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Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Jun 2024An 8-month-old intact male domestic shorthair cat was referred to the Emergency Service of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) of the Department of Veterinary Science...
An 8-month-old intact male domestic shorthair cat was referred to the Emergency Service of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) of the Department of Veterinary Science of the University of Parma (Italy) from the Parma municipal multi-cat shelter, during the winter season (January 2023), for lethargy, anorexia, hypothermia, and hypoglycemia. At the VTH, upon cardiologic examination, an increase in heart rate, under normal blood pressure conditions, was detected. Signalment, clinical history, basal metabolic panel (BMP), ultrasound investigations, and cytological findings were all consistent with a diagnosis of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). FIP was confirmed in the effusive abdominal fluid by a molecular genetic test (real-time PCR for feline coronavirus RNA). The molecular genetic investigation also detected an FCoV gene single-nucleotide mutation: biotype M1058L. At necropsy, an effusive collection was recorded in the abdomen, thoracic cavity, and pericardium sac. White parenchymal nodules, of about 1 mm diameter, were found on the surface and deep in the lungs, liver, kidneys, and heart. Histopathology revealed the typical FIP pyogranulomatous vasculitis and IHC confirmed the presence of the FIP virus (FIPV) antigen. The most relevant histopathological finding was the myocarditis/myocardial necrosis associated with the presence of the gene-mutated FCoV (M1058L biotype). This is the first case of myocarditis in a cat positive for the FCoV/FIP M1058L biotype. Further studies are necessary to support the mutated FCoV M1058L biotype, as an uncommon, but possible, causative pathogen of myocarditis in FCoV/FIP-positive cats. Studies including several FCoV/FIP M1058L-positive cases could allow us to make a correlation with heart gross pathology, histopathology, and immunolocalization of the FCoV/FIP M1058L biotype in the myocardium. The investigation will potentially allow us to determine the effective tropism of the FCoV/FIP M1058L biotype for myocardiocytes or whether myocardiocyte lesions are evident in the presence of concomitant causes related to the patient, its poor condition, or external environmental distress such as cold season, and whether the aforementioned concomitant events are correlated.
PubMed: 38891720
DOI: 10.3390/ani14111673 -
Aging Jun 2024Microbial infection-induced sepsis causes excessive inflammatory response and multiple organ failure. An effective strategy for the treatment of sepsis-related syndromes...
Microbial infection-induced sepsis causes excessive inflammatory response and multiple organ failure. An effective strategy for the treatment of sepsis-related syndromes is still needed. Rosuvastatin, a typical β-hydroxy β-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitor licensed for reducing the levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in patients with hyperlipidemia, has displayed anti-inflammatory capacity in different types of organs and tissues. However, its effects on the development of sepsis are less reported. Here, we found that the administration of Rosuvastatin reduced the mortality of sepsis mice and prevented body temperature loss. Additionally, it inhibited the production of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in peritoneal lavage supernatants of animals. The increased number of mononuclear cells in the peritoneum of sepsis mice was reduced by Rosuvastatin. Interestingly, it ameliorated lung inflammation and improved the hepatic and renal function in the sepsis animals. Further experiments show that Rosuvastatin inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of proinflammatory cytokines in RAW 264.7 macrophages by preventing the activation of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB). Our findings demonstrate that the administration of Rosuvastatin hampered organ dysfunction and mitigated inflammation in a relevant model of sepsis.
PubMed: 38885061
DOI: 10.18632/aging.205937 -
Cureus May 2024The torsion of a dilated sigmoid colon around its own mesenteric axis is the cause of sigmoid volvulus, which frequently results in constipation and intestinal...
