Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a rarely reported cause of viral hepatitis. Aggressive in nature, most cases of HSV hepatitis rapidly progress to fulminant hepatic failure. Present day, its pathogenesis is yet to be elucidated, but its complications and associated high mortality rate are clear. Clinically, its symptoms mimic those of other causes of acute hepatic failure thus making the diagnosis of HSV hepatitis a precarious task. Although treatment in the form of acyclovir is readily available, most cases have a poor prognosis due to late initiation of therapy. This makes the early identification of HSV essential in improving outcomes and potentially preventing mortality.

Schwannomas most commonly manifest as acoustic neuromas in the vestibulo-cochlear nerve (CN VIII). These may occur unilaterally as primary tumors, or bilaterally secondary to neurofibromatosis type 2. More rarely, they present in extra-cranial sites, including the gastrointestinal tract. Gastrointestinal schwannomas are believed to arise from Auerbach’s plexus in the muscularis propria, and are classified as mesenchymal tumors. Here, we report a rare case of a 49-year-old woman who had surgical resection of a gastric mass which was eventually diagnosed as gastric schwannoma.

Rectal tumors are often encountered as an incidental finding on screening colonoscopy. As per the World Health Organization, they are categorized according to their histologic appearance. These include epithelial tumors, mesenchymal tumors and lymphomas. Of interest, in our case, are mesenchymal tumors. These are sub-classified into leiomyomas and gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Our case is a 33-year old male who was diagnosed with a rectal leiomyoma. The uncommon incidence and subsequent management of a rectal leiomyoma in a male, make this case worthy for literature review.

A Dieulafoy’s lesion is defined as a dilated submucosal vessel that erodes the overlying epithelium without evidence of a primary ulcer or erosion. It is a rare cause of gastrointestinal bleeding that is difficult to identify and subsequently manage. Most commonly, they occur in the upper gastrointestinal tract, namely the stomach. A Dieulafoy’s lesion of the rectum, however, is an exceedingly rare presentation that can lead to life-threatening gastrointestinal bleeding. Our case consists of an 84-year-old man, who presented with lower gastrointestinal bleeding secondary to a Dieulafoy’s lesion of the rectum.

Metastatic Gastric Cancer to the Colon

Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome, a Rare Cause of Hematochezia