Project description:Broncho-biliary fistula (BBF) is an extremely rare but serious medical condition resulting from pathological communication between the biliary system and the bronchial tree. Treatment options include both surgical and non-surgical approaches. Several endobronchial techniques, such as the spigot and glue, can be used for this purpose. This report discusses a patient who developed a broncho-biliary fistula following a liver biopsy. The BBF was diagnosed during bronchoscopy and successfully treated with an endobronchial Amplatzer device. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the use of the Amplatzer device to manage BBF.
Project description:Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is a rare, life-threatening autoimmune blistering disease with pruritus and tension blisters/bullous as the main clinical manifestations. Glucocorticosteroids are the main therapeutic agents for it, but their efficacy is poor in some patients. Tofacitinib, a small molecule agent that inhibits JAK1/3, has shown incredible efficacy in a wide range of autoimmune diseases and maybe a new valuable treatment option for refractory BP. To report a case of refractory BP successfully treated with tofacitinib, then explore the underlying mechanism behind the treatment, and finally review similarities to other cases reported in the literature. Case report and literature review of published cases of successful BP treatment with JAK inhibitors. The case report describes a 73-year-old male with refractory BP that was successfully managed with the combination therapy of tofacitinib and low-dose glucocorticoids for 28 weeks. Immunohistochemistry and RNA sequencing were performed to analyze the underlying mechanism of tofacitinib therapy. A systematic literature search was conducted to identify other cases of treatment with JAK inhibitors. Throughout the 28-week treatment period, the patient experienced clinical, autoantibody and histologic resolution. Immunohistochemical analysis showed tofacitinib significantly decreased the pSTAT3 and pSTAT6 levels in the skin lesions of this patient. RNA sequencing and immunohistochemical testing of lesion samples from other BP patients identified activation of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. Literature review revealed 17 previously reported cases of BP treated with four kinds of JAK inhibitors successfully, including tofacitinib (10), baricitinib (1), upadacitinib (3) and abrocitinib (3). Our findings support the potential of tofacitinib as a safe and effective treatment option for BP. Larger studies are underway to better understand this efficacy and safety.
Project description:BackgroundSuperior mesenteric arteriovenous fistula is a rare and difficult complication after abdominal trauma. Utilizing comprehensive endovascular treatment represents an effective approach to managing this condition.Case presentationWe report a case involving a 53-year-old female with a history of trauma who presented with complaints of abdominal pain, malaise, and melena. A computed tomographic scan revealed the presence of a superior mesenteric arteriovenous fistula. The fistula was occluded using four Interlock detachable coils, and a covered stent was positioned over the arteriovenous fistula in the superior mesenteric artery. Following endovascular treatment, the patient's abdominal pain and melena symptoms disappeared.ConclusionUtilizing covered stents and Interlock detachable coils for endovascular treatment of a superior mesenteric arteriovenous fistula proves to be both feasible and highly effective.
Project description:Background and aimsConventional complication rates for gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures may underestimate the broader risk represented by postprocedure unplanned hospital visits (UHVs). We aimed to characterize UHVs for procedures in Maryland and the District of Columbia from 2014 to 2018.MethodsData for all esophagogastroduodenoscopies (EGDs), colonoscopies, combined EGDs/colonoscopies, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographies (ERCPs) performed between 2014 and 2018 was provided by the Maryland Health Information Exchange (Chesapeake Regional Information System for our Patients'). Patient demographics, timing of UHV within 14 days postprocedure, distance traveled, facility site ("home" vs "away" institution), and International Classification of Diseases codes for the UHV were analyzed. Only UHVs potentially attributable to the endoscopic procedures were included.ResultsAmong 304,786 endoscopic procedures and 3904 unplanned visits, the 14-day UHV rates were 1.7%, 0.6%, 1.3%, and 5.2% for EGD, colonoscopy, combined EGD/colonoscopy, and ERCP procedures respectively. From 2014 to 2018, the UHV rate on an annual basis remained stable for all procedure types except for ERCPs which increased. Patients who experienced UHVs were statistically different in sex, race, age, and distance traveled. UHVs most often occurred on postprocedure day 1; emergency department visits occurred most commonly. UHVs for all procedures, except ERCPs, were more likely to occur at a "home" institution. Overall, patients were more likely to be admitted postprocedure at an "away" institution.ConclusionPostendoscopic procedure UHV rates were generally low. However, UHV rates for EGDs and colonoscopies were significantly higher than conventional complication rates. As 30%-60% of all unplanned visits occurred at an "away" institution, endoscopists should consider a broad approach to detecting postprocedure complications and not rely on a single institution for data capture.
Project description:IntroductionArteriovenous fistula (AVF) rarely occurs in the portal venous system. Aetiologies include iatrogenic, surgical, and penetrating trauma of the abdomen. Clinical manifestations of superior mesenteric portal arteriovenous fistula (SMPAVF) are right heart failure, mesenteric ischaemia, or signs of portal hypertension.ReportThe case of a 42 year old man with a history of Crohn's disease who had a delayed symptomatic mesenteric portal AVF, occurring 20 years after ileocecal resection, which was subsequently managed by endovascular approach is reported. The patient presented with post-prandial abdominal pain for almost one year, and dyspnoea New York Heart Association stage II. There were no signs of portal hypertension. Pre-operative contrast enhanced computed tomography showed a high flow SMPAVF, with a short and wide neck (9 mm × 16 mm) at the level of the last collateral of the superior mesenteric artery. It was associated with a large aneurysm of the mesenteric vein. Vascular plug embolisation (Amplatzer 18 × 18 mm, Abbott, Chicago, IL, USA) by femoral access allowed exclusion of the SMPAVF and preserved arterial flow in the distal collaterals. During follow up, the patient developed portal vein thrombosis and required therapeutic anticoagulation for six months.DiscussionIn most cases, endovascular approaches are preferred in the management of SMPAVF. Endovascular approaches are based on minimally invasive techniques including embolisation (coiling or plug) and covered stenting. Vascular plug embolisation of SMPAVF is feasible and seems to be an effective technique, with the advantage of saving collaterals. Therapeutic anticoagulation should be considered post-operatively in cases with venous dilatation and reduced flow linked to exclusion of the AVF.
