Left Leg Pain Research Articles

An Unusual Cause of Left Lower Extremity Varicose Veins

Question: A 59-year-old woman presented with a nearly 10-year history of abdominal distention, lower abdominal pain, and left leg pain worse with prolonged standing. She was diagnosed with cryptogenic cirrhosis in other hospitals. Physical examination revealed left buttock and upper posteromedial thigh varicosities accompanied by port-wine stains (Figure A).

May-Thurner Syndrome: An Anatomic Predisposition to Deep Vein Thrombosis

May-Thurner syndrome (MTS) is a rare clinical condition caused by extrinsic compression of the left common iliac vein by the right common iliac artery, leading to venous stasis and predisposing to thrombus formation. Here, we present the case of a 39-year-old female with no obviously known other risk factors predisposing to thrombosis who presented with severe left leg pain and swelling for a week. The international normalized ratio was elevated and the venous Doppler study showed extensive thrombosis extending from the left common iliac vein to the common femoral vein and the popliteal vein. She was diagnosed with MTS and treated with catheter-directed mechanical thrombolysis and thrombectomy, along with angioplasty of the left common iliac vein and external iliac vein, with near-complete resolution post-treatment.MTS should be suspected in patients who present with unilateral limb thrombosis regardless of the presence of predisposing factors. Timely management with endovascular procedures is necessary to help prevent other potential life-threatening complications.

Various Neurological Symptoms Associated with Infected Internal Iliac Artery Aneurysm: A Case Report.

A 68-year-old man presented with a chief complaint of left leg pain; he was later diagnosed with an infected left internal iliac artery aneurysm. Multiple mononeuropathy was suspected. Since the aneurysm had a high risk of rupture, emergency Y-graft replacement was performed. Bacteroides vulgatus was then detected from the pus of the aneurysm. With continuous oral antimicrobial agents following intravenous antimicrobial agents, the patient was noted to have no recurrence. However, his leg pain symptoms continued postoperatively; thus, a supporting device was needed. It should be noted that even neurological symptoms may indicate the presence of aortoiliac aneurysms.

Venous Myxoma of the Distal Femoral Vein: A Rare Case of Leg Pain and Swelling

Background: Myxoma is a rare tumor most frequently discovered in cardiac locations. The present report describes a rare case of extracardiac origin in the femoral vein, initially presenting as leg pain and swelling. Case Presentation: A 40-year-old woman was admitted to our regional hospital with unilateral left leg swelling and pain. She underwent a Duplex scan and CT scan, which revealed a 21 x 25 mm diameter mass in contact with the distal femoral vein, initially diagnosed as a thrombosed sacciform aneurysm. The patient underwent surgical excision of a bulging mass in the vein wall, which was directly closed by running suture. The anatomopathological report concluded with a myxoma. One-year follow-up showed a patent vein without evidence of recurrence of the tumor. Conclusion: Although very rare, peripheral venous myxoma may manifest with common symptoms as leg pain and swelling. Current vascular imaging and complete surgical excision should be performed without delay to allow a precise diagnosis and prevent further complications.

Small L4 ventral root schwannoma with acute onset of radicular pain: A case report

Background: Patients with cauda equina schwannomas usually present with slowly progressive radiculopathy. Herein, we describe a 34-year-old male who presented with acute radiculopathy attributed to a small L4 ventral root schwannoma.Case Description: A 34-year-old male suddenly developed left leg pain. Magnetic resonance imaging (with/without contrast) revealed a small intradural mass lesion involving the L4 nerve root that was enhanced with contrast (size: 9 × 12 × 12 mm). The computed tomography myelogram revealed that the tumor had originated from the L4 ventral root and compressed the dorsal root in the lateral recess. Following a decompressive laminectomy for tumor removal, the patient’s radicular pain improved. The histological diagnosis was consistent with a schwannoma.Conclusion: Small cauda equina schwannomas involving ventral nerve roots can cause acute radiculopathy readily relieved with decompressive laminectomies for tumor excision.

Limb ischemia and pulmonary artery thrombosis after the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (Oxford-AstraZeneca) vaccine: a case of vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia.

