Colonic Volvulus in Children: Surgical Management of a Challenging Condition

Colonic volvulus (CV) is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition with unclear etiopathogenesis. To date, less than 80 pediatric cases have been described. Hirschsprung’s disease (HD) is associated with CV in 17% of cases, representing a significant risk factor. Non-HD CV is an even more complex entity. The aim of this study is to describe a series of patients with CV to accentuate some peculiar aspects of this disease. We performed a retrospective study (period: 2012–2021) collecting information of patients with CV. Data analyzed included: demographics, medical history, presenting symptoms and radiological and surgical details. Eleven patients (12.5 ± 2.8 years; 7F/4M) had CV (eight sigmoid, two transverse colon, one total colon). Five patients had associated anomalies and three had HD. A two-step approach with volvulus endoscopic/radiological detorsion followed by intestinal resection was attempted in eight cases (one endoscopic approach failed). Three patients required surgery at admission. At follow-up, two patients developed recurrent intestinal obstruction, one of whom also had anastomotic stenosis. Colonic volvulus is a challenging condition that requires prompt patient care. A missed diagnosis could lead to severe complications. The evaluation of the patient should include a careful histological examination (searching for HD and alpha-actin deficiency), immunologic and metabolic screening, neurological tests and detection of chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO). Lifelong follow-up is mandatory for the early recognition and treatment of progressive diseases involving the proximal gastrointestinal tract.

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Fuchs’ Heterochromic Iridocyclitis in an Italian Tertiary Referral Centre: Epidemiology, Clinical Features, and Prognosis

Journal of Ophthalmology ◽

10.1155/2016/1458624 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 2016 ◽

pp. 1-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Massimo Accorinti ◽

Giovanni Spinucci ◽

Maria Pia Pirraglia ◽

Simone Bruschi ◽

Francesca Romana Pesci ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Significant Risk ◽

Significant Risk Factor ◽

Clinical Findings ◽

Tertiary Referral Centre ◽

Blurred Vision ◽

Visual Prognosis ◽

Presenting Symptoms ◽

Significant Incidence ◽

Keratic Precipitates

Purpose. To study epidemiology, clinical findings and visual prognosis of patients with Fuchs’ Heterochromic Iridocyclitis (FHI).Methods. A retrospective analysis was performed on 158 patients with FHI. Thirty-five patients were observed only once; the remaining 123 had a mean follow-up of 30.7 months (50 of them had a mean follow-up of 63.5 months) and in those we assessed complications, medical and surgical treatment, and long-term visual prognosis.Results. Average age at uveitis diagnosis was 27.2 years and 18.3% of patients were children. Blurred vision (54.5%) and floaters (40.5%) were the most frequent presenting symptoms. Small to medium-sized keratic precipitates (95.6%), iris atrophy (86.8%), and vitreous opacities (91.2%) were the most common signs; the prevalence of cataract and IOP increase was 63.5% and 20.1%, respectively, and their incidence was 0.1 and 0.06 eye/year. Significant risk factor for visual loss was IOP increase at presentation (p=0.02). At final examination 98% of the eye had a visual acuity ≥ 0.6, and topical (p<0.001) and systemic (p<0.001) corticosteroids therapy were used less frequently than before referral.Conclusions. FHI has a good visual prognosis, despite the significant incidence of cataract and glaucoma. A correct and prompt diagnosis might avoid unnecessary therapies and provide excellent visual outcomes.

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Aspergillus flavus endocarditis and meningitis in a child with marfan syndrome

Current Medical Mycology ◽

10.18502/cmm.6.4.5441 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Azam Fattahi ◽

Shirin Sayyahfar ◽

Ensieh Lotfali ◽

Reza Ghasemi ◽

Hojjat Mortezaeian

Keyword(s):

Marfan Syndrome ◽

Aspergillus Flavus ◽

Fever Of Unknown Origin ◽

Antifungal Susceptibility ◽

Significant Risk ◽

Unknown Origin ◽

Significant Risk Factor ◽

Fungal Endocarditis ◽

Threatening Condition ◽

Life Threatening

Background and Purpose: Aspergillus species are implicated as the etiology of approximately 26% of endocarditis cases. Central nervous system aspergillosis is a life-threatening condition that has a mortality rate of 80%. Case report: Herein, we report a four– year- old female who was admitted to the pediatric infectious ward due to a fever of unknown origin in January 2020. She was a known case of Marfan syndrome with a family history of this syndrome in her mother. The species was identified using (PCR) and the antifungal susceptibility test was performed using four antifungal agents based on the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute M38 3rd edition. Fluconazole-resistant Aspergillus flavus was identified to be responsible for endocarditis and meningitis as well as fever of unknown origin. Conclusion: The clinicians should be aware and consider fungal endocarditis in blood culture-negative endocarditis even in patients with no significant risk factor when antibiotic therapy fails.

