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Dermatopathology (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Primary cutaneous lymphomas (PCLs), especially mycosis fungoides (MF), pose significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. This study aims to correlate initial...
Primary cutaneous lymphomas (PCLs), especially mycosis fungoides (MF), pose significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. This study aims to correlate initial histological features with the disease course and survival in MF patients. A retrospective-prospective cohort study was conducted on 83 patients diagnosed with early-stage MF at the Departments of Dermatovenerology and Pathology, UHC Zagreb, from January 2003 to December 2012. The analyzed histopathological parameters included lichenoid dermal lymphocyte infiltrate, Pautrier microabscesses, and lymphocyte atypia. Patients with more than 30 guardian lymphocytes per 100 keratinocytes exhibited worse overall and progression-free survival. Furthermore, those with over 50% atypical lymphocytes demonstrated a faster progression rate. A dense lichenoid dermal infiltrate and a high count of lymphocyte "keepers" significantly increased the mortality risk within five years of diagnosis. This study did not fully confirm the hypothesis regarding the prognostic value of large Pautrier microabscesses but highlighted the importance of dense lichenoid infiltrates. The study identified new potential histopathological prognostic factors in early-stage MF, suggesting the need for larger studies to confirm these findings. The identification of such predictors could enhance the prognostic stratification and guide more tailored therapeutic approaches for MF patients.
PubMed: 38921054
DOI: 10.3390/dermatopathology11020017 -
BMC Infectious Diseases Jun 2024Nocardia is an ubiquitous soil organism. As an opportunistic pathogen, inhalation and skin inoculation are the most common routes of infection. Lungs and skin are the... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Nocardia is an ubiquitous soil organism. As an opportunistic pathogen, inhalation and skin inoculation are the most common routes of infection. Lungs and skin are the most frequent sites of nocardiosis. Testis is a highly unusual location for nocardiosis.
CASE PRESENTATION
We report the case of an immunocompromised 75-year-old-man admitted for fever of unknown origin. He presented with skin lesions after gardening and was first suspected of Mediterranean spotted fever, but he did not respond to doxycycline. Then, physical examination revealed new left scrotal swelling that was compatible with a diagnosis of epididymo-orchitis. The patient's condition did not improve despite empirical antibiotic treatment with the onset of necrotic scrotal abscesses requiring surgery. Nocardia brasiliensis yielded from the removed testis culture. High-dose trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and ceftriaxone were started. Multiple micro-abscesses were found in the brain and spinal cord on imaging studies. After 6 weeks of dual antibiotic therapy for disseminated nocardiosis, slight regression of the brain abscesses was observed. The patient was discharged after a 6-month course of antibiotics and remained relapse-free at that time of writing these lines. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole alone is meant to be pursued for 6 months thereafter. We undertook a literature review on previously reported cases of genitourinary and urological nocardiosis; to date, only 36 cases have been published with predominately involvement of kidney, prostate and testis.
CONCLUSIONS
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of Nocardia brasiliensis simultaneously infecting skin, testis, brain and spinal cord in an immunocompromised patient. Knowledge on uncommon forms of nocardiosis remains scarce. This case report highlights the difficulty of diagnosing atypical nocardiosis and the importance of prompt bacteriological sampling in case of empirical antibiotics failure.
Topics: Humans; Male; Nocardia Infections; Aged; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Nocardia; Fever of Unknown Origin; Immunocompromised Host; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination; Testis; Orchitis
PubMed: 38907186
DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09521-8 -
Journal of Inflammation Research 2024Periductal mastitis (PDM) is a chronic inflammatory lesion of the breast with an unknown etiology, and it is difficult for clinicians to differentiate it from...
PURPOSE
Periductal mastitis (PDM) is a chronic inflammatory lesion of the breast with an unknown etiology, and it is difficult for clinicians to differentiate it from granulomatous lobular mastitis (GLM), although they have different treatment strategies and prognosis. This study aimed to investigate the differences in their clinicopathologic features to inform treatment strategies.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Between 2011 and 2020, 121 patients diagnosed with PDM and 57 patients with GLM were retrospective analysis. Patient data were extracted on demographics, clinical presentation, pathologic characteristics, treatments and clinical response. Histopathological evaluations were performed on core needle biopsy specimens. Immunohistochemical stains using antibodies against CD3, CD4, CD8, CD20, and CD138 was performed to define immune cell infiltration.