[See related article at [www.cmaj.ca/lookup/doi/10.1503/cmaj.210882][2]][2] KEY POINTS A 63-year-old man presented to the emergency department with a 5-day history of a cool, painful left leg, new onset of paresthesia of the left leg and foot, and severe shortness of breath. The patient had no

Paget’s Disease of Bone Affecting Site With Orthopedic Hardware

Introduction: Paget’s disease of bone is a focal disorder of accelerated bone remodeling which leads to bone hypertrophy, cortical expansion and abnormal bone architecture. Either a single bone (monostotic) or multiple bones (polyostotic) can be affected. Although it has been suggested to be caused by a chronic slow viral infection of the bone, a cause and effect relationship has not been clearly established. Therefore, the etiology of Paget’s disease remains an uncertain and controversial topic of discussion. Case Description: A 62-year-old African American male with a past medical history of a left tibial fracture presented with worsening left leg pain for the past 6 months. He denied any recent traumatic events, falls or strenuous physical activity. Since the pain started, his ambulation had been significantly affected requiring the use of a cane for gait stability. His left tibial fracture occurred over 20 years ago after landing on another person’s foot while playing basketball. It was surgically treated with intramedullary nailing and metal rod insertion into the canal of the tibia. Since then, he remained an active person with no physical limitations or ailments until the recent developments that brought him to clinic. A left leg CT-Scan ordered for evaluation of the tibial hardware revealed cortical thickening, marrow expansion and coarse trabeculae throughout the majority of the tibia consistent with Paget’s disease. The hardware was intact with no peri-hardware lucency to suggest loosening or infection. His laboratory workup showed a normal alkaline phosphatase level (94 U/L; normal range 40 - 115 U/L) and low 25-OH Vitamin D level of 14. A Radionuclide Bone Scan done for evaluation of location and extent of bone disease resulted in diffusely abnormal uptake present in the left tibia with no other locations of suspicious uptake. After his 25-OH Vitamin D levels were replenished, a dose of Zoledronic acid IV infusion was given with significant improvement of pain several months after. Discussion: Paget’s disease of bone is the second most common bone disease after osteoporosis. Affected skeletal sites develop a disorganized mosaic of woven and lamellar bone more susceptible to deformities and fractures than normal bone. It is often asymptomatic, but classical features include bone pain experienced either at rest or with motion, cutaneous erythema and warmth. The goal of medical therapy is to relieve symptoms and to prevent future complications with high potency bisphosphonates. Although it is well known that Paget’s disease increase the risk of fractures, this case brings up an interesting take about the possibility of fractures managed with hardware placement increasing the risk of Paget’s disease in the involved site.

Limb Preservation with Balloon Angioplasty in Critical Limb Threatening Ischemia: A Case Report

Introduction: Chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) is a syndrome that represents the end-stage of peripheral artery disease (PAD) that increased the risk of major amputation and cardiovascular events. The initial treatment for CLTI may significantly impact the risk of major amputation or death. Objective: This case report aims to describe limb preservation with balloon angioplasty in a Critical Limb Ischemia patient. Case Presentation: A hypertensive 72-years old female complained of left leg pain followed by a wound on her left toe four months ago. Her toe was amputated, but the wound persists. On physical examination, the pulsation was diminished in her left foot. Duplex ultrasound showed monophasic spectral doppler from left popliteal artery to distal left anterior tibial artery (ATA) and distal posterior tibial artery (PTA). CT-Angiography showed short total occlusion (2cm) at the distal left Superficial Femoral artery (SFA), multiple stenoses with maximal 90% stenosis at the left ATA, and chronic total occlusion at the proximal-mid left posterior tibial artery (PTA). She was diagnosed with CLTI left inferior extremity Fontaine IV Rutherford 5. The angiography result was similar to the CT-angiography result. The patient was successfully treated with plain balloon angioplasty from distal left SFA to distal left ATA and drug-coated balloon angioplasty from the distal left SFA to the popliteal artery. Her wound was also consulted to the surgical department. Conclusion: Appropriate revascularization is fundamental to limb preservation. We successfully perform endovas- cular strategy with TIMI flow 3 from left SFA to distal left ATA and distal PTA in our patient, but we still need further holistic CLTI management.

