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Cureus Feb 2024Popliteal cysts are a collection of synovial fluid found in the popliteal fossa that typically form in adults in association with traumatic injuries, degenerative...
Popliteal cysts are a collection of synovial fluid found in the popliteal fossa that typically form in adults in association with traumatic injuries, degenerative conditions, or inflammatory arthritis of the knee. While often asymptomatic, popliteal cysts may become problematic as enlarging and ruptured cysts may compress surrounding neurovascular structures, resulting in lower extremity edema or peripheral neuropathy. We report a unique case of a symptomatic popliteal cyst in a patient with both compressive neuropathy and venous congestion in the setting of a non-ruptured popliteal cyst after a surgically repaired intraarticular injury. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a synovial cyst abutting the posterior neurovascular bundle and evidence of avascular necrosis. An open posterior cyst decompression was done, and the patient was able to report significant symptomatic improvement over the course of two weeks postoperatively. The previously noted varicose veins also demonstrated noticeable resolution. While relatively common, popliteal cysts may require prompt surgical decompression in order to provide effective symptomatic relief.
PubMed: 38439999
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.53499 -
Cancer Science Apr 2024Tepotinib is a highly selective MET tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that has demonstrated robust and durable clinical activity in patients with MET exon 14 (METex14)...
Tepotinib is a highly selective MET tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that has demonstrated robust and durable clinical activity in patients with MET exon 14 (METex14) skipping non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In the Phase II VISION study, patients received oral tepotinib 500 mg once daily. The primary endpoint was an objective response by an independent review committee (IRC) according to RECIST v1.1 criteria. The secondary endpoints included duration of response (DOR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety. Here we report the analysis of the efficacy and safety of tepotinib in all Japanese patients with advanced METex14 skipping NSCLC from VISION (n = 38) with >18 months' follow-up. The median age of the Japanese patients was 73 years (range 63-88), 39.5% of patients were ≥75 years old, 68.4% were male, 55.3% had a history of smoking, 76.3% had adenocarcinoma, and 10.5% of patients had known brain metastases at baseline. Overall, the objective response rate (ORR) was 60.5% (95% confidence interval (CI): 43.4, 76.0) with a median DOR of 18.5 months (95% CI: 8.3, not estimable). ORR in treatment-naïve patients (n = 18) was 77.8% (95% CI: 52.4, 93.6), and in patients aged ≥75 years (n = 15), ORR was 73.3% (95% CI: 44.9, 92.2). The most common treatment-related adverse event (AE) with any grade was blood creatinine increase (65.8%), which resolved following tepotinib discontinuation. Other common treatment-related AEs were peripheral edema (60.5%), hypoalbuminemia (34.2%), diarrhea (28.9%), and nausea (15.8%). In summary, tepotinib demonstrated robust and durable clinical activity irrespective of age or therapy line, with a manageable safety profile in Japanese patients with METex14 skipping NSCLC enrolled in VISION.
Topics: Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Female; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Japan; Lung Neoplasms; Exons; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Mutation; Piperidines; Pyridazines; Pyrimidines
PubMed: 38402853
DOI: 10.1111/cas.16107 -
Bilaterally subluxed diffractive intraocular lenses: big expectations and even bigger comorbidities.Journal of Cataract and Refractive... Mar 2024A 78-year-old woman with an ocular history of cataract surgery with a diffractive intraocular lens (IOL) in each eye has developed fluctuating vision, greater in the...
