scholarly journals Cardiac Outpouchings: Definitions, Differential Diagnosis, and Therapeutic Approach

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Riccardo Scagliola ◽  
Gian Marco Rosa ◽  
Sara Seitun
Keyword(s):  
Differential Diagnosis ◽  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Therapeutic Approach ◽  
Tissue Characterization ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Diagnostic Challenge ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
Search Data ◽  
Data Location

Background and Aims. Cardiac outpouchings encounter a series of distinct congenital or acquired entities (i.e. aneurysms, pseudoaneurysms, diverticula, and herniations), whose knowledge is still poorly widespread in clinical practice. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview focusing on definition, differential diagnosis, and prognostic outcomes of cardiac outpouchings, as well as further insights on therapeutic options, in order to assist physicians in the most appropriate decision-making. Methods. The material reviewed was obtained by the following search engines: MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, Google Scholar, and Clinical Trials databases, from January 1966 until March 2021. We searched for the following keywords (in title and/or abstract): (“cardiac” OR “heart”) AND (“outpouching” OR “outpouch” OR “aneurysm” OR “pseudoaneurysm” OR “false aneurysm” OR “diverticulum” OR “herniation”). Review articles, original articles, case series, and case reports with literature review were included in our search. Data from patients with congenital or acquired cardiac outpouchings, from prenatal to geriatric age range, were investigated. Results. Out of the 378 papers initially retrieved, 165 duplicates and 84 records in languages other than English were removed. Among the 129 remaining articles, 76 were included in our research material, on the basis of the following inclusion criteria: (a) papers pertaining to the research topic; (b) peer-reviewed articles; (c) using standardized diagnostic criteria; and (d) reporting raw prevalence data. Location, morphologic features, wall motion abnormalities, and tissue characterization were found to have a significant impact in recognition and differential diagnosis of cardiac outpouchings as well as to play a significant role in defining their natural history and prognostic outcomes. Conclusions. Careful recognition of cardiac outpouchings remains a diagnostic challenge in clinical practice. Due to a broad cluster of distinctive and heterogeneous entities, their knowledge and timely recognition play a pivotal role in order to provide the most appropriate clinical management and therapeutic approach.

scholarly journals Post-Infectious Guillain–Barré Syndrome Related to SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Systematic Review

Life ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 167
Author(s):  
Pasquale Sansone ◽  
Luca Gregorio Giaccari ◽  
Caterina Aurilio ◽  
Francesco Coppolino ◽  
Valentina Esposito ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Single Case ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Guillain Barre Syndrome ◽  
Response To Treatment ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
Fisher Syndrome ◽  
Immunomodulating Therapy ◽  
Guillain Barré Syndrome ◽  
Guillain Barré

Background. Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is the most common cause of flaccid paralysis, with about 100,000 people developing the disorder every year worldwide. Recently, the incidence of GBS has increased during the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) epidemics. We reviewed the literature to give a comprehensive overview of the demographic characteristics, clinical features, diagnostic investigations, and outcome of SARS-CoV-2-related GBS patients. Methods. Embase, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Central Trials Register were systematically searched on 24 September 2020 for studies reporting on GBS secondary to COVID-19. Results. We identified 63 articles; we included 32 studies in our review. A total of 41 GBS cases with a confirmed or probable COVID-19 infection were reported: 26 of them were single case reports and 6 case series. Published studies on SARS-CoV-2-related GBS typically report a classic sensorimotor type of GBS often with a demyelinating electrophysiological subtype. Miller Fisher syndrome was reported in a quarter of the cases. In 78.1% of the cases, the response to immunomodulating therapy is favourable. The disease course is frequently severe and about one-third of the patients with SARS-CoV-2-associated GBS requires mechanical ventilation and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission. Rarely the outcome is poor or even fatal (10.8% of the cases). Conclusion. Clinical presentation, course, response to treatment, and outcome are similar in SARS-CoV-2-associated GBS and GBS due to other triggers.

scholarly journals Excess of non-verbal cases of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) presenting to orthodox clinical practice in Africa - a trend possibly resulting from late diagnosis and intervention

2011 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muideen O Bakare ◽  
Kerim M Munir
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Expressive Language ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Language Ability ◽  
Common Denominator ◽  
Spectrum Disorders

