Πέμπτη 13 Ιουλίου 2017
Inciting Events Associated With Lumbar Facet Joint Pain.
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The Effect of Glycopyrrolate on the Incidence of Hypotension and Vasopressor Requirement During Spinal Anesthesia for Cesarean Delivery: A Meta-analysis.
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Comparison of Registered and Reported Outcomes in Randomized Clinical Trials Published in Anesthesiology Journals.
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Low End-Tidal Carbon Dioxide at the Onset of Emergent Trauma Surgery Is Associated With Nonsurvival: A Case Series.
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Patient Survey of Referral From One Surgeon to Another to Reduce Maximum Waiting Time for Elective Surgery and Hours of Overutilized Operating Room Time.
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Abnormal Calcium Levels During Trauma Resuscitation Are Associated With Increased Mortality, Increased Blood Product Use, and Greater Hospital Resource Consumption: A Pilot Investigation.
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Crisis Management in Acute Care Settings: Human Factors and Team Psychology in a High-Stakes Environment, 3rd ed.
Implementation of a Standardized Transfusion Protocol for Cardiac Patients Treated With Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Is Associated With Decreased Blood Component Utilization and May Improve Clinical Outcome.
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Acute facial nerve paralysis in children,............................................................................................................................................ Bell's palsy in an adolescent girl - not always a neurologist's territory: A case report and review of literature by Latha M Sneha via CHRISMED Journal of Health and Research : 2014 - 1(4) Latha M Sneha, Raichel Priyanka, Shanthini Thanga Tamilselvan, Julius Xavier Scott CHRISMED Journal of Health and Research 2017 4(3):209-211 Infections, inflammatory, and autoimmune conditions are the well-recognized etiologies of acute facial nerve paralysis in children. Bell's palsy is idiopathic peripheral facial nerve palsy. Cranial neuropathies do occur in children due to the central nervous system involvement by malignancies but uncommon in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemias and even rarer in acute myeloid leukemias (AMLs). We report a case of a 13-year-old girl who presented with acute facial nerve palsy, wa
CASE REPORT | |
|
Bell's palsy in an adolescent girl - not always a neurologist's territory: A case report and review of literature
Latha M Sneha1, Raichel Priyanka2, Shanthini Thanga Tamilselvan2, Julius Xavier Scott3
1 Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hemato Oncology, Sri Ramachandra University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
2 Department of Pediatrics, Sri Ramachandra University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
3 Division of Pediatric Hemato Oncology, Sri Ramachandra University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Date of Web Publication | 13-Jul-2017 |
Correspondence Address:
Latha M Sneha
Division of Pediatric Hemato Oncology, Sri Ramachandra University, No. 1, Ramachandra Nagar, Porur, Chennai - 600 116, Tamil Nadu
India
Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None
DOI: 10.4103/cjhr.cjhr_123_16
Abstract |
Infections, inflammatory, and autoimmune conditions are the well-recognized etiologies of acute facial nerve paralysis in children. Bell's palsy is idiopathic peripheral facial nerve palsy. Cranial neuropathies do occur in children due to the central nervous system involvement by malignancies but uncommon in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemias and even rarer in acute myeloid leukemias (AMLs). We report a case of a 13-year-old girl who presented with acute facial nerve palsy, was being treated as Bell's palsy elsewhere and was later diagnosed to have AML.
