An adult case of cyclic vomiting syndrome successfully responding to valproic acid

The predominance of "astrocytic" intranuclear inclusions in neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease manifesting encephalopathy-like symptoms: A case series with brain biopsy

Neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID) is a neurodegenerative disorder represented by eosinophilic intranuclear inclusions (EIIs) and GGC/CGG repeat expansion in the NOTCH2NLC gene. We report here two adult cases of NIID, genetically confirmed, with manifestation of encephalopathy-like symptoms and address the histopathologic findings obtained by brain biopsies, with a focus on "astrocytic" intranuclear inclusions (AIIs). Case 1 presented with paroxysmal restlessness, vertigo, or fever and was later involved in severe dementia and tetraparesis. Case 2 presented with forgetfulness and then with paroxysmal fever and headache. In both cases, delimited areas with gadolinium enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging and corresponding hyperperfusion were detected, leading to brain biopsies of the cortex. On histology, Case 1 showed an abnormal lamination, where the thickness of layers was different from usual. Both neurons and astrocytes showed some dysmorphologic features. Notably, astrocytes rather than neurons harbored EIIs. Case 2 showed a cortex, where neurons tended to be arrayed in a columnar fashion. Astrocytes showed some dysmorphologic features. Notably, much more astrocytes than neurons harbored EIIs. By a double-labeling immunofluorescence study for p62/NeuN and p62/glial fibrillary acidic protein, the predominance of AIIs was confirmed in both cases. Considering the physiological functions of astrocytes for the development and maintenance of the cortex, the encephalopathy-like symptoms, dynamic change of cerebral blood flow, and cortical dysmorphology can reasonably be explained by the dysfunction of EII-bearing astrocytes rather than EII-bearing neurons. This study suggests the presence of a subtype of NIID where AIIs rather than "neuronal" intranuclear inclusions are likely a key player in the pathogenesis of NIID, particularly in cases with encephalopathy-like symptoms. The importance of AIIs ("gliopathy") should be more appreciated in future studies of NIID.

Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome in Children and Adults: What Is New in 2018?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is a disabling functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by severe vomiting episodes that alternate with symptom-free periods. The purpose of this review is to summarize current knowledge and highlight most recent data on prevalence, diagnosis, management, and impact of CVS in children and adults.

RECENT FINDINGS

Originally thought to be a pediatric disorder, the past decade has witnessed a considerable increase in CVS diagnosed in adults. Despite improved recognition of CVS, without a delineated pathophysiology and specific biomarker, it remains classified as a functional gastrointestinal disorder. Migraines and CVS share a common pathway based on several studies and response to migraine therapy. Recent work has begun to expand the list of comorbidities and identify plausible mechanisms and new therapeutic avenues. This review seeks to highlight best practices and novel therapies for CVS based on expert consensus and review of available literature.

Cyclic vomiting syndrome: a case series and review of the literature

OBJECTIVE

Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is under-recognised. Treatment is difficult as the pathophysiology is incompletely understood. We report our experience of treating patients with amitriptyline, and review the literature to summarise symptoms and associated features, epidemiology, potential pathophysiological mechanisms, differential diagnoses and treatment.

DESIGN

Consecutive adult patients with CVS were identified during a 5-year period from January 2010 until December 2015. Medical records were reviewed retrospectively, and age and sex of the patient, symptoms, associated features and response to treatment with amitriptyline were recorded.

SETTING

A luminal gastroenterology clinic at a teaching hospital.

RESULTS

Seventeen patients were identified (mean age 29.8 years, 13 (76.5%) female). Five had a history of cannabis use. Duration of symptoms prior to diagnosis ranged from 5 months to 15 years. Fourteen patients commenced amitriptyline, and in eight (57.1%) symptoms either ceased entirely or improved. Review of the literature suggested the prevalence of CVS was 0.5%. Symptoms are stereotypical, with acute episodes of nausea and vomiting, interspersed by periods when the patient is symptom-free. Proposed pathophysiologies include neuroendocrine dysfunction, mutations in mitochondrial DNA and re-intoxication effects from cannabis stored in fat tissues. Treatment during the acute phase is supportive, with rehydration, sedation and antiemetics. Prophylaxis to prevent future attacks with antihistamines, antimigraine drugs, antiepileptics and tricyclic antidepressants may be beneficial. Complete cessation of cannabis smoking should be advised.

CONCLUSIONS

Diagnosis of CVS is often delayed in adults. Once identified, patients respond well to amitriptyline.

Type 1 diabetes complicated with uncontrollable adult cyclic vomiting syndrome: a case report

We herein describe the case of a 29-year-old woman with type 1 diabetes from 10 years of age who developed adult cyclic vomiting syndrome. Beginning at 25 years of age, she was frequently hospitalized for stress-induced vomiting. Her vomiting episodes developed acutely and remitted after severe vomiting of more than 30 times a day for a few days. The vomiting periods were accompanied by leukocytosis with a predominance of neutrophils, high blood pressure and fever. In addition, it was noted that her levels of both adrenocorticotropic hormone and antidiuretic hormone during the vomiting attacks increased and subsequently dramatically decreased immediately after symptom improvement; therefore, she was diagnosed with adult-type cyclic vomiting syndrome in accordance with the diagnostic criteria of Rome III, a system developed to classify functional gastrointestinal disorders. Though glycemic control had improved with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy, the vomiting frequency increased due to the failure of drug treatments and general psychotherapy to terminate the vomiting attacks, making discharge difficult and greatly interfering with everyday life. Eventually, hypnotherapy and miniature garden therapy were prescribed, which significantly reduced the vomiting frequency, making it possible to discharge her from inpatient medical care.

In the treatment of this patient with type 1 diabetes and adult-type cyclic vomiting syndrome, continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy and comprehensive psychotherapy were effective.

Acute confusional migraine in an adolescent: response to intravenous valproate

Acute confusional migraine (ACM) is a dramatic, rare manifestation of migraine described mostly for children and adolescents. There are few data on the treatment of an ACM attack. Prochlorperazine has been suggested as an effective drug. The authors of some reports have suggested that valproic acid may play a role in the prevention of ACM and as treatment for acute migraine headache in the adult population. However, this medication has not been reported as first-line, acute therapy for ACM. We report here the case of a 12-year-old girl who presented with an ACM attack that resolved rapidly after intravenous administration of valproic acid.

Cyclic vomiting syndrome in a male patient with history of renal cell carcinoma status post nephrectomy

Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is a condition whose symptoms are recurring attacks of intense nausea, vomiting and sometimes abdominal pain and/or headaches or migraines. Cyclic vomiting usually develops during the childhood ages of 3 - 7; whereas it often remits during adolescence, it can persist into adult life. We report a case of a 57 years old Caucasian male with a history of renal cell carcinoma status post left nephrectomy presenting with a 7 years history of intermittent nausea and vomiting with prodromal malaise, watery diarrhea, flushing and diaphoresis. Cyclic vomiting syndrome is a debilitating functional brain-gut disorder that was initially characterized in children, but now is increasingly recognized to occur also in adults.

Charles Darwin's impressions of New Zealand and Australia, and insights into his illness and his developing ideas on evolution

Charles Darwin visited New Zealand in December 1835, and Australia from January until March 1836, on the return portion of his voyage around the world in HMS Beagle. Despite the shortness of these visits, he retained an interest in these countries throughout his life, maintaining correspondence and receiving many biological specimens. His experiences in these places influenced his thinking on evolution, particularly on the evolution of man. Aspects of his health recorded during this part of the voyage support a new hypothesis for the diagnosis of the illness that Darwin endured for most of his life.