Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is a common form of soft tissue sarcoma. Primary colonic LMS is an extremely rare entity, comprising 1–2% of gastrointestinal malignancies. Primary mesenchymal sarcomas of the gastrointestinal system are rare and constitute just 0.1–3% of all gastrointestinal tumours. LMS is the most common variant of such tumours and represents just 0.12% of colorectal malignancies.
We present a case of a 65-year-old female, who presented to the emergency department with 3 days history of obstipation and generalized abdominal pain. Radiology (X-ray and ultrasound) indicated a large pelvic mass compressing the sigmoid colon and its surrounding structures.
Histopathological analysis indicated a primary LMS of the sigmoid colon. Diagnosis is established mostly postoperatively after histopathological evaluation. Prognosis and treatment modalities for this aggressive malignancy remain insufficient. LMS is relatively impervious to chemotherapy/radiotherapy. Our patient was treated by surgical excision of the tumour and referred postoperatively for adjuvant chemotherapy.
Introduction and importance
Meckel's Diverticulum (MD) is the most occurring congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract. It characterizes a patent remnant of the omphalomesenteric duct. Despite remaining asymptomatic most of the time, the rarity of its occurrence is reflected by the scarcity of data involving it in the literature. Gastrointestinal bleeding, bowel obstruction, and inflammation are the most prevalent complications of MD. Perforation of MD is very rare.
Case presentation
We present the case of a previously healthy 32-year-old female, who presented to the emergency department with a 2-day-history of generalized abdominal pain. Radiological analysis suggested a perforated viscus and an inflamed Appendix.
Clinical discussion
Our patient was diagnosed preoperatively with perforated hollow viscus and an exploratory laparotomy was indicated. Intraoperatively, a perforated MD was found and treated by surgical excision of the affected loop of bowel with end-to-end anastomosis and the specimens were sent for histopathological analysis. Histopathology revealed a perforated MD containing gastric mucosa. The patient had successful recovery.
Conclusion
Early recognition with swift surgical intervention must take place to provide therapeutic outcome for patients and to limit the resulting morbidity. This case highlights the necessity of considering MD as core differential diagnosis in patients with acute abdomen. Due to the scarcity of data on perforated MDs in adult females, it's worthy of studying to highlight its incidence. Due to the rarity of a perforated MD in an adult female, it's worthy to consider such cases to explore preoperative assessment techniques, surgical interventions options, and postoperative complications.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.