RESUMEN
Pegylated (PEG)-asparaginase is used during the induction and intensification phases of treatment for B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). It works by depleting the external sources of asparagine, causing the death of lymphoblasts. It has several adverse effects, including pancreatitis and hypertriglyceridemia; however, the simultaneous occurrence of both is uncommon. We present the case of an 18-year-old man with B-ALL who developed acute epigastric pain radiating to the back and non-bloody, non-bilious emesis following treatment with PEG-asparaginase. He was diagnosed with acute interstitial pancreatitis and severe hypertriglyceridemia. Conservative management was used for the pancreatitis, while hypertriglyceridemia was treated with an insulin infusion. Pancreatic toxicity and hypertriglyceridemia can necessitate the discontinuation of PEG-asparaginase, limiting treatment options and potentially increasing the risk of relapse. Therefore, further studies are needed to identify the factors contributing to hypertriglyceridemia and pancreatitis, aiding clinicians in monitoring and prevention.
RESUMEN
Stab injuries to the abdomen have become a common occurrence, though retained objects are rare. A 22-year-old male presented with a left lower abdominal discomfort the next day after having a stab in the right hypochondrium. He was hemodynamically stable, with no signs of peritonitis. Abdominal X-ray revealed a 15 cm long knife blade in the left lower abdomen. He underwent a laparotomy for the removal of the knife blade located inside the peritoneal cavity in his left iliac region without any injury to the surrounding viscera.
RESUMEN
Elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels are mostly suggestive of prostate cancer, but they are elevated in non-cancerous prostatic conditions as well. However, extreme levels of PSA as reported here have not been observed in cases other than prostatic cancer so far. Our patient had a significantly elevated PSA of 1,398 ng/mL in acute prostatitis. The purpose of this case report is to review the patient's atypical and rare presentation of extremely high PSA in acute prostatitis in the background of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and chronic prostatitis.
RESUMEN
The rectal foreign body is a rare presentation, often related to sexual gratification, sexual assault, or the result of ingestion and rarely accidental, and with rising incidence. We present a case of a 47-year-old heterosexual male with an alleged history of accidental insertion of a foreign body through the anus three days prior without peritonitis or obstipation. After investigations, the patient underwent a failed sigmoidoscopic removal followed by exploratory laparotomy, foreign body removal, and an uneventful post-operative period. It should be noted that early diagnosis and timely intervention are important to prevent complications in rectal foreign bodies. Assessment of the shape, size, nature, and location of the object through appropriate imaging is necessary. Exploratory laparotomy is inevitable in cases of failed manual extraction techniques and complicated cases. Keywords: case reports; foreign bodies; laparotomy; rectum; sigmoidoscopy.
