Thromboembolic events are known complications of endovascular coiling of intracerebral aneurysms. We report a case of a 50-year-old patient whose ruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysm was treated with endovascular coiling, which was complicated by occlusion of the inferior M2 trunk during the procedure. An emergency craniotomy was performed to enable coil retrieval, evacuation of the thrombus and clipping of the aneurysm. All the middle cerebral artery branches were recanalised and the patient recovered with no neurological deficits. Our experience suggests that an emergency salvage operation for thrombosis after endovascular coiling is a treatment option offering a good clinical outcome.

Pompe disease (acid maltase deficiency, glycogen storage disease type II) is a rare progressive autosomal recessive disorder caused by a deficiency of lysosomal hydrolase acid alpha-glucosidase. Historically, infantile-onset Pompe disease presents with cardiomegaly, hepatomegaly, weakness and hypotonia leading to death caused by cardiorespiratory failure in the first year of life. Enzyme replacement therapy has recently become available and has been shown to be effective in prolonging survival and improving respiratory performance. In this article, we report a case of infantile-onset Pompe disease successfully managed with enzyme replacement therapy during the critical period. We would like to highlight the occurrence of sudden cardiac arrest in our patient during the early course of enzyme replacement therapy, which has not been reported before. A novel mutation was also identified in the family.

We present a case of a 17-year-old man with first-episode schizophrenia who developed olanzapine-induced hepatitis, cholestasis, and splenomegaly, all of which were reversed after ceasing olanzapine. Clinicians prescribing olanzapine should be aware of this possible hepatotoxicity. Patient education, vigilance from clinicians, and careful clinical examination can help detect this complication early.

Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome is an important, albeit infrequent, cause of severe disability among young adults and athletes with anomalous anatomic relationships of the musculotendinous structures surrounding the popliteal artery. We report a case where duplex ultrasonography and dynamic magnetic resonance arteriography was used to diagnose popliteal artery entrapment. We used a posterior surgical approach to give the best view of the anatomic structures compressing the popliteal artery. Compression had not yet damaged the arterial wall, therefore operative decompression of the artery by resection of the aberrant muscle was sufficient. The result was complete recovery, with absence of symptoms and with patency verified by Doppler examination. We conclude that emergency physicians who encounter young patients with progressive lower limb arterial insufficiency should be aware of the possibility of popliteal artery entrapment. Early diagnosis using physical examination, history taking, and imaging is necessary. The treatment of choice is surgical correction to achieve normal anatomy within the popliteal fossa.

We report the first fatality caused by novel influenza A (H1N1) infection despite having the diagnosis confirmed and being given antiviral treatment after hospitalisation. This patient was also the first with influenza A (H1N1) to be supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in Hong Kong. Although extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is an effective means of supporting patients with refractory hypoxaemia on high mechanical ventilatory support, it is labour-intensive and technically demanding. We also discuss the challenges faced when managing this case.