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Feb 2026 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-5518.jcci-26-5982
Philip Taah-AmoakoCorresponding author
Introduction A retained surgical towel in the abdomen is a serious postoperative complication and the most avoidable. Known as “gossypiboma”, it may migrate into adjoining cavities like the stomach, small bowel, colon, vagina, urinary bladder, pericardium, and urethra. Case Report A 32-year-old male presented with complaints of abdominal pain, 4 months after a laparotomy for complicated appendicitis. Initial history and presentation gave an impression of a lower urinary tract obstruction. However, symptoms progressed with signs of bowel obstruction and investigations pointed to a possible retained foreign body. This was confirmed on laparotomy with indications of a transmural migration during the period of evaluation. The report discusses the pathophysiology and manifestations of a migratory surgical gossypiboma. Conclusions A rare case of gossypiboma displaying transmural migration is reported. This showed an initially peritoneally placed sponge that migrated into the intestinal lumen with the sudden presentation of obstructive symptoms. Routine practice of the World Health Organization Surgical Safety Checklist can significantly prevent these incidents.
May 2024
Mangueina DanielCorresponding author
Waterborne diseases pose a significant global public health threat, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where frequent outbreaks occur. These diseases stemming from contaminated drinking water, poor waste management, and insufficient hygiene contribute to high morbidity and mortality in children under 5 years old. A study addressed waterborne diseases in N'Djamena, Chad's 3rd and 9th districts, through decision-making strategies. The research employed various methods, including a household survey using questionnaires, workshops, semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions. Additionally, documentary research provided essential data for analysing the situation of diseases in the community. Epidemiological data from 2019- 2022 indicated a substantial prevalence of diseases such as diarrhoea, dysentery, skin infections, typhoid, abdominal pain, and malaria, with notable mortality, especially among children. Among surveyed households, 50% believed the consumed water was contaminated, attributing it to faecal matter, while 28% and 22% linked the diseases to inadequate hygiene and unsanitary conditions, respectively. The study advocates for comprehensive strategies, including improving water treatment efficiency, implementing safe waste management, promoting hygiene, and vaccination. Active involvement of all stakeholders, with municipal authorities leading, is crucial for effective implementation and combating waterborne diseases.
Sep 2023
Stenberg DanielCorresponding author
Groove pancreatitis (GP) is a rare type of segmental chronic pancreatitis that affects the anatomical area between the pancreatic head, the duodenum, and the common bile duct, referred to as the groove area. Most patients with groove pancreatitis are males aged 40–50 years with a history of alcohol abuse. The prevalence of this condition was not determined due to rarity of cases.The clinical symptoms commonly reported were weight loss, upper abdominal pain, postprandial vomiting, and nausea due to duodenal stenosis. It is considered difficult clinically and radiographically to distinguish this form of chronic pancreatitis from other differential diagnoses of inflammatory conditions or malignancies affecting the pancreas or adjacent structures to that groove area. We report a challenging case of GP in an asymptomatic female patient during routine gastric ulcer screening. Our objective is to draw attention to this rare and atypical type of chronic pancreatitis and the importance for early detection on screening EGDs prior to its symptomatic sequelae and complications.
Dec 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2690-6759.jpar-22-4382
Sylla KhadimeCorresponding author
Département de Parasitologie-Mycologie Faculté de Médecine, Pharmacie et Odontologie, Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar, Sénégal.
Background Intestinal parasitic infections, especially intestinal protozoan parasites remain significant public health problem in Senegal. Several studies have demonstrated the endemicity of the diseases. The study was carried out with the objective of assessing the epidemiolocal profile of intestinal protozoan infection diagnosed among patients attending to Fann University Hospital in Dakar, Senegal. Materials and Method A retrospective study was conducted from 2016 to 2020. Samples were collected from patients attending to the laboratory for parasitological confirmation. Fresh stool samples were observed using direct examination, formal-ether concentration method and modified Zeilh Nielsen staining method. Descriptive analysis was performed using Stata MP 16 software. The significance level was set at 5%. Results Among 3825 patients selected in the study, 1009 were found with at least one intestinal protozoan parasite representing an overall prevalence of 26.4% (CI 95% (24.7– 28)). Mono-parasitic and di-parasitic infection represent 81.6% and 18.2% respectively while polyparasitism was observed in 26 patients representing 2,6%. Among positive samples, 16 (8.7%) were associated with helminths. Blastocystis sp. (40.8%), Entamoeba Coli (38.2%), Endolimax nana (8.2%) and Giardia intestinalis (8.1%) were mainly observed. Trophozoites Entamoeba histolytica was observed with 2.3%. Frequency of intestinal protozoa was higher in the 15 – 30 age group (28.3%) and in male group (26.9%). The parasite carriage was most important during the wet season comparing the dry season (p = 0.65). Asymptomatic patients (29.5%) were more infected than symptomatic patients (23.5%) (p <10-3). The main clinical symptoms were diarrhea, abdominal pain, dysenteric syndrome, fever, dyspeptic disorders, and vomiting. Conclusion These results showed that intestinal protozoan infections remain prevalent in Senegal with a high proportion of asymptomatic who constitute an important reservoir of parasites. Effective control strategies such as water supply, hands washing, and mass deworming campaign could reduce the prevalence of these diseases.
