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Cureus Apr 2024Cavum vergae (CV) cysts constitute a small proportion of intracranial cysts, and although generally asymptomatic, there are occasional cases where they might exhibit...
Cavum vergae (CV) cysts constitute a small proportion of intracranial cysts, and although generally asymptomatic, there are occasional cases where they might exhibit clinical manifestations. We present a clinical case of a 79-year-old female patient who had a clinical manifestation of headache on the occipital side of the head with irradiation to the shoulder girdle as well as numbness, dizziness, visual impairment, sleep disturbances, and tingling in the hands for three months. Vertigo and rightward staggering had been experienced for two weeks. On physical examination, it was discovered that there was smoothed physiological lordosis, restricted and painful movements, and paravertebral muscle rigidity in the cervical region. The patient had bilaterally reduced biceps and triceps reflexes, painful Erb's points, and hypesthesia over the C5 and C6 dermatomes on the right side. The patient had decreased coordination and displayed staggered movement to the right. A CT scan discovered dilated subarachnoid spaces of the convexity and a CV cyst. The patient was prescribed conservative therapy consisting of etoricoxib oral at a dosage of 2 × 60 mg for seven days, tolperisone hydrochloride orally at a dosage of 2 × 150 mg for seven days, pregabalin 75 mg, one pill in the evening for seven days, ozoid (a gel containing ozone) for external application, and vinpocetine 2 × 10 mg orally for two months. Following the conservative treatment, the patient exhibited improvement in her symptoms and no longer had challenges carrying out her daily tasks. Furthermore, six months after the therapy, the patient did not experience any symptoms. Long-term follow-up will be conducted in cases of symptom recurrence or cyst enlargement.
PubMed: 38725770
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.57907 -
Annals of Medicine and Surgery (2012) May 2024Post-stroke central pain is disabling yet ineffectively treated with routine medical intervention. In this study, the authors presented an alternative neuromodulation...
INTRODUCTION
Post-stroke central pain is disabling yet ineffectively treated with routine medical intervention. In this study, the authors presented an alternative neuromodulation therapy and conducted a brief narrative literature review to examine current evidence of spinal cord stimulation treatment for central post-stroke pain.
CASE PRESENTATION
Here, the authors reported a case of severe post-stroke syndrome, who achieved satisfactory improvement of pain symptom, as well as muscle rigidity with a novel neuromodulation therapy of short-term implantation of cervical spinal cord stimulation.
CLINICAL DISCUSSION
It remains a great challenge in the management of post-stroke pain, which in turn significantly reduces the quality of life and worsens the burden on the public health system. Spinal cord stimulation therapy is an emerging neuromodulation approach to restore pathological pain status and functional impairment to provide a prospective insight into neuromodulation and rehabilitation options in the management of post-stroke syndrome.
CONCLUSION
A potential role of spinal cord stimulation in the treatment of post-stroke pain is proposed in combined with traditional medication or other neuromodulation strategies, to achieve better control of pain in the future.
PubMed: 38694358
DOI: 10.1097/MS9.0000000000002025 -
Cureus Mar 2024Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a severe reaction to antipsychotic medications characterized by fever, muscle rigidity, altered mental status, and autonomic...
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a severe reaction to antipsychotic medications characterized by fever, muscle rigidity, altered mental status, and autonomic dysfunction. Here, we describe the case of a 58-year-old female who presented with altered mental status two days after open reduction and internal fixation of the hip. A rapid response team was called when the patient appeared agitated with increased respiratory demand. After being intubated and moved to the ICU, she became febrile and rigid. A preliminary diagnosis of metabolic encephalopathy of unknown origin was made. Before being transported to the ICU, the patient was given multiple haloperidol doses in addition to her continued at-home medication, paroxetine, for major depressive disorder. The differential diagnosis included a workup for NMS, serotonin syndrome, and infectious processes. Once NMS was determined as the most likely etiology, all antipsychotic and serotonergic medications were discontinued. Then dantrolene and amantadine were administered, which resulted in clinically significant improvement. This case report demonstrates the importance of early identification of and intervention for NMS.
PubMed: 38686249
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.57276 -
Hand Surgery & Rehabilitation Jun 2024Surgery for congenital malformation of the hand is complex and protocols are not available. Simulation could help optimize results. The objective of the present study...
