Hematemesis on an esophageal foreign body revealing a double aortic arch: a case study

A double aortic arch is a rare abnormality of the aortic arch caused by the persistence of the distal part of the right dorsal aorta. It can be manifested by respiratory and/or digestive symptoms. We report a case of double aortic arch revealed by an esophageal foreign body complicated by haematemesis in a 13-year-old boy having required multidisciplinary care.

Prevalence and outcomes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) in COVID-19 presents challenges in patient management. Existing studies lack comprehensive review due to varied designs, samples, and demographics. A meta-analysis can provide valuable insights into the incidence, features, and outcomes of UGIB in COVID-19. A comprehensive literature search was carried out using several databases. We considered all appropriate observational studies from all over the world. Mantel-Haenszel odds ratios and associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were produced to report the overall effect size using random effect models. Besides, Random effects models were used to calculate the overall pooled prevalence. Funnel plots, Egger regression tests, and Begg-Mazumdar's rank correlation test were used to appraise publication bias. Data from 21 articles consisting of 26,933 COVID-19 patients were considered. The pooled estimate of UGIB prevalence in patients admitted with COVID-19 across studies was 2.10% (95% CI, 1.23-3.13). Similarly, the overall pooled estimate for severity, mortality, and rebleeding in COVID-19 patients with UGIB was 55% (95% CI, 37.01-72.68), 29% (95% CI, 19.26-40.20) and 12.7% (95% CI, 7.88-18.42) respectively. Further, UGIB in COVID-19 patients was associated with increased odds of severity (OR = 3.52, 95% CI 1.80-6.88, P = 0.001) and mortality (OR = 2.16, 95% CI 1.33-3.51, P = 0.002) compared with patients without UGIB. No significant publication bias was evident in the meta-analysis. The results of our study indicate that UGIB in individuals with COVID-19 is linked to negative outcomes such as severe illness, higher mortality rates, and an increased risk of re-bleeding. These findings highlight the significance of identifying UGIB as a significant complication in COVID-19 cases and emphasise the importance of timely clinical assessment and proper treatment.

Aorto-bronchial fistula masquerading as haematemesis: a rare late complication of thoracic aortic vascular grafts

Aorto-bronchial fistula is an exceedingly rare pathology with high mortality. Late vascular graft infection may occur secondary to haematogenous seeding of bacteria from a distant source such as gastrointestinal infection. We present an unusual case of aorto-bronchial fistula masquerading as haematemesis in a patient with sigmoid diverticulitis, and review the pathophysiology, diagnosis, surgical and endovascular management of aorto-bronchial fistulas.

Case report: Aortoesophageal fistula-an extremely rare but life-threatening cardiovascular cause of hematemesis

Aortoesophageal fistula (AEF) is an extremely rare cardiovascular etiology of hematemesis and upper gastrointestinal bleeding. As such, its recognition and diagnosis are challenging and may be delayed when such patients present to the emergency department (ED). Without timely surgical intervention, AEF is almost always fatal. Awareness of AEF as a possible diagnosis and consequently early identification of these patients presenting to the ED are therefore crucial in optimizing clinical outcomes. We report a 45-year-old male presenting to the ED with the classical triad of an AEF (Chiari's triad)-midthoracic pain or dysphagia, a sentinel episode of minor hematemesis, then massive hematemesis with risk of exsanguination. The case report highlights the importance of considering the differential diagnosis of AEF when evaluating patients presenting to the ED with hematemesis, especially if they have predisposing risk factors such as prior aortic or esophageal surgeries, aortic aneurysms, or thoracic malignancies. Patients suspected of having AEF should be prioritized for early computed tomography angiography to expedite diagnosis and treatment.

A Case Report on Hepatic Portal Venous Gas (HPVG)

Hepatic Portal Venous Gas (HPVG) is the abnormal presence of gas in the portal venous system. It is associated with life-threatening conditions and is a sinister radiological sign. This case report aims to evaluate the significance of HPVG as a radiological sign. Our case involves a 49-year-old man who was admitted to the hospital following a one-day history of severe epigastric pain and haematemesis. Investigations showed extensive HPVG, gastric pneumatosis, a large retroperitoneal haematoma, and an obstructive lesion between the first and second part of the duodenum. Our patient was managed conservatively in the High Dependency Unit (HDU). A repeat Computerised Tomography (CT) scan showed successful resolution of the HPVG and gastric pneumatosis without any invasive intervention.

