Spontaneous splenic rupture (SSR) is a relatively rare but potentially lethal complication of infectious mononucleosis (IM). While SSR is extremely rare in patients with proven IM, it is the most lethal complication of the infection (9% mortality rate) and can present completely asymptomatically or with abdominal pain and hemodynamic instability. As adolescents and young adults are the most affected population group, with this case report, we intend to raise the vigilance of any doctor treating those patients in the emergency department. We present the case of a 16-year-old patient with an atraumatic splenic rupture and hemoperitoneum secondary to an Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection. The patient underwent an exploratory laparotomy, and a splenectomy was performed. This case demonstrates that, even if SSR in patients with IM is extremely rare, it should always be considered in a patient with a relevant clinical presentation.
Background/Objectives: Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a highly aggressive tumor, as it is characterized by a high probability of local recurrence and distant metastases, even after surgical treatment. Early detection of disease recurrence is critical for improving long-term treatment outcomes and overall patient survival. By comparing different radiopharmaceuticals, this analysis aimed to strengthen existing guidelines and help bridge the gap between the recommendations of the ESMO and the ATA, highlighting the importance of PET/CT scanning in the postoperative follow-up of patients with MTC. Methods: This research was carried out using three searchable databases, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and ResearchGate, resulting in 575 bibliographic studies up to the date of 20 June 2024. A meta-analysis of diagnostic accuracy was performed using the software Meta—DiSc, Version: 2.0 (Universidad Complutense, Barcelona, Spain), which led to aggregate assessments and the design of the SROC. Results: A quality assessment of the eligible studies was conducted, and the key findings were summarized. Conclusions: Regardless of methodology, PET/CT scanning exhibits high sensitivity and specificity values in the diagnosis of local recurrence and metastases in surgical patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma. Furthermore, based on a comparative analysis of18F-FDG and GA68-DOTATE, it appears that these misunderstood radiopharmaceuticals are particularly sensitive and reliable for highlighting MTC, and it was found that there were no statistical differences in terms of sensitivity and specificity. Therefore, these two modalities appear to be complementary in monitoring MTC patients.
Vaginal cuff dehiscence can be a rare complication of total hysterectomy, with an estimated prevalence of 0.032% to 1.25% and a high mortality rate of 6 to 10%. Dehiscence is also reported in cases following total laparoscopic hysterectomy, with a prevalence of 0.87%. This case report details the emergency management of a 59-year-old female who complained of abdominal and pelvic pain and the feeling of a foreign body in her vagina. The patient reported a history of laparoscopic total hysterectomy 6 months prior to presenting at the Emergency Department. A clinical examination revealed small bowel loops protruding through the vagina. The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy through a Pfannenstiel incision, and the terminal ileum was found prolapsing through the vaginal cuff. The bowel loops were identified as viable and the vagina was sutured. The patient had an unremarked post operative course. This case report showcases that in patients with transvaginal evisceration, immediate surgical management is crucial in order to avoid serious life threatening complications, and both surgeons and gynecologists should remain vigilant regarding this pathology.
Spontaneous splenic rupture (SSR) is a relatively rare, but potentially lethal complication of infectious mononucleosis (IM). While SSR is extremely rare in patients with proven IM, it is the most lethal complication of the infection (9% mortality rate) and can present completely asymptomatically or with abdominal pain and hemodynamic instability. As adolescents and young adults are the most affected population group, with this case report we intend to raise the vigilance of any doctor treating those patients in the emergency department. We present the case of a 16-year-old patient with an atraumatic splenic rupture and hemoperitoneum secondary to an Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. The patient underwent an exploratory laparotomy, and a splenectomy was performed. This case demonstrates that even if the SSR in patients with IM is extremely rare, it should be always considered in a patient with relevant clinical presentation.
A 58-year-old female presented with abdominal pain, vomiting and constipation. Laboratory tests indicated elevated white blood cell count and C-reactive protein levels. Imaging via CT scan revealed a large cystic mass in the right ovary, abscesses and generalized small bowel distension, which initially raised suspicion of the existence of ovarian cancer with peritoneal carcinomatosis. Despite conservative management, the patient’s condition did not improve, prompting a laparotomy. Intraoperative findings included generalized peritonitis, significant small bowel dilation due to inflammatory adhesions and a perforated dermoid ovarian cyst. The cyst was resected and a prophylactic ileostomy was installed. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of a benign dermoid ovarian cyst. This case illustrates the rare presentation of a perforated dermoid cyst mimicking peritoneal carcinomatosis and emphasizes the importance of considering such complications in the differential diagnosis of bowel obstruction and peritoneal disease. Early recognition and appropriate surgical intervention are crucial for optimal outcomes.
Spigelian hernias represent infrequent abdominal wall defects, and the incarceration of an inflamed appendix within the hernia sac is an even rarer clinical finding. We report an uncommon case in which a long-standing herniated appendix eventually progressed to perforation and abscess formation. Our report aims to illustrate this clinical transition to an atypical surgical emergency, while emphasizing that early Computed Tomography (CT) is vital for resolving diagnostic uncertainty and avoiding potential pitfalls in complex abdominal wall pathologies. Following prompt surgical intervention and hernia repair, the patient had an uneventful recovery and remained asymptomatic at the six-month follow-up.
About Me
Resident of general surgery in AHEPA University Hospital.
Msc in colorectal surgery
Resident of general surgery in AHEPA University Hospital.
Msc in colorectal surgery