Introduction

Analyse du profil bactériologique des pieds diabétiques pris en charge à l'hôpital militaire de Rabat et son influence sur l'antibiothérapie de première intention.

Méthodes

Etude prospective non randomisée étalée sur 18 mois, ayant concerné 105 patients. Après recueil des données et en attente des résultats bactériologiques nos patients ont été divisés en deux groupes: un groupe a été mis sous Amoxicilline + Acide clavulanique + Gentamycine (59 patients) et un groupe sous Ertapénème±Gentamycine (46 patients).

Résultats

L’étude a regroupé 85 hommes et 20 femmes (sexe ratio = 4.26). L’âge moyen est de 64.4 ans. La gangrène a été observée chez 79% des malades; elle était humide-donc surinfectée en principe- dans 43% des cas. Par ailleurs, 67% des malades ont un chiffre de globules blancs 12000 définissant une infection sévère. L'ostéolyse a été mise en évidence chez 27% de nos patients. Parmi les différentes techniques de prélèvements: 81% ont été profonds dont 21% de biopsie osseuse per opératoire et 14% de prélèvements combinés. 42% de ces prélèvements sont poly microbiens et 21% sont stériles. Les résultats bactériologiques viennent confirmer la prédominance des bactéries aérobies à Gram positif. Le taux de remplacement de l'Ertapénème est de 22% contre un taux de 50% pour l'Amoxiclav.

Conclusion

L'antibiothérapie ne doit être instaurée qu'en cas d'infection du pied diabétique diagnostiquée sur les critères cliniques établis par les consensus internationaux récents. Le respect des mesures de lutte contre la diffusion de la résistance bactérienne s'avère primordiale.

Peristomal necrotizing fasciitis - peculiar evolution of a patient with metachronous colonic tumors

We hereby present a case report of a patient with an unusual neoplasic and surgical history. M.V. is a 54-year-old patient who had been operated, two years ago, for intestinal obstruction caused by a sigmoid tumor; a segmental rectal and sigmoid resection (Hartmann's procedure) was then performed. Two other surgical procedures were attempted during the last two years, in another surgical department: a colo-rectal anastomosis and a repair of the parastomal hernia, both failed due to postoperative adhesions syndrome. The patient was hospitalized for peristomal gangrene with necrotizing fasciitis. Emergency action was taken to resolve the parietal gangrene. The postoperative local evolution of the wound was favourable and allowed a skin graft for parietal restoration. An intestinal obstruction occurred 2 months later, caused by an extended metachronous tumor of the splenic flexure. The patient underwent other surgeries including the completion of the left hemicolectomy, total gastrectomy, caudal splenopancreatectomy and left adrenalectomy. The patient has a favourable postoperative evolution after 1 year.

CONCLUSION

We noticed a very severe evolution of the peristomal gangrene and the rapid growth towards intestinal obstruction of the metachronous colonic tumor.

Calciphylaxis leading to penile necrosis

Penile gangrene is a rare disease. It represents a poor prognostic sign in end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients and an indicator of metastatic vascular calcification. Pathogenesis of this life threatening condition is not clearly understood and treatment is also controversial. We describe the case of a 61-year-old man known to have diabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure on haemodialysis, who was complaining of worsening groin pain for 4 weeks. On examination dry gangrene of glans penis was noted. Cultures from the penis showed multiple organisms. Computed tomography (CT) showed diffuse calcification of external and internal iliac arteries. Later, he developed caciphylaxis of right anterior thigh. His overall condition did not improve in spite of adequate antibiotics and he was shifted to intensive care unit (ICU) where he required high doses of vasopressors. Clinically he kept deteriorating and passed away due to septic shock.

