Feasibility of short double-balloon enteroscopy-assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with surgically altered gastrointestinal anatomy: experience in a regional centre

DOI: 10.12809/hkmj164987
© Hong Kong Academy of Medicine. CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
 
CASE REPORT
Feasibility of short double-balloon enteroscopy-assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with surgically altered gastrointestinal anatomy: experience in a regional centre
SW Cheung, MRCP, FHKCP1; KS Cheng, MRCP, FHKCP1; WM Yip, MRCP, FHKCP2; KK Li, MBBS, FRCP1
 
1 Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Tuen Mun Hospital, Tuen Mun, Hong Kong
2 Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Pok Oi Hospital, Yuen Long, Hong Kong
 
Corresponding author: Dr SW Cheung (saiwahc@hotmail.com)
 
  A video clip showing double-balloon enteroscopy–assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is available at www.hkmj.org
 
 
 Full paper in PDF
 
Case Reports
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a standard endoscopic technique for treating biliary obstruction and cholangitis. The presence of surgically altered gastrointestinal anatomy, however, poses a major technical difficulty to the procedure due to the long and tortuous access to the small bowel. We report a three-case series with successful attempts at short double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE)–assisted ERCP in patients with postoperative gastrointestinal anatomy. The enteroscope employed was EC-450BI5, Fujifilm endoscopy (Fig 1) and the sedation agents used in all procedures were dexmedetomidine and fentanyl continuous infusion combined with bolus midazolam.
 

Figure 1. Short double-balloon enteroscope of 152-cm working length (EC-450BI5, Fujifilm endoscopy)
 
Case 1
A 76-year-old man was admitted to our hospital in December 2015 with acute cholangitis that presented as fever and deranged liver function tests (LFT) with predominant elevation of alkaline phosphatase (ALP). He had a history of stroke, hyperlipidaemia, and a Billroth II gastrectomy performed 30 years ago. Blood cultures grew Escherichia coli. Ultrasonography of the hepatobiliary system revealed a 5-mm stone in the common bile duct (CBD).
 
The first ERCP using a standard side-view duodenoscope and end-view gastroscope failed to identify the papilla. He continued to receive antibiotic treatment, with the fever reduced but liver biochemistry remained elevated. The DBE-assisted ERCP was performed 2 weeks later with an enteroscope of 152-cm working length. The papilla was reached over the afferent limb of the small bowel by manipulation of the overtube only (no balloon inflation), followed by successful cannulation of the CBD. Cholangiogram revealed a 1.2-cm dilated CBD with two intraductal filling defects (Fig 2a). Pre-cut papillotomy on-stent was performed with pre-insertion of a 7-French 7-cm plastic biliary stent. The plastic stent was removed after papillotomy and the papilla was dilated using a controlled radial expansion (CRE) balloon dilator of 12-mm size and subsequently stones were removed by a basket. The ERCP procedure was completed in 115 minutes and there were no complications. The patient’s LFT had normalised at a follow-up 3 weeks later.
 

Figure 2. (a) Cholangiogram of the patient in case 1 showing a 1.2-cm dilated common bile duct (CBD) with two intraductal filling defects suspicious of CBD stones. (b) The ideal short position of the enteroscopy resembling a figure of ‘8’ in deep intubation of the afferent limb of the patient in case 3 with anatomy of Roux-en-Y gastrectomy. Achieving this short position by appropriate endoscope shortening is particularly crucial to approach the papilla in enteroscopy-assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) using short double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) due to the limited length of the scope. (c) The Roux-en-Y anastomosis examined by enteroscopy. Identification of the correct pancreatobiliary limb is a major technical difficulty during the procedure. Endoscopic tattooing or clipping of the ‘examined limb’ may help to avoid repeated attempts to enter the same limb. (d) Locating the papilla at around 6 o’clock of the endoscopic view helps to facilitate biliary cannulation in DBE-assisted ERCP
 
Case 2
An 80-year-old man presented in January 2016 with a history of hypertension, pulmonary fibrosis, and cerebral infarct. A Billroth II gastrectomy had been performed 10 years previously for gastrointestinal bleeding. He had an episode of acute cholangitis 4 months ago. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography using a standard end-view gastroscope failed to reach the papilla and the infection resolved after a course of antibiotic. Follow-up magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography 3 weeks earlier had revealed a 1.2-cm distal CBD stone with the CBD dilated to 1.7 cm. He then attended the hospital again for fever, E coli septicaemia, and an obstructive pattern of liver derangement; bilirubin level was 93 µmol/L and ALP level was 1224 U/L. Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage was established and antibiotics were continued until DBE-assisted ERCP was performed 2 weeks later. With the push-pull manoeuvre, the blind end of the afferent loop was reached. Initially, a nearby minor papilla was mistaken as the major papilla and repeated attempts failed to cannulate it.
 
The true major papilla was then identified 5 cm proximal to the minor papilla and pre-cut papillotomy was performed due to difficult cannulation. The impacted CBD stone was removed following papillotomy and balloon sphincteroplasty was performed with a 12-mm CRE balloon. Subsequent cholangiogram was clear with a 1.5-cm dilated CBD. The operating time was 163 minutes. The patient remained asymptomatic and LFT had normalised at a follow-up 1 month later.
 
Case 3
A female patient aged 81 years with a history of mild Parkinson’s disease had undergone gastrectomy 30 years ago for peptic ulcer disease. She presented to our hospital in February 2016 for biliary pancreatitis with sudden onset of jaundice associated with epigastric pain. Amylase level was elevated to 698 U/L, bilirubin level to 35 µmol/L, and an ALP level of 1001 U/L. Ultrasonography of the hepatobiliary system detected grossly dilated intrahepatic ducts (IHD) and the CBD measured up to 2.4 cm in diameter with one obstructing CBD stone measuring 1.5 cm. The first gastroscopy confirmed a previous total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction. Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage was attempted but failed due to the resolution of the IHD dilatation. The patient was then managed conservatively with antibiotics and a DBE-assisted enteroscopy was scheduled 3 weeks later. The 152-cm DBE identified the blind end of the afferent limb while the endoscope advanced to 140 cm from the incisors after push-pull manoeuvre (Fig 2b to d). Successful guidewire cannulation was followed with a cholangiogram that showed a dilated CBD with no filling defect. In view of the recent history of biliary obstruction and the possibility of a passed stone, the papilla was dilated to 13.5 mm with the CRE balloon and good bile drainage was observed. The operating time was 130 minutes. The major difficulty encountered was that the tip of the enteroscope was very unstable making it difficult to maintain the distal blind end and it was easily slipped out proximally. As such, repeated endoscope manipulation was required to achieve optimal positioning. Postoperatively, the patient was well, bilirubin normalised, and ALP level had reduced to 266 U/L at 1-month follow-up.
 
Discussion
Balloon enteroscopy–assisted ERCP using either single-balloon enteroscopy or DBE has been reported to be an effective modality for ERCP in these patients.1 2 3 Traditional DBE with 200-cm length and narrow (2.2-mm) accessory working channel limits the utilisation of conventional ERCP accessories. Recent attempts with a short 152-cm DBE have been highly successful.1 2 4 To date, there have been approximately 200 reports of patients who have undergone ERCP using this short DBE procedure. The success rate for reaching the blind end of the afferent limb was 86% to 100%; it is not inferior to that achieved using a long-type balloon enteroscope.4 The short-type enteroscope accommodates the use of most available accessories to perform ERCP-related procedures such as sphincterotomy, balloon dilatation, stone extraction, and deployment of plastic or metallic stents.
 
In our small series, all patients ran an uneventful course during the perioperative and postoperative period and none had any apparent complications. The overall procedural complication rate has been reported to be 8% to 10%, with the rate of major complications of perforation or emphysema being around 3.5%.4 The risk of complications, however, may vary according to different surgical approaches with consequent significant differences in the endoscopic techniques anticipated.3 4 5 Since it is a relatively new and evolving endoscopic technique, these rates are still experience-dependent and patients should be closely observed after the procedure.
 
The ERCP in the patient with Roux-en-Y reconstruction posed particular technical difficulties. The endoscopist should review previous surgical reports in detail to map and anticipate the endoscopic view at the anastomotic site. On reaching the Roux-en-Y anastomosis, identification of the pancreatobiliary limb is often difficult. After choosing either limb, the endoscopist could perform endoscopic marking by a clip or Indian ink tattoo at the entrance of the chosen limb (Fig 2c). If the chosen limb is confirmed wrong under fluoroscopy, the endoscopist can return the endoscope to the Roux-en-Y anastomosis and then insert the endoscope into the other limb. A marking at the entrance of a limb has been shown to be useful as it avoids repeated misidentification of the limb to be entered.6
 
Barotrauma is the major cause of intestinal perforations and may be a result of excessive air insufflation forming a closed loop between the blind end and the inflated overtube or enteroscope balloon.7 Use of carbon dioxide insufflation instead of air insufflation may reduce the chance of this closed-loop phenomenon. Additionally, use of a transparent hood at the tip of the enteroscope with instillation of water into the intestinal lumen has also been suggested to maintain the endoscopic view without gas insufflation and avoid consequent barotrauma.8
 
With regard to the cannulation techniques, the catheter exits from a 7 o’clock direction of the enteroscope during DBE-assisted ERCP. Endoscopists should attempt to locate the papilla at 6 o’clock of the endoscopic view to facilitate biliary cannulation (Fig 2b). In case of an unstable endoscopic manoeuvre, an inflated enteroscope balloon may help to grip the intestine and stabilise the manipulation. In cases where the papilla is located at 11 to 12 o’clock in the endoscopic view, the overtube balloon should remain inflated and the enteroscope rotated to solve difficult cannulation.6
 
In conclusion, short DBE-assisted ERCP is a safe and effective endoscopic method to treat patients with surgically altered anatomy and biliary conditions. Nonetheless local experience in enteroscopy-assisted ERCP, particularly using the short DBE, is scant because of the unavailability of the endoscopic devices. Further discussion and training opportunities are encouraged to consolidate experience and minimise procedural complications in future practice.
 
