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Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024An aberrant immune response involving yet unidentified environmental and genetic factors plays a crucial role in triggering Kawasaki disease (KD). The aim of this...
Hypovitaminosis D and Leukocytosis to Predict Cardiovascular Abnormalities in Children with Kawasaki Disease: Insights from a Single-Center Retrospective Observational Cohort Study.
An aberrant immune response involving yet unidentified environmental and genetic factors plays a crucial role in triggering Kawasaki disease (KD). The aim of this study was to assess general and laboratory data at the onset of KD in a single-center cohort of children managed between 2003 and 2023 and retrospectively evaluate any potential relationship with the development of KD-related cardiovascular abnormalities (CVAs). We took into account a total of 65 consecutive children with KD (42 males, median age: 22 months, age range: 2-88 months) followed at the Department of Life Sciences and Public Health in our University; demographic data, clinical signs, and laboratory variables at disease onset, before IVIG infusion, including C-reactive protein, hemoglobin, white blood cell (WBC) count, neutrophil count, platelet count, aminotransferases, natremia, albumin, total bilirubin, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D were evaluated. Twenty-one children (32.3% of the whole cohort) were found to have echocardiographic evidence of CVAs. Univariate analysis showed that diagnosis of KD at <1 year or >5 years was associated with CVAs ( = 0.001 and = 0.01, respectively); patients with CVAs had a longer fever duration and mostly presented atypical or incomplete presentations. Interestingly, all patients with CVAs had lower levels of vitamin D (less than 30 mg/dL, = 0.0001) and both higher WBC and higher neutrophil counts than those without CVAs ( = 0.0001 and = 0.01, respectively). Moreover, blood levels of albumin were significantly lower in KD patients with CVAs compared to those without (11/21, 52% versus 13/44, 30%, = 0.02). Multiple logistic regression with correction for sex showed that serum vitamin D < 30 ng/mL, WBC count > 20.000/mm, and age > 60 months at KD onset were the only independent factors statistically associated with CVAs. Hypovitaminosis D, WBC count over 20.000/mm, and age above 5 years at KD onset emerged as independent factors statistically associated with the occurrence of CVAs.
PubMed: 38928644
DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14121228 -
Veterinary Sciences May 2024In the present case report, we describe the clinical course and postmortem findings of a 12-year-old Labrador retriever dog with a third-degree atrio-ventricular block...
In the present case report, we describe the clinical course and postmortem findings of a 12-year-old Labrador retriever dog with a third-degree atrio-ventricular block that developed a chronic cough, and later dyspnea and weakness as a result of massive pulmonary thromboembolism 3 years after implantation of a transvenous permanent pacemaker. A large soft tissue mass was seen in the right ventricular chamber around the pacing lead with echocardiography. Initially, this was thought to be caused by mural bacterial endocarditis based on hyperthermia, severe leukocytosis and the appearance of runs of ventricular tachycardia, the latter suggesting myocardial damage. While blood culture results were pending, antibiotics were administered without a positive effect. Due to clinical deterioration, the owner elected for euthanasia and a post-mortem examination confirmed a right ventricular thrombus and surrounding myocarditis, without signs of bacterial infection, and a massive pulmonary thromboembolism. We conclude that pulmonary thromboembolism should be considered in dogs with a cough that have an endocardial pacing lead implanted. Serial screening for proteinuria before and after implantation of an endocardial pacing lead would allow timely initiation of prophylactic antiplatelet therapy. Local myocarditis can develop secondary to an intracavitary thrombus, which can subsequently lead to runs of ventricular tachycardia.
PubMed: 38921984
DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11060237 -
Pediatric Reports May 2024Leukocytosis in neonates can occur because of infectious, inflammatory, malignant, or physiological processes. Hyperleukocytosis is defined as a total leukocyte count...
