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Cureus May 2024Rapunzel syndrome, a rare yet complex condition, poses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Trichobezoars, stemming from trichotillomania and pica, manifest as hair... (Review)
Review
Rapunzel syndrome, a rare yet complex condition, poses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Trichobezoars, stemming from trichotillomania and pica, manifest as hair conglomerates within the gastrointestinal tract, often necessitating surgical intervention. This review synthesizes literature on symptomatology, diagnostic methods, and treatment modalities, emphasizing the multidisciplinary approach essential for effective management. Psychological interventions, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, complement surgical measures in addressing underlying psychiatric factors. Diagnostic imaging, endoscopic examinations, and histopathological analysis aid in an accurate diagnosis. Enhanced awareness among healthcare providers regarding the association between psychological disorders and gastrointestinal complications is crucial for timely intervention and improved outcomes in individuals with Rapunzel syndrome.
PubMed: 38947636
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61294 -
Cureus May 2024Varicella zoster virus (VZV) vasculopathy is a rare yet potentially severe neurological manifestation resulting from VZV reactivation, primarily affecting...
Varicella zoster virus (VZV) vasculopathy is a rare yet potentially severe neurological manifestation resulting from VZV reactivation, primarily affecting immunocompromised individuals. We present a case report of a 61-year-old male with VZV vasculopathy who initially presented with herpes zoster ophthalmicus, subsequently complicated by meningoencephalitis and an acute infarct in the territory of the left middle cerebral artery (MCA). Imaging revealed acute and chronic infarcts in the capsuloganglionic regions, accompanied by thickening and enhancement of the left MCA wall. Treatment involved a 14-day course of intravenous acyclovir, supplemented with oral prednisolone, resulting in modest clinical improvement. VZV vasculopathy represents an infrequently acknowledged neurological syndrome, particularly prevalent among immunocompromised individuals. Early recognition and appropriate intervention offer promise in ameliorating outcomes for affected patients. This case emphasizes the importance of including VZV vasculopathy in the differential diagnosis of neurological deficits, especially within high-risk populations.
PubMed: 38947631
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61419 -
Cureus May 2024Rhinomanometry is a pivotal diagnostic technique in rhinology, providing a quantitative assessment of nasal airflow and resistance. This review comprehensively examines... (Review)
Review
Rhinomanometry is a pivotal diagnostic technique in rhinology, providing a quantitative assessment of nasal airflow and resistance. This review comprehensively examines the historical development, principles and clinical applications of rhinomanometry, emphasising its role in diagnosing nasal obstructions, preoperative evaluations and monitoring therapeutic outcomes. Recent advancements, including the integration with imaging technologies and the application of artificial intelligence (AI), have significantly enhanced the accuracy and utility of rhinomanometry. Despite facing challenges such as technical limitations and the need for standardisation, rhinomanometry remains an invaluable tool in both clinical and research settings. The review also explores future directions, highlighting the potential for device miniaturisation, telemedicine integration, personalised protocols and collaborative research efforts. These advancements will likely expand the accessibility, accuracy and clinical relevance of rhinomanometry, solidifying its importance in the ongoing evolution of rhinology practice.
PubMed: 38947630
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61370 -
Cureus May 2024Introduction Acute coronary syndromes (ACS), encompassing non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and unstable angina (UA), present significant challenges in...
Evaluating Cardiovascular Risks: The Platelet Lymphocyte Ratio and the Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio As High-Risk Heart Score Predictors in Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI) and Unstable Angina Patients.
