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Clinical Rheumatology Sep 2021This study aims to analyze the clinical characteristics of juvenile primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS) with cutaneous involvement.
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to analyze the clinical characteristics of juvenile primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS) with cutaneous involvement.
METHODS
We investigated the clinical and immunological characteristics of 37 children with pSS. All the patients met the 2012 American College of Rheumatology Classification Criteria for Sjogren's syndrome.
RESULTS
The cutaneous involvement presented in 19 children (excluding drug eruption), 16 (84.2%) female patients, and 3 (15.8%) male patients, with a mean age of 11 ± 2.68 years, 17 of whom (89.5%) had cutaneous lesions as the first symptom, with a median time of 12 months (1 day to 4 years) before the diagnosis of pSS. The cutaneous lesions included 12 cases of palpable purpura (63.2%), 5 cases of urticaria (26.3%), 2 cases of xeroderma (10.5%), 1 case of skin ulcer, 1 case of erythema nodosum, 1 case of livedo reticularis, 1 case of Raynaud's phenomenon, and 1 case of hard erythema. Children with cutaneous lesions had a higher prevalence of articular involvement (42.1% vs. 11.1%, P = 0.016), fever (47.4% vs. 5.6%, P = 0.004), ESR > 50 mm/h (47.4% vs. 11.1%, P = 0.016), and a lower prevalence of thrombocytopenia (0% vs. 27.8%, P = 0.013) and methylprednisolone pulse treatment (0% vs. 13.5%, P = 0.013), compared with pSS without cutaneous involvement.
CONCLUSION
More than half (51.3%) of the children with juvenile pSS presented with cutaneous lesions; the main cutaneous involvement was palpable purpura. Children with cutaneous lesions were more likely to have fever and arthritis, were more likely to have stronger inflammatory response, and were less likely to have serious complications. In many cases, the cutaneous lesion could be the first symptom of juvenile pSS, which could easily lead to a misdiagnosis. The possibility of pSS should be considered for children with skin lesions such as palpable purpura and urticaria, and further examinations should be carried out. Key Points • Cutaneous lesions of juvenile pSS are not uncommon and often present as the first symptom. • Palpable purpura was the most common skin lesion in juvenile pSS, followed by urticaria. • Juvenile pSS with skin lesions does not increase the risk of serious complications such as blood system damage. • Skin lesions in juvenile pSS patients may easily cause misdiagnosis.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Erythema; Female; Humans; Male; Purpura; Sjogren's Syndrome; Skin; Urticaria
PubMed: 33712889
DOI: 10.1007/s10067-021-05656-0 -
Cureus Jan 2023As new variants of SARS-CoV-2 continue to emerge worldwide, countries are striving to fully vaccinate their population in a bid to prevent severe disease, subsequent...
As new variants of SARS-CoV-2 continue to emerge worldwide, countries are striving to fully vaccinate their population in a bid to prevent severe disease, subsequent hospitalizations, and the associated strain on their healthcare systems and death. In this context, there is growing evidence of rare, potential side effects associated with COVID-19 vaccines. IgA vasculitis is a systemic, IgA-mediated vasculitis characterized by palpable purpura, arthralgia, abdominal pain, and renal involvement. It is the most common type of vasculitis in childhood, sporadically affecting the adult population. However, there have been multiple reports of IgA vasculitis following vaccination against COVID-19. Herein, we present the case of a 72-year-old patient with palpable purpura that developed two weeks after receiving the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine. Laboratory investigations revealed elevated serum creatinine (2.6 mg/dL), macroalbuminuria (8.6 g/24 h), and macroscopic hematuria. Histopathological examination confirmed necrotizing vasculitis, and a diagnosis of IgA vasculitis was established. Considering the clinical presentation, the laboratory and histopathological findings, and the time interval between the vaccination and the development of symptoms, we strongly believe that IgA vasculitis in this patient arose as a side effect of the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine.
PubMed: 36819313
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.33938 -
The Journal of the Association of... Jan 2023Thyroid gland dysfunction greatly alters the hemodynamics of the body resulting in major changes in cardiac output, blood pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance...
INTRODUCTION
Thyroid gland dysfunction greatly alters the hemodynamics of the body resulting in major changes in cardiac output, blood pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance amongst others. Hyperthyroidism is associated with an increased morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease. Thyrotoxicosis is commonly associated with exacerbation of underlying coronary heart disease, with atrial fibrillation and systolic dysfunction. It is less well appreciated that hyperthyroidism is also associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and right heart failure.
MATERIALS
History -We present a 46 years old female, Presented to our hospital with complaints of Breathlessness on exertion since 3 months gradually progressed from MMRC grade 1 to grade 4 over the period of 2 months without any diurnal/postural variation Cough with expectoration since 3 weeks associated with weight loss.
RESULT
Examination-Patient is severely malnourished with BMI 11.6 kg/m2 . Bilateral multiple cervical lymph nodes palpable, 6-8 in number discrete, mobile, soft consistency, measuring 1 cm in size changes. Thyroid is symmetrically enlarged, soft in consistency, moving with deglutition, Systemic examination-Apex beat palpable at 5th intercostal space 2 cm lateral to the MCL with normal character Parasternal heave grade 3+ Palpable P2+ A high pitched, rumbling, pansystolic murmur of grade 3, non radiating heard best with the diaphragm of stethoscope with patient in supine position. Unique features-Both thyroid lobes appear enlarged in size and show homogeneously increased radiotracer uptake.
CONCLUSION
IMPRESSION- Well-visualized thyroid gland with increased trapping function. In the given clinical context scan findings favour hyperthyroid status-Graves'disease. Take home message-Hyperthyroidism is a reversible cause of pulmonary hypertension.
Topics: Humans; Female; Middle Aged; Hyperthyroidism; Thyrotoxicosis; Hypertension, Pulmonary; Atrial Fibrillation
PubMed: 37116024
DOI: No ID Found -
The Journal of Surgical Research Oct 2022Inguinal complete lymph node dissection (CLND) for metastatic melanoma exposes the femoral vein and artery. To protect femoral vessels while preserving the sartorius...
INTRODUCTION
Inguinal complete lymph node dissection (CLND) for metastatic melanoma exposes the femoral vein and artery. To protect femoral vessels while preserving the sartorius muscle, we developed a novel sartorius and adductor fascial flap (SAFF) technique for coverage.
METHODS
The SAFF technique includes dissection of fascia off sartorius and/or adductor muscles, rotation over femoral vasculature, and suturing into place. Patients who underwent inguinal CLND with SAFF for melanoma at our institution were identified retrospectively from a prospectively-collected database. Patient characteristics and post-operative outcomes were obtained. Multivariate logistic regression assessed associations of palpable and non-palpable disease with wound complications.
RESULTS
From 2008 to 2019, 51 patients underwent CLND with SAFF. Median age was 62 years, and 59% were female. Thirty-one (61%) patients were presented with palpable disease and 20 (39%) had non-palpable disease. Fifty-five percent (95% confidence interval CI: 40%-69%) experienced at least one wound complication: wound infection was most common (45%; 95% CI: 31%-60%), while bleeding was the least (2%; 95% CI: 0.05%-11%). Complications were similar, with and without palpable disease.
CONCLUSIONS
The SAFF procedure covers femoral vessels, minimizes bleeding, preserves the sartorius muscle, and uses standard surgical techniques easily adoptable by surgeons who perform inguinal CLND.
Topics: Female; Groin; Humans; Lymph Node Excision; Male; Melanoma; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy; Skin Neoplasms; Surgical Flaps
PubMed: 35671681
DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2022.04.039 -
South African Family Practice :... Sep 2022A palpable breast lump is a common presentation of breast disease to a general practitioner. Fortunately, investigation of most of these lumps will lead to a benign...
A palpable breast lump is a common presentation of breast disease to a general practitioner. Fortunately, investigation of most of these lumps will lead to a benign diagnosis. It is essential to have a clear and systematic approach when investigating a palpable breast lump to avoid over investigation with the resultant increase in healthcare cost and anxiety. This article will discuss an approach to evaluating and diagnosing a palpable breast lump in the primary care setting.
Topics: Breast; Breast Diseases; Female; Humans; Mammography; Palpation; Ultrasonography, Mammary
PubMed: 36226953
DOI: 10.4102/safp.v64i1.5571 -
Revista Espanola de Enfermedades... Nov 2023A 86-year-old man presented with a 2-month history of epigastric pain. The patient denied nausea, vomiting, hematochezia, or hematemesis. Physical examination on...
A 86-year-old man presented with a 2-month history of epigastric pain. The patient denied nausea, vomiting, hematochezia, or hematemesis. Physical examination on admission showed tenderness beneath the xiphoid process, with a palpable hard mass. Abdominal CT revealed a huge irregular inhomogeneous low density mass between liver and stomach, with moderate enhancement.
PubMed: 38031916
DOI: 10.17235/reed.2023.10061/2023 -
Children (Basel, Switzerland) Aug 2021Traditional open orchiopexy is still a standard of treatment for palpable undescended testicles. Recently several authors reported successful results using a... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Traditional open orchiopexy is still a standard of treatment for palpable undescended testicles. Recently several authors reported successful results using a laparoscopic approach in the treatment of palpable cryptorchidism. The present systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the utility of laparoscopic orchiopexy for palpable cryptorchidism.
METHODS
Scientific databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and EMBASE) were systematically searched for relevant articles using the following terms: (palpable cryptorchidism or palpable undescended testes) AND (laparoscopic orchiopexy or laparoscopic orchiopexy). The inclusion criteria were all children with unilateral or bilateral palpable undescended testes who underwent laparoscopic orchiopexy (LO) compared to children who underwent conventional open orchiopexy (CO). The main outcomes were the proportion of children requiring redo-orchiopexy and the incidence of postoperative complications. Secondary outcomes were duration and the cost of surgery.
RESULTS
The final meta-analysis included five studies involving 705 children; LO, = 369 (52.3%) and CO, = 336 (47.7%). The majority of the included patients had unilateral palpable cryptorchidism. No significant differences were found in regard to average age at the time of surgery and follow-up periods between the investigated groups. No statistically significant differences were found in regard to redo-orchiopexy rates (RR = 0.22, 95% CI 0.03-1.88, = 0.17), early complications (RR = 0.66, 95% CI 0.21-2.08, = 0.48) and incidence of testicular atrophy (RR = 0.36, 95% CI 0.03-3.88, = 0.40). No significant differences in the operative duration were observed among the groups. Laparoscopy was associated with higher costs in most of the studies.
CONCLUSION
LO is safe and effective in children with palpable cryptorchidism. The rates of redo-orchiopexy as well as an incidence of early complications and testicular atrophy rates are comparable to CO.
PubMed: 34438568
DOI: 10.3390/children8080677 -
Ocular Immunology and Inflammation Aug 2023We describe a case of intraocular inflammation and palpable purpura in a patient with pneumonia.
PURPOSE
We describe a case of intraocular inflammation and palpable purpura in a patient with pneumonia.
METHODS
A 75-year-old pseudophakic woman with type-2 diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease complained of lower limb palpable purpura and right vision loss of five-day duration. On admission, right visual acuity was hand motion. Slit-lamp examination disclosed severe conjunctival and ciliary injection, corneal oedema, 3-mm hypopyon with heavy fibrin accumulation and blood clots, and synechiae to the IOL.
RESULTS
Chest computed tomography revealed interstitial pneumonia. Sputum culture yielded . Amoxicillin/clavulanic tablets (1 g × 3/daily) and topical and systemic steroids were given. Later on, fluorescein angiography showed multiple choroidal lesions bilaterally. With the above-mentioned therapy, there was full recovery of the skin, lung, and eye lesions.
CONCLUSION
This report emphasizes that infection should be considered in patients with intraocular inflammation, palpable purpura, and interstitial pneumonia. A multidisciplinary approach is necessary for a correct diagnosis and management.
PubMed: 37616557
DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2023.2249089 -
Revista de Saude Publica 2021To report the decrease in breast imaging after covid-19 pandemic, obtaining the number of mammograms performed in 2019 and 2020. Additionally, to investigate if there...
OBJECTIVE
To report the decrease in breast imaging after covid-19 pandemic, obtaining the number of mammograms performed in 2019 and 2020. Additionally, to investigate if there was an increase in the proportion of women undergoing mammography for diagnostic purposes, with palpable lesions.
METHOD
This is a cross-sectional study, based on the number of mammograms performed by the Brazilian public health services, provided by DATASUS, an open access database. Mammograms from private institutions were not included. This study compares the number of mammograms performed in 2019 and 2020, in women aged 50-69 years, stratified by month, in each federal state, and the presence of palpable lumps (physician-reported).
RESULTS
In total, 1,948,471 mammograms were performed in 2019 and 1,126,688 in 2020, for the population studied. These values represent a 42% decline. Monthly, a significant decreased is observed after April 2020. The results varied slightly according to federal state; yet the entire country was affected. Rondônia was the most affected state, with 67% decline. The proportion of women presenting palpable lumps increased from 7.06% on average in 2019 to 7.94% in 2020 (OR = 1.135, 95%CI 1.125-1.145, p = 0,001).
DISCUSSION
The number of mammograms performed in 2020 declined considerably. Out of the women who presented for mammogram, the proportion of palpable lumps was significantly higher in 2020. Considering the detection rate of digital mammography, the loss of 800,000 exams means 4,000 undiagnosed breast cancer cases, by the end of 2020.
Topics: Aged; Brazil; Breast Neoplasms; COVID-19; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Mammography; Middle Aged; Pandemics; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 33978114
DOI: 10.11606/s1518-8787.2021055003375 -
Asian Journal of Surgery Jan 2022Breast cancer screening has seen an increase in the detection of non-palpable breast lesions. Wire guided localisation (WGL) and Radio-guided occult lesion localisation... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Breast cancer screening has seen an increase in the detection of non-palpable breast lesions. Wire guided localisation (WGL) and Radio-guided occult lesion localisation (ROLL) are well established modalities of localisation of non-palpable breast lesions in the UK. We aimed to compare the outcomes of WGL and ROLL in this updated meta-analysis. We searched Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and LILACS using free text search words as well as relevant MESH-terms. We also searched Medline (02/03/2021), Embase and registers of clinical trials, abstracts of scientific meetings, reference lists of included studies and contacted experts in the field. Outcomes considered were re-excision rates, margin involvement, specimen volume and weight, accurate localisation of lesions and operative time. We assessed the risk of bias in included studies and performed random effects meta-analyses using Review Manager (version 5.3). Heterogeneity was estimated using the I-statistic. Nine included studies enrolled 1096 patients undergoing localization in breast surgery (534 in WGL and 562 in ROLL). There was a statistically significant benefit in favour of ROLL for non-involved resection margins (OR 0.60; 95% CI, 0.44-0.97); based on seven studies. Nine trials assessed operative time favouring ROLL (OR 1.95; 95% CI, 0.27-3.63). No significant difference in re-excision rates was reported (OR 1.42; 95% CI, 0.83-2.43) based on seven studies. Current evidence favourably supports ROLL, compared to WGL, with respect to margin involvement, localisation and operative time in the treatment of non-palpable breast lesions.
Topics: Breast; Breast Neoplasms; Early Detection of Cancer; Female; Humans; Mastectomy; Mastectomy, Segmental; Radiopharmaceuticals
PubMed: 34479779
DOI: 10.1016/j.asjsur.2021.06.055