15 research outputs found
Mucinous Carcinoma and IPMN
No full textThis book describes the pathways of dissemination of primary liver, biliary, and pancreatic neoplasms and proposes a practical and clinically driven approach to their imaging. The typical dissemination pathways for hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, exocrine pancreatic carcinoma, and neuroendocrine pancreatic tumors are systematically reviewed, and more unusual pathways are also documented. The content is presented in an extremely schematic way, with numerous high-quality graphical illustrations and multimodality images (US, CT, MRI, and PET) that are accompanied by clear explanatory text. The clinical significance of findings and potential therapeutic options are explained whenever appropriate. In addition, relevant background information is provided on the role of morphopathological drivers of cancer spread and anatomy
Reversal of dabigatran and apixaban-induced coagulopathy using idarucizumab, fibrinogen, and prothrombin complex concentrate: A case report
No full textThis case report examines the combined use of fibrinogen concentrate, four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC), and idarucizumab, a specific antidote for dabigatran, to reverse the anticoagulant effects of dabigatran and apixaban-induced coagulopathy. An 86-year-old patient, receiving apixaban therapy, presented to the Emergency Department after intentionally ingesting 50 tablets of dabigatran. The combination therapy contributed to the rapid normalization of coagulation parameters and stabilization of the patient's clinical status without subsequent thromboembolic complications. This case adds to the limited evidence on the effectiveness and safety of combining PCC with idarucizumab in cases of multiple anticoagulant intoxication
Delayed gastric emptying after pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy: validation of International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery classification and analysis of risk factors
No full textAbstractObjectivesThis study evaluates the incidence and clinical features and associated risk factors of delayed gastric emptying (DGE) after pancreaticoduodenectomy, employing the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS) consensus definition.MethodsDemographic, pathological and surgical details for 260 consecutive patients who underwent pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy at a single institution were analysed using univariate and multivariate models.ResultsPostoperative complications occurred in 108 (41.5%) and DGE was diagnosed in 36 (13.8%) of 260 patients. Among the 36 DGE patients, 16 had grade A, 18 grade B and two grade C DGE. Resumption of a solid diet (P < 0.001), time to passage of stool (P= 0.002) and hospital discharge (P < 0.001) occurred later in DGE patients. The need for total parenteral nutrition was significantly higher in DGE grade B/C patients (P < 0.001). In the univariate analysis, abdominal collections (P≤ 0.001), pancreatic fistula (PF) grades B and C (P < 0.001), biliary fistula (P= 0.002), pulmonary complications (P < 0.001) and sepsis (P= 0.002) were associated with DGE. Only abdominal collections (P= 0.009), PF grade B/C (P < 0.001) and sepsis (P= 0.024) were associated with clinically relevant DGE. In the multivariate analysis, PF grade B/C (P= 0.004) and biliary fistula (P= 0.039) were independent risk factors for DGE.ConclusionsThe ISGPS classification and grading systems correlate well with the clinical course of DGE and are feasible for patient management. The principal risk factors for DGE seem to be pancreatic and biliary fistulas
Laurel but Hardy: unintended poisoning, a case report of oleander misidentification as bay laurel
No full textIntroduction: Nerium oleander is a toxic plant containing cardiac glycosides throughout all its parts, thereby posing severe health risks upon ingestion. The clinical manifestations of oleander poisoning closely resemble those of digoxin toxicity, encompassing a spectrum of gastrointestinal symptoms, neuropsychiatric disorders, and cardiac disturbances. This scientific case report describes a case of accidental intoxication resulting from the consumption of an oleander leaves infusion misidentified as bay laurel leaves. Case report: An 84-year-old patient consumed an oleander leaves infusion, and after four hours experienced gastrointestinal symptoms. He contacted the poison control center (PCC) and was advised to go to the emergency department (ED). Upon arrival, the patient presented stable vital signs without cardiac irregularities. The PCC recommended the administration of activated charcoal, vigilant monitoring, including electrocardiography (ECG). Subsequent ECGs assessments revealed the presence of third-degree atrioventricular block; in consultation with the PCC, digoxin-specific antibodies and external pacing were necessary. The patient was discharged on the eighth day in good hemodynamic condition, and outpatient follow-up visits showed clinical stability. Discussion: This study offers insights for the management of similar cases. The limitations of conventional assays in measuring oleander cardiac glycosides were observed, emphasizing reliance on clinical evaluation. The patient's trajectory, remaining asymptomatic despite severe ECG changes post-ingestion, underscores the importance of prolonged clinical monitoring