Monostotic fibrous dysplasia of fibula: a rare case report

<p>Fibrous dysplasia is a developmental anomaly of bone formation that may exist in monostotic or polyostotic form. Monostotic fibrous dysplasia of fibula is a rare case with unusual site and most common sites being facial bones, ribs, proximal femur and tibia. We report a case of 10-year-old boy attended our hospital with occasional pain in left leg while having strenuous activity. On clinical examination there was no obvious swelling with normal appearing skin. Radiographic examination revealed lesion with both radiopaque and radiolucent features showing a “ground-glass” appearing lesion in proximal one third of fibula. Differential diagnosis considered are simple bone cyst, non-ossifying fibroma, osteo-fibrous dysplasia, adamantinoma. As a definitive treatment curettage was done and biopsy sent for histopathological examination, which confirmed he diagnosis. Follow up after 10 months shows normal bone growth as evidenced radiologically and patient is asymptomatic. Case in detail and recent review of literature has been discussed. From our case, we have shown that it is possible to treat uncomplicated fibrous dysplasia with minimally invasive approach of simple curettage. Patient is symptomatically relieved within 2 months without any complications.</p>

A tale of traumatic diaphragmatic hernia

A traumatic diaphragmatic hernia is uncommon which accounts for 0.8 to 1.6%. In Blunt or penetrating abdominal injury, the patient presents as early or delayed respiratory distress or intestinal obstruction. We present the 55-year old female with a road traffic accident (pedestrian versus two-wheeler) with left-sided chest pain and breathlessness, left shoulder and leg pain referred to our institute. On examination, left hemithorax decreased breath sound and bowel sound was present, chest compression test positive, normal bowel sound in the abdomen, restricted left shoulder movement and abnormal mobility of shaft of left tibia and fibula. A plain X-ray of the chest and abdomen showed bowel shadow in the left hemithorax up to the apex. Computed tomography (CT) of thorax and abdomen shows herniation of stomach, transverse colon, omentum in the left hemithorax with collapsed left lung. A plain X-ray of the left shoulder shows neck of scapula fracture, left leg both bone fracture. Suggesting traumatic diaphragmatic hernia took emergency surgery, laparotomy was made intact stomach, transverse colon, omentum reduced with no injuries, radially placed diaphragmatic rent of size 10 cm × 5.5 cm through which left lung inferior lobe visualized, medial edge of rent close to the pericardial pad of fat. Other solid organs normal, left thoracic drain was fashioned. Rent was closed with interrupted polypropylene with intraabdominal drain. Left leg both bone fracture was done with tibial nailing and left neck of scapula fracture managed conservatively. Abdominal approach is sufficient rather than a thoracoabdominal approach given associated intraabdominal injuries, nowadays minimal access approaches preferred.

Ilio-femoral venous thrombosis with hereditary antithrombin deficiency: a case report of rare thrombotic disease and successful treatment with catheter directed thrombolysis

BackgroundHereditary antithrombin (AT) deficiency is an uncommon autosomal dominant thrombogenic disorder, which can cause venous thromboembolism (VTE). Although conservative treatment options for hereditary AT deficiency-associated VTE such as anticoagulation (warfarin, direct oral anticoagulant, or heparin), intravenous thrombolysis, and recombinant AT are well known, interventional treatment options have not been reported so far.Case summaryA 19-year-old man with a family history of thrombogenic diseases, referred to our hospital with left leg pain, was diagnosed with AT deficiency-associated VTE. In the absence of symptomatic relief with intravenous thrombolysis and anticoagulation, he received venous intervention and catheter directed thrombolysis (CDT) for 4 days for left iliac venous thrombosis. Following a second venous intervention, venous thrombus disappeared almost entirely on cross-sectional imaging, and his symptoms improved. He was discharged on apixaban and has been recurrence-free for one and a half years.DiscussionThis case presents CDT and maintenance therapy with apixaban as possible treatment options for VTE in patients with hereditary AT deficiency, especially following failure of conservative therapy. Individual risks and benefits should be considered when CDT is performed for acute VTE in patients with AT deficiency.

A case report of multisite arterial thrombosis in a patient with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