Keywords: Acute myeloid leukemia, Bell's palsy, child
How to cite this article: Sneha LM, Priyanka R, Tamilselvan ST, Scott JX. Bell's palsy in an adolescent girl - not always a neurologist's territory: A case report and review of literature. CHRISMED J Health Res 2017;4:209-11 |
How to cite this URL: Sneha LM, Priyanka R, Tamilselvan ST, Scott JX. Bell's palsy in an adolescent girl - not always a neurologist's territory: A case report and review of literature. CHRISMED J Health Res [serial online] 2017 [cited 2017 Jul 14];4:209-11. Available from: http://www.cjhr.org/text.asp?2017/4/3/209/210478 |
Introduction |
Acute, peripheral facial palsy can be presenting feature of infections, inflammatory, and autoimmune conditions and has a good prognosis in children. The incidence of facial paralysis in children <10 years of age is reported to be 2.7/100,000.[1] Majority of them are unilateral, idiopathic, and termed Bell's palsy. A diagnosis of exclusion, Bell's palsy accounts for 42%–85% of cases in children with facial nerve paralysis.[2] Although association of facial palsies in malignancies is well reported, facial paralysis is not a well-recognized presenting feature of leukemias in children, especially in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The presence of Bell's palsy in children warrants a complete evaluation to rule out leptomeningeal diseases. We report a case of an adolescent girl who presented with acute facial nerve palsy, treated as Bell's palsy elsewhere and was later diagnosed to have AML.
Case Report |
A 13-year-old girl presented with acute onset of right-sided facial nerve palsy of 2 weeks duration. She was diagnosed to have idiopathic Bell's palsy elsewhere and was being treated symptomatically with physiotherapy and oral steroids with no improvement in symptoms. She had no constitutional symptoms of fever, anorexia or fatigue, bone pain, mucocutaneous, or skin bleeds. In view of persistent symptoms, she was referred to a higher center for further evaluation. Examination revealed a right-sided lower motor neuron facial nerve palsy [Figure 1], without hepatosplenomegaly or lymphadenopathy. Central nervous system examination and rest of the systemic examination were normal. Investigations revealed hemoglobin 5.9 g/dl, total leukocyte count 14,900/μL (polymorphs: 64.1%, lymphocytes 30.3%), and platelet count 83,000/μL. Peripheral smear revealed leukocytosis with increase in blasts (50%) with Auer rods More Details along with thrombocytopenia [Figure 2].
Figure 1: Right-sided lower motor neuron palsy Click here to view |
Figure 2: Peripheral smear showing blasts with Auer rods Click here to view |
Bone marrow aspiration showed hypercellular marrow with 58% blasts, promyelocytes - nil, myelocytes - 9, metamyelocytes - 9, neutrophil - 3, eosinophil - 2, band - 4, lymphocytes - 9, monocytes - nil, and plasma cells - 1 [Figure 3]. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis was negative for malignant cells. Flow cytometry revealed blasts positive for CD33, cytoplasmic myeloperoxidase, and Human leukocyte antigen –D related (HLA-DR). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain, MRI angiogram, and venogram were normal. Cytogenetics was negative for t(8:21), inversion 16, t(9:11), and t(15:17). The girl was diagnosed as AML M0. She was started on chemotherapy and after the first cycle of chemotherapy, the bone marrow is in remission and she had partial resolution of facial nerve palsy.
Figure 3: Bone marrow aspirate showing hypercellular marrow with increased blasts 58% Click here to view |
Discussion |
The common etiology associated with acute facial nerve paralysis in children are otitis media, mastoiditis, viral infections such as herpes, varicella, mumps, HIV, meningitis, encephalitis, mycoplasma, Lyme disease, and inflammatory conditions such as vasculitis, Henoch–Schonlein purpura, Kawasaki syndrome, Gullain–Barre syndrome, and hypertension.[3]
Seventy percent of the children with acute lower motor neuron facial paralysis have a favorable prognosis and it resolves spontaneously within 3 months without any sequela. In 40%–75% of children, cause of unilateral facial paralysis is idiopathic, described as Bell's palsy and most of them have a positive history of viral illness 2–3 weeks preceding the neurological manifestations. The use of steroids to reduce the duration of paralysis and reduce the risk of long-term impairment was based on adult studies though the benefits of steroids in children is yet to be proven.[4] Due to the self-resolving nature of the idiopathic variety of the facial palsy seen in children, the neurological manifestations of leukemia as an etiology is never thought of. Steroids, when commonly prescribed in such cases causes a partial recovery thereby masking the primary pathology and adds to the diagnostic dilemma.
