No abstract

Dextrocardia, a term used to describe all varieties of developmental malformations resulting in the positioning of the heart in the right hemithorax, is linked to a number of highly significant cardiac disorders. Current estimates vary tremendously in the literature. Only about 10 % of patients with diagnosed dextroversion show no substantial cardiac pathology; however, the incidence of congenital heart defects associated with dextrocardia is close to 100 %. The majority of studies previously reported include dextrocardia associated with situs inversus and cases of Kartagener syndrome. There is complex embryology and pathogenesis that results in dextrocardia. Physical examinations of the heart, such as percussion and palpation during routine exams, are vitally important initial diagnostic instruments. X-ray, CT scan, echocardiography (ECHO), and MRI are all invaluable imaging modalities to confirm and classify the diagnosis of dextrocardia. In summary, heart malposition is a group of complex pathologic associations within the human body, rather than just a single congenital defect. Clinicians such as anesthesiologists have unique challenges managing patients with dextrocardia. An appreciation of associated pathogenesis, appropriate diagnosis, and management is paramount in ensuring the best outcome for these patients perioperatively.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a common malignancy with high metastatic potential, primarily due to its extensive vascularity. Common sites of metastasis include lungs, bone, lymph nodes, liver, and brain. However, rare cases of metastasis to other sites including inguinal lymph nodes, peritoneum/mesentery, and orbit have been published in the literature. Herein, a unique case involving metastasis of RCC to the uvula is presented. The patient is a 55-year-old White female with a past medical history of stage 3 (T3aN0M0) RCC s/p nephrectomy 3 years prior to presentation. She had symptoms of a foreign body sensation at the back of her throat, and oropharyngeal examination revealed uvular erythematous mass with vascularity. Uvular biopsy and complete excision were performed, which revealed metastatic RCC. Palate biopsy was negative and revealed only squamous mucosa with mild chronic inflammation. To our knowledge, there is only one other documented case of RCC metastasis to the uvula in the literature.

Multiple myeloma is a plasma cell dyscrasia characterized by neoplastic proliferation of plasma cells, producing a monoclonal immunoglobulin. Small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) is a neoplasm consisting of monoclonal B-cell lymphocyte proliferation. We present an extremely rare case of coexisting multiple myeloma, SLL, and squamous cell carcinoma of the lung in a 74-year-old female patient. She initially presented with a midline mass with pain in the lumbar area. Debulking surgery was performed, and pathology showed plasmacytoma. Further evaluation revealed coexistent IgG kappa myeloma. Imaging revealed extensive abdominal lymphadenopathy, and mesenteric lymph node biopsy confirmed the presence of SLL. The patient was also found to have a mass in the left lower lobe of the lung; biopsy showed squamous cell carcinoma. This patient was treated with lenalidomide and dexamethasone for multiple myeloma, and stereotactic body radiotherapy for limited stage lung cancer. Due to the more indolent course of SLL, watchful waiting was applied.