The torsion of a dilated sigmoid colon around its own mesenteric axis is the cause of sigmoid volvulus, which frequently results in constipation and intestinal obstruction. The clinical presentation of sigmoid volvulus can be observed as nausea, constipation, abdominal distension, and abdominal pain. It is also reported to be insidious. Additionally, it causes blood obstruction, resulting in necrosis, bowel ischemia, and even intestinal perforation if not addressed on time. Physical symptoms might vary depending on the course of the disease but are usually observed as the classical trio of abdominal distension, abdominal pain, and constipation. Computed tomography imaging presents the sign of an inverted U, or classic coffee bean, aiding in the diagnosis of the sigmoid volvulus. A 38-year-old male was admitted to the emergency department of our tertiary care center with significant complaints of obstipation and abdominal pain. The medical history and physical examination revealed peritoneal symptoms, which warranted a prompt radiological imaging diagnosis. The patient was subjected to computed tomography, which was suggestive of sigmoid volvulus. The patient underwent an emergency laparotomy and sigmoidectomy, which were uneventful with no postoperative complications.
PubMed: 38883052
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60508 -
International Journal of Reproductive... Mar 2023Endometriosis is a chronic estrogen-related inflammatory disorder that is known by proliferating endometrial cells in a place outside the uterus. The high presence of...
Human V 7.2-J 33 mucosal-associated invariant T cells in endometrial ectopic tissues tend to produce interferon-gamma: A new player in endometriosis etiology: A case-control study.
BACKGROUND
Endometriosis is a chronic estrogen-related inflammatory disorder that is known by proliferating endometrial cells in a place outside the uterus. The high presence of immune cells in the peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis confirms the involvement of the immune system in the pathogenesis of the disease. Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells play an undeniable impact on mucosal immunity by the production of interleukin-17, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. The function of the cells in the pathogenesis of endometriosis is less investigated.
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to investigate the infiltration of MAIT cells by using the determination levels of gene expression in eutopic and ectopic tissue of endometriosis lesions.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In this case-control study, the tested samples include 20 eutopic and 20 ectopic tissues of women with endometriosis and 20 uterine endometrial tissues of women in the control group. Expressions of the tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-17A, and -γ genes were analyzed by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction.
RESULTS
According to the results, gene expression did not show substantial elevation in the uterine and eutopic endometrial tissues compared to internal gene control as well as in ectopic tissues. Correlation analysis approved a positive relationship between expression genes and -γ levels in ectopic tissues.
CONCLUSION
Considering the low-expression specific gene of MAIT cells in ectopic tissue, it can be concluded that these cells are present in the endometriotic environment to a certain extent, and there is a possibility of their role in the progression of endometriosis by secreting IFN- .
PubMed: 38868448
DOI: 10.18502/ijrm.v22i3.16168 -
Cureus May 2024The most prevalent congenital gastrointestinal tract abnormality is Meckel's diverticulum. It is discovered in most instances incidentally. It can be observed as...
The most prevalent congenital gastrointestinal tract abnormality is Meckel's diverticulum. It is discovered in most instances incidentally. It can be observed as painless bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. However, it can occasionally result in acute intestinal obstruction, which frequently masks the actual clinical presentation. This is a case of a four-and-a-half-year-old male child who presented with features of obstruction, which, on further evaluation, revealed ileoileal intussusception. An emergency surgical intervention was planned with an exploratory laparotomy and a reduction of intussusception. This case emphasizes the urgency of diagnosing and managing intussusception to prevent serious consequences such as bowel ischemia, bowel necrosis, bowel perforation, peritonitis, and sepsis. It stands as a stark reminder for medical professionals to stay vigilant for these critical gastrointestinal emergencies, and immediate treatment with a multidisciplinary approach is recommended to significantly enhance patient outcomes.
PubMed: 38860094
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60073 -
Annals of Medicine and Surgery (2012) Jun 2024The presentation of a strangulated obturator hernia is rare, with it accounting for less than 0.04% of all hernias. Delay in presentation and diagnosis results in...
INTRODUCTION
The presentation of a strangulated obturator hernia is rare, with it accounting for less than 0.04% of all hernias. Delay in presentation and diagnosis results in complications like bowel ischemia, necrosis, perforation, and peritonitis, thereby increasing morbidity and mortality.
