The fate of the malrotated elbow supracondylar fractures in children: is varus really a problem?

PURPOSE

To evaluate the functional and cosmetic effects of elbow supracondylar fractures (SCF) in children with residual rotational deformity.

METHODS

Retrospective review cohort of patients with evidence of malrotation after treatment for SCF. An analysis of the postoperative X-ray of 305 consecutive SCF type 3 treated surgically during five years identified 46 elbows with rotational deformity that fulfilled the selection criteria and were recalled for review; only 27 patients agreed to participate. Patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically. Clinically, the elbow and shoulder ROM were assessed. The postoperative fracture rotation (PFR) was radiologically measured using the Berdis method. Results were categorized according to Flynn criteria, and functional outcomes were evaluated with the QuickDASH questionnaire. On final assessment, a radiograph of both elbows was obtained, and measures were compared. Descriptive analysis was made calculating median, range, proportions, and confidence intervals. Non-parametric tests were used to test the association between variables.

RESULTS

The group had a median age of four years and a median follow-up of 52 months. Shoulder rotation was asymmetrical in 13 patients; six patients presented a change on carrying angle > 5° (4 varus/2 valgus). The higher the residual rotation, the higher the chances of an altered shoulder rotation (for each degree of PFR, the shoulder rotation was changed to 0.4°). However, there was a low correlation between the amount of rotation and the final carrying angle (r = 0.37). According to Flynn's criteria, over 95% had excellent or good results.

CONCLUSION

There was a weak correlation between varus and rotational malalignment. Patients with moderate residual malrotation could be expected to have a good outcome even if some shoulder rotation changes persist.

Idiopathic isolated adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiency: a systematic review of a heterogeneous and underreported disease

Isolated adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiency (IAD) is considered to be a rare disease. Due to the nonspecific clinical presentation, precise data on the prevalence and incidence are lacking. In this systematic review, we aimed to analyse the clinical characteristics, association with autoimmune diseases, and management of acquired idiopathic IAD cases. A structured search was conducted after developing a search strategy combining terms for acquired (idiopathic) IAD. Articles describing an adult case with a diagnosis of ACTH deficiency using dynamic testing, no deficiency of other pituitary axes, and MRI of the brain/pituitary protocolled as normal, were included. Exclusion criteria were cases describing congenital IAD, cases with another aetiology for IAD, and articles where full text was not available. In total 42 articles were included, consisting of 85 cases of acquired idiopathic IAD. Distribution by sex was approximately equal (F:M; 47:38). Lethargy was the most common presenting symptom (38%), followed by weight loss (25%), anorexia (22%), and myalgia/arthralgia (12%). Eight cases (9.5%) presented with an Addison crisis. 31% of cases had an autoimmune disease at diagnosis of which Hashimoto hypothyroidism was the most frequent. Data about follow-up was scarce; dynamic testing was repeated in 4 cases of which 2 showed recovery of the adrenal axis. We report the largest case series of acquired idiopathic IAD to date. Our systematic review highlights the lack of a clear definition and diagnostic work-up. Based on the findings in this review a proposition is made for a flowchart to diagnose acquired idiopathic IAD.

Bilateral acquired canaliculops: Report of two cases

We report two rare cases of bilateral acquired canaliculops. A 67-year-old woman and an 89-year-old man showed cystic lesions in the medial-upper eyelid on both sides. In both of the cases, re-canalization using dacryoendoscopy was failed because of firm obstruction at the canaliculus and/or junction between the lacrimal sac and nasolacrimal duct. Although 15 cases with canaliculops had been reported previously, only one congenital case showed bilateral canaliculops. The results of our study indicate more complex obstruction in cases with bilateral canaliculops compared to those with unilateral canaliculops.

Arouse potential stemness: Intrinsic and acquired stem cell therapeutic strategies for advanced liver diseases

Liver diseases are a major health issue, and prolonged liver injury always progresses. Advanced liver disorders impair liver regeneration. Millions of patients die yearly worldwide, even with the available treatments of liver transplantation and artificial liver support system. With its abundant cell resources and significant differentiative potential, stem cell therapy is a viable treatment for various disorders and offers hope to patients waiting for orthotopic liver transplantation. Considering such plight, stem cell therapeutic strategies deliver hope to the patients. Moreover, we conclude intrinsic and acquired perspectives based on stem cell sources. The properties and therapeutic uses of these stem cells' specific types or sources were then reviewed. Owing to the recent investigations of the above cells, a safe and effective therapy will emerge for advanced liver diseases soon.

TREATMENT OF OSTEOGENESIS IMPERFECTA USING THE FASSIER-DUVAL TELESCOPIC ROD

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the treatment of patients with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) operated on with a telescopic Fassier-Duval (FD) rod in a querterenario hospital from 2010 to 2020.

Methods

We analyzed indication for surgical treatment, causes of reoperation, complications and the effectiveness of telescoping rod.

