An uncommon mimic of spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage

ABSTRACT

Hong Kong Med J 2013;19:80–1 | Number 1, February 2013
CASE REPORT
An uncommon mimic of spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage
Rebecca YT Ng, Deyond YW Siu, George KC Wong, HK Ng, WS Poon
Division of Neurosurgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
 
 
We here presented a rare disease entity with a clinical presentation mimicking aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage. A 43-year-old woman presented with a 1-week history of neck pain and dizziness. Computed tomography of brain showed communicating hydrocephalus and subarachnoid hyperintensity suspicious of previous subarachnoid haemorrhage. Investigations revealed no underlying vascular lesion and leptomeningeal biopsy showed diffuse melanocytosis. We go on to discuss the diagnostic features and clinical course of this entity.
 
Key words: Melanoma; Melanosis; Meningeal neoplasms; Subarachnoid hemorrhage
 
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An unusual cause of oesophageal variceal bleeding in a Chinese human immunodeficiency virus–infected patient

ABSTRACT

Hong Kong Med J 2013;19:77–9 | Number 1, February 2013
CASE REPORT
An unusual cause of oesophageal variceal bleeding in a Chinese human immunodeficiency virus–infected patient
YT Hui, WY Lam, MP Lee, TW Lam, Patrick Li
Department of Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Jordan, Hong Kong
 
 
Non-cirrhotic portal hypertension is an unusual but potentially serious liver disorder in human immunodeficiency virus–infected patients with prolonged exposure to didanosine. Due to its rarity, the diagnosis is often delayed. It is postulated that didanosine contributes to obliterative portal venopathy and causes portal hypertension. Affected patients may present with abnormal liver function or signs of portal hypertension, while the diagnosis usually depends on liver biopsy. We report a case of non-cirrhotic portal hypertension in a human immunodeficiency virus–infected patient. The reported histological features include nodular regenerative hyperplasia and hepatoportal sclerosis. Early recognition is important as timely management of severe portal hypertension may prevent potentially fatal gastro-intestinal bleeding.
 
Key words: Anti-HIV agents; Didanosine; HIV infections; Hypertension, portal; Liver diseases
 
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Strongyloidiasis in a nonagenarian who previously worked in conservancy services

ABSTRACT

Hong Kong Med J 2013;19:74–6 | Number 1, February 2013
CASE REPORT
Strongyloidiasis in a nonagenarian who previously worked in conservancy services
YF Shea, KM Chau, Ivan FN Hung, LW Chu
Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
 
 
We report a case of strongyloidiasis in a patient born in Hong Kong and was possibly infected via her prior occupation in conservancy services. She presented with chronic diarrhoea, anorexia, and extensive scratch marks over the lower extremities. Further assessment yielded eosinophilia, intermittent dyspepsia, and an episode of unexplained Clostridium perfringens bacteraemia. She was treated with a course of albendazole. Subsequently, the eosinophilia and diarrhoea subsided.
 
Key words: Aged, 80 and over; Diarrhea; Strongyloides stercoralis; Strongyloidiasis
 
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Successful resuscitation after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

ABSTRACT

Hong Kong Med J 2012;18:536–8 | Number 6, December 2012
CASE REPORT
Successful resuscitation after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest
CL Tang, KS Cheung, SH Tsui, George TW Tse
Accident and Emergency Department, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
 
 
A 66-year-old woman presented to the emergency department after a witnessed cardiac arrest, having had compression-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation initiated by her son on the backseat of his car. She was resuscitated in the emergency department for 1 hour before the return of spontaneous circulation. She then underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention and therapeutic hypothermia. She was discharged without significant neurological deficit. This case illustrates better survival and neurological outcome can be achieved by prompt implementation of a 'chain of survival' interventions and therapeutic hypothermia.
 
Key words: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation; Heart arrest; Hypothermia; Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest; Ventricular fibrillation
 
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Vaginal leiomyoma in pregnancy presenting as a prolapsed vaginal mass

ABSTRACT

Hong Kong Med J 2012;18:533–5 | Number 6, December 2012
CASE REPORT
Vaginal leiomyoma in pregnancy presenting as a prolapsed vaginal mass
Cem Dane, Yaprak Rustemoglu, Murat Kiray, Unsal Ozkuvanci, Zeynep Tatar, Banu Dane
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Haseki Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
 
 
Vaginal leiomyomas are rare benign solid tumours of the vagina. They can cause mechanical dystocia, which is a common problem in obstetrics leading to serious maternal and perinatal complications. Here we describe a patient with a vaginal leiomyoma diagnosed during the mid-trimester that could have caused dystocia. This 22-year-old woman presented with a vaginal mass and leaking vaginal fluid during pregnancy. On examination, a prolapsed, pedunculated mass, measuring 5 × 3 × 4 cm was detected in the anterior vaginal wall. Via a midline incision, the mass was easily enucleated and removed. Transvaginal surgical enucleation of the vaginal leiomyoma is usually curative and recommended as the initial treatment of choice to prevent for dystocia. Such treatment is indicated when the tumour is a potential obstacle to normal labour.
 
