scholarly journals Cancer and Anorexia Nervosa in the Adolescence: A Family-Based Systemic Intervention

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriella De Benedetta ◽  
Ida Bolognini ◽  
Silvia D'Ovidio ◽  
Antonello Pinto

Objective. Anorexia nervosa is difficult to diagnose in cancer patients since weight loss, aversion for food, and eating disturbances are frequent in patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Nevertheless, efforts are mandatory to recognize and manage this condition which may occur also in cancer patients with a special regard to adolescents. Methods. Through the clinical history of Anna, a 15-year-old adolescent with advanced cancer, we describe the effectiveness of a family-based systemic intervention to manage anorexia nervosa occurring in concomitance to osteosarcoma. Results. Through a two-year psychotherapy period involving different techniques applied to the whole family such as family genogram, family collage, and sculpture of family time, Anna was relieved from her condition. Conclusions. Upon early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, anorexia nervosa can be effectively approached in adolescent cancer patients. The presence of a life-threatening medical condition such as cancer may provide motivation for a patient to control disordered eating behavior in the context of an appropriate family-based systemic intervention. The general frame of anorexia occurring in cancer-bearing adolescents is reviewed and discussed.

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 117
Author(s):  
Massimiliano Esposito ◽  
Angelo Montana ◽  
Aldo Liberto ◽  
Veronica Filetti ◽  
Nunzio Di Nunno ◽  
...  

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening or fatal clinical emergency characterized by rapid onset, and death may be sudden. The margin of certainty about the diagnosis of anaphylactic death is not well established. The application of immunohistochemical techniques combined with the evaluation of blood tryptase concentrations opened up a new field of investigation into anaphylactic death. The present study investigated eleven autopsy cases of anaphylactic death, carried out between 2005 and 2017, by the Departments of Forensic Pathology of the Universities of Foggia and Catania (Italy). An analysis of the medical records was carried out in all autopsies. Seven autopsies were carried out on males and four on females. Of the eleven cases, one showed a history of asthma, one of food ingestion, two of oral administration of medications, six did not refer any allergy history, and one subject was unknown. All cases (100%) showed pulmonary congestion and edema; 7/11 (64%) of the cases had pharyngeal/laryngeal edema and mucus plugging in the airway; only one case (9%) had a skin reaction that was found during external examination. Serum tryptase concentration was measured in ten cases, and the mean value was 133.5 µg/L ± 177.9. The immunohistochemical examination using an anti-tryptase antibody on samples from the lungs, pharynx/larynx, and skin site of medication injection showed that all cases (100%) were strongly immunopositive for anti-tryptase antibody staining on lung samples; three cases (30%) were strongly immunopositive for anti-tryptase antibody staining on pharyngeal/laryngeal samples; and eight cases (80%) were strongly immunopositive for anti-tryptase antibody staining on skin samples. We conclude that a typical clinical history, blood tryptase level >40 µg/L, and strongly positive anti-tryptase antibody staining in the immunohistochemical investigation may represent reliable parameters in the determination of anaphylactic death with the accuracy needed for forensic purposes.


2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. e229703
Author(s):  
Takashi Sakamoto ◽  
Alan Kawarai Lefor ◽  
Tadao Kubota

Non-occlusive mesenteric ischaemia (NOMI) is a life-threatening condition that requires emergent intervention and anorexia nervosa is a chronic eating disorder that requires careful medical and nutritional management. A 54-year-old woman with a history of anorexia nervosa and undergoing chronic haemodialysis developed abdominal pain and called an ambulance. On arrival, she was in shock and abdominal examination was consistent with diffuse peritonitis. Computed tomography scan suggested ischaemia from the distal ileum to the ascending colon. Emergency laparotomy revealed NOMI from the distal ileum to the transverse colon. The treatment strategy included staged operations and careful medical management to optimise nutritional support and electrolyte management with survival of the patient. NOMI and anorexia nervosa are both difficult to manage. Meticulous interdisciplinary management can result in a good outcome.


