Cystic Collection Research Articles

A rare case of ethmoidal encephalocele with corpus callosal dysgenesis

A 6 mm defect is seen over anterior aspect of face in between both orbits with a 2.6 x 2.5 cm sized cystic collection herniating through the defect possibly arising from ethmoid s/o Ethmoidal encephalocele. CSP (Cavum Septum Pellucidum) is not well visualised with bilateral parallel orientation of lateral ventricles.

A case series of adult abdominoscrotal hydrocele: A rare condition

Abdominoscrotal hydrocele (ASH) is a relatively rare variant of hydrocele in both adult and pediatric populations. The incidence among adults is <1% of other types of hydroceles, which are different from most cases related to persistent processus vaginalis. It presents as a dumbbell-shaped cystic collection with cross-fluctuation in the abdominoscrotal region and the inguinal canal acting as the rod connecting two masses. The abdominal swelling could be retroperitoneal or intraperitoneal. Clinical examination can lead to a suspected diagnosis of ASH, but confirmation relies on ultrasonography and computed tomography. Spontaneous resolution of ASH has been unlikely, and hence surgical intervention is recommended. In this study, we present three cases with ASH who underwent surgical repair using different methods.

Intra-axial Hepatic Cerebrospinal Fluid Pseudocyst: An Unusual Complication of Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Placement

Intra-abdominal Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) pseudocysts are a well-known and potentially serious complication of Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placement. These cysts are often found within the peritoneal cavity or along the serosal surface of solid organs. Here, we present an unusual case of an intrahepatic CSF pseudocyst in a 14-year-old female patient with a VP shunt placed three years ago, following the excision of a cerebellar pilocytic astrocytoma. The child presented with complaints of right hypochondriac pain and tenderness for one month. On ultrasound of the abdomen, the right lobe of the liver showed a complex anechoic cystic collection with multiple thick internal septations. A Contrast-enhanced Computed Tomography (CECT) examination revealed a well-defined hypodense collection in segments IV and V of the liver with a VP shunt tube within. Based on clinical and imaging features, differentials of intra-axial intrahepatic CSF pseudocyst, complex hepatic cyst, peri-shunt hemorrhagic cyst, and biliary cystadenoma were considered. Aspiration of the cyst revealed clear, colourless, non purulent, non sanguineous fluid which tested positive for beta-2-transferrin, confirming the collection to be a CSF pseudocyst. An elective laparoscopic cyst excision with shunt revision was performed with no recurrence on follow-up. The present case highlights the uncommon occurrence of intrahepatic CSF pseudocysts post-VP shunt, necessitating meticulous diagnostic evaluation. Successful laparoscopic excision and shunt revision underscore the efficacy of tailored interventions. This contribution enhances the understanding of atypical complications in VP shunt recipients, guiding clinicians and radiologists in both diagnosis and management.

381 A Rare Case of CBD obstruction secondary to Endometriotric cyst

Abstract Background Bile flow obstruction due to bilary tree pathology is well documented. Intramural causes include gallstones and infections such as clonorchis sinensis and Ascaris Lumbriocodes1 mural causes include autoimmune diseases e.g Sclerosing cholangitis. Extrinsic compression are usually due to malignancy e.g Cholangiocarcinoma or pancreatic head carcinoma. we encountered a rare case of common bile duct (CBD) obstruction cause by large endometriotic cyst. Case report A fit & well, 85 year old female presented with gradual onset of Obstructive jaundice. admission Liver function tests indicated a Bilirubin of 485 subsequent Ct scan revealed a large endometriotic Cyst (15cm x10 cm) indenting the CBD and stomach. Endoscopic ultrasound confirmed the presence of a large cystic fluid collection. Patient`s biliary system was indirectly decompressed with AXIOSTM via gastric wall into cyst Copious dark brown non-viscous fluid was drained into stomach. Cytology results reported benign cyst contents without mucin or neoplastic epithelial cells. Fluids Amylase was 121 U/L. the patient recovered well, with resolution of Bilirubin. Discussion Endometriotic cyst have been reported to cause organ obstruction such as CBD and ureter1,2 patient's from previously reported cases had to endure major surgery to achieve symptomatic relief. AXIOSTM stent is a device commonly utilized for drainage of pancreatic pseudocyst and we report the use of it as a Novel and minimally invasive technique in this rare case of CBD obstruction.

