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JNMA; Journal of the Nepal Medical... Dec 2023Spontaneous heterotopic pregnancy is a rare clinical condition which is a potentially dangerous condition where at least two pregnancies are present simultaneously at...
UNLABELLED
Spontaneous heterotopic pregnancy is a rare clinical condition which is a potentially dangerous condition where at least two pregnancies are present simultaneously at different implantation sites and only one is located in the intrauterine cavity. It is a life-threatening condition with an incidence estimated as 1 in 30,000 natural conceptions. Being rare it's challenging to diagnose such conditions due to complex clinical and laboratory findings. In view of the survival of maternal as well as intrauterine pregnancy, a high index of suspicion leading to timely diagnosis and appropriate intervention is needed. We are reporting a case of a 28-year-old female with heterotopic pregnancy at 8 weeks of gestation following natural conception diagnosed by ultrasound and managed successfully by laparoscopic salpingectomy. Intrauterine pregnancy was continued normally till term with no complications. Hence, with timely diagnosis and early intervention, maternal and fetal survival is possible.
KEYWORDS
case reports; ectopic pregnancy; laparoscopy; ultrasound.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Adult; Pregnancy, Heterotopic; Uterus; Salpingectomy; Ultrasonography; Laparoscopy
PubMed: 38289752
DOI: 10.31729/jnma.8374 -
The American Journal of Case Reports Oct 2023BACKGROUND Different medication classes have been implicated in cutaneous eruptions that may lead to significant morbidity and mortality. In drug reaction with...
BACKGROUND Different medication classes have been implicated in cutaneous eruptions that may lead to significant morbidity and mortality. In drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome, the patient may initially present with a cutaneous eruption and hematologic abnormalities which can lead to acute visceral organ involvement if the offending drug is not discontinued. There is also a potential for long-term sequelae such as autoimmune disorders. CASE REPORT A 47-year-old woman with an unknown past medical history and no known drug allergies was admitted to the Behavioral Health Unit, where she was diagnosed with disorganized schizophrenia and started on olanzapine. On day 17 of admission, she developed a diffuse, macular, and erythematous rash on her abdomen, which spread to involve over 50% of her total body surface area. Occipital and posterior auricular lymphadenopathy was present. The patient was treated with prednisone and diphenhydramine. Olanzapine was subsequently discontinued and the patient's rash cleared up. CONCLUSIONS This case report highlights the challenges in diagnosing DRESS syndrome and the potential for antipsychotics to cause DRESS syndrome. DRESS syndrome is a clinical diagnosis augmented by laboratory tests with a wide range of patient presentations. Although there are probability criteria to assist with diagnosis, not all patients will fall exactly into these criteria, which can lead to missed diagnoses and poor patient outcomes. A challenge with DRESS syndrome diagnosis is the latency period between drug initiation and cutaneous eruption. Thus, in differential diagnoses for skin eruptions, temporal associations (minutes, days, weeks) with medications are crucial.
Topics: Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Drug Hypersensitivity Syndrome; Olanzapine; Exanthema; Eosinophilia; Disease Progression
PubMed: 37777823
DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.941379 -
Nature Communications Jan 2024Artificial intelligence (AI) systems have been shown to help dermatologists diagnose melanoma more accurately, however they lack transparency, hindering user acceptance....
Artificial intelligence (AI) systems have been shown to help dermatologists diagnose melanoma more accurately, however they lack transparency, hindering user acceptance. Explainable AI (XAI) methods can help to increase transparency, yet often lack precise, domain-specific explanations. Moreover, the impact of XAI methods on dermatologists' decisions has not yet been evaluated. Building upon previous research, we introduce an XAI system that provides precise and domain-specific explanations alongside its differential diagnoses of melanomas and nevi. Through a three-phase study, we assess its impact on dermatologists' diagnostic accuracy, diagnostic confidence, and trust in the XAI-support. Our results show strong alignment between XAI and dermatologist explanations. We also show that dermatologists' confidence in their diagnoses, and their trust in the support system significantly increase with XAI compared to conventional AI. This study highlights dermatologists' willingness to adopt such XAI systems, promoting future use in the clinic.
Topics: Humans; Trust; Artificial Intelligence; Dermatologists; Melanoma; Diagnosis, Differential
PubMed: 38225244
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43095-4 -
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology... Nov 2023Patients with congenital hypothyroidism (CH) are affected more often than the general population by other chronic diseases and neurological difficulties.
CONTEXT
Patients with congenital hypothyroidism (CH) are affected more often than the general population by other chronic diseases and neurological difficulties.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this nationwide population-based register study was to investigate the incidence of congenital malformations, comorbidities, and the use of prescribed drugs in patients with primary CH.
METHODS
The study cohort and matched controls were identified from national population-based registers in Finland. All diagnoses from birth until the end of 2018 were collected from the Care Register, and subject-specific prescription drug purchases were identified from The Prescription Register from birth until the end of 2017.
RESULTS
Diagnoses of neonatal and chronic diseases were collected for 438 full-term patients and 835 controls (median follow-up time 11.6 years; range, 0-23 years). Newborns with CH were more often found to have neonatal jaundice (11.2% and 2.0%; P < .001), hypoglycemia (8.9% and 2.8%; P < .001), metabolic acidemia (3.2% and 1.1%; P = .007), and respiratory distress (3.9% and 1.3%; P < .003) as compared to their matched controls.Congenital malformations were diagnosed in 66 of 438 (15.1%) CH patients and in 62 of 835 (7.4%) controls (P < .001). The most commonly affected extrathyroidal systems were the circulatory and musculoskeletal systems. The cumulative incidence of hearing loss and specific developmental disorders was higher among CH patients than controls. The use of antidepressant and antipsychotic drugs was similar in CH patients and their controls.
CONCLUSION
CH patients have more neonatal morbidity and congenital malformations than their matched controls. The cumulative incidence of neurological disorders is higher in CH patients. However, our results do not support the existence of severe psychiatric comorbidity.
Topics: Humans; Infant, Newborn; Congenital Hypothyroidism; Cohort Studies; Neonatal Screening; Comorbidity; Chronic Disease
PubMed: 37279943
DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad334 -
The Journal of Surgical Research Aug 2023The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the diagnosis of breast cancer (BC). With a large Hispanic/Latinx population, early revocation of mask mandates, and...
INTRODUCTION
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the diagnosis of breast cancer (BC). With a large Hispanic/Latinx population, early revocation of mask mandates, and lower vaccination rate than many other states, this study explores the relationship between COVID-19 and the presentation and diagnosis of BC patients in the unique socio-politico-economic context of Central Texas.
METHODS
This study is a retrospective review of the Seton Medical Center Austin tumor registry for BC patients from March 1, 2019 to March 2, 2021. We compared demographics, insurance status, clinical and pathologic stage, and time from diagnosis to intervention between "pre-COVID" (March 1, 2019- March 1, 2020) and "post-COVID" (March 2, 2020-March 2, 2021). We utilized descriptive, univariate, and multivariable logistic regression statistics.
RESULTS
There were 781 patients diagnosed with BC, with 113 fewer post-COVID compared to pre-COVID. The proportion of Black patients diagnosed with BC decreased post-COVID compared with pre-COVID (10.1%-4.5%, P = 0.002). When adjusting for other factors, uninsured and underinsured patients had increased odds of presenting with late-stage BC (odds ratio:5.40, P < 0.001). There was also an association between presenting with stage 2 or greater BC and delayed time-to-intervention.
CONCLUSIONS
Although fewer women overall were diagnosed with BC post-COVID, the return to baseline diagnoses has yet to be seen. We identified a pandemic-related decrease in BC diagnoses in Black women and increased odds of late-stage cancer among uninsured patients, suggesting a disparate relationship between COVID-19 and health care access and affordability. Outreach and screening efforts should address strategies to engage Black and uninsured patients.
Topics: Humans; Female; Breast Neoplasms; Texas; Pandemics; COVID-19; Racial Groups; Healthcare Disparities; COVID-19 Testing
PubMed: 36948036
DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2023.02.021 -
Internal Medicine (Tokyo, Japan) Feb 2024We herein report a case of acute neurological symptoms and a fever initially suspected of being encephalitis but later revealed to be dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF).... (Review)
Review
We herein report a case of acute neurological symptoms and a fever initially suspected of being encephalitis but later revealed to be dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF). An 84-year-old woman had a fever and cerebral edema and was initially treated for encephalitis. A review of her magnetic resonance imaging findings revealed abnormal blood flow signals. After cerebral angiography, the patient was finally diagnosed with left transverse-sigmoid sinus dAVF. The present case showed that dAVF can also present with an acute onset and a fever, mimicking acute encephalitis. Because the treatments for encephalitis and dAVF differ greatly, the possibility of dAVF should also be considered when diagnosing encephalitis.
Topics: Female; Humans; Aged, 80 and over; Embolization, Therapeutic; Transverse Sinuses; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Central Nervous System Vascular Malformations; Cerebral Angiography
PubMed: 37258162
DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.1819-23 -
Hand (New York, N.Y.) Sep 2023The diagnosis of hand osteomyelitis requires correlation of clinical, radiological, and microbiological findings. The role of serum inflammatory markers in diagnosing...
BACKGROUND
The diagnosis of hand osteomyelitis requires correlation of clinical, radiological, and microbiological findings. The role of serum inflammatory markers in diagnosing and prognosticating hand osteomyelitis remains uncertain. We sought to determine the utility of inflammatory markers in the diagnosis and follow-up of hand osteomyelitis, and their ability to predict outcomes, particularly amputation.
METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed 146 patients diagnosed with hand osteomyelitis and with serum inflammatory marker levels measured after the onset of symptoms and within 14 days either side of diagnosis. Blood results at first presentation including white cell count (WCC), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were reviewed, and associations with amputations assessed. Follow-up markers taken at 15 to 60 days from diagnosis were analyzed where available.
RESULTS
Mean WCC and CRP at diagnosis were 9.2 (SD: 4.6) and 30.2 (SD: 42.4) respectively, compared with 8.2 (SD: 3.9) and 30.2 (SD: 42.4) at follow-up. At diagnosis, sensitivity of CRP was 74%, and WCC was 31%. Each marker had a low positive predictive value for amputation at diagnosis (<29%). A rise in CRP between diagnosis and follow-up was associated with an increased risk of amputation compared with a fall in CRP. The finding that WCC and CRP were both normal at diagnosis had a high negative predictive value against amputation (96%).
CONCLUSION
C-reactive protein has a higher sensitivity than WCC, NLR, and PLR when used as a diagnostic adjunct in hand osteomyelitis. White cell count and CRP both within reference ranges at diagnosis was highly negatively predictive against amputation.
Topics: Humans; Retrospective Studies; C-Reactive Protein; Biomarkers; Leukocyte Count; Osteomyelitis
PubMed: 35130740
DOI: 10.1177/15589447211066346 -
European Radiology Nov 2023To investigate the role of MRI in the diagnosis and classification of fetal microtia.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the role of MRI in the diagnosis and classification of fetal microtia.
METHODS
Ninety-five fetuses with suspected microtia based on ultrasound and MRI performed within 1 week were enrolled in this study. The diagnosis based on MRI was compared with postnatal diagnosis. Among the microtia cases suspected on the basis of MRI, mild and severe cases were further classified. In addition, external auditory canal (EAC) atresia was evaluated by MRI in 29 fetuses with a gestational age > 28 weeks, and the accuracy of MRI in the diagnosis and classification of microtia was determined.
RESULTS
Of 95 fetuses, 83 were considered to have microtia on the basis of MRI, 81 were confirmed to have microtia, and 14 were found to be normal according to postnatal diagnosis. Among 190 external ears in 95 fetuses, 40 ears were suspected to have mild microtia, and 52 ears were suspected to have severe microtia on the basis of MRI. According to the postnatal diagnosis, mild and severe microtia were confirmed in 43 and 49 ears, respectively. Among the 29 fetuses with a gestational age > 28 weeks, 23 ears were suspected to have EAC atresia according to MRI and 21 ears were ultimately confirmed to have EAC atresia. The accuracy of MRI in diagnosing microtia and EAC atresia was 93.68% and 93.10%, respectively.
CONCLUSION
MRI shows good performance in diagnosing fetal microtia and has the potential to evaluate its severity on the basis of classification and EAC status.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT
This study was aimed at investigating the role of MRI in the diagnosis and classification of fetal microtia. MRI shows good performance and can help evaluate microtia severity and EAC atresia, thus allowing for better clinical management.
KEY POINTS
• MRI is a useful adjunct to prenatal ultrasound. • MRI has a higher accuracy rate than ultrasound in diagnosing fetal microtia. • The accurate classification of fetal microtia and the diagnosis of external auditory canal atresia through MRI may help guide clinical management.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Infant; Congenital Microtia; Ear, External; Prenatal Diagnosis; Fetus; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Ultrasonography, Prenatal; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 37311804
DOI: 10.1007/s00330-023-09816-5 -
International Journal of Molecular... Sep 2023Bladder cancer is one of the most financially burdensome cancers globally, from its diagnostic to its terminal stages. The impact it imposes on patients and the medical... (Review)
Review
Bladder cancer is one of the most financially burdensome cancers globally, from its diagnostic to its terminal stages. The impact it imposes on patients and the medical community is substantial, exacerbated by the absence of disease-specific characteristics and limited disease-free spans. Frequent recurrences, impacting nearly half of the diagnosed population, require frequent and invasive monitoring. Given the advancing comprehension of its etiology and attributes, bladder cancer is an appealing candidate for screening strategies. Cystoscopy is the current gold standard for bladder cancer detection, but it is invasive and has the potential for undesired complications and elevated costs. Although urine cytology is a supplementary tool in select instances, its efficacy is limited due to its restricted sensitivity, mainly when targeting low-grade tumors. Although most of these assays exhibit higher sensitivity than urine cytology, clinical guidelines do not currently incorporate them. Consequently, it is necessary to explore novel screening assays to identify distinctive alterations exclusive to bladder cancer. Thus, integrating potential molecular assays requires further investigation through more extensive validation studies. Within this article, we offer a comprehensive overview of the critical features of bladder cancer while conducting a thorough analysis of the FDA-approved assays designed to diagnose and monitor its recurrences.
Topics: Humans; Early Detection of Cancer; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms; Urinary Bladder; Biological Assay; Biomarkers
PubMed: 37762677
DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814374 -
The Science of the Total Environment Jul 2023Constantly mutating SARS-CoV-2 is a global concern resulting in COVID-19 infectious waves from time to time in different regions, challenging present-day diagnostics and... (Review)
Review
Constantly mutating SARS-CoV-2 is a global concern resulting in COVID-19 infectious waves from time to time in different regions, challenging present-day diagnostics and therapeutics. Early-stage point-of-care diagnostic (POC) biosensors are a crucial vector for the timely management of morbidity and mortalities caused due to COVID-19. The state-of-the-art SARS-CoV-2 biosensors depend upon developing a single platform for its diverse variants/biomarkers, enabling precise detection and monitoring. Nanophotonic-enabled biosensors have emerged as 'one platform' to diagnose COVID-19, addressing the concern of constant viral mutation. This review assesses the evolution of current and future variants of the SARS-CoV-2 and critically summarizes the current state of biosensor approaches for detecting SARS-CoV-2 variants/biomarkers employing nanophotonic-enabled diagnostics. It discusses the integration of modern-age technologies, including artificial intelligence, machine learning and 5G communication with nanophotonic biosensors for intelligent COVID-19 monitoring and management. It also highlights the challenges and potential opportunities for developing intelligent biosensors for diagnosing future SARS-CoV-2 variants. This review will guide future research and development on nano-enabled intelligent photonic-biosensor strategies for early-stage diagnosing of highly infectious diseases to prevent repeated outbreaks and save associated human mortalities.
Topics: Humans; SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19; Artificial Intelligence; Intelligence; Biosensing Techniques; COVID-19 Testing
PubMed: 37028663
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163333