Anorectal balloon cell melanoma: a rare variant

Balloon cell melanoma is a rare presentation of malignant melanoma, usually on the skin, with less than 100 cases reported. Mucosal BCM is even rarer, with only one case of anorectal BCM reported in English literature. The diagnosis is based on the histopathologic findings of a tumor composed of large, foamy melanocytes, with or without pigmentation, and confirmed by immunohistochemical studies showing expression for melanocytic markers. The foam cell appearance of the tumor cells and the lack of melanin pigment lead to a diagnostic dilemma, mostly when presented at an unusual location. Herein, we report a case of balloon cell melanoma at the anorectal junction in a 73-year-old male patient complaining of constipation and bleeding per rectum. Surgical resection was performed with no evidence of recurrence after three years of close follow-up. We believe this case will raise awareness among the medical community to consider this tumor a differential diagnosis in rectal masses.

Mucormycosis in COVID-19 patients: The patient profile, contributing factors and postoperative outcome - A case series of 14 patients

Co-infection of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients with life-threatening mucormycosis was seen as a major health crisis during the recent surge of coronavirus disease cases. We have taken 14 affected patients who were operated on at our centre and noted associated risk factors, intraoperative courses and surgical outcome in immediate peri-operative course. Out of 14 patients, 8 were people with diabetes while 2 were freshly detected/had corticosteroid-induced hyperglycaemia. Although our sample size is small, it is evident that patients who had diabetes, who were treated with steroids and who received supplemental oxygen support are more prone to contract mucormycosis infection. Also, patients who have the more severe form of COVID-19 pneumonia and those who need to be operated on early (within 20 days of COVID-19 infection) are likely to have turbulent intraoperative and postoperative courses. Therefore, optimization before surgery is of paramount importance.

Contralateral Acute Extradural Hematoma Following Decompressive Craniectomy for Subdural Hematoma Evacuation: A Rare Complication and a Short Literature Review

Subdural hematoma (SDH) is a common intracranial lesion seen in severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). The development of contralateral delayed extradural hematoma (EDH) after surgery is well described. But limited literature available about immediate contralateral EDH after subdural hematoma (SDH) evacuation. We report a case of a young adult who developed contralateral EDH following decompressive surgery for acute SDH.

Neurendocrine tumor of common hepatic duct: an uncommon site tumor

The neuroendocrine tumor of extrahepatic biliary tract is a rare neoplasm of the gastrointestinal tract. We present a case of 16 year old male presenting with epigastric pain and jaundice with a well-defined lesion in common hepatic duct on imaging. The patient underwent tumor resection. Histopathology examination revealed thickened common hepatic duct infiltrated by tumor cells with expression of Pan CK, Synaptophysin & Chromogranin with Ki- 67 proliferation index of 5%. The final diagnosis of Neuroendocrine tumor of Common Hepatic Duct, grade 2 was rendered. The patient showed no recurrence to date without intravenous chemotherapy.