Leukocytosis in neonates can occur because of infectious, inflammatory, malignant, or physiological processes. Hyperleukocytosis is defined as a total leukocyte count (TLC) exceeding 100,000 per mm, warranting immediate evaluation. Neonates with hyperleukocytosis are at risk of leukostasis and the associated severe complications, including respiratory distress, myocardial ischemia, hyperuricemia, acute renal failure, infarction, and hemorrhage. Differentiating leukemia and leukemoid reactions in neonates presenting with elevated TLC is challenging but critical. We present a unique case of a preterm male neonate with hyperleukocytosis, initially suspected to have an underlying malignancy. The neonate's clinical course was complicated by respiratory distress syndrome and anemia of prematurity, necessitating neonatal intensive care unit management. Further investigation revealed high human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) DNA levels in the whole blood, leading to a chromosomally integrated HHV-6 (ciHHV-6) diagnosis. CiHHV-6 is characterized by HHV-6 DNA integration into the host genome. Accurate diagnosis relies on whole-blood quantitative PCR, distinguishing ciHHV-6 from an active infection. The neonate remained asymptomatic, and antiviral treatment was deemed unnecessary. This case underscores the importance of recognizing ciHHV-6 as a potential cause of hyperleukocytosis in neonates and highlights the value of whole-blood PCR for differentiation. Understanding the spectrum of HHV-6 infection in neonates is vital for appropriate management and prognostication.
PubMed: 38921702
DOI: 10.3390/pediatric16020037 -
Cureus May 2024Acute transverse myelitis (ATM) is a syndrome of multiple etiologies, with acute or subacute onset in which inflammation of the spinal cord results in neurological...
Acute transverse myelitis (ATM) is a syndrome of multiple etiologies, with acute or subacute onset in which inflammation of the spinal cord results in neurological deficits, including weakness, sensory loss, and autonomic dysfunction. It is often associated with infectious or autoimmune etiologies but can be considered idiopathic when extensive workup is negative. We present a case of a young African American female who presented with acute onset of bilateral lower extremity weakness, loss of sensation, and autonomic dysfunction. On physical exam, she had absent lower extremity reflexes, 0-1/5 power, and markedly diminished sensation with no pain/temperature discrimination with an abdominal sensory level at T4. There was no upper extremity involvement. She was incidentally found to be COVID-19-positive and denied ever being vaccinated in the past. MRI of the spine revealed diffuse signal abnormality within the cervical and thoracic spine extending to the conus, and an MRI of the brain showed two white matter lesions in the frontal lobes. Lumbar puncture showed lymphocytic pleocytosis and elevated protein; Gram stain did not reveal any pathogen. The patient was treated initially with high doses of steroids with minimal response. She underwent multiple sessions of plasmapheresis with good tolerance and response. Differential diagnoses considered for this case were Guillain Barre syndrome, neuromyelitis optica (NMO), multiple sclerosis, SLE-induced transverse myelitis, or infectious cases. All lab work and workup came back negative for these diseases, leaving us with an interesting culprit: COVID-19 associated. There have been few cases mentioned in the literature of transverse myelitis caused by COVID-19, and this remains a possibility, as all other causes were ruled out.
PubMed: 38916003
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61066 -
PloS One 2024Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is usually diagnosed based on the presence of TBE virus (TBEV)-specific IgM and IgG antibodies in serum. However, antibodies induced by...
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is usually diagnosed based on the presence of TBE virus (TBEV)-specific IgM and IgG antibodies in serum. However, antibodies induced by vaccination or cross-reactivity to previous flavivirus infections may result in false positive TBEV serology. Detection of TBEV RNA may be an alternative diagnostic approach to detect viral presence and circumvent the diagnostic difficulties present when using serology. Viral RNA in blood is commonly detectable only in the first viremic phase usually lasting up to two weeks, and not in the second neurologic phase, when the patients contact the health care system and undergo diagnostic work-up. TBEV RNA has previously been detected in urine in a few retrospective TBE cases in the neurologic phase, and furthermore RNA of other flaviviruses has been detected in patient saliva. In this study, blood, saliva and urine were collected from 31 hospitalised immunocompetent patients with pleocytosis and symptoms of aseptic meningitis and/or encephalitis, suspected to have TBE. We wanted to pursue if molecular testing of TBEV RNA in these patient materials may be useful in the diagnostics. Eleven of the 31 study patients were diagnosed with TBE based on ELISA detection of TBEV specific IgG and IgM antibodies. None of the study patients had TBEV RNA detectable in any of the collected patient material.
Topics: Humans; Encephalitis, Tick-Borne; Encephalitis Viruses, Tick-Borne; Saliva; RNA, Viral; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Adult; Aged; Immunoglobulin M; Immunoglobulin G; Antibodies, Viral; Aged, 80 and over; Immunocompetence; Hospitalization
PubMed: 38913668
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305603 -
Medicina 2024Vaping is the practice of inhaling an aerosol created by heating a liquid with an electronic cigarette. These aerosols contain toxic, carcinogenic compounds and...
