<p style="text-align: justify;">Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection can be complicated by pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH-HIV) wherein it can occur in approximately 0.5% of HIV patients. The benefit of ART in treating PAH-HIV is unclear in this population. Data on its safety, efficacy, and effect on the progression of PAH are conflicting and limited. In this case report, improvement in PAH was noted after ART was started.p><p style="text-align: justify;">Case: A 43-year-old, male, patient with no comorbidities, consulted due to a five-month history of progressive dyspnea, body malaise as well as weight loss. The patient is heterosexual with multiple sexual partners, an injection drug user, and was previously worked up for HIV, Hepatitis B, and C with unremarkable results. Initially managed as a case of Pneumonia but on CT scan was found to have a suprahilar mass which showed chronic granulomatous features. The positive GeneXpert confirms Pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB). However, dyspnea was noted to progress thus 2D echocardiography was done which revealed severe pulmonary arterial hypertension with normal left ventricular function. Rescreening for HIV turned out positive thus started on anti-retroviral therapy (ART) with a noted improvement of symptoms as well as improvement and eventual normalization in pulmonary artery pressure. One year after initial diagnosis, undetectable viral load for HIV and Hepatitis C were noted along with improvement in CD4 count.p><p style="text-align: justify;">Conclusion: This is a rare case of severe pulmonary hypertension as an initial presentation for HIV infection. The approach to patients with incidental PAH may include work-up for HIV especially when risk factors are present. ART treatment may provide a favorable therapeutic option if initiated early.p>
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension ; Human Immunodeficiency Virus ; Antiretroviral Therapy ; Pulmonary Tuberculosis ; Case Report

BACKGROUND<p style="text-align: justify;" data-mce-style="text-align: justify;">Gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) results from intrinsic and extrinsic obstruction of the pyloric channel or the duodenum. Here we present a rare case of GOO attributed to dense adhesions between the gallbladder and duodenum secondary to chronic cholecystitis with choledococystoduodenal fistula formation. Previous reports identified elderly females with comorbidities as a predisposing factor; however, our patient was an immunocompetent adult male.p>CASE<p style="text-align: justify;" data-mce-style="text-align: justify;">A 43-year-old male with no comorbidities consulted for recurrent epigastric pain, vomiting and weight loss. On contrast enhanced abdominal CT scan, a lamellated cholelithiasis with pneumobilia and an irregular thickening at the proximal duodenum with subsequent GOO was identified. A choledococystoduodenal fistula was considered. Exploratory laparotomy revealed extensive fibrosis and cholecystitis with dense adhesions to surrounding structures. Dissection revealed a gallstone impacted in and adherent to the wall of the gallbladder and a fistula opening into the duodenum. However, there was no definite evidence of impacted gallstone in the duodenum. The dense adhesions secondary to chronic cholecystitis caused duodenal narrowing and subsequent GOO. He eventually underwent antrectomy, pancreatic sparing, total duodenectomy, cholecystectomy, with loop gastrojejunostomy, cholecystojejunostomy and pancreaticojejunostomy. Biopsy specimens taken were negative for malignancy. He was discharged subsequently. However, he was readmitted after five months due to acute abdomen secondary to small bowel rupture, likely from a marginal ulcer.p>SUMMARY<p style="text-align: justify;" data-mce-style="text-align: justify;">This case highlights that preoperative and intraoperative differential diagnosis of GOO is a challenge. Chronic calculous cholecystitis through severe inflammation can present as a rare cause of GOO. Optimal treasaFtment plan should take into consideration the underlying etiology of the GOO.p>
Human ; Male ; Adult: 25-44 Yrs Old ; Gastric Outlet Obstruction ; Cholecystitis ; Cholecystoduodenal Fistula ; Intestinal Fistula ; Complications