Results

The results were compared with the literature and with the same parameters from a previous study which a different telescopic rod developed by the same authors. This was a retrospective study based on the analysis of digital and radiographic clinical records. Fifteen patients with 21 FD rods were evaluated, most were used on the femur (18 rods or 85.7%), eight patients were female (53.3%), with a mean age of 10.47 (3.92 to 16.44) years, most of whom had type III Sillence (46.7%), with a mean follow-up of 5.22 (1.43 to 7.02) years. Seven rods (33.3%) had complications. The main indication was for fracture (57.1%). Regarding the ability to telescope, we observed that 15 rods (71.4%) followed the child's growth.

Conclusion

We had good results using FD rods, similar to the data found in the literature and the data obtained with our rod. Level of Evidence III,Retrospective comparative study .

Evaluation of the efficacy of horizontal distraction osteogenesis using expansion screws in the repair of the acquired jaw bone defects

Restoration of the segmental defects of the maxilla presents a reconstructive dare to obtain a perfect osseous form and height. A variety of prosthetic and surgical bone grafts exists, that produces less than optimal results. Bone transport distraction is a dependable procedure in several maxillofacial bone defects reconstruction techniques. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of horizontal distraction osteogenesis (DO) using expansion screws for the treatment of atrophic and deficient bone, which is caused by acquired malformations.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of eight patients ( age 17-36 years) who came with atrophy of the maxilla were treated by horizontal DO. The used device consisted of two parts: one was an orthodontic expander and the other was a screw-ring. The expansion screws were set on the transport bone, which was osteotomized and fixed to the segments using microscrews. Radiographical documentation of the patients was obtained with cone beam computed tomography prior to the surgery and after 4 months of the distraction phase.

RESULTS

The average of the actual bone gain at the end of the consolidation period was 7 mm (range 5-9 mm). Intraoral DO failed in one patient. The average bone density in the distraction gap after 4 months of the DO was 460.40. The average bone density of the bone defect region after 4 months of the DO was 487.90.

CONCLUSION

Our results confirm that horizontal DO using expansion screws is a predictable and effective regenerative procedure for patients with acquired bone defects in the jaw.

First-time use of a porcine small intestine submucosal plug device to close an acquired tracheo-esophageal fistula

BACKGROUND

Acquired tracheo-esophageal fistula (TEF) is a rare, life-threatening pathology, responsible for severe comorbidities. Its management is a real therapeutic challenge and remains controversial.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report the first case of endoscopic treatment of TEF by using a porcine small intestine submucosal (SIS) plug device in a young quadriplegic patient after failed surgical closure by cervicotomy. After 1 year of follow-up, oral feeding of the patient was resumed and no clinical signs of fistula recurrence were evident.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, we obtained for the first time, a satisfactory result for TEF closure with the use of a porcine SIS plug.

Ataxia in a Movement Disorders Outpatient Clinic: a Single-Center Experience in Turkey

The etiology may not be determined in patients with ataxia despite detailed evaluations. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and laboratory characteristics of a large cohort of patients with adult-onset ataxia of different etiologies, particularly, undetermined etiologies despite extensive clinical, genetic, laboratory, electrophysiological, and imaging investigations. The medical records of all patients diagnosed with ataxia of subacute-chronic onset between January 2011 and March 2021 were reviewed retrospectively. The records of patients with symptom onset after 16 years of age were included in the study. In all patients, clinical and demographic findings were noted. Etiologies were classified as acquired, hereditary, degenerative (multiple system atrophy-cerebellar, MSA-C), functional, and undetermined. During the study period, we determined 74 patients with ataxia and 59 (35 males) patients met the study criteria. The age range was 22-87 years. The etiologies were hereditary (n = 19), acquired (n = 14), MSA-C (n = 9), functional (n = 2), and undetermined (n = 15). The patients with hereditary etiologies and undetermined causes were significantly younger at admission and at symptom onset (p = 0.001 and p = 0.000). There was a significant delay until diagnosis in patients with hereditary etiologies compared to other etiologies. In acquired etiologies, axial findings (71.4%) were more prominent whereas extremity and axial findings were more common in patients with hereditary etiologies (83.3%, p = 0.030). There were systemic and radiological indicators such as hearing loss, juvenile cataract, or dentate hyperintensity in certain disorders. Hereditary etiologies are as common as acquired or degenerative etiologies in adults. However, they have an earlier onset and delayed diagnosis. Therefore, we should recognize the extracerebellar neurological, systemic, and neuroimaging findings.

[Acquired alpha-thalassemia in an 86-year-old patient with myelodysplastic syndrome]

BACKGROUND

Alpha thalassemia-myelodysplastic syndrome (ATMDS) is one of the possible complications related to the genetic instability typical of clonal hemopoietic disorders such as myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Hemoglobin H acquisition, which is hemoglobin without alpha chains and with 4 beta chains is the hallmark of this disease.

