Diabetic mastopathy: A rare clinicopathologic entity with considerable autoimmune potential.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Diabetic mastopathy is a rare entity affecting diabetic patients. It has been previously linked to type 1 diabetes mellitus; however, due to the several accompanying conditions, a theory of autoimmune factors contributing to the origin of this condition has been on the rise. In this paper, we report a case of diabetic mastopathy associated with several autoimmune diseases to highlight the immunological potential of this condition. CASE PRESENTATION: A 25-year-old female, known to have type 1 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, dilated cardiomyopathy and end-stage renal disease, was referred to our clinic for a breast lump. Radiological investigations showed a dense mass with irregular borders in the retroareolar area of the left breast. A core biopsy was obtained which revealed keloid-like fibrosis along with lymphocytes infiltrated, suggestive of lymphocytic mastopathy. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Fibrous mastopathy has been merely attributed to a long-standing use of insulin therapy by diabetic patients; recent observations, however, proved the major contribution of immunity to etiopathogenesis. Even though human leukocyte antigen (HLA) association has not been supported in the literature, the histological changes of breast lymphocytic infiltrate are seen in patients who not only have T1DM, but also thyroiditis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren's syndrome, and Addison's disease. The frequent presence of several possible autoimmune conditions has promoted the theory of an autoimmune process affecting connective tissues, however, these claims are yet to be proven by future studies. CONCLUSION: Recent observations have proved the major contribution of immunity to etiopathogenesis of diabetic mastopathy. We shed light on the role of the immune system in triggering the disease process by reporting a case of diabetic mastopathy with a cluster of autoimmune diseases. Future studies should explore the genetic background of the condition as it would potentially have several clinical implications. The discussed pathophysiologic explanations raise the possibility of autoimmunity as a key driver in pathogenesis and indicate the need to change the nomenclature of this condition.

Acquired right-sided diaphragmatic hernia in a patient with retroperitoneal hydatidosis: a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Diaphragmatic hernia is primarily congenital in origin and has potentially devastating pulmonary complications. Acquired diaphragmatic hernia as a complication of hydatid disease remains a rare clinical entity. Retroperitoneal hydatidosis, in particular is an exceptionally rare cause behind a similar presentation. This paper aims to present the first case of acquired diaphragmatic hernia likely caused by eroding retroperitoneal hydatid cysts and provide a succinct literature review regarding the causative association between hydatid disease and diaphragmatic defects. CASE PRESENTATION: A 71-year-old Saudi man, with a history of hydatid disease involving several areas including the retroperitoneum, presented with multiple episodes of shortness of breath and abdominal pain of 10 months' duration. Computed tomography scans of the chest and abdomen demonstrated the presence of a large diaphragmatic defect, with herniation of bowel loops into the chest cavity. Initially, the patient underwent a diagnostic laparoscopy which was then converted to a posterolateral thoracotomy to repair the defect. CONCLUSIONS: The ability of hydatid disease to involve several body organs makes diagnosis and management of resultant complications a challenge in some cases, like ours. Knowledge about a reported rare complication could enable early detection and management to avoid serious complications, including abdominal viscera incarceration and strangulation.

Gastro-splenic fistula, a rare presentation of sickle cell disease patient with splenic abscess: Case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Hemoglobinopathies such as Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Disease are risk factors for splenic abscess formation. Gastro-splenic fistula is a rare complication of splenic abscess. In the literature, there are no reported cases of gastro-splenic fistula in patients with hemoglobinopathies. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We are presenting a rare case of a 15-year-old boy with undiagnosed sickle cell trait with splenic sequestration crisis as first presentation of his disease. This was complicated by splenic abscess formation. Gastro-Splenic fistula was not apparent in computed tomography and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy findings were misinterpreted initially, which lead to delay in diagnosis and management. The patient was managed initially with antibiotics, followed by splenectomy and partial gastrectomy. DISCUSSION: Gastro-splenic fistula is not a common entity. It may be caused by gastric or splenic pathologies. In our case, which is the first reported in literature, the fistula developed as a complication of splenic abscess in patient with sickle cell disease. Its presentation depends on the underlying condition. CT scan is the modality of choice for diagnosis. Upper GI endoscopy findings of the fistula is often misinterpreted. The treatment of fistula is splenectomy and partial gastrectomy. CONCLUSION: Delayed diagnosis and management of splenic abscess in patients with sickle cell disease predisposes to fistula formation.