Acute Appendicitis Presenting As Left Flank Pain: A Case Report.

Acute appendicitis (AA) is a common surgical emergency. The diagnosis is mainly clinical and is largely based on the typical presentation of periumbilical pain radiating to the right iliac fossa. However, atypical presentations have been reported in the literature. Left-sided appendicitis is a rare presentation. Imaging with ultrasonography (US) and computed tomography (CT) is of paramount importance in such cases to aid diagnosis and exclude other causes. We report a case of a 21-year-old man who presented with acute left flank pain. He was diagnosed with AA by CT, which showed an appendix diameter of 13 mm.

An Unusual Presentation of Membranous Nephropathy in an Adult With Arthrogryposis: A Case Report.

Membranous nephropathy (MN) is an autoimmune condition that is a common cause of nephrotic syndrome in nondiabetic adults. In this study, we highlight a case of a 22-year-old male with a past medical history of arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) who initially presented with right flank pain and hematuria. Subsequent workup revealed significant proteinuria with biopsy-proven primary MN. Early detection of the disease is critical to establish treatment promptly and prevent complications such as those resulting from a hypercoagulable state.

Stealthy Encroachment: Unraveling an Encounter With Renal Myelolipoma.

Myelolipoma of the kidney is an exceedingly unusual benign tumor of hematological components mixed with mature adipose tissue. We present a case of a 59-year-old male who presented with left flank pain and was found to have an atrophic left kidney on imaging studies. A computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a small and shrunken left kidney with an extrarenal pelvis. A diethylenetriamine pentaacetate (DTPA) scan results showed a total glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 45.6 ml/min with a non-functional left kidney. The patient underwent a left nephrectomy, and a histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis and highlighted the distinctive morphological features of this rare entity. Postoperatively, the patient experienced a complete resolution of symptoms. This case underscores the importance of considering myelolipoma in the differential diagnosis of renal masses and highlights the successful management of symptomatic cases through surgical intervention. Awareness of this rare tumor is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. Further studies are needed to elucidate the natural history and optimal treatment strategies for renal myelolipomas.

A Rare Case of Renal Vein Thrombosis Secondary to Oral Contraceptive Pills.

Renal vein thrombosis (RVT) is a common complication of nephrotic syndrome and renal malignancy. However, its association with oral contraceptive use has rarely been reported. We report a case of a 29-year-old female with a history of oral contraceptive use, presenting with acute flank pain. On further investigation, she was found to have unilateral RVT. Oral contraception was discontinued, and she was started on therapeutic anticoagulation, initially with low-molecular-weight heparin, and then switched to apixaban. Her symptoms improved, and she is currently doing well. This case signifies the importance of proper history-taking and how oral contraception should be considered a significant risk factor for venous thromboembolism.

Retrocaval Ureter as a Rare Cause of Hydroureteronephrosis: A Case Report.

Retrocaval ureter (RCU), also known as pre-ureteral vena cava or circumcaval ureter, is a rare congenital anomaly caused by inferior vena cava (IVC) dysgenesis, leading to the right ureter coursing behind the IVC. RCU results in obstructive proximal hydroureteronephrosis, remaining asymptomatic until the third decade when hydronephrosis develops. Diagnosis relies on imaging modalities like intravenous urography (IVU), ultrasonography, computed tomography urography (CTU), magnetic resonance urography, and nuclear scintigraphy. CTU provides comprehensive 3D evaluation. We report a novel case of a 50-year-old male with RCU complicated by a concurrent distal ureteral calculus. CTU demonstrated the characteristic "S-shaped" proximal ureteral deformity and its aberrant posterior course relative to the IVC, enabling accurate preoperative diagnosis. The co-occurrence of RCU with ureteral calculus is notably rare, underlining the necessity of an exhaustive diagnostic process. The patient successfully underwent a combined surgical intervention, consisting of laparoscopic ureteroureterostomy for RCU correction and ureteroscopic lithotripsy for calculus removal, showcasing a minimally invasive approach to simultaneously address both conditions. This report underscores the significance of advanced cross-sectional imaging in diagnosing RCU and demonstrates the effectiveness of integrated minimally invasive surgical techniques in treating complex urological anomalies. By documenting this case, we contribute to the broader understanding and awareness of RCU among clinicians, potentially guiding more prompt recognition and comprehensive management of this rare condition.

A Case Report of Renal Infarcts Secondary to Segmental Arterial Mediolysis.