Lung Cancer ◽  
1997 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
pp. 121
Author(s):  
V. Beltrami ◽  
A. Buonsanto ◽  
E. Mascitelli ◽  
F. Santobuono

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Bouayyad ◽  
Meera Beena ◽  
Ajay Nigam

Abstract Acquired benign tracheoesophageal fistula (TOF) is a rare medical condition that usually results from trauma, foreign bodies or granulomatous infections. This is an unusual presentation of a male patient with a history of laryngectomy who has had over a period of several years inappropriately and vigorously used valve cleaning brushes to clean tracheal secretions, which has led to the formation of a TOF. Due to the patient’s obsessive habit, we could not manage him using conventional surgical methods. Instead, we opted for the placement of a salivary bypass tube, which yielded good results and recovery. To the best of our knowledge, no other case of similar aetiology has been published. We would like to highlight the importance of appropriate patient selection and education prior to performing a tracheoesophageal puncture to avoid developing life-threatening complications as demonstrated in our case report.


2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-81
Author(s):  
Mohammadali Nazarinia ◽  
Elmira Esmaeilzadeh

Introduction: Gauzoma is an iatrogenic complication which occurs rarely due to surgical team negligence. Depending on the sterility of the retained tissue, it can lead to life threatening surgical complications or may remain asymptomatic for many years and be detected incidentally in imaging studies. It may be mistaken as tumors or aneurysms. Thus, high clinical suspicion is needed to diagnose them in patients with past history of operation. </P><P> Reporting Case: A 35 years old woman, a known case of scleroderma underwent open-heart surgery 20 years before being diagnosed as scleroderma, presented by dyspnea especially on activity. The High Resolution CT (HRCT) for evaluating the interestial lung disease was done which detected a 7 cm (in greatest diameter) inflammatory mass in posterior aspect of left hemi thorax with a radiopaque thread in its center. True cut biopsy was done and sent for pathology, which revealed fragments of foreign body materials probably gauze pad fibers with cell debris and blood. Conclusion: Here, we highlighted the details in clinical history, CT findings, and pathology report of gauzoma in thorax of a scleroderma patient following previous open-heart surgery. It can be guidance for clinician to consider this diagnosis in patients with past history of operation.


2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 178-184
Author(s):  
Krishna P. Wicaksono ◽  
Aziza G. Icksan

Mediastnal abscess is rare, yet it could be a life threatening infecton. A precise diagnosis followed by adequate treatments need to be quickly established. Clinical informaton is usually not diagnostc. Therefore, radiological examinatons have important role.We report a ffy-one years old female with clinical history of sore throat, cough and neck-facial edema since fve days before admission. Laboratory examinatons revealed leukocytosis and ESR elevaton. Chest x-ray depicted a homogenous consolidaton in the right paratracheal region which deviated trachea to the lef. On enhanced chest CT examinaton, we found a cystc mass in the right paratracheal region, extending to the right supero-anterior mediastnum, with peripheral enhancement, air-?uid level and minimal right pleural e?usion, suggestve for mediastnal abscess. Bronchoscopy found no abnormality.Several days later, mediastnal abscess was confrmed surgically and drained through thoracotomy. Although culture of pus failed to grow any bacteria, histopathological examinaton confrmed a non-specifc chronic in?ammaton with no sign of malignancy. The main purpose of this report is to emphasize the importance of enhanced chest CT in evaluatng patent with tumor mimicking mediastnal abscess.


2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 70-77 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Dermata ◽  
A. Arhakis

SUMMARYNatural rubber latex is found in numerous medical and dental products. Adverse latex reactions in dental patients and practitioners have significantly increased since the introduction of universal precautions for infection control. These reactions range from contact dermatitis to potentially life-threatening hypersensitivity. Patients with a history of spina bifida, urogenital anomalies, multiple surgical procedures, allergic reactions or atopy, health care personnel and latex production workers are at increased risk of latex allergy. Diagnosis is based on a combination of clinical history and laboratory tests. Identification of latex sources and the avoidance of latex exposure are critical for protecting both dental patients and dental personnel.


