Boerhaave's syndrome: A case report of damage control approach.

INTRODUCTION: Boerhaave's syndrome is a life-threatening oesophageal perforation that carries a high mortality rate (20-50%). Diagnosis is difficult by its rarity and the absence of typical symptoms. Treatment of this condition usually requires surgical intervention. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report the case of a 77-year-old man that resorted to the emergency room with dyspnoea and thoracic pain after vomiting. CT scan revealed pneumomediastinum, left collapse lung and loculated pleural effusion. A left intercostal chest tube was inserted with food drainage. Hence, Boerhaave's syndrome was suspected. Thoracotomy with mediastinum debridement, pleural drainage and oesophageal T-tube drainage was performed. Patient was admitted on the Intensive Care Unit with septic shock, with need for ventilatory support and vasopressor therapy. Two days later, a second look thoracotomy was done with definitive oesophageal repair and pleural patch. The post-operative course was complicated by pneumonia and stroke. Patient was discharged home on the 38th day and remains well at 3 month of follow-up. DISCUSSION: Delayed diagnosis and treatment are the principal causes of high mortality in Boerhaave's syndrome. The classic Mackler's triad (vomiting, lower thoracic pain and subcutaneous emphysema) is present in less then 50% of cases. A thoracic drainage may be useful to confirm diagnosis promptly. There is no standard treatment option. In this case report, the authors used a damage control approach to control sepsis, allowing for a delayed definitive oesophageal repair. CONCLUSION: Prompt diagnosis with thoracic drainage and a damage control treatment plan might lead to good prognosis for patients with this rare and potentially fatal condition.

Wilkie's syndrome: a case report of favourable minimally invasive surgery.

Wilkie's syndrome, or superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS), is a rare clinical entity caused by compression of the third portion of the duodenum between the abdominal aorta and superior mesenteric artery, leading to duodenal obstruction and severe malnutrition. The authors report a case of a female patient with years of chronic intestinal obstruction with abdominal pain, vomits and weight loss. Contrast intestinal series showed dilation of stomach and duodenum. Abdominal computed tomography study revealed findings compatible with SMAS. After initial nutritional support, she was successfully treated by laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy. Surgical treatment of SMAS may be necessary in most cases with chronic symptoms or conservative treatment failure. A minimally invasive approach can be considered a safe surgical option with favourable outcomes. Clinical details, diagnostic studies and treatment are discussed.

Wunderlich's Syndrome, or Spontaneous Retroperitoneal Hemorrhage, in a Patient with Tuberous Sclerosis and Bilateral Renal Angiomyolipoma.

BACKGROUND Wunderlich's syndrome, or spontaneous non-traumatic retroperitoneal hemorrhage, can be a life-threatening event. Renal angiomyolipoma is a rare benign tumor that can occur sporadically, or in association with tuberous sclerosis. A case of spontaneous retroperitoneal hemorrhage in a patient with tuberous sclerosis and bilateral renal angiomyolipoma is presented. CASE REPORT A 33-year-old female Caucasian patient, with a known medical history of tuberous sclerosis, was admitted to hospital as an emergency, with right-sided abdominal pain. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) imaging showed bilateral renal tumors, consistent with bilateral renal angiomyolipoma. The larger tumor, involving the enlarged right kidney (24.0 cm in length), had a diameter of 21.0 cm and was associated with hemoperitoneum and retroperitoneal hemorrhage, and contrast 'blush' on CT confirmed arterial bleeding. An initial urgent exploratory laparotomy with renal packing was initially performed, but right nephrectomy was required for hemorrhage control. The patient was discharged from hospital on the 23rd postoperative day, without further complications. CONCLUSIONS This report describes a case of Wunderlich's Syndrome, or spontaneous retroperitoneal hemorrhage, in a patient with tuberous sclerosis and bilateral renal angiomyolipoma, presenting as an emergency. An early diagnosis and timely treatment are important in cases of retroperitoneal hemorrhage to prevent life-threatening complications.