Computed tomography-guided stereotactic aspiration and biopsy of a cystic metastatic adenocarcinoma of the pons

ABSTRACT

Hong Kong Med J 1997;3:232-5 | Number 2, June 1997
CASE REPORT
Computed tomography-guided stereotactic aspiration and biopsy of a cystic metastatic adenocarcinoma of the pons
TH Aung, CK Kwok, YF Mak, EG Mak
Department of Surgery, Princess Margaret Hospital, 2-10 Lai King Hill Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong
 
 
We herein report a case of adenocarcinoma of the right main bronchus disseminated to the pons, left cerebal peduncle, and liver. Computed tomography-guided Cosman-Robert-Wells stereotactic aspiration of the cystic pontine lesion was performed through a transoccipital, transtentorial route and a catheter inserted in the cyst cavity that was connected to a subgaleal Ommaya reservoir for further aspiration and decompression. The choice of this approach to the lesion is briefly discussed.
 
Key words: Brainstem; Brain neoplasms; Aspiration, machanical
 
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Silastic medialization for unilateral vocal fold palsy

ABSTRACT

Hong Kong Med J 1997;3:224-30 | Number 2, June 1997
CASE REPORT
Silastic medialization for unilateral vocal fold palsy
KH Ma, YM Wan, LS Cho, PP Cheung
Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, Yan Chai Hospital, 7-11 Yan Chai Street, Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong
 
 
From August 1994 to September 1995, 12 silastic medialization procedures were performed for the treatment of vocal fold palsy. The causes included tuberculous fibrosis, carcinoma of the bronchus, post-oesophagectomy for carcinoma of the oesophagus and idiopathy. Early operation was performed in cases due to malignant conditions to relieve symptoms. In those with benign conditions, operation was performed if conservative treatment failed to control the symptoms in six months. The efficacy of silastic medialization for the treatment of dysphonia was evaluated by both subjective and objective voice assessment. The results indicate that the procedure is effective in the relief of dysphonia in unilateral vocal fold palsy. Only one patient in the study required a revision operation due to unsatisfactory voice quality. The procedure has the advantages of being tunable, reversible, and suitable for old and debilitated patients. The long term benefits of the procedure require further study.
 
Key words: Voice disorders; Voice quality; Treatment outcome
 
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Recurrent hypersomina: a case report with polysomnographic findings

ABSTRACT

Hong Kong Med J 1997;3:107-10 | Number 1, March 1997
CASE REPORT
Recurrent hypersomina: a case report with polysomnographic findings
KF Chung
Sleep Disorders Clinic, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
 
 
Recurrent hypersomnia is an uncommon clinical problem that can be misdiagnosed and mistreated. I report a case of idiopathic recurrent hypersomnia. The clinical features, differential diagnoses, polysomnographic findings, possible aetiologies, and treatment are discussed.
 
Key words: Hypersomnia; Hypersomnia, periodic; Kleine-Levin syndrome; Lithium
 
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From hydrocephalus to hydrocele

ABSTRACT

Hong Kong Med J 1997;3:105-6 | Number 1, March 1997
CASE REPORT
From hydrocephalus to hydrocele
KYC Goh, ACF Ng, KH Lee, WS Poon
Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong
 
 
The incidence of complications associated with cerebrospinal fluid shunt procedures varies from low to high in different series and depending on the duration of follow up. We report an unusual case of four-month-old male infant with hydrocephalus who developed bilateral hydroceles soon after ventriculoperitioneal shunting. The possible aetiology is hypothesised and suggestions are made as to how this may be avoided in other infants undergoing shunt procedures.
 
Key words: Hydrocephalus; Ventriculoperitioneal shunt; Hydrocele
 
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A rare complication of oesophageal sclerotherapy

ABSTRACT

Hong Kong Med J 1997;3:101-3 | Number 1, March 1997
CASE REPORT
A rare complication of oesophageal sclerotherapy
CS Lam, ML Szeto
Department of Medicine, Tuen Mun Hospital, Tuen Mun, Hong Kong
 
 
Endoscopic sclerotherapy is a standard procedure for the treatment of oesphageal varices. It is generally regarded as a safe procedure with low morbidity and mortality. However, there are a number of rare and fatal complications associated with this procedure. We report a case of pericardial effusion developing after oesophageal sclerotherapy. The patient developed cardiac tamponade requiring pericardiocebtesis. This complication is uncommon, but its true incidence may be underestimated. When pericardial effusion is diagnosed early, this potentially fatal complication can be treated without serious sequelae.
 
Key words: Sclerotherapy, oesophageal; Pericardial effusion; Sclerosing solutions; Cardiac tamponade
 
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Therapeutic misadventure with paracetamol

ABSTRACT

Hong Kong Med J 1996;2:434-6 | Number 4, December 1996
CASE REPORT
Therapeutic misadventure with paracetamol
TW Ho, KC Lam
Canossa Hospital, 1 Old Peak Road, Hong Kong
 
 
A 33-year-old woman presented with jaundice, tiredness, nausea, and vomiting of three days' duration after taking two glasses of gin and tonic together with 13 tablets of 500 mg paracetamol. Blood investigation results inferred a toxic hepatitis due to paracetamol overdose. She made an uneventful recovery. The case illustrates that if paracetamol is taken together with alcohol, even a relatively small dose of paracetamol can cause liver damage. Current studies of paracetamol poisoning are also discussed.
 