RESULTS
PDM patients had a higher median age compared to GLM patients (38 vs 32, p<0.001). PDM was primarily located in the areolar area, while GLM predominantly affected the peripheral quadrant of the breast (56.20% vs 75.44%, p<0.001). Histopathologically, more ductal dilatation (90.08% vs 3.51%, p<0.001), ductal wall thickening (47.93% vs 1.75%, p<0.001), and ductal rupture (44.63% vs 5.26%, p<0.001) were observed in PDM. GLM presented with significantly more granuloma (94.74% vs 10.74%, p<0.001), microabscess (68.42% vs 28.93%, p<0.001), and lipid vacuole (40.35% vs 8.26%, p<0.001) formation than PDM. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a significant presence of CD20+ B lymphocytes in PDM and a higher prevalence of CD8+ T lymphocytes in GLM, indicating differing immune responses. Treatment outcomes varied, with PDM patients responding well to surgery and anti-mycobacterial therapy, while GLM patients showed favorable responses to steroid therapy.
CONCLUSION
PDM is a specific entity with a similar clinical presentation but distinct histopathological features and immune profiles to GLM. Further research is needed to elucidate the pathogenesis and optimize therapeutic approaches for these breast inflammatory conditions.
PubMed: 38895142
DOI: 10.2147/JIR.S464585 -
Cureus Apr 2024Chronic intestinal schistosomiasis (CIS) refers to the long-term effects of infection with Schistosoma parasites in the intestines. This condition typically develops...
Chronic intestinal schistosomiasis (CIS) refers to the long-term effects of infection with Schistosoma parasites in the intestines. This condition typically develops after repeated or prolonged exposure to contaminated freshwater containing Schistosoma eggs. The current study reports a case of an adult male, who complained of abnormal abdominal and anal pain for a month and had a medical history of complex perianal fistulae. The endoscopic investigation revealed different degrees of hyperemia, concentrated in the sigmoid colon and rectum. Lesions were localized in the rectum and sigmoid colon. Yellow granular hyperplasia, whether concentrated or dispersed, single or multiple polyps, along with observations of mucosal congestion, edema, faint vascular striations, erosions, superficial ulcers, and scattered petechial hemorrhages were noted. Also, the segmented areas of the colon had different degrees of inflammation. The microscopic histopathological analysis showed a culprit of surgical scar tissue. The granulomas harbored Schistosome parasites at the submucosal depth. Also, an erosion in the colonic mucosal tissues accompanied by lymphoplasmacytic and micro-abscess infiltrates was seen. A Schistosoma bilharzial ova was observed in the granuloma at the submucosal level. Endoscopic and histopathological investigations are useful tools to differentiate between CIS and Crohn's disease. These tools can distinguish CIS from Crohn's disease. Early detection and treatment are essential to prevent the progression of the disease and minimize long-term complications.
PubMed: 38770490
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58614 -
Clinical Case Reports May 2024Hepatic micro-abscesses can be a rare initial presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This case highlights the importance of considering autoimmune...
KEY CLINICAL MESSAGE
Hepatic micro-abscesses can be a rare initial presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This case highlights the importance of considering autoimmune etiologies when infectious causes are ruled out and emphasizes the need for early recognition and appropriate treatment of atypical hepatic manifestations in SLE to achieve favorable outcomes.