OBSERVATION

An 86-year-old male with chronic, microcytic anemia was referred due to a fall in his hemoglobin level. The blood smear was remarkable for intense anisocytoses and poikilocytosis. Bone marrow analysis was followed by a diagnosis of MDS with a good prognostic score. Peripheral blood coloration with brilliant cresyl blue showed "golf ball-like" erythrocytes. Hemoglobin electrophoresis is notable for the presence of H hemoglobin. The new generation sequencing confirmed the diagnosis of ATMDS showing a non-sense mutation in the gene ATRX.

CONCLUSION

The diagnosis of ATMDS should be considered in the presence of the association of MDS, microcytic anemia and marked blood smear abnormalities such as anisocytosis and poikilocytosis. A little less than 10% of all MDS are complicated by ATMDS.

On the path to evidence-based therapy in neuromuscular disorders

Neuromuscular disorders encompass a diverse group of acquired and genetic diseases characterized by loss of motor functionality. Although cure is the goal, many therapeutic strategies have been envisioned and are being studied in randomized clinical trials and entered clinical practice. As in all scientific endeavors, the successful clinical translation depends on the quality and translatability of preclinical findings and on the predictive value and feasibility of the clinical models. This chapter focuses on five exemplary diseases: childhood spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disorders, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP), acquired autoimmune myasthenia gravis (MG), and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), to illustrate the progress made on the path to evidenced-based therapy.

Oral Lymphangiomas: A Rare Presentation of Two Cases with Dermoscopic Findings

Lymphangiomas are benign hamartomatous malformations, infrequently seen in the oral cavity. They can cause aesthetic issues and functional impairments if not treated in the initial stages, thus necessitating the need to diagnose early. Two presentations were observed: a 35-year-old male with classical frog-egg appearance involving lower buccal mucosa with macrocheilia for two years, which was diagnostic on mucoscopy and histopathology, confirming acquired capillary lymphatic malformation. The second case was of a 12-year-old girl with a gradual appearance of reddish lesions over the tongue and episodic history of bleeding, which was confirmed on mucoscopy, and histopathology is highlighted. Mucoscopy of both the cases showed yellowish-pink lacunae with a hypopyon-like feature and surrounding pale septa. We present two cases of oral lymphangiomas with different presentations and highlight the importance of dermoscopy of oral lesions to bypass invasive techniques such as biopsy.

Computed tomography for aortic assessment in children

Because the aorta is the major vessel of the body, basic knowledge of aortic pathology is essential to the pediatric imager. This review divides aortic pathology into anatomical (e.g., congenital abnormalities) and acquired (e.g., vasculitis, trauma) entities, providing a brief description of pathology, technical considerations in CT acquisition and processing, and some pearls and pitfalls of interpretation. The objective of this paper is to familiarize general pediatric imagers with imaging features of common as well as high-impact aortic pathology on CT and prepare them for acquisition and reporting.

Brain magnetic resonance imaging findings among children with epilepsy in two urban hospital settings, Kampala-Uganda: a descriptive study

Background

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological conditions in children worldwide. Its presentation is heterogeneous, with diverse underlying aetiology, clinical presentation, and prognosis. Structural brain abnormalities are among the recognized causes of epilepsy. Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the imaging modality of choice for epilepsy workup.

We aimed to determine the prevalence and describe the structural abnormalities identified in the brain MRI studies performed on children with epilepsy from two urban hospitals in Kampala, Uganda.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional descriptive study performed at two urban hospital MRI centres. The study population was 147 children aged 1 day to 17 years with confirmed epilepsy. Brain MRI was performed for each child and a questionnaire was used to collect clinical data.

Results

The prevalence of structural abnormalities among children with epilepsy was 74.15% (109 out of 147). Of these, 68.81% were male, and the rest were female. Among these, the majority, 40.14% (59 of 144) were aged 1 month to 4 years. Acquired structural brain abnormalities were the commonest at 69.22% with hippocampal sclerosis (HS) leading while disorders of cortical development were the most common congenital causes.

An abnormal electroencephalogram (EEG) was significant for brain MRI abnormalities among children with epilepsy with 95% of participants with an abnormal EEG study having epileptogenic structural abnormalities detected in their brain MRI studies.

Conclusion and recommendation

Two-thirds of children with epilepsy had structural brain abnormalities. Abnormal activity in the EEG study was found to positively correlate with abnormal brain MRI findings. As such, EEG study should be considered where possible before MRI studies as a determinant for children with epilepsy who will be having imaging studies done in the Ugandan setting.

Airway abnormalities associated with congenital heart disease

Airway abnormalities are important but sometimes overlooked problems in children with congenital heart disease. It is often difficult to separate symptoms related to cardiac disease from those associated with airway or lung disease. Some of the lesions are incidental while others cause significant symptoms and are important in overall functional outcome. Congenital and acquired as well as intrinsic and extrinsic lesions occur and can overlap. We review and illustrate these lesions here. Imaging plays a crucial role in diagnosing and assessing the severity of airway abnormalities and guiding medical and surgical management decisions.