The frequency of symptomatic facial palsy has been found to be higher in the younger age group when compared to the idiopathic variety.[5]
AML accounts for 15% of all leukemia and presents with symptoms of prolonged fever, hepatosplenomegaly, and skin or mucocutaneous bleeds. When focal masses of immature myeloid cells from the granulocytic lineage infiltrate the soft tissues and bones, they are called granulocytic sarcomas or chloromas and occur in 5% of cases of AML. It is postulated that the granulocytic sarcomas traverse through the haversian canals from the bone marrow and gets deposited in the subperiosteum to form soft tissue masses.[6]
Granulocytic sarcomas may manifest concurrently with the disease or during remission or relapse. However, when sarcomas precede the disease in peripheral blood or marrow, it often poses a diagnostic challenge, more so, if cranial neuropathies are caused by unidentifiable chloromas as in our case. Facial paralysis resulting from leukemic infiltration, though rare, occurs during the relapse of the disease or as a complication primary disease, but it is not a well-recognized presenting symptom of childhood leukemia. Diagnostic delays of 1 month have been reported when facial nerve palsy was the isolated manifestation of AML in children.[7] Otomastoiditis due to the leukemic infiltration of the temporal bone has been attributed to the facial nerve paralysis. MRI with contrast of the facial nerve canal helps in identifying the facial nerve enhancement. However, the clinical findings of facial nerve paralysis were not always associated with radiological findings in most of the cases.[7]
Baek et al. have reported 11 children who had facial nerve paralysis as isolated feature of AML. Brain imaging studies showed mastoiditis in four of them and chloroma was identified in five of them. Six of them did not have blast in the CSF. Facial nerve palsy improved within a mean period of 1–6 months of chemotherapy.[7] Rohit et al. have reported a case of 13-year-old girl-AML with t(8:21) positivity who presented with bilateral proptosis and facial nerve palsy.[8]
When leukemic children presented with cranial neuropathies, the treatment included systemic and intrathecal chemotherapy with whole brain irradiation. However, Baek et al. recommend allogenic bone marrow transplant, avoiding whole brain irradiation in children to reduce the development of secondary malignancies and to prevent the long-term sequelae on cognitive and endocrine function.
Due to the self-resolving nature of the idiopathic variety of facial nerve palsy, when these children present to general physicians or neurologists, the diagnosis of leukemia is overlooked. Gradual progression of the paralysis beyond 3 weeks should warrant additional investigations to rule out the etiology.
Conclusion |
While managing young children with acute lower motor neuron facial nerve palsy, neurologists and general physicians should have an index of suspicion for the neurological manifestations of acute leukemia and hence complete blood counts, peripheral smear and a bone marrow study if needed should be a part of the work up for etiology in such cases. The routine use of steroids may result in partial remission and can cause diagnostic delays.
Declaration of patient consent
The authors certify that they have obtained all appropriate patient consent forms. In the form the patient(s) has/have given his/her/their consent for his/her/their images and other clinical information to be reported in the journal. The patients understand that their names and initials will not be published and due efforts will be made to conceal their identity, but anonymity cannot be guaranteed.
Financial support and sponsorship
Nil.
Conflicts of interest
There are no conflicts of interest.
References |
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Anapafseos 5 . Agios Nikolaos
Crete.Greece.72100
2841026182
Cyclical Cushing's: how best to catch the ups and downs
A 68-year-old man with a background of hypertension and type 2 diabetes presented with fluctuating symptoms of muscle aches and pains and tiredness. His initial work-up for the possibility of hypercortisolaemia showed a completely variable pattern, with 24-hour cortisol excretion and serum cortisol post 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test ranging from normal to significantly elevated. A series of salivary cortisol with symptom diary confirmed the cyclical nature of hypercortisolaemia, and his concomitant adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels were elevated. An inferior petrosal sinus sampling, performed during hypercortisolaemic phase of his cycle,suggested a central source of ACTH secretion. He had unsuccessful exploration of his pituitary and was eventually treated with bilateral adrenalectomy followed by lifelong steroid replacement. His symptoms improved immediately, and he came off his oral hypoglycaemic and antihypertensive agents within 6 months following his surgery.
