Showing papers in "Case Reports in 2019"
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TL;DR: In this paper, the authors presented a study and reports on the VAT gap in the EU-28 Member States, which is a follow-up to the six reports published between 2013 and 2018.
Abstract: This Report has been prepared for the European Commission, DG TAXUD under contract TAXUD/2017/DE/329, “Study and Reports on the VAT Gap in the EU-28 Member States” and serves as a follow-up to the six reports published between 2013 and 2018. This Study contains new estimates of the Value Added Tax (VAT) Gap for 2017, as well as updated estimates for 2013-2016. As a novelty in this series of reports, so called “fast VAT Gap estimates” are also presented the year immediately preceding the analysis, namely for 2018. In addition, the study reports the results of the econometric analysis of VAT Gap determinants initiated and initially reported in the 2018 Report (Poniatowski et al., 2018). It also scrutinises the Policy Gap in 2017 as well as the contribution that reduced rates and exemptions made to the theoretical VAT revenue losses.
28 citations
TL;DR: A 12-week-old boy presenting with incomplete refractory Kawasaki disease (KD) complicated with macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is reported, and high-dose anakinra was initiated, and remission of the inflammation was achieved.
Abstract: We report a 12-week-old boy presenting with incomplete refractory Kawasaki disease (KD) complicated with macrophage activation syndrome (MAS). The infant presented with cerebral irritability, pain, tachypnoea and vomiting for 10 days. He did not fulfil any of the classic diagnostic criteria for KD. Pericardial effusion on echocardiography in addition to severe dilatation of the coronary arteries in combination with leucocytosis and raised acute phase reactants led to the diagnosis of incomplete KD. Treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin and aspirin was initiated but without any response. The condition was subsequently refractory to additional treatment with infliximab and high-dose methylprednisolone. His condition worsened, fulfilling the criteria for MAS. High-dose anakinra was initiated, and remission of the inflammation was achieved.
27 citations
TL;DR: This represents the first documented case of porocarcinoma treated with immunotherapy and currently has no clinical or radiological evidence of disease.
Abstract: A 67-year-old woman presented in 2012 with a crusty nodule on the left lower limb. Histopathological examination at this time reported a poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Two years later, she underwent lymphadenectomy and radiotherapy due to unilateral inguinal and pelvic sidewall nodal metastases. The following year she required excision of two subcutaneous lesions, reported pathologically to be SCC metastases. Further imaging following cyberknife radiotherapy to new brain metastases demonstrated widespread metastatic visceral disease. Twelve cycles of carboplatin and capecitabine failed to halt disease progression. In February 2017, she commenced pembrolizumab, achieving an excellent response and currently has no clinical or radiological evidence of disease. Given the unusual behaviour of her cancer, a histopathological review was requested. The diagnosis was revised to that of porocarcinoma (PC). This represents the first documented case of PC treated with immunotherapy. As of March 2019, the patient remains free of disease.
27 citations
TL;DR: The preliminary data in an ongoing open-label safety and tolerability proof of concept study exploring the potential role for 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine-assisted psychotherapy in treating patients with alcohol use disorder show all four participants have successfully tolerated the treatment.
Abstract: We present the preliminary data in an ongoing open-label safety and tolerability proof of concept study exploring the potential role for 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-assisted psychotherapy in treating patients with alcohol use disorder. At this stage, seven participants have completed the full 8-week MDMA-assisted psychotherapy course, including two therapy sessions each with MDMA. This paper focuses on the safety and tolerability of the therapeutic course for the first four participants to complete treatment. Longer-term outcomes of drinking behaviour will be presented later when the full project data are published. Results show all four participants have successfully tolerated the treatment. There have been no serious adverse events related to MDMA, no unexpected physiological responses to the MDMA sessions or changes to blood results or electrocardiograms, measured before and after the 8-week course. We conclude that the treatment is well- tolerated and are making plans to expand the project into a randomised placebo-controlled study.
25 citations
TL;DR: The use of eculizumab may have contributed to recovery of kidney function further supporting the role of complement activation in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia and associated AKI.
Abstract: The kidney is one of the major organs affected in preeclampsia. There is evidence suggesting a role for excessive complement activation in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. We describe a case of preeclampsia with severe features, including HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets) and acute kidney injury (AKI) that developed following caesarian section. The patient required renal replacement therapy. A trial of daily plasma exchange was not effective. The patient received a single dose of eculizumab, a humanised monoclonal IgG antibody that binds to complement protein C5. One week post administration of eculizumab, there was significant improvement in haematologic, hepatic and renal function. Blood pressure had normalised and renal replacement therapy was discontinued. The use of eculizumab may have contributed to recovery of kidney function further supporting the role of complement activation in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia and associated AKI.
23 citations
TL;DR: A 47-year-old man presented to the primary care clinic for evaluation of rash with several itchy lesions over the body and face, he had itchiness over his hands, face and lips that began after eating lunch, consisting of eggs and crab.
Abstract: A 47-year-old man presented to the primary care clinic for evaluation of rash. In addition to several itchy lesions over the body and face, he had itchiness over his hands, face and lips that began after eating lunch, consisting of eggs and crab. There was no associated shortness of breath,
23 citations
TL;DR: A previously healthy 3-month-old former 30-week premature girl presented with sudden onset altered mental status and cardiopulmonary arrest, showing a 10.2 cm hyperdense lesion in the right hemisphere with areas of acute haemorrhage causing subfalcine, uncal and inferior cerebellar.
Abstract: A previously healthy 3-month-old former 30-week premature girl presented with sudden onset altered mental status and cardiopulmonary arrest.[1][1] CT scan showed a 10.2 cm hyperdense lesion in the right hemisphere with areas of acute haemorrhage causing subfalcine, uncal and inferior cerebellar
21 citations
TL;DR: A 41-year-old obese Native American woman presented with hidradenitis suppurativa and received a botulinum toxin A injection every 3 months, which has significantly helped alleviate her pain and curb the progress of her HS by resolving abscesses and healing draining sinuses.
Abstract: A 41-year-old obese Native American woman presented with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) after failing all available treatment options. Her HS was more pronounced in the axillary and groin regions (Hurley stage III) and was a major source of her pain and a barrier for home exercise and aquatic therapy. She received a botulinum toxin A injection every 3 months (four times thus far), which has significantly helped alleviate her pain and curb the progress of her HS by resolving abscesses and healing draining sinuses.
21 citations
TL;DR: Though unusual, amoebiasis as a result of sexual transmission should be considered in non-endemic areas in people who have never travelled abroad, particularly in the presence of clinical symptoms such as liver abscesses or chronic diarrhoea.
Abstract: Entamoeba histolytica is a cosmopolitan pathogenic parasite. It is spread via the feco-oral route and, to a lesser extent, via sexual intercourse. We report a case of hepatic and intestinal amoebiasis in a 67-year-old man who had never travelled to an endemic area. Abdominal CT investigations detected two liver abscesses and chronic colitis. Positive amoebic serology and a positive PCR test for E. histolytica in the hepatic liquid and faeces confirmed the diagnosis. Curative metronidazole and tiliquinol-tilbroquinol were administered successfully. The patient had been contaminated through heterosexual intercourse with his healthy French female partner who was a carrier of the parasite. Though unusual, amoebiasis as a result of sexual transmission should be considered in non-endemic areas in people who have never travelled abroad, particularly in the presence of clinical symptoms such as liver abscesses or chronic diarrhoea.
19 citations
TL;DR: This case of a 68-year-old male who was admitted with sudden onset of worsening neurological symptoms following immunotherapy treatment is presented, one of few in the literature and an important reminder of the potential for new immunotherapeutic agents to cause significant neurotoxic effects.
Abstract: With the recent development of novel, more potent cancer treatment, in particular, immune 'checkpoint inhibitors', cases of neurological immune-related adverse events are on the rise. Although rare, this includes Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS). We present the case of a 68-year-old male who was admitted with sudden onset of worsening neurological symptoms following immunotherapy treatment. These symptoms progressed quickly to respiratory failure requiring intubation and admission to the intensive care unit. He was thoroughly investigated and is believed to have an axonal neuropathy in the form of Miller Fisher Syndrome (MFS) variant of GBS, secondary to immunotherapy treatment. He was initially treated with intravenous immunoglobulin, and later, perhaps more effectively, with high dose steroids which significantly improved his symptoms. This case of checkpoint inhibitor-induced MFS is one of few in the literature and is an important reminder of the potential for new immunotherapeutic agents to cause significant neurotoxic effects. These should be promptly and thoroughly investigated, in particular, as the management of these patients can differ from standard treatments used in these conditions.
19 citations
TL;DR: A case of Parkinsonism-hyperpyrexia syndrome due to DBS battery depletion presented as sepsis and was successfully treated with the administration of dopamine agonists, intravenous fluids and changing the DBS Battery.
Abstract: Parkinsonism-hyperpyrexia syndrome (PHS) is a neurologic potentially fatal emergency that mimics neuroleptic malignant syndrome. It commonly presents as systemic inflammatory response syndrome, acute onset worsening of muscular rigidity, autonomic instability, hyperpyrexia, confusion, diaphoresis and high creatine phosphokinase. The most common trigger for PHS is reduction or withdrawal of anti-Parkinson's medications, especially levodopa. It was also reported in a few cases following deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus surgery shortly after anti-Parkinson's medications were discontinued. Rare causes of PHS include deep brain stimulator (DBS) malfunction due to battery depletion. To the best of our knowledge, PHS following DBS battery depletion was reported only in three occasions. Here, we report a case of PHS due to DBS battery depletion presented as sepsis and was successfully treated with the administration of dopamine agonists, intravenous fluids and changing the DBS battery.
TL;DR: Endoscopic sinus surgery with computer-assisted navigation is the safest and most effective method to remove the lesion that was closely related to the medial rectum muscle and to the anterior ethmoidal artery.
Abstract: We present a case of a 16-year-old girl with interruption of papyracea lamina and herniation of the periorbital fat covered by a bone shell. The patient presents with a history of diplopia and visual disturbances ever since she can remember. Thanks to radiological imaging and biopsy, we have done differential diagnosis with periorbital lipoma, intraosseous lipoma and intramuscular lipoma of medial rectus. Diagnostic for images is necessary for a correct operative planning. Endoscopic sinus surgery with computer-assisted navigation is the safest and most effective method to remove the lesion that was closely related to the medial rectum muscle and to the anterior ethmoidal artery. The patient after surgery and in 1 year of follow-up reports the disappearance of symptoms.
TL;DR: The HPV 9-valent vaccine is safe, but recognising this minor adverse event is important to prevent unnecessary investigation and reduce patient and parental anxiety.
Abstract: We present two clinical cases of lymphadenopathy after vaccination with the human papillomavirus (HPV) 9-valent vaccine: an asymptomatic 11-year-old boy with inferior cervical and supraclavicular lymphadenopathy, and a 13-year-old girl who presented with lymphadenopathy. In both cases, medical history was unremarkable and there was no recent infection, or other clinical findings. Both adolescents had received the HPV 9-valent vaccine in the previous week. In the first case, blood tests, ultrasonography and biopsy were performed, while in the second, a watchful waiting strategy was adopted. In both cases, the lymphadenopathy resolved spontaneously. The boy received the second dose of the vaccine 6 months later and lymphadenopathy reappeared. The Naranjo scale was applied, classifying the events as definite (in the case of the boy) and probable (girl) adverse drug reactions. The vaccine is safe, but recognising this minor adverse event is important to prevent unnecessary investigation and reduce patient and parental anxiety.
TL;DR: A patient with non-small cell lung cancer who received treatment with pembrolizumab and developed multiple immune-related adverse events both during and after completing treatment, including rash, pericarditis, colitis and myasthenia gravis is reported.
Abstract: Immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as pembrolizumab, have significantly improved cancer patient outcome. Toxicities are usually moderate and manageable. However, some adverse events, if not early recognised, could be life-threatening. We report a patient with non-small cell lung cancer who received treatment with pembrolizumab and developed multiple immune-related adverse events both during and after completing treatment, including rash, pericarditis, colitis and myasthenia gravis.
TL;DR: This case is the first to show the benefit of MSC therapy in the treatment of small joint arthropathy and also of the upper limb.
Abstract: The aim of this case report is to evaluate the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy in the treatment of small joint osteoarthritis (OA). Acromio-clavicular (AC) joint OA is an under-diagnosed and yet frequent source of shoulder pain. MSCs have shown evidence of benefit in the treatment of knee OA. This is the first report to describe the use of MSC therapy in OA of the upper limb. A 43-year-old patient presents with painful AC joint OA and undergoes MSC therapy. The patient reported pain and functional improvement as assessed by the Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand Score and Numeric Pain Rating Scale. Imaging at 12 months showed structural improvement with reduction in subchondral oedema, synovitis and subchondral cysts. This case is the first to show the benefit of MSC therapy in the treatment of small joint arthropathy and also of the upper limb.Trial registration number: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12617000638336).
TL;DR: It is speculated that this patient may have had small cell lung cancer that incited an IgG4 predominant immune response with coexistent ANCA antibodies that eventually resulted in GPA and likely accelerated the progression of the lung cancer.
Abstract: Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) was diagnosed in a patient with a 16-month history of IgG4-related lung disease that spontaneously became asymptomatic. Cytoplasmic antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) was positive at the time of diagnosis of IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD), but there was no vasculitis or kidney disease. Sixteen months later he developed rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis that responded to cyclophosphamide treatment. While undergoing treatment for GPA, he was found to have a lung mass identified as small cell lung cancer. This mass was present at the time of the IgG4-RD diagnosis. GPA can be confused with IgG4-RD histologically and they rarely coexist. ANCA antibodies are primarily IgG4 subclass. IgG4-RD has been associated with cancer and may improve prognosis. We speculate that this patient may have had small cell lung cancer that incited an IgG4 predominant immune response with coexistent ANCA antibodies that eventually resulted in GPA. Immunosuppressive treatment of GPA likely accelerated the progression of the lung cancer.
TL;DR: This case presents the case of a young healthy 35-year-old man who suffered a cardiac arrest due to kratom use with no other coingestants and was subsequently intubated and found to have systolic dysfunction and small brain infarcts.
Abstract: Kratom is a psychoactive herb that has stimulant properties at low doses and has opioid-like properties at higher doses. It has been used for centuries in southeast Asia as a stimulant but has gained increasing popularity as a substitute for opioids in western countries as it is easily available. As most cases of kratom use involve other drugs too, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stopped short of restricting kratom due to difficulty in assessing the adverse effects of kratom alone. We present the case of a young healthy 35-year-old man who suffered a cardiac arrest due to kratom use with no other coingestants. He was subsequently intubated and found to have systolic dysfunction and small brain infarcts. Fortunately, he made a successful recovery and was discharged after a stay at thebehavioural health centre. Our case highlights the potential adverse effects of kratom and the need to regulate its use.
TL;DR: A case in which the combination of SGLT2i and a strict very low-carbohydrate diet led to severe diabetic ketoacidosis in a young Caucasian man with type 2 diabetes is reported.
Abstract: Diabetic euglycaemic ketoacidosis is a possible adverse effect of sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i). We report a case in which the combination of SGLT2i and a strict very low-carbohydrate diet led to severe diabetic ketoacidosis in a young Caucasian man with type 2 diabetes.
TL;DR: A case of a 44-year-old woman with locally advanced aggressive angiomyxoma with a novel translocation high-mobility group AT-hook 2–yes-associated protein 1 (HMGA2-YAP1) fusion, implies a t(11;12)(q22.1;q14.3) translocation.
Abstract: We describe a case of a 44-year-old woman with locally advanced aggressive angiomyxoma with a novel translocation high-mobility group AT-hook 2-yes-associated protein 1 (HMGA2-YAP1) fusion, implying a t(11;12)(q22.1;q14.3) translocation. She was started on gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist injection and an aromatase inhibitor for persistent disease, which responded to treatment; she was subsequently treated with radiation before a more definitive operation was conducted. This case report indicates that HGMA2-YAP1-translocated aggressive angiomyxoma is responsive to oestrogen antagonism and hopefully will allow for the development of diagnostics useful for this rare but often morbid neoplasm. This case also highlights the importance of appropriate workup of a soft tissue mass.
TL;DR: The present review outlines the current understanding of the epidemiology of and risk factors for sepsis-related myocardial calcification, the pathophysiology of this condition and currently available approaches to diagnosis.
Abstract: Myocardial calcification is a rare and life-threatening condition. It has been associated with a myriad of causes, including ischaemic heart disease, cardiac surgery, rheumatic fever, and myocarditis. However, this entity is less well recognised in the setting of toxic shock syndrome. Published medical literature is scarce with regard to the pathogenesis and clinical implications of this potential association. We chronicle here the case of a patient with myocardial calcification secondary to toxic shock syndrome from our clinical experience. Furthermore, a systematic literature search of the medical databases PubMed and Google Scholar was conducted. A total of 17 cases fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The data on patients' characteristics, epidemiology, clinical features, comorbid conditions, diagnosis, clinical course and outcome were collected and analysed. The present review outlines our current understanding of the epidemiology of and risk factors for sepsis-related myocardial calcification, the pathophysiology of this condition and currently available approaches to diagnosis.
TL;DR: The patient repeatedly presented to accident and emergency complaining of her body resembling a wet gel-like substance that she attributed to the use of olive oil moisturising cream, and subsequently underwent successful decompressive anterior cervical discectomy.
Abstract: Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is the most common cause of adult spinal cord dysfunction, most classically presenting with a broad-based gait and clumsy hands. Limb sensory loss and paraesthesia are considered common symptoms of DCM. However, we report an unusual case of a patient presenting with prominent and atypical sensory symptoms. The patient repeatedly presented to accident and emergency complaining of her body resembling a wet gel-like substance that she attributed to the use of olive oil moisturising cream. The patient was found to have myelopathic signs on examination and MRI consistent with severe cervical myelopathy. She subsequently underwent successful decompressive anterior cervical discectomy, as recommended by international guidelines. This case serves to remind health professionals of uncommon presentations of common disease and the importance of maintaining a wide initial differential diagnosis.
TL;DR: A 63-year-old woman with a medical history of chronic myelogenous leukaemia treated with dasatinib, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction with large right-sided pleural effusion presented with difficulty in breathing was diagnosed with chylothorax and switched to nilotinib.
Abstract: A 63-year-old woman with a medical history of chronic myelogenous leukaemia treated with dasatinib, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction presented with difficulty in breathing. Chest X-ray showed large right-sided pleural effusion, which was confirmed on a CT angiogram of the chest. Echocardiogram showed an ejection fraction of 61% with moderate to severely dilated right ventricle and right ventricular systolic pressure of 60 mm Hg. Diagnostic and therapeutic thoracentesis was performed, and 2.2 L of pleural fluid was removed. Pleural fluid analysis was consistent with chylothorax. Significant symptomatic improvement was noted after thoracentesis. In the absence of an alternate explanation, chylothorax was attributed to dasatinib, which was switched to nilotinib. This resulted in resolution of her pleural effusions.
TL;DR: Patients with metastatic ALK-rearranged NSCLC who had pulmonary disease control with first-generation ALK inhibitor are reviewed to suggest a potential role for lorlatinib in patients with rapidly progressive cerebral and leptomeningeal metastases.
Abstract: Oral anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) have shown significant benefit in the management of ALK-rearranged non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, almost all patients will experience disease progression after front-line ALK-TKIs such as crizotinib. Treatment with third generation ALK-TKI lorlatinib can have a significant clinical impact following disease progression, even in patients with a very poor performance status. Here, we review two clinical cases with metastatic ALK-rearranged NSCLC who had pulmonary disease control with first-generation ALK inhibitor. However, disease progressed rapidly in the central nervous system with severe neurological symptoms. Treatment with lorlatinib, a third-generation ALK-TKI, led to a rapid radiological and clinical cerebral response in both patients. Lorlatinib can overcome ALK resistance to crizotinib, and the presented cases suggest a potential role for lorlatinib in patients with rapidly progressive cerebral and leptomeningeal metastases.
TL;DR: A patient with recurrent butterfly glioblastoma enrolled in a first-in-man MRI-guided neurointervention for targeted IA drug delivery is presented.
Abstract: Patients with malignant brain tumors have a poor prognosis. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is considered a primary obstacle in therapeutic drug delivery to the brain. Intra-arterial (IA) delivery of therapeutic agents following osmotic BBB opening has been attempted for years, but high variability has limited its widespread implementation. It has recently been shown in animal studies that MRI is superior to X-ray for guiding IA infusions, as it allows direct visualization of the brain parenchyma supplied by the catheter and facilitates predictable drug targeting. Moreover, PET imaging has shown that IA rather than intravenous delivery of bevacizumab results in accumulation in the brain, providing a strong rationale for using the IA route. We present a patient with recurrent butterfly glioblastoma enrolled in a first-in-man MRI-guided neurointervention for targeted IA drug delivery.
TL;DR: The case of a 75-year-old man with IgA vasculitis and atrial fibrillation treated with rivaroxaban, who presented with macroscopic haematuria and an acute decline in renal function is described, believed to be the first case of direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC)-related AKI in systemic Vasculitis.
Abstract: Anticoagulants have recently been recognised as a cause of acute kidney injury (AKI). We describe the case of a 75-year-old man with IgA vasculitis and atrial fibrillation treated with rivaroxaban, who presented with macroscopic haematuria and an acute decline in renal function. Two months before referral, he noted palpable purpuric lesions and was diagnosed with IgA vasculitis based on skin biopsy findings; the skin lesion disappeared following treatment with a steroid external preparation. Renal biopsy revealed glomerular haemorrhage and red blood cell casts. Although rivaroxaban was withdrawn, his kidney function worsened and he was started on haemodialysis. His renal function did not recover. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC)-related AKI in systemic vasculitis. During DOAC therapy, close monitoring of a patient's urinalysis results and their renal function may be required for patients with systemic vasculitis to avoid AKI.
TL;DR: The case of a child with a left temporal arachnoid cyst who suffered rupture with haemorrhage after mild trauma during a football match is described.
Abstract: The association between intracranial arachnoid cyst rupture and mild brain trauma is infrequently reported. The purpose of this case report is to describe the case of a child with a left temporal arachnoid cyst who suffered rupture with haemorrhage after mild trauma during a football match. The child presented with chronic headache of mild intensity that progressed to a more intense headache after a traumatic event. He underwent surgical intervention after diagnosis of chronic haemorrhage in an arachnoid cyst in the ipsilateral subdural space. The risk of intracranial arachnoid cyst rupture should be considered during the evaluation of oligosymptomatic patients because it is a potentially catastrophic event.
TL;DR: A 19-year-old female presented with progressive left earache and intermittent left nasal obstruction and rapidly developed left lateral rectus palsy, and Gradenigo’s syndrome was first considered.
Abstract: IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) of temporal bone is rare and clinical manifestation mimics infection. A 19-year-old female presented with progressive left earache and intermittent left nasal obstruction. Then, she rapidly developed left lateral rectus palsy. The physical examination revealed mild redness of left tympanic membrane and a small nasal polyp from the left middle meatus. CT scan showed left petrous apicitis and enhancing sinonasal mucosa. Therefore, Gradenigo's syndrome was first considered. The empirical intravenous antibiotic was immediately prescribed and surgery was performed. The intraoperative pale soft tissue mass in middle ear and polyp in the left nasal cavity were sent for pathological examination and found positive immunohistochemical stains for IgG4 in plasma cells. Systemic corticosteroid, the first-line treatment, was started and her symptoms were finally recovery.
TL;DR: A 68-year-old woman with brain metastases from high-grade serous ovarian cancer who has remained free of disease progression for longer than 17 months with niraparib use as maintenance treatment after second-line chemotherapy is presented.
Abstract: Ovarian cancer is the second the most common gynaecological malignancy in developed countries. 70% of patients relapse in the first 3 years following debulking surgery and first-line chemotherapy. Niraparib is a poly adenosine diphosphate ribose polymerase inhibitor which uses the concept of synthetic lethality in the presence of a mutation in the breast cancer susceptibility gene (BRCA), and is now recommended as maintenance treatment in patients with platinum-sensitive relapse of ovarian cancer. It has been shown to increase progression-free survival. We present a case of a 68-year-old woman with brain metastases from high-grade serous ovarian cancer who has remained free of disease progression for longer than 17 months with niraparib use as maintenance treatment after second-line chemotherapy.
TL;DR: This case demonstrates the difficulty of timely diagnosis of acute sphenoid sinusitis which has emerged as the most common primary infectious source potentially leading in CST and underscores the uncertainty concerning the use of anticoagulation in cerebral sinus thrombosis of infectious origin.
Abstract: We report a case of septic thrombosis of the right cavernous sinus in a diabetic woman in her late 70’s due to ipsilateral sphenoid sinusitis. The diagnosis was delayed and made only after the abrupt and dramatic appearance of the manifestations of sinus thrombosis. The patient developed, among the other symptoms, right peripheral facial palsy, which is a very rare manifestation in cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST). She was treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics and enoxaparin. The day of the scheduled drainage of sphenoid sinus—24 hours after the initiation of anticoagulation—she developed fatal subarachnoid haemorrhage. Our case demonstrates the difficulty of timely diagnosis of acute sphenoid sinusitis which has emerged as the most common primary infectious source potentially leading in CST. It also underscores the uncertainty concerning the use of anticoagulation in cerebral sinus thrombosis of infectious origin.
TL;DR: A 33-year-old professional alpine skier sustained a right knee ACL rupture in September 2017 and successfully participated in the slalom at the 2018 Olympic Games at 20 weeks postoperatively.
Abstract: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture in the immediate build-up to a major international competition can preclude an athletes' participation due to the prolonged period of rehabilitation that is typically required after ACL reconstruction. ACL repair is an alternative strategy that has been postulated to confer the advantage of rapid rehabilitation and earlier return to sport. A 33-year-old professional alpine skier sustained a right knee ACL rupture in September 2017. The athlete indicated that she wanted to participate in the 2018 Olympics. Arthroscopic ACL repair and reconstruction of the anterolateral ligament was undertaken. At 3 months, Lachman's test revealed a hard end point, a negative pivot shift and no side-to-side laxity difference. MRI at 6 and 12 weeks demonstrated a continuous ACL with no intraligament signal change. At 20 weeks postoperatively, she successfully participated in the slalom at the 2018 Olympic Games.