The Management of Hydrocephalus in Midline Posterior Fossa Cystic Collections: Surgical Outcome From a Retrospective Single-Center Case Series of 54 Consecutive Pediatric Patients.

Hydrocephalus frequently occurs with midline posterior fossa cystic collections. The classification of this heterogeneous group of developmental anomalies, including Dandy-Walker malformation, persisting Blake's pouch, retrocerebellar arachnoid cysts, and mega cisterna magna, is subject of debate. The absence of diagnostic criteria is confusing regarding the ideal management of PFCC-related hydrocephalus. To decipher the surgical strategy for the treatment of children with PFCC-related hydrocephalus through a retrospective analysis of the surgical outcome driven by their clinical and radiological presentation. This study enrolled patients operated of symptomatic PFCC-related hydrocephalus. Clinical and MRI features were examined, as well as the surgical outcome. Unbiased subgroup classification of the patients was performed with multiple component analysis as a function of imaging characteristics and hierarchical clustering on principal component. Outcome was assessed with binomial logistic regression and Kaplan-Meier analysis. Fifty-four patients were included between 2007 and 2021. Multiple component analysis suggested that cerebellar and vermian hypoplasia, vermian rotation, basal-tentorial angle, and fastigial angle were strongly correlated. Hierarchical clustering and the distribution of the patients in the bidimensional plot showed the clear segregation of 3 major clusters, which correlated with the radiological diagnosis ( P < .01). Binomial logistic regression and survival analysis showed that endoscopic third ventriculostomy was an effective treatment for patients with persisting Blake's pouch, while failing to control hydrocephalus in most of patients with Dandy-Walker malformation. Preoperative MRI in patients with PFCC-related hydrocephalus is essential to better define the diagnosis. The choice of treatment strategy notably relies on correct radiological diagnosis.

Vaginoscopic Management of OHVIRA (Obstructive Hemivagina and Ipsilateral Renal Agenesis)

To describe the vaginoscopic management of longitudinal vaginal septum in the case of obstructive hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis (OHVIRA) syndrome. Surgical video describing step-by-step management. OHVIRA syndrome also known as Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome is a triad of obstructed hemivagina, uterus didelphys, and ipsilateral renal anomaly [1] (Supplimentary Video 1). Patients usually present after menarche with progressive dysmenorrhea, lower abdominal pain, a paravaginal mass, foul mucopurulent discharge, and intermenstrual bleeding due to hemi hematocolpos [2]. Magnetic resonance imaging is the choice of investigation [3]. Surgical resection of the septum is the choice of treatment, which can be done vaginoscopically to reduce postoperative pain and promote enhanced recovery [4]. In this video, we will demonstrate a case of a 28-years old, nulliparous woman diagnosed with uterine didelphys having lower abdominal pain and persistent vaginal discharge. The video demonstrates the technique of vaginoscopic excision of the right hemi-vaginal septum that resulted in complete visualization of both cervices. Diagnostic laparoscopy confirmed uterine didelphys. The left cervix was visualized and the hysteroscope was negotiated into the cervical canal (Supplimentary Video 2). The left cavity was normal with left ostia. Intraoperative transrectal-ultrasound was done to localize the cystic collection in the right hemivagina. Needle aspiration of cystic collection was done over the bulging portion of the right hemivagina and mucoid material was aspirated. Longitudinal obstructive vaginal septum was incised using a collins knife and mucoid secretions were drained (Supplimentary Video 3). Hysteroscope inserted into opened right hemivagina, negotiated through the right cervix and right hemiuterus with right ostia was visualized. The residual septum was resected with a loop electrode and hemostasis was ensured. Cystoscopy done, left ureteric orifice with urine reflux visualized. Vaginal examination showed both cervices with near normal reconstructed vagina. The possibility of OHVIRA syndrome should be considered in all cases of uterine didelphys. Vaginoscopic management is a safe and effective method with a minimally invasive approach.

