Immunoglobulin G4-related sclerosing disease presenting as a rare cause of renal pelvic mass mimicking malignancy.

Immunoglobulin G4-related sclerosing disease is a recently recognized disease entity most commonly associated with autoimmune pancreatitis. This condition can also manifest as extra-pancreatic disease involving the bile ducts, kidney, lung, and retroperitoneum. The disease entity consists of elevated serum IgG4 levels, extensive IgG4-positive plasma cells, and lymphocyte infiltration of the affected organs.

Utility and safety of axillo-subclavian venous imaging with carbon dioxide (CO) prior to chronic lead system revisions.

Background: Prior to attempting placement of one or more electrodes to revise existing rhythm control devices, patency of the central veins should be documented, in view of a high incidence of significant chronic occlusions. Since iodinated contrast venography may be contraindicated in select situations, imaging of the axillo-subclavian venous system with gaseous carbon dioxide (CO(2)) was evaluated prospectively in 23 consecutive individuals who were considered for revision of previously implanted pacemaker or automatic cardioverter defibrillator lead systems.

Methods: Approximately 20 mL of CO(2) were manually infused via CO(2) primed injection tubing into a vein at or above the level of the antecubital fossa ipsilateral to the side of prior lead placements.

Recurrent cholecystitis and cholelithiasis in a gallbladder remnant 14 years after a converted cholecystectomy.

A 52-year-old man presented to the emergency department with a one-day history of epigastric pain. The patient reported a remote history of a "difficult" laparoscopic cholecystectomy that was converted to an open cholecystectomy in 1994. Further operative details were unavailable.