Splenic vein thrombosis: rare cause of abdominal pain

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-48
Author(s):  
Antonio J Martín-Jiménez ◽  
Oliva Mera-Gallardo ◽  
Daniel García-Gil
Keyword(s):  
Splenic Abscess ◽  
Splenic Vein ◽  
Lower Lobe ◽  
Splenic Infarction ◽  
Point Of Care Ultrasound ◽  
Lung Field ◽  
List Type ◽  
Laboratory Findings ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
History Of

­An 83-year-old woman with a history of hypertension, diabetes and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation anticoagulated with acenocoumarol was brought to the emergency department due to dyspnoea. At admission, the patient reported a 1-week history of malaise, shortness of breath and non-productive cough. She denied fever but reported pain on the left flank. On examination, auscultation showed arrhythmic tones and crackles in the left lower lung field. Laboratory findings showed leucocytosis of 15.32×103/μL, and the C reactive protein was 177 mg/L. The activated partial thromboplastin time was 54.8 s, and the international normalised ratio was 7.09. A chest X-ray showed left lower lobe consolidation with pleural effusion. Point-of-care ultrasound was performed using a low-frequency curved transducer (2–5 MHz). The probe was placed in the left posterior axillary showing a pulmonary consolidation, but also a hypoechoic lesion in the spleen was found (figure 1).Figure 1Ultrasound image of the spleen in longitudinal section demonstrating a large, hypoechoic, wedge-shaped lesion.QuestionWhat is the most likely diagnosis?Splenic abscessSubcapsular splenic haematomaSplenic infarctionSplenic hydatid cystFor answer see page 2

scholarly journals Case report of severe PCR-confirmed COVID-19 myocarditis in a European patient manifesting in mid January 2020

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ole Hudowenz ◽  
Philipp Klemm ◽  
Uwe Lange ◽  
Andreas Rolf ◽  
Heinz-Peter Schultheiss ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immunosuppressive Treatment ◽  
Myocardial Inflammation ◽  
Cardiac Damage ◽  
Laboratory Findings ◽  
Positive Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Thoracic Computed Tomography ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
History Of ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri ◽  
Extrapulmonary Manifestation

Abstract Background Viral genesis is the most common cause of myocarditis. COVID-19-associated myocarditis seems to be a notable extrapulmonary manifestation, which may result in the need for a different treatment. There has been no positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing of SARS-CoV-2 in heart specimens, thus far. Case summary A 48-year-old male patient presented with fever, dyspnoea, and haemoptysis. Laboratory findings showed highly elevated inflammatory and cardiac damage markers. Thoracic computed tomography (CT) revealed bilateral, patchy peripheral ground-glass opacities with a crazy-paving pattern, focal consolidations, and mild pleural effusions. Cardiac imaging with echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) detected a reduced biventricular function. MRI additionally showed myocardial oedema and late gadolinium enhancement. Lung and heart biopsies were performed, revealing alveolitis with necrosis and acute lymphocytic myocarditis. Testing for usual cardiotropic viruses was negative, and no aspects of vasculitis or granuloma could be found. Due to fulfilling the criteria, the patient was diagnosed with rheumatic vasculitis. Treatment with cyclophosphamide and steroids was initiated. Later, the patient reported a history of travel to Tyrol in mid January. Consequently, PCR testing for SARS-CoV-2 was performed, which was positive in the heart specimen. Immunosuppressive treatment was discontinued. During a follow-up visit at the end of April, the patient’s recovery was stable. Discussion In COVID-19 infections, myocardial inflammation can be present as an extrapulmonary manifestation. Positive PCR testing confirms myocardial invasion of the virus. Imaging and laboratory studies correlate with the histopathological findings, and thus should be performed in COVID-19 patients who are suspicious for myocarditis. Supportive treatment with steroids may be useful in these patients.

scholarly journals Routine orthostatic LVOT gradient assessment in patients with basal septal hypertrophy and LVOT flow acceleration at rest: please stand up

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. K1-K6
Author(s):  
H C Sinclair ◽  
P Russhard ◽  
C H Critoph ◽  
C D Steadman
Keyword(s):  
Cardiac Output ◽  
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy ◽  
Family History ◽  
Cardiac Mri ◽  
Positive Family History ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
List Type ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Septal Hypertrophy ◽  
History Of

