Spontaneous rupture of a normal renal collecting system during pregnancy is uncommon and all reported cases have occurred in right kidneys. We report a case of spontaneous rupture of the left renal collecting system during pregnancy. A 33-year-old pregnant woman presented with left loin and lower abdominal pain, and signs of preterm labour, at 32 weeks' gestation. An emergency caesarean section was performed for foetal distress but the left loin pain did not subside after delivery. Ultrasonography and a computed tomogram showed a left perinephric collection and urine extravasation, compatible with rupture of the renal collecting system. A percutaneous nephrostomy was inserted and the symptoms subsided. A summary of the literature discussing management of this clinical situation is provided.

Tuberculous glossitis is a rare entity that has been described sporadically. Primary tuberculous glossitis, as described in this case report, is still exceptional. A 25-year-old male with no known immunosuppressive disorder presented with a tuberculoma at the base of his tongue. This was confirmed by tongue biopsy and a positive polymerase chain reaction response to the mycobacterium. The patient had a favourable response to anti-tubercular treatment. This highlights the importance of considering tuberculosis in the differential diagnosis of chronic tongue lesions, even in the absence of pulmonary tuberculosis.

We present a case of foetal intracranial teratoma diagnosed at 28 weeks of gestation after prior normal sonographic examinations. A multidisciplinary team, involving obstetricians, neonatologists, and neurosurgeons, suggested management. The foetus was delivered by lower segment caesarean section at 30 weeks of gestation but the neonate succumbed 3 days after delivery, 1 hour after the withdrawal of active treatment. Issues governing the timing and mode of delivery, together with the role of cephalocentesis in the management of this condition, are discussed.

Paget-Schroetter syndrome, or 'effort' thrombosis of the axillary-subclavian vein, is an uncommon deep vein thrombosis usually caused by excessive upper limb activity. It may cause post-thrombotic syndrome, leading to significant disability if not treated appropriately. The optimal management for this syndrome is still controversial because the outcomes of different treatment strategies are based on case studies and series in small numbers. We report a case of Paget-Schroetter syndrome in a young male weight-lifter and discuss treatment strategies suggested by the current literature.

Erdheim-Chester disease is a rare, idiopathic, non-Langerhans' cell, histiocytic disorder. To our knowledge this is only the second case of Erdheim-Chester disease reported in the Chinese population. We describe a 45-year-old woman presenting with unilateral proptosis and periorbital xanthelasma. Histopathological examination revealed a xanthogranulomatous lesion expressing CD68, but negative for S100 protein, CD1a, CD3, or CD20. Systemic involvement was evident on bone scanning, and involvement of the thorax and abdominal aorta was seen on computed tomography. Despite treatment with systemic steroids, immunosuppressants, chemotherapy and interferon, progressive deterioration occurred. Our patient's clinical course was consistent with reports in the literature. Unfortunately, our patient developed neutropenic fever and died from septicaemic shock. Although Erdheim-Chester disease is a rare entity, especially in the Chinese population, an unusual presentation with orbital masses and bilateral xanthelasma, associated with systemic features, should raise the suspicion of this serious and potentially fatal disease.