BackgroundA systemic coagulation dysfunction has been associated with COVID-19. In this case report, we describe a COVID-19-positive patient with multisite arterial thrombosis, presenting with acute limb ischaemia and concomitant ST-elevation myocardial infarction and oligo-symptomatic lung disease.Case summaryAn 83-year-old lady with history of hypertension and chronic kidney disease presented to the Emergency Department with acute-onset left leg pain, pulselessness, and partial loss of motor function. Acute limb ischaemia was diagnosed. At the same time, a routine ECG showed ST-segment elevation, diagnostic for inferior myocardial infarction. On admission, a nasopharyngeal swab was performed to assess the presence of SARS-CoV-2, as per hospital protocol during the current COVID-19 pandemic. A total-body CT angiography was performed to investigate the cause of acute limb ischaemia and to rule out aortic dissection; the examination showed a total occlusion of the left common iliac artery and a non-obstructive thrombosis of a subsegmental pulmonary artery branch in the right basal lobe. Lung CT scan confirmed a typical pattern of interstitial COVID-19 pneumonia. Coronary angiography showed a thrombotic occlusion of the proximal segment of the right coronary artery. Percutaneous coronary intervention was performed, with manual thrombectomy, followed by deployment of two stents. The patient was subsequently transferred to the operating room, where a Fogarty thrombectomy was performed. The patient was then admitted to the COVID area of our hospital. Seven hours later, the swab returned positive for COVID-19.DiscussionCOVID-19 can have an atypical presentation with thrombosis at multiple sites.

Venous Recanalization and Stenting After Iliac Vein Injury

The objective of this study was to report an endovascular treatment for patients experiencing complications after iliac vein ligation. Management of venous injury consists largely of venous ligation or primary repair. Complications consist of lower extremity swelling, venous hypertension, venous thromboembolism, and compartment syndrome. Whereas conservative management is often successful for symptomatic swelling, there is little current literature regarding treatment of failed conservative therapy. A retrospective chart review performed from 2017 to 2020 identified three patients who underwent recanalization and venous stenting after previously ligated iliac vein. Case 1: A 23-year-old man suffered a gunshot wound to the left external iliac requiring ligation. He developed venous hypertension requiring fasciotomy of the left lower leg and thigh. Recanalization with stenting of the left external iliac vein with mechanical thrombectomy of the common femoral and external iliac vein was performed. Completion venography showed no residual stenosis. The patient was discharged on anticoagulation with normal flow on noninvasive studies 2 months later. Case 2: A 21-year-old man suffered a gunshot wound to the abdomen with injury to the inferior vena cava (IVC) and right iliac vein requiring ligation. Postoperatively, he developed iliac vein stenosis with symptomatic lower extremity swelling. Iliac vein recanalization with bilateral iliac vein stenting and IVC confluence reconstruction was performed. He was discharged on anticoagulation with patent venous stents and normal flow on noninvasive studies 2 months later. Case 3: A 44-year-old man presented with chronic swelling and left leg pain following ligation of the left iliac vein after iatrogenic injury during spinal surgery. Conservative compression therapy was unsuccessful. Preoperative computed tomography venography revealed chronic occlusion of the left iliac vein. Recanalization was performed, with improvement of flow through the left iliac system with filling into the IVC. The patient was discharged on anticoagulation, with patent stents on noninvasive studies at 6-month follow up. Venous recanalization with stenting is a successful treatment for complications after iliac vein ligation.

Do Waveforms Matter? Yes They Do! A Case in Point

A 38-year-old G1P0 presented to the Vascular Lab at 32 weeks gestation for evaluation of persistent left lower extremity edema. The patient reported a 1-month history of left leg pain and swelling after a long car trip. Of note, she had 3 negative lower extremity ultrasounds at outside imaging facilities over the previous 6 weeks. Left lower extremity venous duplex was performed with B-mode, color, power, and spectral Doppler using a linear 12-3 MHz transducer and curvilinear 5-1 MHz transducer. Images were documented using Intersocietal Accreditation Commission Vascular Testing (IAC VT) protocol. Left lower extremity duplex revealed continuous flow in the bilateral common femoral veins. Right common iliac and external iliac vein Doppler waveforms demonstrated spontaneous and phasic flow. Left proximal common iliac and external iliac veins revealed continuous flow. Acute, occlusive deep venous thrombosis (DVT) was identified in the left distal common iliac vein. The left common iliac vein was enlarged, measuring 2.2 cm compared with the contralateral common iliac vein measuring 1.4 cm. Ultrasonographic infrainguinal demonstration of acute DVT is straightforward and usually achievable with standard ICA VT protocol. However, imaging of the proximal pelvic venous circulation can be more elusive, particularly in the pregnant patient. Therefore, it is imperative to assess the spectral Doppler waveforms and to investigate pelvic venous flow. Because of the sonographer’s attention to the common femoral waveforms, additional focused pelvic imaging was performed and located acute, occlusive iliac DVT as the cause of significant edema.