Flank pain is an exceptionally common presenting symptom in the emergency and primary care setting; however, most clinicians may not include a differential diagnosis of renal infarct (RI) due to the reported low incidence of this condition. Delayed diagnosis or treatment intervention for RI can have dire consequences for the patient including hypertension and longstanding renal impairment. In this report, we review a case of a previously healthy 39-year-old male presenting with flank pain, which after extensive workup, was revealed to be caused by renal infarction from a renal artery dissection secondary to segmental arterial mediolysis (SAM).

Atypical Clinical Presentation of Xanthogranulomatous Pyelonephritis in a Female Child: A Case Report.

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGPN) is an uncommon chronic obstructive renal suppuration disease. Histopathologically, XGPN manifests as lipid-laden macrophage infiltration in renal microstructure and inflammation of an engorged non-functional kidney. Nephrectomy is the standard therapeutic treatment, and the overall prognosis is good. Here, we report a case of XGPN presented as flank pain in an otherwise healthy child.

Xanthogranulomatous Pyelonephritis: Case Report.

BACKGROUND: In the emergency department (ED), pyelonephritis is a fairly common diagnosis, especially in patients with unilateral flank pain. Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGP) is a rare type of pyelonephritis that is associated with unique features, which may lead to its diagnosis. CASE REPORT: A 30-year-old male patient presented to the ED for evaluation of right-sided abdominal pain that has been ongoing for the past 24 hours. He noted the pain was located predominantly in the right flank and described it as sharp in nature. The pain was nonradiating and was associated with scant hematuria. He stated that he had similar pains approximately 1 month earlier that resolved after a few days. The patient underwent a bedside ultrasound and a subsequent computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen and pelvis, which showed an enlarged, multiloculated right kidney with dilated calyces and a large staghorn calculus, findings that represent XGP. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: This case report highlights an unusual variant of pyelonephritis, a relatively common ED diagnosis. XGP should be considered in patients with recurrent pyelonephritis, as treatment for XGP may require surgical intervention in addition to traditional antibiotic management.

An Unusual Case of Flank Pain Late in Life: A Case Report.

Abnormalities in renal fusion represent a subset of congenital anomalies of the kidneys and urinary tract (CAKUT). Horseshoe kidneys (HSKs) are the fusion of kidneys at their lower poles. It is the most common form of CAKUT. Symptoms are usually subtle. The diagnosis is usually made incidentally during childhood. Rarely does an HSK become symptomatic later in life. We present the case of an 88-year-old female with a history of HSK who presented to the emergency department (ED) with a three-week history of left-sided flank pain, intermittent nausea, and reduced urine output. Her inpatient workup included imaging that revealed an HSK and bilateral hydronephrosis, which was more prominent on the left. The onset of symptoms for an HSK late in life is extremely rare.

A Rare Case of Page Kidney in a Young Man with Flank Pain.

BACKGROUND: Page kidney is a rare condition in which an external compression of the kidney as a result of a hematoma or mass causes renal ischemia and hypertension. In a patient with flank pain, elevated blood pressure, and recent trauma, this condition should be considered. Since this condition was first described in 1939, more than 100 case reports have surfaced. CASE REPORT: We describe the case of a 26-year-old man who presented to the Emergency Department with flank pain, vomiting, and elevated blood pressure. A computed tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis confirmed the presence of a perinephric hematoma, and the interventional radiology team was consulted to resolve the Page kidney. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Symptoms seen in Page kidney may be similar to other more common diagnoses encountered in the emergency department. It is important to maintain a high suspicion and order imaging studies as needed, especially in the setting of trauma, or a recent procedure in the vicinity of the renal parenchyma.

Ovarian torsion masquerading as a ureteral stone.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal pain is the most common complaint within the emergency department (ED) and has many varied etiologies. Some of these conditions can be medical emergencies, including ovarian torsion. While representing just 3% of gynecologic emergencies, ovarian torsion should be considered in all females presenting to the ED with abdominal or pelvic complaints. CASE: A 38-year-old G5P5 female with a past medical history significant for ureterolithiasis presented to a freestanding ED with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. She developed sudden onset of right sided abdominal pain radiating to her right flank upon awakening. The initial differential diagnosis was for ureterolithiasis or appendicitis. Her complete blood count (CBC) was normal, and testing for pregnancy, infection, and hematuria was negative. Computed topography (CT) imaging of the abdomen and pelvis revealed a 9 cm adnexal mass, consistent with a possible dermoid cyst. A pelvic ultrasound was ordered which showed a possible ovarian torsion. She was transferred to a tertiary care hospital where she had a laparoscopy with right-sided oophorectomy and salpingectomy performed. DISCUSSION: This patient presented with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting and was first suspected to have ureterolithiasis or appendicitis. She was found to have an ovarian torsion with a dermoid cyst, which resulted in the loss of her ovary and fallopian tube. This case demonstrates the importance of including gynecologic emergencies in the differential on all female patients presenting with abdominal pain.