Summary A 70-year-old female with exertional dyspnoea was found to have basal septal hypertrophy (BSH), or a ‘basal septal bulge’, with evidence of mild left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOT) at rest on her initial echocardiogram. She was usually fit and well with no significant past medical history. She had no history of hypertension. She had never smoked. There was no family history of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). A cardiac MRI did not demonstrate any typical features of HCM. ECG showed sinus tachycardia with a rate of 101 bpm but was otherwise unremarkable. She was referred for exercise echocardiography to assess for latent LVOT obstruction. Prior to commencing exercise, her LVOT gradient was re-assessed at rest. Her LVOT gradients were 30 mmHg at rest, 49 mmHg during Valsalva and 91 mmHg on standing. A diagnosis of significant latent LVOT obstruction was made and the patient was started on bisoprolol, a cardioselective beta-blocker. Bisoprolol was slowly uptitrated from 1.25 mg to 5 mg once daily, following which the patient reported a significant improvement in her symptoms with an improved exercise capacity. Follow-up echocardiography demonstrated a dramatic reduction in LVOT gradient, with a maximum of 11 mmHg assessed both with Valsalva and on standing. This case is a reminder that patients with a ‘common’ basal septal bulge can develop significant LVOT obstruction, the symptoms of which may respond to pharmacological therapy. Orthostatic assessment of LVOT gradient using echocardiography should be considered during standard LVOT obstruction provocation manoeuvres such as a Valsalva. Learning points: Differentiation between basal septal hypertrophy (BSH) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) may be challenging. Key factors favouring HCM include a positive family history of HCM or sudden cardiac death, septal thickness >15 mm/posterior wall thickness >11 mm, systolic anterior motion of the anterior mitral valve (SAM), late gadolinium enhancement on cardiac MRI, a causative genetic mutation associated with HCM and an abnormal ECG. Significant LVOT obstruction may develop in patients with BSH and is potentially responsive to pharmacotherapy. Standing reduces venous return, resulting in decreased LV volume. Compensatory mechanisms to maintain cardiac output involve sympathetic nervous system activation leading to increased LV contractility and subsequent increased LVOT gradient. Significant LVOT obstruction may be unmasked by an orthostatic posture. Orthostatic LVOT gradient assessment should be part of the routine echocardiographic assessment of all patients with an increased LVOT gradient at rest. The post-prandial state has been associated with increased LVOT gradient due to splanchnic dilatation and the consequent increased cardiac output required to maintain blood pressure. Post-prandial status should therefore be considered when assessing LVOT gradient.

scholarly journals Hypoglycemia after bariatric surgery: importance of exhaustive hormonal study

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alejandra Perez-Montes de Oca ◽  
Silvia Pellitero ◽  
Manel Puig-Domingo
Keyword(s):  
Bariatric Surgery ◽  
Gh Deficiency ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Clinical Problem ◽  
Medical Problem ◽  
Dumping Syndrome ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
List Type ◽  
Laboratory Findings ◽  
History Of

Summary Hypoglycemia is an uncommon clinical problem in non-diabetic patients or patients not being treated for diabetes mellitus. It is a rare, but well-established complication of bariatric surgery and, in some cases, it can be the only symptom of another medical problem. A 50-year-old woman with a history of partially recovered hypopituitarism after transsphenoidal surgery for a non-functioning pituitary macroadenoma complained about symptomatic hypoglycemia after sleeve gastrectomy surgery. Our initial studies failed to determine the cause for these episodes and treatment with acarbose (suspecting a dumping syndrome) was not helpful. Finally, laboratory findings revealed growth hormone (GH) deficiency. The patient received treatment with GH, with the resolution of symptoms after 3 months of treatment. Our case suggests that all causes of hypoglycemia should be considered and studied after bariatric surgery. An improvement in insulin-resistance following bariatric surgery can trigger clinical manifestations of GH deficiency. Learning points Postprandial hypoglycemia after bariatric surgery is usually due to dumping syndrome. Even after bariatric surgery, all causes of hypoglycemia should be considered and studied. After significant weight loss, insulin sensitivity is usually restored and can trigger clinical manifestations of GH deficiency. Hypoglycemia is a rare symptom of GH deficiency.