Insulin-resistance in paediatric age: Its magnitude and implications

Insulin resistance (IR) is insulin failure in normal plasma levels to adequately stimulate glucose uptake by the peripheral tissues. IR is becoming more common in children and adolescents than before. There is a strong association between obesity in children and adolescents, IR, and the metabolic syndrome components. IR shows marked variation among different races, crucial to understanding the possible cardiovascular risk, specifically in high-risk races or ethnic groups. Genetic causes of IR include insulin receptor mutations, mutations that stimulate autoantibody production against insulin receptors, or mutations that induce the formation of abnormal glucose transporter 4 molecules or plasma cell membrane glycoprotein-1 molecules; all induce abnormal energy pathways and end with the development of IR. The parallel increase of IR syndrome with the dramatic increase in the rate of obesity among children in the last few decades indicates the importance of environmental factors in increasing the rate of IR. Most patients with IR do not develop diabetes mellitus (DM) type-II. However, IR is a crucial risk factor to develop DM type-II in children. Diagnostic standards for IR in children are not yet established due to various causes. Direct measures of insulin sensitivity include the hyperinsulinemia euglycemic glucose clamp and the insulin-suppression test. Minimal model analysis of frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test and oral glucose tolerance test provide an indirect estimate of metabolic insulin sensitivity/resistance. The main aim of the treatment of IR in children is to prevent the progression of compensated IR to decompensated IR, enhance insulin sensitivity, and treat possible complications. There are three main lines for treatment: Lifestyle and behavior modification, pharmacotherapy, and surgery. This review will discuss the magnitude, implications, diagnosis, and treatment of IR in children.

Leptin-mediated proinflammatory bone marrow environment in acquired aplastic anemia

Acquired aplastic anemia (AA), a paradigm of bone marrow failure syndrome, is mainly caused by abnormal immune activation. The enhanced adipogenesis of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (BM-MSC) results in a fatty marrow of AA. Leptin, an adipokine mainly generated by adipocytes, has powerful proinflammatory effects on immune cells and is associated with various autoimmune diseases. However, the role of leptin in the hyperimmune status of AA remains unknown. In this study, we firstly discovered the higher leptin concentration in AA-BM than that in healthy donors (HD)-BM and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)-BM. Then, we found AA-MSC could express high amounts of leptin during the process of adipogenesis. Compared with HD, the leptin receptor was also highly expressed on T cells in AA-BM. Furthermore, leptin significantly accelerated the proliferation and activation of T cells in AA-BM. And, leptin promoted the production of interferon-γby T cells in AA-BM. However, leptin remarkably inhibited the conversion of CD4⁺CD25^- T cells into CD4⁺Foxp3⁺ T cells. Finally, we detected the cell signaling pathway in T cells from AA patients and found leptin could activate the STAT3 pathway. In summary, our data revealed the high expression of adipokine leptin in AA-BM which shaped a proinflammatory environment for T cells in AA-BM by activating the JAK2/STAT3 pathway.

Pediatric Neck Masses: Imaging Guidelines and Recommendations

Neck masses commonly present in children and several potential diagnostic and management pathways exist, though with a paucity of evidence-based recommendations. The purpose of this article is to evaluate the current literature and utilization of various diagnostic imaging modalities , with a review of imaging features and management pearls for pediatric neck masses. A comprehensive understanding and practical imaging workflow will guide optimal patient workup and management.

Inherited and acquired thrombophilia in women of Indian ethnicity with recurrent pregnancy loss: An observational study from North India

Objectives

The spectrum of thrombophilia in women with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is different in Indian ethnicity as reported by few studies. We aimed to study the prevalence of thrombophilia in RPL patients referred to hematology department of a tertiary centre.

Material and Methods

This is an observational study of 112 RPL patients with no apparent cause after extensive workup for non-hematological causes. The investigations performed were routine coagulogram, APLA workup, plasma homocysteine, MTHFRC677T polymorphisms, Protein C, free Protein S, Anti-thrombin III levels, test for Activated Protein C resistance (APC-R) ,Factor V Leiden and Prothrombin gene G20210A mutation.

Results

Of 112 patients, at least one thrombophilia was identified in 70.5% and combined thrombophilia in 12.5% patients. Hyperhomocysteinemia (30.4%) and APLA (25.9%) were the commonest thrombophilia whereas anticoagulant defects were seen in 12.5% of the population. Protein C deficiency (5.35%) was the commonest anticoagulant defect followed by APCR (3.6%). Mutational analysis revealed MTHFRC677T polymorphism in 20.5% whereas Factor V Leiden heterozygous in 1.8% patients. None of the patients had homozygous Factor V Leiden or Prothrombin gene G20210A mutation. Hyperhomocysteinemia, MTHFRC677T and Protein C deficiency were more associated with early pregnancy losses whereas Protein S deficiency, Factor V Leiden and APLA caused both early and late losses. Patients with greater number of losses were positive for homozygous MTHFRC677T, factor V Leiden and APLA.

