Background The Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) is one of the diagnostic modalities indicated for screening patients for Colorectal Cancer (CRC). Despite being approved only for screening for CRC, numerous studies in the past have illustrated misuse of the FOBT. We examined utilization of the FOBT for patients admitted to a community teaching hospital. Methods The study was conducted at Saint Joseph Hospital, Chicago USA. A retrospective review of Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) of patients admitted from January 2016 to December 2017 was performed. Results We reviewed the EMRs of 729 patients who received the stool testing for occult blood (FOBT). All tests (100%) were carried out for purposes other than CRC screening. Anemia (38%) was the most common reason documented for carrying out the FOBT. Further, 88% of the tests were ordered on patients who either did not fulfill CRC screening criteria or had other contraindications for testing. Usage of contraindicated medication was the most important factor (58% of patients) that made the candidates ineligible for testing. A total 73 Colonoscopies were ordered for patients who received the test inappropriately with a resulting low yield (0.47%) of CRC diagnosis. Conclusion The stool occult blood test continues to be utilized for reasons other than CRC screening. Majority of patients who underwent the test were not suitable candidates due to the presence of contraindications for testing. Unsuitable FOBT testing led to further unnecessary investigations.

Hepatic hydrothorax refers to the presence of a pleural effusion (usually >500 mL) in a patient with cirrhosis in whom other causes of pleural effusion, such as cardiopulmonary causes, pleural disease or malignancy have been excluded. It is seen in 5%-10% of patients with end-stage liver disease. A subset of these patients can develop infection of the hepatic hydrothorax, called spontaneous bacterial empyema. They may present with fever, chills and dyspnoea. We present the case of an 83-year-old man with a history of cirrhosis who developed a large right-sided pleural effusion, confirmed to be empyema by pleural fluid analysis. We aim to highlight the occurrence of spontaneous bacterial empyema. While less common that spontaneous bacterial peritonitis as a complication of cirrhosis, it is equally serious with potential for adverse outcomes.

Heparin-induced thrombocytopaenia (HIT) is a life-threatening complication of exposure to heparin. It is mediated by autoantibodies to platelet factor-4 causing platelet activation, destruction and thrombosis. Given their rich arterial supply and a single central vein, the adrenal glands are particularly susceptible to congestive haemorrhage following venous thrombosis. We report a case of bilateral adrenal haemorrhage (BAH) associated with HIT following prophylactic use of unfractionated heparin for venous thromboembolism causing adrenal insufficiency. BAH is a life-threatening paradoxical complication associated with HIT, a prothrombotic state. The resulting adrenal insufficiency can lead to haemodynamic collapse if unrecognised. Early diagnosis, in the wake of vague symptoms, and prompt treatment primarily aimed at repletion of glucocorticoids and close monitoring of enlarging haemorrhage is of utmost importance. Likewise, early identification of HIT is important to prevent potential complications including adrenal haemorrhage.

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