Background
Reduction en mass (REM) is one of the rare complications of inguinal hernia reduction. Although REM can be detected on the basis of specific computed tomography (CT) scan findings, many radiologists are not familiar with its radiological appearance because of the scarcity of this complication, which may cause a delay in diagnosis.
Case presentation
The patient reported in this article was a 50-year-old Persian man with a history of inguinal hernia, who had been referred with the periumbilical pain that radiated to the right lower quadrant and developed following hernia replacement by the patient himself. REM diagnosis was based on clinical examination and CT scan findings, and surgical treatment was performed by the Lichtenstein repair and mesh implantation.
Conclusions
Although REM usually occurs after reduction with compression in the inguinal hernia, this unique case report highlighted the possibility of REM after self-reduction. Surgeons and radiologists should consider REM in patients with a history of inguinal hernia presenting with intestinal obstruction symptoms, even without any apparent signs of hernia in the physical examination.
Introduction and importance
Ovarian vein thrombosis (OVT) is exceedingly rare, which commonly occurs in postpartum patients and can result in serious complication such as pulmonary emboli. With a presentation often mimicking that of acute abdomen, it can be often misdiagnosed and mistreated.
Case presentation
A 30-year-old woman referred with right lower quadrant abdominal pain, nausea and anorexia, one week after normal vaginal delivery. Physical examination demonstrated tenderness and rebound tenderness at the right side of the abdomen, with a stable vital sign except 38 °C fever. She had no history of coagulation problems or thrombotic disorders. Patient was admitted on a suspicion of appendicitis and was prescribed antibiotics followed by pelvic and abdominal ultrasonography that indicated an 8 to 10-centimeter hypoechoic tubular structure on the right side, next to the IVC. CT scan with contrast showed clear dilatation and thrombosis of the right ovarian vein with spread to the IVC. Anticoagulant treatment was started with 1000 intravenous units of heparin per hour, along with aPTT control, with a disappearance of the symptoms after 72 h.
Conclusion
Suspicion of OVT should be high in cases where patients refer with abdominal pain after childbirth, this diagnosis should be taken into account. In the absence of proper and timely diagnosis, it may lead to serious complications or mortality of the mother. CT scan with contrast and at least 3- months anticoagulant therapy (in case of thrombosis spreading to the IVC, this period should be extended) is recommended in diagnosing and treatment of OVT.
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