References
1. Moreels TG. Altered anatomy: enteroscopy and ERCP procedure. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol 2012;26:347-57. Crossref
2. Cheng CL, Liu NJ, Tang JH, et al. Double-balloon enteroscopy for ERCP in patients with Billroth II anatomy: results of a large series of papillary large-balloon dilation for biliary stone removal. Endosc Int Open 2015;3:E216-22. Crossref
3. Mönkemüller K, Bellutti M, Neumann H, Malfertheiner P. Therapeutic ERCP with the double-balloon enteroscope in patients with Roux-en-Y anastomosis. Gastrointest Endosc 2008;67:992-6. Crossref
4. Kato H, Tsutsumi K, Harada R, Okada H, Yamamoto K. Short double-balloon enteroscopy is feasible and effective for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with surgically altered gastrointestinal anatomy. Dig Endosc 2014;26 Suppl 2:130-5. Crossref
5. Katanuma A, Yane K, Osanai M, Maguchi H. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with surgically altered anatomy using balloon-assisted enteroscope. Clin J Gastroenterol 2014;7:283-9. Crossref
6. Hatanaka H, Yano T, Tamada K. Tips and tricks of double-balloon endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (with video). J Hepatobiliary Pancreat Sci 2015;22:E28-34. Crossref
7. De Koning M, Moreels TG. Comparison of double-balloon and single-balloon enteroscope for therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiography after Roux-en-Y small bowel surgery. BMC Gastroenterol 2016;16:98. Crossref
8. Yamamoto H. Be aware of the fatal risk of air embolism. Dig Endosc 2014;26:23. Crossref

Immunoglobulin G4–related sclerosing disease involving the mandible

DOI: 10.12809/hkmj154733
© Hong Kong Academy of Medicine. CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
 
CASE REPORT
Immunoglobulin G4–related sclerosing disease involving the mandible
Antonio CK Tong, PhD, BDS1,2; Irene OL Ng, PhD, MD3; Miko CM Lo, MOMS RCSEd, BDS2
1 Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
2 Department of Health, Hong Kong
3 Department of Pathology and State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
 
Corresponding author: Dr Antonio CK Tong (antonio.tong@gmail.com)
 
 Full paper in PDF
 
Case report
A 46-year-old female was referred by her general dental practitioner in December 2013 for investigation of delayed healing of lower right premolar (44, 45) socket wounds following tooth extraction 3 weeks earlier. The lower right first and second premolars—teeth 44, 45—had presented with sudden onset of pain and rapid increase in mobility over a 2-month period. Both teeth were subsequently extracted but the patient experienced increasing pain and discomfort around the extraction sites.
 
Clinical examination showed unhealed sockets of teeth 44, 45; with associated flabby, oedematous and verrucous gingival tissue (Fig 1). The lower right canine tooth demonstrated grade III mobility with radiographic evidence of periodontal bone loss. The provisional diagnoses included eosinophilic granuloma or Langerhans cell histiocytosis, massive osteolysis, and malignancies. Incisional biopsy was performed under local anaesthesia. Histopathological examination revealed infiltration by chronic inflammatory cells involving the epithelium and stroma, with absence of malignancy.
 

 
Figure 1. Immunoglobulin G4–related disease involvement of right mandibular molar region
Note the clinical appearance of verrucous, oedematous lesion involving lower right molar gingival and alveolar muscosal tissues (arrows)
 
The symptoms persisted after the biopsy, with progression of periodontal bone loss around the lower right canine. A repeated biopsy was performed. Tissue was taken from the gingival mucosa, the soft tissue around the previous extraction sockets, and the involved mandibular bone.
 
Histologically, the soft tissue surrounding the involved area comprised heavily inflamed fibrous tissue that was denuded without epithelial covering. It contained a heavy infiltrate of lymphocytes and plasma cells with some polymorphs. The plasma cells were normal in appearance. The fibrous background was composed of whorls of relatively plump fibroblasts in interlacing fascicles (Fig 2a). Frequent prominent arteries were seen but no definite phlebitis was evident (Fig 2b). Granulomas were absent and a special stain for fungal organisms was negative. There was no evidence of malignancy. With immunohistochemistry, immunoglobulin (Ig) G4–positive cells constituted an average of 60 cells per high-power field (magnification, x 40) and the ratio of IgG4:IgG positive cells was more than 40% (Figs 2c and 2d). The predominance of IgG4-positive cells in the lesions excluded ordinary chronic inflammatory changes. Immunostains for dendritic cell markers (CD1a and CR2) and S-100 proteins were negative, ruling out Langerhans cell histiocytosis. The bone specimen showed a moderate infiltrate of plasma cells and lymphocytes, with some polymorphs in the marrow spaces. Immunostaining of the bone specimen showed a range of 12 to 27 IgG4-positive cells per high-power field. The overall features were suggestive of IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD).
 

Figure 2. Histological and immunohistochemical findings
(a) The soft tissues surrounding the involved area consist of heavily inflamed fibrous tissue which contains a heavy infiltrate of lymphocytes and plasma cells (thick arrows) [H&E; original magnification, x 4]. The fibrous background is composed of whorls of relatively plump fibroblasts in interlacing fascicles (thin arrows). (b) High-power view of the fibrous background with relatively plump fibroblasts in interlacing fascicles (thin arrows) and the heavy infiltrate of plasma cells (thick arrow); frequent prominent arteries (arrowhead) are seen (H&E; original magnification, x 20). (c) Immunostain for IgG4: immunochemistry shows that IgG4 cells constituted on average 60 cells per high-power field (original magnification, x 40). (d) Immunostain for IgG: the ratio of IgG4+/IgG+ cells is more than 40% (original magnification, x 40)
Abbreviation: Ig = immunoglobulin
 
Complete blood picture, and liver and renal function tests were all normal. Serum IgG4 level was within the normal range. Her IgG level was 1410 mg/dL (reference range, 919-1725 mg/dL), IgA 272 mg/dL (70-386 mg/dL), IgM 162 mg/dL (55-307 mg/dL), and IgG4 0.88 g/L (0.030-2.0 g/L). Systemic involvement of IgG4-RD was not evident on clinical examination or positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET-CT) from skull base to thighs. Systemic steroid treatment was commenced with dexamethasone 8 mg daily. The patient reported symptomatic improvements 1 week after steroid treatment. Mobility of the lower right canine tooth decreased and returned to normal 3 weeks after steroid treatment.
 
The patient was also referred to a rheumatologist. Systemic involvement of IgG4 was not found. Four weeks after initiation of steroid medication, dexamethasone was replaced with prednisolone 40 mg daily and maintained for another 4 weeks. After 8 weeks of systemic steroid administration, the dosage of prednisolone was reduced by 5 mg each week. Concurrently, azathioprine 25 mg per day was added with increments of 25 mg per week to reach a dosage of 100 mg per day. Eight months after initiation of medical treatment, the patient was maintained on azathioprine 100 mg per day and prednisolone 5 mg on alternate days. There was no evidence of recurrent clinical signs or symptoms 18 months after initiation of medical treatment.
 
Discussion
The IgG4-RD, also called IgG4-related sclerosing disease, is a newly recognised clinicopathological entity characterised by intense fibrosis and lymphoplasmacytic infiltration of involved tissues.1 The lesions show increased numbers of IgG4-positive plasma cells and are usually associated with a raised serum IgG4 level. Classically, IgG4-RD involves the pancreas, hepatobiliary tract, major salivary glands (including the lacrimal glands), lymph nodes, orbit, and lungs.
 
In the maxillofacial region, IgG4-RD usually involves the salivary, lacrimal, and pituitary glands. In the recent literature, it has also been reported to involve the nasal cavity, tongue, palatine tonsil, and hard palate.2 To the best of our knowledge, IgG4-RD has not been reported in the tooth-bearing region of the maxilla or the mandible. Characteristic organ involvement, elevated serum IgG4 levels, typical histopathology, and immunohistochemistry are supportive of a diagnosis of IgG4-RD. Criteria for the diagnosis of IgG4-RD in various organs have been proposed by Umehara et al3 and are summarised in the Box.
 

Box. Criteria for the diagnosis of immunoglobulin G4–related disease (IgG4-RD) in various organs3
 
Interestingly, the present case had a normal serum IgG4 level. In a previous retrospective analysis of 12 cases of IgG4-RD in Hong Kong, eight showed raised serum IgG4 levels.4 The pancreas, biliary tract, cervical lymph nodes, and salivary glands were the involved sites. None of the cases involved the oral cavity.
 
There is no consensus or approved treatment for IgG4-RD. Corticosteroids are the mainstay of therapy. Of note, PET-CT may be useful in defining disease extent and organ involvement more accurately. There are no prospective data to support the starting dose, tapering regimen, or duration of steroid treatment.
 
Khurram et al5 used a regimen of dexamethasone 10 mg daily that was reduced to 6 mg after a week. Dexamethasone was then replaced by prednisolone 5 mg for a month followed by hydrocortisone pellets for maintenance. The Japanese strategy consists of treatment with prednisolone (0.6 mg/kg) for 2 to 4 weeks, tapered over 3 to 6 months to 5 mg daily.6 This is followed by maintenance therapy with 2.5 to 5 mg steroids for 6 months to 3 years. Remission rates are higher than 95%.
 
Serum IgG4 levels are not reliable for monitoring therapy response or predicting disease relapse, and may not be raised in IgG4-RD. Raised serum IgG4 levels can remain elevated in over half of patients following treatment. Most relapses occur in the first 3 years following diagnosis and are steroid-responsive. Relapses can involve different organs to those at the initial presentation.6
 
References
1. Cheuk W, Chan JK. IgG4-related sclerosing disease: a critical appraisal of an evolving clinicopathologic entity. Adv Anat Pathol 2010;17:303-32. Crossref
2. Andrew N, Kearney D, Sladden N, Goss A, Selva D. Immunoglobulin G4-related disease of the hard palate. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2014;72:717-23. Crossref
3. Umehara H, Okazaki K, Masaki Y, et al. Comprehensive diagnostic criteria for IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD), 2011. Mod Rheumatol 2012;22:21-30. Crossref
4. Ng TL, Leong IS, Tang WL, et al. Immunoglobulin G4-related sclerosing disease: experience with this novel entity in a local hospital. Hong Kong Med J 2011;17:280-5.
5. Khurram SA, Fernando M, Smith AT, Hunter KD. IgG4-related sclerosing disease clinically mimicking oral squamous cell carcinoma. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol 2013;115:e48-51. Crossref
6. Kamisawa T, Okazaki K, Kawa S, Shimosegawa T, Tanaka M; Research Committee for Intractable Pancreatic Disease and Japan Pancreas Society. Japanese consensus guidelines for management of autoimmune pancreatitis: III. Treatment and prognosis of AIP. J Gastroenterol 2010;45:471-7. Crossref

Immunoglobulin G4–related disease masquerading as tonsil carcinoma

DOI: 10.12809/hkmj164842
© Hong Kong Academy of Medicine. CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
 
CASE REPORT
Immunoglobulin G4–related disease masquerading as tonsil carcinoma
TL Chow, FRCS (Edin), FHKAM (Surgery)1; Nancy WF Yuen, FRCPath, FHKAM (Pathology)2; Wilson WY Kwan, FRCS (Edin), FHKAM (Surgery)1; CY Choi, FRCS(Edin), FHKAM (Surgery)1
1 Department of Surgery, United Christian Hospital, Kwun Tong, Hong Kong
2 Department of Anatomical Pathology, United Christian Hospital, Kwun Tong, Hong Kong
 
Corresponding author: Dr TL Chow (chowtl@ha.org.hk / tamlinc@yahoo.com)
 
 Full paper in PDF
 
Case report
An 85-year-old man presented with a history of odynophagia since March 2015. He was a chronic smoker but did not drink alcohol. He had a medical history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and gout. He was first seen by us in April 2015. At the first presentation, physical examination revealed an irregular 3-cm ulcerative mass arising from the left tonsil (Fig 1). The rest of his oral cavity was otherwise normal and there was no cervical lymphadenopathy. Carcinoma of the left tonsil was suspected. Computed tomographic (CT) scan of the head and neck disclosed a non-specific soft tissue thickening and mucosal contrast enhancement at the left side of the oropharynx. Transoral punch biopsy of the left tonsillar mass was performed. Histopathology revealed no evidence of malignancy with heavy stromal infiltration by neutrophils, lymphocytes, and plasma cells plus focal microabscess formation. No granuloma or fungal elements were seen.
 