Clinical Characteristics of Patients Diagnosed with Strongyloidiasis in a United States Urban Outpatient Dermatology Department: A Case Series

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 156-160
Author(s):  
Jacqueline Watchmaker ◽  
Sean Legler ◽  
Dianne De Leon ◽  
Vanessa Pascoe ◽  
Robert Stavert
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Case Series ◽  
The United States ◽  
Screening Tools ◽  
Dermatology Department ◽  
Cutaneous Manifestations ◽  
Serologic Testing ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
History Of ◽  
Endemic Areas

Background: Although considered a tropical disease, strongyloidiasis may be encountered in non-endemic regions, primarily amongst immigrants and travelers from endemic areas.  Chronic strongyloides infection may be under-detected owing to its non-specific cutaneous presentation and the low sensitivity of commonly used screening tools. Methods: 18 consecutive patients with serologic evidence of strongyloides infestation who presented to a single urban, academic dermatology clinic between September 2013 and October 2016 were retrospectively included.  Patient age, sex, country of origin, strongyloides serology titer, absolute eosinophil count, presenting cutaneous manifestations, and patient reported subjective outcome of pruritus after treatment were obtained via chart review.  Results: Of the 18 patients, all had non-specific pruritic dermatoses, 36% had documented eosinophila and none were originally from the United States. A majority reported subjective improvement in their symptoms after treatment. Conclusion:  Strongyloides infection and serologic testing should be considered in patients living in non-endemic regions presenting with pruritic dermatoses and with a history of exposure to an endemic area.Key Points:Chronic strongyloidiasis can be encountered in non-endemic areas and clinical manifestations are variableEosinophilia was not a reliable indicator of chronic infection in this case series Dermatologists should consider serologic testing for strongyloidiasis in patients with a history of exposure and unexplained pruritus

Hepatic brucelloma: a rare complication of a common zoonotic disease

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. e237076
Author(s):  
George Vatidis ◽  
Eirini I Rigopoulou ◽  
Konstantinos Tepetes ◽  
George N Dalekos
Keyword(s):  
Rare Complication ◽  
Surgical Excision ◽  
Coombs Test ◽  
Inflammation Markers ◽  
Laboratory Findings ◽  
Ct Guided ◽  
Rare Manifestation ◽  
Bone Marrow Cultures ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Right

Hepatic brucelloma (HB), a rare manifestation of brucellosis, refers to liver involvement in the form of abscess. A 35-year-old woman stockbreeder was admitted due to 1-month history of evening fever, sweating and weight loss, while she was on 3-week course of rifampicin/doxycycline for suspected brucellosis. On admission, she had hepatosplenomegaly and a systolic murmur, while cholestasis, increased inflammation markers and a strong-positive Wright-Coombs test were the main laboratory findings. As blood and bone marrow cultures were unrevealing, further investigation with CT imaging showed a central liver calcification surrounded by heterogeneous hypodense area being compatible with HB. Material from CT-guided drainage tested negative for Brucella spp. After failure to improve on a 10-week triple regiment, surgical excision was decided and Brucella spp were identified by PCR. Our case highlights challenges in establishing HB diagnosis, which should be considered on the right epidemiological context and when serological and radiological evidence favour its diagnosis.

scholarly journals Euglycemic Diabetic Ketoacidosis after a Single Dose of Empagliflozin in a Patient with Pancreatitis

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 216-218
Author(s):  
Marta Brandão Calçada ◽  
Luís Fernandes ◽  
Rita Soares Costa ◽  
Sara Montezinho ◽  
Filipa Martins Duarte ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Diabetic Ketoacidosis ◽  
Drug Class ◽  
Clinical Suspicion ◽  
Laboratory Findings ◽  
Sodium Glucose Cotransporter ◽  
History Of ◽  
High Degree ◽  
Euglycemic Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are the most recently approved drug class for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). Although they are largely well-tolerated, their intake has been associated with euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in some rare cases. We report the case of a 70-year-old male with type 2 diabetes and no history of DKA, who started therapy with empagliflozin one day before presenting with acute pancreatitis and laboratory findings consistent with euglycemic DKA. SGLT2i can induce euglycemic DKA from the first dose. Given the atypical presentation, a high degree of clinical suspicion is required to recognize this complication.