Mortality and reoperations following lower limb amputations

BACKGROUND

Above-the-knee amputations (AKA) and below-the-knee amputations (BKA) are commonly indicated in patients with ischemia, extensive tissue loss, or infection. AKA were previously reported to have better wound-healing rates but poorer rehabilitation rates than BKA.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the outcomes of AKA and BKA and to identify risk factors for poor outcome following leg amputation.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study comprised 188 consecutive patients (mean age 72 years, range 25-103, 71 males) who underwent 198 amputations (91 AKA, 107 BK 10 bilateral procedures) between February 2007 and May 2010. Included were male and female adults who underwent amputations for ischemic, infected or gangrenotic foot. Excluded were patients whose surgery was performed for other indications (trauma, tumors). Mortality and reoperations (wound debridement or need for conversion to a higher levelof amputation) were evaluated as outcomes. Patient- and surgery-related risk factors were studied in relation to these primary outcomes.

RESULTS

The risk factors for mortality were dementia [hazard ratio (HR) 2.769], non-ambulatory status preoperatively (HR 2.281), heart failure (HR 2.013) and renal failure (HR 1.87). Resistant bacterial infection (HR 3.083) emerged as a risk factor for reoperation. Neither AKA nor BKA was found to be an independent predictor of mortality or reoperation.

CONCLUSIONS

Both AKA and BKA are associated with very high mortality rates. Mortality is most probably related to serious comorbidities (renal and heart disease) and to reduced functional status and dementia. Resistant bacterial infections are associated with high rates of reoperation. The risk factors identified can aid surgeons and patients to better anticipate and possibly prevent severe complications.

Male gender and sonographic gall bladder wall thickness: important predictable factors for empyema and gangrene in acute cholecystitis

OBJECTIVE

To underline the status of male gender and gall bladder wall thickness as significant risk factors for acute cholecystitis complications.

METHODS

The retrospective study, with purposive sampling of the patients of acute cholecystits in age above 18 years, who were operated within 10 days of onset of symptoms, was conducted at the Department of Surgery, Dow University Hospital, Karachi, by reviewing the patients' medical record from March 2010 to August 2012. Correlation of incidence of acute cholecystitis complications (empyema and gangrene) to male gender and to the sonographic gall bladder wall thickness more than 4.5 mm was analysed using SPSS 16.

RESULT

Out of 62 patients, 8 (13%) patients had gangrene while 10 (16.12%) had empyema. Overall, there were 21 (33.87%) males in the study. Ten (47.6%) of the male patients developed empyema or gangrene of the gall bladder as a complication of acute cholecystitis. Of the 41 (66.12%) female patients, only 8 (19.5%) developed these complications. There were 22 (35.48%) cases of gall bladders with sonographic wall thickness more than 4.5 mm who were operated for acute cholecystitis. Of them, 16 (72.7%) had empyema or gangrene.

CONCLUSION

Male gender and sonographic gall bladder wall thickness more than 4.5 mm were statistically significant risk factors for suspicion of complicated acute cholecystitis (empyema/gangrene) and by using these risk factors, we can prioritise patients for surgery in the emergency room.

[The thoracoscopy in complex treatment of non-specific pleural empyema and purulent-destructive diseases of lungs]

The results of treatment of 697 patients with different kinds of non-specific pleural empyema and gangrenous lesions of lungs are presented in the article. Need for complex and differentiated treatment of pleural empyema with obligatory use of thoracoscopy is revealed. High efficiency of early thoracoscopic sanitation improving outcomes and length of hospital stay is proved. Thoracoscopic necrosectomy is alternative and effective surgery in treatment of gangrenous lesions of lungs.

Missed diagnosis of a delayed diaphragmatic hernia as intestinal obstruction: a case report

Penetrating diaphragmatic injury rarely occurs in isolation. Diagnosis of traumatic diaphragmatic hernia resulting from penetrating diaphragmatic injury may be delayed or missed with attendant high morbidity and mortality. We reported a 28-year-old man who presented with features of subacute intestinal obstruction which became severe over the last four days. He had a stab injury to his left lower chest wall that was sutured 31/2 years prior to the development of symptoms. Emergency laparotomy with incidental findings of missed diaphragmatic hernia with gangrenous jejunal segment was found. The hernia was reduced, gangrenous segment resected with end to end anastomosis, and repair of diaphragmatic rent done. He had an uneventful recovery and follow up. There is the need to maintain high index of suspicion of Traumatic Diaphragmatic Hernia (TDH) in a patient with recent or previous thoraco-abdominal injury that will reduce the rate of missed or delayed diagnosis.

