Minimally invasive endoscopic approach to perform complete coccygectomy in patients with chronic refractory coccydynia: illustrative case

BACKGROUND Coccydynia refers to debilitating pain in the coccygeal region of the spine. Treatment strategies range from conservative measures (e.g., ergonomic adaptations, physical therapy, nerve block injections) to partial or complete removal of the coccyx (coccygectomy). Because the surgical intervention is situated in a high-pressure location close to the anus, a possible complication is the formation of sacral pressure ulcers and infection at the incision site. OBSERVATIONS In this case report, the authors presented a minimally invasive, fully endoscopic approach to safely perform complete coccygectomy for treatment of refractory posttraumatic coccydynia. LESSONS Although this is a single case report, the authors hope that this novel endoscopic approach may achieve improved wound healing, reduced infection rates, and lower risk of penetration injury to retroperitoneal organs in patients requiring coccygectomy.

Visibility of Transcondylar Screw Fractures in Standard and Extended Scale Computed Tomography Images

Objective Application of extended computed tomography scale (ECTS) reconstruction to diagnose metal implant failure has been described in a single case report. The purpose of this study was to compare the features and visibility of humeral transcondylar screw fractures in standard CT scale (SCTS) and ECTS images. Study Design Case series: CT images of dogs with fractured transcondylar screws were retrospectively reviewed and described in both SCTS and ECTS images. Results Five dogs with a total of six transcondylar screw failures (five right and one bilateral) were reviewed. All cases had an ongoing humeral intercondylar fissure with varying degrees of stress remodelling. The fracture was seen in all screws on ECTS images, however only in three implants on SCTS images. The measured fracture gap was larger in ECTS images in all cases (range: + 0.14 mm to + 0.28mm). The three smallest fracture gaps were not seen on SCTS images. A subtle hypoattenuating streak (artefact) was visible adjacent to the screw fracture in 5/6 of cases using SCTS images. All screw fractures occurred parallel and often slightly medial to the humeral intercondylar fissure. Conclusion Implant failure is only seen with larger fracture gaps in SCTS images, with 3/6 screw fractures not visible in SCTS compared with ECTS. A hypoattenuating streak extending perpendicular to the implant in SCTS images is suggestive of screw fracture even if this is not directly visible.

A Rare Case of 3:1 Alpha Variant

Since the first documentation of slow alpha variants in Goodwin et al., there has been a single case report with an actual electroencephalography (EEG). However, any further case has not been reported since then, and neurologists are still unfamiliar with its presence due to its scarcity. Here, we present a rare case of 3:1 subharmonic alpha variant in a hope to acquaint EEG interpretations and speculate upon its benign nature.

Suicide of a Tenor Amidst the Stage Setting of the Werther Opera's Death Scene

Background: Reporting on suicide can elicit an increase in suicides, a phenomenon termed the “Werther effect.” The name can be traced back to an alleged spike in suicides after the publication of Goethe's novel The Sorrows of Young Werther in 1774, in which the protagonist Werther dies by suicide. Aims: Acknowledging the importance and primacy of systematic ecological and individual-level studies, we provide a historical single-case report of the suicide of a “late arrival of the Werther epidemic,” as the death was headlined in a news report in 1927. Method: Archival research on tenor Paul Vidal's suicide was conducted. Results: Vidal reconstructed the scene of the final act of the opera Werther in his apartment and died by a gunshot, as did Werther. Limitations: Causal interpretations must be made with caution. Conclusion: Striking similarities between Werther's and Vidal's deaths support the idea of strong identification with the fictional narrative and suggest causal effects. Considering the repeated high level of immersiveness and the intense emotions of opera performances, it is likely that performing the role of Werther increases identification processes, contributing to detrimental effects. The lack of knowledge regarding the role of fictional suicide stories on artists' suicides is discussed.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the breast and intraoperative electron radiotherapy: single case report and review of literature

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the breast is a very rare neoplasm. It presents a triple-negative phenotype in most cases, but its prognosis is generally considered to be better than other breast cancers with the same immunohistochemical pattern. Due to its controversial features, no data are available in the literature regarding a consensus approach for ACC treatment, especially for subtypes with worse prognosis like solid basaloid ACC. We present for the first time a rare case of ACC with multifocal presentation treated with breast-conservative surgery and intraoperative electron radiotherapy, thus supporting this treatment of ACC in selected patients like young women affected by the solid basaloid variant who commonly present a worse prognosis. In this case, no local or systemic recurrence was detected after 30 months of follow-up.

Decannulation Failure following Tracheostomy for COVID-19: A Single Case Report

The incidence, aetiology and long term outcomes of laryngotracheal complications secondary to Tracheostomy insertion in patients ventilated for COVID-19 critical Illness are currently unknown. We report a single case from our COVID-19 institutional series who developed early subglottic stenosis and subsequent traceomalacia preventing permanent tracheostomy removal despite three decannulation attempts. We consider the known risk factors for laryngotracheal complications following endotracheal intubation and tracheostomy, in combination with the potential impact of COVID-19 pathological features. Clinical indicators from the case presentation are explored in relation to the early identification of tracheomalacia in the patient with Tracheostomy, and the mechanisms underlying these presenting features are proposed.

NOVEL HOMOZYGOUS VARIANT OF TBC1 DOMAIN FAMILY MEMBER 8 GENE IN FOUR LIBYAN SIBLINGS WITH AUTISTIC SPECTRUM DISORDER AND INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY WITHOUT EPILEPSY

Objective: Recent progress in genetic analysis and investigations have enabled researchers to identify potential genetic changes that may play a role in ASD. The number of genes connected with autism is growing. Whole exome sequencing(WES) identified the homozygous TBC1D8 variant. Aim to report for the first time a TBC1D8 missense variant (c.1883G>A, p. (Arg628Gln) in 4 Libyan children (3 homozygous,1 heterozygous) with severe neurodevelopmental phenotypes ASD and intellectual disability ID . Based on the data of HGMD and ClinVar, variants in only a few autosomal recessive intellectual disability ARID genes seem to be reported frequently. Method: Molecular genetic analysis of (WES) was carried out on blood samples from these children. The outcome of the genetic investigations was interpreted within the context of clinical finding, family history, and suspected mode of inheritance. Results: The number of genes associated with autism is increasing. WES identified the TBC1D8 variant. According to the longest isoform (NM_001102426.1),the nomenclature of this variant is c.1883G>A, p. (Arg628Gln) in TBC1D8 which leads to an amino acid exchange. This variant has not previously reported or described in the literature (PubMed, HGMD). Conclusion: we have provided evidence for a connection between TBC1D8 variant and ASD and ID; however, this evidence should be considered preliminary in the context of a single case report and such findings need to be replicated to gain insight in order to determine if ASD and ID are a characteristic of this variant.