Clinical and Imaging Findings in Five Dogs with Intracranial Blastomycosis (Blastomyces dermatiditis)

2011 ◽  
Vol 47 (4) ◽  
pp. 241-249 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silke Hecht ◽  
William H. Adams ◽  
Joanne R. Smith ◽  
William B. Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Nasal Discharge ◽  
Imaging Findings ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Laboratory Findings ◽  
Computed Tomographic ◽  
Axial Mass ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Diagnostic Work ◽  
Work Up

Fungal infections affecting the central nervous system are rare. The purpose of this study was to describe clinical and imaging findings in dogs with intracranial blastomycosis (Blastomyces dermatiditis). The radiology database was searched retrospectively for patients with a diagnosis of intracranial blastomycosis which had computed tomography performed as part of their diagnostic work-up. Medical records and imaging studies were reviewed. Five dogs met the inclusion criteria. Major presenting complaints were stertor/nasal discharge (n=2), exophthalmos (n=1), and seizures (n=2). Clinical and laboratory findings were variable. Computed tomographic examination revealed a single contrast-enhancing intra-axial mass (n=1), a nasal mass disrupting the cribriform plate (n=3), and an intracranial mass extending into the orbit and nasal cavity (n=1). Findings in intracranial blastomycosis in dogs are variable, and the disease may mimic other inflammatory disorders or neoplasia.

scholarly journals Seronegative Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum - The challenges on disease definition and pathogenesis

2014 ◽  
Vol 72 (6) ◽  
pp. 445-450 ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas Kazutoshi Sato ◽  
Dagoberto Callegaro ◽  
Marco Aurélio Lana-Peixoto ◽  
Ichiro Nakashima ◽  
Kazuo Fujihara
Keyword(s):  
Optic Neuritis ◽  
Neuromyelitis Optica ◽  
Transverse Myelitis ◽  
Laboratory Findings ◽  
Disease Definition ◽  
Highly Sensitive ◽  
Diagnostic Work ◽  
Work Up ◽  
Extensive Transverse Myelitis ◽  
Aqp4 Antibody

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) are characterized by severe optic neuritis and/or longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis, and some brain lesions are also unique to NMOSD. Serum autoantibodies against aquaporin-4 (AQP4) are detected in most cases of NMOSD. However, some patients with NMOSD remain seronegative despite repetitive testing during attacks with highly sensitive cell-based assays. The differential diagnosis of NMOSD is not restricted to multiple sclerosis and it includes many diseases that can produce longitudinally extensive myelitis and/or optic neuritis. We review the clinical features, imaging, and laboratory findings that can be helpful on the diagnostic work-up, discuss the differences between AQP4 antibody positive and negative patients with NMOSD, including features of NMOSD with antibodies against myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein.

scholarly journals Back pain and scoliosis in children: When to image, what to consider

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (5) ◽  
pp. 393-404 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonia F Calloni ◽  
Thierry AGM Huisman ◽  
Andrea Poretti ◽  
Bruno P Soares
Keyword(s):  
Back Pain ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Pediatric Population ◽  
Laboratory Findings ◽  
Persistent Symptoms ◽  
Imaging Approach ◽  
Diagnostic Work ◽  
Work Up ◽  
Comprehensive History

Back pain and scoliosis in children most commonly present as benign and self-limited entities. However, persistent back pain and/or progressive scoliosis should always be taken seriously in children. Dedicated diagnostic work-up should exclude etiologies that may result in significant morbidity. Clinical evaluation and management require a comprehensive history and physical and neurological examination. A correct imaging approach is important to define a clear diagnosis and should be reserved for children with persistent symptoms or concerning clinical and laboratory findings. This article reviews the role of different imaging techniques in the diagnostic approach to back pain and scoliosis, and offers a comprehensive review of the main imaging findings associated with common and uncommon causes of back pain and scoliosis in the pediatric population.

scholarly journals Sexual dimorphism in the cerebrospinal fluid total protein content

2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (11) ◽  
pp. 1885-1890 ◽  
Author(s):  
Massimiliano Castellazzi ◽  
Stefano Pizzicotti ◽  
Ilenia Lombardo ◽  
Sarah Alfiero ◽  
Andrea Morotti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Total Protein ◽  
White Blood Cells ◽  
Total Protein Content ◽  
Laboratory Report ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Diagnostic Work ◽  
Work Up ◽  
Hospital Inpatients

AbstractObjectivesCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a clear, colorless body fluid filling the central nervous system. The determination of the CSF total protein (TP) content represents an important screening test of various pathologies. We aimed to address the effect of sex and age on CSF-TP content and the use of the current upper reference limits (URLs).MethodsCSF-TP content was analysed in a selected population of 1,252 patients (648 women and 604 men; age 18–89 years) who underwent lumbar puncture as a part of the diagnostic work-up. Samples presenting (i) more than 5 white blood cells (WBC)/µL, (ii) discolorations and (iii) reduced glucose were not included.ResultsThe CSF-TP content median values were significantly higher in men than in women (46 vs. 37 mg/dL) even after adjusting for age and different hospital inpatients. CSF-TP content positively correlated with age both in men and in women with a constant difference between sexes of 8.5 mg/dL. Applying the most used URLs (mainly 45 and 50 mg/dL, but also 60 mg/dL), men received a laboratory report suggestive of altered CSF-TP content more frequently than women. The use of age- and sex-calibrated CSF-TP URLs reduced, but not eliminated, this sex-gap.ConclusionsUsing the current URLs, a condition of “elevated CSF-TP content” may be overestimated in men or, conversely, underestimated in women, regardless of the age and of the diagnosis. These results highlighted the need to apply CSF-TP URLs values ​​normalized for both sex and age.

scholarly journals Exertional rhabdomyolysis: Relevance of clinical and laboratory findings, and clues for investigation

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 128-133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karel Heytens ◽  
Willem De Ridder ◽  
Jan De Bleecker ◽  
Luc Heytens ◽  
Jonathan Baets
Keyword(s):  
Striated Muscle ◽  
Clinical Syndrome ◽  
Strenuous Exercise ◽  
Laboratory Findings ◽  
Underlying Condition ◽  
Exertional Rhabdomyolysis ◽  
Patients At Risk ◽  
Diagnostic Work ◽  
Work Up ◽  
Diagnostic Work Up

Some degree of exertional rhabdomyolysis (ER), striated muscle breakdown associated with strenuous exercise, is a well-known phenomenon associated with endurance sports. However in rare cases, severe and/or recurrent ER is a manifestation of an underlying condition, which puts patients at risk for significant morbidity and mortality. Selecting the patients that need a diagnostic work up of an acute rhabdomyolysis episode is an important task. Based on the diagnostic work up of three illustrative patients treated in our hospital, retrospectively using the ‘RHABDO’ screening tool, we discuss the clinical and biochemical clues that should trigger further investigation for an underlying condition. Finally, we describe the most common genetic causes of this clinical syndrome.

18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) Positron Emission Tomography (PET): An Important Tool in the Management of Infection in Patients with Hematological Cancer.

Blood ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 104 (11) ◽  
pp. 1160-1160
Author(s):  
Elias J. Anaissie ◽  
Marisa H. Miceli ◽  
Steve D. Strout ◽  
Laurie Jones-Jackson ◽  
Ronald C. Walker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fdg Pet ◽  
Joint Infection ◽  
Laboratory Findings ◽  
Suspected Infection ◽  
Severe Immunosuppression ◽  
Positron Emission ◽  
Vascular Infections ◽  
Diagnostic Work ◽  
Tract Infections ◽  
Work Up

Abstract Background: FDG-PET is useful for detecting cancer (ca) sites and preliminary data suggest a role in bone and joint infection, mostly in non-immunosuppressed hosts. Purpose: To determine the role of FDG-PET in the management of infection in patients (pts) with hematological ca. Patients and Methods: Between 10/01/2001 and 5/31/2004, FDG-PET scans performed for ca staging and /or for the diagnosis of suspected infection that were reported as showing increased radiotracer uptake at extramedullary sites were reviewed. Results of FDG-PET were correlated with clinical and laboratory findings to identify episodes of infection. Results: 184 infections were documented by FDG-PET in 164 pts (90% multiple myeloma). Median age was 58 years (range 25–79) and 108 pts were males. 59 pts were neutropenic (<1000 neutrophils/ml) and 32 had severe immunosuppression (neutrophils, lymphocytes and / or CD4 counts <100 cells/ml).FDG-PET identified respiratory tract infections (118; including pneumonia/empyema, 112 and sinusitis, 6), vascular infections (27; septic thrombophlebitis (STP), 16 and infection of implantable catheter, 11), discitis / osteomyelitis (19), gastrointestinal tract infections (10; colitis, 5; diverticulitis and abdominal abscess (2 each) and esophagitis, 1), periodontal abscesses (10), cellulitis (2) and mastoiditis (1). 59 infections were microbiologically documented including bacterial (42), fungal (13), viral and mycobacterial (2 each). FDG-PET detected infectious foci despite severe immunosuppression (32 episodes). FDG-PET contributed to pt management including identification of the presence and site of infection (77), determination of its extent (81), modification of the diagnostic work-up and /or therapy (71) and evaluation of response (79). 58 clinically silent infections were detected among pts undergoing FDG-PET for ca staging. Conclusion: In pts with hematological ca, FDG-PET is a useful tool for establishing the presence, site (s), and extent of infection with various pathogens and in various organs, even in the setting of severe immunosuppression. FDG-PET can identify clinically silent infections and infections not detectable by other methods (such as STP) and can result in significant changes in pt management.

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