Outcomes of endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography in patients with liver transplant.

Aim of the study: Biliary complications are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality after liver transplant (LT). However, national data on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) usage and outcomes in LT patients are lacking. Our study aims to identify the trends, outcomes, and predictors of ERCP and related complications in this patient subgroup. Material and methods: We derived our study cohort from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) between 2007 and 2017. LT patients were identified using ICD-9/10CM diagnosis codes and patients who underwent ERCP were identified by ICD-9/10-CM procedure codes. We utilized the Cochrane-Armitage trend test and multivariate logistic regression to analyze temporal trends, outcomes, and predictors. Results: A total of 372,814 hospitalizations occurred in LT patients between 2007 and 2017. ERCP was performed in 2.05% (n = 7632) of all hospitalizations. There was a rise in ERCP procedures from 1.96% (n = 477) in 2007 to 2.05% (n = 845) in 2017. Among LT patients who underwent ERCP, the in-hospital mortality rate was 1% (n = 73) and 8% (n = 607) were discharged to facilities. Mean length of hospital stay was 7 ±0.3 days. Septicemia was the most common periprocedural complication (18.3%, n = 1399) followed by post-ERCP pancreatitis (8.8%, n = 674). Conclusions: There has been an increase in ERCP procedures over the past decade among LT patients. Our study highlights the periprocedural complications and outcomes of ERCP in LT patients from a nationally representative dataset.

Repetitive Sharps Ingestion and Challenges with Retrieval and Prevention.

INTRODUCTION: Recurrent deliberate sharp foreign body ingestion is associated with frequent hospitalizations and a high risk of complications, including perforation and peritonitis. These patients require urgent care. In addition, removal of foreign bodies can be challenging. CASE DESCRIPTION: We describe the case of a patient with borderline personality disorder who was admitted multiple times with sharps ingestion and presented challenges with her care. CONCLUSION: Our case highlights the cause of recurrent sharps ingestion and provides recommendations on the retrieval of sharp foreign bodies and prevention. LEARNING POINTS: Recurrent sharps ingestion is associated with psychiatric illness.Ingested sharps can cause perforation and peritonitis, so urgent care is required.A multidisciplinary approach is necessary to care for these patients and prevent sharps ingestion in future.

Primary Malignant Mesothelioma of the Liver: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

INTRODUCTION: Primary malignant mesothelioma of the liver is an extremely rare cancer, with only 16 cases reported in the literature so far. Diagnosis is challenging due to morphological similarity with common liver cancers and the extreme rarity of the condition. CASE DESCRIPTION: We present the case of a 70-year-old man who was found to have an incidental liver mass which was diagnosed as primary malignant mesothelioma of the liver. CONCLUSION: Our report describes the presentation of this rare liver malignancy and the challenges associated with diagnosis and treatment. LEARNING POINTS: Primary malignant mesothelioma of the liver is an extremely rare condition.This diagnosis should be considered during the evaluation and treatment of a liver mass.

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Versus Surgery in Left Main Stenosis-A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of Randomised Controlled Trials.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) versus coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery for left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease. METHODS: Six randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were reviewed by searching PubMed/Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Library. Estimates were pooled according to random effects model. Binary outcomes were reported as risk ratio (RR) and continuous outcomes were reported as mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: 3794 patients were randomised into PCI and CABG arms. Mean age of the total population was 64.7 years, 74.4% were male and mean Logistic EURO score (LES) was 2.9. When compared with CABG, patients treated with PCI had reduced risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) at 30 days: (RR: 0.55; 95% CI, 0.41-0.75; p<0.001; I2=0) but similar risk at 1year (RR: 1.15; 95% CI, 0.92-1.45; p=0.22; I2=0). Five years MACE rates favoured CABG (RR: 1.32; 95% CI, 1.13-1.53; p<0.001; I2=0) driven by a higher rate of target vessel revascularisation (TVR) (RR: 1.71; 95%CI, 1.38-2.12; p<0.001; I2=0) and myocardial infarction (MI) (RR: 1.97; 95%CI, 1.28-3.04; p<0.001; I2=22). Percutaneous coronary intervention was comparatively a safer procedure with lower rates of periprocedural adverse events including MI, stroke, bleeding events and need for blood transfusions. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous coronary intervention reduced MACE at 30days with comparable MACE at 1year. However, CABG was a more effective modality when considering mid- to long-term outcomes. PCI is a safer procedure with regards to periprocedural adverse events.

Yellow Fever in an Unvaccinated Traveler to Peru.

We present a case of an unvaccinated traveler who traveled from New York to Peru and contracted yellow fever. He likely acquired the infection while visiting the Amazon River, with a point of exit of Lima, Peru. Our case illustrates the dramatic course that yellow fever may take, as well as the importance of pretravel vaccination.