<p><strong>Objectives.</strong> Characteristics of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in Africa are not known because of unavailability of large-scale epidemiological studies in this region. This review explored the age at first presentation to orthodox clinical practice of African children with ASDs and their expressive language ability at presentation.</p><p><strong>Methods.</strong> A literature search of case series and case reports of ASDs from Africa was done through PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, African Journals Online (AJOL), and archives of the Nigerian Journal of Psychiatry. Six articles included content relating to age of the child at first presentation to orthodox clinical practice and symptoms at presentation related to expressive language ability and therefore fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Suggestions are made to explain the observations emanating from the review.<strong> </strong></p><p><strong>Results.</strong> An excess of non-verbal over verbal cases of ASDs have been presenting to orthodox clinical practice and there is a common denominator of late presentation/diagnosis and in turn late intervention, with most cases presenting for the first time well above 8 years of age. Attempts to explain these observations included low levels of knowledge and awareness about ASDs in Africa; problems with help-seeking behaviour; and lack of mental healthcare facilities and trained personnel.</p><p><strong>Conclusions.</strong> Enhancement of processes directed at ensuring early diagnosis and interventions, especially interventions aimed at improving speech and language development well and sufficiently early, may bring about a shift in the trend of excess non-verbal cases of ASDs over verbal cases presenting to orthodox clinical practice.</p>

So Much Writing, So Little Science: A Review of 37 Years of Literature on Edetate Sodium Chelation Therapy

1993 ◽  
Vol 27 (12) ◽  
pp. 1504-1509 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael T. Grier ◽  
David G. Meyers
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Literature Search ◽  
Chelation Therapy ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Mechanisms Of Action ◽  
Tetraacetic Acid ◽  
Safety And Efficacy

OBJECTIVE: To determine the safety and efficacy of edetate sodium (ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid; EDTA) chelation therapy for atherosclerosis. METHODS: Literature search using MEDLINE, encompassing 1966 through May 1993. Further references were obtained from articles and books, and from citations obtained from the American Academy of Medical Preventics. RESULTS: 16 case reports or case series, 2 longitudinal studies, and 3 clinical trials were reviewed, along with testimonials cited in 19 books. CONCLUSIONS: Little valid scientific evidence is available. Although the postulated mechanisms of action for EDTA are biologically plausible and EDTA appears to be safe, it has not been proven effective. Indeed, the best evidence shows it to be ineffective. Therefore, EDTA chelation therapy should not be used in clinical practice to treat atherosclerosis.

Steroid-resistant sarcoidosis: is antagonism of TNF-α the answer?

2007 ◽  
Vol 112 (5) ◽  
pp. 281-289 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bart G. Denys ◽  
Yves Bogaerts ◽  
Kenneth L. Coenegrachts ◽  
An S. De Vriese
Keyword(s):  
Case Reports ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Experimental Treatment ◽  
Diagnostic Challenge ◽  
Open Label ◽  
Modest Improvement ◽  
Steroid Resistant ◽  
Tnf Α

Steroid-resistant sarcoidosis has conventionally been treated with various drugs, including methotrexate, azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, antimalarial drugs and thalidomide, with variable success. There is a compelling need for more efficient and safer alternatives to these agents. Several lines of evidence suggest a critical role of TNF-α (tumour necrosis factor-α) in the initiation and organization of sarcoid granulomas. Inhibition of TNF-α with monoclonal antibodies has therefore received attention as a potential treatment option in therapy-resistant sarcoidosis. A number of case reports and small case series describe successful treatment of refractory disease with infliximab. Preliminary evidence from an RCT (randomized controlled trial) with infliximab in pulmonary sarcoidosis suggests a modest improvement in functional and radiological parameters. In contrast, the results with etanercept have been disappointing, perhaps related to differences in the mechanism of TNF-α blockade. The experience with adalimumab in sarcoidosis is too limited to draw conclusions. An open-label study and an RCT evaluating the efficacy of adalimumab in sarcoidosis with pulmonary and cutaneous involvement respectively, have been initiated. Although TNF-α antagonists appear relatively safe, especially when compared with conventional agents, caution is warranted in view of the increased incidence of tuberculosis, which may be a particular diagnostic challenge in patients with sarcoidosis. Pending publication of the RCTs, the use of TNF-α blockade in sarcoidosis should remain in the realm of experimental treatment.

scholarly journals Polymyositis, Dermatomyositis, and Statins: A Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mauro Turrin
Keyword(s):  
Differential Diagnosis ◽  
Inclusion Body ◽  
Inclusion Body Myositis ◽  
Creatine Phosphokinase ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Overlap Syndrome ◽  
University Websites ◽  
Necrotizing Myopathy ◽  
Comprehensive Search

BACKGROUND: Statins are a well-recognized cause of a variety of skeletal myopathic effects, which generally resolve when discontinuing the treatment. Among autoimmune manifestations associated with statins, there are typical polymyositis (PM) and typical dermatomyositis (DM).OBJECTIVE: To perform a review on published case reports and case series about statin-associated PM and DM.METHODS: This literature comprehensive search was conducted mainly on PubMed, but also congress abstracts and university websites were considered. Given the paucity of cases, the search was extended to include articles in all languages with English abstract.RESULTS: Twenty-eight PM and 30 DM cases have been described with prevalence in female (64%) and senile age. The drugs most frequently involved were atorvastatin and simvastatin. The differential diagnosis should be made among the main myositis subtypes: immuno-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM), inclusion body myositis (IBM), and overlap syndrome with myositis (OM), including anti-synthetase syndrome (ASS).CONCLUSIONS: Even though the onset of polymyositis or dermatomyositis is a rare phenomenon, it is advisable to consider their presence in patients taking statins and with a non-reversible elevation of creatine phosphokinase.

scholarly journals Plasmablastic Lymphoma: A Systematic Review

2011 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 687-696 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge J. Castillo ◽  
John L. Reagan
Keyword(s):  
Case Reports ◽  
Case Series ◽  
B Cell Lymphoma ◽  
Plasmablastic Lymphoma ◽  
Molecular Characteristics ◽  
Diagnostic Challenge ◽  
Barr Virus ◽  
Cd20 Expression ◽  
Epstein Barr ◽  
Relapse Rates

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a very aggressive variant of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma initially described in the oral cavity of HIV-infected individuals. PBL represents a diagnostic challenge given its characteristic morphology and lack of CD20 expression, and also a therapeutic challenge, with early responses to therapy, but with high relapse rates and poor prognosis. In recent years, our understanding and clinical experience with PBL has increased in both HIV-positive and -negative settings. However, given its rarity, most of the data available rely on case reports and case series. The main goal of this article is to systematically review the most recent advances in epidemiology; pathophysiology; clinical, pathologic, and molecular characteristics; therapy; and prognosis in patients with PBL. Specific covered topics include new pathological markers for diagnosis, its association with Epstein-Barr virus, and the need of more intensive therapies.

Electroencephalography in Catatonic Disorders Due to General Medical Conditions and Psychiatric Disorders

CNS Spectrums ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 57-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brendan T. Carroll ◽  
Harold W. Goforth ◽  
Nashaat N. Boutros ◽  
Theodore J. Anfinson ◽  
Lisa Werner
Keyword(s):  
Differential Diagnosis ◽  
Psychiatric Disorders ◽  
Medical Condition ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Ohio State University ◽  
State University ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
General Medical Condition ◽  
The Ohio State University

AbstractIn an effort to aid the clinician in the differential diagnosis of catatonic states, we assessed the nature of electroencephalography (EEG) findings in both medical and psychiatric forms of catatonia. An exhaustive review of the literature on catatonia due to a general medical condition (CDGMC) was performed in addition to a prospective review of catatonic patients at The Ohio State University Neuwpsychiatric Facility.A total of 105 patients had documented, specific clinical and EEG information, with neurologic conditions accounting for 82.8% of case reports. Results from the case series of 31 episodes of catatonia indicate that there is an increased likelihood of diffuse slowing in patients with CDGMC versus psychiatric catatonia. Given the observed rate of abnormalities, EEG is an important but underutilized tool in the differential diagnosis of catatonic disorders.

Beyond the Guidelines: Treatment of Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis in Cystic Fibrosis

2021 ◽  
pp. 106002802110220
Author(s):  
Madeline G. Tompkins ◽  
Rebecca Pettit
Keyword(s):  
Cystic Fibrosis ◽  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Alternative Treatment ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis ◽  
High Risk Patient ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Care Plan ◽  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
Treatment Approaches

Objective: To review the available literature addressing alternative allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) treatment options for patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Data Sources: A literature search of PubMed was performed (January 2002 to April 2021) using the following search terms: allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, aspergillus-related lung disease, cystic fibrosis. Manufacturer prescribing information, clinical practice guidelines, and data from ClinicalTrials.gov were incorporated in the reviewed data. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Relevant English-language studies or those conducted in humans were considered for inclusion. Data Synthesis: Available literature for alternative ABPA treatments in CF is lacking randomized controlled trials, but there is considerable support in case reports and case series describing the benefits in pediatric and adult patients. Recent literature has begun to explore the place in therapy for novel, corticosteroid-sparing treatment approaches. The alternative therapies summarized in this review all resulted in clinical improvement and subsequent discontinuation or dose reductions of oral corticosteroids, with minimal reported adverse drug effects. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: Although corticosteroids are the cornerstone of ABPA management, the toxicities can be significant limitations in an already high-risk patient population. Patients may fail or become intolerant to guideline-recommended therapies and require alternative treatment approaches. Conclusions: Alternative treatment modalities for ABPA in patients with CF, including azole antifungals, pulsed intravenous glucocorticoids, omalizumab, mepolizumab, and inhaled amphotericin, appear to be efficacious and well tolerated. Pharmacological properties including route of administration, storage and stability, beyond use dating, and adverse effects of the various treatment modalities must be considered when selecting a practical care plan for patients.

scholarly journals Primary intraosseous meningioma

2007 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. E13 ◽  
Author(s):  
James B. Elder ◽  
Roscoe Atkinson ◽  
Chi-Shing Zee ◽  
Thomas C. Chen
Keyword(s):  
Differential Diagnosis ◽  
Clinical Case ◽  
Clinical Presentation ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Adjuvant Therapies ◽  
Intraosseous Meningioma

✓Primary intraosseous meningiomas are a subtype of primary extradural meningiomas and constitute fewer than 2% of meningiomas overall, but they represent approximately two thirds of all extradural meningiomas. These types of meningiomas originate within the bones of the skull and thus can have a clinical presentation and radiographic differential diagnosis that is different from those for intradural meningiomas. Primary intraosseous meningiomas are classified based on their location and histopathological characteristics. Treatment primarily involves resection with wide margins if possible. Very little literature exists regarding the use of adjuvant therapies such as radiation and chemotherapy for these tumors. In fact, the literature regarding primary intra-osseous meningiomas consists mostly of clinical case reports and case series. This literature is reviewed and summarized in this article.

scholarly journals COVID-19 in pregnancy: What do we really know?

F1000Research ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 362
Author(s):  
Jerome Bouaziz ◽  
Marc Even ◽  
Frederique Isnard-Bogillot ◽  
Eli Vesale ◽  
Mariam Nikpayam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Case Control Studies ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Impact

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), continues to escalate worldwide and has become a pressing global health concern. This article comprehensively reviews the current knowledge on the impact of COVID-19 over pregnant women and neonates, as well as current recommendations for their management. We also analyse previous evidences from viral respiratory diseases such as SARS, Middle East respiratory syndrome, and influenza that may help to guide clinical practice during the current pandemic. We collected 23 case reports, case series, and case-control studies (18 from China) comprising 174 pregnant women with COVID-19. The majority of mothers showed a clinical presentation of the disease similar to that of non-infected adults. Preliminary evidences point towards a potentially increased risk of pregnancy adverse outcomes in women with COVID-19, with preterm delivery the most frequently observed (16.7%) followed by fetal distress (9.77%). The most commonly reported adverse neonatal outcomes included respiratory symptoms (7.95%) and low birth weight (6.81%). A few studies reported other maternal comorbidities that can influence these outcomes. Mothers with other comorbidities may be at higher risk of infection. Mother-to-child transmission of SARS-CoV-2 appears unlikely, with no study observing intrauterine transmission, and a few cases of neonatal infection reported a few hours after birth. Although the WHO and other health authorities have published interim recommendations for care and management of pregnant women and infants during COVID-19 pandemic, many questions remain open. Pregnant women should be considered in prevention and control efforts, including the development of drugs and vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. Further research is needed to confirm the exact impact of COVID-19 infection during pregnancy. To fully quantify this impact, we urgently need to integrate the current knowledge about viral characteristics, epidemiology, disease immunopathology, and potential therapeutic strategies with data from the clinical practice.

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