Challenging delayed bleeding after an Ivor Lewis oesophagectomy

A 66-year-old man underwent a minimally invasive oesophagectomy for oesophageal adenocarcinoma. Surgery and recovery were routine; however, he represented 8 days later with a massive upper gastrointestinal bleed. He was stabilized, but over a 2-week period experienced several bleeds requiring transfusion and multiple endoscopies, all showing a prominent luminal vessel at the oesophago-gastric (OG) anastomosis. Haemostatic clipping was attempted resulting in pulsatile bleeding and transfer to the radiology suite where angiography showed extravasation of contrast at the OG anastomosis from the terminal portion of the gastro-epiploic arcade. Coil embolization was successful and did not result in ischaemia. It was our standard to construct the OG anastomosis with the end-to-end anastomosis circular stapler (DST™ Series EEA™), 4.8-mm staple height. However, we now use the 3.5-mm staple height for improved haemostasis and ensure that the area for anastomosis is cleared of omental tissue so as not to incorporate a visible vessel.

Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Children: A Tertiary United Kingdom Children's Hospital Experience

The aim of this study was to review the aetiology, presentation and management of these patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) at a tertiary children’s unit in the United Kingdom. This was a retrospective single-institution study on children (<16 years) who presented with acute UGIB over a period of 5 years using known International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes. A total of 32 children (17 males, 15 females) were identified with a total median age at presentation of 5.5 years. The majority (24/32) of patients presented as an emergency. A total of 19/32 presented with isolated haematemesis, 8/32 with isolated melaena and 5/32 with a combination of melaena and haematemesis. On admission, the mean haemoglobin of patients who presented with isolated haematemesis was 11 g/dL, those with isolated melaena 9.3 g/dL and those with a combination 7.8 g/dL. Blood transfusion was required in 3/19 with haematemesis and 3/5 with haematemesis and melaena. A total of 19/32 underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Endoscopic findings were oesophageal varices (5/19) of which 4 required banding; bleeding gastric ulcer (1/19) requiring clips, haemospray and adrenaline; gastric vascular malformation (1/19) treated with Argon plasma coagulation therapy; duodenal ulcer (3/19) which required surgery in two cases; oesophagitis (5/19); and gastritis +/− duodenitis (3/19). A total of 13/32 patients did not undergo endoscopy and the presumed aetiology was a Mallory–Weiss tear (4/13); ingestion of foreign body (2/13); gastritis (3/13); viral illness (1/13); unknown (2/13). While UGIB is uncommon in children, the morbidity associated with it is very significant. Melaena, dropping haemoglobin, and requirement for a blood transfusion appear to be significant markers of an underlying cause of UGIB that requires therapeutic intervention. A multi-disciplinary team comprising gastroenterologists and surgeons is essential.

Clinics in diagnostic imaging (165). Oesophageal rupture secondary to malposition of an SB tube gastric balloon

Oesophageal rupture is a life-threatening complication of balloon tamponade for bleeding oesophageal varices. We herein describe the clinical course and imaging findings in a 33-year-old Indian man who had a Sengstaken-Blakemore (SB) tube inserted for uncontrolled haematemesis, which was unfortunately complicated by malposition of the gastric balloon with resultant oesophageal rupture. The inflated SB tube gastric balloon was visualised within the right hemithorax on chest radiography after the SB tube insertion. Further evaluation of the thorax on computed tomography confirmed the diagnosis of oesophageal rupture associated with right-sided haemopneumothorax. It is crucial for both the referring clinician and reporting radiologist to recognise early the imaging features of an incorrectly positioned SB tube gastric balloon, so as to ensure prompt intervention and a reduction in patient morbidity and mortality.