Gallbladder torsion resulting in gangrenous cholecystitis within a parastomal hernia: findings on unenhanced CT

Gallbladder torsion is a rare cause of acute gangrenous cholecystitis; its occurrence within an abdominal hernia has not been previously reported. We present such a case occurring within a parastomal hernia and imaged with unenhanced CT.

[Penile gangrene: a rare complication of systemic calciphylaxis, to be screened]

Gangrene of the penis is a rare and serious complication of end stage renal disease, being an expression of systemic calciphylaxis. We report the case of a 58-year-old patient with chronic renal failure and diabetes, who presented with a necrosis of the gland. MRI defined the limits of necrosis. The treatment consisted in partial amputation of the penis. Histological examination found a calciphylaxis.

The influence of age, duration of symptoms and duration of operation on outcome after appendicitis in children

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of any perioperative parameters on the outcome of treatment for appendicitis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 108 consecutive children with appendicitis. Data were retrieved from files using the codes for appendectomy of the Nordic Classification of Surgical Procedures and the diagnosis codes for appendicitis from the International Classification of Dis-eases (ICD) 10. A non-satisfactory outcome was defined as a post-operative length of stay in hospital ≥ 5 days and/or readmission due to complications.

RESULTS

Significantly more patients with a non-satisfactory outcome had complicated appendicitis (73%) compared with those with a satisfactory outcome (25%). A total of 78% of children < 6 years and 44% of children > 10 years had a non-satisfactory outcome. The duration of symptoms before operation was mean 2.8 days for children with a non-satisfactory outcome and 2.7 days for those with complicated appendicitis compared with 1.5 days for children with a satisfactory outcome and 1.6 days for those with simple appendicitis. The median difference was two days in the younger patients. Surgical time was significantly shorter in the group of patients with a satisfactory outcome and in those with simple appendicitis than in the other groups.

CONCLUSION

Complicated appendicitis and a non-satisfactory outcome in children after operation are associated with a long preoperative duration of symptoms, young age and long surgical time. A cut-off age has not been established, but young children might benefit from direct referral and access to hospitalization in a regional or tertiary paediatric surgical centre.

FUNDING

not relevant.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

not relevant.

A rare case of Meleney's ulcer after partial chemical matricectomy

BACKGROUND

Meleney's ulcer is a rare, but potentially deadly infection that often occurs in post-surgical sites. This type of ulcer has not previously been reported in the toenail after phenol matricectomy.

PATIENT CASE

A female patient underwent partial phenolization of the medial nail matrix of the hallux, but after 2 months had a recurrent spicula that caused Meleney's ulcers.

RESULTS

The ulcers remained after treatment with antibiotics, and further surgery was required to fully clear the infection.

CONCLUSION

This case and review of Meleney's ulcer highlights the deceptively benign initial presentation of necrotizing fasciitis at the hallux after partial chemical matricectomy surgery using a phenol-based approach.

[Incarcerated De Garengeots hernia complicated by gangrenous appendicitis]

Femoral hernias account for only about 0.7% of all operated hernias and are rather infrequent among male patients. By contrast, acute appendicitis is one of the most frequent diagnoses in surgery requiring urgent operation. The authors present one of the rare cases in which both these diagnoses occur together - De Garengeots hernia. Incarcerated femoral hernia with acute appendicitis is diagnosed preoperatively only sporadically. Imaging methods can help in the diagnosis, but often the final diagnosis, and especially the final solution, is brought about only by surgical intervention.