Anterior mediastinal alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma in an infant: rare site for a common paediatric tumour

ABSTRACT

Hong Kong Med J 2013;19:458–9 | Number 5, October 2013
DOI: 10.12809/hkmj133714
CASE REPORT
Anterior mediastinal alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma in an infant: rare site for a common paediatric tumour
WP Chu
Department of Radiology, Princess Margaret Hospital, Laichikok, Hong Kong (currently at the Department of Radiology, Tseung Kwan O Hospital, Tseung Kwan O, Hong Kong)
 
 
Rhabdomyosarcoma is a common paediatric soft tissue tumour. However, the anterior mediastinum is an extremely rare site for its occurrence. This report describes the imaging and histological findings of such a tumour in a 4-month-old boy.
 
Key words: Mediastinal cyst; Neoplasms; Pediatrics; Rhabdomyosarcoma, alveolar
 
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Metastatic carcinoma of breast in the urinary bladder

ABSTRACT

Hong Kong Med J 2013;19:455–7 | Number 5, October 2013
DOI: 10.12809/hkmj133768
CASE REPORT
Metastatic carcinoma of breast in the urinary bladder
MH Wong, MK Yiu, KL Ho
Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
 
 
Less than 5% of breast cancers present as metastasis, and urinary bladder secondaries were only sporadically reported in the literature. However, they may even be responsible for the initial presentation, for which reason they can pose a diagnostic challenge. We present here what we believe is the first such case in Hong Kong, with a review of this entity.
 
Key words: Breast neoplasms; Neoplasm metastasis; Urinary bladder
 
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Erdheim-Chester disease: an uncommon cause of upper urinary tract obstruction

ABSTRACT

Hong Kong Med J 2013;19:451–4 | Number 5, October 2013
DOI: 10.12809/hkmj133738
CASE REPORT
Erdheim-Chester disease: an uncommon cause of upper urinary tract obstruction
James HL Tsu, SK Yuen, H Cheung, YW Lee, PL Liu
Department of Surgery, Caritas Medical Centre, 111 Wing Hong Street, Shamshuipo, Kowloon, Hong Kong
 
 
Erdheim-Chester disease is a rare non-Langerhans form of systemic histiocytosis of unknown origin. We describe a 45-year-old man presenting with bilateral hydronephrosis suggestive of extrinsic urinary tract obstruction. Computed tomography revealed extensive hypodense soft tissue infiltration in the retroperitoneum surrounding the kidneys. Needle biopsy of the retroperitoneal soft tissue revealed aggregates of lipid-laden histiocytes expressing CD68 but negative for CD1a and S100 protein. The diagnosis of Erdheim-Chester disease was supported by typical radionuclide bone scinitigraphic findings. Treatment with prednisolone, sirolimus, and regular ureteric stent revision was initiated to achieve adequate urinary tract drainage. To our knowledge, this is the second patient with Erdheim-Chester disease reported in Hong Kong. A high index of suspicion is required to avoid delay in the diagnosis of this rare disease.
 
Key words: Erdheim-Chester disease; Histiocytosis; Sirolimus
 
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Ectopia cordis

ABSTRACT

Hong Kong Med J 2013;19:447–50 | Number 5, October 2013
DOI: 10.12809/hkmj133737
CASE REPORT
Ectopia cordis
Surasak Puvabanditsin, Valeria Di Stefano, Eugene Garrow, Ronald Wong, Jeffrey Eng, Jerome Balbin
Department of Pediatrics, Rutgers-RWJ Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey, US
 
 
We report on a preterm male newborn with complete ectopia cordis associated with Cantrell’s syndrome. The neonate had an ectopia cordis involving defects of the lower sternum, supraumbilical abdominal wall, anterior portion of the diaphragm, and diaphragmatic portion of the pericardium associated with complex congenital heart defects. The infant died shortly after birth. We discuss this case and review the literature.
 
Key words: Abdominal wall; Ectopia cordis; Heart defects, congenital; Pentalogy of Cantrell
 
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Early consideration of anti-NMDAR encephalitis in unexplained encephalopathy

ABSTRACT

Hong Kong Med J 2013;19:362–4 | Number 4, August 2013
DOI: 10.12809/hkmj133602
CASE REPORT
Early consideration of anti-NMDAR encephalitis in unexplained encephalopathy
Maggie LY Yau, Eva LW Fung
Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
 
 
With the identification of anti-NMDAR (N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor) antibody, the spectrum of anti-NMDAR encephalitis has been expanding. The condition is also increasingly recognised in children, though younger patients are less likely to have tumours, while behavioural and speech problems, seizures, and abnormal movements are common early presenting features. Here we present yet another case with subtle, non-specific clinical symptoms that responded promptly to intravenous immunoglobulin. We believe this illustrates the importance of considering this uncommon differential diagnosis in the management of unexplained neurological conditions.
 