Introduction Acute coronary syndromes (ACS), encompassing non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and unstable angina (UA), present significant challenges in risk assessment and management, particularly in resource-constrained environments like India. The burden of cardiovascular diseases in such regions necessitates cost-effective and readily accessible tools for risk stratification. Previous research has emphasized the role of inflammatory markers in coronary artery disease (CAD), prompting investigations into simple and affordable biomarkers for risk assessment. Platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) have emerged as potential biomarkers for thrombotic activity in cardiac illnesses, offering simplicity, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness in risk assessment making them particularly valuable in resource-poor settings like India, where advanced diagnostic tools may be limited. Objective This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of PLR and NLR as predictors of high-risk HEART (history, ECG, age, risk factors, and troponin) scores in patients with NSTEMI and UA. Methods A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the Saveetha Medical College and Hospitals in Chennai, India, from March 2021 to September 2022. The study included 288 adults diagnosed with NSTEMI or UA, aged 18 years and above. The inclusion criteria comprised patients with confirmed diagnoses of NSTEMI or UA based on clinical symptoms, electrocardiographic findings, and cardiac biomarker elevation. The exclusion criteria encompassed patients with active infections, acute traumatic injuries, end-stage renal disease, malignant neoplasms, and ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). In addition to the HEART score, PLR, and NLR were computed to assess the prognosis of patients admitted to the Saveetha Medical College and Hospitals. Results The statistical analysis revealed significant correlations between PLR, NLR, and HEART score risk categories. The Pearson's correlation coefficient indicated strong associations between PLR/NLR values and HEART score risk groups, suggesting their potential as predictive markers for adverse clinical outcomes. Additionally, analysis of variance (ANOVA) demonstrated significant differences in PLR/NLR values across different HEART score risk categories, further highlighting their relevance in risk stratification. The effect sizes for these correlations were moderate to large, indicating clinically meaningful associations between PLR/NLR and cardiovascular risk. Conclusion In cases of NSTEMI and UA, PLR and NLR show potential as simple and inexpensive indicators of high-risk patients. By leveraging these inexpensive biomarkers, healthcare providers can enhance risk assessment and prognostication in patients presenting with ACS, facilitating timely interventions and tailored management strategies.
PubMed: 38947629
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61279 -
Cureus May 2024Gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopies are essential for detecting and treating various digestive tract problems. While typically safe, these treatments can entail the risk...
Gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopies are essential for detecting and treating various digestive tract problems. While typically safe, these treatments can entail the risk of severe adverse events (SAEs), especially in individuals with a low body mass index (BMI). The current study aimed to evaluate whether post-endoscopy SAEs are more common in patients with low BMI and find risk factors for serious adverse outcomes in Saudi Arabian patients from Khamis Mushait, Aseer region, Saudi Arabia. The data of 398 adult patients with abdominal endoscopies between April and November 2023 were analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups: low BMI (BMI ≤ 18.5) and control (18.5 ≤ BMI ≤ 30). They were matched for age, gender, comorbidities, endoscopy type, and other pertinent characteristics. Low-BMI patients (Group I, n = 108) were substantially younger and had lower levels of albumin and total protein than the control group (Group II, n = 209). Comorbidities varied between groups, with diabetes mellitus more prevalent in Group II and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) more commonplace in Group I. Treatment options also differed, with Group I receiving more biological treatments, steroids, and feeding tubes. Endoscopic procedures and indications were comparable among groups, with no significant variations in post-endoscopy complications. The endoscopy results varied from gastritis to colon malignancy, with no SAEs recorded in either group. Unlike earlier findings, this study found no higher incidence of SAEs in low-BMI individuals having abdominal endoscopy. This might be because of the restricted guidelines of different medical authorities, including clear informed consent that illustrates any risks, benefits, alternatives, sedation plan, and potential diagnostic or therapeutic interventions. Also, professional endoscopists and consultants who ensure adequate visualization of the GI mucosa, using mucosal cleansing and insufflation as necessary, should avoid any risk of abdominal hemorrhage. These findings highlight the significance of personalized risk assessment and pre-procedural optimization, including nutritional assistance, in this patient population. More prospective research with larger sample sizes is needed to validate these findings and create targeted techniques for improving outcomes in individuals with a low BMI having endoscopic operations.
PubMed: 38947624
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61276 -
Cureus May 2024Platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome (POS) is a rare condition characterized by dyspnea and oxygen desaturation that worsens in the upright position and improves when lying...
Platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome (POS) is a rare condition characterized by dyspnea and oxygen desaturation that worsens in the upright position and improves when lying down. We report the case of a 67-year-old male who presented with a 14-month history of dyspnea in the sitting/standing position. Despite treatment for suspected asthma, his symptoms persisted, and he was referred to our hospital for further evaluation. Physical examination and arterial blood gas analysis confirmed the presence of POS, with a significant decrease in PaO and SpO when moving from a supine to an upright position. Contrast-enhanced CT showed no obvious embolism nor arteriovenous fistula, and ventilation-perfusion scintigraphy demonstrated ventilation-perfusion mismatch with a right-to-left shunt fraction of 9.4%, without any focal defect. Transthoracic echocardiography with a microbubble test demonstrated a right-to-left shunt that increased in the upright position. Transesophageal echocardiography revealed an atrial septal defect (ASD) with an atrial septal aneurysm and the presence of an inferior vena cava valve, causing a bidirectional shunt. The patient was diagnosed with POS secondary to ASD and was referred for percutaneous closure of the defect. Following the procedure, the shunt resolved, and the patient's orthostatic oxygen desaturation improved. This case highlights the importance of considering POS in patients with positional dyspnea and the value of performing diagnostic tests, such as echocardiography, in different positions to identify the underlying cause. Early recognition and appropriate management of POS can significantly improve patients' quality of life and prevent complications associated with chronic hypoxemia.
PubMed: 38947622
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61260 -
Cureus May 2024Pheochromocytoma, a rare but potentially serious condition, poses challenges in timely identification, especially during pregnancy due to misconceptions about...
Pheochromocytoma, a rare but potentially serious condition, poses challenges in timely identification, especially during pregnancy due to misconceptions about pregnancy-related hypertension causes. However, paroxysmal symptoms heighten diagnostic suspicion. The diagnosis relies on biochemical confirmation of catecholamine hypersecretion followed by imaging for tumor localization. When diagnosed at or after 24 weeks, alpha-adrenoceptor blockers are recommended during pregnancy to manage catecholamine excess, delaying tumor removal until viability or post-delivery. The rarity of this condition during pregnancy, coupled with diagnostic and management challenges, underscores its importance for obstetric professionals in addressing hypertensive control, delivery timing, and surgical intervention.
PubMed: 38947606
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61286 -
Cureus May 2024Infective endocarditis (IE) is a severe infection of the endocardium, frequently involving heart valves, and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. At... (Review)
Review
Infective endocarditis (IE) is a severe infection of the endocardium, frequently involving heart valves, and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. At the same time, traditional complications of IE, such as valvular dysfunction and embolic events, are well-documented, and uncommon cardiac manifestations, such as chorda tendinea rupture and pulmonary valve vegetation, present unique diagnostic and management challenges. This comprehensive review explores the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic strategies, and management approaches for IE's chorda tendinea rupture and pulmonary valve vegetation. Through a detailed examination of the literature and discussion of clinical scenarios, we highlight the importance of recognizing these rare complications and discuss the implications for clinical practice. Additionally, we identify knowledge gaps and propose areas for future research to enhance further our understanding and management of these unusual cardiac complications in IE. This review aims to provide clinicians with valuable insights to improve patient care and outcomes in the challenging setting of infective endocarditis.
PubMed: 38947598
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61401 -
Cureus May 2024Background Dentigerous cysts (DC) form due to fluid accumulation between the crown of the tooth and the reduced enamel epithelium. Due to the diverse clinical...
