Actinomycosis as a rare cause of acute appendicitis: Case report and comprehensive literature review.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Actinomycosis is a rare, chronic bacterial infection caused by Actinomyces species. While it commonly affects the cervicofacial region, thorax, and abdomen, appendicular involvement is extremely uncommon. This case report details the presentation, diagnosis, and management of a 45-year-old female patient with acute appendicitis secondary to actinomycosis. CASE PRESENTATION: A 45-year-old woman, with an 8-year intrauterine device history, presented with three-day right iliac fossa pain, vomiting, and stable vital signs. Laboratory tests revealed an inflammatory syndrome. Suspecting acute appendicitis, a CT scan confirmed a swollen 10 mm appendix. Laparoscopic surgery revealed a phlegmonous appendix, leading to an uncomplicated appendectomy. Pathological examination confirmed actinomycotic granules, supporting the diagnosis of actinomycosis appendicitis. The patient received 18 million units of intravenous penicillin G daily for 6 weeks followed by a 6-month course of oral amoxicillin (1 g three times daily) thereafter, showing favorable progression with no symptoms. Normal clinical and ultrasound follow-ups were observed at one year. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Appendiceal actinomycosis is a rare condition. Women, especially those with intrauterine contraceptives, experience an increase in cases due to chronic inflammation. Typically underdiagnosed, actinomycosis mimics other conditions, presenting with nonspecific symptoms. Laboratory results offer limited assistance, and histological confirmation is crucial. Histopathological examination is mandatory for diagnosis confirmation. Management involves surgical resection and prolonged penicillin-based antibiotics, providing a favorable prognosis with low mortality. CONCLUSION: This case underscores the importance of considering rare etiologies, such as actinomycosis, in the differential diagnosis of appendicitis. Timely recognition and management are crucial for optimal patient outcomes.

A laparoscopic odyssey: Managing giant colonic lipoma-induced colo-colonic intussusception - A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Colonic lipomas (CL) are rare non-epithelial benign tumors. Giant Colonic lipomas (>4 cm) can cause serious complications such as bowel obstruction, massive bleeding, perforation, and intussusception. Early diagnosis is difficult and preoperative discrimination between malignant lesions and large cl is challenging. Surgical resection is the cornerstone of the treatment. CASE PRESENTATION: A 57-year-old woman presented to our surgical department complaining about intermittent crampy abdominal pain with an alternation of diarrhea and constipation for the last 7 months. After radiological and endoscopic investigations, the diagnosis of colo-colonic intussusception caused by colonic lipoma was confirmed. The patient underwent laparoscopic enucleation and a histopathological examination of the specimen confirmed the diagnosis of colonic lipoma. DISCUSSION: Colonic lipomas (CL), though rare (0.2 to 4 %), are the third most common benign colon tumors. Typically affecting adult women (57 %), these non-epithelial growths can vary in size from 2 mm to 30 cm, often remaining asymptomatic until complications arise. Colonic lipomas may lead to intussusception or bowel obstruction, with clinical presentation depending on size and location. Diagnosis relies on abdominal CT scans or MRI, while treatment options include surveillance, endoscopic, or surgical resection. Laparoscopic approaches offer favorable postoperative outcomes, although precise localization remains a challenge. Endoscopic techniques are limited, particularly for larger or difficult-to-access lipomas, necessitating expert care. CONCLUSION: Giant colonic lipoma can cause colonic intussusception leading to emergency operation. We think that laparoscopic enucleation seems to be the ideal treatment choice, especially when the malignancy cannot be excluded.

Case report: Rare benign colorectal intussusception due to rectal polyp treated non operatively.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Intestinal intussusception is rare in adults, involving telescoping of one intestinal segment into another. Commonly associated with colonic lesions, it presents as acute obstruction. Diagnosis relies on CT. We report a rare case of colorectal intussusception due to a polyp, managed by endoscopic polypectomy. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of a 74-year-old man with chronic constipation, who presented with acute abdominal pain, vomiting, and cessation of bowel movements. Hemodynamically stable, he had a distended abdomen. We diagnosed acute bowel obstruction secondary to colorectal intussusception via CT scan. Surgery was planned after resuscitation. However, after induction of general anesthesia, the procedure was postponed due to a significant diarrheal episode and resolution of the abdominal distension. A subsequent colonoscopy revealed a 10 mm polyp, which was excised endoscopically. The patient's recovery was smooth, with no recurrence after a one-year follow-up. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Intestinal intussusception, rare in adults, primarily affects the small intestine but may involve the colon, often associated with organic lesions or postoperative adhesions. While colocolonic intussusceptions, mostly malignant, may stem from benign causes occasionally, symptoms are nonspecific, with common pain. Diagnosis relies on CT scans, with surgery typically required, except in select cases. CONCLUSION: Colorectal intussusception, rare in adults, may necessitate laparotomy. Spontaneous symptom resolution enables conservative management. Clinician awareness is vital to prevent unnecessary and risky surgeries, given its rarity and potential for favorable outcomes sans intervention.