Nerve Evaluation during Laparoscopic Endometriosis Resection

Study Objective This video demonstrates a targeted nervous system evaluation in the setting of a uterine and ovarian conserving surgery Design N/A Setting A single surgical center within a large integrated healthcare system. Patients or Participants The patient is a 49-year-old perimenopausal woman with dysmenorrhea and a left ovarian cyst who presented for evaluation of new onset left hip and leg pain. The left ovarian cyst was first noted 4 years ago and the patient declined surgery at that time, instead opting for surveillance with repeat imaging which now demonstrated an interval increase in the cyst size. The patient had an extensive evaluation for her leg pain including MRI and nerve conduction studies which were all unremarkable. The patient declined medical management or definitive surgical treatment of the suspected endometriosis. She opted for a diagnostic laparoscopy and left ovarian cystectomy. Interventions The patient underwent an uncomplicated diagnostic laparoscopy and left ovarian cystectomy. Given the characteristics of her symptoms, care was taken intra-operatively to examine specific nerves within the lumbosacral plexus. Measurements and Main Results No overt pathology was noted along the sacral, genitofemoral, or obturator nerves. Conclusion In summary, this video demonstrates steps for performing a targeted evaluation of the pelvic nervous system based on patient's symptoms.

S1971 Femur Fracture as Initial Presentation of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

INTRODUCTION: Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) of the esophagus is a highly malignant tumor that can progress rapidly without treatment. Given the highly malignant potential of SCC, approximately 50% of patients are found to have metastatic disease at initial diagnosis. However, according to one study, esophageal adenocarcinoma is 3 times more likely to metastasize to the bone than SCC. Our patient presented uniquely with a bone metastasis from SCC resulting in a pathologic femur fracture. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: A 65-year-old male presented to the emergency department with complaints of severe left leg pain. He reports being woken up from a nightmare with the pain at which point he noticed an obvious deformity of his left upper leg. Radiographs of his left leg were concerning for a pathologic fracture of the distal femur within a large underlying lytic lesion. Interestingly, he had presented to the ED two months prior with complaints of left leg pain and had a normal femur radiograph at that time. Given concerns for metastatic disease a CT Chest/Abdomen/Pelvis was obtained and revealed central esophageal wall thickening with mediastinal lymphadenopathy and right sided pleural effusion. He also had additional lytic bone lesions of the right 8th rib and left iliac bone. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed given esophageal thickening and revealed malignant appearing esophageal stenosis suspicious for squamous cell carcinoma. Biopsies were taken and confirmed the diagnosis of Invasive Keratinizing Squamous Cell Carcinoma. CT Guided bone biopsy of left femur lesion revealed the same pathology (Figure 9) confirming the diagnosis of metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Intramedullary nail fixation of his left femur was performed along with placement of PEG tube and port for initiation of chemotherapy with Carboplatin/Paclitaxel. He eventually passed away from complications of his disease. DISCUSSION: Historically, esophageal SCC accounted for most cases of esophageal cancer, however over the past few decades esophageal adenocarcinoma has taken over as the most common esophageal malignancy. Given our patient's recent history of stroke, his previous complaints of dysphagia were not worked up further. Two months prior to this presentation he reported left leg pain and had an unremarkable radiograph of the left femur. This case highlights the importance of obtaining a timely and detailed history and physical examination to avoid delaying diagnostic and therapeutic measures for esophageal cancer.Figure 1.: Pathologic distal femur fracture with underlying lytic bone lesion.Figure 2.: Femur biopsy showing metastatic squamous cell carcinoma with malignant squamous cells forming keratin pearls and invading fibrous stroma surrounding the bone.Figure 3.: Malignant appearing esophageal stenosis.