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A mass obstructing mechanical prosthetic heart valve: thrombus or pannus?
Description
Mechanical prosthetic valve obstruction carries a significant morbidity and mortality, if not treated urgently. Most notable causes of an acquired obstruction include thrombosis and pannus formation.1 It is critically important to exclude isolated pannus, since thrombolysis is an effective and rapid treatment option in case of a thrombus, while it is contraindicated in pannus. Published guidelines provide no diagnostic strategy to differentiate them.2 Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is indispensable for assessing the leaflet motion and the nature and extent of the obstructing mass. However, in resource-poor settings, where TEE is not always available, therapy is based on transthoracic echocardiography and fluoroscopic findings.
A 50-year-old woman presented with complaints of worsening dyspnoea associated with orthopnoea for 3 days. She had undergone a mitral valve replacement with a mechanical bi-leaflet prosthesis 6 months prior for severe rheumatic mitral regurgitation, following which she was asymptomatic. Examination revealed blood...
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Rapid developing empyema by group F beta Streptococcus anginosus group
A 43-year-old male had progressive pleuritic left-sided chest tightness with shortness of breath. He had dental caries and tenderness on palpation of the left lateral chest. Complete blood count showed leucocytosis. CT scan of the chest with pulmonary emboli protocol showed multiple pulmonary nodules and nodular pleural thickening at left posterior lateral pleura. Forty-eight hours post CTPE scan, CT scan of the chest, abdomen and pelvis displayed right lower lobe consolidation and left-sided pleural effusion with superimposed compressive atelectasis. Ceftaroline intravenous was initiated, with CT-guided pigtail chest tube insertion. Pleural fluid later grew group F beta-haemolytic Streptococcus anginosus. Patient improved significantly and was discharged 11 days later with intravenous ertapenem. Patients with group F beta-haemolytic streptococci should be managed aggressively with early and accurate diagnosis, antibiotics, drainage and possible surgery.
http://ift.tt/2udvIB6
Congenital kinking of aorta
Pseudocoarctation is an unusual anomaly mirroring true coarctation. Congenital kinking or pseudocoarctation of aorta was never a benign condition. Although surgical repair should be suggested for all symptomatic individuals. Regular follow-up is obligatory for all asymptomatic patients deprived of linked anomalies. We suggest CT-aortogram as a non-invasive imaging modality for the definitive diagnosis of pseudocoarctation.
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A case report on a rare anatomic variant of cystic duct insertion
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Giant spontaneous herniation of the post-pneumonectomy cavity
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Successful laparoscopic repair of gastro-gastric fistula following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass at Harlem Community Hospital
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The response to Trendelenburg position is minimally affected by underlying hemodynamic conditions in patients with aortic stenosis
Abstract
Purpose
Trendelenburg positioning is commonly used to temporarily treat intraoperative hypotension. The Trendelenburg position improves cardiac output in normovolemic or anesthetized patients, but not hypovolemic or non-anesthetized patients. Therefore, the response to Trendelenburg positioning may vary depending on patient population or hemodynamic conditions. We thus tested the hypothesis that the effectiveness of the Trendelenburg position, as indicated by an increase in cardiac output, improves after replacement of a stenotic aortic valve. Secondarily, we evaluated whether measurements of left ventricular preload, systolic function, or afterload were associated with the response to Trendelenburg positioning.
Methods
This study is a secondary analysis of a clinical trial which included patients having aortic valve replacement (AVR) who were monitored with pulmonary artery catheters (NCT01187329). We examined changes in thermodilution cardiac output with Trendelenburg positioning before and after AVR. We also examined whether echocardiographic and hemodynamic measurements of preload, afterload, and systolic function were associated with changes in cardiac output during Trendelenburg positioning.
Results
Thirty-seven patients were included. The median [IQR] cardiac output change with Trendelenburg positioning was −3% [−10%, 5%] before AVR versus +4% [−4%, 15%] after AVR. Estimated median difference in cardiac output with Trendelenburg was 5% (95% CI 1, 15%, P = 0.04) greater after AVR. The response to Trendelenburg positioning was largely independent of hemodynamic conditions.
