Metastatic biphasic pleural mesothelioma presenting with cauda equina syndrome.

Patient with previous asbestos exposure on a watchful wait and watch regime presents acutely with cauda equina syndrome. Radiological imaging confirmed a mass with direct invasion of the spinal cord. Histology confirmed metastatic pleural mesothelioma.

Spontaneous rupture of a renal artery pseudoaneurysm with no precipitating risk factor.

Renal artery pseudoaneurysm is a rare complication following renal interventional procedures or, although it may be spontaneous as described in this case. Clinicians should have a low threshold for early computer tomography (CT) imaging in cases of diagnostic uncertainty.

Empyema thoracis caused by a foreign body inhaled 30 years previously.

We present the case of a 73 year old Caucasian male who developed a left sided pneumonia and empyema secondary to a foreign body inhaled 30 years before. The foreign body, a bone fragment, was lodged at the bifurcation of the left main bronchus and could only be removed via bronchotomy. The patient experienced a swift recovery and was well at follow-up 6 months later.