OBJECTIVES
Surgery for congenital malformation of the hand is complex and protocols are not available. Simulation could help optimize results. The objective of the present study was to design, produce and assess a 3D-printed anatomical support, to improve success in rare and complex surgeries of the hand.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
We acquired MRI imaging of the right hand of a 30 year-old subject, then analyzed and split the various skin layers for segmentation. Thus we created the prototype of a healthy hand, using 3D multi-material and silicone printing devices, and drew up a printing protocol suitable for all patients. We printed a base comprising bones, muscles and tendons, with a multi-material 3D printer, then used a 3D silicone printer for skin and subcutaneous fatty cell tissues in a glove-like shape. To evaluate the characteristics of the prototype, we performed a series of dissections on the synthetic hand and on a cadaveric hand in the anatomy lab, comparing realism, ease of handling and the final result of the two supports, and evaluated their respective advantages in surgical and training contexts. A grading form was given to each surgeon to establish a global score.
RESULTS
This evaluation highlighted the positive and negative features of the model. The model avoided intrinsic problems of cadavers, such as muscle rigidity or tissue fragility and atrophy, and enables the anatomy of a specific patient to be rigorously respected. On the other hand, vascular and nervous networks, with their potential anatomical variants, are lacking. This preliminary phase highlighted the advantages and inconveniences of the prototype, to optimize the design and printing of future models. It is an indispensable prerequisite before performing studies in eligible pediatric patients with congenital hand malformation.
CONCLUSION
The validation of 3D-printed anatomical model of a human hand opens a large field of applications in the area of preoperative surgical planning. The postoperative esthetic and functional benefit of such pre-intervention supports in complex surgery needs assessing.
Topics: Humans; Printing, Three-Dimensional; Feasibility Studies; Models, Anatomic; Hand; Adult; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Cadaver
PubMed: 38685316
DOI: 10.1016/j.hansur.2024.101709 -
Improving Healing: The Putative Effects of Low-Level Laser Therapy for Ulcer in Parkinson's Disease.Cureus Mar 2024The progressive nature of Parkinson's disease and its associated motor and non-motor symptoms can lead to various complications when patients experience immobilization,...
The progressive nature of Parkinson's disease and its associated motor and non-motor symptoms can lead to various complications when patients experience immobilization, exacerbating existing motor impairments and potentially giving rise to secondary health issues. The variability, progression, and management of tremors in PD can be challenging. Due to low bone mass density, patients with Parkinson's disease are susceptible to vitamin D deficiency. The lack of movement can worsen muscle rigidity and stiffness, leading to contractures and a decreased range of motion in joints. Additionally, immobility may contribute to cardiovascular deconditioning, orthostatic hypotension, and an increased risk of pressure ulcers due to prolonged pressure on specific areas of the body. In this case report, we hereby report a case of Parkinson's disease further complicated by sinus discharge from the ulcer. This case report describes the putative effects of low-level laser therapy on discharging sinus from the wound secondary to a diabetic ulcer in idiopathic Parkinson's disease. Achieving an ideal level of functional independence and preventing problems associated with extended immobility are essential goals of structured physical therapy postoperative care. This may assist the patient in returning to their pre-injury position more quickly. Our patient underwent several interventions for wound healing, including proprioception training, tremor management, improving dynamic trunk balance, and pain control measures. Clinical outcome measures like the Barthel Index, lower extremity functional scale, and Visual-Analog Scale were used to assess the progress of the patient. Managing these interconnected conditions requires a multi-disciplinary approach.
PubMed: 38650813
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.56756 -
Neurobiology of Disease Jun 2024Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases are two of the most frequent neurological diseases. The clinical features of AD are memory decline and cognitive dysfunction, while... (Review)
Review
Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases are two of the most frequent neurological diseases. The clinical features of AD are memory decline and cognitive dysfunction, while PD mainly manifests as motor dysfunction such as limb tremors, muscle rigidity abnormalities, and slow gait. Abnormalities in cholesterol, sphingolipid, and glycerophospholipid metabolism have been demonstrated to directly exacerbate the progression of AD by stimulating Aβ deposition and tau protein tangles. Indirectly, abnormal lipids can increase the burden on brain vasculature, induce insulin resistance, and affect the structure of neuronal cell membranes. Abnormal lipid metabolism leads to PD through inducing accumulation of α-syn, dysfunction of mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum, and ferroptosis. Great progress has been made in targeting lipid metabolism abnormalities for the treatment of AD and PD in recent years, like metformin, insulin, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) agonists, and monoclonal antibodies targeting apolipoprotein E (ApoE). This review comprehensively summarizes the involvement of dysregulated lipid metabolism in the pathogenesis of AD and PD, the application of Lipid Monitoring, and emerging lipid regulatory drug targets. A better understanding of the lipidological bases of AD and PD may pave the way for developing effective prevention and treatment methods for neurodegenerative disorders.
Topics: Humans; Alzheimer Disease; Lipid Metabolism; Parkinson Disease; Animals
PubMed: 38642715
DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106505 -
Journal of Medical Case Reports Apr 2024Significant elevation of creatine kinase levels (above three digits) and leucocytosis in the absence of muscle rigidity, tremors, or autonomic dysfunction can pose a...