ESC CardioMed ◽  
2018 ◽  
pp. 1911-1917 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adriaan A. Voors ◽  
Piotr Ponikowski

Acute heart failure is a life-threatening medical condition typically leading to urgent hospital admission. Early diagnosis is of great importance, since it will lead to earlier and better targeted treatment, leading to a decrease in length of hospital stay, and most importantly to improved clinical outcome. The initial diagnostic work-up includes a clinical history, evaluation of symptoms and signs, an electrocardiogram, chest X-ray, natriuretic peptide levels, echocardiography and perhaps lung ultrasound. After the initial work-up, a clinical classification according to blood pressure, congestion, and peripheral perfusion should be performed, since it will guide treatment. During the diagnostic work-up, treatable and life-threatening conditions always need to be considered since they need immediate and case-specific treatment.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 341-346
Author(s):  
Svetlan Dermendjiev ◽  
Vesela Slavcheva Blagoeva

BACKGROUND: Angioedema (AE) is acute oedema of the skin and mucous surfaces, involving the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. AE could be a life-threatening medical condition. Regardless of its growing clinical importance, many aspects of its aetiology and pathogenesis remain poorly understood. Its incidence, demographic characteristics, diagnosis and therapy, need further investigation. AIM: This study reports our experience with angioedema concerning its social and demographic characteristics, aetiology, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment outcomes. Study design: Eighty-eight patients with AE were enrolled. The study is a retrospective analysis of patients treated in our Clinics. METHODS: All participants were asked on a voluntary basis to fill out a specially designed questionnaire on the day of their discharge. Other important data sources included: patients’ history and notes during the hospital stay, information from previous admissions, etc. Parametric and non-parametric statistical methods were used for data processing. Data analysis was performed using SPSS (SPSS Inc., IBM SPSS Statistica) version 20.0 RESULTS: Based on our results, AE affects more frequently patients over 50 years of age, regardless of their sex. Urban residents prevail, among them - more commonly working women. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), hormones and antibiotics were among the most common triggers – in 8%, 4.5% and 11.4% of the cases respectively. In 9.09% of the patients, food-induced AE was seen, the most common foods reported, were – nuts, eggs and egg products. The common sites of involvement were periorbital area and lips. In only 9.1% of the patients, oedema progressed to spread to the upper respiratory tract. Cardiac conditions were the most frequent underlying disorders – 33%, of the patients, auto-immune thyroiditis was the second most common-14.8%, followed by musculo- skeletal disorders (10.2%) and diabetes (4.5%) Family history of allergy was seen in 8.4% of the patients, the most frequent allergic disorder, reported, was asthma. In patients with HAE, family history was present in 2.9% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: All patients received therapy with steroids and antihistamines, resulting in resolution of symptoms and no invasive procedures were necessary. Based on our results, the diagnosis of AE is often difficult and delayed and requires specialist evaluation. If recognised on time and adequately treated, the outcomes are favourable.


2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (02) ◽  
pp. 121-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amarjeet Kaur ◽  
Smita Sarma ◽  
Navin Kumar ◽  
Sharmila Sengupta

ABSTRACT Salmonella typhi is a true pathogen, which is capable of causing both intestinal and extraintestinal infections. Unusual presentations of Salmonella should always be kept in mind as this organism can cause disease in almost any organ of the body. S. typhi has been reported to cause the life-threatening infections such as meningitis, endocarditis, myocarditis, empyema, and hepatic abscess. Renal involvement by S. typhi is a relatively rare presentation. We report a case of renal abscess caused by S. typhi in an afebrile, 10-year-old child who did not have any clinical history of enteric fever. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of isolation of S. typhi from the renal abscess, and interestingly this isolate was found to be resistant to quinolones.


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