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Treatment and therapeutic strategies for pituitary apoplexy in pregnancy: a case series

Journal of Medical Case Reports ◽

10.1186/s13256-021-02892-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Yuya Kato ◽

Yoshikazu Ogawa ◽

Teiji Tominaga

Keyword(s):

Pituitary Apoplexy ◽

Clinical Symptoms ◽

Case Series ◽

Optimal Timing ◽

Presenting Symptoms ◽

Pathological Evaluation ◽

Mother And Child ◽

Life Threatening ◽

In Pregnancy

Abstract Background Pregnancy is a known risk factor for pituitary apoplexy, which is life threatening for both mother and child. However, very few clinical interventions have been proposed for managing pituitary apoplexy in pregnancy. Case presentation We describe the management of three cases of pituitary apoplexy during pregnancy and review available literature. Presenting symptoms in our case series were headache and/or visual disturbances, and the etiology in all cases was hemorrhage. Conservative therapy was followed until 34 weeks of gestation, after which babies were delivered by cesarean section with prophylactic bolus hydrocortisone supplementation. Tumor removal was only electively performed after delivery using the transsphenoidal approach. All three patients and their babies had a good clinical course, and postoperative pathological evaluation revealed that all tumors were functional and that they secreted prolactin. Conclusions Although the mechanism of pituitary apoplexy occurrence remains unknown, the most important treatment strategy for pituitary apoplexy in pregnancy remains adequate hydrocortisone supplementation and frequent hormonal investigation. Radiological follow-up should be performed only if clinical symptoms deteriorate, and optimal timing for surgical resection should be discussed by a multidisciplinary team that includes obstetricians and neonatologists.

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Long-term hematologic toxicity of 177Lu-octreotate-capecitabine-temozolomide therapy of GEPNET

Endocrine Related Cancer ◽

10.1530/erc-21-0082 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Murali Kesavan ◽

Piyush Grover ◽

Wei-Sen Lam ◽

Phillip G Claringbold ◽

J. Harvey Turner

Keyword(s):

Cumulative Incidence ◽

Significant Risk ◽

Significant Risk Factor ◽

Baseline Risk ◽

Hematologic Toxicity ◽

Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors ◽

Prospective Phase ◽

Grade 3

Thirty-seven patients with advanced gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEPNETs) were treated on a prospective phase II single-center study with 4 cycles of 7.8 GBq 177Lu-octreotate combined with capecitabine and temozolomide chemotherapy (CAPTEM). Each 8-week cycle combined radiopeptide therapy with 14 days of capecitabine (1500 mg/m2) and 5 days of temozolomide (200 mg/m2). The incidence of grade ≥3 hematologic toxicity was analysed. We found that at a median follow-up of 7-years (range 1-10), 6 (16%) patients developed persistent hematologic toxicity (PHT, defined as sustained grade ≥3 hematologic toxicity beyond 36-months follow up) and 3 (8%) developed MDS/AL with a median time-to-event of 46 and 34-months respectively. Estimated cumulative incidence of MDS/AL was 11% (95% CI: 3.45 to 24.01). Development of PHT was the only significant risk factor for secondary (RR, 16; 95% CI: 2.53 to 99.55; p<0.001). The median PFS was 48 months (95% CI: 40.80-55.20) and median OS was 86 months (95% CI: 56.90-115.13). 21 deaths were recorded, including 13 (62%) due to progressive disease and all 3 (14%) patients with MDS/AL. We conclude that 177Lu-octreotate CAPTEM therapy for GEPNETs is associated with a risk of long-term hematologic toxicity. The rising cumulative incidence of MDS/AL >10% mandates for the long-term monitoring of treated patients. However, time to onset is unpredictable and incidence does not correlate with conventional baseline risk factors. Novel methods are required for stratification of prospective patients based on genetic risk.