AN UNUSUAL CULPRIT FOR EXERTIONAL DYSPNEA

AN UNUSUAL CULPRIT FOR EXERTIONAL DYSPNEA

S1075 Early (&lt;4 Weeks) vs Standard (≥ 4 Weeks) Endoscopic Drainage of Pancreatic Walled-Off Fluid Collections: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction: Previous studies have demonstrated that the ideal time for drainage of walled off pancreatic fluid collections is 4-6 weeks after its development. However, some pancreatic collections, including pancreatic walled-off necrosis (WON), require earlier drainage. Nevertheless, the optimal timing of the first intervention is unclear, and consensus data are sparse. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes and safety of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) - guided drainage of pancreatic fluid collections < than 4 weeks after its development compared to ≥4 weeks after its development. Methods: Search strategies were developed for PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases from inception through June 2022 in accordance with PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines. Outcomes of interest included technical success defined as successful endoscopic placement of LAMS, clinical success defined as reduction in cystic collection size, and procedure-related adverse events. A random effects model was used for analysis and results were expressed as odds ratio (OR) along with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: A total of 6 studies (630 patients) were included in our final analysis where 182 patients (28.9%) were enrolled in the early drainage cohort and 448 (71.1%) patients in the standard drainage cohort. Age ranges were similar between groups. Alcohol was the main driver of acute pancreatitis. Infection was the most common indication for pancreatic drainage (42.6%). The mean fluid collection size was 143.4 ± 18.8 mm for the early cohort vs 128 ± 19.7 mm for the standard cohort. Most fluid collections were located in the body of the pancreas (86.7%). Overall, technical success favored standard drainage over early drainage (OR 0.01; 95% CI 0.00 – 0.15; P=0.001). Clinical success also favored standard drainage over early drainage (OR 0.46; 95% CI 0.16 – 1.32; P=0.03). With regards to adverse events, there was no statistically significant difference in overall adverse events (OR 0.76; 95% CI 0.42 – 1.39; P=0.56) or mortality (OR 1.14; 95% CI 0.29 – 4.48; P=0.23). Hospital stay was longer for patients undergoing early drainage compared to standard drainage (23.7 vs 16.0 days, respectively). (Figure) Conclusion: Compared to early drainage (< 4 weeks), endoscopic drainage of pancreatic fluid collections is significantly more efficacious when performed at least 4 weeks after development, with a shorter hospital length of stay. Therefore, pancreatic fluid collections should ideally be drained 4 weeks after development.Figure 1.: Forrest plot showing pooled rates of clinical success.

S1678 Gastric Ectopic Pancreas With Pseudocyst Formation Causing Gastric Outlet Obstruction

Introduction: Ectopic pancreas (EP) is a rare entity referring to the presence of pancreatic tissue at an anatomic location distinct from the pancreas which is commonly asymptomatic and found incidentally. EP can become symptomatic due to similar pathologic changes found in the anatomic pancreas including pancreatitis, bleeding, or pseudocyst formation. Gastric EP lesions present a diagnostic challenge as they lack distinguishing imaging and endoscopic features from other types of gastric submucosal tumors. This case report describes a rare case of EP presenting as a gastric antral mass with a unique combination of complications: chronic pancreatitis and pseudocyst formation causing gastric outlet obstruction. Case Description/Methods: A 59-year-old man presented to the hospital with nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and epigastric pain for 5 days. Exam was notable for epigastric tenderness, and labs were unremarkable. Computed tomography (CT) and index upper endoscopy showed a 4.4 x 3.5 cm multiloculated cystic mass in the gastric antrum (Figure). Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) showed that the lesion originated from the submucosa, and fine needle aspiration (FNA) demonstrated histiocytes and epithelial cells with a high amylase level. On repeat endoscopy, interval growth of the cystic gastric mass was observed, and repeat CT abdomen/pelvis again showed the mass now with multiple cystic collections causing mass effect on a distended stomach suggesting gastric outlet obstruction. The lesion was surgically resected and determined to be EP with histologic changes of chronic pancreatitis and multiple pseudocysts. Patient did well after surgical resection and had no recurrence on repeat upper endoscopy. Discussion: EP can occur anywhere in the GI tract but most commonly are found in the duodenum or stomach. Symptoms are associated with the location, size, and pathology of the tissue. Lesions greater than 1.5 cm are more likely to be symptomatic with non-specific symptoms such as epigastric pain, abdominal fullness, nausea, diarrhea or melena. Diagnosis can be challenging, and in this case, multiple diagnostic modalities (imaging, endoscopy, EUS with FNA biopsy and surgical resection) were needed to reach a definitive diagnosis. EP is often found incidentally, and the combination of pseudocyst formation and gastric outlet obstruction in this case has been rarely reported in the literature. Prompt recognition of ectopic pancreas can facilitate the management of these complications.Figure 1.: A: Computed tomography of abdomen and pelvis from initial presentation, showing a multiloculated cystic mass (noted by *) and thickening of the gastric antral wall. B: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) image showing a submucosal mass in the gastric antrum. C: Endoscopic ultrasound of gastric antrum with multicystic lesion appearing to originate from the submucosa.