Figure 1. Ulcerative left tonsillar mass with macroscopic features mimicking squamous cell carcinoma
 
Subsequent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed and disclosed the left tonsillar mass with no other abnormalities within the hypopharynx, oesophagus, or stomach. Because of the progressive odynophagia, a nasogastric feeding tube was inserted; as there was no improvement and the diagnosis was still elusive, left tonsillectomy was performed on the same day and was uneventful.
 
Histopathological examination of the left tonsil showed lymphoid tissue with preserved architecture present beneath the stratified squamous epithelium. Hyperplastic lymphoid follicles with germinal centre surrounded by mantle cells were present. Plasma cells were seen at the interfollicular area. There were no malignant cells. Immunostaining revealed more than 90% of plasma cells per high-power field with an immunoglobulin (Ig) G4:IgG ratio of more than 40% (Fig 2). The final diagnosis was IgG4-related disease of the left tonsil.
 

Figure 2. Immunohistochemical stain for immunoglobulin (Ig) G4 showing IgG4-positive plasma cells (arrow) [original magnification, x 200]
 
The patient refused workup with positron emission tomography–CT scan but clinically there was no feature of systemic IgG4-related disease so steroids were not prescribed. His odynophagia gradually improved and he could tolerate oral feeding with congee. The feeding nasogastric tube was removed. Unfortunately, the patient had a depressive mood and general debility. He eventually died of pneumonia in September 2015.
 
Discussion
Immunoglobulin G4–related disease is a fibroinflammatory condition often associated with elevated serum IgG4 level.1 It is a multi-organ entity that encompasses various conditions formerly considered to be unrelated, single-organ diseases.2 It is notorious for its resemblance to malignant disease such as carcinoma of the pancreas. It is a source of undue anxiety for both patients and clinicians as the diagnosis may be difficult if the index of clinical suspicion for IgG4-related disease is low. Systemic symptoms (asthenia, weight loss, or fever) may occur in a minority of patients. The disease can affect the pancreas (autoimmune pancreatitis with abdominal pain), biliary tree (sclerosing cholangitis with jaundice), salivary glands or lacrimal gland (parotid, submandibular and lacrimal gland enlargement), lymph nodes, kidneys (tubulointerstitial nephritis with renal failure), and retroperitoneum (ureteric stricture).2
 
Measuring the serum IgG4 level is useful to establish the diagnosis of this uncommon disease3 and may avoid unnecessary diagnostic surgery. Although serum IgG4 level was initially thought to be a key diagnostic feature of IgG4-related disease, more recent evidence has devalued the significance of a raised level. The key to diagnosis is immunohistochemical demonstration of tissue infiltration by IgG4-bearing plasma cells and morphological evidence of lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates, storiform fibrosis, and obliterative phlebitis.2 Serum IgG4 assay was not done as this investigation was not available at our hospital. Nonetheless the diagnosis of IgG4-related disease of tonsil in this patient was obvious based on the histopathological examination with IgG4 immunostains.
 
Umehara et al4 proposed a set of criteria for the diagnosis of IgG4-related disease designed to be used irrespective of the specific organ involvement. The criteria are (1) serum IgG4 concentration of >135 mg/dL and (2) >10 IgG-positive plasma cells demonstrated per high-power field, of which >40% are IgG4-positive cells. Nevertheless the sensitivity is low for the diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis based on these criteria.
 
Of note, IgG4-related disease can manifest at the head and neck region. Kuttner’s tumour of the submandibular gland has been well reported and often masquerades as carcinoma.5 Nonetheless IgG4-related disease within the oral cavity is very rare. To the best of our knowledge, only one case of simultaneous IgG4-related lesions affecting the left border of the tongue and right tonsil has been reported in the literature.6 This patient presented with an elevated and nodular mass devoid of surface ulceration, associated with a generalised skin rash. The oral and cutaneous lesions gradually resolved after therapy with steroid.6 In contrast, our patient had an ulcerative mass without any skin rash. Both cases were initially suspected to be squamous cell carcinoma because of the alarming clinical features.
 
Steroid remains the mainstay of treatment for IgG4-related disease. It should be started early in order to prevent tissue fibrosis and thus irreversible organ damage, except in cases of asymptomatic disease of the submandibular gland or lymph node.7 Radiological abnormalities often vanish following the commencement of steroid therapy. Unfortunately, disease relapse is not uncommon after steroid therapy is tapered. There is no evidence to support the effectiveness of adding conventional steroid-sparing agents (eg azathioprine, methotrexate, or cyclophosphamide) to sustain remission for IgG4-related disease.7 Although remission can be achieved in more than 80% of patients with induction steroid therapy, some clinicians support the use of maintenance steroid at 5 mg or 2.5 mg daily for a durable response. However, disease may flare in a quarter of patients despite maintenance therapy. Moreover, the optimal duration for maintenance treatment is uncertain and the morbidity associated with steroid, although in low dose, is not negligible. Fortunately, repeated induction therapy with steroid for disease relapse is normally effective.7
 
In summary, IgG4-related disease can involve the tonsils and masquerade as tonsil carcinoma. Clinicians should consider IgG4-related disease as one of the differential diagnoses for a suspicious tonsillar mass. Early diagnosis of tonsillar mass with biopsy is essential to exclude tonsil carcinoma and to allow prompt steroid treatment for IgG4-related disease of tonsil which is curable.
 
References
1. Deshpande V, Zen Y, Chan JK, et al. Consensus statement on the pathology of IgG4-related disease. Mod Pathol 2012;25:1181-92. Crossref
2. Stone JH, Brito-Zerón P, Bosch X, Ramos-Casals M. Diagnostic approach to the complexity of IgG4-related disease. Mayo Clin Proc 2015;90:927-39. Crossref
3. Hamano H, Kawa S, Horiuchi A, et al. High serum IgG4 concentrations in patients with sclerosing pancreatitis. N Engl J Med 2001;344:732-8. Crossref
4. Umehara H, Okazaki K, Masaki Y, et al. Comprehensive diagnostic criteria for IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD), 2011. Mod Rheumatol 2012;22:21-30. Crossref
5. Chow TL, Chan TT, Choi CY, Lam SH. Kuttner’s tumour (chronic sclerosing sialadenitis) of the submandibular gland: a clinical perspective. Hong Kong Med J 2008;14:46-9.
6. Khurram SA, Fernando M, Smith AT, Hunter KD. IgG4-related sclerosing disease clinically mimicking oral squamous cell carcinoma. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol 2013;115:e48-e51. Crossref
7. Khosroshahi A, Wallace ZS, Crowe JL, et al. International consensus guidance statement on the management and treatment of IgG4-related disease. Arthritis Rheumatol 2015;67:1688-99. Crossref

Management of an incidental finding of right internal jugular vein agenesis

DOI: 10.12809/hkmj166086
© Hong Kong Academy of Medicine. CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
 
CASE REPORT
Management of an incidental finding of right internal jugular vein agenesis
Vincent KF Kong, FANZCA, FHKAM (Anaesthesiology); CJ Jian, MB, BS; R Ji, MS, MB, BS; Michael G Irwin, MD, FHKAM (Anaesthesiology)
Department of Anaesthesia, HKU-Shenzhen Hospital, 1 Haiyuan Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, China
 
Corresponding author: Dr Vincent KF Kong (vincentkong@hku.hk)
 
 Full paper in PDF
 
Case report
A 43-year-old woman was referred to the University of Hong Kong–Shenzhen Hospital in August 2016 with a 10-year history of hepatolithiasis. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen demonstrated multiple stones in the right posterior portion of the liver, the common biliary duct, and the gallbladder. Dilatation and inflammation of both intra- and extra-hepatic ducts were apparent and an elective right hepatectomy along with a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy was arranged. Preoperative physical examination was normal apart from hypertension (168/105 mm Hg). Laboratory tests revealed a microcytic, hypochromic anaemia (haemoglobin, 97 g/L), hyperuricaemia, and mildly elevated alkaline phosphatase. Liver/renal function, clotting profile, chest X-ray, and electrocardiogram were all normal. General anaesthesia was induced intravenously with propofol and remifentanil using a target-controlled infusion (Marsh model) under the guidance of the Bispectral Index monitoring system (Covidien, Boulder [CO], US). Tracheal intubation was performed following administration of rocuronium and anaesthesia maintained intravenously with intermittent positive pressure ventilation in oxygen and air. The patient was positioned for right internal jugular vein (IJV) cannulation.
 
Pre-insertion sonographic evaluation of the right cervical region (SonoSite M-Turbo, Bothell [WA], US) using a linear, high-frequency transducer (HFL38, 6-13 MHz) revealed only a single pulsatile vessel that was non-compressible and suggestive of the right carotid artery. The characteristic pulsatile blood flow was confirmed by Doppler. There was no evidence of the right IJV despite repositioning of the patient’s head, use of minimal pressure on the probe with colour flow mapping, and the application of Valsalva manoeuvre. Ultrasonography of the left side showed normal anatomy with good size of IJV. Following a brief discussion, the consultant anaesthetist and the surgeon decided to proceed with surgery without a central venous catheter. At the end of liver resection, the patient began to develop hypotension that was marginally responsive to fluid resuscitation and moderate-dose phenylephrine infusion through the large-bore peripheral lines. The operation lasted approximately 5 hours with a total blood loss of 350 mL. Tracheal intubation was continued postoperatively and the patient was transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU). Central venous cannulation was not attempted by ICU physicians and the patient was extubated on postoperative day 1 and discharged from the ICU on postoperative day 4. The patient was followed up by the attending and consultant anaesthetists after surgery. The incidental finding of her neck condition was explained and she agreed to undergo further investigations for a possible vascular anomaly.
 
Ultrasonography (iU Elite model with a L12-5 transducer; Philips Medical System, Bothell [WA], US) of the neck by a radiologist on postoperative day 5 confirmed the absence of thrombosis and the right IJV. The left IJV was normal (diameter, 15-19 mm). Multisection CT angiography of the head and neck region revealed agenesis of the right IJV (Fig). There was no other vascular anomaly in the head and neck region. The patient was discharged from hospital on day 11 postoperatively.
 