Fortuitous detection of adult malrotated ectopic kidney during acute appendicitis: A unique case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Renal ectopia, a rare congenital anomaly, can occur in various body regions and may be associated with other abnormalities. It is often asymptomatic, commonly found incidentally, as in our 70-year-old patient during appendicitis exploration. This case highlights the importance of recognizing renal ectopia and associated anomalies, such as vascular abnormalities and renal malrotation, which may predispose patients to potential complications and require vigilant monitoring for urinary tract infections and lithiasis events, as well as potential challenges during laparoscopic surgical procedures, as in our appendectomy case. CASE PRESENTATION: A 70-year-old female presented with right iliac fossa pain and elevated inflammatory markers. Abdominopelvic CT scan confirmed uncomplicated appendicitis and revealed a right ectopic and malrotated kidney. Laparoscopic appendectomy was performed without complications. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, and discharge occurred one day post-procedure. A four-week follow-up was scheduled to monitor for urinary infection and stone formation, with initiation of hygienic and dietary measures. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Renal ectopia, a congenital anomaly, frequently positions the kidneys in the pelvic region. Iliac ectopias are often confused with pelvic or abdominal ectopias. Ectopic kidneys can result in complications like vesicoureteral reflux, urinary tract infections, or kidney stones. Despite being typically left-sided, our patient presented with right-sided renal ectopia with malrotation. Despite lacking urinary symptoms, a urological consultation was advised due to the potential risk of infection or kidney stones. Surgical intervention is reserved for complication management. CONCLUSION: Renal ectopia, a rare congenital anomaly, can be asymptomatic but often coincides with other renal or vascular issues. Early detection and accurate imaging are essential, emphasizing clinical vigilance and interdisciplinary collaboration for better patient care.

Mirizzi syndrome: A case report emphasizing safe management strategies and literature review.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Mirizzi syndrome, a rare complication of cholelithiasis, involves gallstones causing common hepatic duct compression. It poses diagnostic challenges with nonspecific symptoms. Early recognition and surgical intervention are crucial, emphasizing a multidisciplinary approach for this complex condition with potential complications. CASE REPORT: A 69-year-old woman presented with pruritus, jaundice, and a history of hepatic colics. Laboratory results showed no signs of inflammation but indicated cholestasis. Imaging suggested Mirizzi syndrome type 1, confirmed by MRI. The patient underwent surgery, revealing Mirizzi syndrome type II with the presence of a cholecystocholedochal fistula involving less than one-third of the circumference of the main bile duct. Subtotal cholecystectomy and suturing of the main bile duct onto a T-tube were performed, resulting in a favorable recovery and normalization of blood tests after 10 days. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Mirizzi syndrome, named after surgeon Pablo Luis Mirizzi, was first detailed in 1948. Clinical symptoms include jaundice, colic pain, and complications such as cholecystocholedochal fistula and gallstone ileus. Blood tests and imaging aid diagnosis. Surgical management targets obstruction relief and defect repair. Dissecting Calot's triangle carries risks. In complex cases, cholecysto-choledocus-duodenostomy may be considered. CONCLUSION: Mirizzi syndrome, a rare but significant condition, demands careful clinical attention to prevent underdiagnosis. Timely and appropriate management, utilizing imaging tests alongside ERCP, is essential for optimal outcomes and complication prevention.

A rare case report of an appendico-sigmoid fistula complicating untreated acute appendicitis: Unraveling complexity in diagnosis and treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Appendiculocolonic fistulas, often arising from benign conditions like abscess-forming appendicitis, manifest subtly. This case emphasizes their rarity, intraoperative discovery during acute appendicitis, and explores diagnostic intricacies, sensitive imaging, and distinctions in managing benign versus malignant cases. CASE PRESENTATION: A 23-year-old intellectually disabled patient, lacking regular medical follow-up and surgical history, presented to our emergency department with persistent right iliac fossa pain six months ago. Due to financial constraints, a CT scan was not performed despite an inflammatory syndrome, and the patient left against medical advice. Currently experiencing the same symptoms, investigations led to the diagnosis of acute appendicitis with a probable appendico-sigmoid fistula. Surgical exploration confirmed the appendico-sigmoid fistula and the presence of an uncomplicated Meckel's diverticulum. A conservative approach, including appendectomy, Meckel's diverticulum resection, and sigmoid fistula suturing, yielded favorable results. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Appendiculocolonic fistulas often arise from acute or chronic appendicitis with local abscess formation. Our case highlights the unusual progression of untreated acute appendicitis, evolving into an appendico-sigmoid fistula. While generally benign, documented cases of malignant causes, such as appendiceal cancer, exist. Diagnosis is intricate, requiring diverse methods, with abdominal CT as a sensitive imaging tool. Conservative approaches are generally recommended for benign cases. CONCLUSION: Appendiculocolonic fistulas, though rare, pose a clinical challenge due to their elusive symptoms. Primarily associated with benign conditions, notably abscess-forming appendicitis, or, as in our case, untreated acute appendicitis. This case underscores the role of abdominal CT in precise diagnosis, guiding treatment decisions based on the lesion's nature.

