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World Journal of Clinical Cases Jun 2024Vascular malformations (VMs) arise as a result of errors in the process of angiogenesis and are usually present at birth, but may not become apparent until after birth....
BACKGROUND
Vascular malformations (VMs) arise as a result of errors in the process of angiogenesis and are usually present at birth, but may not become apparent until after birth. However, giant VMs of the head and face are uncommon, with few reported cases, and the prognosis for their surgical intervention is unclear.
CASE SUMMARY
A 12-year-old girl was admitted to the hospital with findings of an enlarged right temporal scalp. After admission, computed tomography (CT) angiography of cerebral ateries showed a right occlusal gap and a right temporal artery venous malformation. Furthermore, cerebral angiography showed a right temporal lobe VM with multiple vessels supplying blood. The patient underwent surgery to remove the malformed vessels and the eroded skull. Two hours after the surgery, the patient's right pupil was dilated, and an urgent CT scan of the skull showed a right subdural haematoma under the incision, which was urgently removed by a second operation. After surgery, we gave continuous antibiotic anti-infection treatment, and the patient recovered well and was discharged two weeks later.
CONCLUSION
Surgical removal of giant haemangiomas is risky and adequate preoperative (including interventional embolisation) and intraoperative preparations should be made.
PubMed: 38899294
DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v12.i16.2869 -
Nature Communications Jun 2024Memory consolidation relies in part on the reactivation of previous experiences during sleep. The precise interplay of sleep-related oscillations (slow oscillations,...
Memory consolidation relies in part on the reactivation of previous experiences during sleep. The precise interplay of sleep-related oscillations (slow oscillations, spindles and ripples) is thought to coordinate the information flow between relevant brain areas, with ripples mediating memory reactivation. However, in humans empirical evidence for a role of ripples in memory reactivation is lacking. Here, we investigated the relevance of sleep oscillations and specifically ripples for memory reactivation during human sleep using targeted memory reactivation. Intracranial electrophysiology in epilepsy patients and scalp EEG in healthy participants revealed that elevated levels of slow oscillation - spindle activity coincided with the read-out of experimentally induced memory reactivation. Importantly, spindle-locked ripples recorded intracranially from the medial temporal lobe were found to be correlated with the identification of memory reactivation during non-rapid eye movement sleep. Our findings establish ripples as key-oscillation for sleep-related memory reactivation in humans and emphasize the importance of the coordinated interplay of the cardinal sleep oscillations.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Adult; Electroencephalography; Memory Consolidation; Epilepsy; Sleep Stages; Young Adult; Memory; Temporal Lobe; Sleep; Sleep, Slow-Wave
PubMed: 38898100
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49572-8 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine May 2024: Transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) generates an electric field (or current density) in the brain through surface electrodes attached to the scalp. Clinical... (Review)
Review
: Transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) generates an electric field (or current density) in the brain through surface electrodes attached to the scalp. Clinical significance has been demonstrated, although with moderate and heterogeneous results partly due to a lack of control of the delivered electric currents. In the last decade, computational electric field analysis has allowed the estimation and optimization of the electric field using accurate anatomical head models. This review examines recent tES computational studies, providing a comprehensive background on the technical aspects of adopting computational electric field analysis as a standardized procedure in medical applications. : Specific search strategies were designed to retrieve papers from the Web of Science database. The papers were initially screened based on the soundness of the title and abstract and then on their full contents, resulting in a total of 57 studies. : Recent trends were identified in individual- and population-level analysis of the electric field, including head models from non-neurotypical individuals. Advanced optimization techniques that allow a high degree of control with the required focality and direction of the electric field were also summarized. There is also growing evidence of a correlation between the computationally estimated electric field and the observed responses in real experiments. : Computational pipelines and optimization algorithms have reached a degree of maturity that provides a rationale to improve tES experimental design and a posteriori analysis of the responses for supporting clinical studies.