Conclusion

The approach to investigating Indian women with RPL should be based on the prevalence of thrombophilia which is unique to Indian ethnicity.

Iatrogenic syringomyelia postcranial surgery in pediatric patients: systematic review and illustrative case

INTRODUCTION

Iatrogenic syringomyelia has previously been described preoperatively due to space occupying lesions and postoperatively predominantly postspinal CSF drainage. Iatrogenic syringomyelia after cranial surgery is a rare entity. The purpose of this study is to review the current literature for iatrogenic syringomyelia following cranial surgery in children.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We performed a systematic review in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and meta-analyses) guidelines. Using keywords "de novo," "acquired," "iatrogenic," "postoperative development," and "syringomyelia," we searched PubMed and Scopus databases. We paid particular attention to type of surgery, clinical presentation, management, and outcome. We also present a relevant case report, operated on at John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford.

RESULTS

The systematic literature review provided 19 cases of iatrogenic syringomyelia postcranial surgery in pediatric patients, in addition to our case report, resulting in a total of 20 cases reported. The patients' mean age at surgery preceding syringomyelia was 8.1 years (range 0.1-17) with a female sex predilection (2.7:1). The mean time of manifestation of the iatrogenic syringomyelia after surgery was 5.7 years (range 0.1-51), and the median time to presentation was 1.7 years. Nine children had surgery for Chiari I malformation before formation of the syrinx, 8 patients underwent shunt surgery, 2 children had intracranial tumor surgery, and 1 patient had lambdoid and sagittal suturectomy for scaphocephaly before developing a syrinx. Surgery after the manifestation of the iatrogenic syrinx resolved the symptoms in 9 patients; in 8 patients, the symptoms partially resolved; and in 1 patient, the symptoms persisted. After surgery addressing the syrinx, it resolved in 5, decreased in size in 10, and remained unchanged in 2 of the patients.

CONCLUSION

Iatrogenic syringomyelia after cranial surgery in pediatric patients occurs mainly after decompressive surgery for Chiari I malformation, shunt surgery, and less frequently following intracranial tumor surgery. Risk factors are postoperative intracranial scarring, shunt malfunction, and mass effect on the foramen magnum. Surgery addressing the iatrogenic syrinx seems to be effective in the majority of the patients in terms of clinical and radiological outcome.

Immunoadsorption for the Treatment of Acquired Hemophilia: New Observational Data, Systematic Review, and Meta-Analysis

The treatment of patients with acquired hemophilia is challenging due to life-threatening hemorrhages, delayed response, and adverse effects to immunosuppressive agents. Even though immunoadsorption (IA) rapidly removes autoantibodies against factor VIII, this intervention's effectiveness is still a matter of debate. We aimed to study important outcomes of IA as adjunctive treatment in patients with acquired hemophilia. We performed comprehensive literature searches in MEDLINE and EMBASE databases. Clinical and laboratory data of all patients treated in our institution were additionally included. Literature searching yielded 498 records, of which 10 studies describing 106 patients were finally included. The number of patients varied from 1 to 65, and patients' ages ranged between 14 and 89. Treatment criteria in most patients were (1) failed response to immunosuppressive treatment alone, and/or (2) uncontrollable bleeding episodes, and/or (3) high inhibitor titer. Methodological quality was moderate. The number of IA sessions varied from 1 to 24. Within our institution, 12 patients have been treated since 2002; median age was 76 years (range 34-86); median titer of factor VIII inhibitor was 20 Bethesda units (range 3-214). Pooled estimates, modeling a random-effect binominal distribution incorporating the Freeman-Tukey double arcsine transformation, were 86% in case of factor VIII recovery (95% confidence interval 76%-94%), 95% for reduction of factor VIII inhibitor (83%, 100%), and 7% in case of death (0%, 18%). Our data suggest that IA might be a beneficial adjunctive treatment in patients with high-risk acquired hemophilia, but future studies shall confirm this observation.

Nasal Trauma: Who Nose what happens to the non-manipulated?

BACKGROUND

Nasal trauma is the most common facial injury worldwide. Prompt assessment allows for recognition of injuries requiring surgical intervention in the form of nasal bone manipulation. The literature is unclear to what extent patients undergoing conservative management subsequently require surgical intervention.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of all patients presenting with nasal injury between July 2017 and July 2018 who underwent conservative and surgical management was undertaken. Re-referral and subsequent surgical intervention were documented.

RESULTS

In a cohort of 390 patients with nasal injury 229 patients underwent conservative management. Average age was 29 years. Males comprised 60% of our conservative cohort and 81% of the manipulated cohort. 8.3% of patients managed conservatively and 12% of those undergoing manipulation were re-referred.

CONCLUSION

Nasal trauma assessment is a significant workload for an ENT unit. Conservative management is appropriate following clinical assessment and does not lead to increased intervention compared with those who are surgically manipulated.

Near full thickness macular hole with an intact overlying internal limiting membrane following resolution of fulminant acquired toxoplasma retinitis -A unique finding

A 43-year-old immunocompetent male presented with focal macular retinitis with overlying vitritis in the right eye. His BCVA was counting fingers close to face. OCT showed increased intraretinal thickness at the area of retinitis with adjacent hypo reflectivity of the choroid. Serology was positive for IgM and IgG antibodies for toxoplasma. He received oral clindamycin 300 mg 4 times/day for 8 weeks. At 6 weeks, his BCVA was CF 2 metres. Fundus showed complete resolution of retinitis with formation of near, full thickness macular hole with intact overlying ILM. A small hyper reflective scar was seen at the base of the macular hole.

A rare case of duodenal diaphragm in an adult during ERCP treatment for choledocholithiasis

Background

Duodenal Diaphragm in adults is very uncommon, caused by congenital and acquired changes. It is reported that acquired duodenal diaphragm is related to the long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Case summary

We report an adult presentation of duodenal diaphragm in a 77-year-old woman, suffered from acute cholangitis and choledocholithiasis. She was performed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedure to remove the stone in common bile duct (CBD). After the stenosis ring dilated by endoscopic balloon dilatation, ERCP procedure was applied, and the CBD stone was removed successfully.

Conclusion

Duodenal diaphragm is difficult to diagnose in clinic. Although the patient in this case had relatively mild symptoms of incomplete upper hemi-abdominal obstruction, these symptoms could be obscured by the emergency acute upper abdominal pain with fever as clinical manifestations of acute cholangitis.

Reconstruction of acquired lip defects: Ten-year experience at a tertiary care center

Aim

The purpose of this paper is to describe different acquired conditions necessitating lip reconstruction and present our ten-years' experience in managing the same at a tertiary care hospital.

Materials and methods

Data of patients undergoing reconstruction of acquired lip defects from January 2009 to December 2019 were analyzed for demographic details, etiology, extent of defect, reconstruction option used, outcome and complications.

Results

89 patients underwent lip reconstruction after excision of malignant tumors (81%), vascular malformations (12%) and traumatic injuries (7%). Mucosal and cutaneous lip defects were seen in 8 (9%) and 3 (3%) patients respectively, which were treated by primary closure, local advancement flap and tongue flap. Full thickness defects involving less than 1/3rd of lip (36%) and involving up to 2/3rd of lip (33%) were treated by primary closure, Abbe, Abbe Estlander flap and Karapenzic, Bernard Webster & peri-alar crescentic flaps respectively. Sub-total lip defects were repaired using distant and free vascularized flaps. All the localized cutaneous/mucosal defect repair healed uneventfully. Complications associated full thickness defect reconstruction included reduced stoma, flap necrosis and hypertrophic scar.

Conclusions

Repair of localized cutaneous/mucosal defects of lip are simple with no significant documented complication. However, full thickness tissue loss necessities careful surgical planning. The choice of surgical technique depends on the extent of lip length lost. While Karapandzic flap was most commonly utilized to reconstruct lip defect involving up to 2/3rd of the lip, radial forearm flap was a choice in managing subtotal lip tissue loss.

Cellular Digital Fibroma: A Comprehensive Review of a CD34-Positive Acral Lesion of the Distal Fingers and Toes

Cellular digital fibroma is a benign fibrous lesion that typically occurred on either a finger or a toe. Cellular digital fibroma was introduced as a distinctive cluster of differentiation 34 (CD34)-positive lesion in July 2005. Cellular digital fibroma has been described in 20 patients: 12 men and 8 women. The patients ranged in age from 27 to 83 years old (median, 52 years old) at diagnosis. The tumor had been present from 2 months to 2 years (median, 11 months) prior to seeking medical attention. The cellular digital fibroma was usually slowly growing and asymptomatic; there has been no prior history of trauma at the tumor site. The lesion typically presented as either an erythematous or a flesh-colored, solitary papule of 5 mm or smaller. It frequently occurred on either the dorsal, lateral or ventral side of a digit. Yet, some of the lesions were located on the nail fold of the digit. Cellular digital fibroma shows a prominent cellular proliferation of spindle-shaped fibroblasts, without any atypia or mitoses, that extends from the papillary into the upper reticular dermis; diffuse and strongly positive CD34 staining is present throughout the entire tumor. There is no erosion by the tumor of the bony phalanx. Other acral tumors, such as superficial acral fibromyxoma (which also has diffuse strongly positive CD34 staining) and acquired digital fibrokeratoma (which is either CD34-negative or only focal CD34 positive), are in the clinical and pathologic differential diagnosis of cellular digital fibroma. Conservative complete excision is the treatment of cellular digital fibroma; however, even for tumors that have only been partially removed during biopsy, recurrence has not been observed. In conclusion, cellular digital fibroma is a unique CD34-positive acral lesion of the distal fingers and toes whose diagnosis requires correlation of the clinical morphology and the pathologic features of the tumor.

Characteristics and response to crizotinib in lung cancer patients with MET amplification detected by next-generation sequencing

OBJECTIVES

Mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) amplification is a rare gene alteration in lung cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics of MET amplification in lung cancer and the response to crizotinib by subsets of patients with MET amplification detected by next-generation sequencing (NGS).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We collected NGS sequencing data for patients with MET amplification in our institution from January 2018 to April 2019. The efficacy of crizotinib in MET amplification was retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 2694 patients received NGS tests, 3.27 % (82/2507) of patients had primary MET amplification, and acquired MET amplification accounted for 16.04 % (30/187) of re-biopsy patients. Only 19 patients received monotherapy with crizotinib. In survival analysis, ten patients with copy number greater than 4 (CN > 4) had longer median PFS (mPFS) (4.76 months; 95 %CI: 1.67-7.85 months) compared with other nine patients (CN ≤ 4) (2.10 months; 95 %CI: 1.53-2.68 months; P = 0.063), but failed to get a statistical significance. No significant differences were observed between median PFS (mPFS) of the patients with primary and acquired MET amplification (4.04 months vs 2.76 months; P = 0.310).

CONCLUSIONS

Primary and acquired MET amplification were detected in 3.27 % and 16.04 % of lung cancer patients, respectively. Patients with CN > 4 seemed to have longer PFS after crizotinib treatment. No significant differences in PFS were observed between patients with primary and acquired MET amplification.

Estimations of Typical, Ideal, Premature Ejaculation, and Actual Latencies by Men and Female Sexual Partners of Men During Partnered Sex

BACKGROUND

The ejaculation latency (ELT) criterion for men with premature ejaculation (PE), including its 2 major subtypes of lifelong and acquired, relies heavily on expert opinion, yet such information represents only one source of data for this determination; furthermore, information regarding ELTs for PE within specific subgroups of men (eg, gay, bisexual) has been lacking.

AIM

To obtain data regarding men's lived experiences and expectations regarding typical ejaculation, ideal ejaculation, and PE and (for men) self-reported ejaculatory latencies during partnered sex across a variety a groups, including men vs women (ie, sexual partners of men), men with and without PE, and straight vs gay/bisexual men.

METHODS

We recruited 1,065 men and sexual partners of men, asking them to estimate typical ejaculation, ideal ejaculation, and PE and (for men) self-latencies through an online survey posted on social media. Demographics, sexual identity, and sexual response data were also collected.

RESULTS

Typical and self-reported ELTs were closely aligned with those reported in the literature, with ideal ELTs generally longer than typical ELTs. Median PE ELTs were consistently estimated around 1.5 min, with nearly all subgroups-men vs women; straight vs gay; PE and non-PE men-showing alignment on this criterion. Men with lifelong PE did not differ from men with acquired PE in either their PE ELT estimation or their self-reported ELT.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

The data support the idea of extending the latency cutoff for establishing a PE diagnosis beyond the current 1-minute threshold.

STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS

A large sample size drawn from a multinational population powered the study, whereas the use of social media for recruitment and lack of inclusion of lesbian and asexual individuals may have missed relevant data from some who have had sexual experience with men.

CONCLUSION

Straight and nonstraight men do not differ in their ELT estimations. In addition, the use of different ELT criteria for lifelong vs acquired PE may be unnecessary. Côté-Léger P, Rowland DL. Estimations of Typical, Ideal,Premature Ejaculation,and Actual Latencies by Men and Female Sexual Partners of Men During Partnered Sex. J Sex Med 2020;17:1448-1456.

The symptomatic adult flatfoot: Is there a relationship between severity and degree of pre-existing arthritis in the foot and ankle?

BACKGROUND

The acquired adult flatfoot deformity (AFFD) is a potentially debilitating foot condition with a prevalence thought to be between 3 %-10 %. To the authors' best knowledge, no association has been described between severity of AFFD and degree of pre-existing ankle or foot arthritis. The degree and pattern of preexisting ipsilateral arthritis of the foot and ankle was investigated in those with symptomatic AFFD presenting to hospital.

METHODS

Retrospective observational study between May 2015 and May 2018, of patients who presented to our tertiary clinic with symptomatic AFFD. Radiographs of one hundred and forty-eight (n=148) patients were reviewed, excluding those with charcot arthropathy, previous trauma or coalition. The primary outcome measure was severity of OA in the ankle, subtalar, talonavicular and calcaneocuboid joints. Secondary outcome was severity of radiographic planovalgus deformity. The independant variables used were age and severity of planovalgus deformity as measured by the Meary angle, calcaneal pitch and medial cuneiform-fifth metatarsal height. A linear regression model was carried out on the outcomes.

RESULTS

Median age was 60.0 years (IQR 22). There were 56 males to 92 females, with 75 left sided deformities observed and 73 right sided. With increasing severity of planovalgus measurements, there was no significant association observed in severity of arthritis in the ankle joint (p = 0.766), subtalar joint (p = 0.090), talonavicular joint (p = 0.256) and calcaneocuboid joint (p = 0.091). With increasing age, there was significance observed in degree of ankle arthritis, subtalar, talonavicular and calcaneocuboid joints (p = 0.001). There was no significant correlation observed with age for the angular break of Meary's line (p = 0.73), calcaneal pitch (0.262) and medial cuneiform-fifth metatarsal height (p = 0.937).

