scholarly journals The Diagnostic Challenge of an Infrequent Spectrum of Cryptococcus Infection

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francisco Barbosa De Araujo Neto ◽  
Camila Corona De Godoy Bueno ◽  
Liege Tambelini Gomes ◽  
Daniela Alejandra Ortiz Navas ◽  
Mark Wanderley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fungal Spores ◽  
Unknown Etiology ◽  
Diagnostic Challenge ◽  
Fungal Isolation ◽  
Palpable Mass ◽  
Cryptococcal Infection ◽  
Important Differential Diagnosis ◽  
Chest X Ray ◽  
Malignant Lesions

Cryptococcal infection results from inhalation of fungal spores and usually is confined to the lungs, but may disseminate systemically. Radiologically, cryptococcal infection has multiple forms of presentation. The diagnosis is usually based on fungal isolation from cultured clinical specimens. Long term antifungal therapy is recommended, but surgical procedures may eventually be necessary when large thoracic symptomatic masses are present. We report a case of a 41-year-old male, immunocompetent, investigating a palpable mass in the left supraclavicular region associated with unintentional weight loss over the last three months. He also reported chest pain in this period. Chest X-ray, ultrasonography, and computed tomography were performed, which diagnosed a mediastinal and left supraclavicular mass, interpreted as lymph node conglomerates of unknown etiology. He also underwent a biopsy of the left supraclavicular mass for etiological determination by histopathology, which confirmed cryptococcosis infection. Although very infrequent, mediastinal cryptococcal infection (simulating masses) is a challenging but important differential diagnosis of benign and malignant lesions, since its treatment is usually clinical.

Corticosteroids in Inflammatory Bowel Disease patients: a practical guide for physicians.

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Carla Di Paolo ◽  
Cristiano Pagnini ◽  
Maria Giovanna Graziani
Keyword(s):  
Severe Disease ◽  
Unknown Etiology ◽  
History Of Disease ◽  
Bowel Diseases ◽  
Literature Evidence ◽  
History Of ◽  
Inflammatory Bowel ◽  
Favorable Safety ◽  
Pass Metabolism

: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are chronic conditions characterized by unknown etiology and pathogenesis with deregulation of mucosal immunity. Among possible treatments, corticosteroids, already available from the 50’, are still the mainstay of treatment for moderate-severe disease. Nonetheless, the use of steroids is still largely empirical and solid evidence about therapeutic schemes are lacking. Moreover, due to the important side-effects and for the unsatisfactory impact on long-term natural history of disease, the steroid sparing has become an important therapeutic goal in IBD management. Besides conventional steroids, the so called “low bioavailability” steroids, which are steroids with high affinity for peripheral receptors and elevated hepatic first-pass metabolism, have demonstrated efficacy and more favorable safety profile. In the present review of the literature evidence of efficacy and safety of conventional and low bioavailability steroids in IBD patients are evaluated, and practical suggestions for a correct use in clinical practice are presented according to the current clinical guidelines.

scholarly journals Negative-pressure-related diffuse alveolar hemorrhage after monitored anesthesia care for vertebroplasty: a case report

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yumin Jo ◽  
Jagyung Hwang ◽  
Jieun Lee ◽  
Hansol Kang ◽  
Boohwi Hong
Keyword(s):  
Case Report ◽  
Airway Obstruction ◽  
Negative Pressure ◽  
Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage ◽  
Alveolar Hemorrhage ◽  
Unknown Etiology ◽  
Anesthesia Care ◽  
Monitored Anesthesia Care ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Chest X Ray

Abstract Background Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) is a rare, life-threatening condition that can present as a spectrum of nonspecific symptoms, ranging from cough, dyspnea, and hemoptysis to severe hypoxemic respiratory failure. Perioperative DAH is frequently caused by negative pressure pulmonary edema resulting from acute airway obstruction, such as laryngospasm, although hemorrhage itself is rare. Case presentation This case report describes an unexpected hemoptysis following monitored anesthesia care for vertebroplasty. A 68-year-old Asian woman, with a compression fracture of the third lumbar vertebra was admitted for vertebroplasty. There were no noticeable events during the procedure. After the procedure, the patient was transferred to the postanesthesia care unit (PACU), at which sudden hemoptysis occurred. The suspected airway obstruction may have developed during transfer or immediate arrive in PACU. In postoperative chest x-ray, newly formed perihilar consolidation observed in both lung fields. The patients was transferred to a tertiary medical institution for further evaluation. She diagnosed with DAH for hemoptysis, new pulmonary infiltrates on chest x-ray and anemia. The patient received supportive care and discharged without further events. Conclusions Short duration of airway obstruction may cause DAH, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of postoperative hemoptysis of unknown etiology.