BACKGROUND
Significant elevation of creatine kinase levels (above three digits) and leucocytosis in the absence of muscle rigidity, tremors, or autonomic dysfunction can pose a real challenge in the context of antipsychotic treatment as an early herald of neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
CASE PRESENTATION
We present here two cases of adult male patients of Black British heritage, ages 51 years and 28 years, respectively. Both received a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder and presented with massive increase of creatine kinase blood level after aripiprazole depot administration, one with pernicious increase associated with silent neuroleptic malignant syndrome, and the second with asymptomatic benign enzyme elevation.
CONCLUSION
Though aripiprazole use is less likely to cause neuroleptic malignant syndrome, on rare occasions it can produce massive symptomatic or asymptomatic increase in serum creatine kinase enzyme levels, raising the need for close monitoring, especially at the initial doses of the drug.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Male; Aripiprazole; Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome; Antipsychotic Agents; Psychotic Disorders; Creatine Kinase
PubMed: 38632633
DOI: 10.1186/s13256-024-04508-0 -
The American Journal of Pathology Jul 2024Because the mechanotransduction by stromal stiffness stimulates the rupture and repair of the nuclear envelope in pancreatic progenitor cells, accumulated genomic...
Because the mechanotransduction by stromal stiffness stimulates the rupture and repair of the nuclear envelope in pancreatic progenitor cells, accumulated genomic aberrations are under selection in the tumor microenvironment. Analysis of cell growth, micronuclei, and phosphorylated Ser-139 residue of the histone variant H2AX (γH2AX) foci linked to mechanotransduction pressure in vivo during serial orthotopic passages of mouse Kras;Trp53;Pdx1-Cre (KPC) cancer cells in the tumor and in migrating through the size-restricted 3-μm micropores. To search for pancreatic cancer cell-of-origin, analysis of single-cell data sets revealed that the extracellular matrix shaped an alternate route of acinar-ductal transdifferentiation of acinar cells into topoisomerase II α (TOP2A)-overexpressing cancer cells and derived subclusters with copy number amplifications in MYC-PTK2 (protein tyrosine kinase 2) locus and PIK3CA. High-PTK2 expression is associated with 171 differentially methylated CpG loci, 319 differentially expressed genes, and poor overall survival in The Cancer Genome Atlas-Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma cohort. Abolished RGD-integrin signaling by disintegrin KG blocked the PTK2 phosphorylation, increased cancer apoptosis, decreased vav guanine nucleotide exchange factor 1 (VAV1) expression, and prolonged overall survival in the KPC mice. Reduction of α-smooth muscle actin deposition in the CD248 knockout KPC mice remodeled the tissue stroma and down-regulated TOP2A expression in the epithelium. In summary, stromal stiffness induced the onset of cancer cells-of-origin by ectopic TOP2A expression, and the genomic amplification of MYC-PTK2 locus via alternative transdifferentiation of pancreatic progenitor cells is the vulnerability useful for disintegrin KG treatment.
Topics: Animals; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Mice; Disease Progression; Chromosomal Instability; Humans; Carcinoma in Situ; Stromal Cells; Tumor Microenvironment; Mechanotransduction, Cellular; Focal Adhesion Kinase 1
PubMed: 38631549
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2024.02.023 -
Actas Espanolas de Psiquiatria Apr 2024Catatonia encompasses a group of severe psychomotor syndromes affecting patients' motor, speech, and complex behaviors. Common features include rigidity, reduced...
BACKGROUD
Catatonia encompasses a group of severe psychomotor syndromes affecting patients' motor, speech, and complex behaviors. Common features include rigidity, reduced mobility, speech, sputum production, defecation, and eating. Risks associated with catatonia, such as increased muscle tension and reduced swallowing and coughing reflexes, along with risks from therapeutic approaches like prolonged bed rest and sedative drugs, can elevate the risk of aspiration pneumonia, severe pneumonia, and acute respiratory failure. These complications significantly impede catatonia treatment, leading to poor prognosis and jeopardizing patient safety.
CASE DESCRIPTION
In this report, we present a case of catatonia complicated by severe pneumonia and respiratory failure, successfully managed with modified electroconvulsive therapy alongside tracheotomy. We hope this case provides valuable insights for psychiatrists encountering similar scenarios, facilitating the development of rational therapeutic strategies for prompt improvement of patient condition.
Topics: Humans; Electroconvulsive Therapy; Tracheotomy; Catatonia; Pneumonia; Respiratory Insufficiency
PubMed: 38622014
DOI: 10.62641/aep.v52i2.1528