Nobuhiro Takeuchi

Primary Hepatic Lymphoma Is Difficult to Discriminate from a Liver Abscess

An 82-year-old woman presented with a high-grade fever of 40°C and was admitted to our institution for intensive examination and treatment. Noncontrast abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed low-density masses at segments 5 and 8, suggestive of a liver abscess. On further examination, a contrast-enhanced abdominal CT showed a 30 × 30 mm mass with an enhanced margin at segment 8 in the arterial phase; the contrast agents were washed out in the venous phase. In addition, a 63 × 52 mm mass with a density lower than that of liver parenchyma was observed at segment 8 in the portal phase. On the basis of these findings, either a liver abscess or hepatocellular carcinoma was suspected. To confirm the diagnosis, a fine needle biopsy was scheduled. Histopathological analysis of the biopsied specimens confirmed the diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Chemotherapy was not indicated owing to the patients age and poor performance status; thus, best supportive care was planned. On day 22 after admission, the patient died of pneumonia. We experienced a case of PHL that was difficult to discriminate from a liver abscess. Imaging alone is insufficient to diagnose PHL; therefore, fine needle biopsy is recommended for a definitive diagnosis.

Development of Colonic Perforation during Calcium Polystyrene Sulfonate Administration: A Case Report.

A 90-year-old female complaining of severe upper abdominal pain was transferred to our institution. The patient had been prescribed with calcium polystyrene sulfonate (CPS) for the treatment of hyperkalemia following myeloperoxidase-antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (MPO-ANCA) associated glomerulonephritis. Physical examination revealed diffuse tenderness over the abdomen, with signs of peritoneal irritation. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed the retention of ascites, free air in the abdominal cavity, and the retention of hard stools in the left-sided colon. The diagnosis of intestinal perforation was immediately confirmed; thereafter, the patient underwent emergency surgical treatment. Surgical findings revealed a perforated site in the descending colon surrounded with hard stools. Histopathology of the perforated colon revealed crystalline materials, suggestive of association with CPS. CPS is a cation-exchange resin used to treat hyperkalemia; the major adverse effect in patients receiving CPS is constipation. When CPS is administered to patients with frequent constipation or the elderly, the risk of intestinal perforation should be considered.

Ruptured renal arteriovenous malformation successfully treated by catheter embolization: a case report

BackgroundRenal arteriovenous fistula (RAVF) is a comparatively rare malformation. Here, we report a case of ruptured RAVF that was successfully treated by catheter embolization.Case presentationAn 89-year-old female was transferred to our institution with massive gross hematuria in March 2011. Plain abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed dilated left renal pelvis with high-density contents. Hematoma was suspected. Subsequent plain abdominal magnetic resonance imaging revealed left hydronephrosis and blood retention in the dilated left renal pelvis. No renal or ureteral cancer was evident. Hematuria was conservatively treated using hemostatic agents but hematuria persisted. Repeated urinary cytology revealed no malignant cells. On day 9, the patient went into septic and/or hemorrhagic shock. Fluid and catecholamine infusion, blood transfusion, and antibacterial drugs were rapidly initiated, and the patient’s general condition gradually improved. Contrast-enhanced abdominal CT revealed marked expansion of the hematoma in the renal pelvis and microaneurysms in the segmental arteries of the left kidney. Inflammation improved, and a left double-J stent was inserted. Selective renal angiography revealed RAVF with microaneurysms in the left segmental arteries; therefore, catheter embolization using metallic coils was performed, which resolved hematuria.ConclusionWe report a case of ruptured renal arteriovenous malformation, which was successfully treated by catheter embolization.

A Case of Waterhouse-Friderichsen Syndrome Resulting from an Invasive Pneumococcal Infection in a Patient with a Hypoplastic Spleen.

A 50-year-old male was brought to our emergency department by ambulance with complaints of pain and numbness in both legs. At arrival, purple spots were evident on his neck and face. Examination of the vital sign indicated septic shock. Laboratory data and blood gas analysis revealed disseminated intravascular coagulation, multiple organ failure, and metabolic acidosis. Peripheral blood smears revealed Howell-Jolly bodies, indicating decreased splenic function. A rapid urinary pneumococcal antigen test was also found to be positive. After admission to the intensive care unit, extensive treatment, including polymyxin-B direct hemoperfusion and administration of methylprednisolone and broad spectrum antibiotics was immediately initiated. Despite of our efforts to save his life, the patient died six hours after the arrival. The following day, blood cultures revealed the presence of Streptococcus pneumoniae. An autopsy revealed a hypoplastic spleen and a bilateral adrenal hemorrhage, indicating acute adrenal insufficiency caused by sepsis. Finally, the patient was diagnosed with Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome. Although severe infection may be seen in the splenectomized patients, it should be noted that patients with a hypoplastic spleen may have acute severe infections. We, therefore, report a case of Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome resulting from an invasive pneumococcal infection in a patient with a hypoplastic spleen.

A Case of Isolated Celiac Artery Dissection Accompanied by Splenic Infarction Detected by Ultrasonography in the Emergency Department.

A 46-year-old male with a history of hypertension visited the emergency department (ED) by ambulance complaining of sudden pain in the left side of his back. Ultrasonography (USG) performed at ED revealed splenic infarction along with occlusion and dissection of the celiac and splenic arteries without abdominal artery dissection. Contrast enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed the same result. Consequently, spontaneous isolated celiac artery dissection (SICAD) was diagnosed. Because his blood pressure was high (159/70 mmHg), antihypertensive medicine was administered (nicardipine and carvedilol). After his blood reached optimal levels (130/80 mmHg), symptoms disappeared. Follow-up USG and contrast enhanced CT performed 8 days and 4 months after onset revealed amelioration of splenic infarction and improvement of the narrowed artery. Here, we report a case of SICAD with splenic infarction presenting with severe left-sided back pain and discuss the relevance of USG in an emergency setting.