Extra-nodal Rosai-Dorfman Disease Confined to Breast

2020 ◽  
Vol 154 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S41-S42
Author(s):  
E Ozluk ◽  
R Shackelford
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Cells ◽  
African American Woman ◽  
American Woman ◽  
Lymphocytic Infiltration ◽  
Needle Aspiration ◽  
Left Breast ◽  
Unknown Etiology ◽  
Diagnostic Challenge ◽  
Ductal Cells ◽  
Rosai Dorfman Disease

Abstract Introduction/Objective First described by Rosai and Dorfman in 1969, Rosai-Dorfman Disease (RDD) is an uncommon, idiopathic, reactive lymph node process with an unknown etiology. It may involve extra-nodal organs including the skin, bone, soft tissue, and eyes. However, breast involvement is rare and RDD confined to breast without nodal involvement is extremely uncommon. Methods Here we present a case of RDD confined to breast. The patient was a 51-year-old African American woman who was found to have an irregular, solid left breast mass on routine mammogram, which had speculated irregular margins and measured of 37.0 x 32.0 x 32.0 mm. She did not have any symptoms, nor any palpable lymph nodes. The clinician stated that the lesion was highly suspicious for a breast malignancy and requested a fine needle aspiration (FNA) of the mass, followed by total excision. Results An FNA was interpreted as atypical histiocytic cells in a mixed lymphoid background. Histopathologic examination revealed an ill-defined mass with sheets of histiocytes, plasma cells, and a mixed lymphocytic population, with occasional germinal centers. Some of the histiocytes were spindle shaped and associated with storiform collagen deposition. The histiocytes had single and multiple nuclei and exhibited occasional emperipolesis. Immunohistochemical staining with S100 diffusely highlighted the histiocytes, whereas CD1a was negative. CD3 and CD20 immunostains were positive for mixed-type lymphocytic infiltration. Cytokeratin staining was performed and reassuringly stained only the benign ductal cells. A diagnosis of RDD of the breast was made, based on these histopathologic findings. Conclusion We report an example of an extra-nodal RDD involving the mammary gland that was initially suspected to be breast carcinoma. RDD may still be a diagnostic challenge, especially in a patient with suspected carcinoma. It is the pathologist’s role to lead the clinician to the proper diagnosis and render a correct histopathologic diagnosis.

Sclerosing Angiomatoid Nodular Transformation of the Spleen

2013 ◽  
Vol 137 (9) ◽  
pp. 1309-1312 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dinesh Pradhan ◽  
Sambit K. Mohanty
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Benign Lesion ◽  
Good Prognosis ◽  
Unknown Etiology ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Imaging Findings ◽  
Effective Technique ◽  
Sclerosing Angiomatoid Nodular Transformation ◽  
Malignant Lesions ◽  
Mitotic Figures

Sclerosing Angiomatoid Nodular Transformation (SANT) of the spleen is a rare benign lesion of the spleen with unknown etiology. SANT is classically considered to be a female-predominant disease, with most of the patients in the 30- to 60-year age group. Most lesions are found incidentally on imaging. Although SANT has specific imaging findings, the differential diagnosis from other splenic tumors or malignant lesions is very difficult. Histopathologically, these tumors reveal multiple confluent angiomatoid nodules; these nodules are surrounded by concentric collagen fibers exhibiting an inflammatory and myofibroblastic response and are accompanied by numerous erythrocytes and siderophages. The nodules are populated by endothelial cells, phenotypically recapitulating normal splenic vasculature, such as sinusoids, capillaries, and small veins. Nuclear atypia is minimal, mitotic figures are extremely rare, and necrosis is consistently absent. This lesion has a unique immunohistochemical profile characterized by CD34−CD31+CD8+ sinusoids, CD34+CD31+CD8− capillaries, and CD34−CD31+CD8− small veins. CD68 is positive in macrophages. Splenectomy is a useful and effective technique for the management of SANT. SANT patients have a good prognosis, with no recurrence after splenectomy. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge of SANT of the spleen and its clinical relevance.

