Differential diagnosis of a thyroid mass, facial malar rash and ptosis on the flora in the primavera by Sandro Botticelli (1445–1510)

Purpose The Primavera is considered amongst the greatest and controversial artistic masterpieces worldwide painted by renaissance artist Sandro Botticelli. The aim was to identify any underlying medical foundations for the painting. Methods Observational study. Results The painting reveals, a ‘butterfly’ malar rash, bilateral ptosis and a clear neck swelling consistent with a goitre in the figure of Flora. This could be explained by concomitant Graves’ disease and systemic lupus erythematosus, or other presentations of multiple autoimmune syndrome. Conclusion These findings highlight the likely presentation of the earliest pictorial depictions of thyroid disease with systemic lupus erythematosus and emphasize the exactitude of depiction demonstrated by Botticelli in renaissance era.

Brainstem stroke presenting as isolated bilateral ptosis

Pure midbrain infarctions not involving surrounding structures are an uncommon clinical phenomenon. A midbrain infarction that results in isolated bilateral ptosis as the only neurological deficit is much rarer and an easy diagnosis to miss; therefore, potentially leading to further downstream complications. We describe the case of an elderly patient who presented with isolated bilateral ptosis, initially thought to be consequent to myasthenia gravis but subsequently identified to have a perforator infarct in the midbrain, resulting in his symptoms.

Burkitt Lymphoma Presenting as a Paraneoplastic Demyelinating Disorder in a Child

In adults, lymphomas have been associated with paraneoplastic syndromes that cause cranial nerve palsies, polyneuropathies, and paraplegias. These have been less frequently reported in children. We describe a pediatric patient who initially presented with palsy of her left third cranial nerve and bilateral ptosis. Initial diagnosis was concerning for myasthenia gravis, but after additional diagnostic evaluation, she was found to have acute motor axonal neuropathy. Cerebrospinal fluid studies were consistent with a diagnosis of Burkitt lymphoma. We discuss the importance of considering primary oncologic diagnoses in acute neurologic disorders with unusual presentations.

Pembrolizumab-induced myasthenia gravis-like disorder, ocular myositis, and hepatitis: a case report

Introduction Pembrolizumab and other immune checkpoint inhibitors are the emerging treatment for selected, high-grade malignancies. However, a small number of patients are unable to tolerate its adverse effects, leading to discontinuation of this potentially life-changing therapy. In this study, we present a case of high-grade urothelial carcinoma patient, who experienced neurocomplications during the first pembrolizumab administration. However, we were able to limit the adverse effect by concomitant use of low-dose oral steroids. Case presentation A 75-year-old Taiwanese female with high-grade urothelial carcinoma of the left ureter came to the neurology clinic with complaints of acute onset of bilateral ptosis 16 days after her first infusion of pembrolizumab. It was found that she developed complete bilateral ptosis and limited extraocular muscle movements. Myasthenia gravis-related antibodies and repetitive stimulation test were negative. We diagnosed her with pembrolizumab-induced myasthenia gravis-like disorder and myositis based on clinical symptoms and elevation of muscle enzymes. We commenced methylprednisolone pulse therapy followed by oral steroid therapy with gradual resolution of the symptoms. Three months later, the patient received a second cycle of pembrolizumab with low-dose oral steroids without any complications. Conclusion Pembrolizumab exerts its antitumor activity by interfering with the binding of programmed death 1 and its ligand, programmed death ligand 1. As a result, enhanced cytotoxic T cells can recognize tumor cells and induce cellular death. However, neurological complications may be severe and require prompt recognition and treatment. Our case demonstrated that concomitant use of low-dose steroids and pembrolizumab might prevent such complications.

Rare Clinical Presentation in a Case of Pediatric Guillain-Barré Syndrome and Rehabilitation Outcome

Nearly half of patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) have cranial nerve involvement. Ocular muscle weakness or ophthalmoplegia occurs in ~10% of these patients. Patients presenting with bilateral ptosis, with or without ophthalmoplegia, is a rare finding. Anti-GQ1b antibody has been found in Miller Fisher syndrome and GBS with ophthalmoplegia variants. We report a case of GBS in a young boy presenting with rare presentation of tetraplegia, bilateral ptosis, and facial palsy, no ataxia but ophthalmoplegia with seronegative anti-GQ1b antibody. Patient showed recovery in cranial nerves involvement as well as with motor and functional recovery after 3 weeks of inpatient rehabilitation (Barthel Index score improved to 60/100 at the time of discharge from 20/100 at the time of admission). He was independent for most of the activity of daily livings including ambulation at the time of discharge from rehabilitation unit (p < 0.001).

Levator palpabrae superioris myositis as an unusual cause of unilateral ptosis—case report

Background Ptosis can be a manifestation of a more serious situation. Hence, the analysis of the complaint and the search for etiology are crucial in such cases. Ptosis has many causes; some of them lead to unilateral ptosis while others cause bilateral ptosis. For instance, myasthenia gravis is a cause of bilateral ptosis while oculomotor nerve palsy induces unilateral disease. Proper evaluation of the patient and identification of the cause are important to achieve accurate management and good prognosis. Case presentation A 47-year-old male patient attended the ER complaining of dropping the right eye lid of 2 days’ duration. There was no associated pain or diplopia. On examination, the extraocular muscles’ (EOM) motility was intact, normal pupil and corneal reflexes, and there was swelling of the upper eyelid. Ophthalmological examination revealed normal anterior and posterior chambers as well as the vitreous and retina. The patient had a previous history of traumatic intracranial hemorrhage that was resolved without surgical intervention. He also had diabetes mellitus and hypertension. The patient was transferred to the MRI unit to perform MRI study of the brain and orbit with MRA and IV contrast administration. MRI findings confirmed the diagnosis of LPS myositis, and the patient received medical treatment and improved. Conclusion Proper radiological diagnosis leads to accurate management and achieves rapid recovery and optimal patient care.

Rzadka izolowana wrodzona szczelina powieki górnej z tłuszczakiem powieki – opis przypadku

Congenital eyelid defects mainly include unilateral or bilateral ptosis of epicanthic folds or atresia of the tear ducts. Eyelid defects can also be associated with cleft facial defects as described by Tessier. These defects are rare especially if they are isolated. The eyelid fissure, depending on its size, may cause a functional problem related to incomplete protection of the eye against drying out, or an aesthetic problem, which is particularly important in the psychological development of a child. The reconstruction of the upper eyelid with restoration of its full continuity is a prerequisite for improving the appearance and comfort of life of the growing child.