An exceptional cause of dyspnea: The uncommon case report of the association between Chilaiditi syndrome and diaphragmatic eventration.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Chilaiditi's syndrome, characterized by the abnormal positioning of the intestine between the diaphragm and liver, and diaphragmatic eventration, a condition marked by the permanent elevation of one side of the diaphragm, are both exceedingly uncommon medical conditions. Their co-occurrence is even rarer, with only a handful of documented cases in medical literature. CASE PRESENTATION: A 71-year-old male patient initially presented with shortness of breath and was subsequently diagnosed with both Chilaiditi's syndrome and diaphragmatic eventration. His medical history included episodes of abdominal pain, constipation, and a prior colonoscopy that revealed no abnormal findings. Thorough physical examinations and imaging studies confirmed these diagnoses, and the patient's treatment was conservatively managed with intravenous fluids and laxatives, resulting in a significant improvement in his symptoms. Subsequent regular follow-up assessments showed no recurrence of symptoms. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Chilaiditi's sign/syndrome is a rare condition involving colon interposition between the liver and diaphragm, often diagnosed incidentally during imaging. It mainly affects older men and can cause abdominal symptoms. Management is typically conservative, but surgery may be needed if symptoms persist or complications arise, especially in cases of colonic volvulus or ischemia. When encountering diaphragmatic air, consider a differential diagnosis to avoid unnecessary surgery. Simultaneous hepatodiaphragmatic colonic interposition and diaphragmatic eventration is extremely rare, with uncertain causation. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the rarity of the combination of Chilaiditi's syndrome and diaphragmatic eventration. Conservative management led to a significant improvement in symptoms, underscoring the importance of early recognition to prevent complications.

Revelation of Rapunzel syndrome: A rare case report of gastric trichobezoar-induced acute purulent peritonitis.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: The Rapunzel syndrome embodies an uncommon variation of trichobezoar, predominantly observed among individuals with a history of psychiatric conditions, trichotillomania, and trichophagia. This combination of factors predisposes to the eventual formation of gastric bezoars. Trichobezoars, infrequent gastric masses composed of hair, can lead to complications if left untreated. CASE REPORT: A 19-year-old female hairdresser with a history of trichophagia sought medical attention due to abdominal pain and episodes of vomiting. With an elevated body temperature and abdominal rigidity, imaging revealed the presence of a trichobezoar, accompanied by pneumoperitoneum and intraperitoneal effusion. Urgent surgical intervention confirmed the diagnosis of generalized purulent acute peritonitis, triggered by a gastric perforation caused by a 20 cm trichobezoar with an extension into the duodenum, which defines the Rapunzel syndrome. Gastrotomy was performed to remove the trichobezoar, followed by thorough peritoneal lavage. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Trichobezoar is a rare condition that involves the abnormal accumulation of solid substances, particularly hair, within the stomach. Known as "Rapunzel syndrome," it can extend into the duodenum or jejunum. Commonly associated with emotional disorders, trichobezoar can lead to symptoms like epigastric discomfort, vomiting, and weight loss. Diagnosis is through endoscopy, and treatments include fluid intake, endoscopic extraction, chemical dissolution, and surgical removal. Surgical intervention is often preferred, with laparoscopic approaches considered. Psychiatric management is often required for patients. CONCLUSION: This case underscores the uncommon Rapunzel syndrome presentation, emphasizing timely surgical measures and multidisciplinary care for trichobezoars causing acute peritonitis.