Tuberculosis in Children in a Pediatric Hospital in Mexico

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Napoleón González Saldaña ◽  
Mercedes Macías Parra ◽  
Hugo Juárez Olguín ◽  
José Iván Castillo Bejarano ◽  
Monica Punzo Soto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pediatric Hospital ◽  
Diagnostic Challenge ◽  
Abnormal Chest ◽  
Culture Sensitivity ◽  
History Of ◽  
Chest X Ray ◽  
Epidemiological Evaluation ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Tuberculosis In Children ◽  
Skin Test Result

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global problem and a diagnostic challenge, especially in pediatrics. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical, microbiological, radiological, and histopathological data of TB in children. A 7-year retrospective and descriptive cohort study that included 127 patients under 18 years of age with diagnosis of active TB was conducted from 2011 to 2018 in a pediatric hospital. Tuberculosis was microbiologically confirmed using Ziehl–Neelsen (ZN) staining, culture or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in a total of 94 (74%) cases. Thirty-three cases were defined as probable TB based on tuberculin skin test result and epidemiological evaluation. The TB forms found were lymph node (39.3%), bone (15.7%), lung (13.6%), and meningeal TB (8.6%). The most common symptoms were fever (48.8%) and adenopathy (45.6%). History of contact was established in 34.6%. Positive ZN staining (sensitivity 30%) and culture (sensitivity 37%) were found in 29% and 37.7% of subjects, respectively. About 64.5% depicted abnormal chest X-ray. Xpert MTB/RIF® (PCR) was positive in 9.4% and biopsy was compatible in 52.7% of these samples. It is fundamental to have laboratory and epidemiological evaluation that support the diagnosis of the disease in children and thus, define its management; since, in most cases, early microbiologic confirmation is lacking.

Anterior diaphragmatic hernias in children: long-term surgical outcomes

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 7-15
Author(s):  
D.A. Morozov ◽  
◽  
D.V. Khaspekov ◽  
E.A. Okulov ◽  
V.G. Masevkin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Treatment ◽  
Diaphragmatic Hernia ◽  
Complex Analysis ◽  
Long Term Results ◽  
Long Term Outcomes ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Hernial Sac ◽  
Chest X Ray ◽  
Diaphragmatic Hernias

Anterior diaphragmatic hernia (ADH) is a rare congenital pathology that occurs in children with a frequency of 1:4800 (1–6% of all congenital diaphragmatic hernias). There are many controversial aspects in the surgical treatment of patients with ADH: the choice of surgical approach, the method of diaphragmatic repair and the feasibility of excision of the hernial sac. Objective. To conduct a comparative analysis of the surgical treatment of patients with ADH in different clinics, assessing longterm outcomes. Patients and methods. The medical records of 7 children with ADH who underwent surgical repair in different clinics (in time period from 2009 to 2019) were retrospecively reviewed. Evaluating the long-term results of ADH repair was made by telephone and online surveys of the parents of patients and by outpatient examination of children (chest x-ray in two projections). Results. In a ten-year period, 7 patients (4 boys and 3 girls) were operated on with a diagnosis of “anterior diaphragmatic hernia” at the age of 3 months to 12 years. In most children, a hernia was discovered accidentally by chest x-ray. Laparoscopic correction was performed in 5 (71%) cases, thoracoscopic correction – in 2 cases (29%). The main difference in surgical tactics in ADH patients was the manipulation with the hernial sac – the hernial sac was excised in 4 (57%) patients, but it was left in three cases (43%). The defect closure was performed by “full-thickness” separated sutures that fix the diaphragm to the anterior abdominal wall during laparoscopy (5) and to the chest tissue during thoracoscopy (2); in some cases, additional fixation to the rib (4) was performed. Sutures were tied extracorporeally and buried in the subcutaneous layer in 6 (86%) patients. Average follow-up was 7 years. While evaluating long-term outcomes no ADH recurrence were found. Conclusions. There are still many controversial aspects in the surgical treatment of ADH patients. In our opinion, multicenter studies with complex analysis of long-term results are required to standardize the surgical treatment of such patients. Key words: anterior diaphragmatic hernia, Larrey hernia, long-term outcomes, Morgani hernia

Invasive cardiac aspergillosis as contiguous infiltration from mediastinum: Imaging evaluation using cardiac MRI

2021 ◽  
pp. 021849232110646
Author(s):  
Arun Sharma ◽  
Shayeri Roy Choudhury ◽  
Ajay Bahl ◽  
Uma Nahar ◽  
Manphool Singhal
Keyword(s):  
Cardiac Mri ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Imaging Features ◽  
Diagnostic Challenge ◽  
Fatal Disease ◽  
Imaging Evaluation ◽  
Fungal Isolation ◽  
Appropriate Therapy ◽  
High Index Of Suspicion

Invasive cardiac aspergillosis is a rare, potentially fatal disease which poses a significant diagnostic challenge. Combination of clinical details, imaging features, fungal markers, serology and fungal isolation with demonstration of invasion is usually necessary to establish the diagnosis. High index of suspicion is the key for early diagnosis with potential role of cardiac MRI in its early detection, delineation of extent of involvement and guidance to the appropriate site for tissue sampling, thereby allowing for improved prognosis with early institution of appropriate therapy.

