ABSTRACT
Bilhemia is a rare but potentially lethal condition representing abnormal communication and flow of bile into the bloodstream. We present a case of iatrogenic bilhemia after a percutaneous liver biopsy in a patient with cholangiocarcinoma. The bilio-venous fistula was visualized with percutaneous cholangiography and successfully embolized using coils and the liquid embolic agent Onyx. To our knowledge, this is the first report of using Onyx for the embolization of a bilio-venous fistula.
ABSTRACT
Abdominal aortic injury (AAI) due to blunt trauma is rare and is often complicated by thrombosis within the true and false lumens and sometimes aortic rupture. No standard guidelines for treatment are available. We present the case of a 44-year-old female patient with posttraumatic dissection of the abdominal aorta, which was referred to our institution for endovascular aortic repair (EVAR). The patient was referred to our institution after emergency surgery following blunt abdominal trauma due to a car accident. Initial computed tomography (CT), performed at the referring hospital, showed multiple bone injuries with pneumothorax, liver and spleen lacerations, and rupture of the anterior abdominal wall with mesenteric injury and active intraperitoneal extravasation of contrast media from visceral arteries. Initial CT also showed dissection of the distal part of the abdominal aorta. Due to hemodynamic instability, emergency surgery was performed for intraperitoneal injuries. Control computed tomography angiography (CTA) after surgery confirmed a dissection of the distal part of the abdominal aorta at the level of the bifurcation protruding into the right common iliac artery with partial thrombosis of the right iliac artery and no active extravasation of the contrast media at the level of the aorta. An aberrant left renal artery was also identified. A hemodynamically stable patient was transferred to our institution for emergency EVAR which was performed without intraprocedural complications. Control CTA after EVAR showed a good result of the procedure with minimal type 2 endoleak and no extravasation. EVAR can also be used to treat AAI without active extravasation to prevent future total rupture of the aortic wall.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Aorto-esophageal fistula is an extremely rare cause of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). CASE SUMMARY: We present a case of an 80-year-old woman with esophageal cancer who was admitted to our department with hemorrhagic shock due to UGIB. During the diagnostic procedure, emergency computed tomography angiography was performed and confirmed aorto-esophageal fistula. Interventional radiologists inserted a stent graft into the aorta, successfully closing the fistula. Unfortunately, the patient later died of heart failure following irreversible hemorrhagic shock. Autopsy confirmed the aorto-esophageal fistula, which formed 1 cm below the distal edge of the stent previously inserted into the esophagus for a malignant stricture. CONCLUSION: There are very rare causes of UGIB. Although clinical decisions are made during the diagnostic workup of these patients, we must be aware of the limitations of various therapeutic options, even the most contemporary.
ABSTRACT
Wegener's granulomatosis, now more commonly referred to as granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), is a rare, idiopathic, systemic inflammatory disease, most commonly involving the respiratory tract, kidneys, and sinonasal region. The condition affects small and medium-sized blood vessels, such as arteries, arterioles, venules, and capillaries. Some cases of the disease presenting as retroperitoneal fibrosis and/or affecting the aorta have been reported. Although advances in the treatment of GPA have contributed to a decline in mortality, early diagnosis is still of vital importance due to the possible complications of the disease. Here, we present the case of a 69-year-old man with acute-onset abdominal pain. Ultrasound of the abdomen showed left-sided hydronephrosis. Computed tomography detected cavitating pulmonary lesions and peri-iliac alterations caused by retroperitoneal fibrosis with involvement of the crossing ureter. Laboratory results revealed high antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody levels and high inflammatory markers. A lung biopsy performed via bronchoscopy revealed necrotizing granulomas and solidified the diagnosis of GPA both in the lung and the peri-iliac region. Treatment with immunosuppressive agents and glucocorticoids was initiated. A follow-up after two months showed regression of the pulmonary lesions and partial resolution of the hydronephrosis as well as reduced inflammatory markers in the blood tests.