Key words: Dystocia; Leiomyoma; Pregnancy complications, neoplastic; Vaginal neoplasms
 
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Simultaneous bilateral patellar tendon avulsion in an adolescent

ABSTRACT

Hong Kong Med J 2012;18:530–2 | Number 6, December 2012
CASE REPORT
Simultaneous bilateral patellar tendon avulsion in an adolescent
PK Yee, KC Poon, SY Chiu
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Chai Wan, Hong Kong
 
 
A 13-year-old boy sustained an injury to both knees upon landing after a forceful jump in a soccer game. Plain radiography and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated bilateral distal patellar tendon avulsions without fracture of the tibial tuberosities and the physes. To our knowledge, this particular injury has not been previously described in the literature. Open surgeries and internal fixation were performed with excellent functional outcome. This type of injury was similar to the well-recognised acute tibial tuberosity avulsion fracture in terms of the pathogenesis and treatment. We propose a further subtype of this injury pattern.
 
Key words: Athletic injuries; Fractures, comminuted; Tibial fractures
 
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Hypertriglyceridaemia-induced pancreatitis: a contributory role of capecitabine?

ABSTRACT

Hong Kong Med J 2012;18:526–9 | Number 6, December 2012
CASE REPORT
Hypertriglyceridaemia-induced pancreatitis: a contributory role of capecitabine?
HY Chan, CM Ng, SC Tiu, Angel OK Chan, CC Shek
Department of Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Jordan, Hong Kong
 
 
Capecitabine is an orally administered pro-drug of 5-fluorouracil that confers superior disease-free survival and presumably has a more favourable side-effect profile. Here we report on a patient who developed acute necrotising pancreatitis and very high triglyceride levels as well as hand-foot syndrome after receiving capecitabine for colonic cancer. Increased awareness of this potential side-effect and close monitoring of lipid levels may be warranted, especially in patients who have other conditions predisposing them to severe secondary hyperlipidaemia when using this drug.
 
Key words: Fluorouracil; Hand-foot syndrome; Hypertriglyceridemia; Pancreatitis; Plasmapheresis
 
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De Garengeot's hernia: an unusual right groin mass due to acute appendicitis in an incarcerated femoral hernia

ABSTRACT

Hong Kong Med J 2012;18:442–5 | Number 5, October 2012
CASE REPORT
De Garengeot's hernia: an unusual right groin mass due to acute appendicitis in an incarcerated femoral hernia
Parag R Salkade, Alexander YF Chung, YM Law
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road, Singapore
 
 
The presence of an acutely inflamed vermiform appendix in a femoral hernia sac is extremely rare; the condition is termed De Garengeot's hernia. Here we describe an elderly patient for whom preoperative computed tomography aided the diagnosis of this rare entity. This Chinese woman had presented with a painful right groin mass. The patient successfully underwent an emergency appendicectomy and primary femoral hernia repair. Once diagnosed, it is imperative to follow key surgical principles to limit the spread of infection.
 
Key words: Appendicitis; Groin; Hernia, femoral; Tomography, X-ray computed
 
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Hong Kong experiences the 'Ultimate superbug': NDM-1 Enterobacteriaceae

ABSTRACT

Hong Kong Med J 2012;18:439–41 | Number 5, October 2012
CASE REPORT
Hong Kong experiences the 'Ultimate superbug': NDM-1 Enterobacteriaceae
KY Tsang, S Luk, Janice YC Lo, TY Tsang, ST Lai, TK Ng
Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong
 
 
We report the second imported case of New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase (NDM-1) Enterobacteriaceae encountered in Hong Kong soon after the patient's arrival in the territory for medical care. As NDM-1 is spreading throughout the world via international travel, being an international city, Hong Kong was always expected to encounter the same public health threat. This case also illustrates the importance of active surveillance of at-risk patients in preventing the spread of this 'superbug'.
 
Key words: Anti-bacterial agents; beta-Lactamases; Drug resistance, multiple, bacterial; Enterobacteriaceae infections; Hong Kong
 
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Transarterial embolisation with Guglielmi detachable coils in an infant with a vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation

ABSTRACT

Hong Kong Med J 2012;18:435–8 | Number 5, October 2012
CASE REPORT
Transarterial embolisation with Guglielmi detachable coils in an infant with a vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation
James CW Kong, KM Cheng, YL Cheung, CM Chan
Department of Neurosurgery, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, 30 Gascoigne Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong
 
 
Vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation is a rare entity in the paediatric population. However, it is being recognised with increasing frequency due to better diagnostic techniques. Neonates usually present with congestive heart failure, while in older infants and children it tends to manifest with seizures, hydrocephalus, intracerebral or subarachnoid haemorrhages. We present a case of ruptured vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation in a 3-month-old baby boy treated by transarterial embolisation using Guglielmi detachable coils.
 
Key words: Embolization, therapeutic; Hydrocephalus; Infant, newborn; Intracranial arteriovenous malformations; Seizures
 
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