Superior mesenteric artery-duodenal fistula secondary to a gunshot wound.

Arterioenteric fistulas are a rare cause of massive gastrointestinal hemorrhage. We present a patient who developed a fistula between a middle colic artery pseudoaneurysm, a proximal branch of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA), and the third part of the duodenum 2 weeks after a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the abdomen. The patient's presentation, evaluation, treatment, and prognosis are discussed. All prior published cases of SMA-duodenal fistulas are reviewed.

Hepatic steatosis and steatohepatitis: Are they really two distinct entities?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease affects nearly 30% of Americans. A histopathological spectrum exists from simple steatosis to NASH which may progress to cirrhosis and HCC. NASH is currently the third most common indication for liver transplant with increasing incidence. Steatosis can be considered the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome as insulin resistance is a major risk factor for its development. While liver biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosis, non-invasive methods are currently being developed to appropriately determine who needs histologic evaluation. Management focuses on mitigation of risk factors, since targeted therapies to halt progression of fibrosis have not been validated. Simple steatosis does not affect overall survival, but NASH conveys increased mortality. Because of this, non-invasive strategies to diagnose patients and management algorithms are needed. This review supports the definitions of simple steatosis and NASH as two distinct entities based on pathophysiology, diagnosis, management, and prognosis.

Right upper-quadrant pain in a patient with drug abuse, secondary syphilis and occult hepatitis B virus.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the etiology of hepatitis and identify occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. CLINICAL PRESENTATION AND INTERVENTION: A 40-year-old man presented with severe abdominal pain and jaundice, a history of acute HBV infection that had cleared as well as the use of acetaminophen, methamphetamine, buprenorphine and marijuana. He admitted to having had unprotected sex with multiple partners of both genders. A thorough skin examination revealed papulosquamous lesions on his penis, scrotum, upper and lower extremities and feet. Transaminases and bilirubin were elevated. His rapid plasma reagin was reactive, and hepatitis serologies showed occult HBV. Liver biopsy showed severe hepatitis, but the stains for hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis B core antigen were negative. The pathological findings were highly indicative of drug-induced hepatitis without evidence of chronic hepatitis, reactivation of HBV or syphilitic hepatitis. With supportive management and abstinence from drugs, his condition improved. CONCLUSION: This case describes a patient with multiple potential causes for hepatitis and highlights the importance of obtaining a detailed social history. Further, one should consider the presence of occult HBV and recognize the serologic pattern.