Intraneural glomus tumor within digital nerve: a case report

A glomus tumor is a soft tissue tumor that arises from the glomus body, a peripheral organ responsible for temperature regulation of the skin. It accounts for about 1% to 5% of tumors occurring in the hand, is mainly located in the subungal, and is less than 1 cm in size. Diagnosis is mainly based on clinical symptoms, and the main symptoms are pain at the site of glomus tumor, pinpoint tenderness, and cold intolerance. The pain is severe and usually requires surgical resection, and the results of treatment are good with complete resection of the tumor. In this case report, the patient is a 37-year-old female who developed pain in the radial side around the proximal interphalangeal joint of the right second finger without any traumatic history. On physical examination and imaging, it was diagnosed as a glomus tumor of the digital nerve and resected. After surgery, the symptoms improved and there was no recurrence. A careful examination and accurate diagnosis and treatment are necessary for symptomatic masses.

Effect of Liothyronine Treatment on Dermal Temperature and Activation of Brown Adipose Tissue in Female Hypothyroid Patients: A Randomized Crossover Study

BackgroundThyroid hormones are essential for the full thermogenic response of brown adipose tissue (BAT) and have been implicated in dermal temperature regulation. Nevertheless, persistent cold-intolerance exists among a substantial proportion of hypothyroid patients on adequate levothyroxine (LT4) substitution.Materials and MethodsTo assess if skin temperature and activation of BAT during treatment with liothyronine (LT3) differs from that of LT4 treatment, fifty-nine female hypothyroid patients with residual symptoms on LT4 or LT4/LT3 combination therapy were randomly assigned in a non-blinded crossover study to receive monotherapy with LT4 or LT3 for 12 weeks each. Change in supraclavicular (SCV) skin temperature overlying BAT, and sternal skin temperature not overlying BAT, during rest and cold stimulation were assessed by infrared thermography (IRT). In addition, abundance of exosomal miR-92a, a biomarker of BAT activation, was estimated as a secondary outcome.ResultsCold stimulated skin temperatures decreased less with LT3 vs. LT4 in both SCV (mean 0.009°C/min [95% CI: 0.004, 0.014]; P<0.001) and sternal areas (mean 0.014°C/min [95% CI: 0.008, 0.020]; P<0.001). No difference in serum exosomal miR-92a abundance was observed between the two treatment groupsConclusionLT3 may reduce dermal heat loss. Thermography data suggested increased BAT activation in hypothyroid patients with cold-intolerance. However, this finding was not corroborated by assessment of the microRNA biomarker of BAT activation.Clinical Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT03627611

First dorsal metacarpal artery flap with dorsal digital nerve with or without dorsal branch of the proper digital nerve produces comparable short-term sensory outcomes

Background The first dorsal metacarpal artery flap, including dorsal digital nerves with or without dorsal branches of the proper digital nerves, can be used to reconstruct thumb pulp defects with good results. However, it is still unclear whether there are differences in the sensory outcomes between preserving or not preserving the dorsal branches of the proper digital nerves. Methods This retrospective cohort study included 137 thumb pulp defect patients who underwent first dorsal metacarpal artery flap reconstruction procedure from October 2015 to June 2019. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether the dorsal branches of the proper digital nerves were preserved. In the non-preservation group (n = 80), the dorsal digital nerves were included in the flap for sensory reconstruction. In the preservation group (n = 57), the dorsal digital nerves and the dorsal branches of the proper digital nerves of the index finger were included in the flap. The stump of the proper digital nerves in the defect was coaptated to the donor nerves of the flap using the end-to-end fashion. At the last follow-up, static two-point discrimination, Semmes–Weinstein monofilament scores, pain, cold intolerance of the reconstructed finger, and patient satisfaction in both groups were compared. Results All patients were followed up for at least 17 months. No significant differences were found regarding pain of thumb pulp, static two-point discrimination, Semmes–Weinstein monofilament score, cold intolerance in the injured finger, and patient satisfaction. The non-preservation group presented slightly shorter operative times (p < 0.05). Conclusion There are no differences at 2 years in postoperative clinical outcomes when dorsal digital nerves are used to reconstruct flap sensation regardless of preservation of the dorsal branches of the proper digital nerves in the first dorsal metacarpal artery flap. Level of evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

STUDY ON THYROID ABNORMALITY AMONG CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE PATIENTS

Chronic Kidney Disease is a worldwide health problem with an increasing incidence and prevalence. Abnormalities in the structure and function of the thyroid gland and in the metabolism and plasma concentration of thyroid hormones are common in patients with Chronic Kidney Disease. Patients with CKD having many signs and symptoms suggestive of thyroid dysfunction like sallow complexion, edema, dry skin, cold intolerance, decreased BMR, asthenia and hyporeexia. So in cases of CKD, it is difcult to exclude thyroid dysfunction on mere clinical background. Total number of 100 patients with Chronic Kidney Disease were selected in this prospective study. 100 patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) fullling the criteria for CKD who were on conservative management were studied, among these 100 patients 70 were male and 30 were female Among the 100 patients in our study 55 of them had low serum T3 levels (55%), 17 patients among the low serum T3 level also had high TSH value of >20 ILIU/m1 with low T4 levels and also symptoms suggestive of hypothyroidism.