Jul 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-4488.jna-21-3887
N Osnaya-RomeroCorresponding author
Unidad de investigación clínica Instituto Nacional de Pediatría.
Polycystic kidney disease is an inherited disease that can lead to high blood pressure and kidney failure. In Mexico, 4.5% of patients with kidney failure are carriers of this disease; the liver is another of the organs affected by this disease that can manifest as abdominal pain and a mass effect in the abdominal cavity; we present 2 cases of polycystic kidney and liver disease (mother and child), in addition to describing the clinical manifestations, two different stages of the disease are shown, being a hereditary disease it is suggested that once a case is identified, an abdominal ultrasound is performed to first-degree relatives in search of cystic lesions to indicate preventive measures that help us preserve the overall well-being of the patient.
Nov 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2693-1176.ijgh-20-3612
Sah BikashCorresponding author
Associate Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal.
Spontaneous rupture of the urinary bladder (SRUB) is a rare clinical condition. Prompt diagnosis is often difficult both clinically and radiologically and necessitates a high index of suspicion as the patients present with non-specific abdominal pain and may not offer a clear history. The depressant effect of alcohol further complicates the diagnosis. We report a case of a young male who was unable to seek medical support and was found dead within 12 hours of the onset of abdominal discomfort following acute alcohol intoxication. At autopsy, rupture of the urinary bladder with blood and blood clots was found in the pelvic cavity with no any corresponding external injury. Spontaneous rupture of the urinary bladder is a rare cause of death in acute alcohol intoxication. In order to further understand this rare condition, the review of related literature has been done.
Sep 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2328-0182.japst-20-3526
Bekele AnbessaCorresponding author
Pharmacy School, Health Institute, Jimma University, Ethiopia
Background Self-medication (SM) can be defined as the use of drugs to treat self-diagnosed disorders or symptoms, or the intermittent or continued use of a prescribed drug for chronic or recurrent disease or symptoms. A number of individuals in developing countries do not attend physicians for their illnesses; instead they commonly use self-medication. Self-medication could be using drugs existing in home like over the counter (OCT) drugs, traditional medicine, prescription only drug. Self-medication is not always bad, hence for the over the counter drugs it is beneficial. Inappropriate storage and use of medicines at home could have a direct influence on public health, the environment and the health-care services and it increases the risk of self-medication. Objective To assess the practice of self-medication and drug storage among South Sudanese community in Addis Ababa. Materials and Methods A cross sectional study design was conducted in Addis Ababa city from April 22 to April 26/2019. Data was collected by semi structure-questionnaire consisting questions on general demographic, socio-economic as well as on perceived illness/ symptoms in the past four weeks and actions taken for it. The data collected was screened before it is analyzed. Data analysis was done by using calculator. Results From the total 297 respondents 286 (96.2%) had reported self-medication in the last one month before the study period. The most common types of ailments for which the respondents reported to have practiced self-medication were cough, cold and sore throat 90(30.3%), followed by headache 66(22.2%), diarrhea 52(17.5%) ,abdominal pain 47(15.8%), fever 21(7.07%) and vomiting 10(3.3%). The reasons given for self-medication were; the illness was minor 226(76%) and previous experiences with similar ailments 31 (10.4%) were found to be the two major reasons given by the respondents for self-medication in this study. The majority of the respondents 242(81.4%) who practiced self-medication obtained information on self-medication from friends and 29(9.7%) obtained information from family members. The most frequently used group of drugs used for self-medication were analgesics/antipyretics 177(59.5%) and antimicrobial which account 75(25.2%) each followed by antihelmenthics 24(8.08%).The main source of drugs for SM was in pharmacy 220(74.07%) followed by leftover drugs 41(13.8%) while drug retail outlet, and neighbors and relatives were the suppliers to 12.13% respondents each. Conclusion and Recommendation A significant number of respondents (96.2%) use S/M from those perceived illness. Majority of the self-medicated individuals used due to minor illness. The most common category of drugs used was analgesics/antipyretics and antimicrobials. And the reason reported for using S/M was minor illness and previous experience with the illness. Most of respondents obtained drugs easily from pharmacy. So, pharmacies are the major sources of drugs used for S/M. The increased of drugs storage to treat similar illness/symptom and drugs left over from previous use contribute to the increase in the S/M practice. Common drugs store reported by respondents who store modern drugs were analgesic/antipyretic. Most of the respondents stored the drug in locked cabinets. A lot is need to be done in educating the public including the health care providers on the type of illnesses that can be self-diagnosed and self-treated, the type of drugs to be used for S/M, and the proper use of drugs. During dispensing of drugs emphasis should be given to all drug consumers and dispenser because of resistance and side effects of drug is the main challenging problem even in the world. Food, Medicines and Healthcare Administration and Control Authority (FMHACA) needs to effectively implement laws on drug handling and dispensing so as to take necessary measures on illegal providers of drugs.