Background Dentigerous cysts (DC) form due to fluid accumulation between the crown of the tooth and the reduced enamel epithelium. Due to the diverse clinical characteristics, such as ambiguity concerning their biological origins and the significance of timely diagnosis and detection of these lesions, researchers are presently motivated to undertake further investigations. The aim of the present study was to assess the amount of serum alpha-tocopherol in patients with DC and compare it with that of normal, healthy individuals. Methods A total sample size of n=34 was included in the current study. Group A, designated as the control group, comprised 17 randomly selected healthy subjects, while Group B, the DC diagnostic group, consisted of 17 patients. Blood samples were collected, and the concentration of vitamin E or alpha-tocopherol was evaluated and expressed in mg/mL. Results Compared to the mean vitamin E level in healthy controls (12.08 ± 1.92 mg/mL), patients with DC showed a statistically significant (p<0.0001) reduction in mean vitamin E levels (5.29 ± 1.01 mg/mL). Conclusion Patients with DC have lower levels of vitamin E than healthy individuals. The reduced concentration of vitamin E can have a role in the extension of cystic volume and thus have an impact on the aggressiveness of pathologic lesions. The therapeutic benefits of vitamin E supplementation in reducing the aggressiveness of DC should be evaluated in future research.
PubMed: 38947582
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61359 -
Cureus May 2024Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cause of malignant tumor-related deaths among women in developing nations. Cervical cancer has been estimated to cause 527.600...
Feasibility and Diagnostic Accuracy of Ultrastaging in the Detection of Micrometastases in Sentinel and Non-sentinel Lymph Nodes in Cervical Cancer: A Single-Center Retrospective Study With a Five-Year Follow-Up Period.
BACKGROUND
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cause of malignant tumor-related deaths among women in developing nations. Cervical cancer has been estimated to cause 527.600 new cases and 265.700 deaths globally per year.
OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to evaluate patients with cervical cancer by ultrastaging all the lymph nodes (LN), sentinel LN (SLN) and non-SLN, to increase the sensitivity of the detection of LN metastases and the diagnostic accuracy in cervical cancer with a five-year follow-up.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This is a retrospective study of 14 cervical cancer cases from 2017 to 2019 at the Municipal Emergency Clinical Hospital of Timisoara, Romania. The cases were selected based on their high risk of LN involvement but negative intraoperative pathologic LN. After re-evaluating all paraffin block biopsy samples from 29 cases, 14 cases were included in the study, which met all criteria for ultrastaging on surgical biopsy samples.
RESULTS
Patients' ages included in the study ranged from 43 to 70 years (median: 57.14 years). According to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging, the majority of the patients were in stage IB: seven cases (50%). The study revealed a positive correlation between patient age and FIGO staging, with Pearson's correlation coefficient of 0.707 and a p-value of less than 0.05, indicating that older patients were more likely to be diagnosed with a higher FIGO stage. The mean follow-up was 34.5 months, and the median follow-up was 36 months (range: 6-60 months). We obtained 167 nodes, with a mean of 11.92 nodes/case. Twenty-one LN were found to be positive with the ultrastaging method. We detected 11 LN with macrometastases (MAC) (52.38%), seven with micrometastasis (MIC) (33.3%), and three with tumor cell islets (14.4%). That would be 13% of newly diagnosed ultrastaging cases as positive nodes. This ultrastaging method detected nodal MIC in eight (57.1%) out of the 14 patients, who initially tested negative for LN involvement using the routine Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE) method. The detection of micrometastases in these patients underscored the superior sensitivity of ultrastaging, which was further highlighted by the subsequent relapse of four (28.57%) out of these eight patients. The study also found no correlation between the FIGO standardization and the number of MIC found in these patients.
CONCLUSIONS
Predicting cervical LN metastasis (LNM) is crucial for improving survival rates and reducing recurrence. Very few small cohort studies used an ultrastaging method to assess non-SLNs; most of them only assessed SLNs. We showed in our study that the ultrastaging method, both in the case of SLN and non-SLN, is superior compared with H&E analysis, with a 13% rate of new positive nodule diagnosis. Metastatic involvement of non-SLN was found in over 50% of all cases (8/14) according to the ultrastaging method. Additionally, our study confirms that the sensitivity of SLN ultrastaging is high for the presence of both MIC and MAC in SLN pelvic LN. As a result, we feel that ultrastaging is the most effective method for SLN analysis in patients with early-stage cervical cancer, and bilateral detection is preferable, significantly reducing false-negative results. The routine use of SLN along with ultrastaging would lead to more accurate surgical staging and better oncological follow-up of cases.
PubMed: 38947581
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61336