How I treat nutcracker syndrome.

Anatomic compression of the left renal vein in the angle between the aorta and superior mesenteric artery may be asymptomatic or may result in symptoms, including flank pain, hematuria, or pelvic pain and/or congestion. Patients can be referred to a vascular surgeon due to symptoms and/or radiologic findings. Because symptoms of nutcracker syndrome can be vague and/or nondiagnostic, careful evaluation, assessment, and counseling with patients are required before undertaking intervention, which is often an open surgical procedure. The definitive diagnosis is ideally confirmed with diagnostic venography, including pressure measurements from the left renal vein and inferior vena cava. The optimal treatment includes open decompression of the left renal vein with renal vein transposition or gonadal vein transposition, with or without concomitant management of pelvic varicosities if symptomatic. Because most patients with nutcracker syndrome are young, long-term follow-up with scheduled ultrasound examinations should be maintained.

Unprovoked Spontaneous Kidney Rupture (Wunderlich's Syndrome) Managed by Renal Artery Embolization.

Wunderlich's syndrome is a rare, unfamiliar disease that can present with flank pain, flank mass, and hypovolemic shock without any history of trauma. In this article, we present a sudden, unprovoked kidney rupture managed by renal artery embolization. This report emphasizes the importance of early referral and prompt management, which can be lifesaving.

Massive Renal Cyst Displacing Intra-Abdominal Structures.

Background: Simple renal cysts typically produce no symptoms or signs and are usually detected incidentally on imaging studies for unrelated causes. Massive renal cysts are very rare. Case Report: A 77-year-old female with preexisting chronic kidney disease presented to our hospital for evaluation of hyperkalemia, abdominal distension, and right flank pain. Upon arrival, her vital signs and physical examination were normal. Laboratory data were pertinent for a serum creatinine of 4.8 mg/dL (6 months prior to presentation, serum creatinine was 1.5 mg/dL, and 1 month after discharge, it was 4.6 mg/dL), and hyperkalemia of 6.0 mmol/L. Computed tomography revealed a massive right renal cyst measuring 22 × 11 × 17.5 cm and displacing the intra-abdominal structures. Because of her symptoms, the patient was evaluated by urology for surgical management. The patient refused invasive procedures and chose pain control and monitoring. Conclusion: Noninvasive treatment options for a massive simple renal cyst are limited. Symptomatic treatment and monitoring the cyst size on a regular basis might be helpful for patients who refuse invasive treatment.

Synchronous Acute Appendicitis and Acute Cholecystitis: A Case Report.

Acute cholecystitis (AC) and acute appendicitis (AA), independently, are among the most commonly diagnosed conditions in the emergency department (ED). However, their synchronous presentation is very rare. Here, we present a 31-year-old man with worsening right flank abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Physical examination results were significant for moderate to severe right upper abdominal quadrant pain with a positive Murphy's sign and right lower quadrant pain with rebound. Workup in the ED revealed leukocytosis with a left shift, and the abdominal ultrasound and computerized tomography scan showed AA and AC. A literature review revealed a paucity of publications on concomitant AA and AC. Reporting new cases will contribute to improving our understanding of the biology, natural history, and management of this rare pathological combination.

The Great Mimicker: Pulmonary Embolism Presenting as Flank Pain in a Sickle Cell Disease Patient.

Pulmonary embolism can be a challenging condition for physicians to manage. They often have to diagnose this disease with a high fatality rate via the presence of non-specific symptoms. Another unusual presentation is abdominal pain, which can delay diagnosis due to a broad differential. We report the case of a 30-year-old female with a history of sickle cell anemia who presented to the Emergency Department with several days of right flank pain and urinary symptoms. Unfortunately, her initial urine analysis and chest radiograph could have been misdiagnosed as pyelonephritis. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are critical factors in reducing the mortality rate from pulmonary embolism.

Renal Artery Thrombosis Leading to Renal Infarct in a Patient With Recurrent Nephrolithiasis.

Renal infarction is a rare entity that presents similarly to other common renal conditions such as nephrolithiasis, which can often result in a missed or delayed diagnosis. As a result, a high degree of suspicion for this diagnosis is warranted in patients presenting with flank pain. We present a patient with recurrent nephrolithiasis who presented with flank pain. A subsequent workup revealed a renal infarct due to underlying renal artery thrombosis. We also explore if there was a possible mechanism between this event and his history of recurrent nephrolithiasis.