Aug 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2832-4048.jsm-20-3519
Nasim Habibzadeh SeyedehCorresponding author
PhD student in Sport Science, School of Health and Life Sine, Department of Sport Science, Teesside University, United Kingdom
Some certain foods or drinks have specific effects on musculoskeletal frameworks in time of pain. For instance, the extra intake of salt declines muscular spams (or cramps) in different limbs. The regular consumptions of milk products reduce the upper or lower musculature weakness and pain. The hot drinks and foods as other examples can help to mitigate the abdominal pains. Indeed, warm drinks boost memory through lowering the pressures in different brain ‘sections (or lobs) in fatigue time. Some plant - based diets assist to the better digestion through faster and more smooth facilitation of food transformation in stomach areas. The plant – based dietary also can decline the heart muscle shocking impulse. However, some people for different reasons (i.e. cultural) do not consume some specific foods and drinks that can be kind of disadvantages for musculature system. Nonetheless, increasing the knowledge of daily food intakes can significantly help to improve musculoskeletal health in different individual in an uncertain condition.
Feb 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-20-3181
Barnhill KellyCorresponding author
The Johnson Center for Child Health & Development
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder characterized by impaired communication and social interaction. Children with ASD are frequently diagnosed with gastrointestinal (GI) issues, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), gastroesophageal reflux, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation, although the association between ASD and GI conditions is unclear. Underlying nutritional deficiencies are more common in children with ASD, and increase the risk of them developing medical conditions secondary to the behavioral diagnosis. This objective of this study was to examine the use of an elemental diet (ED) in the treatment of gastrointestinal disease in 5 children with ASD ages 2-21 years of age. In the study participants, the ED was well-tolerated with improvements in anthropometric measures, nutritional markers, and/or GI functioning reported after 12 weeks of intervention. Further research to advance the development of specific evidence-based guidelines in the management and treatment of gastrointestinal concerns in the ASD population is warranted.
Jan 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-20-3171
Ozcelik FatihCorresponding author
University of Health Sciences, Sultan 2. Abdulhamid Han Training and Research Hospital, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Istanbul, Turkey
Biogenic amines, which are responsible for the realization of many physiological conditions of our body, are compounds that can be produced by microorganisms especially in fermented foods with high protein content. They can have harmful effects on human health only when taken in high amounts with food. However, in individuals with impaired anti-toxic metabolism, which is responsible for detoxification, even lower amounts may cause toxic effects. The most common health effects are nausea, vomiting, severe headaches, hypotension, hypertension, tachycardia, various allergic reactions, abdominal pain and death in more severe cases. For these reasons, legislations on biogenic amines in foods have been established with some restrictions. Food producers have been asked to comply with these legislations. However, despite all precautions, biogenic amines in foods have not been completely removed. Further research is still needed to find effective solutions to prevent biogenic amine formation. In addition, consumers need to be made aware of this issue.
Nov 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2690-6759.jpar-19-3085
M Mohammed WahajCorresponding author
Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Shendi University, Sudan.
Among 500 persons referred to laboratories for performing stool examinations samples (51.43%) were male and (48.57%) were female, all this personshad Abdominal pain and Diarrhea and 39% had a blood in their stool Among these numbers, 298 (59.6%) were positive for parasitic infections 90 (30.2%) Giardia lamblia and 208 (69.8%) Entamoeba histolytica .Also the higher infection rates were recorded in the age 10-19 the infection was (42 % Based on the reliable answers obtained from the interviewed patients or guardians using the pre-formatted questionnaires.The prevalence of intestinal protozoan according to drinking water materials the Plastic and brass have higher infection rate with (50.3%) and (30.2%).
Nov 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2766-869X.jfd-18-2276
Cheikhrouhou FatmaCorresponding author
Mycology and parasitology Laboratory- Habib Bourguiba hospital 3029 Sfax -Tunisia.