Figure. Multisection computed tomographic angiography (CTA) of the head and neck region showing congenital agenesis of the right internal jugular vein (IJV); the normal left IJV is seen (arrows)
(a) CTA and (b) bone-subtraction CTA
 
Discussion
Non-visualisation of the right IJV on two-dimensional sonographic scanning can be due to operator (eg suboptimal patient positioning, inappropriate machine setting, and excessive pressure on the probe) and patient (eg vascular thrombosis, congenital anomalies such as hypoplasia, agenesis) factors. Congenital agenesis of the IJV is an extremely rare anomaly.1 The risks associated with central venous cannulation of the left IJV or the right subclavian vein in our patient before surgery may have outweighed the benefits. The IJVs are the principal vessels for cerebral venous drainage. Injury and/or thrombosis of the left IJV can still occur even if proper precautions are taken during catheterisation. Disruption of the alternative channels of venous drainage from the cranial cavity in a patient with congenital agenesis of the IJV may have serious consequences. Vascular malformations in the head and neck region result from embryological developmental deformities and can co-exist asymptomatically. Further diagnostic analysis before cannulation of her right subclavian vein would have provided extra safety.
 
Low central venous pressure (CVP) during anaesthesia reduces surgical blood loss in major hepatic resection,2 and central venous cannulation of the right IJV to enable CVP monitoring has become a routine practice in many places prior to major hepatectomy. Less invasive techniques such as peripheral venous pressure and external jugular venous pressure measurement allow an acceptable estimation of the CVP with less associated morbidity and mortality. Stroke volume variation (SVV) derived from the Vigileo-FloTrac system (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine [CA], US) can be a safe and effective alternative to conventional CVP monitoring during hepatic resection.3 The FloTrac system is based on arterial pulse contour analysis and does not require external calibration, thermodilution, or dye dilution. Unlike CVP that is a favoured but static measure of intravascular volume, SVV monitors dynamically the physiological interactions of the heart and lungs in mechanically ventilated patients to not only estimate fluid status but also predict fluid responsiveness. A high SVV of 10% to 20% is associated with significantly less blood loss during liver resection.4 Nonetheless a multi-parametric approach should be adopted to guide fluid management in complicated cases because every haemodynamic variable has limitations and interferes with other variables.
 
Anaesthetists should function as perioperative physicians to minimise patient harm and create extra value to the episode of patient care. A simple, focused ultrasound examination of the neck during preoperative assessment can diagnose variation in vessel position or abnormalities of the vessel. It has been recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence in the United Kingdom since 20025 and this report further supports its routine use. Early recognition of these anomalies enables extra precautions to be taken (eg discussion with the patient and surgeons for alternative anaesthetic plans, cannulation sites, monitoring strategies, and further investigation before surgery) to reduce patient harm.
 
References
1. Kayiran O, Calli C, Emre A, Soy FK. Congenital agenesis of the internal jugular vein: an extremely rare anomaly. Case Rep Surg 2015;2015:637067.
2. Wang WD, Liang LJ, Huang XQ, Yin XY. Low central venous pressure reduces blood loss in hepatectomy. World J Gastroenterol 2006;12:935-9. Crossref
3. Reineke R, Meroni R, Votta C, et al. Enhanced recovery after open hepatectomy with minimally invasive haemodynamic monitoring: A successful challenge. A comparative study from a single institution. Clin Nutr ESPEN 2016;12:e53-4. Crossref
4. Dunki-Jacobs EM, Philips P, Scoggins CR, McMasters KM, Martin RC 2nd. Stroke volume variation in hepatic resection: a replacement for standard central venous pressure monitoring. Ann Surg Oncol 2014;21:473-8. Crossref
5. Kong V, Yuen M, Irwin M. Perioperative ultrasonography: Ultrasound and vascular cannulation. CPD Anaesthesia 2007;9:3-9.

Primary hyperparathyroidism caused by mediastinal ectopic parathyroid adenoma

DOI: 10.12809/hkmj164957
© Hong Kong Academy of Medicine. CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
 
CASE REPORT
Primary hyperparathyroidism caused by mediastinal ectopic parathyroid adenoma
M Chen, MM1; WB Zhou, PhD, MD1; JF Xu, MM2; K Sun, MM3
1 Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, #79, Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
2 Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, #79, Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
3 Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, #79, Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
 
Corresponding author: Dr WB Zhou (zjuzwb@126.com)
 
 Full paper in PDF
 
Case report
A 37-year-old Chinese woman was admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, China in July 2009 with pain in the upper back and hip for 9 months. She denied any chronic medication or illness. Her serum calcium level was 2.73 mmol/L (reference range [RR], 2.08-2.60 mmol/L), phosphorus 0.68 mmol/L (RR, 0.81-1.62 mmol/L), alkaline phosphatase 366 IU/L (RR, 30-115 IU/L), and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) 1154 pg/mL (RR, 12-65 pg/mL). T-score and Z-score for femoral bone mineral density were -2.7 and -2.8, respectively. Cervical computed tomography (CT) scan and thyroid, parathyroid, and abdominal (including pancreas, adrenals) ultrasonography were unremarkable. Anterior planar technetium (99mTc) sestamibi (MIBI) scintigraphy images of the neck and chest showed a focal shadow with intense tracer uptake in the superior thorax at 15 minutes (Fig a) and 120 minutes (Fig b) following injection of 99mTc-MIBI. Thoracic CT revealed a contrast-enhanced nodule with soft tissue density of 2.9 x 1.3 cm in the anterior mediastinum (Fig c). Thoracic and abdominal CT showed a brown tumour in the right omoplate, the fourth posterior left rib, and iliac bone (Figs d and e).
 
 

Figure. Technetium (99mTc) sestamibi showing (a) tracer uptake by thyroid glands and the gland in the superior thorax at 15 minutes (arrow); (b) persistent activity in the superior mediastinum at 2 hours (arrow). (c) Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) demonstrating a nodular shadow with soft tissue density (2.9 x 1.3 cm, clear borders) in the anterior mediastinum (arrow). (d) Thoracic and (e) abdominal CT showing brown tumour in the right omoplate (arrowhead), left fourth posterior rib (arrow), and iliac bone (dash arrow)
 
A mid-sternal thoracotomy was performed. A dark red mass of 4 x 2.4 x 1 cm was found in the thymus isthmus and resected. The mediastinal mass was covered with a thin fibrous capsule and on section showed a greyish cut surface. Histology confirmed the presence of ectopic parathyroid adenoma composed predominantly of oxyphil cells arranged in acinar pattern. Serum calcium level was 2.18 mmol/L and iPTH 17.2 pg/mL 16 hours after surgery. Hypocalcaemia (serum calcium, 1.68 mmol/L) and hungry bone syndrome occurred 3 days after surgery and gradually improved over a week with calcium carbonate and calcitriol supplementation that was started after surgery and continued thereafter. Serum calcium and iPTH remained normal after 5 years’ follow-up.
 
Discussion
A diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism in a symptomatic patient is made in the presence of hypercalcaemia, hypophosphataemia, and raised levels of alkaline phosphatase and iPTH,1 as demonstrated in our case. Primary hyperparathyroidism occurs in approximately 1% of the adult population, commonly due to solitary parathyroid adenomas (85%).1 Primary hyperparathyroidism due to ectopic parathyroid adenomas can pose diagnostic and management challenges, especially when imaging studies provide limited sensitivity.2
 
The embryological origin of the parathyroid glands is the endoderm of the third and fourth pharyngeal pouches, from where these glands migrate to their usual position behind the thyroid gland. It is well known that parathyroid glands can be found in aberrant locations, mainly in the thyroid parenchyma or in the mediastinum.3 The high incidence of ectopic inferior parathyroid glands has been attributed to abnormal migration during embryogenesis. Since parathyroid glands lack capsular fixation, an ectopic parathyroid gland may also develop from a gland that is initially present in a normal anatomic position but which enlarges and is displaced to an ectopic location where there is little resistance.
 
Ultrasonography is commonly used to locate enlarged parathyroid glands due to its convenience and low cost. Its ability to detect abnormalities, however, depends on the experience and skill of the operator so sensitivity in the localisation of enlarged parathyroid glands varies greatly (44%-87%).2 Ectopic parathyroid adenomas may be detected with MIBI at a sensitivity level almost identical to that of orthotopic adenomas. Focal increased activity separated from the lower pole of the thyroid on MIBI images gives a high probability for locating ectopic parathyroid adenoma in the thymus. Of note, 99mTc-MIBI is a non-specific tracer that is taken up by mitochondria so any mitochondria-rich cells may show uptake. Mitochondrial density in an adenoma is also a major factor that can cause prolonged retention of 99mTc. This is evidenced by the number of mitochondrion in lesions detected by scintigraphy that is significantly higher than in those that are missed, with the highest ratio of mitochondria per cell found in oxyphil cells. The typical pattern in a parathyroid adenoma demonstrates a prolonged retention of 99mTc-MIBI in the adenoma with rapid washout of the tracer from normal thyroid tissue. The degree of MIBI uptake in parathyroid adenomas has been reportedly correlated with the size of gland and the cytological composition (greater uptake seen in adenomas with dominance of oxyphil cells over chief cells).2
 
Of note, CT may further contribute to the identification of ectopic parathyroids and the differential diagnosis from other lesions. In our cases, the parathyroid glands were not located by ultrasonography although a combination of MIBI scintigraphy and CT imaging accurately localised the tumour in the anterior mediastinum. This highlights the usefulness of combining multiple imaging techniques to locate an ectopic active parathyroid gland. These combinations are cost-effective, and considered an approach to routine preoperative localisation of ectopic parathyroid adenomas, especially in cases with a negative MIBI scan.4
 
Hungry bone syndrome refers to the rapid, profound, and prolonged hypocalcaemia associated with hypophosphataemia following parathyroidectomy as a result of extensive remineralisation.5 Various risk factors of hungry bone syndrome include older age, large parathyroid adenoma, overt bone disease, and vitamin D deficiency. Consequently, transient hypocalcaemia is frequently encountered postoperatively; the presence of mild hypocalcaemia provides reassurance that the hyperactive adenomatous gland has been successfully removed.
 
For any hypercalcaemia and high level of PTH without parathyroid adenoma in the neck, physicians should remain alert and continue to search for ectopic locations using a combination of imaging techniques. The mediastinum must be cautiously explored since it is a very common location for ectopic parathyroid adenoma. The combination of several imaging techniques has an incremental effect on the localisation of ectopic parathyroid adenomas compared with use of either one technique alone.
 