Conclusion
The response to Trendelenburg positioning improved following AVR, but by a clinically unimportant amount. The response to Trendelenburg positioning was independent of hemodynamic conditions.
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Correction of High Astigmatism after Penetrating Keratoplasty with Toric Multifocal Intraocular Lens Implantation
After penetrating keratoplasty (PK), high astigmatism is often induced, being frequently about 4–6 dpt. According to the entity and typology of astigmatism, different methods of correction can be used. Selective suture removal, relaxing incisions, wedge resections, compression sutures, photorefractive keratectomy, and laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis can reduce corneal astigmatism and ametropia, but meanwhile they can cause a reduction in the corneal integrity and cause an over- or undercorrection. In case of moderate-to-high regular astigmatisms, the authors propose a toric multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) implantation to preserve the corneal integrity (especially in PK after herpetic corneal leukoma keratitis). We evaluated a 45-year-old patient who at the age of 30 was subjected to PK in his left eye due to corneal leukoma herpetic keratitis, which led to high astigmatism (7.50 dpt cyl. 5°). The patient was subjected to phacoemulsification and customized toric multifocal IOL implantation in his left eye. The correction of PK-induced residual astigmatism with a toric IOL implantation is an excellent choice but has to be evaluated in relation to patient age, corneal integrity, longevity graft, and surgical risk. It seems to be a well-tolerated therapeutic choice and with good results.
Case Rep Ophthalmol 2017;8:385–388
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Sturge-Weber Syndrome Associated with Monolateral Ocular Melanocytosis, Iris Mammillations, and Diffuse Choroidal Haemangioma
We present the case of a 12-year-old boy with Sturge-Weber syndrome and ocular melanocytosis who presented with bilateral naevus flammeus of the face and hyperpigmentation of the right iris associated with ipsilateral iris mammillations. The patient had glaucoma and a diffuse choroidal haemangioma of the right eye. Optical coherence tomography of the anterior segment confirmed iris hyper-pigmentation and did not show abnormalities of the chamber angle structures. B-scan ultrasonography and enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography were performed and showed a marked difference in thickness and reflectance between the right and left choroid. Visual field examinations with perimetry showed early defects in the right eye. Peripapillary optical coherence imaging showed borderline values of retinal nerve fibre layer thickness reduction in the right eye. Sturge-Weber syndrome associated with ocular melanocytosis and iris mammillations is an extremely rare condition. This paper highlights the role of multi-imaging methods in the enhanced evaluation of rare diseases towards choosing the most appropriate management strategies and improving the follow-up of patients over time.
Case Rep Ophthalmol 2017;8:375–384
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Spironolactone for Secondary Central Serous Chorioretinopathy: A Challenge-Rechallenge Case
Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is potentially sight-threatening and has been associated with corticosteroid use. CSCR secondary to steroid use can sometimes be challenging to treat, especially if continuing steroid use is medically necessary. In this case report we demonstrate the efficacy of spironolactone as an effective agent in countering CSCR secondary to steroid use. This challenge-rechallenge case may be helpful to clinicians in delineating a treatment paradigm for these patients.
Case Rep Ophthalmol 2017;8:370–374
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Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography: Employing a Novel Technique for Investigation in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease
Case Rep Ophthalmol 2017;8:362–369
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Case 21-2017: A 28-Year-Old Pregnant Woman with Endocervical Carcinoma
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A novel case of Raoultella planticola osteomyelitis and epidural abscess
A spinal epidural abscess is the collection of pus in the epidural space, and is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires early detection and prompt management. Almost two-thirds of cases are caused by Staphylococcus aureus, followed by Gram-negative bacilli which account for approximately 16% of cases. Raoultella planticola is an emerging pathogen, and is an extremely rare cause of invasive infection in humans. It has been reported to cause urinary tract infections, pneumonia, bacteraemia, cholangitis, cholecystitis, conjunctivitis and soft tissue infections. We report the first case, to our knowledge, of R. planticola osteomyelitis and spinal epidural abscess.