PubMed: 38892794
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13113084 -
International Journal of Molecular... May 2024Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune-mediated disorder in which the proximal hair follicle (HF) attack results in non-scarring partial to total scalp or body hair loss.... (Review)
Review
Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune-mediated disorder in which the proximal hair follicle (HF) attack results in non-scarring partial to total scalp or body hair loss. Despite the growing knowledge about AA, its exact cause still needs to be understood. However, immunity and genetic factors are affirmed to be critical in AA development. While the genome-wide association studies proved the innate and acquired immunity involvement, AA mouse models implicated the IFN-γ- and cytotoxic CD8+ T-cell-mediated immune response as the main drivers of disease pathogenesis. The AA hair loss is caused by T-cell-mediated inflammation in the HF area, disturbing its function and disrupting the hair growth cycle without destroying the follicle. Thus, the loss of HF immune privilege, autoimmune HF destruction mediated by cytotoxic mechanisms, and the upregulation of inflammatory pathways play a crucial role. AA is associated with concurrent systemic and autoimmune disorders such as atopic dermatitis, vitiligo, psoriasis, and thyroiditis. Likewise, the patient's quality of life (QoL) is significantly impaired by morphologic disfigurement caused by the illness. The patients experience a negative impact on psychological well-being and self-esteem and may be more likely to suffer from psychiatric comorbidities. This manuscript aims to present the latest knowledge on the pathogenesis of AA, which involves genetic, epigenetic, immunological, and environmental factors, with a particular emphasis on immunopathogenesis.
Topics: Alopecia Areata; Humans; Animals; Hair Follicle
PubMed: 38891839
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115652 -
Medical Mycology Case Reports Jun 2024We present the first case report of peritoneal dialysis (PD)-associated peritonitis due to , with the same pathogen detected in her caregiver's tinea capitis. This...
We present the first case report of peritoneal dialysis (PD)-associated peritonitis due to , with the same pathogen detected in her caregiver's tinea capitis. This confirms that touch contamination from the caregiver's infection was the primary source of this rare organism. The species of pathogen causing peritonitis and her caregiver's scalp lesions were identified by DNA barcoding. The patient responded well to timely PD catheter removal and a 2-week course of systemic amphotericin B deoxycholate. Preventive strategies should prioritize hygiene practices, including maintaining adequate personal hygiene and practicing thorough hand washing, to mitigate the risk of touch contamination and subsequent infection with fungal pathogens.
PubMed: 38884003
DOI: 10.1016/j.mmcr.2024.100653 -
Cureus May 2024Chondrosarcomas are malignant cartilaginous tumors that usually affect the pelvic bone and long bones. Primary chondrosarcomas of the skull are rare, with the cranial...
Chondrosarcomas are malignant cartilaginous tumors that usually affect the pelvic bone and long bones. Primary chondrosarcomas of the skull are rare, with the cranial vault being an even more unusual localization. We report a case of a 75-year-old man presenting with headaches and outgrowth of the parietal scalp. CT scan of the head showed an extracranial cystic well-rounded mass originating at the parietal suture and eroding through the adjacent parietal bone. The patient underwent an en bloc surgical resection of the mass, and histological examination confirmed a grade I chondrosarcoma.
PubMed: 38883079
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60398 -
Acta Dermato-venereologica Jun 2024
Topics: Humans; Scalp; Male; Ectodermal Dysplasia; Female
PubMed: 38881509
DOI: 10.2340/actadv.v104.39948 -
International Journal of Surgery Case... Jul 2024The use of radiation therapy for infantile hemangiomas 30 years ago has led to severe consequences in adulthood.
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE
The use of radiation therapy for infantile hemangiomas 30 years ago has led to severe consequences in adulthood.
CASE PRESENTATION
This article shares the experience of using multiple reconstructive procedures to treat radiation-induced hemifacial sequelae for capillary malformations. Based on the damaged anatomical surgical units, appropriate reconstructive materials are used for the surgery. Thin antero-lateral thigh (ALT) flaps cover lesions on the forehead and cheeks, while a skin expander covers the temporal scalp lesion. Autologous grafting covers damage in both eyelids.