ABSTRACT
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that affects multiple organs, including the liver. While hepatic involvement in SLE is typically subclinical or associated with mild liver enzyme elevations, rare manifestations such as hepatic micro-abscesses and hepatic vasculitis have been reported. We report the case of a 27-year-old female who presented with persistent high-grade fever, bilateral exudative lymphocytic pleural effusion, hepatic micro-abscesses, anemia, and lymphopenia. Despite extensive investigations and antibiotic therapy, the patient's condition continued to worsen. The diagnosis of hepatic vasculitis, a rare manifestation of SLE, was ultimately made based on clinical suspicion, positive autoimmune markers, and negative septic workup. The patient responded well to high-dose corticosteroid therapy and intravenous immunoglobulin, with resolution of liver lesions and clinical improvement. Hepatic involvement in SLE is diverse, and atypical presentations can pose diagnostic challenges. Hepatic vasculitis, although rare, should be considered in SLE patients presenting with liver lesions. The management involves immunosuppressive therapy, and prompt diagnosis is crucial to prevent further vascular damage. Hepatic micro-abscesses, another rare manifestation of SLE, are thought to result from immune complex deposition. The exact pathogenesis remains unclear. Hepatic micro-abscesses can have both infectious and non-infectious causes, and it is very important to rule out common microbial pathogens. Treatment focuses on managing the underlying SLE activity with immunosuppressive agents. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges and management considerations in atypical hepatic manifestations of SLE. Awareness of rare presentations and collaboration among multiple specialties are essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
PubMed: 38681037
DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.8586 -
Microorganisms Mar 2024Systemic infection, also known as cat-scratch disease (CSD), presents a diagnostic challenge due to the variability of clinical manifestations and the potential for...
Systemic infection, also known as cat-scratch disease (CSD), presents a diagnostic challenge due to the variability of clinical manifestations and the potential for serological cross-reactivity with other organisms. This study aimed to retrospectively analyze the epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, and imaging characteristics of pediatric patients diagnosed with systemic infection, to improve understanding and facilitate timely diagnosis and treatment. We conducted a 10-year retrospective study at the "Louis Turcanu" Children's Emergency Hospital and private clinics in Timisoara, Romania, reviewing records for confirmed cases of infection from January 2014 to January 2024. The study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki and received approval from the Institutional Review Board. Diagnostic criteria included contact with animals, prolonged fever, hematological and/or hepatosplenic manifestations, and positive serological tests for . Nineteen pediatric patients were identified with a median age of 8.1 years. The majority were exposed to felines (94.7%), reflecting the disease's epidemiological profile. Clinical findings highlighted fever (47.4%), lymphadenopathy (78.9%), and less frequently, abdominal pain and headache (both 10.5%). Laboratory analyses revealed a mean hemoglobin of 12.6 mg/dL, WBC count of 13.1 × 10 cells/microliter, and platelet count of 340.6 × 10 per microliter. Significant findings included elevation in ESR and CRP in 47.4% and 21.1% of patients, respectively, and high seropositivity rates for IgM (63.2%) and IgG (94.7%). Imaging studies demonstrated widespread lymphadenopathy and occasional splenomegaly and hepatic microabscesses. All patients received antibiotic therapy, with azithromycin being the most commonly used (94.7%). Co-infections with Epstein-Barr Virus, Cytomegalovirus, and were documented, indicating the complex infectious status of the patients. Systemic infection in children predominantly manifests with fever and lymphadenopathy, with a significant history of exposure to felines. Laboratory and imaging findings support the diagnosis, which is further complicated by potential co-infections. Effective antibiotic therapy, primarily with azithromycin, underscores the need for comprehensive diagnostic and treatment strategies. This study emphasizes the importance of considering systemic infection in pediatric patients with prolonged fever and contact with cats, to ensure timely and appropriate treatment.
PubMed: 38674610
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12040666 -
Cureus Nov 2023Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is characterized by an elevation in serum calcium levels, sometimes leading to aggravated clinical conditions, namely nephrolithiasis,...
Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is characterized by an elevation in serum calcium levels, sometimes leading to aggravated clinical conditions, namely nephrolithiasis, nephrocalcinosis, and/or fractures. A 55-year-old patient was admitted to the hospital with acute obstructive pyelonephritis in March 2021, having another episode one year later. Initial blood and urine analysis detected inflammatory markers, namely C-reactive protein, and the presence of leucocytes and blood in the urine. The renal computed tomography scan exhibited renal asymmetry, nephrocalcinosis, and multiple kidney stones. The patient was scheduled for a follow-up one year later to perform blood and urine analysis to uncover the cause of nephrocalcinosis, displaying high serum calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. The thyroid ultrasound revealed a parathyroid adenoma, which was removed through a right lower parathyroidectomy, improving the symptoms. The clinical condition described here is an atypical manifestation of this disease because PHPT is normally asymptomatic. In the present case study, nephrocalcinosis and nephrolithiasis were strong indicators of the underlying disease. However, the delay in the follow-up consultation resulted in complications for the patient, such as microabscesses in the kidneys, which could lead to reduced renal function in the future. Early detection of key aspects of the disease could avoid further complications and suffering for the patient. For example, the family physician's follow-up of the patient's condition could surpass the waiting time between consultations with different specialties, and promote early treatment.
PubMed: 38146580
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.49383 -
World Journal of Clinical Oncology Oct 2023Primary benign splenic tumours are unique and account for < 0.007% of all tumours identified during surgery and autopsy. Splenic lymphangiomas are rarely seen in adults....
BACKGROUND
Primary benign splenic tumours are unique and account for < 0.007% of all tumours identified during surgery and autopsy. Splenic lymphangiomas are rarely seen in adults. Splenic lymphangiomas may be asymptomatic, or may present with upper left abdominal pain, splenomegaly, hypersplenism, or splenic rupture with haemorrhagic shock. The clinical and radiological features of these lesions are not specific. This case report serves to remind the clinician to consider the rare but important differential diagnosis of splenic lymphangioma while treating splenic lesions.
CASE SUMMARY
We report a case of splenic lymphangioma in a 22-year-old woman who presented with left upper quadrant abdominal pain for three months. Initial investigations were unremarkable; however, computed tomography later revealed multiple splenic micro-abscesses. The patient underwent laparoscopic splenectomy, and histopathological examination revealed splenic lymphangioma. The patient was discharged on postoperative day three. One month after surgery, the abdominal pain resolved completely, with no new complaints. Splenic lymphangiomas present clinically as splenomegaly or left upper quadrant abdominal pain; prompt intervention is necessary for avoiding complications.
CONCLUSION
This case report concludes that splenic lymphangiomas should be considered in the differential diagnosis of splenomegaly or left upper quadrant pain, even in adults, because they are amenable to curative treatment. Delays in surgical intervention may lead to severe complications, such as infection, rupture, and hemorrhage. Such lesions can be safely managed with laparoscopy, involving less postoperative pain and early patient discharge with excellent cosmetic outcomes.
PubMed: 37970112
DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v14.i10.440 -
Annals of Medicine and Surgery (2012) Nov 2023Chronic eosinophilic pneumonia (CEP) is an idiopathic condition characterized by unusually high eosinophil infiltration in the lungs' interstitium and alveolar spaces....
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE
Chronic eosinophilic pneumonia (CEP) is an idiopathic condition characterized by unusually high eosinophil infiltration in the lungs' interstitium and alveolar spaces. It is extremely rare, accounting for fewer than 3% of all interstitial lung diseases. CEP is frequently misdiagnosed as lung cancer, which can have catastrophic consequences for sufferers. When assessing patients with lung disease, doctors should be aware of CEP's symptoms and take its prognosis into account because it is a curable disorder.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 40-year-old female presented in the outpatient department of gynecology with a history of abnormal vaginal bleeding for 3 months and mild shortness of breath without any other significant medical history or being under any medications. Physical examination findings were not significant.
CLINICAL DISCUSSION
Ultrasound revealed adenomyosis and a hysterectomy was planned. Chest radiograph revealed lung mass and computed tomography scan showed a well-defined mass with a pleural-based nodule. Histopathology revealed interstitial fibrosis and eosinophilic microabscesses. CEP was diagnosed and oral prednisolone was started with a 0.5 mg/kg/day dose. Chest radiographic abnormalities resolved after one month of treatment. Currently, she is asymptomatic.
CONCLUSION
Early recognition and diagnosis of lung masses are essential for prompt treatment with corticosteroids. CEP can mimic lung malignancy and should be considered in patients with related symptoms.
PubMed: 37915693
DOI: 10.1097/MS9.0000000000001296