We report a case of a young woman with acquired immune deficiency syndrome admitted with fever and abdominal pain. Saccharomyces kluyveri was isolated in blood culture. She was successfully treated with fluconazole. This case demonstrates the pathogenicity of Saccharomyces Kluyveri in immunocompromised host.
Nov 2018
Prasad Burjonrappa SathyaCorresponding author
Department of pediatric surgery, Children’s Hospital at Montefiore.
Intestinal malrotation is the incomplete rotation of the midgut during embryogenesis. The reported prevalence is 1 in 500 live births, however some studies report a prevalence as high as 1% of the population1, 2. Traditionally it is though as a disease of the pediatric population presenting as bilious emesis during the first year of life but can present with different symptoms even in adulthood. Presentation in older populations tends to be atypical, chronic abdominal pain, nausea and diarrhea being the most commonly reported symptoms 3. However, as these symptoms accompany almost all-gastrointestinal pathology it is difficult to determine if abnormalities of rotation and fixation of the intestine are the cause for the symptoms in a given patient given its relative rarity. It therefore is important to have a high index of suspicion in patients with non-specific gastrointestinal symptoms. We report laparoscopic management of a patient with abnormal rotation/fixation who was treated for many years as celiac disease (CD). Celiac disease is an immune mediated systemic disorder elicited by gluten in genetically susceptible individuals4. It can present as chronic abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, failure to thrive, weight loss, stunted growth, distention and fatigue. His symptoms immediately resolved after surgery.
Oct 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-4526.jddd-17-1497
Darouichi M.Corresponding author
Medical institute radiology and gynecology ,Genrva,Switzerland.
Volvulus occurring during pregnancy is a rare complication, still potentially lethal nowadays for both the mother and child due to several, early arising complications. We report here a case of small bowel volvulus in a 28 weeks and 4 days, 29 years-old, pregnant woman with a past medical history of appendectomy in her childhood. Patient presented in emergency department with abdominal pain and abnormal hepatic tests. Cholangio-MRI suggested bowel obstruction due to volvulus that was confirmed by gastroscopy (showing the obstruction) and intestinal MRI. Patient was first treated by laparoscopy but, due to a very complicated abdominal status with the presence of several adhesions of the small bowel, surgery was changed to an open laparotomy, which allowed discovery and repositioning of small bowel malrotation and removal of adhesions. Both patient and the foetus were healthy after surgery and the patient was then discharged. In the light of this particularly rare case of small bowel volvulus due to malrotion, we will describe the pathology of bowel obstruction and more particularly volvulus during pregnancy and discuss its diagnosis and treatment.
Oct 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-9273.jbtm-16-1173
C. Jellesma FrancineCorresponding author
Research Institute Child Development and Education, University of Amsterdam
Many schoolchildren experience somatic complaints such as headaches, abdominal pain and fatigue. The aim of the current research is to test the full model of previously found associations between negative affect and somatic complaints in parents and children. Participants were 199 children (aged 8-13, 47% boys) and their parents (aged 31-61, mostly mothers (87%). Self-reports of children and parents on worry, anxiety, depression and somatic complaints were used and parents’ reactions to children’s emotions wereassessed. The results of the study show that childhood negative affect and parental somatic complaints are positively associated with childhood somatic complaints. In turn, childhood negative affect is related to children’s worrying and to parents’ responses to children’s emotions. The more anxious or depressed children felt, the more they worried. Maladaptive parental responses (such as reprimands and discomfort) to child emotions were positively related to depression. It was also found that parents who experienced more negative affect, reported more somatic complaints and tended to report more maladaptive responses towards their children’s emotions.
Aug 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-16-1154
Giardino S. Neri F.Corresponding author
Centre of Rare Diseases of the Sicilian Region, University of Catania, Italy
Superior mesenteric artery syndrome 1234 is a rare disorder characterised by a compression of the duodenum because of the reduced angle between the aorta and superior mesenteric artery. The disease is clinically characterised by abdominal pain, lack of appetite, vomiting and anorexia; some of these symptoms also characterise eating disorders. We report a case of a young female patient presenting with abdominal pain, loss of appetite and chronic loss of weight which led to misdiagnosis of anorexia nervosa; ultrasound with echo color Doppler methodology has subsequently allowed the correct diagnosis.
Feb 2015 DOI 10.14302/issn.2578-2371.jslr-14-539
Soufi MehdiCorresponding author
Department of digestive Surgery, Faculty of medicine Oujda, University Mohammed first, Oujda -Morocco
We present a rare case of a 46-year-old man who presented with recurrent fever and abdominal pain without other symptoms. Laboratory data were no specific for diagnosis. Abdominal imaging revealed a pseudotumor liver. A diagnosis of isolated liver tuberculosis with abscess component was confirmed with US-guided liver biopsy and histopathological examination. The patient received antibacillous drugs with success.