1.Duodenojejunal intussusception secondary to a duodenal duplication cyst manifested by abdominal pain and obstructive jaundice in a 40-Year-old female: A case report.
Philippine Journal of Internal Medicine 2026;64(1):70-74
BACKGROUND
Enteric duplication cyst is a rare congenital anomaly of the digestive tract, affecting 0.2% of children and 5- 6% of adults, occurring in 1 in 4,500 births. Intussusception is uncommon in adults, accounting for less than 5% of cases, and is found in 1% of bowel obstruction patients. Clinical symptoms in adults can differ from the typical pediatric presentation.
CASEA 40-year-old female was hospitalized with epigastric pain and vomiting, which began 12 hours prior to admission. She experienced crampy pain, escalating to severe pain radiating to the right upper quadrant, along with 12 episodes of non-bilious vomiting. She had a previous history of acute cholecystitis and no known comorbidities. Upon admission, her blood pressure was elevated, and she had icteric sclerae and a tender right upper quadrant with a mass in the epigastrium. Laboratory findings showed leukocytosis, hypokalemia, hypoalbuminemia, and hyperbilirubinemia. A computed tomography of the whole abdomen with contrast revealed duodenojejunal intussusception with biliary obstruction, along with a duodenal duplication cyst measuring 4.2 x 5.8 cm, acting as the lead point, with invagination of part of the pancreatic head into the intussusception. She was managed with decompression, medications, and intravenous antibiotics. After three days, she underwent exploratory laparotomy, pancreatoduodenectomy, segmental resection of the jejunum, and anastomosis procedures. Histopathology confirmed the duodenal duplication cyst, showing intestinal-type mucosa lining exhibiting ischemic necrosis with no atypia or malignant tumor cells. The patient tolerated the procedure well, and her symptoms resolved. She was discharged on the 14th hospital day in stable condition.
CONCLUSIONAdult duodenojejunal intussusception is a rare disease that is difficult to diagnose due to its nonspecific symptoms and is possible in cases of duplication cysts which can act as a lead point, such as in our patient. Therefore, a high index of suspicion and imaging plays an important role in the diagnosis of a duplication cyst with intussusception in adults especially those presenting with abdominal pain, vomiting, and jaundice. A correct and timely diagnosis is needed to prevent various complications including bowel infarction and sepsis.
Human ; Female ; Adult: 25-44 Yrs Old ; Abdominal Pain ; Cysts ; Female ; Intussusception ; Jaundice ; Jaundice, Obstructive ; Pain ; Research Report
2.Colon adenocarcinoma presenting as splenic abscess in a young filipino female, A case report.
Monikka PASAWA ; Dizza R. DUJALI
Philippine Journal of Internal Medicine 2026;64(1):81-85
The spleen is a very hostile environment for tumor cells due to its anatomic location, blood supply, and rich immunological property – which makes it one of the most unique organ to be involved in metastatic diseases.15 Splenic metastases from non-hematologic malignancies are rare ranging from 0.6 to 7.1% base on autopsy reports of cancer patients, and 1.1 to 3.4% base on review of splenectomy cases.14 Moreover, isolated splenic metastases are more infrequent with only 31 cases reported from 1969 to October 2015.16 A splenic abscess is an unusual formation and is usually caused by hematogenous spread from an infection. Such expected frequency varies in different autopsy studies between 0.14% and 0.7%.1 Albeit rare, abscess can also result from migration of gut flora brought about by direct invasion of tumor cells from a neighboring neoplasm.17 This is a case of a 36-year-old female who came in with a history of abdominal pain, chills and fever for seven months. CT scan of the whole abdomen revealed splenic abscess with suspicion of a splenic rupture. The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy with abscess evacuation, splenectomy and double barrel colostomy and given with intravenous antibiotics. Histopathology results showed metastatic adenocarcinoma in the spleen. Thorough deliberation of her case was done and she was eventually managed as a case of Colon Cancer Stage IV and underwent chemotherapy. Splenic abscess developing from splenic metastasis from a colonic adenocarcinoma is rare and with concomitant high mortality rate. More often than not, splenic metastasis is discovered in advanced stage together with metastatic tumor in other organs while isolated splenic metastasis is even more uncommon. A splenic abscess as an initial demonstration of a colon cancer is not a common daily encounter of physicians hence a high index of suspicion coupled with sensitive and specific imaging is necessary in order to provide prompt medical and surgical intervention.