TB or not TB? The axillary lump question

An 81-year-old woman of healthy weight presented with a 2-week history of a painless right axillary lump. Physical examination revealed a 2cm firm nodule with a central keratinous plug in the right axilla (Fig. 1). The surrounding skin was pigmented, non-tender and indurated. Sonography of the nodule demonstrated an underlying ill-defined cystic collection containing mobile

Tubo-ovarian mass with raised CA-125 in a 21-year-old female

IntroductionPeritonitis associated with fungal species Curvularia lunata seldom occurs with only five cases reported in the literature, all in middle-age patients with comorbidities undergoing dialysis.Case reportA 21-year-old female who was referred to surgical oncology OPD with a diagnosis of ovarian malignancy, based on raised cancer antigen 125 (CA 125) and suspected tubo-ovarian mass (TOM) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A review of the MRI showed a pelvic collection with TOM, suggestive of infective pathology. Fungal culture and mass spectroscopy of the cystic collection identified the presence of Curvularia lunata. She was treated with oral itraconazole which showed symptomatic improvement and radiological response. In the follow-up period, the patient developed chest wall swelling, aspiration and geneXpert® revealed multidrug-resistant (MDR) tuberculosis, and treatment was started.ConclusionsUnusual causes of TOM and raised CA 125 should be kept in mind when dealing with young patients, as the possibility of epithelial ovarian cancer in this age is very low.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12957-022-02651-w.

An unusual case of loculated malignant pleural effusion mimicking an infected pericardial cyst

Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is one of the frequent and distressing conditions identified at the advanced stage of different malignant conditions. This problem seems to affect patients with lung and breast malignancies which contribute to the lower life quality. Less commonly MPE presents as a loculated fluid collection. We present an unusual case of cystic fluid collection in contact with the heart appearing similar to a pericardial cyst, but on cytological examination turned out to be loculated MPE. Furthermore, there was the presence of malignant fissural effusion. This text highlights the unusual location of this loculated MPE along with a few characteristic features to differentiate it from the benign pericardial cyst.

Successful treatment of intractable pseudomeningocele with FXIII deficiency by surgery and FXIII replacement therapy: A case report