Durable survival after chemotherapy in a HIV patient with Burkitt's lymphoma presenting with massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding is an uncommon presentation of Burkitt's lymphoma in a patient with HIV/AIDS, and is seldom reported in the literature. A 39-year-old man who has sex with men presented with abdominal pain and massive haematemesis and a rapid drop in haemoglobin level to 4.8 g/dL. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed a large blood clot in the stomach, and an emergency laparotomy was performed because of unstable haemodynamics. This showed active bleeding from multiple tumours in the fundus and body of the stomach. The patient underwent gastrectomy and gastric biopsy confirmed Burkitt's lymphoma. Further tests showed lymphoma involvement in bone marrow and central nervous system. The patient tested positive for HIV, and had a CD4 count of 212 cells/mm(3) and viral load of 18,000 copies/mL at diagnosis. He was commenced on a chemotherapy regimen of CODOX-M/IVAC, and highly active antiretroviral therapy consisting of indinavir, stavudine and lamivudine. The major side effect was peripheral neuropathy. Infective complications during chemotherapy were controlled by broad-spectrum antibiotics and anti-fungal agents. Complete remission of the lymphoma was achieved after the chemotherapy and remission was maintained for more than 14 years.

A rare large tracheal glomus tumor with postoperative haematemesis

Glomus tumors are uncommon benign tumors which usually arise from the distal portion of the digits. A tracheal glomus tumor with large size is extremely rare. We present a case of a large tracheal glomus tumor that was resected using posterolateral thoracotomy and successful primary reconstruction of the trachea was achieved. Severe haematemesis happened after the patient was discharged. An emergency exploratory thoracotomy was performed but no signs of anastomotic bleeding were observed, while intraoperative gastroscopy revealed plenty of blood and blood clots in the patient's stomach. Medical treatments targeting hemorrhage of upper digestive tract were given and the patient finally recovered.

Life-threatening haematemesis associated with clozapine: a case report and literature review

Clozapine is regarded as a second-line and in some cases last-line antipsychotic known for its common life-threatening side effects, such as agranulocytosis, constipation and cardiomyopathies, but rarely haematemesis. We report a case of severe haemetemesis in a chronic schizophrenic patient managed with clozapine. The patient was a 46-year-old male being managed for chronic schizophrenia with treatment resistance who developed sudden severe haematemesis following commencement of clozapine for 6 weeks. The patient had 1.1 l of blood transfusion. The relevant literature is reviewed. Clozapine can be associated with a life-threatening haematemesis. Psychiatrists and other medical specialists need to be alert to the fatality of clozapine-induced haematemesis in the treatment of psychiatric disorders.

Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at the korle bu teaching hospital, accra, ghana

SUMMARY OBJECTIVES

To study the indications for endoscopy, the endoscopic diagnosis and other lessons learnt.

METHODS

A retrospective and prospective audit of all upper gastrointestinal endoscopies performed in the Endoscopy Unit of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital from January 1995 to December 2002 was performed.

RESULTS

A total of 6977 patients, 3777 males and 3200 females with age range 1 year 8 months to 93 years were endoscoped. The mean age of males was 43.5 +/- 0.5 and females 43.7 +/- 0.6 years. Epigastric pain (42.5%), dyspepsia (32.8%) and haematemesis and melaena (14.2%) were the commonest reasons for endoscopy. Chronic duodenal ulcer (19.6%), acute gastritis (12.7%), duodenitis (10.2%), oesophagitis (7.5%) were the commonest diagnoses. Normal endoscopy was reported in 41.1% patients, and was higher in the younger age group compared to the older (R = 0.973, P<0.001). Nine hundred and ninety (14.2%) patients were endoscoped for haematemesis and melaena of which chronic duodenal ulcer (32.1%), gastritis/gastric erosions (12.8%), oesophageal varices (9.8%), carcinoma of the stomach (6.4%), and duodenitis (4.2%), were the commonest causes. No lesion was found in 20.6% of these patients. Urease test was positive in 75% of all biopsy specimen and 85% in chronic duodenal ulcer, gastritis and duodenitis.

CONCLUSION

The normal endoscopy rate is high and needs to be reduced in order to help prolong the lives of the endoscopes. Chronic duodenal ulcer is usually associated with H. pylori infection and is the commonest cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Strangulated stomach within a femoral hernia

A complication of femoral hernia not previously described, namely gastric strangulation, is reported.