Human ; Female ; Adult: 25-44 Yrs Old ; Abdomen ; Adenocarcinoma ; Autopsy ; Colostomy ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Pain ; Research Report ; Infections ; History ; Splenic Rupture ; World Health Organization ; Neoplasms ; Disease ; Fever ; Hematologic Neoplasms
3.Acute appendicitis presenting as right upper quadrant pain: A case report.
Sofia Isabel T. Manlubatan ; Jaime Antonio O. Yu ; Marc Paul J. Lopez
Philippine Journal of Surgical Specialties 2026;81(1):21-24
Appendicitis is one of the most commonly encountered general surgery emergencies worldwide and has been extensively studied. However, anatomical variations in the position of the appendix may result in atypical clinical presentations, leading to diagnostic difficulty and delays in management. Reported here is a case of subhepatic appendicitis in a young adult patient who successfully underwent laparoscopic appendectomy. Subhepatic appendicitis is a rare surgical entity that should be considered in patients presenting with right upper quadrant abdominal pain. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography and laparoscopy are valuable tools in the diagnosis and management of this uncommon condition.
Human ; Female ; Adult: 25-44 Yrs Old ; Laparoscopy ; Appendectomy ; Appendix ; Appendicitis ; Abdominal Pain
4.Retroperitoneal Ectopic Pregnancy Presenting as Lumbar Pain: A Case Report
Marc Vincent G. Procianos ; Mary Anne L. Bernas
Philippine Journal of Pathology 2026;(75th PSP Research Competition Abstracts):1-
Introduction:
Ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized ovum implants outside
the uterine cavity, most commonly within the fallopian tube. Rare implantation
sites include the ovary, cervix, abdominal cavity, and retroperitoneal space.
Retroperitoneal ectopic pregnancy (REP) is exceedingly rare and potentially lifethreatening. Its deep location near major vessels and retroperitoneal structures
often results in delayed diagnosis due to nonspecific clinical manifestations. Because
of its rarity and diagnostic difficulty, documentation of such cases is important to
improve clinical recognition and management.
Case Description:
A 30-year-old gravida presented with a two-week history
of severe lumbar pain and difficulty in ambulation, without vaginal bleeding or
systemic symptoms. Transabdominal ultrasonography revealed a viable extrauterine
gestation located beneath the pancreas, corresponding to a gestational age of 9
weeks and 5 days. Exploratory laparotomy identified a 5 × 4 cm ectopic mass
adjacent to the right lateral aspect of the abdominal aorta, which was successfully
excised. Histopathologic examination demonstrated immature chorionic villi
and extravillous trophoblasts without associated decidual tissue, confirming the
diagnosis of retroperitoneal ectopic pregnancy. This represents a rare documented
case from Davao del Norte, Philippines.
Discussion:
The vast majority of ectopic pregnancies occur within the fallopian
tube, while retroperitoneal implantation is exceptionally uncommon. Accounting
for less than 1% of all ectopic gestations, REP is associated with significant morbidity
due to delayed recognition and the technical complexity of surgical management.
This case, which followed natural conception and presented solely with lumbar
pain, underscores the importance of considering rare implantation sites in women
with unexplained abdominal or back pain. Early imaging and prompt surgical
intervention are critical to achieving favorable outcomes.
Conclusion
This report highlights a rare presentation of retroperitoneal ectopic
pregnancy and emphasizes the vital role of comprehensive clinical, radiologic,
and pathologic correlation in establishing the diagnosis. Increased awareness may
facilitate earlier detection and improved management of future cases.
Female
;
Pregnancy
;
Pregnancy, Abdominal
;
Pain
5.Cross-cultural adaptation of the Oswestry Disability Index: From English to Ilokano version
Myra R. Lampitoc ; Valentin C. Dones III
Acta Medica Philippina 2025;59(Early Access 2025):1-8
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)–English is a valid and reliable instrument for disability measurement in low back pain (LBP) patients. There is no existing ODI–Ilokano that evaluates LBP patients. This study aimed to cross-culturally adapt the ODI–English into Ilokano.
METHODSThe ODI–English was cross-culturally adapted into Ilokano through a process that included forward translation, synthesis of the translations, back translation, expert committee review, and testing of the pre-final version.
