Traumatic femoral arteriovenous fistula following gunshot injury: Case report and review of literature.

INTRODUCTION: Vascular 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 CASE: A 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. DISCUSSION: Traumatic 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. CONCLUSION: Despite literature accounts of surgeons' experience, this pathology is lacking level one evidence-based standardized surgical management algorithms. Controversy exists regarding venous repair methods.

True brachial artery aneurysm: A case report and review of literature.

INTRODUCTION: A true brachial artery aneurysm is a rare pathology with an incidence of 0.17% of all peripheral artery aneurysms. This pathology can manifest devastating complications if overlooked, however, a high index of suspicion coupled with a thorough history and physical allows easy diagnosis. We present a rare case of the oldest documented patient with a true brachial artery aneurysm with idiopathic etiology. PRESENTATION OF CASE: An 83-year-old gentleman presented with left upper extremity pain, erythema, and swelling for 1 week. He denied trauma to the area. Examination revealed a pulsatile mass of the antecubital fossa and decreased distal pulses. Imaging illustrated a 9mm aneurysm of the brachial artery with stenosis of the radial artery and non-enhancement of the origin of the ulnar artery. The patient underwent a brachial aneurysm excision, radial and ulnar embolectomy, and brachial to ulnar and radial artery bypass. Postoperatively, palpable pulses were appreciated in the radial and ulnar arteries. Pathology demonstrated a true aneurysm. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful and follow-up 6 months later revealed normal perfusion. DISCUSSION: This case highlights the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion coupled with a thorough history and physical examination when encountering neurovascular complaints of the upper extremities. Operative intervention even in asymptomatic patients is warranted due to a high complication rate of 33%. CONCLUSION: More research into the pathophysiology of this rare pathology is needed to further understand, prevent, or mitigate its complications.

Dedifferentiated liposarcoma of the spermatic cord: Case report and review of literature.

INTRODUCTION: Malignant spermatic cord tumors have an annual incidence of 0.3 cases/million. The vast majority of tumors in this region are benign. We present a rare case of a dedifferentiated liposarcoma of the spermatic cord successfully treated. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 59-year-old gentleman presented complaining of an enlarging painful right groin mass. On exam there was an obvious 10 cm inguinal mass. Imaging illustrated a right inguinal soft tissue mass that was not present on imaging 22 months prior. The patient underwent a right inguinal exploration, en bloc resection of the mass, and radical orchiectomy to ensure negative margins. Histopathological analysis revealed a grade 2 dedifferentiated liposarcoma that measured 9 × 6 × 5 cm, with 5 cm negative margins. The patient did well and was discharged on postoperative day one. On 6-month follow-up there was no evidence of recurrence. DISCUSSION: We present a rare dedifferentiated liposarcoma of the spermatic cord that was successfully treated with surgical resection. This case highlights the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion coupled with a thorough history and physical examination when encountering an enlarging inguinal mass. This rare pathology is lacking level one evidence-based standardized treatment algorithms. The mainstay of treatment is surgical resection. CONCLUSION: For spermatic cord liposarcomas, the surgical approach is en bloc resection with radical orchiectomy aiming for R0 margins. Prognosis depends on tumor grade, anatomic site, and the ability to achieve a microscopically tumor negative resection. Despite our patient's disease free status, prolonged surveillance with physical examination and cross sectional imaging is still warranted.

Traumatic Diaphragmatic Rupture with Transthoracic Organ Herniation: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

BACKGROUND Diaphragmatic rupture is a rare pathology that reported in less than 0.5% of all trauma cases, with signs and symptoms that can easily be misdiagnosed. Clinicians must maintain a high index of suspicion to correctly diagnose and manage this pathology. We present a rare case of a large diaphragmatic rupture with transthoracic gastric and colon herniation that was successfully repaired, along with a literature review. CASE REPORT A 59-year-old woman presented to our Trauma Center after being involved in a motor vehicle collision. She complained of chest and abdominal pain, with decreased breath sounds on the left side. CT imaging revealed discontinuity of the left hemidiaphragm, with intrathoracic herniation of stomach and colon with multiple other injuries. The patient was taken for an emergent laparotomy. The diaphragmatic rupture measured 20 cm in length, with a stellate component. After ensuring complete reduction of the herniated organs, the diaphragmatic defect was primarily repaired. The patient recovered from her injuries and was doing well at last follow-up in the clinic. CONCLUSIONS This case highlights the importance of diaphragmatic rupture and its associated intra-abdominal injuries when treating trauma patients. With missed diaphragmatic injuries leading to a potential morbidity rate of 30% and mortality rate as high as 10%, the clinician must have a high index of suspicion to correctly diagnose and manage this pathology in a timely fashion. More research is needed to provide surgeons with evidence-based standardized therapies for dealing with these rare pathologies to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