Pseudomeningocele is an extradural cystic collection of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and is rare and typically asymptomatic. However, pseudomeningocele is sometimes associated with symptoms. Whether symptomatic pseudomeningocele is best treated conservatively or surgically remains controversial. Factor XIII (FXIII) is a blood coagulation factor that also promotes fibroblast proliferation during wound healing. Although treatment of postsurgical CSF leakage with FXIII has been reported, there have been no reports on surgical treatment and FXIII replacement therapy of pseudomeningocele with FXIII deficiency. We report a case of pseudomeningocele with FXIII deficiency that was successfully treated by surgery and FXIII replacement therapy. The patient presented with symptoms of intracranial hypotension syndrome that had started a few months after laminectomy for thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum 2 years earlier. Magnetic resonance imaging and delayed computed tomography myelography confirmed a diagnosis of pseudomeningocele. Epidural blood patch treatment was performed twice but did not result in improvement. Furthermore, the FXIII level decreased to 56%, so the patient was also diagnosed as having acquired FXIII deficiency. We elected to treat the patient by surgery with FXIII replacement therapy. The dural injury was repaired using an artificial dura mater patch, fibrin glue, and polyglycolic acid sheets. The FXIII level was 74%–135% during the perioperative period. The patient had a good postoperative course. Postoperative magnetic resonance images showed resolution of the pseudomeningocele. There was no recurrence during 6 months of follow-up. Perioperative FXIII replacement may be a useful treatment for pseudomeningocele with FXIII deficiency.

Tubercular Tenosynovitis of Extensor Tendons of Wrist: An Unusual Presentation

Background: Tubercular Tenosynovitis is a very rare disease and even rare to involve extensor tendons. The clinical picture is typical and confirmation is done by histopathology.&#x0D; Case Presentation: We present a rare case of soft tissue swelling at dorsum of wrist and distal forearm since six months. On Ultrasonogram, there were multiloculated cystic collections surrounding the extensor tendons. Lab parameters showed increased ESR and Mantoux test was positive. With the provisional diagnosis of Tenosynovitis, debulking tenosynovectomy was done where melon seed bodies were seen. Histopathology confirmed granulomatous lesions with caseous necrosis and Acid Fast Bacilli stain was also positive for the biopsy tissue. He responded to our anti-tubercular drugs with full range of motion after two months of surgery and no recurrence of swelling at four year follow up.&#x0D; Conclusion: Typical clinical picture, intra operative findings of melon seed bodies and rice bodies and histopathological confirmation of granulomatous lesions with caseous necrosis are pathognomonic of Tubercular Tenosynovitis. Complete debulking and antitubercular drugs cure the disease and prevents recurrence.

677: A resource for the CF research community: The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Therapeutics Lab collection of primary cells with rare genotypes

677: A resource for the CF research community: The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Therapeutics Lab collection of primary cells with rare genotypes

1658 Duodenal Stricture Secondary to Chronic Pancreatitis; A Case Report

Abstract The complications of chronic pancreatitis are well established; however, the incidence of duodenal strictures in the context of previous necrotising pancreas is uncommon. I herein report the case of a 30-year Caucasian woman who presents with reduced oral intake, vomiting and profound cachexia. Medical history of note includes necrotising pancreatitis and umbilical hernia repair. Computed tomography scan revealed multiple cystic collections in the anterior pararenal space. Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD) revealed a duodenal stricture, which was histologically benign. Endoscopic insertion of a percutaneous jejunostomy (PEJ) unfortunately failed. Upon counselling with the patient, the decision was made to perform a laparotomy with loop gastrojejunostomy and jejunostomy tube insertion. The patient was subsequently able to be fed, initially with the aid of dieticians, and trained for independent care at home. This case highlights the uncommon complication of duodenal stricture in the context of chronic pancreatitis, and the importance of timely diagnosis and management.

