Spontaneous inferior mesenteric arteriovenous fistula as a cause of severe portal hypertension and cardiomyopathy.

Inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) and inferior mesenteric vein (IMV) fistulas or malformations are extremely rare, with only 36 cases reported. Low incidence and nonspecific clinical signs and symptoms make mesenteric arteriovenous fistulas difficult to diagnose. We describe a case of a primary IMA-IMV fistula.

Evaluation of Liver Biomarkers as Prognostic Factors for Outcomes to Yttrium-90 Radioembolization of Primary and Secondary Liver Malignancies.

The objective of this study was to examine indicators of liver function and inflammation for prognostic value in predicting outcomes to yttrium-90 radioembolization (RE). In a retrospective analysis, markers of liver function and inflammation, biomarkers required to stage liver function and inflammation, and data regarding survival, tumor response, and progression after RE were recorded. Univariate regression models were used to investigate the prognostic value of liver biomarkers in predicting outcome to RE as measured by survival, tumor progression, and radiographic and biochemical tumor response.

Presternal dermoid cyst mimicking lymphatic malformation: a case report and review of the literature.

We describe an 11-month-old boy with an unusually large presternal mass present since birth. The large size, fluctuant properties, transillumination, compressibility, and imaging of this lesion were characteristic of a lymphatic malformation. Although four treatments with sclerotherapy markedly reduced its size, it was not until definitive treatment with surgical excision and the final pathology report that we arrived at the ultimate diagnosis of dermoid cyst.

Diverticulitis in the younger patient.

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the presentation of diverticulitis at an urban county hospital serving predominantly indigent patients and to analyze the differences, if any, in presentation and treatment in younger patients.

Methods: A retrospective review of medical records from 1995 to 2001 was performed at a single institution to identify patients admitted to the surgical service with the diagnosis of diverticular disease. Inclusion criteria were either diverticulitis confirmed at operation or radiographic findings consistent with the disease.