The case of a previously healthy man who developed primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the liver is presented. Biopsy confirmed that the tumour was of the diffuse large cell type and was of apparent T-cell origin. The diagnosis of these rare tumours is suggested by the presence of a hepatic mass without lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly or bone marrow involvement, as well as normal carcinoembryonic antigen and alpha-fetoprotein levels. However, histological examination of tissue is essential to confirm the diagnosis. The response to treatment varies, but surgical resection and/or chemotherapy can result in prolonged remissions. The literature on this topic is briefly reviewed.

Phenytoin and carbamazepine are rarely associated with serious hematologic side effects but can include impairment of either humoral or cell-mediated immunity. We describe a patient who developed severe granulocytopenia while taking phenytoin. The phenytoin was replaced by carbamazepine and the patient subsequently developed erythroid hypoplasia, neutropenia and persistent thrombocytopenia. In vitro studies demonstrated a phenytoin-dependent antigranulocyte antibody directly implicating phenytoin in the leukopenia. An extremely high titre of platelet-associated IgG was found which was independent of the presence of carbamazepine. Autoantibodies directed against the patient’s red cells, granulocytes and lymphocytes were also demonstrated. In vitro marrow culture studies failed to detect cellular or humoral inhibitors and were suggestive of a stem cell defect. These studies indicate that anticonvulsant therapy can result in sustained humoral abnormalities as well as in nonimmune mediated marrow suppression.

Infliximab, a monoclonal antibody directed against tumour necrosis factor-alpha, is an effective therapy for Crohn's disease. Though uncommon, serious opportunistic infections, including reactivation of tuberculosis, have occurred in patients after infliximab administration.Meningitis caused by Listeria monocytogenes developed in a 37-year-old man six days after the second infusion of infliximab. The patient, who also was treated with azathioprine and corticosteroids, had an uneventful recovery after a course of antibiotics. Several other recent reports have implicated infliximab therapy in the development of severe Listeria infections, particularly meningitis and sepsis. With the increasing use of tumour necrosis factor-alpha-neutralizing agents, clinicians should be aware of the risk of opportunistic infections caused by L monocytogenes in patients with Crohn's disease following infliximab treatment.

Black esophagus or acute esophageal necrosis rarely occurs after severe hemodynamic compromise or low-flow states. Other contributing factors may include corrosive injury from gastric contents and diminished mucosal repair mechanisms. Ischemic cholangitis, another rare clinical entity, is also usually the result of a significant vascular and/or hypotensive insult to the biliary tree. We describe the first case of combined acute esophageal necrosis and ischemic cholangiopathy in a 62-year-old male who completely recovered from the esophageal injury but developed progressive liver failure from ischemic cholangiopathy.

Gastric outlet obstruction caused by a large gallstone in the duodenum or pylorus (Bouveret's syndrome) is a rare complication of gallstone disease. The presenting symptoms are often nonspecific and include nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain and a history of gallbladder disease. Although the diagnosis is established only at surgery in many cases, preoperative recognition by imaging techniques and endoscopy is desirable. Surgical treatment aims at removal of the ectopic gallstone, closure of the fistula and cholecystectomy. A case of Bouveret's syndrome is presented where endoscopic extraction of the duodenal gallstone was accomplished providing definitive treatment for this patient.