A four-year community hospital experience regarding procedures for the replantation and revascularization of fingers

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the clinical results and experiences in a community hospital regarding procedures for the replantation and revascularization of fingers. Patients and methods: Between June 2015 and December 2019, a total of 58 patients (51 males, 7 females; mean age: 33.4±6.3 years; range, 23 to 46 years) who were followed after total and/or subtotal amputation and replantation were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were evaluated at nine months in terms of cold intolerance, static two-point discrimination, and functional results using the range of motion (ROM) and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) questionnaire. Results: The majority of the patients presented with work-related injuries (70%), most commonly by the mechanism of guillotine (64%), and to the dominant hand (76%) and the third finger (36%) most frequently. The overall success rate of digit salvage was 72.9% (n=51). Of 19 digits with unsuccessful surgical outcomes, seven were from total and 12 were from subtotal amputations. In the long-term, cold intolerance was observed in 14 patients (24.1%) according to the cold intolerance severity scale. The mean static two- point discrimination value was 6.0±0.7 mm and the mean QuickDASH score was 22.3±5.0. The mean ROM measured at nine months after surgery in the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints of the third and fourth digits was significantly lower than that in the others (p<0.05). Conclusion: The predictors of survival of a replanted digit indicated in this study can be used as a guide and decision-making aid for any attempts for replantation.

A complex soft tissue reconstruction of distal phalanges in children

BACKGROUND: Injuries of distal phalanges are the most common type of hand trauma in children. The problem of coverage of soft tissue defects of distal phalanges remains. Many methods of coverage of distal phalanges defects have been developed. There is no generally accepted approach or an algorithm in treatment of adults and children with such type of trauma. AIM: This study aimed to reveal the most universal method of coverage of distal phalanges defects in children using various reconstruction methods that are used at the Department of Reconstructive Microsurgery of Filatov State Children Hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2019 to 2020, 70 children with defects of distal phalanges were treated. The coverage of defects was performed by using a flap (n = 23), cross-finger flap (n = 5), V-Y advancement flap (n = 28), reverse-flow homodigital island flap (n = 11), and full-thickness skin graft (n = 3). Results of the defect coverage were evaluated by objective (difference between the lengths of the operated and contralateral phalanges, two-point discrimination test, presence/absence of stiffness in the distal interphalangeal joint) and subjective (definition of cold intolerance, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire) criteria. RESULTS: The largest difference between the lengths of the operated and contralateral phalanges was obtained in V-Y plasty. The two-point discrimination sensitivity was the highest in V-Y plasty and a little less with island flap. Cold intolerance was the most common complication of homodigital island flap. Results of the DASH survey was the best in the homodigital island flap and full-thickness skin graft. CONCLUSION: Based on the analysis of the experience of surgeries to close soft tissue defects of the nail phalanges, the best results were obtained with reverse-flow homodigital island, which is considered as the most versatile and reliable approach.

Clinical Outcomes and Complications of Primary Fingertip Reconstruction Using a Reverse Homodigital Island Flap: A Systematic Review

Background Reverse homodigital island flaps (RHIFs) are increasingly used to reconstruct traumatic fingertip injuries, but there is limited evidence on the efficacy of this technique. We performed a systematic review of the literature to establish the safety and functional outcomes of RHIF for traumatic fingertip injuries. Methods Electronic searches were performed using 3 databases (PubMed, Ovid Medline, Cochrane CENTRAL) from their date of inception to April 2020. Relevant studies were required to report on complications and functional outcomes for patients undergoing RHIF for primary fingertip reconstruction. Data were extracted from included studies and analyzed. Results Sixteen studies were included, which produced a total cohort of 459 patients with 495 fingertip injuries. The index and middle fingers were involved most frequently (34.6% and 34.1%, respectively), followed by the ring finger (22%), the little finger (6.7%), and the thumb (2.6%). The mean postoperative static and moving 2-point discrimination was 7.2 and 6.7 mm, respectively. The mean time to return to work was 8.4 weeks. The mean survivorship was 98.4%, with the pooled complication rate being 28%. The pooled complication rate of complete flap necrosis was 3.6%, of partial flap necrosis was 10.3%, of venous congestion was 14.6%, of pain or hypersensitivity was 11.5%, of wound infection was 7.2%, of flexion contractures was 6.3%, and of cold intolerance was 17.7%. Conclusions Reverse homodigital island flaps can be performed safely with excellent outcomes. To minimize complications, care is taken during dissection and insetting, with extensive rehabilitation adhered to postoperatively. Prospective studies assessing outcomes of RHIF compared with other reconstruction techniques would be beneficial.

Pancytopenia as a Presentation of Iron Deficiency: A Case Report

One of the most common nutritional deficiencies worldwide is iron deficiency. Fatigue, pallor, vertigo, dyspnea, cold intolerance, lethargy, palpitation, headache, and the pallor of the mucous membranes or nail beds are the most frequent symptoms and signs of iron deficiency. Thrombocytosis is commonly observed in iron deficiency anemia; it seems that erythropoietin plays the main role in this respect. Furthermore, thrombocytopenia and even leukopenia have been reported in iron deficiency; however, pancytopenia is a very rare condition. In this report, we presented two unusual cases of pancytopenia due to severe iron deficiency that improved after treatment with oral iron supplements. Iron deficiency anemia, if sufficiently severe, may be associated with reduced platelet and leukocyte counts. Accordingly, this condition should be considered as a differential diagnosis in all patients with pancytopenia.

Transillumination: A Diagnostic Tool to Assess Subungual Glomus Tumors

Diagnosis of subungual glomus tumors is mainly based on clinical symptoms, including paroxysmal pain, tenderness, and cold intolerance. Dermoscopy, ultrasonography, and MRI constitute further diagnostic tools, commonly performed to demarcate the tumor before surgery. Herein, we present 2 cases of subungual glomus tumors, which could be diagnosed after fingertip transillumination, highlighting that this technique can serve as an easy, noninvasive, and cost-effective adjuvant diagnostic tool, to facilitate the clinical diagnosis of subungual glomus tumors as well as their localization during preoperative assessment.