Project description:BackgroundAtrial-esophageal fistula (AEF) is a rare, but high mortality, complication after catheter ablation. At present, there is no standard treatment for AEF. In this article, we introduce the treatment process of a case diagnosed with AEF and review the latest treatment progress of AEF.Case descriptionA 65-year-old man, who received catheter ablation 2 weeks prior, presented with fever, chills, and loss of consciousness. Blood cultures grew Streptococcus viridans. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the brain showed a large area of left craniocerebral infarction and air emboli in the right lobe. The chest CT demonstrated air between the left atrium and esophagus, as well as pericardial effusions. Gastroscopy showed an esophageal fistula 35 cm away from the incisor teeth. The patient was diagnosed with AEF, sepsis, and cerebral infarction. An urgent surgical operation and supportive treatments were performed after diagnosis. Eventually, he died of sepsis and multiple organ failure 24 days after surgery.ConclusionsWe have reported the treatment process of one case diagnosed with AEF and reviewed the latest treatment progress. AEF is a rare but lethal complication after catheter ablation. At present, austere challenges exist in the diagnosis and treatment of AEF. Repeat chest and head CT/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are essential for the identification of abnormal manifestations. In terms of treatment, urgent surgical repair is currently recommended once AEF is diagnosed. More attention should be paid to this complication.
Project description:BACKGROUND:Pancreaticopleural fistula (PPF) is a very rare and critical complication of pancreatitis in children. The majority of publications relevant to PPF are case reports. No pooled analyses of PPF cases are available. Little is known about the pathogenesis and optimal therapeutic schedule. The purpose of this study was to identify the pathogenesis and optimal therapeutic schedule of PPF in children. CASE PRESENTATION:The patient was a 13-year-old girl who suffered from intermittent chest tightness and dyspnea for more than 3?months; she was found to have chronic pancreatitis complicated by PPF. The genetic screening revealed SPINK1 mutation. She was treated with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic retrograde pancreatic drainage (ERPD); her symptoms improved dramatically after the procedures. CONCLUSIONS:PPF is a rare pancreatic complication in children and causes significant pulmonary symptoms that can be misdiagnosed frequently. PPF in children is mainly associated with chronic pancreatitis (CP); therefore, we highlight the importance of genetic testing. Endoscopic treatment is recommended when conservative treatment is ineffective.
Project description:IntroductionVascular injuries account for approximately 2-4% of trauma admissions with only 2.5% of these being traumatic arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs). We offer a case report of a traumatic AVF and review of the literature.Presentation of caseA 40-year-old male presented following 4 gunshot wounds, 2 in the forearm and 2 in the left upper thigh. The patient had decreased range of motion and paresthesia of the left lower extremity with palpable pulses and adequate capillary refill in all extremities. A CT angiogram demonstrated a left traumatic AVF involving the left deep femoral artery and left common femoral vein with an adjacent bullet fragment. The patient was taken to the operating room and underwent an exploration of the left groin, repair of the traumatic AVF, and removal of bullet fragment. The venous aspect had a grade IV injury and was ligated. The arterial defect was debrided to healthy tissue and repaired primarily. The patient recovered from his injuries with adequate ambulation and resolution of lower extremity edema. He was discharged home on postoperative day 4 on aspirin and a compression stocking.DiscussionTraumatic AVFs are rare, with up to 70% diagnosed in a delayed fashion. Clinicians must maintain a high index of suspicion to correctly diagnose and manage this injury to avoid potential morbidity and mortality.ConclusionDespite literature accounts of surgeons' experience, this pathology is lacking level one evidence-based standardized surgical management algorithms. Controversy exists regarding venous repair methods.
Project description:Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is one of the most common invasive malignant tumors, with a 5-year survival rate of less than 5%. Currently, radical surgical resection is the preferred treatment for ICC. However, most patients are only diagnosed at an advanced stage and are therefore not eligible for surgery. Herein, we present a case of advanced ICC in which radical surgery was not possible due to tumor invasion of the second porta hepatis and right hepatic artery. Six treatment cycles with a gemcitabine and oxaliplatin (GEMOX) regimen combined with camrelizumab immunotherapy achieved a partial response and successful tumor conversion, as tumor invasion of the second porta hepatis and right hepatic artery was no longer evident. The patient subsequently underwent successful radical surgical resection, including hepatectomy, caudate lobe resection, and cholecystectomy combined with lymph node dissection. Cases of patients with advanced ICC undergoing surgical resection after combined immunotherapy and chemotherapy are rare. The GEMOX regimen combined with camrelizumab demonstrated favorable antitumor efficacy and safety, suggesting that it might be a potential feasible and safe conversion therapy strategy for patients with advanced ICC.