William H. Erb

Pseudocysts of the pancreas: A report of seventeen cases☆

Abstract Seventeen cases of pseudocyst of the pancreas are presented. A long period of study is frequently performed on these people during which their condition deteriorates. The symptom complex of anemia, gastrointestinal bleeding, dysphagia or vomiting, and pleural effusion, in addition to pain, is emphasized to hasten the examiners focus on the pancreas. Prompt transgastric cystogastrostomy is suggested as the procedure of choice in these patients who are poor risks. Following the subsidence of acute symptoms in known cases of pancreatitis, an early true lateral roentgenographic view of the stomach is indicated to give a baseline measurement of the retrogastric space. Formation of a pseudocyst may thereby be suspected before the patient goes on to the relatively late stage characterized by a palpable mass.

Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis

Abstract A case of idiopathic retroperitoneal fibros is is presented. A plea is made for the inclusion of this entity in the differential diagnosis of any patient suffering obscure pain in the lower part of the back, the flank, groin or thigh, especially if it is associated with mild anemia and weight loss. While most of these cases are presented at a late stage with anuria, it sometimes will be possible to avoid this serious situation by examining the patient under anesthesia. The presence of a palpable mass is not a common finding in the reported cases, but in thin patients who have lost weight, the mass can be felt at the brim of the pelvis with ease. We cannot over-emphasize the importance of repeating studies (intravenous urogram in this case) in patients with definite symptoms of obscure origin.

Seventeen year survival after removal of recurrent gastric carcinoma

Summary Recurrence of carcinoma of the stomach in the surgical sear is discussed and vigorous surgical treatment is advocated when no other recurrences are suspected. A patient surviving seventeen years after removal of skin recurrence of gastric carcinoma is reported on.