case report

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus, commonly referred to as shingles, manifests as a painful skin rash affecting one or more dermatome distributions of the trigeminal nerve, which supplies sensory innervation to the eye and its surrounding structures. Acyclovir stands as the primary pharmacological intervention for the treatment of this condition. However, its administration is associated with a notable risk of adverse effects, with acute kidney injury being the most prevalent. Herein, we present a case report involving a 59-year-old female patient who developed acute kidney injury after the prescription of Acyclovir for the management of herpes zoster ophthalmicus. This case underscores the importance of vigilance regarding potential renal complications associated with Acyclovir therapy, particularly in susceptible patient populations.

Psoriasis is a common inflammatory skin disease affecting about 2% of the population. Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a rare variant of this disease, and it can be life-threatening for a pregnant woman and fetus.Medication during pregnancy can be challenging since many drugs can cause marked adverse effects for a fetus or newborn baby. Because controlled studies are difficult to perform, the knowledge grows slowly, e.g., from case reports. Here we describe a review of past and present treatments for GPP patients with a special reference to pregnancy and our experience on two GPP cases treated with cyclosporin and etanercept during pregnancy with successful outcomes of infants.

In this report, we describe a case of a small bowel obstruction in the immediate postoperative period following an abdominal myomectomy. After failing conservative management, the patient underwent diagnostic laparoscopy, and the exposed tail of an absorbable barbed V-loc™ (Covidien™, Mansfield, MA, USA) suture used during the myomectomy was identified as the nidus of the small bowel obstruction. While barbed-suture-related bowel obstruction is a known rare complication that is well described in the general surgery literature, it is less documented in gynecological surgery literature. We anticipate the risk to be higher after multiple myomectomy, as postoperative contracture of the uterus can cause protrusion and exposure of the barbed suture tail. Though barbed suture can be safely used for hysterotomy closure during myomectomy, surgeons who opt to use barbed suture during myomectomy should be aware of this potential complication, take intra-operative measures to reduce the risk of postoperative tail protrusion and maintain a high index of suspicion for bowel obstruction in the immediate postoperative period.

Porphyrias are a group of inherited metabolic disorders of haem biosynthesis, involving a deficiency in the enzyme uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase. In this case report we present a case of a patient with porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT). A 40-year-old man on hemodialysis after a kidney transplant rejection reaction, complaining of skin changes, with a history of smoking and alcohol intake. Treated with Fusidic acid Betamethasone cream, and erythropoietin. Porhyria cutanea tarda can be considered in a patient who complains of skin changes. History of alcohol intake, smoking, high ferritin levels, and increased hepatic markers can raise suspicion of disease. In patients with ESRD treatment with erythropoietin, SPF 50+ sun cream, Fusidic acid, and Betamethasone can be effective.

Craniopharyngiomas are benign tumors (WHO Grade I), seen in children and adults. Because of their location, they can require challenging clinical and surgical management. In fact, often, because of the presence of calcifications, of a capsule very strongly adherent to neurovascular structures, of the relationship with hypophysis, pituitary stalk, chiasm, carotids, the circle of Willis, basilar artery, and third ventricle, risk of mortality and morbidity is still mandatory. Various surgical techniques have been proposed: transcranial, transsphenoidal, and supraorbital approaches for surgical resection and treatment of craniopharyngiomas. Still, there is no common consent, but often the endonasal transsphenoidal extended procedures are considered the gold standard in many cases. We present a surgical technique of a case of complete surgical removal of an infundibular and retro chiasmatic craniopharyngioma, via an endoscopic endonasal transphenoidal transplanum approach.

In this case report a 64-year-old male patient with recent past medical history of head injury complicated by zygomatic arc fracture and mild subarachnoid hemorrhage is studied. He had been presented to the Emergency Department because of progressive neurological symptoms and neurological deficits in the physical examination that could have been indicating subcacute subdural hemorrhage. However, the patient was reluctant to undergo diagnostic imaging due to concerns about radiation exposure. After several explanations, a CT scan was done, which revealed a bilateral subacute subdural hematoma. Neurosurgical management was initiated and intravenous corticosteroid therapy was administered to reduce local edema. The challenge of this case is based on the subtlety of symptoms that might cause patients to delay seeking medical attention. Additionally, patient reluctance to undergo diagnostic tests can complicate management, emphasizing the importance of patient education and therapeutic alliance. Multidisciplinary management involving Neurology and Neurosurgery is crucial for optimal patient care in such cases. This report underscores the significance of effective communication and collaborative decision-making between healthcare providers and patients to ensure timely and appropriate management of complex medical conditions.