NOTHING TO HIDE UP YOUR SLEEVE: A RARE PRESENTATION OF DISSEMINATED NOCARDIOSIS

TOPIC: Chest Infections TYPE: Medical Student/Resident Case Reports INTRODUCTION: Nocardia is a unique member of the order, Actinomycetales. It is a gram-positive, aerobic bacteria that is characterized by its filamentous branching that stains acid-fast. It can be found in soil and decaying vegetation, with inhalation of airborne particles being the most common mode of inoculation. Considered to be a rare, opportunistic infection, the incidence rate is approximately 500-1000 cases in the US per year (1). Although it typically leads to cutaneous disease, Nocardia has the ability to disseminate as widespread disease leading to pulmonary and CNS involvement. CASE PRESENTATION: An 81 year old African-American female with a past medical history of non-Hodgkin Lymphoma treated with radiation in 1999, hypertension, diabetes, hypothyroidism, chronic kidney disease, and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. She presented with worsening dyspnea, orthopnea, and lower extremity swelling and was admitted for heart failure exacerbation. She was found to have multiple, painful skin abscesses. On presentation, she was septic: febrile and tachycardic with profound leukocytosis. Radiographic imaging revealed multiple, large, cystic fluid collections in the neck, bilateral arms, and left leg along with right, hilar lymphadenopathy and apical cavitary lesion in the right lung. There was a large, anterior chest wall mass communicating with the left arm lesion. IR guided biopsy ruled-out malignancy. General surgery performed I&D's of the peripheral lesions whereas Cardiothoracic Surgery performed I&D of the chest wall mass. Aerobic cultures grew gram-positive, branching bacilli that later speciated to Nocardia pneumoniae. DISCUSSION: The patient was diagnosed with Disseminated Nocardiosis with lymphocutaneous and pulmonary involvement. Our work-up was negative for CNS or bone disease. The exact etiology was unclear. She did not endorse direct trauma/inoculation at lesion sites and denied any unusual exposure to soil, decaying vegetation, or aquatic environments. Despite Nocardia's prevalence in immunocompromised hosts, our patient was determined to be immunocompetent. Fortunately, there was no evidence of recurrence of malignancy and she was HIV negative. Her treatment regimen consisted of a dual agent induction therapy for 6 weeks that was followed by a 6 month maintenance period with a single agent. However, Nocardia has a propensity to recur or progress despite appropriate antibiotic therapy and source control. CONCLUSIONS: Nocardiosis has been described as an emerging infectious disease given the higher number of HIV and transplant patients. Notably, Nocardia pneumoniae is not accounted for in 82 percent of US strains isolated between 1995 and 2004 (2). This species was first described in 2004 with either "undetermined clinical significance" versus "pulmonary disease" (3). This would be a novel presentation of disseminated Nocardia pneumoniae in an immunocompetent host. REFERENCE #1: Rawat D, Rajasurya V, Chakraborty RK, et al. Nocardiosis. [Updated 2020 Aug 10]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526075/ REFERENCE #2: Uhde KB, Pathak S, McCullum I Jr, et al. Antimicrobial-resistant nocardia isolates, United States, 1995-2004. Clin Infect Dis 2010; 51:1445. REFERENCE #3: The Complexities of Nocardia Taxonomy and IdentificationPatricia S. Conville, Barbara A. Brown-Elliott, Terry Smith, Adrian M. ZelaznyJournal of Clinical Microbiology Dec 2017, 56 (1) e01419-17; DOI: 10.1128/JCM.01419-17 DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by HUY NONG, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Michael Vu, source=Web Response

A Rare Case of Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma of the Thyroid Gland

Background: Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) classically occurs in the lymph nodes and only in about 5% of cases occurs in extra-nodal sites. Primary thyroid lymphomas, most of which are non-Hodgkin lymphomas, comprise less than 5% of all thyroid malignancies. Only a few cases of HL of the thyroid have been reported in the literature, and in most of these cases, fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) was unreliable for diagnosis. We present a case of classical Hodgkin lymphoma of the thyroid that was falsely negative from both FNAB and core needle biopsy specimens and was diagnosed after surgery.Clinical Case: A 51-year-old female was seen for a rapidly enlarging neck mass associated with progressive dyspnea and dysphagia. Despite being a telemedicine visit due to the COVID-19 pandemic, significant enlargement and deformity of the neck were startling. The patient was clinically and biochemically euthyroid with a TSH of 2.49 mIU/L (0.5-5.0 mIU/L) and normal FT4. She denied a personal or family history of thyroid disease and neck irradiation. Thyroid ultrasound revealed a 5.3 cm hypoechoic, wider than tall nodule with smooth margins in the left lobe, and a 1.9 cm hypoechoic and taller than wide nodule in the right lobe of the thyroid. A CT scan of the neck also revealed a 1.2 cm lymph node in the left lateral aspect of the thyroid. FNAB of the nodules showed Hurthle cells in a background of crushed lymphocytes with occasional large atypical lymphoid cells. Flow cytometry performed on a repeat FNAB specimen revealed no evidence of lymphoma. A repeat CT scan of the neck performed 2 weeks later due to worsening symptoms demonstrated middle mediastinal lymphadenopathy and a large 8x4.7x4.7 cm mass contiguous with the thyroid with a 3.8 cm cystic collection within. The patient was scheduled for an oncology consultation due to the high likelihood of lymphoma but was admitted to another institution with symptoms. She underwent a thyroid core biopsy and flow cytometry, which again failed to reveal her diagnosis. She then underwent left partial thyroidectomy, and pathology demonstrated infiltrates of small lymphocytes with histiocytes, interspersed with clusters of large, irregular, multilobate cells consistent with Reed-Sternberg cells. She was diagnosed with nodular sclerosing variant of classical HL. Chemotherapy was instituted with rapid improvement in symptoms.Clinical Lesson: Primary HL of the thyroid is extremely rare and most often presents as a rapidly enlarging neck mass with or without compressive symptoms. Diagnosis with FNAB is challenging and can be misinterpreted as lymphocytic thyroiditis. In our patient, flow cytometry was performed twice and was falsely negative. The treatment of HL differs entirely from that of other primary thyroid cancers and thyroiditis. Hence, in patients presenting with classic symptoms, a high index of suspicion is needed to make an accurate and prompt diagnosis of HL.