Patients With a History of Oronasal Fistula Repair Exhibit Lower Oral Health Measured With Patient-Centric Outcomes Measures

2020 ◽  
pp. 105566562098133
Author(s):  
Alyssa Fritz ◽  
Diana S. Jodeh ◽  
Fatima Qamar ◽  
James J. Cray ◽  
S. Alex Rottgers
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Cleft Palate ◽  
Fistula Repair ◽  
Old Patients ◽  
Oronasal Fistula ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: Oronasal fistulae following palatoplasty may affect patients’ quality of life by impacting their ability to eat, speak, and maintain oral hygiene. We aimed to quantify the impact of previous oronasal fistula repair on patients’ quality of life using patient-reported outcome psychometric tools. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 8- to 9-year-old patients with cleft palate and/or lip was completed. Patients who had a cleft team clinic between September 2018 and August 2019 were recruited. Participants were divided into 2 groups (no fistula, prior fistula repair). Differences in the individual CLEFT-Q and Child Oral Health Impact Profile-Short Form 19 (COHIP-SF 19) Oral Health scores between the 2 groups were evaluated using a multivariate analysis controlling for Veau classification and syndromic diagnosis. Results: Sixty patients with a history of cleft palate were included. Forty-two (70%) patients had an associated cleft lip. Thirty-two (53.3%) patients had no history of fistula and 28 (46.7%) patients had undergone a fistula repair. CLEFT-Q Dental, Jaw, and Speech Function were all higher in patients without a history of a fistula repair; however, none of these differences were statistically significant. The COHIP-SF 19 Oral Health score demonstrated a significantly lower score in the fistula group, indicating poorer oral health ( P = .05). Conclusions: One would expect that successful repair of a fistula would result in improved function and patient satisfaction, but the consistent trend toward lower CLEFT-Q scores and significantly increased COHIP-SF 19 Oral Health scores in our study group suggests that residual effects linger and that the morbidity of a fistula may not be completely treated with a secondary correction.

scholarly journals Depth Electrode Guided Anterior Insulectomy: 2-Dimensional Operative Video

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mauricio Mandel ◽  
Layton Lamsam ◽  
Pue Farooque ◽  
Dennis Spencer ◽  
Eyiyemisi Damisah
Keyword(s):  
Right Hemisphere ◽  
Preoperative Evaluation ◽  
Epileptiform Activity ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Depth Electrodes ◽  
Depth Electrode ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Frontal Operculum ◽  
History Of ◽  
Electroencephalogram Eeg

Abstract The insula is well established as an epileptogenic area.1 Insular epilepsy surgery demands precise anatomic knowledge2-4 and tailored removal of the epileptic zone with careful neuromonitoring.5 We present an operative video illustrating an intracranial electroencephalogram (EEG) depth electrode guided anterior insulectomy.  We report a 17-yr-old right-handed woman with a 4-yr history of medically refractory epilepsy. The patient reported daily nocturnal ictal vocalization preceded by an indescribable feeling. Preoperative evaluation was suggestive of a right frontal-temporal onset, but the noninvasive results were discordant. She underwent a combined intracranial EEG study with a frontal-parietal grid, with strips and depth electrodes covering the entire right hemisphere. Epileptiform activity was observed in contact 6 of the anterior insula electrode. The patient consented to the procedure and to the publication of her images.  A right anterior insulectomy was performed. First, a portion of the frontal operculum was resected and neuronavigation was used for the initial insula localization. However, due to unreliable neuronavigation (ie, brain shift), the medial and anterior borders of the insular resection were guided by the depth electrode reference. The patient was discharged 3 d after surgery with no neurological deficits and remains seizure free.  We demonstrate that depth electrode guided insular surgery is a safe and precise technique, leading to an optimal outcome.

scholarly journals THU0597 CORNEAL MELT - DON’T ALWAYS BLAME RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 540.3-540
Author(s):  
A. Munir ◽  
C. Sheehy
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Renal Biopsy ◽  
Systemic Vasculitis ◽  
Lower Lobe ◽  
Visual Outcome ◽  
Eye Drops ◽  
Poor Visual Outcome ◽  
Methyl Prednisolone ◽  
History Of ◽  
And Function