RESULTSForward translation focused on capturing the essence of terms related to pain intensity, personal care, and daily activities, achieving consensus on phrases that accurately mirrored the original English meanings. Subsequent synthesis refined these translations, emphasizing idiomatic and conceptual equivalence over literal interpretations, particularly in nuanced areas like sleep disturbance and social life activities. Backward translation processes aligned Ilokano and English terms, especially for pain intensity and personal care, ensuring consistency across languages. The expert committee review addressed spelling, word choice, and sentence structure, making strategic adjustments for cultural relevance. Pilot testing with participants from Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur, Philippines highlighted comprehension challenges with specific terms, leading to adaptations like replacing 'milya' and 'yarda' with metric units and retaining culturally sensitive terms with supplementary English explanations.
CONCLUSIONThis study refined the ODI–English into a culturally adapted Ilokano version, focusing on semantic, idiomatic, and cultural equivalence. Incorporating pilot testing feedback, such as modifying measurement units and addressing sensitive terms, highlighted the thorough adaptation process. The collaborative translation efforts and diverse patient input ensured a culturally resonant ODI version for Ilokano speakers. This adaptation enhances physical therapy practices by improving patient assessments and advocates for adapting patient-reported outcomes to diverse cultures, advancing patient-centered care.
Human ; Low Back Pain ; Cross-cultural Comparison ; Translations ; Surveys And Questionnaires
6.Musculoskeletal discomfort during COVID-19 pandemic lockdown among the faculty members in selected schools in Mega Manila and Metro Cebu: A cross-sectional study
Consuelo Gonzalez-Suarez ; Ivan Neil Gomez ; Ken Erbvin Sosa ; Maria Lourdes Corazon Tapang ; Cristina CastroCabral ; John Christopher Mesana ; Elda Grace Anota ; Cherie-lee Apiag ; Jacqueline Calaycay
Philippine Journal of Allied Health Sciences 2025;8(2):13-22
BACKGROUND
The COVID-19 pandemic brought insurmountable changes, leading to work demands and resource limitations that placed additional physical and occupational stress.
OBJECTIVESThis study aimed to determine the change in the occurrence and intensity of musculoskeletal discomfort among selected university faculty members. It also determined the association of sociodemographic and anthropometric factors, workplace conditions, and involvement in physical activity with musculoskeletal pain.
METHODSThis is an analytical cross-sectional study conducted from June 2022 to May 2023 that surveyed university faculty members from Metro Manila and Metro Cebu. Outcome measures include sociodemographic data, anthropometric measures of weight, height, body mass index, workplace conditions, exercise participation, and musculoskeletal discomfort using the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire.
RESULTSData from 120 participants, mostly female, with an average BMI of 27.78 ± 12.09 kg/m2 and 11.82 ± 10.39 years of teaching experience revealed increased computer usage and reduced teaching hours during the Pandemic lockdown. There was also prevalent musculoskeletal discomfort (MSD), particularly in the neck, shoulder, and upper back. Factors associated with increased MSD were female gender, longer computer use, and pre pandemic MSD history.
CONCLUSIONThis study underscores the significance of addressing ergonomic factors and work conditions to mitigate MSD risks among educators during challenging situations.
Human ; Musculoskeletal Pain ; Covid-19 ; Pandemics ; Occupational Stress
7.Experiences and perspectives of Filipino rehabilitation professionals and patients on telerehabilitation or on-site rehabilitation for managing low back pain: A phenomenological study protocol
Jordan Barbra Nava ; Maria Eliza Dela Cruz ; Raoul Daniel Andaya ; Georgine Barrientos ; Mikael Angelo Cristobal ; Karl Sydrick King ; Fiona Alexis Lim
Philippine Journal of Allied Health Sciences 2025;8(2):41-47
BACKGROUND
Low back pain is a major global cause of disability, typically treated through traditional onsite rehabilitation. However, the advancement of telerehabilitation during the COVID-19 pandemic presents an opportunity to examine its effectiveness as a treatment option for low back pain. This study aims to seek and explore the experiences and perspectives of healthcare professionals about onsite or online management of LBP.
METHODSThe study will employ a phenomenological qualitative study design that will use quota sampling to recruit a total of 16 participants, equally distributed among rehabilitation doctors, physical therapists, barangay healthworkers, and patients with low back pain, coming from hospitals and centers affiliated with the University of Santo Tomas in Metro Manila. Key informant interviews that follow a semi-structured interview format will be conducted either on-site or online, depending on the preference of the invited informant. The NVivo data analysis software will be utilized to produce codes and outline themes from the gathered data.