LARGE SADDLE PULMONARY EMBOLUS IN AN ASYMPTOMATIC PATIENT

SESSION TITLE: Medical Student/Resident Pulmonary Vascular Disease Posters SESSION TYPE: Med Student/Res Case Rep Postr PRESENTED ON: October 18-21, 2020 INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary embolism (PE) represents a mechanical obstruction of one or more branches of the pulmonary vasculature, usually due to a blood clot. Saddle PE lodges at the bifurcation of the main pulmonary artery, often extending into the right and left main pulmonary arteries. Approximately 3 to 6 percent of patients with PE present with a saddle embolus. We report an atypical case of asymptomatic large saddle PE with normal right heart function. CASE PRESENTATION: A 47-year-old male with history of diabetes, OSA, hypertension, obesity and family history of Factor V Leiden mutation presented with 1-day history of progressively worsening left leg pain and swelling. He denied any fevers, chills, SOB, cough or palpitations, recent surgery, or long car rides. On physical examination, the patient was comfortable, alert and oriented, afebrile, respiratory rate 21/minute, saturating 97% on room air. Laboratory workup was insignificant. EKG showed sinus tachycardia. Venous scan of left lower extremity revealed subacute deep venous thrombosis (DVT) involving the left femoral and popliteal veins. CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) revealed extensive bilateral pulmonary emboli with large saddle. 2D ECHO revealed normal left ventricle (LV) systolic function with ejection fraction >55% and normal right ventricle (RV) size and function. Patient was started on heparin drip and switched to Eliquis. He was discharged home in a stable condition. DISCUSSION: Saddle PE is a radiologic definition and refers to thrombus that straddles the bifurcation of the pulmonary artery trunk. Saddle PE is found in 2.6% to 5.4% of patients with PE.1,2 Patients with saddle PE presented more frequently with concurrent DVT on hospital admission (75%).3 The presenting symptoms are dyspnea (72%), syncope (43%). Our patient presented with progressive left leg swelling and pain with DVT and no respiratory symptoms. Alkinj et al in 20172 had reported that 18% of patients with saddle PE had normal RV systolic function. One third patients had hemodynamic instability fulfilling the definition of massive PE unlike in our patient. Our patient was hemodynamically stable and had normal RV function, the risk of bleeding outweighed the benefits of fibrinolytic therapy, therefore this patient was managed with conventional treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Despite looking sinister in appearance on imaging studies, patients with saddle pulmonary embolus may be nearly asymptomatic, hemodynamically stable and can be successfully managed with conventional treatment. Reference #1: Ryu JH, Pellikka PA, Froehling DA, Peters SG, Aughenbaugh GL.Saddle pulmonary embolism diagnosed by CT angiography: frequency,clinical features and outcome. Respir Med. 2007;101(7):1537-1542. Reference #2: Alkinj B, Pannu BS, Apala DR, Kotecha A, Kashyap R, Iyer VN. Saddle vs Nonsaddle Pulmonary Embolism: Clinical Presentation, Hemodynamics, Management, and Outcomes. Mayo Clin Proc. 2017;92(10):1511-1518. Reference #3: Girard P, Musset D, Parent F, Maitre S, Phlippoteau C, Simonneau G. High prevalence of detectable deep venous thrombosis in patients with acute pulmonary embolism. Chest 1999;116:903-8. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Salil Avasthi, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by DEEPTI AVASTHI, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Rathnavali Katragadda, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Shanti Pittampalli, source=Web Response

S2565 An Incidental Liver Mass Waiting to Explore: Hydatid Cyst in a Pregnant Female

INTRODUCTION: Human echinococcosis is a disease process caused by several species of tapeworms in the Echinococcus genus. These tapeworms utilize a variety of hosts that include rodents, herbivores and carnivores; humans are considered accidental hosts. This disease is very uncommon in the United States, and manifests most commonly with cystic liver lesions; but can spread to other organs as well. The liver cysts are slow growing and asymptomatic until they exceed 10 cm in size. Diagnosis is made with imaging and serologies. Here we present a case of a hydatid cyst in a pregnant female, with limited treatment options. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: A 40 year old healthy Lebanese female, G3P2 at 11 weeks, presented with left lower extremity edema, dizziness and leg pain. Lower extremity ultrasound (US) revealed extensive thrombus, with subsequent CTPA revealing bilateral pulmonary emboli. Incidentally, a 7.1 cm hepatic mass was noted on the CTPA. Labs revealed a normocytic anemia with a hematocrit at 30.9% but were otherwise normal including liver function studies. Anticoagulation with enoxaparin was started, and she was transferred to a tertiary medical center for evaluation of the liver mass. There, she underwent a dedicated ultrasound of her abdomen which demonstrated a 7 cm mother cyst with multiple daughter cysts consistent with a hydatid cyst (Figure 1). Serological markers were sent and revealed a positive echinococcus antibody. Due to patient remaining asymptomatic and her gravid status; active surveillance was pursued. She underwent hepatic US every 3 months until delivery of a healthy girl. Over the course of her pregnancy, the cyst marginally increased in size, but her liver function tests remained normal and she remained asymptomatic. Post-partum, she underwent a modified puncture-aspiration-injection-reaspiration (PAIR) procedure. DISCUSSION: Hydatid cysts can result in pain, pancreatitis, rupture with further seeding, hemorrhage, fistula formation and systemic infection. These cysts can cause mass effect with compression of the biliary tree and portal vessels. The differential includes abscess, hemangioma, hamartoma and malignancy. Surgical treatment with adjunctive antiparasitic therapy can be utilized, but percutaneous therapy tends to have shorter hospital stays. Given the rarity of this disease in the United States and limitation of treatment during pregnancy; hydatid cysts should be considered in the differential of hepatic mass and actively monitored during pregnancy.Figure 1.: Abdominal Ultrasound.