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Fatal case of descending necrotising mediastinitis
Description
A 56-year-old man presented with a 4-day history of fever and sore throat followed by 1 day of wheezing. On examination, he appeared in acute distress. The blood pressure was 129/76 mm Hg, the pulse was 88 per min, the respiratory rate was 22 per min and the temperature was 38.2°C. Auscultation over the upper airway area noted stridor. Chest radiograph showed tracheal stenosis and air along the aorta (figure 1). At the emergency department, he developed respiratory arrest, and the trachea was incubated. CT scan with intravenous contrast showed a space-occupying lesion behind the pharynx and mediastinum emphysema (figure 2). A diagnosis of retropharyngeal abscess with descending necrotising mediastinitis was made. Despite antimicrobial therapy in intensive care, he developed septic shock and died on day 4 after the admission. Patients with retropharyngeal abscess usually have fever, sore throat, odynophagia, drooling and fatigue with dyspnoea and stridor mimicking wheezing in...
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Primary cardiac leiomyosarcoma presenting as haemoptysis in a 22-year-old patient: an unusual presentation of a rare condition
Primary cardiac sarcomas are rare malignant tumours and among them, leiomyosarcoma is extremely rare. They are especially rare in a young age group. We present a case of a 22-year-old male patient with primary leiomyosarcoma of the left atrium involving the pulmonary veins who presented with haemoptysis and shortness of breath. He underwent surgical excision of the tumour along with mitral valve replacement followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. No recurrence was reported on his second 6 monthly follow-ups.
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Malar rash with pulmonary hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Description
Malar rash is a fixed erythema involving the facial cheeks and nasal bridge with sparing of the nasolabial folds. It has a classic butterfly appearance (figure 1). Its causes include local and systemic diseases, including rosacea, erysipelas and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).1 Rarely it occurs due to mitral stenosis with reduced cardiac output and pulmonary hypertension.2 Its association with severe pulmonary hypertension from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is not commonly described.
We recently admitted a 76-year-old woman to our intensive care unit with dyspnoea and cough on a background of COPD. On examination she had a malar rash (figure 1) in association with a respiratory rate of 24 breaths/min, raised jugular venous pressure, peripheral oedema and signs of peripheral venous congestion including leg ulcers and hyperpigmentation of her extremities. Admitting arterial blood gas showed pO2 of 9 kPa on 80% oxygen,...
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Facial palsy and atrial fibrillation: a special case of Ramsay Hunt syndrome
Ramsay Hunt syndrome (herpes zoster oticus) is a rare complication of latent Varicella Zoster virus infection. It can be complicated by permanent hearing loss, loss of taste and postherpetic neuralgia. Although Ramsay Hunt syndrome most prominently involves the facial nerve, a number of other cranial nerves can be involved such as the vestibulocochlear, glossopharyngeal and the vagus nerve. We report on a case of Ramsay Hunt syndrome with cranial polyneuritis complicated by atrial fibrillation. Vagal involvement as evidenced by physical examination and MRI findings was present in our patient. We hypothesise that viral vagal neuritis likely contributed to the development of atrial fibrillation in our patient through involvement of the autonomic components of the vagus nerve.
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Urodynamic findings in Susac syndrome: first reported filling cystometrogram
Susac syndrome is a rare neurological disease, with only 300 cases reported in the literature. Lower urinary symptoms are not an uncommon feature of the disease, yet there is no information on specific dysfunction typical urodynamic findings associated with the disease. We present what we believe to be the first reported filling cystometrogram study of Susac syndrome for the evaluation of voiding dysfunction.
http://ift.tt/2th7TUm
Headache, TIA and subarachnoid haemorrhage: dissecting an unusual cause for stroke-like symptoms
We present a case of supraclinoid internal carotid artery dissection. Eleven months prior, the patient developed isolated periorbital pain and was diagnosed with giant-cell arteritis with iritis. The patient experienced recurrent spells concerning for transient ischaemic attacks and was transferred to our institution for endovascular intervention after head CT revealed an embolic infarct with a 'dense middle cerebral artery sign.' Digital subtraction angiography was negative for occlusion, instead demonstrating luminal stenosis and poststenotic dilatation. He subsequently experienced acute neurological decline secondary to massive subarachnoid haemorrhage. Non-invasive vascular imaging revealed an intimal flap and a pseudoaneurysm at the site of luminal stenosis, confirming our suspicion for intracranial carotid artery dissection. Given the moribund clinical state, the family opted to withdraw care, and he quickly expired.
