Renal Abscess in a Patient Presenting with Persistent Hiccups

Diann Krywko,Katie Jennings,Mark Flanagan

doi:10.1155/2013/459453

Diann Krywko, Katie Jennings + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/459453

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Abstract

Hiccups are common, typically limited, and rarely present with adverse complications. In the context of persistent or intractable episodes, however, hiccups may signal a more serious underlying cause. Here, we present an unexpected and pathologic case of hiccups in a patient who was ultimately diagnosed with renal abscesses.

Highlights

Hiccups are known as “hiccoughs”, synchronous diaphragmatic utter (SDF), and “singultus”, from the Latin word singult, which roughly translates as “catch one’s breath while sobbing” [1, 2]
Persistent or intractable episodes are reported to have an organic cause approximately 80% of the time with the remaining 20% thought to be psychogenic in nature. erefore, it is important to maintain a high index of suspicion in those patients to search for an underlying disease process
A 47-year-old male presented to the emergency department (ED) complaining of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and constant hiccups for three days

Summary

Introduction

Hiccups are known as “hiccoughs”, synchronous diaphragmatic utter (SDF), and “singultus”, from the Latin word singult, which roughly translates as “catch one’s breath while sobbing” [1, 2]. Hiccups have usually been characterized as a benign annoyance and in most cases this proves true. Persistent or intractable episodes are reported to have an organic cause approximately 80% of the time with the remaining 20% thought to be psychogenic in nature. Erefore, it is important to maintain a high index of suspicion in those patients to search for an underlying disease process Persistent or intractable episodes are reported to have an organic cause approximately 80% of the time with the remaining 20% thought to be psychogenic in nature. erefore, it is important to maintain a high index of suspicion in those patients to search for an underlying disease process

Case Report

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Summary