EXPECTED RESULTSThe research is expected to highlight the nuanced interplay between individual viewpoints and contextual factors that influence decision-making in rehabilitation settings, besides identifying these themes. Findings will be instrumental in informing best practices for managing low back pain, thereby helping physical therapists determine the most effective treatment approach—whether through telerehabilitation or traditional on-site care. The study can provide actionable recommendations through grounding the implications of the analysis to the anticipated findings that might affect the rehabilitation practices and patient outcomes in the Philippines.
Human ; Low Back Pain
8.Research advances in non-pharmaceutical interventions for pain in patients with Parkinson disease
Journal of Apoplexy and Nervous Diseases 2025;42(1):77-82
Pain is one of the common non-motor symptoms in patients with Parkinson disease and is characterized by early onset, a high incidence rate, and diverse types of discomfort, which seriously affects the quality of life of patients. Based on the related concepts of pain in Parkinson disease and the current status of research in China, this article reviews the commonly used non-pharmaceutical interventions for alleviating pain in patients and their mechanisms, in order to provide a basis for developing pain management regimens.
Parkinson Disease
;
Pain
9.Exploring the multifaceted relationship between walking and chronic low back pain in adults: Perceptions, experiences, barriers, facilitators, behaviors, and motivations - A systematic review and meta-aggregation protocol
Valentin Dones Ill ; Donald Manlapaz ; Hans Paolo Alarde ; Moira Aleah Francess Dulnuan ; Rudolph Kyle Elefante ; Janna Crystal Koa ; Viktoria Nicole Mendoa ; Adriel Quinones
Philippine Journal of Allied Health Sciences 2025;9(1):61-67
BACKGROUND
Walking is widely recognized for its benefits in pain management, disability reduction, and psychological well-being, primarily due to its cost-effectiveness and accessibility. However, comprehensive qualitative insights into the full extent of its benefits remain insufficient. Chronic low back pain (CLBP) significantly impairs daily activities, requiring a multifaceted intervention approach, as advocated by the Biopsychosocial (BPS) model and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) framework.
OBJECTIVESThis systematic review aims to evaluate the perceptions and experiences related to walking among adults suffering from CLBP, understand the barriers and facilitators influencing walking behaviors, analyze behavioral patterns, and examine internal motivators for walking.
METHODSThis systematic review will include both published and unpublished qualitative studies with participants aged >18 with CLBP persisting > 3 months, where walking is utilized as the primary or secondary intervention. Databases, including PubMed, EBSCO Host, Science Direct, ProQuest, MEDLINE, Epistemonikos, Cochrane Database, and Web of Science, will be searched without language or year restrictions. The screening will involve an independent dual review of the title/abstract and full texts, followed by a critical appraisal. Data extraction and synthesis will employ a meta-aggregation approach, with findings assessed via the ConQual approach.
EXPECTED RESULTSSynthesized findings will guide evidence-based practice. Recommendations will provide actionable insights to address gaps in qualitative research on walking, promoting a holistic, patient-centered approach to treatment.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBERCRD42024509069.
Human ; Pain Management ; Adult ; Walking ; Social Factors
10.Chronic pelvic pain secondary to adenomyosis in Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome
Philip Judson M. de la Vega ; Madonna Victoria S. Calderon-Domingo
Philippine Journal of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility 2025;22(1):7-15
In Mayer-Rokitansky-K0ster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome, the development of the uterus and some parts of the vagina is either completely absent or reduced. It is a rare congenital anomaly, and affects one in 4,000-5,000 female births and commonly presents as primary amenorrhea. Approximately 6% - 10% of these patients with MRKH syndrome report persistent pelvic pain, which may be attributed to the presence of myomas, endometriosis, adenomyosis or hematometra caused by a functioning endometrial tissue in a uterine remnant. This paper presents the case of a 37 year old nulligravid who experienced severe cyclic hypogastric pain, and was subsequently diagnosed with MRKH syndrome with adenomyosis. Clinical evaluation and definitive management of the index case are discussed.
Human
;
Female
;
Adult: 25-44 yrs old
;
mullerian failure
;
mullerian aplasia
;
adenomyosis
;
pelvin pain


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