Vaping is the practice of inhaling an aerosol created by heating a liquid with an electronic cigarette. These aerosols contain toxic, carcinogenic compounds and nicotine, an addictive substance. In Argentina, the commercialization of electronic cigarettes is prohibited. Acute lung injury associated with vaping (EVALI) is an acute respiratory disease that can be life threatening. An 18-year-old male patient, smoker, consulted for shortness of breath and fever. He presented with hypoxemic respiratory failure, and leukocytosis. The patient reported use of electronic cigarettes. Chest computed tomography (CT) showed extensive areas of ground glass opacities with areas of consolidation with air bronchogram. Antibiotic treatment was started and a fibrobronchoscopy was performed, which showed hematic debris, without endoluminal lesions. A diagnosis of EVALI was done and high doses systemic corticosteroids were prescribed. The patient evolved favorably, hewas discharged 48 hours after the end of treatment. In the control ambulatory CT was observed an improvement of the lesions. EVALI is an exclusion diagnosis, so it is necessary to rule out infectious diseases and pulmonary inflammatory processes. There are different scores that describe the probability of EVALI. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), developed in 2019 a definition of confirmed case based on vape exposure, imaging, clinical presentation and history. In 2019 was first reported an EVALI in Argentina. It is important to know the criteria for a confirmed case to initiate accurate and early treatment, considering the exponential increase in electronic cigarette use, mainly in the young population.
Topics: Humans; Male; Vaping; Adolescent; Acute Lung Injury; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems; Argentina
PubMed: 38907974
DOI: No ID Found -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Sysmex DI-60 enumerates and classifies leukocytes. Limited research has evaluated the performance of Sysmex DI-60 in abnormal samples, and most focused on leukopenic...
Sysmex DI-60 enumerates and classifies leukocytes. Limited research has evaluated the performance of Sysmex DI-60 in abnormal samples, and most focused on leukopenic samples. We evaluate the efficacy of DI-60 in determining white blood cell (WBC) differentials in normal and abnormal samples in different WBC count. Peripheral blood smears (n = 166) were categorised into normal control and disease groups, and further divided into moderate and severe leucocytosis, mild leucocytosis, normal, mild leukopenia, and moderate and severe leukopenia groups based on WBC count. DI-60 preclassification and verification and manual counting results were assessed using Bland-Altman and Passing-Bablok regression analyses. The Kappa test compared the concordance in the abnormal cell detection between DI-60 and manual counting. DI-60 exhibited notable overall sensitivity and specificity for all cells, except basophils. The correlation between the DI-60 preclassification and manual counting was high for segmented neutrophils, band neutrophils, lymphocytes, and blasts, and improved for all cell classes after verification. The mean difference between DI-60 and manual counting for all cell classes was significantly high in moderate and severe leucocytosis (WBC > 30.0 × 10/L) and moderate and severe leukopenia (WBC < 1.5 × 10/L) groups. For blast cells, immature granulocytes, and atypical lymphocytes, the DI-60 verification results were similar to the manual counting results. Plasma cells showed poor agreement. In conclusion, DI-60 demonstrates consistent and reliable analysis of WBC differentials within the range of 1.5-30.0 × 10. Manual counting was indispensable in examining moderate and severe leucocytosis samples, moderate and severe leukopenia samples, and in enumerating of monocytes and plasma cells.
Topics: Humans; Leukocyte Count; Leukocytes; Leukopenia; Leukocytosis; Sensitivity and Specificity; Female; Male; Neutrophils; Middle Aged
PubMed: 38906933
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65427-0 -
International Journal of Surgery Case... Jun 2024Omental torsion is a rare cause of acute abdominal pain caused by twisting of the omentum along its long axis, thus compromising its vascularity. Its presentation is...
INTRODUCTION
Omental torsion is a rare cause of acute abdominal pain caused by twisting of the omentum along its long axis, thus compromising its vascularity. Its presentation is non-specific and can mimic other common pathologies, making its pre-operative diagnosis challenging.
PRESENTATION OF CASE
A 44-year-old female presented for periumbilical abdominal pain. Her laboratory results showed no leukocytosis and CRP was within normal range. CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis with oral and IV contrast showed a well demarcated pericecal mass at the right side, mostly suggestive of transmesenteric internal herniation with strangulation. The patient eventually required laparoscopic surgical intervention.
DISCUSSION
The acute abdominal manifestations in patients with omental torsion are due to the development of edema and necrotic tissue distal of the torsion after the arterial supply and venous drainage have been obstructed. Rotation around the right gastroepiploic artery is considered to be the most common cause of omental torsion. Primary torsion is considered to be idiopathic, while secondary torsion occurs due to an identifiable predisposing pathology such as omental cysts, hernias, adhesions, or intra-abdominal tumors. Since symptoms of omental torsion are non-specific, it is crucial to consider the differential diagnosis and rule out other causes of acute abdomen. Surgical intervention is the mainstay treatment when there is uncertainty in the diagnosis, or when the patient's clinical, radiological, and laboratory findings worsen with conservative treatment.
CONCLUSION
Early surgical intervention in cases of omental torsion reduces the incidence of formation of abscesses, adhesions, and omental necrosis. In cases of non-operative candidates, conservative treatment is the best option; therefore, the choice of treatment of omental torsion should be considered on a case-by-case basis.
PubMed: 38906039
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109917 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... May 2024Cerebrospinal fluid analysis is an important diagnostic test when assessing a neurological canine patient. For this analysis, the total nucleated cell count and...
Cerebrospinal fluid analysis is an important diagnostic test when assessing a neurological canine patient. For this analysis, the total nucleated cell count and differential cell counts are routinely taken, but both involve time-consuming manual methods. To investigate faster automated methods, in this study, the Sysmex XN-V body fluid mode and the deep-learning-based algorithm generated by the Olympus VS200 slide scanner were compared with the manual methods in 161 canine cerebrospinal fluid samples for the total nucleated cell count and in 65 samples with pleocytosis for the differential counts. Following incorrect gating by the Sysmex body fluid mode, all samples were reanalyzed with manually set gates. The Sysmex body fluid mode then showed a mean bias of 15.19 cells/μL for the total nucleated cell count and mean biases of 4.95% and -4.95% for the two-part differential cell count, while the deep-learning-based algorithm showed mean biases of -7.25%, -0.03% and 7.27% for the lymphocytes, neutrophils and monocytoid cells, respectively. Based on our findings, we propose that the automated Sysmex body fluid mode be used to measure the total nucleated cell count in canine cerebrospinal fluid samples after making adjustments to the predefined settings from the manufacturer. However, the two-part differential count of the Sysmex body fluid mode and the deep-learning-based algorithm require some optimization.
PubMed: 38891702
DOI: 10.3390/ani14111655 -
BMC Pulmonary Medicine Jun 2024The diagnostic complexities that arise in radiographic distinction between ectopic pleural thymoma and other thoracic neoplasms are substantial, with instances of...
BACKGROUND
The diagnostic complexities that arise in radiographic distinction between ectopic pleural thymoma and other thoracic neoplasms are substantial, with instances of co-occurring T-cell lymphocytosis and osseous metastasis being exceedingly rare.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 51-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with dyspnea and chest pain. Upon imaging examination, she was found to have diffuse and nodular pleural thickening on the left side, collapse of the left lung and a compression in the second thoracic vertebrae. All lesions showed significant F-FDG uptake on F-FDG PET/CT examination. Furthermore, she exhibited T-cell lymphocytosis in her peripheral blood, lymph nodes, and bone marrow. After ruling out malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), lung cancer with pleural metastasis, and T-cell lymphoma, the definitive diagnosis asserted was ectopic pleural thymoma with T-cell lymphocytosis and bone metastasis.
CONCLUSION
Physicians need to expand their knowledge of the imaging features of ectopic pleural thymoma. Cases with T-cell lymphocytosis may exhibit increased aggressiveness and prone to bone metastasis.
Topics: Humans; Female; Middle Aged; Thymoma; Lymphocytosis; Pleural Neoplasms; Bone Neoplasms; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography; Thymus Neoplasms; T-Lymphocytes; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; Diagnosis, Differential; Pleura
PubMed: 38877486
DOI: 10.1186/s12890-024-03090-x