Coloenteric fistula in a young patient with recurrent diverticulitis: A case report and review of the literature

The development of colonic diverticula is common in developed countries and complications of colonic diverticulosis are responsible for a remarkable burden of the disease. The natural history and management of complicated and recurrent diverticulitis in young patients are still a matter of debate. Coloenteric fistula is a rare complication of diverticulitis in young adults. In this report, and utilising a case study, we will review the natural history, outcome and management of acute diverticulitis in the young.

Spontaneous intramural duodenal hematoma in type 2B von Willebrand disease

Intramural duodenal hematoma is a rare cause of a proximal gastrointestinal tract obstruction. Presentation of intramural duodenal hematoma most often occurs following blunt abdominal trauma in children, but spontaneous non-traumatic cases have been linked to anticoagulant therapy, pancreatitis, malignancy, vasculitis and endoscopy. We report an unusual case of spontaneous intramural duodenal hematoma presenting as an intestinal obstruction associated with acute pancreatitis in a patient with established von Willebrand disease, type 2B. The patient presented with abrupt onset of abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Computed tomography imaging identified an intramural duodenal mass consistent with blood measuring 4.7 cm × 8.7 cm in the second portion of the duodenum abutting on the head of the pancreas. Serum lipase was 3828 units/L. Patient was managed conservatively with bowel rest, continuous nasogastric decompression, total parenteral nutrition, recombinant factor VIII (humateP) and transfusion. Symptoms resolved over the course of the hospitalization. This case highlights an important complication of an inherited coagulopathy.

Cystic neoplasms of the pancreas: A diagnostic challenge

Cystic neoplasms of the pancreas are increasingly recognized due to the expanding use and improved sensitivity of cross-sectional abdominal imaging. Major advances in the last decade have led to an improved understanding of the various types of cystic lesions and their biologic behavior. Despite significant improvements in imaging technology and the advent of endoscopic-ultrasound (EUS)-guided fine-needle aspiration, the diagnosis and management of pancreatic cystic lesions remains a significant clinical challenge. The first diagnostic step is to differentiate between pancreatic pseudocyst and cystic neoplasm. If a pseudocyst has been effectively excluded, the cornerstone issue is then to determine the malignant potential of the pancreatic cystic neoplasm. In the majority of cases, the correct diagnosis and successful management is based not on a single test but on incorporating data from various sources including patient history, radiologic studies, endoscopic evaluation, and cyst fluid analysis. This review will focus on describing the various types of cystic neoplasms of the pancreas, their malignant potential, and will provide the clinician with a comprehensive diagnostic approach.

Recent developments in the pathophysiology of cholestasis

The past decade has brought tremendous growth in the under-standing of the pathophysiologic mechanisms involved in cholestasis, both at the genetic and acquired levels. The discovery and characterization of an array of hepatobiliary transport proteins, the nuclear receptors that regulate them, and the potential clinical implications of these defective, altered, or variably expressed proteins are the key elements of our current understanding of cholestasis. It is hoped that future studies will enhance therapeutic options and the ability to care for patients with cholestatic disorders.