Background: Obesity remains a global epidemic with over 2.8 million people dying due to complications of being overweight or obese every year. The low-carbohydrate and high-fat ketogenic diet has a rising popularity for its rapid weight loss potential. However, most studies have a maximal 2-year follow-up, and therefore long-term adverse events remain unclear including the risk of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD).Results: Based on current evidence on PubMed and Google Scholar, there is no strong indication ketogenic diet is advantageous for weight loss, lipid profile, and mortality. When comparing a hypocaloric ketogenic diet with a low-fat diet, there may be faster weight loss until 6 months, however, this then appears equivalent. Ketogenic diets have shown inconsistent Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) changes; perhaps from different saturated fat intake, dietary adherence, and genetics. Case reports have shown a 2-4-fold elevation in LDL in Familial hypercholesterolaemic patients which has mostly reversed upon dietary discontinuation. There is also concern about possible increased ASCVD and mortality: low (< 40%) carbohydrate intake has been associated with increased mortality, high LDL from saturated fats, high animal product consumption can increase trimethylamine N-oxide, and cardioprotective foods are likely minimally ingested.Conclusion: Ketogenic diets have been associated with short-term positive effects including larger weight reductions. However, by 2 years there appears no significant differences for most cardiometabolic risk markers. Therefore, this raises the question, excluding those who have a critical need to lose weight fast, is this diet worth the potentially higher risks of ASCVD and mortality while further long-term studies are awaited?

Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a rare case of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and is considered a diagnosis of exclusion. The symptoms of heart failure in patients with peripartum cardiomyopathy can mimic the physiologic conditions of normal pregnancy. In an acute decompensated state, PPCM can present with acute severe upper abdominal or epigastric pain. We are presenting a 24-year-old female with no personal or family history of heart disease and no identifiable risk factor for PPCM. Based on her initial presentation in the emergency department, a diagnosis of acute severe pancreatitis was sought, and she was referred to the Intensive Care Unit. After further evaluation of the serological tests and imaging, she was eventually diagnosed as a case of PPCM. We emphasize the rare nature of the disease with a diverse presentation which poses a diagnostic challenge, especially in a resource-limited setting where advanced diagnostic tools may be restricted and socioeconomic condition poses a barrier to further patient evaluation. This case exemplifies the infrequent occurrence and atypical manifestation, presenting a learning opportunity for future clinicians.

Background: This case study explores an integrated approach to managing a complex cardiac condition, presenting a comprehensive single-session intervention. This includes balloon valvuloplasty using a Nucleus 18 mm balloon, complex angioplasty with rotational atherectomy (rotablator) targeting calcified lesions in the left main and left anterior descending artery, and Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) with a 23 mm Sapien 3 valve, all performed on an 81-year-old woman. Furthermore, this report underscores the strategic left atrial appendage closure conducted three months post-procedure due to the patient’s elevated hemorrhagic risk.Case presentation: Facing critical coronary and valvular pathologies, the patient underwent a meticulously planned, single-session intervention. The process began with a balloon valvuloplasty using a Nucleus 18 mm balloon to address the aortic stenosis. This was followed by a high-risk angioplasty, during which the Impella CP device provided hemodynamic support and rotational atherectomy was employed to address the calcified coronary artery disease effectively. The same session saw the successful execution of TAVI using a 23 mm Sapien 3 valve. The comprehensive approach notably diminished procedural complications, illustrating the benefits of an integrated treatment pathway in managing high-risk patients. Three months later, the patient underwent a left atrial appendage closure, a critical move considering her high risk of hemorrhage. This procedure also provided an opportunity to assess the favorable outcomes of the previous angioplasty.Conclusion: This case validates the feasibility and efficacy of performing multiple advanced percutaneous interventions in a single session for high-risk cardiac patients. It underscores the crucial role of innovative and personalized treatment strategies in improving patient outcomes, particularly in complex clinical scenarios. Moreover, the case exemplifies the essential relationship between immediate, comprehensive intervention and subsequent follow-up procedures in ensuring optimal long-term patient care.

Oral Cancer (OC) or squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity accounts for approximately 3% of all cancers worldwide, with increased incidence in developing countries. The use of tobacco is directly associated with approximately 80% of oral cancers, especially in older men over 40 years of age. As nearly one-third of the Indian population over 15 years consume smokeless tobacco in one or the other forms, a recent increase has been observed in OC incidence among women and young adults. Lately, the sexual behaviors of young & homosexuals have resulted in the emergence of oropharyngeal cancers due to infection with HPV 16. About 60% of oral cancer cases in India have a five-year survival rate, and this can be improved to 70% to 90% by mere early detection in stages I and II and with various treatment modalities. Despite the well-known benefits of oral cancer screening for the whole population in developing countries remains controversial. It is imperative to address the cultural barriers and societal norms, which limit the acceptability and participation in screening programs in India and many developing countries. This unique challenge of increasing OC morbidity in India and developing countries requires horizontal integration of the health systems with new services focused on cancer control, which gives the best chance for long-term survival, improved outcomes, and affordable care!This article is based on the author’s experience of overseeing 1 case of early detection and 2 cases of delayed diagnosis, outcomes and relevant literature review, and current guidelines for the management of OC.

Primary melanocytic neoplasms of the central nervous system are rare entities and can present in different clinical forms with mild and non-specific symptoms (such as headache and tinnitus) to severe and limiting symptoms (focal deficits and intracranial hypertension), mimicking the most diverse pathologies. In addition to the peculiar changes in imaging tests, diagnosis is always a challenge given the multitude of possible differential diagnoses, including aseptic meningitis. Given this, we bring here the case of a 59-year-old patient who attended care due to headache and vertigo followed by involvement of the cranial nerves and spinal cord, corroborated by physical examination and imaging study suggesting diffuse involvement of the meninges, which was subsequently confirmed by anatomopathological examination as a primary melanocytic neoplasm of the central nervous system but ended up dying due to complications resulting from late diagnosis. The objective of this work is to raise awareness about the possibility of this pathology as a differential diagnosis in these cases where there are often frustrating clinical manifestations but with changes in imaging tests, to enable an early diagnosis and consequently the possibility of a better therapeutic result, in addition to a brief review of the propaedeutic findings of this pathology.

The rob(15;22) is one of the rarest translocations which accounts for only 0.6% of the entire Robertsonian translocations reported in humans. A case of rob(15;22) in association with trisomy 21 still has not been reported. In the present study, a case of a 3-year 6-month-old male child with rob(15;22) with trisomy 21 is focused. The phenotype comprises generalized hypotonia, delayed developmental milestones, simian crease, dysmorphic facies, etc. Chromosome analysis with peripheral blood was executed and the karyotype was interpreted as 46,XY,der(15;22)(q10;q10)+21. To analyse whether the chromosomal translocation was de-novo or inherited, the chromosome analysis with the peripheral blood of his parents was performed. The karyotype of the father was interpreted as 46,XY, and of the mother was 45,XX,der(15;22). It was concluded that the rob(15;22) was inherited from his mother, although trisomy 21 was a de novo incidence. Hence, this case study can be proven useful in the understanding of rob(15;22) in solo and rob(15;22) in association with trisomy 21.

Background: Endometrial morular metaplasia, a clinical conundrum from a diagnostic and management angle given its rarity and low oncogenic potential, has been linked to endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma. Case report: A 77-year-old woman with no significant past medical history, was found to have an asymptomatic thickened endometrium on pelvic imaging, after presenting with lower abdominal pain, 3yrs ago. Diagnostic hysteroscopy identified an endometrial polyp within a pyometra. Histopathology showed focal complex endometrial hyperplasia without atypia with superimposed morular metaplasia(EMM) with a negative microbiology assay.Following conservative management with multidisciplinary team(MDT) overview, as-per patient choice with 6-monthly follow-up hysteroscopy, endometrial biopsies and a short use of the Mirena® Intrauterine system (discontinued following poor tolerance), histopathology shows resolved hyperplasia with persistent EMM. Due to persistent disease, a hysterectomy is under consideration.Discussion: Current evidence suggests that a sub-type of EMM, a likely histological manifestation of beta-catenin (CTNNB1) gene mutation: could be a precursor of endometrial hyperplasia and low-grade endometrioid-endometrial carcinoma sub-type. Though low-grade in nature, the increased recurrence risk raises significant concerns.Prognostication following gene mutation identification can help with management options which include conservative, hormonal therapy with adjunct repeat endometrial sampling: or hysterectomy. The optimal frequency of endometrial sampling when uterine-sparing, is unclear, leading to a management conundrum, whilst persistent disease may require a hysterectomy.Conclusion: Management of endometrial morular metaplasia can be difficult but must reflect the woman’s choice with a MDT-overview. Immuno-histochemical tools utilizing new molecular biological advances, can simplify the diagnostic and prognostication processes, aiding clinical management.

Carotidynia refers to an idiopathic, self-limiting, benign condition of head and neck pain emanating from a tender carotid artery. We report a case where a patient presenting with carotidynia combined with fever elevated white blood count and C-reactive protein (CRP), nine days after treatment with chemotherapy (paclitaxel-carboplatin) and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF). The condition resolved after treatment with glucocorticoids in combination with antibiotics. The radiological findings were congruent with caritodynia and the conclusion from the case was that the anti-cancer treatment was causative, supported by the literature reviewed, although paclitaxel has previously not been implicated.

Septic arthritis is a serious inflammatory infectious state of the joint secondary to microbial infection. In the pediatric population the most common route of infection is haematogenous spread. Less than fifty percent of patients with septic arthritis will yield positive culture results with a mortality rate of up to 42% in some cases. Due to the challenge in obtaining culture and identification of the causative organism the management of septic arthritis has been more of empirical in nature with the chosen antibiotic synchronized with the epidemiological data. Here is a case of a 14 months old female patient presenting at our hospital with a left knee and lower thigh swelling for three days with failure to bare weight on the limb. In addition, she had fever and diarrhea for three days. Upon evaluation clinical, laboratory and radiological findings supported septic arthritis expect for her blood, pus and synovial fluid culture of which all came back negative. She had poor response to intravenous ceftriaxone, gentamycin, metronidazole, ampicillin- cloxacillin and amoxicillin clavunate. Over the course of therapy, she developed septic shock, severe anemia and acute liver failure and was admitted to the intensive care unit. Afterwards she was initiated vancomycin and developed a hypersensitivity reaction with generalized edema which prompted cessation of the drug. Due to her critical state and poor response a triple therapy regimen composing of meropenem, ciprofloxacin and metronidazole was selected and maintained for three weeks followed by an oral clindamycin course for another three weeks of which she responded. In addition, surgical debridement arthrotomy, irrigation and drainage were done. Physiotherapy for rehabilitation is ongoing with patient recovering well.

Objective: Alazami syndrome (AS) is an infrequent genetic disorder inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, characterized by the presence of multiple congenital abnormalities. This study explores a case of a 4-year-old girl with AS, examining symptoms, genetic factors, and treatment efficacy. Case report: A 4-year-old girl, born to consanguineous Jordanian parents, displayed dysmorphic features including low birth weight, microcephaly, hyperthyroidism, short stature, blue sclera, triangular-shaped face, deep-set eyes, narrow palpebral fissures, and a prominent forehead. Examination revealed height (92 cm) and weight (7.7 kg) below the 5th and 3rd percentiles respectively. Blood tests and renal ultrasound were normal. Whole exome sequencing (WES) identified a homozygous eight-base pair deletion within exon 5 of the LARP7 gene on chromosome 4q25, confirming the diagnosis of AS, an autosomal recessive disorder. This variant induces frameshift mutations leading to premature stop codons, suggesting a probable mechanism of illness via loss of function. Treatment involving growth monitoring and therapy led to significant improvements in height, weight, and communication skills within three months. Conclusion: We describe a rare autosomal recessive AS case due to consanguinity, with a frameshift mutation in the LARP7 gene found via WES. Our AS treatment program effectively alleviates symptoms and enhances developmental progress.

This manuscript presents a compelling case of renal tuberculosis in a 15-year-old male, elucidating the intricate diagnostic hurdles and strategic management approaches encountered. The patient initially presented with nonspecific symptoms, including intermittent low-grade fever, weight loss, fatigue, and diffuse skin rashes, which were initially managed as suspected enteric fever. However, as the patient’s condition deteriorated, a comprehensive diagnostic exploration revealed renal tuberculosis. The report meticulously outlines the clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and therapeutic trajectory, emphasizing the enigmatic nature of symptoms and advocating for a multidimensional diagnostic paradigm integrating clinical, radiological, microbiological, and histopathological assessments.Furthermore, this case report provides a comprehensive review of urogenital tuberculosis, discussing its epidemiological underpinnings, clinical manifestations, diagnostic methodologies, and therapeutic tenets. It underscores the paramount significance of early recognition and prompt initiation of treatment in forestalling complications and optimizing patient outcomes.This case report enriches the medical discourse by shedding light on the diagnostic intricacies and therapeutic imperatives pertinent to renal tuberculosis, especially in the younger demographic. We believe that the findings will contribute significantly to the understanding and management of this disease.

An inverted papilloma of the urinary tract is a rare benign lesion. A 35-year-old male presented gross hematuria. Cystoscopy showed one, papillary tumor at the bladder trigone. Transurethral resection was done, and histological examination has concluded in the diagnosis of inverted papilloma. Following resection, the patient was asymptomatic with no hematuria and no recurrence after a five-year cystoscopy control. We report a case of bladder Inverted papilloma and we aim to remind the clinical, histological, and therapeutic features of this rare tumor.

Juvenile Xanthogranulomatosis (JXG) is a condition, characterized by a proliferation of histiocytes, primarily observed in infants and young children. Cutaneous manifestations appear as yellow-orange-brown papules or nodules, typically localized on the face, neck, and upper chest. While most lesions regress spontaneously, some may require intervention for aesthetic, diagnostic, or hemorrhagic reasons. A rare case of disseminated JXG in a child with hemophilia has been reported. In this patient with severe hemophilia A, cutaneous nodules appeared, some associated with bleeding requiring appropriate management. Treatment included the administration of factor VIII to prevent bleeding during surgical procedures and secondary prophylaxis, to control recurrent bleeding. The outcome was favorable with the disappearance of the cutaneous lesions without sequelae, under regular surveillance for both medical conditions. This case highlights the rare association between juvenile xanthogranulomatosis (JXG) and hemophilia, a combination that has never been documented in the medical literature. This association only impacts the management of JXG when the cutaneous lesions bleed and their excision becomes necessary.

A 51-year-old female with a history of multinodular goitre presented with vomiting, abdominal discomfort, and generalized tiredness. Investigations revealed hypercalcemia (ionized calcium 1.41 mmol/L), hypokalaemia, suppressed parathyroid hormone, and significantly elevated free thyroxine (> 7.77 ng/dL) with a suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone level consistent with hyperthyroidism. Further, the workup confirmed Graves’ disease as the underlying aetiology. Hyperthyroidism is occasionally associated with mild to moderate hypercalcemia, but severe hypercalcemia or hypercalcaemic crisis is an extremely rare complication. Prompt recognition and treatment are crucial to prevent life-threatening complications. The patient was treated with intravenous fluids, a low-calcium diet, zoledronic acid, carbimazole, and a beta-blocker, leading to improvement in her condition. This case highlights a rare occurrence of hypercalcaemic crisis in a patient with thyrotoxicosis due to Graves’ disease. Hyperthyroidism-induced hypercalcemia requires prompt recognition and multidisciplinary management involving endocrinologists, internists, and critical care specialists to prevent potentially life-threatening complications. Healthcare providers should consider the hypercalcaemic crisis in the differential diagnosis of hypercalcemia in the context of hyperthyroidism.