Background:Corneal melt is a rare inflammatory disease of the peripheral cornea; it may lead to perforation of the globe and visual failure. Corneal melt can be a manifestation of systemic vasculitis in patients with RA and other conditions, such as cancer. Without early and aggressive treatment it may be associated with a poor visual outcome and a high mortality. It has been reported in patients with stable RA.Objectives:A case report in a patient with long standing but well controlled Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and metastatic disease.Methods:A 75 year old male with a background of sero positive Rheumatoid Arthritis for more than 10 years presented to the Eye Casualty with a two week history of a painful left red eye. His other medical history was significant for Stage IIB poorly differentiated cancer of the left lower lobe. Left lower lobectomy with a patch of diaphragm resected. Intratumoural lymphovascular invasion noted. He completed Adjuvant Carboplatin/Vinorelbine chemotherapy September, 2017. He had DVT proximal left leg 22ndof September, 2017. Follow up CT in 2018 demonstrated a right renal upper pole lesion for which he was awaiting biopsy with?metastatic lung disease vs primary renal carcinoma. His RA was well controlled on Methotrexate 10mg weekly. He had been treated by the ophthalmology team for left marginal Keratitis for the prior 2 months with steroid eye drops without significant improvement. On presentation to ED, he described sharp eye pain, waking him from the sleep, associated with watery discharge and photophobia. Examination showed corneal melt in left eye involving 25% of inferior portion of the cornea and spastic entropion with injecting eye lashes. He had no active joints and there were no other signs of vasculitis. CRP was 4.1. He had a negative ANA and ANCA; viral swabs were negative. He was admitted under the medical team. Intravenous Methyl Prednisolone was started. The patient felt better after 5 days of Methyl Prednisolone. Left temporary tarsorrhaphy was done by Ophthalmology. Cyclophosphamide was initiated after discussion with Oncologist pending the result of the renal biopsy. Patient was discharged after 5 days of admission in the hospitalResults:The renal biopsy was positive for metastatic Squamous cell carcinoma of lung. Cyclophosphamide was withdrawn and he was started on Carboplatin/Gemcitabine. The corneal melt improved with complete resolution of his visual symptoms.Conclusion:In this case, although the history of RA was felt by the ophthalmology team to be the most likely association with the corneal melt, we would argue the oncological diagnoses were likely the driving force behind the presentation.References:[1]Sule A, Balakrishnan C, Gaitonde S, Mittal G, Pathan E, Gokhale NS, et al. Rheumatoid corneal melt. Rheumatology (Oxford)2002;41:705–6.[2]S. Yano, K. Kondo, M. Yamaguchi et al., “Distribution and function of EGFR in human tissue and the effect of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibition,” Anticancer Research, vol. 23, no. 5, pp. 3639–3650, 2003.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

scholarly journals Health outcomes of sexual and gender minorities after cancer: a systematic review

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mandi L. Pratt-Chapman ◽  
Ash B. Alpert ◽  
Daniel A. Castillo
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Transgender Persons ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
History Of ◽  
Reported Health ◽  
And Gender ◽  
After Cancer

Abstract Purpose Cancer research on sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations is gaining momentum. The purpose of this systematic review was to examine what is currently known in the research literature regarding patient-reported health outcomes after cancer treatment among SGM populations. Methods In March 2021, a medical librarian conducted a systematic keyword search on PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The primary inclusion criterion was assessment of at least one physical, psychosocial, emotional, or functional patient-reported health outcome related to the impacts of cancer diagnosis and/or treatment. Articles that met inclusion criteria were reviewed in their entirety, charted in a Word Table, and assessed for quality. Quality considerations included study design, sampling approach, diversity of sample, measures used, and analytic procedures. Studies were synthesized based on type of cancer study participants experienced. Results Sixty-four studies were included in the final analysis: most were quantitative, secondary analyses or cross-sectional studies with convenience samples, and focused on people with a history of breast or prostate cancer. Differences between sexual minority men and women in terms of coping and resilience were noted. Few studies reported on experiences of transgender persons and none reported on experiences of intersex persons. Conclusions A growing literature describes the patient-reported health outcomes of SGM people with a history of cancer. This study summarizes important between-group differences among SGM and heterosexual, cisgender counterparts that are critical for clinicians to consider when providing care. Implications for cancer survivors Sexual orientation and gender identity are relevant to cancer survivors’ health outcomes. Subgroups of SGM people have differential experiences and outcomes related to cancer and its impacts.

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