Mohseni, Michael

Splenic injury after colonoscopy is a rare (1:100 000) but serious complication after colonoscopy associated with high morbidity. Consequences range from a mild, self-limited splenic haematoma to the catastrophic shattered spleen and haemorrhagic shock. We present a case of a 68-year-old woman reporting to the emergency department with abdominal pain after colonoscopy. Abdominal CT with intravenous contrast showed a grade I splenic laceration with no active bleeding and a small amount of free fluid collected in the pelvis. General Surgery and Hospitalist Service recommended conservative measures. She was discharged 1 day later with normal haemodynamics and adequate pain control. In conclusion, patients with postcolonoscopy complications often seek evaluation in the emergency department; splenic injury must be considered in the differential. The significant morbidity and occasional mortality are reported from spleen injury after colonoscopy; therefore, the treating physician should promptly evaluate and treat this condition (with appropriate specialty consultation) to prevent untoward outcomes.

Objective: To better evaluate the relationships between training, demographics, and injury, this study sought to define race-related injury risk factors for half- and full-marathon runners. Design: This 3-year, observational cross-sectional study included adults who participated in a half or full marathon. Prerace and 2-week postrace surveys collected data on demographics, training factors, and injuries. Setting: This study took place during a nationally recognized marathon affiliated with a local hospital. Participants: Runners were recruited during the Expo in the days before the race. Postrace surveys were returned by 1043 half marathoners and 624 full marathoners (response rate, 83%). Interventions: This was an observational study; independent variables included demographic data and race year. Main Outcome Measure: The primary outcome was race-related injury that occurred during the race or within 2 weeks after the race. Results: Race-related injuries were reported by 24% of half marathoners and 30% of full marathoners. For half and full marathoners, respectively, significant factors for injuries were previous injury, lower peak weekly training mileage, and lower weekly mileage before race training. Factors significant for only half-marathon injuries were younger age, female sex, shorter distance of longest training run, and no formal training program. Factors significant for only full-marathon injuries were higher body mass index, fewer days running per week, and fewer years of running experience. Conclusions: Previous running injuries, undertraining, and inexperience increased race-related injury risk; women had higher risk than men. Decreased risk of injury was associated with training loads of greater than 23 miles/week for half marathoners and 40 miles/week for full marathoners.

Splenic torsion is an exceedingly rare but clinically important disease process that should be recognised promptly by the treating physician. In this condition, there is twisting of the spleen along its vascular pedicle, subsequently leading to abdominal pain in the setting of organ ischaemia. Vascular thrombosis and splenic infarction may ensue. Torsion has been described in cases of a known wandering spleen. Abnormal development of the splenic suspensory ligaments may predispose a patient to a wandering spleen. Treatment of splenic torsion is typically surgical, with goals of preservation of the spleen if possible. We present a case of a young woman who presented with left-sided chest and abdominal pain and was found to have splenic torsion with complete splenic infarction. Surgical intervention was required, and splenectomy was performed. In this case presentation, we outline the multidisciplinary approach needed to care for the patient with this rare condition.

The differential diagnoses for patients presenting with chest discomfort after endoscopy remain broad. In addition to infectious, traumatic and bleeding complications, intrinsic cardiac pathology should be considered. Though rare, pericarditis and pericardial tamponade are additional entities that the clinician should consider when evaluating these patients. We present a 74-year-old man who arrived to the emergency department with substernal chest discomfort that began shortly after upper and lower endoscopy the previous day. Biopsies were obtained during the procedure (ileal and colonic mucosa) without complication. The patient reported worsening chest discomfort with deep inspiration or lying flat. ECG was significant for diffuse ST-segment elevation and PR depression. Cardiac workup was otherwise negative; the patient improved with conservative measures. In this case report, we describe a little known complication after upper endoscopy. By highlighting the clinical features of pericarditis in this setting, the provider can be alert to recognise and promptly treat this clinical entity.