References
1. AACE/AAES Task Force on Primary Hyperparathyroidism. The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and the American Association of Endocrine Surgeons position statement on the diagnosis and management of primary hyperparathyroidism. Endocr Pract 2005;11:49-54. Crossref
2. Haber RS, Kim CK, Inabnet WB. Ultrasonography for preoperative localization of enlarged parathyroid glands in primary hyperparathyroidism: comparison with (99m) technetium sestamibi scintigraphy. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2002;57:241-9. Crossref
3. Noussios G, Anagnostis P, Natsis K. Ectopic parathyroid glands and their anatomical, clinical and surgical implications. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2012;120:604-10. Crossref
4. Elaraj DM, Sippel RS, Lindsay S, et al. Are additional localization studies and referral indicated for patients with primary hyperparathyroidism who have negative sestamibi scan results? Arch Surg 2010;145:578-81. Crossref
5. Witteveen JE, van Thiel S, Romijn JA, Hamdy NA. Hungry bone syndrome: still a challenge in the post-operative management of primary hyperparathyroidism: a systematic review of the literature. Eur J Endocrinol 2013;168:R45-53. Crossref

Self-inflicted transorbital brain injury by chopsticks in a patient with acute psychosis

DOI: 10.12809/hkmj154644
© Hong Kong Academy of Medicine. CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
 
CASE REPORT
Self-inflicted transorbital brain injury by chopsticks in a patient with acute psychosis
YC Lee, MB, ChB, MRCP1; HH Kwan, MB, BS, MRCP2; T Wong, MB, ChB, FRCR1; NY Pan, FRCR, FHKAM (Radiology)1; HY Lai, FRCR, FHKAM (Radiology)1; KF Ma, FRCR, FHKAM (Radiology)1
1 Department of Radiology, Princess Margaret Hospital, Laichikok, Hong Kong
2 Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Princess Margaret Hospital, Laichikok, Hong Kong
 
Corresponding author: Dr YC Lee (lyc713@ha.org.hk)
 
All authors contributed equally to this case report.
 
 Full paper in PDF
 
Case report
 
A 56-year-old man was admitted from the emergency department with acute onset of psychotic symptoms and suicidal ideation in January 2015. While under observation in the emergency medical ward, he self-inflicted orbital injuries with two plastic chopsticks. The chopsticks were pulled out by the patient. Further injury was immediately stopped by the attending physician. Urgent computed tomographic (CT) brain showed two almost-parallel haemorrhagic penetration tracts extending posterosuperiorly from bilateral inferior frontal lobes (Fig a, b) to involve the caudate and lentiform nuclei (Fig c), barely missing the internal capsules. Reformatted images revealed defects in both orbital roofs (Fig d), indicating fractures. The trajectories of penetration were recreated by extrapolating the linear haematomas on a workstation (Fig e). No retained foreign body was detected. Subsequent digital subtraction angiogram and CT angiogram did not demonstrate any vascular injury. The patient was clinically and neurologically stable throughout the admission, and was managed conservatively without any neurosurgical intervention. The patient’s psychiatric symptoms gradually subsided after starting antipsychotic medication and he was discharged without significant neurological deficit. Only mild cogwheel rigidity in the upper limbs was noted during neurological follow-up.
 

Figure.
Computed tomographic images of the patient
(a) Axial and (b) sagittal images showing bilateral near-parallel haemorrhagic penetration tracts extending from bilateral inferior frontal lobes posterosuperiorly to the basal ganglia. (c) An axial image showing right caudate and left lentiform nuclei involvement. (d) A reformatted image showing a tiny bone fragment (arrow) superior to the left orbital roof, indicating fracture. (e) Chopstick trajectories were recreated by extrapolating the course of the linear haematomas
 
Discussion
There have been a few case reports of self-inflicted penetrating brain injury in patients with psychiatric symptoms. The methods of injury were often bizarre and associated with a high mortality rate.1
 
Transorbital penetrating brain injury is rare but accounts for nearly one quarter of penetrating head injuries in adults, and one half of those in children.2 Penetrating objects such as wood,3 chopsticks,4 pens and pencils2 have been commonly implicated.
 
The orbit is shaped like a horizontal pyramid. This special anatomy often directs the penetrating object towards the apex and into the brain through three common sites.2 The most common pathway is through the orbital roof, as in our case. This causes frontal lobe contusion or laceration and may injure the anterior cerebral arteries. The next most common path is via the superior orbital fissure in which the cavernous sinus, brainstem, and cranial nerves can be injured. Penetration through the optical canal is rare.5 The penetrating object is directed into the suprasellar cistern near the optic nerve and internal carotid artery.6 7
 
Neurological signs and symptoms may initially be absent even when both intracranial haematoma and foreign body are present, but a patient who is conscious on presentation can deteriorate rapidly and therefore neurological surveillance is needed.3 7 A high degree of suspicion is required especially when handling psychiatric patients because injuries can be subtle and initially occult.7
 
Of note, CT is the initial investigation to delineate the extent of injury, determine the presence of retained foreign bodies, and plan subsequent surgery. Digital subtraction angiogram or CT angiogram is helpful when there is a suggestion of vascular injury, either by the location and trajectory of the foreign body or by evidence of haematoma on initial CT scan.2
 
The patient in this case report was fortunate because the trajectories of both penetration tracts narrowly missed the internal capsules, preventing major neurological deficit. Chung et al8 reported that small haematomas involving caudate or lentiform nuclei cause only mild-to-moderate or even no motor and sensory deficit, as in our case. Injury to the caudate and lentiform nuclei, however, may explain the late-onset cogwheel rigidity of upper limbs in our patient. This case also illustrates that the apparent severity of cerebral trauma on CT may not correlate with a patient’s initial degree of neurological deficit. Close follow-up in an out-patient clinic is required to detect any subtle late-onset neurological signs.
 
Declaration
All authors have disclosed no conflicts of interest.
 
References
1. Greene KA, Dickman CA, Smith KA, Kinder EJ, Zabramski JM. Self-inflicted orbital and intracranial injury with a retained foreign body, associated with psychotic depression: case report and review. Surg Neurol 1993;40:499-503. Crossref
2. Schreckinger M, Orringer D, Thompson BG, La Marca F, Sagher O. Transorbital penetrating injury: case series, review of the literature, and proposed management algorithm. J Neurosurg 2011;114:53-61. Crossref
3. Borkar SA, Garg K, Garg M, Sharma BS. Transorbital penetrating cerebral injury caused by a wooden stick: surgical nuances for removal of a foreign body lodged in cavernous sinus. Childs Nerv Syst 2014;30:1441-4. Crossref
4. Mitilian D, Charon B, Brunelle F, Di Rocco F. Removal of a chopstick out of the cavernous sinus, pons, and cerebellar vermis through the superior orbital fissure. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 2009;151:1295-7. Crossref
5. Matsumoto S, Hasuo K, Mizushima A, et al. Intracranial penetrating injuries via the optic canal. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 1998;19:1163-5.
6. Di Roio C, Jourdan C, Mottolese C, Convert J, Artru F. Craniocerebral injury resulting from transorbital stick penetration in children. Childs Nerv Syst 2000;16:503-6. Crossref
7. Turbin RE, Maxwell DN, Langer PD, et al. Patterns of transorbital intracranial injury: a review and comparison of occult and non-occult cases. Surv Ophthalmol 2006;51:449-60. Crossref
8. Chung CS, Caplan LR, Yamamoto Y, et al. Striatocapsular haemorrhage. Brain 2000;123(Pt 9):1850-62. Crossref

Mondor’s disease: sclerosing thrombophlebitis of subcutaneous veins in a patient with occult carcinoma of the breast

DOI: 10.12809/hkmj154699
© Hong Kong Academy of Medicine. CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
 
CASE REPORT
Mondor’s disease: sclerosing thrombophlebitis of subcutaneous veins in a patient with occult carcinoma of the breast
SN Wong, FHKAM (Family Medicine); Loretta KP Lai, MFM (Monash), FHKAM (Family Medicine); PF Chan, MOM (CUHK), FHKAM (Family Medicine); David VK Chao, FRCGP, FHKAM (Family Medicine)
Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care, Kowloon East Cluster, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong
 
Corresponding author: Dr SN Wong (wongsn1@ha.org.hk)
 
 Full paper in PDF
 
Case report
 
In March 2011, a 47-year-old Chinese woman who enjoyed good past health presented to a local general out-patient clinic in Hong Kong with a 2-week history of a mildly painful cord-like structure stretching from the inferior part of the left breast to the umbilicus level (Fig). She had worked as a dishwasher 3 months prior to the appearance of the lesion, a job that required her to carry stacks of heavy dishes. There was no recent trauma or surgery of the breast and no family history of breast cancer. Physical examination revealed a 15-cm long by 0.5-cm wide erythematous subcutaneous cord-like lesion stretching from the inferior part of the left breast down along the anterolateral chest wall to the umbilicus level. The lesion was firm and mildly tender. It was adherent to the skin, but was slightly movable over the deeper tissues. Examination of the breasts showed no asymmetry or skin changes. Palpation of the right breast was normal. There was, however, mild lumpiness over the outer upper quadrant of the left breast although no definite breast lump found. The nipples were normal with no discharge. There were no palpable axillary or regional lymph nodes.
 

Figure.
The longitudinal cord–like lesion over the left abdominal wall on presentation
 
The patient was diagnosed with Mondor’s disease with involvement of the thoracoepigastric vein. The course of the disease was explained and the patient was advised to avoid repetitive strain of the chest wall. Paracetamol was prescribed for symptomatic relief. She was referred to the Surgical Specialist Outpatient Clinic (SOPC) for further evaluation of left breast lumpiness. The cord in this patient disappeared spontaneously after approximately 5 weeks. Clinical assessment at the SOPC in May 2011 did not identify any palpable breast lump. Routine mammogram was later performed in August 2012 and revealed a 2-cm ill-defined high-density speculated lesion in the outer-upper quadrant of the left breast. Supplementary ultrasonography was also performed and revealed an ill-defined irregular hypoechoic lesion measuring 0.7 x 0.6 x 1.65 cm. The patient was followed up in the SOPC 2 weeks later and the lesion was also clinically palpable. Core biopsy confirmed invasive ductal carcinoma. Left modified radical mastectomy was performed with metastatic invasive ductal carcinoma and axillary lymph node involvement confirmed (stage pT1cpN1). The patient was also treated with adjuvant chemotherapy.
 
Discussion
Mondor’s disease is an uncommon clinical condition of thrombophlebitis of the subcutaneous veins of the anterolateral thoracoabdominal wall. The most commonly affected vessels are the thoracoepigastric, lateral thoracic, and superior epigastric veins.1 It is characterised by sudden onset of one or more subcutaneous palpable and visible cord(s) over the mammary area, chest wall, or epigastrium.
 
Mondor’s disease occurs most commonly in middle-aged patients, and is more common in women than in men (ratio 3:1).2 The involved subcutaneous veins will initially turn red and tender and subsequently become a painless and tough fibrous band. Pathologically, the first stage is due to infiltration of inflammatory cells resulting in obliterative thrombophlebitis of the affected veins, causing redness and tenderness. In the second stage, connective tissues proliferate in the vessels with consequent formation of the fibrous band.1 Recanalisation of the veins occurs later and the fibrous band will disappear within several weeks.3
 
It is thought to be a very uncommon disease although the true incidence is unknown as it is self-limiting and patients may not seek medical attention. The diagnosis can usually be made based on clinical history and typical physical findings. Biopsy is not essential.
 