The First Reported Case of Morel-Lavallée Lesion and Traumatic Abdominal Wall Hernia: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND First described in 1863 by French surgeon Victor-Auguste-François Morel-Lavallee, the Morel-Lavallee lesion (MLL) is a closed traumatic soft-tissue degloving injury. These lesions most commonly occur following motor vehicle collisions (MVCs). The pathophysiology stems from a shearing force that causes separation of the soft tissue from the fascia underneath, which disrupts the vasculature and lymphatic vessels that perforate between the tissue layers. Timely diagnosis and treatment are imperative, as a delayed diagnosis can lead to complications. However, at present there is no universally accepted treatment algorithm. CASE REPORT A 60-year-old morbidly obese woman presented after being involved in an MVC. She complained of abdominal tenderness in the right lower quadrant, with no evidence of peritonitis. Cross-sectional imaging revealed hemoperitoneum and a traumatic posterior abdominal wall/lumbar hernia on the right, with multiple contusions in the subcutaneous abdomen. The patient was taken to the operating room and underwent an exploratory laparotomy that revealed a large abdominal Morel-Lavallee lesion (MLL) along with a traumatic abdominal wall hernia (TAWH). There was also a mesenteric avulsion injury with an associated ileocecal injury. The patient underwent resection of the involved bowel, with primary anastomosis, debridement of the abdominal wall degloving injury, and expectant management for the hernia defect. She recovered from the injuries and was doing well when followed up in the clinic, with follow-up to repair the hernia in the near future. CONCLUSIONS More research is needed to provide surgeons with evidence-based standardized therapies for dealing with these rare pathologies to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

Rectal foreign body causing perforation: Case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Clinicians must maintain an index of suspicion to diagnose an anorectal foreign body (FB). The patient may not be forthcoming with information secondary to embarrassment or possibly psychiatric issues. Providers must express empathy and compassion while maintaining nonjudgmental composure. Despite accounts of anal FB insertion, this pathology is lacking level one evidence-based surgical algorithms. CASE PRESENTATION: A 46-year-old male psychiatric patient presented in septic shock, complaining of lower abdominal/pelvic pain starting 1 week prior. His past medical history was significant for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and noncompliance with medications. CT of the abdomen/pelvis revealed a rectal perforation with free air and a FB which appeared to be a screwdriver. Fluid resuscitation and broad-spectrum antibiotics were administered. In the operating room, after unsuccessful transrectal removal, an exploratory laparotomy was performed. The metallic end of the screwdriver had perforated the rectosigmoid. Resection of the perforated rectum with removal of the screwdriver, incision and drainage of a large right buttock abscess and colostomy was performed. The patient recovered and was discharged to behavioral health. At 2 weeks follow-up the patient was doing well with a functioning colostomy and reversal was planned for later this year. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion when encountering psychiatric patients with nonspecific lower abdominal or anorectal pain with inconsistent presentations. Controversy exists regarding the type of surgical treatment in case of anorectal perforation. More research is needed to provide surgeons with evidence-based standardized methods for dealing with these rare pathologies.

Amyand's hernia: A case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: An Amyand hernia is a rare disease where the appendix is found within an inguinal hernia sac. This rare entity is named after the French born English surgeon, Dr. Claudius Amyand. Inguinal hernias are one of the most common surgeries that a general surgeon performs with more than 20 million inguinal hernia repairs performed yearly worldwide. The incidence of finding an appendix within the hernia sac is rare, occurring in less than 1% of inguinal hernia patients and when complications arise such as inflammation, perforation, or abscess formation it becomes exceptionally rare with an incidence of about 0.1%. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 59-year-old male with a history of a previously reducible right inguinal hernia presented to the Emergency Department with acute abdominal pain, right groin mass. Computed tomography (CT) confirmed a right incarcerated inguinal hernia with herniated loops of bowel within the right inguinal region. Patient was subsequently treated with an appendectomy and tension free hernia repair with mesh with a successful outcome. DISCUSSION: The current generally accepted treatment algorithm for Amyand's hernia is essentially contingent on the appendix's condition within the hernia sac. Controversy exists regarding the application of mesh in type 2 Amyand's hernia. More research is needed to provide surgeons with evidence-based standardized approaches for dealing with this unique situation. CONCLUSION: This case report reviews a rare entity known as an Amyand's hernia that presented as an incarcerated hernia that was diagnosed intraoperatively with an inflamed appendix, recognized as a type 2 Amyand's hernia.