Key words: Antibodies; Diagnosis; Encephalitis
 
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A patient with congenital hyperlactataemia and Leigh syndrome: an uncommon mitochondrial variant

ABSTRACT

Hong Kong Med J 2013;19:357–61 | Number 4, August 2013
DOI: 10.12809/hkmj133673
CASE REPORT
A patient with congenital hyperlactataemia and Leigh syndrome: an uncommon mitochondrial variant
CK Ching, Chloe M Mak, KM Au, KY Chan, YP Yuen, Eric KC Yau, Louis CK Ma, HL Chow, Albert YW Chan
Kowloon West Cluster Laboratory Genetic Service, Department of Pathology, Princess Margaret Hospital, Laichikok, Hong Kong
 
 
We report an uncommon mitochondrial variant in a baby girl with congenital hyperlactataemia and Leigh syndrome. The patient presented with a single episode of generalised clonic convulsion at day 19, and was found to have isolated and persistent hyperlactataemia ranging from 3.34 to 9.26 mmol/L. She had elevated serum lactate-to-pyruvate ratios of up to 35 and high plasma alanine concentration, indicative of a respiratory chain defect. At the age of 8 months, she developed evolving neurological and imaging features compatible with Leigh syndrome. Genetic testing for common mitochondrial DNA mutations, large mitochondrial DNA deletions, and selected nuclear genes was negative. Further analysis of lymphocyte mitochondrial DNA by sequencing revealed an uncommon heteroplasmic variant, NC_012920.1(MT-ND5):m.13094T>C (p.Val253Ala), which was previously shown to reduce complex I activity. In patients in whom there was a high suspicion of mitochondrial disorder, entire mitochondrial DNA analysis may be warranted if initial screening of common mitochondrial DNA mutations is negative.
 
Key words: Acidosis, lactic; Hong Kong; Leigh disease; Mitochondria; Mutation
 
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Mad honey poisoning mimicking acute myocardial infarction

ABSTRACT

Hong Kong Med J 2013;19:354–6 | Number 4, August 2013
DOI: 10.12809/hkmj133936
CASE REPORT
Mad honey poisoning mimicking acute myocardial infarction
Sammy PL Chen, YH Lam, Vember CH Ng, FL Lau, YC Sze, WT Chan, Tony WL Mak
Toxicology Reference Laboratory, Princess Margaret Hospital, Laichikok, Hong Kong
 
 
We report a case of acute poisoning in a 48-year-old man who presented with chest pain, abdominal pain, dizziness, sweatiness, blurred vision, and severe hypotension after ingestion of honey. His electrocardiogram showed sinus bradycardia and transient ST elevation. He made a good recovery after treatment with atropine and close monitoring. Grayanotoxin was detected in his urine and the honey he ingested, which confirmed a diagnosis of mad honey poisoning. This is a condition prevalent in the Black Sea region around Turkey but rarely seen locally. Although mad honey poisoning is life-threatening, early use of atropine is life-saving. Such poisoning may present with ST elevation in the electrocardiogram and symptoms mimicking acute myocardial infarction. It is therefore essential for clinicians to recognise this unusual form of poisoning and avoid the disastrous use of thrombolytic therapy.
 
Key words: Diterpenes; Dizziness; Honey/poisoning; Hypotension; Toxins, biological
 
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Fatal cerebral air embolism related to an air flight

ABSTRACT

Hong Kong Med J 2013;19:352–3 | Number 4, August 2013
DOI: 10.12809/hkmj133898
CASE REPORT
Fatal cerebral air embolism related to an air flight
Jessie TH Yeung, Johnny KF Ma, YF Mak, Vincent SC Lam
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Princess Margaret Hospital, Laichikok, Hong Kong
 
 
A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease developed a cough, loss of consciousness, and convulsions during an air flight. Chest radiography showed a large lung bulla. Computed tomography of the brain showed intraparenchymal air and bilateral cerebral infarcts. The findings were compatible with cerebral air embolism, most likely predisposed to by lung bulla and an air flight. The underlying pathology and possible treatment are discussed.
 
Key words: Aircraft; Embolism, air; Infarction; Lung diseases
 
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Right-sided pyriform sinus fistula in an adult

ABSTRACT

Hong Kong Med J 2013;19:349–51 | Number 4, August 2013
DOI: 10.12809/hkmj133678
CASE REPORT
Right-sided pyriform sinus fistula in an adult
TL Chow, SH Lam, Adrian XN Lo, KH Au Yeung
Department of Surgery, United Christian Hospital, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
 
 
Pyriform sinus fistula is important despite its rarity, as it can induce a recurrent neck abscess. Most of the reported cases occur in children and the majority affect only the left side. We report a patient with a pyriform sinus fistula of the right neck in an adult, which was successfully treated by surgery. The aetiology of this entity is also discussed herein.
 
Key words: Abscess; Fistula; Pyriform sinus; Recurrence
 
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Late presentation of simple virilising 21-hydroxylase deficiency in a Chinese woman with Turner's syndrome

ABSTRACT

Hong Kong Med J 2013;19:268–71 | Number 3, June 2013
DOI: 10.12809/hkmj133717
CASE REPORT
Late presentation of simple virilising 21-hydroxylase deficiency in a Chinese woman with Turner's syndrome
KF Lee, Angel OK Chan, Juliana MC Fok, Maria WH Mak, KC Yu, KM Lee, CC Shek
Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Kwong Wah Hospital, Yaumatei, Kowloon, Hong Kong
 
 
Classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency is a well-known disorder of sexual development (previously known as ambiguous genitalia) in genotypic female neonates. We report on a 66-year-old Chinese, brought up as male, with a simple virilising form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia associated with Turner's syndrome (karyotype 45,X/47,XXX/46,XX). His late presentation was recognised due to his exceptionally short stature and persistent sexual ambiguity. His condition was only brought to medical attention as he developed a huge abdominal mass, which later turned out to be a benign ovarian mucinous cyst. It is therefore important to look out for co-existing congenital adrenal hyperplasia in patients with Turner's syndrome and virilisation, after the presence of Y chromosome material has been excluded.
 
Key words: Adrenal hyperplasia, congenital; Steroids/urine; Turner syndrome; Virilism
 
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