The aetiology of Mondor’s disease is still unclear. In many cases it is idiopathic, although it has also been linked with recent breast surgery, local trauma, excessive physical activity with muscle strain, an inflammatory process, infections, and mammary pathology including mastitis or abscess.2 Association with breast cancer has also been reported. Catana et al4 studied 63 cases of Mondor’s disease of whom eight (12.7%) had associated breast cancer. The authors suggested that mammography should be performed in patients with Mondor’s disease even when physical examination was normal. A retrospective review in 2011 identified five cases of Mondor’s disease of the breast; none of which was associated with breast cancer.5 Nonetheless, the authors advised thorough evaluation of the breast to exclude an underlying breast cancer. In our patient, the correlation with an occult carcinoma of the breast could not be confirmed since there was a time delay between the presentation of Mondor’s disease and the diagnosis of breast carcinoma. Moreover, the patient’s recent strenuous job with repetitive straining of the chest wall muscle might have been a predisposing factor.
 
Since Mondor’s disease is self-limiting, symptomatic treatment is suggested. General advice includes rest, local application of heat, and better breast support. Oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs provide effective symptomatic relief.2
 
In summary, Mondor’s disease is a condition that is rarely encountered in primary care. Recognising this condition is important as it can avoid unnecessary investigations and referral for diagnosis. Although the association of underlying breast cancer with Mondor’s disease has not been confirmed, family physicians should be aware of the possibility and conduct a thorough evaluation including clinical examination and imaging of the breast to exclude its presence in patients diagnosed with Mondor’s disease.
 
References
1. Alvarez-Garrido H, Garrido-Ríos AA, Sanz-Muñoz C, Miranda-Romero A. Mondor’s disease. Clin Exp Dermatol 2009;34:753-6. Crossref
2. Mayor M, Burón I, de Mora JC, et al. Mondor’s disease. Int J Dermatol 2000;39:922-5. Crossref
3. Ichinose A, Fukunaga A, Terashi H, et al. Objective recognition of vascular lesions in Mondor’s disease by immunohistochemistry. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2008;22:168-73.
4. Catana S, Zurrida S, Veronesi P, Galimberti V, Bono A, Pluchinotta A. Mondor’s disease and breast cancer. Cancer 1992;69:2267-70. Crossref
5. Salemis NS, Merkouris S, Kimpouri K. Mondor’s disease of the breast. A retrospective review. Breast Dis 2011;33:103-7. Crossref

Three cases of early-stage localised Lyme disease

DOI: 10.12809/hkmj144416
© Hong Kong Academy of Medicine. CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
 
CASE REPORT
Three cases of early-stage localised Lyme disease
Mahizer Yaldiz, MD1; Teoman Erdem, MD1; Fatma H Dilek, MD2
1 Department of Dermatology, Sakarya University Training and Research Hospital, Sakarya 54010, Turkey
2 Department of Pathology, Sakarya University Training and Research Hospital, Sakarya 54010, Turkey
 
Corresponding author: Dr Mahizer Yaldiz (drmahizer@gmail.com)
 
 Full paper in PDF
 
Case reports
Case 1
A 6-year-old girl was referred to our hospital in July 2010 with a red patch on one leg. The red patch had appeared 15 days after a tick-bite and become increasingly large within the last 1.5 months. Dermatological examination revealed an irregular annular erythema of 10 x 15 cm, with ecchymotic centre and pale outer edge on the anteromedial part of her left thigh (Fig a). Systemic examination as well as complete blood picture and liver and renal function tests were normal. In view of the history of tick-bite and prediagnosis of erythema chronicum migrans (ECM), Borrelia burgdorferi serology was requested and confirmed positive immunoglobulin (Ig) M to B burgdorferi. A diagnosis of Lyme disease was considered and treatment was started with amoxicillin and clavulanic acid at a paediatric dose of 50 mg/kg/day. After 15 days, the patient showed clinical improvement and at 6-month follow-up there were no systemic findings.
 

Figure. (a) Case 1: an irregular annular erythema of 10 x 15 cm with ecchymotic centre and pale outer edge on the anteromedial part of the left thigh. (b) Case 2: an irregular annular erythema with pale centre starting from around the crust corresponding to the point of tick-bite on the right knee and extending from the foot ankle to the lower third part of the thigh. (c) Case 3: an irregular annular erythema of size 5 x 7 cm with pale centre on the anteromedial part of the right thigh. (d) Case 3: superficial and deep perivascular lymphoplasmocytic inflammatory cell reaction and swollen endothelial cells in the superficial and deep dermis (arrows) [H&E; original magnification, x 40]
 
Case 2
A 2-year-old girl was referred to our hospital in May 2010 with a red patch on one leg that developed 10 days after a tick-bite and became increasingly large. Dermatological examination revealed an irregular annular erythema with pale centre starting from around the crust corresponding to the tick-bite on her right knee and encompassing an area from the ankle to the lower third of the femur (Fig b). Systemic examination was normal as were complete blood picture and liver and renal function tests. Borrelia burgdorferi serology was not performed. Lyme disease was considered and treatment was started with amoxicillin-clavulanic acid at a paediatric dose of 50 mg/kg/day. The patient showed clinical improvement after 15 days and there were no systemic findings at 6-month follow-up.
 
Case 3
A 53-year-old female patient was referred to our hospital in June 2010 with a red patch on her right leg that developed about 1 month previously and had steadily enlarged over the preceding 10 days. She had been bitten by a tick in the same region approximately 1.5 months earlier. Dermatological examination revealed an irregular annular erythema of about 5 x 7 cm with pale centre on the anteromedial part of her right thigh (Fig c). Systemic questioning and examination was normal and B burgdorferi serology, IgM, and IgG were negative. Histopathological examination of a skin biopsy revealed a perivascular lymphoplasmocytic inflammatory cell reaction and swelling of the endothelial cells in the superficial and deep dermis. The findings were consistent with ECM (Fig d). In view of the anamnesis and clinical and histopathological findings, the case was diagnosed as Lyme disease. Treatment was started with oral doxycycline (100 mg twice daily for 2 weeks). Follow-up at 15 days showed clinical improvement and the patient had no systemic findings after 6 months.
 
Discussion
Lyme disease is a systemic disorder that can affect many organs and is caused by some Borrelia species transmitted by the Ixodes genus of ticks. There are three genotypes of Borrelia that cause Lyme disease in humans: Borrelia burgdorferi sensu strico, Borrelia afzelii, and Borrelia garinii, collectively known as Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. Vector-transmitted Lyme infection is frequently seen in the United States and Europe.1 2 3 4 5 6 7
 
In Turkey, the disease was first reported in 1990 in the Black Sea and Aegean Regions of the country. To date, 25 types in the family Ixodidae have been reported in Turkey.1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Ixodes ricinus may be seen in all geographical areas of the country but is particularly widespread in humid forest areas (Black Sea, Marmara, and Mediterranean regions). The definitive prevalence of B burgdorferi infection in Turkey is unknown because of limited investigations. Seropositivity in the general population has been reported as 2% to 6% and in risk groups in endemic region as 6% to 44%, but values change with different country regions.10 11 12 13 14 Lyme disease is seen in both genders and in all age-groups, but is more prevalent in adults aged between 30 and 59 years and in children under 15 years of age.13 Approximately 60 cases have been reported in Turkey since 1990. When children were analysed, approximately 48% had a history of tick retention and most of the skin lesions were identified (approximately 46% in early stage). Neuroborreliosis is the second common clinical form to be reported. The Lyme disease is more common in women (70%) and the age distribution is 4 to 72 years (mean, 29.1 years); cases are mostly seen between March and July when vectors (nymphs) are active.15
 
Erythema chronicum migrans is the most frequently seen and most important diagnostic skin lesion in Lyme disease.3 6 7 It occurs on any part of the body and appears at the site of a tick-bite after an incubation period of 3 to 32 days, depending on the migration of spirochaetes in the skin. The incubation period can extend to 6 months, however.3 7 9 The lesion that starts as a red macule or papule rapidly expands outwards. It will then turn pale in the centre and develop into an annular rash, giving the appearance of a target board or bull’s eye.7 13 The diameter of the lesion varies between 4 cm and 60 cm. The lesion should have a minimal diameter of 5 cm in order to be defined as ECM. Local symptoms such as a burning sensation, itching, or pain may be reported.7 11
 
Following primary infection, the acute disseminated stage starts with dissemination of the causative agent to other tissues via blood and lymph vessels. The skin findings at this stage of infection include secondary ECM, borrelial lymphocytoma, urticarial plaques, erythema nodosum, and a malar rash.3 14 Secondary ECM lesions occur at sites distant from the tick-bite and will range in number from 2 to 30. The initial ECM may be followed by similar but generally smaller and often non-migrating lesions. More than 10 lesions are uncommon, but may occur.3 4 7 Borrelial lymphocytoma presents as a solitary bluish-red soft nodule with a slightly atrophic surface that varies from 1 to 5 cm in diameter, and occurs most frequently on the earlobe, nipple, scrotum, or axillary region. In this stage of dissemination, cardiac, neurological, and joint findings predominate.1 4 7 8
 
After several months or years, untreated patients may go on to develop late-stage Lyme disease. Acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans is the characteristic skin lesion in this stage. Other findings are of mono- or oligo-arthritis, meningoencephalitis, and uveitis. This stage may be the result of an immunopathological process in the absence of clinical regression with antibiotic therapy, a chronic inflammatory response, and no isolation of the causative bacterium from the lesions.2 3 4 7 12 The three cases reported here showed only an ECM lesion and no systemic findings at 6-month follow-up. This was consequent to adequate therapy commenced at an early stage of the disease.
 
The diagnosis of Lyme disease is based on symptoms, objective physical findings (ECM, facial paralysis, arthritis, etc), and a history of tick contact.1 4 9 The results of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot analysis can be used to support the diagnosis.4 9 The diagnosis of early-stage Lyme disease is based on the presence of ECM and history of tick-bite.3 6 7 Since the rate of false-negative results is high in the acute stage of the disease, serological tests are not recommended, but are used to support the clinical findings of early- and late-disseminated stages of Lyme disease.8 9 10 11 12 Our case 1 confirmed positive IgM to B burgdorferi. Case 2 underwent no serological tests. In case 3, both IgM and IgG were negative to B burgdorferi.
 
Skin biopsy is used for the differential diagnosis of ECM. In ECM cases, there is a patch-like perivascular mononuclear infiltration of the superficial and deep dermis. This infiltration consists of predominantly lymphocytes and histiocytes as well as plasma cells in varying quantities.3 7 11 In our case 3, histopathological examination of her skin biopsy for differential diagnosis demonstrated perivascular lymphoplasmocytic inflammatory cell infiltration in the superficial and deep dermis. This histopathological picture supported our diagnosis of ECM.
 
Doxycycline, amoxicillin, and cefuroxime axetil are the antibiotics of choice. The recommended duration of therapy for early-stage disease is 14 to 21 days and for late stage at least 4 weeks.4 7 12 Since our first two cases were children, they received amoxicillin and clavulanic acid 50 mg/kg/day for 15 days. Our case 3 was an adult and received oral doxycycline (100 mg twice daily for 2 weeks). At 15 days, all lesions were completely cured in all patients, and there was no relapse or systemic involvement at 6-month follow-up.
 
