Arginine extravasation leading to skin necrosis

Arginine hydrochloride is used in the evaluation of short stature and in the management of urea cycle disorders. In recent times, it has been used in the treatment of stroke-like episodes of MELAS (mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, stroke-like episodes). We want to highlight the need for good intravenous access and monitoring the drip site to prevent extravasation injuries that can be caused by arginine, which is a hyperosmolar solution.     

Fatal intracerebral haemorrhage following scorpion sting

Though uncommon, scorpion stings can cause cerebrovascular accidents by various mechanisms such as venom induced autonomic storm leading to hypertension, hypotension, myocarditis, DIC or vasculitis by direct actions. We present a case of intracerebral bleed following scorpion sting, which is a rare presentation and seldom reported.     

Autoimmune hepatitis in association with lymphocytic colitis

Autoimmune hepatitis is a rare, chronic inflammatory disorder which has been associated with a number of other auto-immune conditions. However, there are no reports in the medical literature of an association with microscopic (lymphocytic) colitis. We report the case of a 53-year-old woman with several autoimmune conditions, including lymphocytic colitis, who presented with an acute hepatitis. On the basis of the clinical features, serology, and histopathology, we diagnosed autoimmune hepatitis. To our knowledge, this is the first report of autoimmune hepatitis in association with lymphocytic colitis, and lends support to the theory of an autoimmune etiology for lymphocytic colitis.     

Defining the learning curve in robot-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy

Background

Robot-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy has been shown to be a safe approach to pulmonary lobectomy. This study sought to define, mathematically, the learning curve for RATS lobectomy.