CASE PRESENTATION
The authors report the case of an 85-year-old multiparous woman who presented with a 3-day history of abdominal pain and vomiting. Upon examination, she exhibited hypotension, altered sensorium, and a distended abdomen with visible peristalsis. An abdominal pelvic computed tomography scan confirmed the diagnosis of 'intestinal obstruction secondary to an incarcerated obturator hernia'. Subsequently, a lower midline laparotomy was performed, successfully reducing the bowel and repairing the hernial orifice. The patient was discharged on the fourth postoperative day, and there has been no hernia recurrence as of her 3-month follow-up.
DISCUSSION
The presentation of a strangulated obturator hernia can be elusive. During clinical examination, both the Howship-Romberg sign and the Hannington-Kiffs sign tests may be negative. Laparoscopic obturator hernia repair has been shown to reduce hospital stay and morbidity. A midline laparotomy has the advantage of easy manual reduction, minimizing bowel trauma, accurately accessing the bowel, and facilitating bowel resection.
CONCLUSION
Obturator hernias constitute rare subtypes of abdominal hernias. They typically occur in older women, and patients often present with poor functional status and multiple comorbidities. The clinical diagnostic tests are uncertain, even in patients with a high index of suspicion. Timely diagnosis and appropriate surgical management are crucial for a favorable outcome.
PubMed: 38846839
DOI: 10.1097/MS9.0000000000002073 -
CEN Case Reports Jun 2024Peritoneal dialysis (PD)-associated peritonitis is a common complication of PD. Enteric peritonitis is defined as peritonitis arising from an intestinal or...
Peritoneal dialysis (PD)-associated peritonitis is a common complication of PD. Enteric peritonitis is defined as peritonitis arising from an intestinal or intra-abdominal organ source. The delay in the diagnosis or treatment of enteric peritonitis has been reported to increase mortality. Therefore, the early consideration of enteric peritonitis, particularly in cases of culture-negative peritonitis, is imperative. A 67-year-old Japanese man who had been undergoing PD for 3 years, was admitted to our hospital with a diagnosis of PD-associated peritonitis. A month previously, he experienced a bleeding gastric ulcer, which led to severe anemia (hemoglobin 6.3 mg/dL), followed by thrombocytosis. On admission, peritoneal fluid analysis showed a high white blood cell count (WBC: 8,570 /µL), with neutrophils predominating (74.5%). Cultures of both his dialysis effluent and blood were negative. After admission, the WBC count of the dialysis effluent gradually decreased alongside antibiotic therapy, but the patient's abdominal pain did not improve. After 4 days, enhanced computed tomography showed superior mesenteric artery (SMA) thrombosis and intestinal necrosis. Therefore, emergency intestinal resection and PD catheter removal were performed, and then antithrombosis therapy was initiated. Because the patient's abdominal pain was improved and platelet count and D-dimer concentration were reduced by these treatments, he was discharged from the hospital after 47 days. Thus, we report a rare case of culture-negative PD-associated peritonitis, which was caused by SMA thrombosis and intestinal necrosis. It is likely that combination of severe calcification of SMA and prolonged thrombocytosis secondary to the severe anemia contributed to the thrombosis.
PubMed: 38825653
DOI: 10.1007/s13730-024-00894-y -
Clinical Case Reports Jun 2024Among the multitude of causes for acute abdomen patients presenting with free intraperitoneal air, one almost never finds infected pancreatic necrosis as one of the...
KEY CLINICAL MESSAGE
Among the multitude of causes for acute abdomen patients presenting with free intraperitoneal air, one almost never finds infected pancreatic necrosis as one of the culprits. In patients with risk factors for acute pancreatitis presenting with generalized peritonitis with free intraperitoneal air, consideration should be given to this often deadly entity.
ABSTRACT
Acute pancreatitis is a morbid acute abdominal pathology that has been increasing in incidence in recent years. Most patients have a mild disease and treated medically, while a few proportion require interventional procedures. We present the case of a 39-year-old male patient who presented with progressive abdominal pain, vomiting, and yellowish discoloration of the eyes. The abdominal condition progressed to the point where clinical signs became consistent with generalized peritonitis and an x-ray finding of free intraperitoneal air. The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy with intraoperative findings of intraperitoneal rupture of infected pancreatic necrosis with intraperitoneal purulent collection. He was managed with necrosectomy and discharged improved after intensive care and general ward stay.