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A rare case of Hodgkins lymphoma presenting with papulonecrotic tuberculid
Description
A 78-year-old man complained of pruritic skin lesions over the trunk and all limbs and occasional fever for 3 months. He had papulonodular skin lesions with erythematous base involving anterior as well as posterior aspects of the trunk and all limbs with predilection for extensor surface (figure 1). Mantoux test was negative. Skin biopsy showed features of papulonecrotic tuberculid (figure 2) with a negative Mycobacterium tuberculosis PCR and acid-fast bacilli stain. CT scan of the chest and abdomen showed multiple, enlarged mediastinal and retroperitoneal lymph nodes (largest 2.4 cm). Trucut biopsy and immunohistochemistry from retroperitoneal node revealed features of classical Hodgkin's lymphoma, nodular sclerosis variety with CD15 and CD30 positivity. In the absence of conclusive evidence of tuberculosis, he was treated with chemotherapy alone (oral prednisolone, etoposide, procarbazine and cyclophosphamide). Two months later, he is asymptomatic with partial resolution of skin lesions.
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Ventricular fibrillation induced by high-output ICD shock: report of cases and review of literature
This report highlights the importance of realising that even the modern-day implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) with R wave synchronised appropriate shocks have a potential proarrhythmic effect. We present two cases of ventricular fibrillation induction resulting from an appropriate ICD shock observed in two different patients at our institution. Such cases have not been reported before. We discuss the possible reasons for our observations and are also submitting a pertinent literature review with our reports.
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Anaplastic carcinoma of thyroid gland with widespread soft tissue metastasis: an unusual presentation
Anaplastic thyroid cancer is the rarest tumour of the thyroid gland, representing only 2% of clinically recognised thyroid cancers. The most common metastatic sites are lungs, followed by the intrathoracic and neck lymph nodes. We report the case of a 62-year-old woman who presented to our setting with multiple soft tissue nodules, thyroid mass, head swelling and weight loss. Radiological investigation showed a large thyroid mass with widespread metastasis in subcutaneous tissues of both upper limbs, chest and abdomen. Metastasis was also found in lungs, skull and adrenal glands after which the patient was diagnosed with stage IVc anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC). After careful consideration of patient's clinical condition with multiple poor prognostic factors, medical therapy was withheld and she was discharged on hospice care. The patient expired after 1 month. In ATC, metastasis to subcutaneous tissue is an extremely rare occurrence of which there is hardly any evidence in literature.
http://ift.tt/2thzyoe
An unconventional valvuloplasty: severe pulmonary stenosis with 'candy cane' inferior vena cava
Femoral vein is the usual approach to balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty (BPV). However, alternative access may be mandated in some peculiar situations. We hereby report a 10-year-old patient with symptomatic severe valvular pulmonary stenosis with interrupted inferior vena cava which was successfully treated with transjugular BPV. Technical considerations for this approach as well as other possible options for such patients are discussed.
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Central retinal artery occlusion in a 30-year-old woman taking tranexamic acid
We present a case of a 30-year-old woman who suffered a central retinal artery occlusion while taking tranexamic acid. She had no vascular risk factors and was placed on the drug for treatment of menorrhagia. After 1 month of taking the drug, she suffered a central retinal artery occlusion in her left eye. Tranexamic acid was discontinued to prevent vision loss in the following eye. She remains with no perception of light vision in the affected eye.
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Pulsed radiofrequency in chronic pain.
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Regional anesthesia and analgesia in cancer care: is it time to break the bad news?.
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