scholarly journals DNA Methylation as a Future Therapeutic and Diagnostic Target in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Cells ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 953 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marzena Ciechomska ◽  
Leszek Roszkowski ◽  
Wlodzimierz Maslinski
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Joint Destruction ◽  
Synovial Fibroblasts ◽  
Genetic Mutation ◽  
Unknown Etiology ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Fibroblast Like Synoviocytes

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term autoimmune disease of unknown etiology that leads to progressive joint destruction and ultimately to disability. RA affects as much as 1% of the population worldwide. To date, RA is not a curable disease, and the mechanisms responsible for RA development have not yet been well understood. The development of more effective treatments and improvements in the early diagnosis of RA is direly needed to increase patients’ functional capacity and their quality of life. As opposed to genetic mutation, epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation, are reversible, making them good therapeutic candidates, modulating the immune response or aggressive synovial fibroblasts (FLS—fibroblast-like synoviocytes) activity when it is necessary. It has been suggested that DNA methylation might contribute to RA development, however, with insufficient and conflicting results. Besides, recent studies have shown that circulating cell-free methylated DNA (ccfDNA) in blood offers a very convenient, non-invasive, and repeatable “liquid biopsy”, thus providing a reliable template for assessing molecular markers of various diseases, including RA. Thus, epigenetic therapies controlling autoimmunity and systemic inflammation may find wider implications for the diagnosis and management of RA. In this review, we highlight current challenges associated with the treatment of RA and other autoimmune diseases and discuss how targeting DNA methylation may improve diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic approaches.

scholarly journals Castleman's Disease: An Intrapulmonary Form with Intrafissural Development

2009 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 940-945 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hajer Racil ◽  
Sana Cheikh Rouhou ◽  
Olfa Ismail ◽  
Saoussen Hantous-Zannad ◽  
Nawel Chaouch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Contrast Enhancement ◽  
Castleman’S Disease ◽  
Lower Lobe ◽  
Unknown Etiology ◽  
Castleman's Disease ◽  
Curative Surgery ◽  
Abnormal Shadow ◽  
History Of ◽  
Chest X Ray ◽  
The Right

Castleman's disease (CD) is an uncommon, mainly benign, lymphoproliferative disorder of unknown etiology, mostly involving the mediastinum. Parenchymal lung involvement of the disease is exceedingly rare. We describe a case of CD in a 23-year-old woman with a 4-year history of recurring dyspnea and nonproductive cough, whose chest X-ray showed an abnormal shadow of the right hilum. Chest computed tomography confirmed the presence of a tissue-density mass of the right lower lobe, demonstrating poor contrast enhancement, associated with multiple laterotracheal and mediastinal lymphadenopathies. The patient underwent curative surgery, revealing a right hilar compressive mass, with an intrafissural development between the superior and middle lobes. Pneumonectomy was performed due to profuse bleeding. This case of CD is particular because of its unusual intrapulmonary location and its intrafissural development. Poor contrast enhancement is atypical in CD.

scholarly journals Sinonasal Sarcoidosis: A Case Report

2016 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 648-650
Author(s):  
Afroza Khanam ◽  
Gulshan Akhtar ◽  
Nabila Khanduker ◽  
Nurun Nahar Chowdhury ◽  
Mohammad Abdur Rahman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Case Report ◽  
Histopathological Examination ◽  
Medical Science ◽  
Neck Region ◽  
Pulmonary Involvement ◽  
Unknown Etiology ◽  
Nasal Discharge ◽  
Diagnostic Challenge ◽  
Current Case ◽  
Nasal Blockage

Sarcoidosis is a chronic granulomatous disease of unknown etiology which principally affects the lower respiratory tract & lungs. Sarcoidosis in the head & neck region is infrequent. Isolated sino nasal sarcoidosis without pulmonary involvement is rare.Case: An 18 years old male patient presented with the complaints of nasal blockage, purulent nasal discharge which was occasionally blood stained for 6 months, deformity of nose, swelling of face & lips for 4 months & watering of eyes for same duration. Endoscopy of nose revealed intra nasal mucosal thickening which was friable & bleeds on touch. The diagnosis of sino nasal sarcoidosis was made by histopathological examination of nasal biopsy specimen.Conclusion: Sino nasal sarcoidosis is a disease of diagnostic challenge to the clinician as its mimicking clinical features may be misleading & cause delay in definitive diagnosis. In the current case report, we presented a case of sino nasal sarcoidosis presenting as chronic rhino sinusitis.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.15(4) 2016 p.648-650

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