Key words: Acetaminophen; Poisoning; Hepatitis, toxic; Acetylcysteine; Methionine
 
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Use of bovine pericardial buttress in bilateral staple resection of emphysematous bullae

ABSTRACT

Hong Kong Med J 1996;2:429-32 | Number 4, December 1996
CASE REPORT
Use of bovine pericardial buttress in bilateral staple resection of emphysematous bullae
APC Yim, JKS Ho, SK Ng, CKW Lai, T Buckley
Cardiothoracic Unit, Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong
 
 
Bullectomy has been shown to be an effective treatment of severe compressive bullous emphysema. However, persistent air leak is a common complication from this procedure. We report a case of a 48-year-old man with severe bilateral bullous emphysema and disabling dyspnoea treated by bilateral staple resection with bovine pericardial buttress through the median sternotomy approach. Despite a post-operative need for ventilatory support, air leak was not a problem and the patient was able to have both chest drains removed shortly after extubation. The patient had a pre-operative forced expiratory volume in 1 second of 0.5 L/sec, forced vital capacity of 1.25 L and peak expiratory flow rate of 100 L/min. These parameters were increased to 1.4 L/sec (180% increase), 1.9 L (52% increase) and 270 L/min (170% increase), respectively, one month later, in association with a marked clinical improvement. We conclude that bilateral bullectomy in carefully selected patients is useful and bovine pericardium buttress is probably helpful in achieving pneumostasis.
 
Key words: Emphysema, pulmonary; Dyspnea; Lung diseases, interstitial; Lung diseases, obstructive
 
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Liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma

ABSTRACT

Hong Kong Med J 1996;2:425-7 | Number 4, December 1996
CASE REPORT
Liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma
H Lau, CM Lo, CL Lai, ST Fan
Division of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
 
 
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third commonest cancer in Hong Kong. Up to 80% of patients have inoperable tumour at presentation, either because of underlying cirrhosis or advanced stage of the disease. The present report described a case of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) for HCC. Prognostic factors for survival and selection criteria for liver transplantation are discussed. Early referral of selected patients with HCC to a transplant centre can offer a hope of cure. The best candidate for OLT is a young patient with an asymptomatic small HCC in a cirrhotic liver.
 
Key words: Liver neoplasms; Transplantation; hepatic; Carcinoma, hepatocellular
 
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Kaposi's sarcoma in three HIV-negative, non-immunosuppressed patients

ABSTRACT

Hong Kong Med J 1996;2:331-7 | Number 3, September 1996
CASE REPORT
Kaposi's sarcoma in three HIV-negative, non-immunosuppressed patients
WYM Tang, WY Lam, LY Ho, KK Lo, HL Wong
Social Hygiene Service, Department of Health, Hong Kong Government, Hong Kong
 
 
Over the past two years, three Hong Kong Chinese individuals have presented to the Social Hygiene Service (Department of Health, Hong Kong) with granuloma-like nodules on their lower extremities. Histopathological examination of the lesions revealed that they were Kaposi's sarcoma, two of which were initially misdiagnosed as pyogenic granuloma. All three patients originated from southern China and had previously been in good health, with no evidence of immunosuppression. All ELISA tests for human immunodeficiency virus antibodies were negative. The course of the disease has been favourable. The lesions in the first patient regressed with radiotherapy. Complete surgical excision of the lesion in the second patient was not followed by recurrence. In the third patient, the lesions were static and did not require active intervention. Awareness of the existence of Kaposi's sarcoma among non-risk groups allows for their prompt recognition.
 
Key words: Kaposi's sarcoma; HIV-negative, non-immunosuppressed, Hong Kong Chinese
 
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Foreign body granulomatosis in intravenous drug addicts in Hong Kong

ABSTRACT

Hong Kong Med J 1996;2:326-9 | Number 3, September 1996
CASE REPORT
Foreign body granulomatosis in intravenous drug addicts in Hong Kong
CY Wong, YC Chan, KC Lee, KC Wong, GTS Law, WTT Shum
Tuberculosis and Chest Unit, Wong Tai Sin Hospital, Wong Tai Sin, Kowloon, Hong Kong
 
 
Foreign body granuloma in the lung is not an uncommon finding in autopsies performed on intravenous drug addicts in Hong Kong, but the diagnosis is seldom made in life. We report three cases of foreign body granulomatosis in Chinese intravenous drug addicts. All three had miliary shadows on chest radiograph and the diagnosis was confirmed by transbronchial biopsy.
 
Key words: Talcosis; Granulomatosis; Addicts; Tuberculosis; Pulmonary
 
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