Melanoma of the rectum： A rare entity

A 41-year-old man presented with a 6-mo history of changed defecation and rectal bleeding. A 3-cm polypoid tumor of the lower rectum was found at rectosigmoidoscopy, which proved to be a leiomyosarcoma upon biopsy. Dissemination studies did not show any metastases. He was underwent to an abdomino-perineal resection （APR）. Histopathology of the specimen showed a melanoma （S-100 stain positive）. Two years after the resection, metastases in the abdomen and right lung were found. He died one and half years later. Primary anorectal melanoma is a rare and very aggressive disorder. According to current data, one should always perform a S-100 stain when anorectal sarcoma is suspected. A positive S-100 stain suggests the tumour to be most likely a melanoma. Subsequently, thorough dissemination studies need to be performed. Depending on the outcome of the dissemination studies, a surgical resection has to be performed. Nowadays, a sphincter-saving local excision combined with adjuvant loco-regional radiotherapy should be preferred in case of small tumors. The same loco-regional control is achieved with less ＂loss of function＂ compared to non-sphincter saving surgery. Only in the case of large and obstructing tumors an abdomino-perineal resection is the treatment of choice.     

Bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax: a rare entity

A young otherwise healthy man presented with bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax that resulted in near respiratory failure and severe cardiac dysrhythmia. The magnitude of the patient's clinical manifestations resulted from his severely compromised pulmonary function with its attendant cardiovascular compromise. Prompt bilateral tube thoracostomy relieved his cardiopulmonary distress. This rare clinical entity should be considered in any individual with abrupt onset of severe cardiopulmonary distress.     

Esophageal bronchogenic cyst: a rare entity

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Bronchogenic cysts are congenital lesions of foregut origin, usually found in intrapulmonary or mediastinal locations. However, an esophageal bronchogenic cyst is an uncommon occurrence. The definitive diagnosis is based on histological findings after extirpation of the cyst. Surgical excision of bronchogenic cysts is considered appropriate because of the high complication rates of subsequent infection, rupture, hemorrhage, and malignant degeneration if left untreated. RESULTS: A 42-year-old man presented with a two-year history of progressive dysphagia. An esophageal bronchogenic cyst was evidenced by esophagography, Computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and endoscopic ultrasound, followed by confirmation with surgical exploration. CONCLUSION: Esophageal bronchogenic cysts should be included in the differential diagnosis of a mediastinal tumor, especially when the tumor is within or near the tracheobronchial tube, even though it is a rare condition.     

Primary oesophageal tuberculosis: a rare entity.

Tuberculous infection of the oesophagus is rare and primary oesophageal tuberculosis is seen even more infrequently. We report a case of oesophageal tuberculosis in a 32-year-old female patient who presented to us with odynophagia and weight loss. Endoscopy showed a solitary ulcerative oesophageal lesion. Further investigation resulted in a diagnosis of oesophageal tuberculosis with no manifestations of tuberculosis elsewhere. She responded well to antitubercular treatment. This case was classified as primary oesophageal tuberculosis.     

Spontaneous haemopneumothorax: a rare clinical entity.

A 39 yr old man presented with a spontaneous pneumothorax. On initial pleural drainage 120 ml of haemorrhagic fluid were collected. Twenty four hours, after re-expansion of the lung, shock developed and 1,200 ml of haemorrhagic fluid were spontaneously collected. The diagnosis haemopneumothorax was considered and at operation a bleeding vessel, which originated from the parietal pleura, was located and coagulated. The occurrence of an air fluid line at radiological examination, the development of a haemorrhagic pleural effusion and shock should alert the physician of this entity. This case stresses the importance of early recognition and surgical intervention because of the possible lethal evolution.     

Amlodipine induced gingival hyperplasia: a rare entity

Drug induced gingival hyperplasia is an uncommon entity. Anticonvulsants, immunosuppressants and calcium channel blockers are often implicated. We report a case of a 52-year old male who developed amlodipine induced gingival hyperplasia. The etiology and treatment modalities are discussed.     

Splenic vein aneurysm: a rare clinical entity

A 52-year-old man presented with complaints of generalized malaise along with pain in left hypochondrium and diarrhea. The color Doppler and subsequent contrast enhanced CT scan revealed changes of portal hypertension and saccular dilatation of splenic vein along with partial thrombus in portal vein and superior mesenteric vein.     

Intradural extramedullary tuberculoma of the spinal cord: a review of reported cases

Intradural extramedullary tuberculoma of the spinal cord (IETSC) is a rare modality of tuberculosis, with only a few cases described so far. Here we review 22 reports of the disease found in the literature of the last 25 years. IETSC is closely associated with tuberculous meningitis (TM). Both conditions may occur simultaneously, but more frequently IETSC is preceded by TM. IETSC has been described in a predominantly young population of both genders. The pathogenesis is unknown, although a paradoxical reaction to antituberculous medication is a reasonable possibility. The disease presents insidiously with paraparesis, hypoesthesia with a sensory level, and bladder dysfunction, due to cord involvement or compression by the inflammatory process. Permanent paraparesis is a common sequela. MRI is the diagnostic technique of choice in IETSC. Prompt surgical excision of the tuberculoma is the cornerstone of therapy. Antituberculous treatment is also indicated; unless resistance is present, conventional chemotherapy is probably enough. Corticosteroids are also generally recommended. In conclusion, IETSC is a rare complication of TM, which presents insidiously, despite adequate antituberculous treatment. To avoid the permanent disability that this condition may provoke, an early diagnosis and prompt treatment is critical.     

Serous cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas: management of a rare entity

Whereas mucinous cystadenomas of the pancreas are considered premalignant, serous cystadenomas are believed to remain benign. We present a case of an 80-year-old woman with a primary tumor of the pancreas that was histologically classified as serous cystadenocarcinoma. Because preoperatively available criteria that determine malignancy in serous lesions are lacking, observation is the preferred option in serous cystadenomas. Operating every serous lesion is not justified. Reviewing all reports of serous cystadenocarcinomas that have been published to date, we are providing recommendations for the management of this rare entity.