In conclusion, ECM is an important clinical sign of early-stage Lyme disease. The diagnosis and therapy of Lyme disease at an early stage is vital as it prevents progression to late-stage disease. In endemic regions and in patients with a history of tick-bite, the clinician should stay alert to the presence of ECM. If a patient is considered to have ECM, specific investigations for Lyme disease should be ordered.
 
References
1. Winn WJ, Allen S, Janda W. Spirochetal infections. Koneman’s color atlas and textbook of diagnostic microbiology. 6th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins; 2006: 1135-43.
2. Mullegger RR. Dermatological manifestations of lyme borreliosis. Eur J Dermatol 2004;14:296-309.
3. Topcu AW, Soyletir G, Doğanay M, Doğanci L. Lyme disease: infectious diseases and microbiology. 3. Istabul: Nobel Tip Kitapevleri; 2008: 973-88.
4. Borriello SP, Murray PR, Funke G. Postic D. Borrelia. Topley and Wilson’s microbiology and microbial infections. 10th ed. London: Hodder Arnold; 2005: 1818-37.
5. Wolff K, Goldsmith LA, Katz SI, Gilchrest BA, Paller AS, Leffel DJ. In: Mahalingam M, Bhawan J, Chomat AM, Hu L. Lyme borreliosis. Fitzpatrick’s dermatology in general medicine. 7th ed. New York: McGraw Hill; 2008: 1797-806.
6. Tepe B, Sayiner HS, Karincaoğlu Y. Early stage localized Lyme disease: case report [in Turkish]. İnönü Üniversitesi Tip Fakültesi Dergisi 2011;18:122-5.
7. Bolognia JL, Jorizzo JL, Rapini RP, Espana A. Figurate erythemas. Dermatology. St Louis: Mosby; 2003: 277-86.
8. Evans SE, Karaduman A. Eritemli dermatozlar [in Turkish]. Turk J Dermatol 2009;3:55-62.
9. UtaŞ S, Kardag Y, Doganay M. The evaluation of Lyme serology in patients with symptoms which may be related with Borrelia burgdorferi [in Turkish]. Mikrobiyoloji Bulteni 1994;28:106-12.
10. Aguero-Rosenfeld ME, Wang G, Schwartz I, Wormser GP. Diagnosis of lyme borreliosis. Clin Microbiol Rev 2005;18:484-509. Crossref
11. DePietropaolo DL, Powers JH, Gill JM, Foy AJ. Diagnosis of lyme disease. Am Fam Physician 2005;72:297-304.
12. Anlar FY, Durlu Y, Aktan G, et al. Clinical characteristics of Lyme disease in 12 cases [in Turkish]. Mikrobiyol Bul 2003;37:255-9.
13. Koksak I, Saltoğlu N, Bingul T, Ozturk H. A case of Lyme disease [in Turkish]. Ankem Dergisi 1990;4:284.
14. Gargili A. Lyme disease: factors and epidemiology. II. Proceedings of Turkey Zoonotic Diseases Symposium; 2008 Nov 27-28. Ankara: Program ve Bildiri Kitabi; s:89-92.
15. Kiliç S. Lyme disease: the pathogen and epidemiology [in Turkish]. Turkiye Klinikleri J Infect Dis Spec Top 2014;7:29-41.

Extensive mediastinal aspergillosis presenting with dyspnoea and cardiac tamponade symptoms

DOI: 10.12809/hkmj154790
© Hong Kong Academy of Medicine. CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
 
CASE REPORT
Extensive mediastinal aspergillosis presenting with dyspnoea and cardiac tamponade symptoms
Syed F Mustafa, MD1; Hamza AR Khan, MD1; Saulat H Fatimi, MD2
1 Medical College, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
2 Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
 
Corresponding author: Dr Hamza AR Khan (hamza_saeedahmed@hotmail.com)
 
 Full paper in PDF
 
Case report
An 18-year-old girl was admitted to the Aga Khan Hospital, Pakistan in April 2014 with progressively worsening shortness of breath, orthopnoea, malaise, and low-grade fever for 3 years, and generalised body swelling for 6 months. She had no significant medical history or trauma.
 
On physical examination she was a medium-built girl with a heart rate of 120 beats/min, raised jugular venous pressure, and bilateral pedal pitting oedema. Chest auscultation revealed muffled heart sounds with bilateral basilar lung crepitations. The chest X-ray showed wide mediastinum with clear lung markings.
 
The computed tomographic (CT) scan showed a conglomerate undefined mass in the anterior, middle, and posterior mediastinum encasing the entire heart and great vessels with most marked extension in the retrocardiac area (Fig 1). The echo showed a large echo-dense mass compressing the heart with invasion into the left atrium (LA), obliterating most of the LA cavity.
 

Figure 1. Computed tomographic scan showing an undefined mass (arrow) in the anterior, middle, and posterior mediastinum encasing the entire heart and great vessels
 
Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery was performed and the mass biopsied for histopathological examination. The histopathology showed fibrosis and chronic granulomatous inflammation with fungal hyphae on periodic acid–Schiff staining (Fig 2). The fungal cultures grew Aspergillus flavus.
 

Figure 2. Histopathology showing fibrosis and chronic granulomatous inflammation along with fungal hyphae stained with periodic acid–Schiff stain (original magnification, x 400)
 
A diagnosis of invasive mediastinal aspergillosis was made and the patient was started on oral itraconazole 100 mg twice a day. She showed a remarkable recovery in her symptomatology in the first 6 weeks of follow-up.
 
Discussion
Aspergillosis refers to a variety of diseases caused by several species of Aspergillus organisms that are abundant in the environment and recognition of which has increased over recent years. There are three main categories in general: saprophytic aspergilloma, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, and invasive aspergillosis. The term ‘invasive aspergillosis’ is generally used to imply a histopathologically demonstrated invasion of tissues by these spores. It represents an important cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly among immunocompromised patients, occurring mostly in those with haematological malignancies who are undergoing chemotherapy and organ transplantation with concomitant immunosuppressive therapy. Extension of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis to the mediastinum has been reported only rarely.1 Our case is an immunocompetent patient with extensive mediastinal aspergillosis who presented with dyspnoea and symptoms of cardiac tamponade.
 
Invasive aspergillosis varies in severity and clinical course, depending upon the affected organ and the host. It is caused by many Aspergillus groups; however the most common is the Aspergillus fumigatus group. These groups live in soil, and derive nutrients from dead plants and animal matter. It has been further subdivided in recent years to angioinvasive and airway-invasive aspergillosis. Invasive aspergillosis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in immunosuppressed patients.2
 
The form that Aspergillus lung disease takes is heavily dependent on the immune response of the patient.3 Indolent forms of locally invasive aspergillosis in the form of chronic necrotising or semi-invasive aspergillosis in apparently immunocompetent individuals are now recognised.
 
Invasive aspergillosis is a result of three factors: (1) suppression of the immune response due to debilitating disease or therapy; (2) glucocorticoid therapy with consequent diminished inflammatory response and disruption of the normal flora by antimicrobial agents4; and (3) local implantation of the fungus. The disease is well known in immunocompromised individuals but has also been described in healthy individuals. Patients with a compromised immune system, specifically with neutropenia, are susceptible to acute airway-invasive and angioinvasive aspergillosis in the absence of pre-existing lung pathology.
 
There have been a few cases described in which patients were immunocompetent. Orr et al5 documented two patients with normal host defences in whom postmortem examination revealed death due to disseminated aspergillosis (one patient had a history of coronary heart disease, the other acute renal failure following gangrenous appendicitis). Our patient was otherwise healthy as confirmed by the normal haematological studies.
 
The usual pathogenesis of invasive aspergillosis is by dissemination from a primary site, such as the lungs or the paranasal sinuses, or by contiguous spread.6 In this particular patient, the chest X-ray and CT scan of the chest were clear without a primary lesion. It was therefore postulated that inhalation of the fungal spores with immediate mediastinal invasion resulted in the implantation of a high concentration of aspergillus spores around the heart. This was followed by chronic infiltration around the pericardium and extension into the heart.
 
This idea was supported by the histopathology report of granulomatous tissue fibrosis, indicating a long-standing process, and in keeping with the history of worsening shortness of breath for 3 years. Our case showed an undefined mass in the anterior, middle, and posterior mediastinum extending into the LA. The effects of the mass could explain all of the patient’s symptoms, namely worsening dyspnoea and cardiac tamponade symptoms.
 
In conclusion, this case highlights that there is usually a long dormant period before the clinical manifestation of aspergillosis, clinically and radiologically the disease may be suggestive of a malignant process, and contamination with aspergillus should be considered from all possible aspects, particularly in healthy individuals.
 
References
1. Shakoor MT, Ayub S, Ayub Z, Mahmood F. Fulminant invasive aspergillosis of the mediastinum in an immunocompetent host: a case report. J Med Case Rep 2012;6:311. Crossref
2. Al-Alawi A, Ryan CF, Flint JD, Müller NL. Aspergillus-related lung disease. Can Respir J 2005;12:377-87. Crossref
3. Gefter WB. The spectrum of pulmonary aspergillosis. J Thorac Imaging 1992;7:56-74. Crossref
4. Mashimoto H, Suyama N, Araki J, et al. A case of mediastinitis and bilateral pyothorax, following acute epiglottitis with concurrent Aspergillus infection [in Japanese]. Kansenshogaku Zasshi 1992;66:648-52. Crossref
5. Orr DP, Myerowitz RL, Dubois PJ. Patho-radiologic correlation of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in the compromised host. Cancer 1978;41:2028-39. Crossref
6. Hendrix WC, Arruda LK, Platts-Mills TA, Haworth CS, Jabour R, Ward GW Jr. Aspergillus epidural abscess and cord compression in a patient with aspergilloma and empyema. Survival and response to high dose systemic amphotericin therapy. Am Rev Respir Dis 1992;145:1483-6. Crossref

Liver transplantation: a life-saving procedure following amatoxin mushroom poisoning

DOI: 10.12809/hkmj154616
© Hong Kong Academy of Medicine. CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
 
CASE REPORT
Liver transplantation: a life-saving procedure following amatoxin mushroom poisoning
KW Ma, MB, BS, FHKAM (Surgery)1; Kenneth SH Chok, MS, FHKAM (Surgery)1,2; CK Chan, MB, BS, FHKAM (Emergency Medicine)3; WC Dai, MB, BS, FHKAM (Surgery)1,2; SL Sin, MB, ChB, FHKAM (Surgery)1; FL Lau, MB, BS, FHKAM (Emergency Medicine)3; SC Chan, MD, FHKAM (Surgery)2; CM Lo, MS, FHKAM (Surgery)1,2
1 Department of Surgery, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
2 Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
3 Hong Kong Poison Information Centre, United Christian Hospital, Kwun Tong, Hong Kong
 
Corresponding author: Dr Kenneth SH Chok (kennethchok@gmail.com)
 
 Full paper in PDF
 
Case reports
Case 1
In April 2013, a 48-year-old man and his wife picked wild mushrooms near Shing Mun Reservoir. After eating the cooked mushrooms, they developed symptoms resembling gastroenteritis and attended accident and emergency department (A&E) around 12 hours later. The husband was alert with normal blood test results at 18 hours following ingestion. Thirty hours later, his total bilirubin increased to 54 µmol/L (reference range, 4-23 µmol/L), serum alanine transaminase (ALT) to 2928 IU/L (reference range, 8-58 IU/L), serum creatinine to 229 µmol/L (reference range, 67-109 µmol/L), and international normalised ratio (INR) to 1.56 (reference level, <1.1). Mushroom poisoning was suspected and the Hong Kong Poison Information Centre was contacted. He was given N-acetylcysteine (NAC), silibinin, and penicillin G in the intensive care unit. Subsequent blood tests showed no improvement and around 48 hours after ingestion, his serum ALT climbed to 4856 IU/L and INR to 2.25. He was transferred to the intensive care unit of Queen Mary Hospital (QMH) for further care.
 