Azathioprine and Acenocoumarol Drug Interaction in Patients with Crohn's Disease: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Acenocoumarol is an anticoagulant with numerous drug reactions. We report here, an unusual interaction between acenocoumarol and azathioprine. CASE PRESENTATION: A 35-year-old woman, treated with acenocoumarol for thrombosis of the superior mesenteric vein, was prescribed azathioprine for Crohn's disease. Three days later, INR values decreased from 2.36 to 1.48. The dose of acenocoumarol had to almost be doubled to reach an INR value of 2.56. The interaction between azathioprine and acenocoumarol was then suspected. Few similar cases of interactions between azathioprine and another coumarin derivative, warfarin, have been reported. To our knowledge, this is the second case of such interaction reported with acenocoumarol in literature. CONCLUSION: Thus, despite the rarity of this interaction reporting, we draw attention to the importance of close monitoring of INR values in patients treated with acenocoumarol associated with azathioprine.

Surgical management of a hepatic hydatid cyst fistulized into the duodenum: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Hydatid cyst of liver is a disease usually seen in endemic regions. Fistulization into duodenum is one of the most exceptional complications of the hydatid cyst commonly discovered during surgery. This paper aims to present and discuss a rare case of cyst ruptured into the duodenum. This case report has been reported in line with the SCARE criteria 2020. CASE PRESENTATION: A 44-year-old female patient, previously diagnosed with hydatid cyst of liver with deferred care due to the period of COVID 19 containment, presented with the complaints of abdominal pain and fever. Abdominal CT scan showed up a 2 cm multiseptal hydatid cyst in the segment III of the liver with an exovesiculation of 20 cm, communicating with the first duodenum. The patient underwent antrectomy involving the first duodenum and removing the cystoduodenal fistula with a Roux-en-Y anastomosis. She was discharged with full recovery on the postoperative 5th day. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Clinical features of hydatid cyst fistulized into the duodenum are non-specific. There are two pathognomonic symptoms, hydatidemesis and hydatidenteria.Typically, cysto-duodenal fistula is intra-operatively discovered. The CT scan is the most used morphological examination. The presence of air in the cyst should alert for the gastrointestinal fistula formation. Surgical strategies to perform should be tailored to every patient and to intra operative findings. The post-operative morbidity and mortality are underestimated in the literature. CONCLUSION: The fistulization of Hydatid cyst into the duodenum should be evoked in front of any acute abdominal pain whether or not associated with hydatidemesis or hydatidenteria.

Unusual retrorectal ganglioneuroma: a case report of laparoscopic assisted approach.

Ganglioneuromas are benign slow-growing lesions that arise from sympathetic ganglion cells. They are usually found incidentally. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), provides only an unspecified diagnosis and it has to be confirmed by pathologic studies. Complete surgical excision is believed to be the curative treatment for symptomatic lesions. In the literature, the pelvic location reported is exceptional. We report a case of laparoscopic assisted excision of a retrorectal presacral ganglioneuroma for 22-year-old female patient.

The quality of life of Spanish patients with Huntington's disease measured with H-QoL-I and EQ-5D.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder that heavily affects the patient's motor, cognitive, and psychological functions. Yet, very few studies have measured the impact of this disease on the patient's health-related quality of life (HRQoL) with specific and validated instruments. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of HD on the HRQoL of Spanish HD patients using the self-reported, Huntington Quality of Life Instrument (H-QoL-I) and the generic instrument EuroQoL five dimensions (EQ-5D-3L) and thereafter compare the results obtained with the two instruments. METHODS: Fifty-five patients and an equal number of caregivers participated. Patient assessments included the questionnaires of the Huntington Self-Assessment Instrument's four parts: background information assessment, Huntington clinical self-reported instrument, disease-specific HRQoL assessment (H-QoL-I instrument) and Huntington resource utilisation interview, and the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire. Levels of disease severity were also determined based on the Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale that was completed by caregivers. Pearson's correlation tests were computed between H-QoL-I and EQ-5D-3L scores. RESULTS: The scores obtained with the H-QoL-I instrument showed that motor dimension was the most altered followed by the psychological dimension while the social dimension was the least altered. Increase of disease severity resulted in lower patient QoL. The usual activities and anxiety/depression were the most severely altered dimensions according to the EQ-5D-3L results. Mobility was also altered to a great extent while pain was the least altered dimension. All correlations between H-QoL-I and EQ-5D-3L scores were moderate to high and statistically significant (p<0.01) with the exception of the correlation between H-QoL-I socialising score and EQ-5D-3L anxiety score. The highest correlations were found between H-QoL-I motor score and three EQ-5D-3L scores: mobility, self-care, and usual activity. CONCLUSIONS: The quality of life of the Spanish HD patients included in this study was severely affected by HD as demonstrated by the results of the generic EQ-5D-3L and the specific H-QoL-I instruments, which showed considerable impact of the disease on the motor and psychological functions. The H-QoL-I instrument was able to discern psychological and motor functioning dimensions that were altered by the disease with more specificity and accuracy than the generic instrument.