A clinicopathological study of peripheral schwannomas.

Aim and objectiveSchwannomas are benign neoplasms of neural origin with sporadic or syndromic occurence. They are commonly seen in cranial nerves. Peripheral schwannomas occur rarely and may have unique presentations. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinico-pathological characteristics of peripheral schwannomas.MethodsA retrospective cross sectional study of peripheral schwannomas excluding head neck region was conducted. The study group consisted of 18 cases which were recorded over a period of seven years. The corresponding data were collected from the archives of the Department of Pathology.ResultsMale to female ratio was 1:1. The average age of the cases was 47 years. The most common site was the upper limbs (55.55%) followed by lower limbs, chest and penis. The lesions mostly presented as painless swellings (62%). Histopathological examination revealed classic features of schwannoma. Secondary changes included cystic degeneration, foam cells, epitheloid cells, hyalinization, microcystic change and collection of plasma cells. All cases were confirmed by positive S100 staining.ConclusionPeripheral schwannomas may be missed due to its rarity and atypical presentations. Both clinicians and pathologists should be aware of this common entity at unusual sites for the proper management of the patients. Surgery is usually the treatment of choice.

Hemorrhagic abdominal pseudocyst following ventriculoperitoneal shunt: a case report

BackgroundAbdominal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pseudocyst is an uncommon but important complication of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts. While individual articles have reported many cases of abdominal CSF pseudocyst following VP shunts, no case of a hemorrhagic abdominal pseudocyst after VP shunts has been reported so far.Case presentationThis article reports a 68-year-old woman with a 4-month history of progressive abdominal pain and distention. She denied any additional symptoms. A VP shunt was performed 15 years earlier to treat idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus and no other abdominal surgery was performed. Physical examination revealed an elastic palpable mass in her right lower abdomen, which was dull to percussion. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan indicated a large cystic collection of homogenous iso-density fluid in the right lower abdominal region with clear margins. The distal segment of the peritoneal shunt catheter was located within the cystic mass. Abdominal CSF pseudocyst was highly suspected as a diagnosis. Laparoscopic cyst drainage with removal of the whole cystic mass was performed, 15-cm cyst which found with thick walls and organized chronic hematic content. No responsible vessel for the cyst hemorrhage was identified. No further shunt revision was placed. Histological examination showed that the cyst wall consisted of outer fibrous tissue and inner granulation tissue without epithelial lining, and the cystic content was chronic hematoma. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course and remained asymptomatic for 8-mo follow-up.ConclusionTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of hemorrhagic onset in the abdominal pseudocyst following VP shunt. Such special condition can accelerate the appearance of clinical signs of the abdominal pseudocyst after VP shunts, and its mechanisms may be similar to the evolution of subdural effusion into chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH).