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Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine 2024Malignant atrophic papulosis (MAP) is a rare obliterative vasculopathy whose etiology and pathophysiological mechanisms remain unknown, and the treatment is still...
BACKGROUND
Malignant atrophic papulosis (MAP) is a rare obliterative vasculopathy whose etiology and pathophysiological mechanisms remain unknown, and the treatment is still empirical. It can involve multiple systems, especially the gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system, and has a poor prognosis.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 20-year-old Chinese male appeared to have Widespread atrophic papules and plaques, intermittent abdominal pain, recurrent bowel perforation, and psoas abscess. The clinical diagnosis of MAP was supported by skin biopsy. He was then treated with anticoagulants, antiplatelets, glucocorticoids, and immunosuppressants and started on eculizumab and hirudin after the first surgical interventions. Despite the aggressive immunosuppression, anticoagulant, antiplatelet, humanized monoclonal antibodies, and surgery therapy, he died five months after presentation.
CONCLUSIONS
MAP is an extremely rare obliterative vasculopathy manifesting as benign cutaneous involvement or potentially malignant systemic involvement. MAP patients who exhibit any abdominal symptoms should undergo laparoscopy and evaluation in time and start on eculizumab and treprostinil as soon as possible, as the combination of them is presently the most effective treatment option for gastrointestinal MAP and hopefully reduce mortality.
PubMed: 38606375
DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1347587 -
Cureus Mar 2024Crohn's disease (CD) is an inflammatory condition affecting the gastrointestinal tract, often leading to persistent inflammation in various parts, notably the terminal...
Crohn's disease (CD) is an inflammatory condition affecting the gastrointestinal tract, often leading to persistent inflammation in various parts, notably the terminal ileum and colon. Clinical manifestations of CD can become complex due to complications like strictures, fistulas, and perianal abscesses. The disease typically exhibits transmural inflammation and skip lesions, where unaffected areas alternate with affected ones. Treatment goals focus on achieving disease remission and preventing complications that may require surgical intervention. Surgery becomes crucial in managing complications such as Crohn's strictures and perforations. Here, we describe a challenging case involving a young woman who underwent surgery for abdominal abscess and with Crohn's stricture and fistula.
PubMed: 38606263
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.55993 -
Asian Journal of Surgery Jul 2024
Topics: Humans; Child; Abdominal Abscess; Appendicitis; Male; Treatment Outcome; Female; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Child, Preschool; Drugs, Chinese Herbal
PubMed: 38604863
DOI: 10.1016/j.asjsur.2024.03.184 -
IDCases 2024Hypervirulent remains a significant global public health concern, characterized by a unique syndrome involving monomicrobial primary pyogenic liver abscesses, often...
Hypervirulent remains a significant global public health concern, characterized by a unique syndrome involving monomicrobial primary pyogenic liver abscesses, often leading to metastatic complications such as endophthalmitis, meningitis, and other infections. These infections are frequently observed in immunocompetent hosts or diabetic patients, particularly those of Asian ethnicity. In this report, we present the case of a 66-year-old Burmese female, currently residing in the United States, who presented with severe swelling, pain, discharge, and vision loss in her left eye, along with abdominal pain. Subsequent investigation revealed monomicrobial acute cholecystitis with an adjacent liver abscess, complicated by bacteremia, endogenous endophthalmitis, and portal vein thrombosis. Treatment with ceftriaxone proved successful in addressing her intra-abdominal infections, while anticoagulation therapy was initiated following multidisciplinary discussions among all involved subspecialties. Early diagnosis and the timely administration of appropriate treatment are crucial in reducing mortality and preventing further complications.
PubMed: 38601433
DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2024.e01935 -
BMC Surgery Apr 2024High tumor recurrence and dismal survival rates after curative intended resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are still concerning. The primary goal was to assess...
BACKGROUND
High tumor recurrence and dismal survival rates after curative intended resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are still concerning. The primary goal was to assess predictive factors associated with disease-free (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in a subset of patients with HCC undergoing hepatic resection (HR).
METHODS
Between 08/2004-7/2021, HR for HCC was performed in 188 patients at our institution. Data allocation was conducted from a prospectively maintained database. The prognostic impact of clinico-pathological factors on DFS and OS was assessed by using uni- and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Survival curves were generated with the Kaplan Meier method.
RESULTS
The postoperative 1-, 3- and 5- year overall DFS and OS rates were 77.9%, 49.7%, 41% and 72.7%, 54.7%, 38.8%, respectively. Tumor diameter ≥ 45 mm [HR 1.725; (95% CI 1.091-2.727); p = 0.020], intra-abdominal abscess [HR 3.812; (95% CI 1.859-7.815); p < 0.0001], and preoperative chronic alcohol abuse [HR 1.831; (95% CI 1.102-3.042); p = 0.020] were independently predictive for DFS while diabetes mellitus [HR 1.714; (95% CI 1.147-2.561); p = 0.009), M-Stage [HR 2.656; (95% CI 1.034-6.826); p = 0.042], V-Stage [HR 1.946; (95% CI 1.299-2.915); p = 0.001, Sepsis [HR 10.999; (95% CI 5.167-23.412); p < 0.0001], and ISGLS B/C [HR 2.008; (95% CI 1.273-3.168); p = 0.003] were significant determinants of OS.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite high postoperative recurrence rates, an acceptable long-term survival in patients after curative HR could be achieved. The Identification of parameters related to OS and DFS improves patient-centered treatment and surveillance strategies.
Topics: Humans; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Hepatectomy; Liver Neoplasms; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Disease-Free Survival; Prognosis; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 38589847
DOI: 10.1186/s12893-024-02399-y -
BMC Infectious Diseases Apr 2024Nocardia farcinica is one of the most common Nocardia species causing human infections. It is an opportunistic pathogen that often infects people with compromised immune... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Nocardia farcinica is one of the most common Nocardia species causing human infections. It is an opportunistic pathogen that often infects people with compromised immune systems. It could invade human body through respiratory tract or skin wounds, cause local infection, and affect other organs via hematogenous dissemination. However, N. farcinica-caused bacteremia is uncommon. In this study, we report a case of bacteremia caused by N. farcinica in China.
CASE PRESENTATION
An 80-year-old woman was admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital with recurrent fever, right abdominal pain for one and a half month, and right adrenal gland occupation. N. farcinica was identified as the causative pathogen using blood culture and plasma metagenomics next-generation sequencing (mNGS). The clinical considerations included bacteremia and adrenal gland abscess caused by Nocardia infection. As the patient was allergic to sulfanilamide, imipenem/cilastatin and linezolid were empirically administered. Unfortunately, the patient eventually died less than a month after the initiation of anti-infection treatment.
CONCLUSION
N. farcinica bacteremia is rare and its clinical manifestations are not specific. Its diagnosis depends on etiological examination, which can be confirmed using techniques such as Sanger sequencing and mNGS. In this report, we have reviewed cases of Nocardia bloodstream infection reported in the past decade, hoping to improve clinicians' understanding of Nocardia bloodstream infection and help in its early diagnosis and timely treatment.
Topics: Female; Humans; Aged, 80 and over; Nocardia; Nocardia Infections; Bacteremia; Sepsis
PubMed: 38589778
DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09230-2 -
International Journal of Surgery Case... May 2024Urachal cyst infections during pregnancy are exceptionally rare, posing diagnostic challenges. This case report contributes to the limited literature, emphasizing the...
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE
Urachal cyst infections during pregnancy are exceptionally rare, posing diagnostic challenges. This case report contributes to the limited literature, emphasizing the rarity, diagnostic difficulties, and the need for heightened healthcare provider awareness for timely intervention.
PRESENTATION OF CASE
A 32-year-old pregnant woman with persistent pelvic pain, fever, and urinary symptoms sought care with inconclusive initial diagnoses despite multiple ER visits. Labor revealed a palpable mass, and postpartum, a CT scan identified a urachal cyst abscess. Urgent laparoscopy confirmed peritonitis, leading to cyst removal, antibiotics, and a subsequent laparotomy. Histology confirmed an abscessed urachal cyst.
DISCUSSION
Urachal cyst infections in pregnancy, exceptionally rare and diagnostically challenging, highlight the importance of considering them in abdominal pain differentials. Diagnostic tools, such as ultrasound and CT scans, can be misleading, emphasizing the necessity for a multidisciplinary approach.
CONCLUSION
This case report underscores the challenges in diagnosing and managing an infected urachal cyst during pregnancy, stressing the need for awareness and a comprehensive diagnostic approach for optimal outcomes. The rarity of such cases warrants increased attention within the medical community.
PubMed: 38579600
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109584 -
Medicine Apr 2024Primary myelofibrosis is a subtype of myeloproliferative neoplasm that leads to bone marrow fibrosis. Historically, the only curative option for primary myelofibrosis... (Review)
Review
RATIONALE
Primary myelofibrosis is a subtype of myeloproliferative neoplasm that leads to bone marrow fibrosis. Historically, the only curative option for primary myelofibrosis was allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Ruxolitinib, a Janus kinase inhibitor, is now used for the treatment of primary myelofibrosis and polycythemia vera. It effectively improves symptoms related to splenomegaly and anemia. However, its association with the development of opportunistic infections has been observed in clinical studies and practical application.
PATIENT CONCERNS
A 64-year-old female with primary myelofibrosis and chronic hepatitis B infection who received ruxolitinib treatment. She was admitted for spiking fever and altered consciousness.
DIAGNOSIS
Tuberculosis meningitis was suspected but cerebrospinal fluid can't identify any pathogens. An abdominal computed tomography scan revealed a left psoas abscess and an enlarged spleen. A computed tomography-guided pus drainage procedure was performed, showing a strong positive acid-fast stain and a positive Mycobacterium tuberculosis polymerase chain reaction result.