Ruptured Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Infected with Listeria Monocytogenes: A case Report and a Review of Literature

A 75-year-old male with a history of alcoholic liver cirrhosis, sigmoid colon cancer, and metastatic liver cancer was admitted to our institution with a complaint of a prickly feeling in his chest. On admission, a chest radiograph revealed a normal cardio-thoracic ratio of 47%. Echocardiography revealed pericardial effusion and blood chemical analyses revealed elevated C-reactive protein levels (14.7 mg/dL). On day 3, chest radiography revealed cardiomegaly with a cardio-thoracic ratio of 58% and protrusion of the left first arch. Contrast-enhanced chest computed tomography revealed a saccular aneurysm in the aortic arch with surrounding hematoma; thus, a ruptured thoracic aortic aneurysm was suspected. Emergency surgery was performed, which revealed a ruptured aortic aneurysm with extensive local inflammation. The diagnosis of an infected aortic rupture was therefore confirmed. The aneurysm and abscess were resected, followed by prosthetic graft replacement and omental packing. Histopathology of the resected aneurysm revealed gram-positive bacilli; and Listeria monocytogenes was confirmed as the causative organism by culture. Postoperative course was uneventful; on postoperative day 60, the patient was ambulatory and was discharged. Here we report the case of a male with a ruptured thoracic aortic aneurysm infected with L. monocytogenes.

Aortic Valve Papillary Fibroelastoma Associated with Acute Cerebral Infarction: A Case Report

An 80-year-old woman with a history of congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and hypertension was transferred to our institution with hematemesis. Her drug regimen included 2 mg warfarin potassium/day to prevent thromboembolic events. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) performed at 78 years of age revealed a mass attached to the noncoronary cusp and a cardiac tumor was suspected. The patient declined surgery and was meticulously followed up with periodic TTE. Upper gastroendoscopy revealed a gastric ulcer with an exposed blood vessel; anticoagulant therapy was ceased. On day 15 of admission, acute cerebral infarction occurred. Heparin sodium and warfarin potassium were administered rapidly, and her symptoms improved. TTE revealed no alteration of the mobile, string-like mass attached to the noncoronary cusp. Cardiac tumor was considered the cause of cerebral infarction, and the patient consented to surgical therapy. Pathological examination of the resected tumor suggested papillary fibroelastoma (PFE). Although no guidelines exist for PFE management, a mobile, cardiac tumor necessitates surgical resection to prevent thromboembolic events, even when small in size.

Successfully-treated asymptomatic celiac artery aneurysm: A case report

Highlights • Although rare, celiac artery aneurysm may carry a definite risk for rupture and other complications.• Because of its rarity, no strong consensus concerning indications for intervention of asymptomatic celiac artery aneurysm exists in the literature.• Clinicians awareness regarding this rare entity and efforts to discover before rupturing are imperative.

Two Cases of Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis With Intraperitoneal Free Air

Intraperitoneal free air (IFA) is sometimes accompanied by pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI); therefore, proper diagnosis is essential for PCI management. We report two cases of PCI with IFA. A 70-year-old female taking anti-psychotic medication for schizophrenia presented with repeated vomiting and high-grade fever. Computed tomography revealed small, linear gaseous cysts in the intestinal wall along with IFA. Although there was no sign of peritoneal irritation, intestinal perforation was not excluded. Thus, exploratory laparotomy was performed; it revealed no ascites or perforated sites in the intestine, and revealed numerous small air bubbles in the intestinal wall and mesentery. Thus, a diagnosis of PCI was made, and ileostomy was performed to relieve intestinal pressure. The postoperative course was uneventful. A 79-year-old male with pulmonary emphysema presented with dyspnea due to abdominal distention. Cyanosis was evident, and arterial blood gas analysis revealed metabolic acidosis. CT revealed massive IFA along with multiple, small bubbly cysts under the intestinal serosa. He was intubated because of worsening respiratory conditions, and a 12-French drain was inserted to relieve the intraperitoneal pressure. There was no evidence of peritonitis, and IFA was conservatively observed.

Complete Response after Treatment with UFT/LV Regimen for Liver andLung Metastases of Rectal Cancer: A Case Report

A 72-year-old woman was diagnosed with Borrmann type I and II tumors in the rectosigmoid colon by colonoscopy. Whole-body Computed Tomography (CT) revealed two 1-cm masses on both lungs; however, no mass was observed in the liver. The patient underwent low anterior resection for the treatment of colorectal cancer. One month after surgery, her serum Carcinogenic Embryonic Antigen levels had doubled (283 ng/mL) compared with that at surgery; therefore, contrast-enhanced CT revealed liver metastatic lesions at segments 2 and 5. For her advanced colorectal cancer with lung and liver metastases, five cycles of chemotherapy consisting of infusional irinotecan, l-LV, and a bolus injection of 5-FU on day 1 followed by oral UFT and LV on days 1-7 were continued until the patient could not endure the adverse effects in the gastrointestinal tract. This regimen was chosen with the intention of reducing the infusional administration of drugs. Subsequently, an oral regimen of UFT/LV was initiated at the outpatient clinic. Twelve months later, CT revealed the disappearance of lung and liver lesions, and her serum CEA levels had returned to normal; therefore, the patient was considered to exhibit a Complete Response (CR). The chemotherapy was subsequently discontinued at the patient’s request and she has maintained CR for over a year.