This is an excellent educational case report that reminds us to keep the differential diagnosis as open as possible. As the reviewer pointed out there are many useful learning points. Warfarin, head injury and bruising […]
Latest articles
Myocardial infarction induced by spontaneous pneumothorax
Patients presenting with more than one significant diagnosis, especially when one could be a complication or precipitant of the other, can be very challenging. However, these cases occur and it reminds us of the importance of keeping a broad differential diagnosis and reviewing the history and findings to ensure a complete evaluation of the patient […]
Hypocalcaemia, long QT interval and atrial arrhythmias
This case report about atrial arrhythmias provides some insight into possible mechanisms. It includes some excellent examples of ECGs. Hypocalcaemia, long QT interval and atrial arrhythmias […]
Situs ambiguus in a schoolchild
This is a very well described presentation of an unusual condition. A classic case but always educational to revisit. The CXR is a good example that would be useful in a departmental quiz. BMJ Case Reports 2009; doi:10.1136/bcr.07.2009.2071 […]
Oesophageal food impaction in achalasia treated with Coca-Cola and nifedipine
This is a detailed description of the use of the physical and chemical properties of Coca-cola to remove oesophageal obstruction. The authors are careful to discuss issues of patient safety but suggest this technique for use in particular circumstances. Oesophageal food impaction in achalasia treated with Coca-Cola and nifedipine […]
True posterior tibial artery aneurysm in a young patient: surgical or endovascular treatment?
In this case report the authors describe the endovascular approach to a tibial artery aneurysm in a young patient. Aneurysms are unusual in this age group and this less invasive approach is a useful alternative to the standard surgical technique. True posterior tibial artery aneurysm in a young patient: surgical or endovascular treatment? […]
“Pediatric” case reports now in vogue?
The American Academy of Pediatrics’ journal ‘Pediatrics’ has made public its New Year’s resolutions in an editorial called “The Next Generation of Pediatrics”. First LR, Moyer VA, Puskarz J. The Next Generation of Pediatrics. PEDIATRICS. 2010 1;125(1):193-194. In it they announce the relaunch of case reports with some excellent selection criteria namely reports that: “(1) […]
Metal-free valvuloplasty technique uses MRI instead of X-Rays
“A British six-year-old boy has become the first person in the world to have a heart valve widened using an MRI scan for guidance rather than X-ray imaging.” http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8448787.stm The catheters for the pulmonary valvuloplasty were stiffened with glass fibre instead of the usual steel wire. Being able to monitor with MRI means less radiation […]
Incidental finding of Castleman’s disease in an asymptomatic young adult
This case report is of a young man with an abnormal chest X-Ray. The workup by the authors led to the diagnosis of a rare disease which they then discuss and give an update on the diagnosis and management. Incidental finding of Castleman’s disease in an asymptomatic young adult […]
The co-existence of CHARGE and myelodysplastic syndrome in a child
The authors of this case report highlight the unusual association of CHARGE and MDS in a child. It is a well written short report that may be an early indication of an association and interesting pathological link. However, as the authors point out, the association in this particular patient may simply be coincidence. The co-existence […]