INTERVENTIONS
antituberculosis medications were administered. The patient developed a psoas muscle abscess caused by tuberculosis and multiple dermatomes of herpes zoster during antituberculosis treatment.
OUTCOMES
The patient was ultimately discharged after 6 weeks of treatment without apparent neurological sequelae.
LESSONS
This case underscores the importance of clinicians evaluating latent infections and ensuring full vaccination prior to initiating ruxolitinib-related treatment for primary myelofibrosis.
Topics: Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Nitriles; Primary Myelofibrosis; Psoas Abscess; Psoas Muscles; Pyrazoles; Pyrimidines; Splenomegaly; Tuberculosis
PubMed: 38579059
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000037653 -
World Journal of Gastrointestinal... Mar 2024Genetic factors of chronic intestinal ulcers are increasingly garnering attention. We present a case of chronic intestinal ulcers and bleeding associated with mutations...
BACKGROUND
Genetic factors of chronic intestinal ulcers are increasingly garnering attention. We present a case of chronic intestinal ulcers and bleeding associated with mutations of the activin A receptor type II-like 1 () and phospholipase A2 group IVA () genes and review the available relevant literature.
CASE SUMMARY
A 20-year-old man was admitted to our center with a 6-year history of recurrent abdominal pain, diarrhea, and dark stools. At the onset 6 years ago, the patient had received treatment at a local hospital for abdominal pain persisting for 7 d, under the diagnosis of diffuse peritonitis, acute gangrenous appendicitis with perforation, adhesive intestinal obstruction, and pelvic abscess. The surgical treatment included exploratory laparotomy, appendectomy, intestinal adhesiolysis, and pelvic abscess removal. The patient's condition improved and he was discharged. However, the recurrent episodes of abdominal pain and passage of black stools started again one year after discharge. On the basis of these features and results of subsequent colonoscopy, the clinical diagnosis was established as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Accordingly, aminosalicylic acid, immunotherapy, and related symptomatic treatment were administered, but the symptoms of the patient did not improve significantly. Further investigations revealed mutations in the and genes. and are involved in angiogenesis and coagulation, respectively. This suggests that the chronic intestinal ulcers and bleeding in this case may be linked to mutations in the and genes. Oral Kangfuxin liquid was administered to promote healing of the intestinal mucosa and effectively manage clinical symptoms.
CONCLUSION
Mutations in the and genes may be one of the causes of chronic intestinal ulcers and bleeding in IBD. Orally administered Kangfuxin liquid may have therapeutic potential.
PubMed: 38577076
DOI: 10.4240/wjgs.v16.i3.932 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2024Thrombocytopenia is commonly associated with infectious diseases and serves as an indicator of disease severity. However, reports on its manifestation in conjunction...
OBJECTIVE
Thrombocytopenia is commonly associated with infectious diseases and serves as an indicator of disease severity. However, reports on its manifestation in conjunction with liver abscess (KPLA) are scarce. The present study sought to elucidate the correlation between thrombocytopenia and KPLA severity and delve into the etiological factors contributing to the incidence of thrombocytopenia.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A retrospective analysis of the clinical data from patients with KPLA admitted between June 2012 and June 2023 was performed. Baseline characteristics, biochemical assessments, therapeutic interventions, complications, and clinical outcomes were compared between patients with and without thrombocytopenia. To investigate the potential etiologies underlying thrombocytopenia, the association between platelet count reduction and thrombophlebitis was examined, with a particular focus on platelet consumption. Furthermore, bone marrow aspiration results were evaluated to assess platelet production anomalies.
RESULTS
A total of 361 KPLA patients were included in the study, among whom 60 (17%) had concurrent thrombocytopenia. Those in the thrombocytopenia group exhibited significantly higher rates of thrombophlebitis (p = 0.042), extrahepatic metastatic infection (p = 0.01), septic shock (p = 0.024), admissions to the intensive care unit (p = 0.002), and in-hospital mortality (p = 0.045). Multivariate analysis revealed that thrombocytopenia (odds ratio, 2.125; 95% confidence interval, 1.114-4.056; p = 0.022) was independently associated with thrombophlebitis. Among the thrombocytopenic patients, eight underwent bone marrow aspiration, and six (75%) had impaired medullar platelet production. After treatment, 88.6% of thrombocytopenic patients (n = 47) demonstrated recovery in their platelet counts with a median recovery time of five days (interquartile range, 3-6 days).
CONCLUSIONS
Thrombocytopenia in patients with KPLA is indicative of increased disease severity. The underlying etiologies for thrombocytopenia may include impaired platelet production within the bone marrow and augmented peripheral platelet consumption as evidenced by the presence of thrombophlebitis.
Topics: Humans; Retrospective Studies; Klebsiella pneumoniae; Klebsiella Infections; Liver Abscess; Thrombocytopenia; Patient Acuity; Thrombophlebitis
PubMed: 38562965
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1351607