A 78-year-old woman with an ocular history of cataract surgery with a diffractive intraocular lens (IOL) in each eye has developed fluctuating vision, greater in the right eye than the left eye, after 4 years. She has a history of inactive central serous retinopathy and a vision potential of 20/25 + 2 in the right eye and 20/25 in the left eye. She has well-controlled diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia. She has enjoyed her spectacle independence for some time and wishes to have her vision restored. On examination, her uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) was 20/50 in the right eye and 20/25 in the left eye and her uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA) was J3 in the right eye and J1 in the left eye. Intraocular pressures (IOPs) measured 22 mm Hg in the right eye and 18 mm Hg in the left eye. Pupils had limited reactivity with irregularity in the right eye but no obvious relative afferent pupillary defect. Motility and confrontation visual fields were unremarkable in both eyes. Retinal acuity meter was 20/20 in both eyes, and manifest refraction was plano -1.25 × 105 20/40, J3 in the right eye and +0.50 × 20/25, J1 in the left eye. Pertinent findings on slitlamp examination included temporal iris atrophy and transillumination defects greater in the right eye than the left eye, peripupillary pseudoexfoliative changes in both eyes, significant inferior subluxation of a diffractive 3-piece posterior chamber IOL in the capsular bag with lens-pitting peripherally and few central, moderate pseudophacodonesis, and an open posterior capsule in the right eye. In the left eye, she had mild inferior subluxation of a single-piece acrylic diffractive IOL in the capsular bag with moderate pseudophacodonesis and an open posterior capsule (Figure 1JOURNAL/jcrs/04.03/02158034-202403000-00019/figure1/v/2024-02-20T193212Z/r/image-tiff). All other anterior segment findings were unremarkable. On dilated posterior examination, she had a cup-to-disc ratio of 0.50 in the right eye and 0.65 in the left eye without edema hemorrhage or pallor. There were attenuated vessels in both eyes, posterior vitreous detachment in both eyes, and a few small drusen peripherally in both eyes. There was retinal pigment epithelium irregularity and dropout parafoveal in the right eye and subfoveal in the left eye (Figure 2). There was no evidence of macular edema, subretinal fluid, choroidal thickening, or neovascular membranes. The periphery was unremarkable in both eyes.JOURNAL/jcrs/04.03/02158034-202403000-00019/figure2/v/2024-02-20T193212Z/r/image-tiff What testing would you obtain preoperatively to help guide your decision-making? How would you counsel the patient regarding comorbid conditions and expectations?
Topics: Humans; Female; Aged; Lens Implantation, Intraocular; Motivation; Lenses, Intraocular; Cataract Extraction; Visual Acuity
PubMed: 38381619
DOI: 10.1097/j.jcrs.0000000000001388 -
Therapeutic Advances in Chronic Disease 2024Enteropathic spondyloarthritides (eSpAs) are chronic inflammatory joint diseases associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Limited data are available on the...
BACKGROUND
Enteropathic spondyloarthritides (eSpAs) are chronic inflammatory joint diseases associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Limited data are available on the prevalence since arthritis in IBD patients may be underestimated because medications may hide disease activity with a possible diagnostic delay.
OBJECTIVES
We aimed to evaluate diagnostic delay in eSpA and explore associated demographic, clinical, and radiographic characteristics.
DESIGN
Single-centre cross-sectional study conducted on consecutive out-patients referred to the combined clinic (November 2018-October 2019).
METHODS
We analysed eSpA patients for diagnostic delay, disease activity, inflammatory markers, conventional radiography (CR) and magnetic resonance images (MRI) of sacroiliac joints/spine.
RESULTS
A total of 190 eSpA patients [118 peripheral SpA, 72 axial (Ax) SpA including 44 non-radiographic (nr)-axSpA] were enrolled. axSpA patients had a higher prevalence of men sex, HLA-B27 positivity, uveitis and pancolitis compared with peripheral eSpA. Median diagnostic delay in eSpA was 48 months (IQR 6-77) with no difference between axial and peripheral patients. Radiographic-axial SpA (r-axSpA) patients displayed a higher diagnostic delay compared with nr-axSpA (median/IQR 36/17-129 31/10-57 months, = 0.03) and were older, with longer disease duration, low education status and high rate of employment than patients with nr-axSpA. r-axSpA patients with sclerosis, syndesmophytes and bridge at CR had higher diagnostic delay than those without lesions. Men showed higher prevalence of spine damage lesions than women as sclerosis, squaring, syndesmophytes and bridges. Longer disease duration was detected in patients with radiographic damage as bridge and sacroiliitis grade 3. On MRI, sacroiliac bone oedema was associated with reduced diagnostic delay, whereas bone erosions were associated with higher diagnostic delay compared with that in patients without these lesions. Patients with psoriasis displayed a higher diagnostic delay compared to those without skin involvement.
