RESUMEN

INTRODUCTION: Lymphedema is characterized by a defect in the lymphatic system that causes limb swelling. Impaired uptake and transport of lymphatic fluid through lymphatic vessels causes accumulation of protein-rich fluid in the interstitial spaces, which leads to swelling of the limb. Primary lymphedema often presents at birth. The rare cases that arise after age 35 years are described as lymphedema tarda. The great majority of patients with lymphedema have swelling of the lower limbs-upper limb lymphedema is a rare disorder. CASE PRESENTATION: An 84-year-old woman presented with a 3-year history of unilateral swelling of the right upper limb. There were no constitutional symptoms and no evidence of lymphadenopathy or systemic disease. Blood tests, carcinoembryonic antigen test, computed tomography scans, and venous Doppler ultrasound were all normal. The diagnosis was primary upper limb lymphedema. DISCUSSION: The swelling that occurs in upper limb lymphedema is permanent and usually extends to the hand. About one-third of patients with this condition also present with lower limb lymphedema. Thorough investigations are warranted in cases of unilateral upper limb lymphedema to rule out occult malignancy and systemic disease.

Asunto(s)

Linfedema/patología , Linfedema/fisiopatología , Extremidad Superior/patología , Extremidad Superior/fisiopatología , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Femenino , Humanos , Linfedema/etiología

RESUMEN

The presence of a large bulky pancreatic tumour in a young female should raise suspicions of the diagnosis of solid-pseduopapillary tumour of the pancreas.This rare tumour has the characteristics of a low-grade malignancy with indolent behaviour. Most patients present with vague non-specific abdominal pain resulting in delayed diagnosis. The light microscopic features show solid areas alternating with pseudopapillary formations. Metastases are frequently amenable to resection.Favourable prognosis with long-term survival has been shown even in patients with metastatic disease. Herein we present the case of a 21 year-old female patient of Afro-Caribbean extract who presented with gastric outlet obstruction from a large pancreatic tumour.