Unilateral pulmonary vein atresia presenting with recurrent hemoptysis and bronchial varices in an Ethiopian adolescent: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Congenital unilateral pulmonary vein atresia is a rare anomaly resulting from failure of the pulmonary vein to incorporate in the left atrium. It is a very rare cause of recurrent respiratory infections and hemoptysis requiring a high index of suspicion for proper diagnosis and management in early childhood. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a 13-year old Anuac (Ethiopia, Region of Gambela) male adolescent with a delayed diagnosis of isolated atresia of the left pulmonary veins despite early childhood presentation with recurrent chest infections, hemoptysis and exercise intolerance. Contrast enhanced CT of thorax with reconstructed planes confirmed the diagnosis. He underwent pneumonectomy for severe and recurrent symptoms and did well on subsequent follow ups after 6 months of pneumonectomy. CONCLUSION: Although a rare anomaly, congenital unilateral pulmonary vein atresia should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a child presenting with recurrent chest infections, exercise intolerance and hemoptysis to facilitate early appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Cystic pancreatic lymphangioma: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Lymphangiomas are benign vascular tumors arising from the lymphatic system. They commonly affect the head and neck regions. Pancreatic involvement is extremely rare. Even though they are rare, it should be considered as a differential diagnosis for patients who present with pancreatic mass. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 6-year-old African male patient who presented with abdominal mass and dull aching pain of 6 months duration. He was examined and underwent excision, with biopsy showing pancreatic lymphangioma. CONCLUSION: These tumors are benign and slow growing and have potential to regress spontaneously. Thus, most literature agrees that surgical interventions should be reserved for symptomatic cases.