Acute ischaemia of the upper limb following peripherally inserted central catheter-a venous to arterial complication cascade.

Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) are useful access devices that allow for longer-term intravenous access. This allows patients requiring an extended period of intravenous medication to have this administered without the need for repeat vascular punctures. Even minimally invasive procedures such as line insertion come with risks. Of particular interest to this article is a limb threatening complication soon after line placement. We discuss the PICC line catheter tip as the likely cause for arrhythmia that lead to an embolic occlusion of an upper limb and required acute surgical intervention for limb salvage. We stress the rapid sequence of events that lead to this ultimate complication. We also stress the importance for all clinicians to be aware of these risks and take a cautious approach as the majority of patients requiring longer-term access are already at greater risks of thromboembolic disease due to their comorbidities.

Retrospective analysis of computed tomographic colonography in a rural hospital.

INTRODUCTION: The aims of this study were to investigate the diagnostic performance of computed tomography colonography (CTC) performed in a rural secondary hospital, and to describe the local pattern of CTC service provision. METHOD: A single site, retrospective observational analysis was conducted for all patients undergoing CTC during the 12-month period from 1st of January to 31st of December 2014 with comparison to available colonoscopy. RESULTS: There were 639 CTCs performed during the 12-months period. The average time from referral to performance of CTC scan was 21.3 days. The diagnostic yield of CTC for CRC was 5.8%; and for large polyps ≥10 mm was 8.0%. The sensitivity and specificity of CTC for detecting CRC were 97.1% and 88.2% respectively. The most predictive symptoms for finding colorectal lesions were rectal bleeding and anaemia. The referral rate from CTC to colonoscopy was 16.9%. 63 patients (9.9%) had follow up recommendations made in their reports due to extracolonic findings. CONCLUSION: Computed tomography colonography performed in a rural secondary hospital provided sufficient sensitivity to detect large polyps or CRC. The specificity for CRC was lower than reported figures in the literature. Technical issue of CTC performance due to poor insufflation techniques was identified as a main contributing factor reducing CTC accuracy. CTCs were performed with acceptable waiting time and showed high overall diagnostic yield for colorectal neoplasm in a rural hospital.

Chronic Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Presenting 29 Years following Trauma.

Blunt, nonpenetrating injuries of the thoracic aorta are uncommon and associated with a high mortality rate within the first hour. Aortic injury is missed in 1-2% of patients that survive to hospital, and a chronic thoracic aortic aneurysm may subsequently form. We present a case in which a chronic thoracic aortic aneurysm was diagnosed 29 years following a significant motor vehicle accident. We discuss the epidemiology, presentation, and management of this uncommon consequence of blunt, nonpenetrating aortic injury. Our case illustrates an important clinical lesson; a past medical history of trauma should not be overlooked at any patient assessment.

Jejunal diverticula: a rare cause of life-threatening gastrointestinal bleeding.

Jejunal diverticula are rare and the condition remains mostly asymptomatic. However, they can present with vague chronic abdominal symptoms and, in some cases, acute life-threatening complications, such as gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, bowel obstruction and perforation. We present a case of an adult male who presented with life-threatening GI bleeding secondary to jejunal diverticular disease. Whilst there are undoubtedly more common causes of GI bleeding, this case demonstrates that jejunal diverticular disease should remain on the differential diagnosis and investigations to confirm the diagnosis should be considered. However, despite investigations, the diagnosis may remain elusive and in patients with on-going bleeding, laparotomy and surgical resection is currently the treatment of choice.