Not only Van Gogh: a case of BRASH syndrome with concomitant digoxin toxicity
No full textBackground Bradycardia, renal failure, atrioventricular (AV) node blocking, shock, and hyperkalemia syndrome is a potentially life-threatening clinical condition characterized by bradycardia, renal failure, atrioventricular (AV) node blocking, shock, and hyperkalemia. It constitutes a vicious circle in which the accumulation of pharmacologically active compounds and hyperkalemia lead to hemodynamic instability and heart failure.Case presentation A 66-year-old Caucasian female patient was admitted to the emergency department presenting with fatigue and bradycardia. Upon examination, the patient was found to be anuric and hypotensive. Laboratory investigations revealed metabolic acidosis and hyperkalemia. Clinical evaluation suggested signs of digoxin toxicity, with serum digoxin concentrations persistently elevated over several days. Despite the implementation of antikalemic measures, the patient's condition remained refractory, necessitating renal dialysis and administration of digoxin immune fab.Conclusion Bradycardia, renal failure, atrioventricular (AV) node blocking, shock, and hyperkalemia syndrome is a life-threatening condition that requires prompt management. It is important to also consider potential coexisting clinical manifestations indicative of intoxication from other pharmacological agents. Specifically, symptoms associated with the accumulation of drugs eliminated via the kidneys, such as digoxin. These manifestations may warrant targeted therapeutic measures
“Heavy Metal”: Management of lead toxicity following a gunshot injury with retained lead fragments, a case report
No full textThere is limited literature on managing chronic lead exposure from non-removable sources such as lead fragments. In this case report, we present the complexities and clinical considerations involved in treating an elderly patient who sustained a comminuted knee fracture due to a gunshot wound, complicated by retained lead fragments. This case highlights the absence of comprehensive guidelines for managing chronic lead exposure when complete fragment removal is impractical. It also emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to decision-making, while considering patient autonomy in such unique clinical scenarios
Immunomodulation after radiofrequency ablation of locally advanced pancreatic cancer by monitoring the immune response in 10 patients
No full textObjective/Background: RFA of pancreatic cancer has been demonstrated to be feasible and safe with a positive impact on survival. The aim was to investigate whether an immune reaction is activated after locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) ablation.Methods: Peripheral Blood samples were obtained preoperatively and on post-operative days 3-30. Evaluated parameters were: cells [CD4+, CD8+ and activated subsets, T-Reg, Monocytes, myeloid and plasmocytoid Dendritic cells (mDC and pDC)] and cytokines [Interleukin (IL)-6, Stromal-cells derived factor (SDF)-1, IL-1 beta, Tumour-Necrosis Factor (TNF)-alpha, Interferon (IFN)-gamma, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 5 (CCL-5), Transforming-Growth Factor (TGF)-beta].Results: Ten patients were enrolled. CD4+, CD8+ and TEM increased from day 3 suggesting the activation of the adaptive response. Immunosuppressive T-Reg cells were stable despite the possibility that laparotomy and heating might favour their expansion. Myeloid DCs, that present tumour-associated antigens, increased at day 30. RFA dramatically increased circulating IL-6 at day 3 but this decreased to baseline by day 30, consistent with the supposed anti-tumour effect. RFA did not significantly modulate essential chemokines, such as CCL-5 and SDF1, VEGF, TGF-beta and TNF-alpha, that favour tumour-growth by sustaining cancer angiogenesis and fuelling tumour-associated inflammation.Conclusions: This study provides the first evidence of RFA-based immunomodulation in LAPC. We observed a general activation of adaptive response along with a decrease of immunosuppression. Furthermore, most cells showed prolonged activation some weeks after the procedure, suggesting true immunomodulation rather than a normal inflammatory response. (C) 2017 IAP and EPC. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved