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Bradyarrhythmias

10.2310/em.4702 ◽

2016 ◽

Author(s):

Inna Leybell ◽

Liliya Abrukin

Keyword(s):

Atrioventricular Block ◽

Sinus Bradycardia ◽

Sinus Node ◽

Treatment Options ◽

Presenting Symptoms ◽

Threatening Condition ◽

Node Disease ◽

Life Threatening ◽

Sinus Node Disease ◽

Sinoatrial Block

Bradyarrhythmias can present as an incidental electrocardiographic (ECG) finding or a life-threatening condition requiring immediate intervention. They are caused by sinus node disease or atrioventricular block. This review covers pathophysiology, stabilization and assessment, diagnosis and treatment options, and disposition and outcomes for patients with bradycardia. Figures in the review demonstrate characteristic ECG tracings. Tables list classifications of sinus node dysfunction as well as of sinoatrial and atrioventricular blocks, presenting symptoms, important information to elicit on history taking, various causes of bradycardia, and specific interventions for toxicologic etiologies. Key words: atrioventricular block, atropine, bradyarrhythmia, bradycardia, first-degree atrioventricular block, second-degree atrioventricular block, sinoatrial block, sinus bradycardia, sinus node disease, tachycardia-bradycardia syndrome, third-degree atrioventricular block This review contains 9 highly rendered figures, 7 tables, and 92 references.

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Endoscopic follow-up of cyanoacrylate obliteration of gastric varices

Arquivos de Gastroenterologia ◽

10.1590/s0004-28032009000100020 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 46 (1) ◽

pp. 81-84 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Fernanda Prata Martins ◽

Erika Pereira de Macedo ◽

Gustavo Andrade de Paulo ◽

Frank Shigueo Nakao ◽

José Celso Ardengh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Abdominal Pain ◽

Portal Hypertension ◽

Gastric Varices ◽

Study Endpoint ◽

Mild Abdominal Pain ◽

Threatening Condition ◽

Life Threatening ◽

Related Mortality ◽

Overall Mortality

Bleeding from gastric varices is a life-threatening condition. We report our experience with cyanoacrylate injection. Twenty three patients with portal hypertension and gastric varices underwent intra-variceal injection of a cyanoacrylate/lipiodol solution (1:1). Study endpoint was variceal obliteration. Mean follow-up was 25.3 months. Variceal obliteration was achieved in 87% of patients. Recurrence occurred in one patient (4.3%) and rebleeding in another case (4.3%). Mild abdominal pain was described in 13% of patients. Overall mortality was 21.7% and rebleeding related mortality rate was 4.3%. Our results confirm that cyanoacrylate injection is effective and safe to eradicate gastric varices.

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Successful treatment of pulmonary mucormycosis caused by Rhizopus microsporus with posaconazole

European Journal of Medical Research ◽

10.1186/s40001-021-00602-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 (1) ◽

Author(s):

F. Yuan ◽

J. Chen ◽

F. Liu ◽

Y. C. Dang ◽

Q. T. Kong ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Fungal Culture ◽

Rhizopus Microsporus ◽

Pulmonary Tissue ◽

Case Presentation ◽

Common Cause ◽

Pulmonary Mucormycosis ◽

Threatening Condition ◽

Life Threatening ◽

One Year

Abstract Background Mucormycosis is a rare fungal infection occurring chiefly in the lung or the rhino-orbital-cerebral compartment, particularly in patients with immunodeficiency or diabetes mellitus. Among Mucorales fungi, Rhizopus spp. are the most common cause of mucormycosis. Case presentation We report a case of pulmonary mucormycosis caused by Rhizopus microsporus in a young patient with diabetes but no other apparent risk factors. The diagnosis mainly relied on clinical manifestation, positive pulmonary tissue biopsy, and fungal culture. The patient was successfully treated with posaconazole oral suspension and remains asymptomatic at one-year follow-up. Conclusions Pulmonary mucormycosis is a life-threatening condition and posaconazole is an effective treatment for pulmonary mucormycosis caused by Rhizopus microspores.

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Abstract P147: Association Of Rosuvastatin Use With Risk Of Rhabdomyolysis Across Chronic Kidney Disease Status

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.143.suppl_1.p147 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 143 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Jung-Im Shin ◽

Yao Qiao ◽

Aditya Surapaneni ◽

Lesley Inker ◽

Derek Fine ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Chronic Kidney Disease ◽