CONCLUSION
Diagnostic delay was higher in r-axSpA compared with nr-axSpA despite the same treatment. Demographic, clinical features and radiological lesions were associated with diagnostic delay.
PubMed: 38380226
DOI: 10.1177/20406223241229843 -
Cureus Jan 2024We present an unusual case involving the simultaneous dislocation of the trans-scapho-retro-lunate in the right wrist and a posterolateral dislocation in the right elbow...
We present an unusual case involving the simultaneous dislocation of the trans-scapho-retro-lunate in the right wrist and a posterolateral dislocation in the right elbow joint with a distal radius fracture in a 23-year-old male with no notable medical history. These injuries occurred when he fell from a height of around 12 meters onto his outstretched right hand. The patient presented to the hospital in a normal upper limb trauma position with no discomfort to critical functions. Predominant symptoms at the emergency department were discomfort in the right wrist, hand, and ipsilateral elbow, as well as the entire upper limb functional impairment. Both the wrist and the elbow seemed distorted on examination, with considerable edema and loss of bone landmarks. Passive mobilization was hampered by pain, but peripheral pulses were detectable. The radial, ulnar, and median nerves' autonomous sensory-motor domains were intact, with a cutaneous opening classified as stage 2 by the Cauchoix-Duparc classification. The elbow dislocation was successfully treated using a closed reduction method. External manipulation was employed to reduce the trans-scaphoid perilunate dislocation, which was subsequently stabilized through percutaneous screw fixation of the scaphoid using a triquetrum-lunate pin. Additionally, a styloid pin was utilized to address and manage a distal radius fracture, followed by the implementation of a radiometacarpal external fixator. After one year and three months, the patient reported no pain in his elbow and minimal wrist discomfort during heavy lifting.
PubMed: 38374856
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.52609 -
Cureus Feb 2024Patients with mutations in the α/βhydrolase gene develop ocular complications including cataracts and retinitis pigmentosa (RP), as part of the polyneuropathy,...
Patients with mutations in the α/βhydrolase gene develop ocular complications including cataracts and retinitis pigmentosa (RP), as part of the polyneuropathy, hearing loss, ataxia, RP, and cataract (PHARC) syndrome. A chart review on a patient with a heterozygous mutation on the gene underwent a comprehensive ophthalmic evaluation. Visual acuity was 0 and 1.3 (logMAR) on the right eye (OD) and left eye (OS), respectively. There was pseudophakia in the OS. Fundus examination in OD was normal and pale optic nerve, attenuated vessels, cystoid macular edema, and mid-peripheral bony spicules were found in OS. Visual field test showed a ring scotoma in the OS. Macular optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fundus autofluorescence were compatible with cystoid macular edema of the OS. The electroretinogram (ERG) of left eye was flat. Patient's systemic findings included: polyneuropathy and hearing loss. Unilateral presentation of cataract and RP in a patient with a heterozygous pathogenic mutation on the gene is rare. This could be due to mosaicism. Retinal follow-up is warranted in this patient since manifestations may occur later in the contralateral eye. A heterozygous pathogenic mutation on the gene may lead to partial ocular and systemic manifestations of the PHARC syndrome.
PubMed: 38371430
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.54295 -
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth Feb 2024Whether or not the effects of anemia in the early phase, while the fetuses attempts to increase cardiac output to meet oxygen requirement in peripheral organs, is...
OBJECTIVE
Whether or not the effects of anemia in the early phase, while the fetuses attempts to increase cardiac output to meet oxygen requirement in peripheral organs, is detrimental to the fetal developing vital organs is little-known. The objective of this is to compare prenatal cardiovascular changes and post-abortal cellular damages in the myocardium as a pumping organ and the brain as a perfused organ between anemic fetuses (using fetal Hb Bart's disease as a study model) in pre-hydropic phase and non-anemic fetuses.
METHODS
Fetuses affected by Hb Bart's disease and non-anemic fetuses at 16-22 weeks were recruited to undergo comprehensive fetal echocardiography. Cord blood analysis was used to confirm the definite diagnosis of fetal Hb Bart's disease and normal fetuses. Fetal cardiac and brain tissues were collected shortly after pregnancy termination for the determination of oxidative stress and mitochondrial function, including mitochondrial ROS production and mitochondrial membrane changes.
RESULTS
A total of 18 fetuses affected by Hb Bart's disease and 13 non-anemic fetuses were recruited. The clinical characteristics of both groups were comparable. The affected fetuses showed a significant increase in cardiac dimensions, cardiac function, cardiac output and brain circulation without deteriorating cardiac contractility and preload. However, in the affected fetuses, mitochondrial dysfunction was clearly demonstrated in brain tissues and in the myocardium, as indicated by a significant increase in the membrane potential change (p-value < 0.001), and a significant increase in ROS production in brain tissues, with a trend to increase in myocardium. The findings indicated cellular damage in spite of good clinical compensation.
CONCLUSION
The new insight is that, in response to fetal anemia, fetal heart increases in size (dilatation) and function to increase cardiac output and blood flow velocity to provide adequate tissue perfusion, especially brain circulation. However, the myocardium and brain showed a significant increase in mitochondrial dysfunction, suggesting cellular damage secondary to anemic hypoxia. The compensatory increase in circulation could not completely prevent subtle brain and heart damage.
Topics: Female; Pregnancy; Humans; Pregnancy Trimester, Second; Reactive Oxygen Species; Hemoglobins, Abnormal; alpha-Thalassemia; Fetal Diseases; Anemia; Fetal Heart; Myocardium; Edema; Cardiac Output; Mitochondrial Diseases
PubMed: 38365664
DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-06232-x -
BMC Ophthalmology Feb 2024Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-associated disease (MOGAD) has a wide phenotypic expression and should be considered in a differential diagnosis of patients with...
Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) associated optic neuritis in a patient with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) and compressive optic neuropathy case report.
BACKGROUND
Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-associated disease (MOGAD) has a wide phenotypic expression and should be considered in a differential diagnosis of patients with optic disc edema and increased intracranial pressure because MOGAD can mimic IIH and compressive optic neuropathy.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 53-year-old woman with a history of presumed idiopathic intracranial hypertension ("IIH") presented with new headache and visual loss. She had a BMI of 35.44 kg/m2 and a past medical history significant for depression, hepatitis C, hyperlipidemia, and uterine cancer post-hysterectomy. She had undergone multiple lumboperitoneal shunts for presumed IIH and had a prior pituitary adenoma resection. Her visual acuity was no light perception OD and counting fingers OS. After neuro-ophthalmic consultation, a repeat cranial MRI showed symmetric thin peripheral optic nerve sheath enhancement of the intra-orbital optic nerves OU. Serum MOG antibody was positive at 1:100 and she was treated with intravenous steroids followed by plasma exchange and rituximab.
CONCLUSIONS
This case highlights the importance of considering MOGAD in the differential diagnosis of optic neuropathy. Although likely multifactorial, we believe that the lack of improvement in our case from presumed IIH and despite adequate neurosurgical decompression of a pituitary adenoma with compression of the optic apparatus reflected underlying unrecognized MOGAD. Clinicians should consider repeat imaging of the orbit (in addition to the head) in cases of atypical IIH or compressive optic neuropathy especially when the clinical course or response to therapy is poor or progressive.
Topics: Humans; Female; Middle Aged; Myelin-Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein; Pseudotumor Cerebri; Pituitary Neoplasms; Retrospective Studies; Autoantibodies; Optic Neuritis; Optic Nerve; Optic Nerve Diseases
PubMed: 38350984
DOI: 10.1186/s12886-023-03280-x -
BMC Immunology Feb 2024Itch sensitization has been reported in patients with chronic allergic skin diseases and observed in a mouse model of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). There is...
BACKGROUND
Itch sensitization has been reported in patients with chronic allergic skin diseases and observed in a mouse model of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). There is evidence suggesting that neuroimmune interactions may contribute to itch sensitization, as an increase in dendritic cells (DCs) within ganglia has been observed during allergic conditions. However, how DCs interact with sensory neurons in ganglia during allergic conditions is still not known. This study aims to investigate the role of DCs in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) under ACD conditions, specifically focusing on itch sensitization within the DRG. The tolylene-2,4-diisocyanate (TDI) mouse model for ACD and the co-culture model of DCs and DRG neurons was employed in this study.
RESULTS
We successfully induced ACD by TDI, as evidenced by the development of edema, elevated total serum IgE levels, and an observed itch reaction in TDI-sensitized mice. Calcium imaging and RT-qPCR analysis revealed that TDI-sensitized mice exhibited signs of peripheral sensitization, including a higher percentage of neurons responding to pruritogens and increased activation and expression of itch receptors in excised DRG of TDI-sensitized mice. Immunofluorescence and flow cytometric analysis displayed an increase of MHCII cells, which serves as a marker for DCs, within DRG during ACD. The co-culture study revealed that when DRG neurons were cultured with DCs, there was an increase in the number of neurons responsive to pruritogens and activation of itch receptors such as TRPA1, TRPV1, H1R, and TRPV4. In addition, the immunofluorescence and RT-qPCR study confirmed an upregulation of TRPV4.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings indicate that there is an increase of MHCII cells and itch peripheral sensitization in DRG under TDI-induced ACD condition. It has been found that MHCII cells in DRG might contribute to the itch peripheral sensitization by activating itch receptors, as shown through co-culture studies between DRG neurons and DCs. Further studies are required to identify the specific mediator(s) responsible for peripheral sensitization induced by activated DCs.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Mice; TRPV Cation Channels; Coculture Techniques; Pruritus; Neurons; Dendritic Cells; Hypersensitivity
PubMed: 38347451
DOI: 10.1186/s12865-024-00604-4 -
Journal of Medical Case Reports Feb 2024Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a potentially life-threatening pregnancy-related condition characterized by left ventricular dysfunction and heart failure, typically...
BACKGROUND
Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a potentially life-threatening pregnancy-related condition characterized by left ventricular dysfunction and heart failure, typically occurring in the peripartum period. Individuals with a history of preeclampsia and hypertension are particularly prone to developing PPCM. Recent research suggests that the condition may be triggered by vascular dysfunction influenced by maternal hormones in the late stages of gestation. The onset of left heart failure results in decreased cardiac output, leading to insufficient perfusion, which in turn, contributes to pulmonary edema and exacerbates tissue hypoxia. This cardiovascular response activates the neurohumoral system, causing peripheral vasoconstriction and elevating both mean capillary filling pressure (MCFP) and central venous pressure (CVP). Early administration of furosemide reduces volume overload due to negative cumulative fluid balance gaining and vasodilation, which increases the velocity of intravascular refilling and causes interstitial edema to resolve. This will decrease interstitial fluid pressure, resulting in decreased mechanical compression to systemic capillary and systemic vein pressure, thus decreasing MCFP and CVP subsequently. Reduced CVP also contributes to increased venous return by decreasing the gradient pressure between MCFP and CVP, resulting in increased cardiac output (CO) and improved tissue oxygenation.
CASE
A 33-year-old Asian woman, para 3 at full term pregnancy, admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) after c-section and tubectomy due to shortness of breath and palpitation. Based on history taking, physical examination and echocardiography the patient fulfilled the criteria of PPCM which was also complicated by pulmonary edema. Despite impending respiratory failure, the patient rejected intubation and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and was given oxygen supplementation through nasal cannula. Furosemide was given rapidly continued by maintenance dose and CVP was monitored. Antihypertensive drug, anticoagulants, and bromocriptine were also administered. After achieving negative cumulative fluid balance the patient's symptoms resolved and was discharged one week later.
CONCLUSION
There is a correlation between negative cumulative fluid balance and reduced central venous pressure after early furosemide therapy. Suspicion for PPCM should not be lowered in the presence of preeclampsia, it could delay appropriate treatment and increase the mortality.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Adult; Pulmonary Edema; Furosemide; Pre-Eclampsia; Peripartum Period; Cardiomyopathies; Heart Failure; Puerperal Disorders; Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular
PubMed: 38342904
DOI: 10.1186/s13256-024-04398-2