PubMed: 38803324
DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.8958 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2024Sepsis remains a major source of morbidity and mortality in neonates, and characterization of immune regulation in the neonatal septic response remains limited. HVEM is...
INTRODUCTION
Sepsis remains a major source of morbidity and mortality in neonates, and characterization of immune regulation in the neonatal septic response remains limited. HVEM is a checkpoint regulator which can both stimulate or inhibit immune responses and demonstrates altered expression after sepsis. We hypothesized that signaling via HVEM would be essential for the neonatal response to sepsis, and that therefore blockade of this pathway would improve survival to septic challenge.
METHODS
To explore this, neonatal mice were treated with cecal slurry (CS), CS with Anti-HVEM antibody (CS-Ab) or CS with isotype (CS-IT) and followed for 7-day survival. Mice from all treatment groups had thymus, lung, kidney and peritoneal fluid harvested, weighed, and stained for histologic evaluation, and changes in cardiac function were assessed with echocardiography.
RESULTS
Mortality was significantly higher for CS-Ab mice (72.2%) than for CS-IT mice (22.2%). CS resulted in dysregulated alveolar remodeling, but CS-Ab lungs demonstrated significantly less dysfunctional alveolar remodeling than CS alone (MCL 121.0 CS vs. 87.6 CS-Ab), as well as increased renal tubular vacuolization. No morphologic differences in alveolar septation or thymic karyorrhexis were found between CS-Ab and CS-IT. CS-Ab pups exhibited a marked decrease in heart rate (390.3 Sh vs. 342.1 CS-Ab), stroke volume (13.08 CS-IT vs. 8.83 CS-Ab) and ultimately cardiac output (4.90 Sh vs. 3.02 CS-Ab) as well as a significant increase in ejection fraction (73.74 Sh vs. 83.75 CS-Ab) and cardiac strain (40.74 Sh vs. 51.16 CS-Ab) as compared to CS-IT or Sham animals.
DISCUSSION
While receptor ligation of aspects of HVEM signaling, via antibody blockade, appears to mitigate aspects of lung injury and thymic involution, stimulatory signaling via HVEM still seems to be necessary for vascular and hemodynamic resilience and overall neonatal mouse survival in response to this experimental polymicrobial septic insult. This dissonance in the activity of anti-HVEM neutralizing antibody in neonatal animals speaks to the differences in how septic cardiac dysfunction should be considered and approached in the neonatal population.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Animals, Newborn; Signal Transduction; Neonatal Sepsis; Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Member 14; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Heart Diseases; Lung; Sepsis
PubMed: 38774873
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1365174 -
SAGE Open Medical Case Reports 2024The falciform ligament, a peritoneal fold that anatomically separates the right and left lobes of the liver, may infrequently be a cause of patients' complaints. In very...
The falciform ligament, a peritoneal fold that anatomically separates the right and left lobes of the liver, may infrequently be a cause of patients' complaints. In very rare instances, fatty appendages of the falciform ligament may undergo torsion, resulting in fat infarction. Despite its rarity, falciform ligament pathologies often mimic common abdominal issues, leading to misdiagnosis. Herein, we report a case of inflammation and necrosis of the falciform ligament in a 72-year-old female. The patient presented with abdominal pain, a positive Murphy's sign, and elevated inflammatory markers. Imaging, including a computed tomography (CT) scan, was pivotal in confirming the diagnosis of falciform ligament necrosis. Contrary to the proposed surgical approach (resection of the falciform ligament) in some reported cases, conservative management (including analgesia, hydration, and antibiotics) proved successful in this case. This report emphasizes the importance of considering falciform ligament torsion in upper abdominal pain differential diagnoses and highlights the key role of imaging for accurate diagnosis.
PubMed: 38756333
DOI: 10.1177/2050313X241252738