Kidney Disease ◽

Proportional Hazards ◽

Disease Status ◽

Cox Proportional Hazards ◽

Lower Egfr ◽

Threatening Condition ◽

Life Threatening ◽

End Stage

Introduction: Statin-induced rhabdomyolysis is a rare, but potentially life-threatening condition. It is unknown whether specific statins carry a greater risk of rhabdomyolysis and whether the risk differs between patients with and without chronic kidney disease (CKD). The objective of this study was to investigate the association of rosuvastatin use vs. atorvastatin use with the risk of rhabdomyolysis across CKD status. Hypothesis: Rosuvastatin use is associated with a higher risk of rhabdomyolysis as compared to atorvastatin use and the risk is greater among those with CKD than those without CKD. Methods: We identified adult patients who initiated rosuvastatin or atorvastatin between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2018 and were free of end-stage kidney disease at the time of prescription in the Geisinger Health System. The association between rosuvastatin use and rhabdomyolysis was assessed using Cox proportional hazards regression models with an interaction between rosuvastatin use and CKD (i.e., estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/min/1.73 m 2 ) in an inverse probability of treatment weighted (IPTW) sample. Results: Of 8,748 rosuvastatin users (mean [SD] age, 59.7 [12.6] years; 49.8% female; 11.8% CKD) and 31,770 atorvastatin users (mean [SD] age, 59.1 [12.6] years; 48.2% female; 11.9% CKD), 0.7% and 0.4% patients developed rhabdomyolysis, respectively, during a median follow-up of 5.1 years. Rosuvastatin use was associated with a higher risk of rhabdomyolysis in patients with CKD (hazard ratio [HR], 3.29; 95% CI, 1.53-7.09), but not in those without CKD (HR, 1.29; 95% CI, 0.82-2.03; p-interaction=0.04). A higher risk of rhabdomyolysis associated with rosuvastatin use in lower eGFR was also observed in the analysis with continuous eGFR ( Figure ). Conclusions: The findings suggest that rosuvastatin use in patients with CKD may be associated with excess risk of rhabdomyolysis as compared to atorvastatin.

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Physiological Exophoria Did Not Increase The Incidence of Myopia in Rural School Children in Taiwan

10.21203/rs.3.rs-701227/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Jui-Hung Hsu ◽

Li-Ju Lai ◽

Tao-Hsin Tung ◽

Wei-Hsiu Hsu

Keyword(s):

Elementary School ◽

Logistic Regression ◽

Elementary School Students ◽

Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽

Significant Risk ◽

Epidemiological Data ◽

Significant Risk Factor ◽

Categorical Variables ◽

School Students

Abstract Purpose:This study evaluated the incidence rate and risk factors for developing myopia in elementary school students in Chiayi, Taiwan.Methods:This prospective cohort study comprised 1816 students without myopia (grades 1 to 5 in Chiayi County). The students underwent a noncycloplegic ocular alignment examinations using an autorefractometer and completed a questionnaires at baseline and at a 1-year follow-up. A univariate logistic regression was used to assess the effects of the categorical variables on new cases of myopia. A multinomial logistic regression was then conducted. A chi-squared test was used to compare new cases of myopia in terms of ocular alignment. A Cox hazard ratio model was then used to validate factors associated with changes in ocular alignment. A P value of <.05 was considered significant.Results: In 370 participants with new cases of myopia out of 1816 participants, a spherical error of −1.51 ± 0.6 diopters was noted at follow-up. The baseline ocular alignment was not a significant risk factor for developing myopia (exophoria vs orthophoria: OR 1.26, 95% CI 0.97-1.62; other vs. orthophoria: OR 1.15, 95% CI 0.73-1.82). However, new cases of myopia (HR 1.36, 95% CI 1.14-1.61), and baseline ocular alignment (exophoria vs orthophoria: HR 3.76, 95% CI 3.20-4.42; other vs orthophoria: HR 3.02, 95% CI 2.05-4.45) were associated with exophoria at follow-up.Conclusions: This study provided epidemiological data on the incidence of myopia in elementary school students in Chiayi, Taiwan. It also demonstrated that physiological exophoria does not predispose patients to developing myopia.

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Alcohol Related Non-traumatic Rhabdomyolysis and Compartment Syndrome

Acute Medicine Journal ◽

10.52964/amja.0152 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

pp. 33-34

Author(s):

JPL Ong ◽

◽

LA Thomas ◽

Keyword(s):

Skeletal Muscle ◽

Renal Failure ◽

Acute Renal Failure ◽

Lower Extremity ◽

Compartment Syndrome ◽

Early Recognition ◽

Clinical Entity ◽

Threatening Condition ◽

Life Threatening ◽

Renal Support

Rhabdomyolysis is a serious and life-threatening condition in which skeletal muscle is damaged, commonly resulting in acute renal failure. The causes of this clinical entity can be traumatic and non-traumatic. In the latter group, alcohol is the commonest cause. This report describes the case of a 25 year old man who presented with rhabdomyolysis leading to acute renal failure after an alcohol binge. He presented with painful legs and lower extremity compartment syndrome. The patient recovered with surgical fasciotomy and renal support. This case illustrates the importance of early recognition and treatment of alcohol related non-traumatic rhabdomyolysis and compartment syndrome.

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