At QMH, computed tomography of the abdomen revealed hypo-enhancement of the liver parenchyma. Liver transplant workup was initiated in view of impending liver failure. Fortunately his liver function started to stabilise 8 hours after admission to QMH, with a serum ALT peak at 3856 IU/L and INR at 3.5. He then made progressive recovery and was discharged 10 days after admission.
 
Case 2
The 47-year-old wife of the patient in case 1 had a high fever of 38.8°C upon admission. Blood tests taken around 12 hours after ingestion showed normal results. Twenty-four hours later, her serum ALT rose to 751 IU/L. Thirty-six hours later, it rose further to 2654 IU/L with an INR of 2.59. A clinical toxicologist was consulted and amatoxin poisoning was diagnosed; NAC, penicillin G, vitamin K, and silibinin were commenced. At 72 hours after ingestion, her serum ALT surged to 5132 IU/L, INR 5.28, total bilirubin 42 µmol/L, and ammonia 35 µmol/L. She was transferred to QMH.
 
Upon arrival, computed tomographic features were similar to those of her husband, with liver necrosis suggested. Her INR surged further to 7.2. According to the King’s College Criteria for acute liver failure, liver transplantation was indicated and transplant workup started. Fortunately, an ABO-compatible deceased donor liver graft was available. Liver transplantation was performed 36 hours after admission (about 5 days after ingestion). The operation took 7 hours, and the patient had 3 L of blood loss. Pathological examination of the explant showed massive necrosis. She was discharged on postoperative day 30, requiring life-long immunosuppression.
 
Case 3
A 29-year-old man ate raw, whitish yellow mushrooms while hiking at Ma On Shan in March 2015. Twelve hours later he developed vomiting and diarrhoea. His symptoms improved afterwards. On day 4 after ingestion, he was found to have jaundice and confusion and was brought to A&E. Upon arrival, his Glasgow Coma Scale score was 14/15. The first blood tests showed grossly deranged results: serum creatinine 241 µmol/L, sodium 117 mmol/L, potassium 6.1 mmol/L, total bilirubin 246 µmol/L, serum ALT 9390 IU/L, and INR >8. Before he was transferred to QMH, NAC, penicillin G, vitamin K1, and fresh frozen plasma were given.
 
At QMH, liver transplant workup was started, but his elder brother was not accepted for liver donation as he was shown to have severe fatty liver on computed tomography. The patient’s condition deteriorated. His Glasgow Coma Scale score dropped to 4/15, and oxygen desaturation and seizure developed. With the presence of severe hepatic encephalopathy, any delay in rescue would increase the chance of irreversible brain insult due to cerebral oedema. Coincidentally, a liver from a 60-year-old brain-dead woman whose blood group was identical to the patient’s was available.
 
A multidisciplinary clinical team involving cardiac and respiratory physicians, radiologists, anaesthesiologists, intensivists, cardiothoracic surgeons, and liver transplant surgeons coordinated to expedite the operation. Liver procurement and implantation were started within a few hours, with two teams of liver transplant surgeons working in parallel. The recipient operation took 6 hours. Pathological examination of the explant showed confluent necrosis. The patient was discharged on day 20.
 
Discussion
According to the Hong Kong Poison Information Centre database, there have been seven documented cases of amatoxin mushroom poisoning since July 2005, resulting in one death and two liver transplantations (Table). Amatoxin poisoning leads to the most serious consequences and accounts for more than 90% of mushroom-related mortalities.1 Amatoxins, phallotoxins, and other toxic cyclopeptides are produced by certain mushroom species of three genera, namely the Amanita, Galerina, and Lepiota, while Amanita phalloides is the most infamous type, also known as the “death cap”.2 Amatoxins are highly toxic and cannot be destroyed by any means of food processing.3 The liver is the most affected organ, as amatoxins are absorbed preferentially by hepatocytes and go through the enterohepatic circulation. Other organs can also be intoxicated. If the kidneys are involved, acute renal failure secondary to acute tubular necrosis may result.2
 

Table. Summary of all amatoxin mushroom poisoning cases in Hong Kong in the past 10 years from the database of Hong Kong Poison Information Centre
 
The clinical manifestation of amatoxin poisoning typically consists of four sequential phases. In the first phase, the ‘lag phase’, the patient remains asymptomatic for at least 6 hours after ingestion.4 This is one of the distinguishing features of amatoxin poisoning, as most benign mushroom poisonings cause gastrointestinal symptoms within 4 hours of ingestion. The ‘gastrointestinal phase’ comes next, starting at 6 to 24 hours after ingestion, with symptoms resembling severe gastroenteritis. Blood tests in this phase usually show normal results unless there is significant fluid loss via the gastrointestinal tract.5 6 7 8 9 The ‘apparent convalescence phase’ follows at 36 to 48 hours after ingestion. In this period, the patient has some relief from gastrointestinal symptoms, but at the same time amatoxins start to cause discernible hepatic injury presenting as jaundice and a rise in serum aminotransferase. Finally, the ‘acute liver failure phase’ sets in, with drastic surges in liver enzymes, renal failure, encephalopathy, hepatorenal syndrome,10 and multi-organ failure. Without liver transplantation, severe cases end in mortality 1 to 2 weeks after ingestion.11 Recovery with supportive treatment is possible in cases of mild intoxication.
 
Tests including radioimmunoassay, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and high-performance liquid chromatography are used to detect amatoxins in body fluids or liver explants or as part of an autopsy for confirmation. The sensitivity of these tests depends on the time of sample collection. The detection window of amatoxins is up to 5 days after ingestion in urine and up to 22 days in tissue.12 Residual mushroom sample can be used for mycological assessment. Urine amatoxin testing was performed in the three cases reported above. Cases 1 and 2 had positive results, whereas the result in case 3 was negative, apparently because the patient was brought to clinical attention several days after ingestion; the negative result did not exclude amatoxin poisoning. Diagnosis of amatoxin poisoning requires a high index of suspicion and detailed history taking, with particular attention to the sequencing of events.
 
Management of amatoxin poisoning can be classified as supportive with specific treatments. The survival chance is 70% to 100% with early diagnosis and intensive care.4 Patients who suffer from severe gastrointestinal symptoms or organ failure require intensive care aiming at an hourly urine output of 100 to 200 mL.4 Significant coagulopathy must be corrected. Specific treatment can be subclassified into medical and surgical one. N-acetylcysteine, silibinin, penicillin G, multiple-dose activated charcoal, and enhanced elimination methods constitute the mainstay of medical treatment.4 5 6 7 9 N-acetylcysteine protects the liver by being an oxygen free radical scavenger, while silibinin works by inhibiting the organic anion transmembrane transporter responsible for the uptake of amatoxins by hepatocytes and the enterohepatic recycling of these toxins.4 The role of penicillin G in treating amatoxin poisoning is controversial. Penicillin G blocks uptake of amatoxins by hepatocytes and binds to circulating amatoxins. Oral multiple-dose activated charcoal can be administered within 3 days of ingestion. It works by inhibiting amatoxin absorption through the intestinal mucosa and reabsorption via the enterohepatic circulation. Enhanced elimination methods including extracorporeal albumin dialysis, the molecular adsorbent recirculating system, and the fractionated plasma separation and adsorption system (the Prometheus System) are investigational therapies for amatoxin poisoning.
 
Conventional therapies fail in 10% to 20% of cases.6 Death resulting from fulminant liver failure is inevitable if timely liver transplantation is not performed. As to when liver transplantation is needed, there are different sets of parameters in use, but none has gained universal acceptance in the context of amatoxin-related liver failure. At QMH, the King’s College Criteria are adopted. Pathological examination suggested irreversible liver damage in the explants in cases 2 and 3, and justified our decision regarding transplantation.
 
Amatoxin poisoning is lethal. Clinicians should be aware of its natural history and start treatment early. Transferal, if needed, has to be timely. Public education about the dangers of wild mushroom consumption is vital.
 
Acknowledgements
We would like to thank Dr James YY Fung, Consultant Hepatologist at Queen Mary Hospital, for his expert advice on managing the above patients. We also thank Dr SH Tsui for providing patient data for this case report.
 
References
1. Bryngil J. Amanita phalloides. Clin Toxicol Rev 1999;21:191-8.
2. Himmelmann A, Mang G, Schnorf-Huber S. Lethal ingestion of stored Amanita phalloides mushrooms. Swiss Med Wkly 2001;131:616-7.
3. Gibbons RB. Mushroom poisoning. Compr Ther 1982;8:33-9.
4. Goldfrank LR. Mushrooms. In: Hoffman RS, Howland MA, Lewin NA, Nelson LS, Goldfrank LR, editors. Goldfrank’s toxicologic emergencies. 10th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill; 2015: 1500-14.
5. Enjalbert F, Rapior S, Nouguier-Soulé J, Guillon S, Amouroux N, Cabot C. Treatment of amatoxin poisoning: 20-year retrospective analysis. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 2002;40:715-57. Crossref
6. Broussard CN, Aggarwal A, Lacey SR, et al. Mushroom poisoning—from diarrhea to liver transplantation. Am J Gastroenterol 2001;96:3195-8. Crossref
7. Berger KL, Guss DA. Mycotoxins revisited: part I. J Emerg Med 2005;28:53-62. Crossref
8. Leist M, Gantner F, Naumann H, et al. Tumor necrosis factor–induced apoptosis during the poisoning of mice with hepatotoxins. Gastroenterology 1997;112:923-34. Crossref
9. Paaso B, Harrison DC. A new look at an old problem: mushroom poisoning. Clinical presentations and new therapeutic approaches. Am J Med 1975;58:505-9. Crossref
10. Sanz P, Reig R, Borrás L, Martínez J, Máñez R, Corbella J. Disseminated intravascular coagulation and mesenteric venous thrombosis in fatal amanita poisoning. Hum Toxicol 1988;7:199-201. Crossref
11. Butera R, Locatelli C, Coccini T, Manzo L. Diagnostic accuracy of urinary amanitin in suspected mushroom poisoning: a pilot study. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 2004;42:901-12. Crossref
12. Jaeger A, Jehl F, Flesch F, Sauder P, Kopferschmitt J. Kinetics of amatoxins in human poisoning: therapeutic implications. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 1993;31:63-80. Crossref

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