CLINICAL DISCUSSION
Choosing a suitable reconstructive material will provide aesthetic outcomes such as facial symmetry, skin color compatibility, and textural similarity in the constructive areas for the patient. The patients were highly satisfied with the surgical results.
CONCLUSION
Using appropriate surgical techniques and materials, along with meticulous attention to facial integrity, can achieve optimal aesthetic and functional outcomes in patients with severe facial disfigurement from radiation therapy. A thorough understanding of pathophysiology and anatomy, along with skillful execution, can result in a successful outcome and improved quality of life.
PubMed: 38880001
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109906 -
International Journal of Surgery Case... Jul 2024Craniocerebral wounds are potentially serious and life-threatening injuries. These are real medical and surgical emergencies. The authors report a case of craniocerebral...
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE
Craniocerebral wounds are potentially serious and life-threatening injuries. These are real medical and surgical emergencies. The authors report a case of craniocerebral injury in a child with extensive craniotomy and its management in a hospital with limited resources in Togo.
CASE REPORT
He was a young 11-year-old schoolboy who presented with an extensive craniocerebral injury with craniotomy after a road traffic accident. On admission, he had no focal neurological deficits or other signs related to an intracranial expansive process. After preoperative reanimation, antibiotic therapy and anti-tetanus serovaccination, he was taken to the operating room by general surgeons. He underwent lavage, suture of the dura mater, placement of the bone flap and suture of the scalp wound. The postoperative course was simple.
CLINICAL DISCUSSION
Cranioencephalic trauma is one of the main causes of pediatric mortality in developing countries. Cranio-cerebral wounds are a therapeutic emergency because of the risk of infection, which remains the main concern. Treatment consists of a medical component followed by a surgical component. Reanimation remains an essential component of medical treatment.
CONCLUSION
Craniocerebral wounds are serious injuries. It requires rapid and appropriate medical and surgical management to avoid complications, particularly infection.
PubMed: 38878734
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109883 -
Archives of Dermatological Research Jun 2024Clinical grading of actinic keratosis (AK) is based on skin surface features, while subclinical alterations are not taken into consideration. Dynamic optical coherence...
Clinical grading of actinic keratosis (AK) is based on skin surface features, while subclinical alterations are not taken into consideration. Dynamic optical coherence tomography (D-OCT) enables quantification of the skin´s vasculature, potentially helpful to improve the link between clinical and subclinical features. We aimed to compare microvascular characteristics across AK grades using D-OCT with automated vascular analysis. This explorative study examined AK and photodamaged skin (PD) on the face or scalp. AKs were clinically graded according to the Olsen Classification scheme before D-OCT assessment. Using an open-source software tool, the OCT angiographic analyzer (OCTAVA), we quantified vascular network features, including total and mean vessel length, mean vessel diameter, vessel area density (VAD), branchpoint density (BD), and mean tortuosity from enface maximum intensity projection images. Additionally, we performed subregional analyses on selected scans to overcome challenges associated with imaging through hyperkeratosis (each lesion group; n = 18). Our study included 45 patients with a total of 205 AKs; 93 grade I lesions, 65 grade II, 47 grade III and 89 areas with PD skin. We found that all AK grades were more extensively vascularized relative to PD, as shown by greater total vessel length and VAD (p ≤ 0.009). Moreover, AKs displayed a disorganized vascular network, with higher BD in AK I-II (p < 0.001), and mean tortuosity in AK II-III (p ≤ 0.001) than in PD. Vascularization also increased with AK grade, showing significantly greater total vessel length in AK III than AK I (p = 0.029). Microvascular quantification of AK unveiled subclinical, quantitative differences among AK grades I-III and PD skin. D-OCT-based microvascular assessment may serve as a supplement to clinical AK grading, potentially raising perspectives to improve management strategies.
Topics: Humans; Tomography, Optical Coherence; Keratosis, Actinic; Male; Female; Aged; Middle Aged; Skin; Severity of Illness Index; Aged, 80 and over; Scalp; Skin Aging; Face
PubMed: 38878217
DOI: 10.1007/s00403-024-03022-z