Flexible endoscope visualization to assist in the removal of a string of 10 schwannomas at the cauda equina: technical case report.

Bead-like schwannomas at the cauda equina are rare but benign intraspinal tumors. They can involve multiple nerve roots and spread within the spinal canal, and open resection would cause significant trauma. The authors have successfully applied a novel minimally invasive technique for the total removal of such schwannomas. A 68-year-old woman presented with a 1-month history of left waist and leg pain. MRI demonstrated multiple intraspinal lesions located from L1 to S1. The diagnosis was bead-like schwannomas at the cauda equina. Two incisions were made at the T12 and L5 levels. A flexible endoscope was introduced into the spinal canal following hemisemilaminectomy under a microscope to identify the relationship between the tumors and the carrying nerves. After dissecting both cranial and caudal ends of the carrying nerve, the string of bead-like tumors was gently pulled out from the caudal end as a whole. The endoscope was reintroduced into the spinal canal to ensure complete tumor removal. The patient recovered quickly, and no tumor residual was found at postoperative MRI. Flexible endoscope-assisted visualization plus microscopic hemisemilaminectomy via 2 incisions is a feasible minimally invasive approach for selected patients with bead-like schwannomas at the cauda equina.

Calf And Foot Injury- Crossfit

HISTORY: A 51-year-old female presented with three-year worsening left lower leg and foot pain. No injury at time of onset but was active with CrossFit five times weekly. Pain began on bottom of forefoot with radiation through the sole of foot to posterior calf and popliteal fossa. Pain described as 7-8/10 in intensity, constant, sharp/stabbing in nature, with burning sensation on the bottom of foot. Associated with weakness of the left ankle, foot drop requiring patient to wear an ankle-foot orthotic, swelling, and color changes with her foot turning blue/red intermittently. Pain was unrelieved with oral NSAIDS, steroids, and only temporary relief with topical anti-inflammatory gel, heat/ice, deep tissue massage, and dry-needling with physical therapy. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION: Examination revealed skin color changes with blue discoloration of left foot that was cool to touch. Tender to palpation maximally over left gastrocnemius muscle, Achilles tendon, sole and ball of foot; 0/5 strength with left ankle dorsiflexion/plantar flexion, ankle inversion/eversion or great toe extension. Sensation intact to light touch in L2-S2 dermatomes. Reflexes normal and symmetric bilaterally. DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS: 1.Peripheral nerve damage secondary to entrapment/compression 2.Vascular insufficiency 3.Complex regional pain syndrome TEST AND RESULTS: MRI without IV contrast of left tibia/fibula, foot, ankle: - Mild intramuscular edema within gastrocnemius and soleus, focal fatty atrophy adjacent to medial soleus muscle. Generalized subcutaneous edema throughout ankle. EMG: -No evidence of left lumbosacral radiculopathy, left lower limb mononeuropathy, or large fiber peripheral neuropathy US lower extremity Veins: - No DVT in left lower extremity Ankle brachial index: - Normal arterial Doppler study on the left leg during rest with normal PVR waveforms. NM bone scan: - No abnormal blood flow or blood pool uptake involving the left foot or ankle. Mild radiotracer uptake in left midfoot. FINAL/WORKING DIAGNOSIS: Complex regional pain syndrome TREATMENT/OUTCOMES: 1. Physical Therapy focused on strengthening exercises and desensitization techniques 2. Diclofenac topical gel applied up to four times daily 3. Gabapentin 600mg BID 4. Referral to Pain Medicine for lumbar sympathetic nerve block