CONCLUSION

This observational study shows no significant association between severity of radiographic planovalgus deformity and pre-existing arthritis of the ankle, hindfoot and midtarsal joints.

Spectrum of heart diseases in children presenting to a paediatric cardiac echocardiography clinic in the Lake Zone of Tanzania: a 7 years overview

BACKGROUND

Congenital heart diseases (CHD) are among the most common congenital malformations. It is estimated that the incidence of CHD is constant worldwide, but data are rare for most African countries including Tanzania. Even less data are available on the prevalence of acquired heart diseases (AHD) in African children. Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is the leading cause of AHD and is remaining a public health concern in Sub-Saharan Africa affecting especially the younger population. Both, CHD and AHD contribute substantially to morbidity and mortality during infancy and childhood.

METHODS

This hospital-based, retrospective review of the registry at the paediatric cardiac clinic of Bugando Medical Centre in the Lake Zone of Tanzania analysed the spectrum of heart diseases of paediatric patients during their first presentation by using simple descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

Between September 2009 and August 2016, a total of 3982 patients received cardiac evaluation including echocardiography studies. 1830 (46.0%) pathologic findings were described, out of these 1371 (74.9%) patients had CHD, whereas 459 (25.1%) presented with AHD. 53.9% of the patients with CHD were female and the most common associated syndrome was Down syndrome in 12.8% of patients. In 807 patients (58.9%) diagnosis of CHD was established within the first year of life. The majority of patients (60.1%) were in need of surgical or interventional therapy at time of diagnosis and 6.3% of patients were judged inoperable at the time of first presentation. Nearly 50% of cases with AHD were RHDs followed by dilated cardiomyopathy and pulmonary hypertension without underlying CHD.

CONCLUSIONS

The spectrum of CHD and AHD from one centre in Tanzania is comparable to findings reported in other countries from the African continent. Echocardiography is a valuable diagnostic tool and the widespread use of it should be enhanced to diagnose heart diseases in a large number and reasonable time. Most patients present late and majority is in need of surgical or interventional treatment, which is still not readily available. Untreated heart diseases contribute substantially to morbidity and mortality during infancy and childhood. Adequate cardiac services should be established and strengthened.

Acquired dermal melanocytosis on the hand of a pediatric patient

Background

Dermal melanocytosis is a group of pigmentary dermatological diseases associated with melanocytic proliferation, which are classified based on their number and depth at the level of the dermis; they may be congenital or acquired.

Case report

An 11-year-old male patient with no history of importance for the current condition started 5 years ago with a dark macula in the left hand palm, which was asymptomatic but grew gradually. On physical examination, dermatoses affecting the left palm, palmar face of proximal phalanges of the third, fourth and fifth fingers, characterized by the presence of blackish greyish macula, diffuse and irregular edges, not infiltrated or indurated were detected. The dermatoscopy identified a pattern of pigment with a greyish-brown tone with brown areas, showing whitish spots inside. In the histopathology, the presence of spindle cells was observed in the superficial and middle dermis, with a large nucleus and the presence of a melanic pigment inside, with perivascular distribution and intermingled with the collagen fibres. Based on the clinical characteristics and the histopathological findings, acquired dermal melanocytosis of the hand was concluded as the final diagnosis.

Conclusions

Case reports of atypical acquired dermal melanocytosis are infrequent. Dermal melanocytosis of the hand is a rare variant of these diseases, of which less than 10 cases have been reported. At present, this case of dermal melanocytosis is the first reported in Latin America with the aim to extend the knowledge of its clinical-histological and dermatoscopic characteristics.

A national survey of functional septorhinoplasty surgery performed in the United Kingdom: a clinician end-user questionnaire to assess current practice and help inform future practice

PURPOSE

The aim of this national survey is to assess the current practice of functional septorhinoplasty (SRP) surgery in the UK and better inform future practice.

METHODS

An ENT-UK approved questionnaire was sent out to all 135 consultant members of the British Society of Facial Plastic Surgery (BSFPS). Data was collected on numbers of functional SRPs performed on the NHS, use of outcome measures, psychology and photography support, antibiotic use, referral base and consenting practice.

RESULTS

The response rate was 38.5%, with 52 out of 135 completed. The median number of annual SRP cases per surgeon was 40. Most surgeons (95%) used clinical photography as an outcome measure. However, 27% of the respondents use a subjective outcome measurement and 3% of them use an objective outcome measurement. Only 34% had access to psychology support and 60% receive their referrals from primary care. All surgeons counsel patients for aesthetic change, 15% mention CSF leak and 38% mention olfactory disturbance. The key comment from our respondents was to relabel the rhinoplasty procedure as a functional SRP procedure with the aim to remove it from the Procedures of Limited Clinical Value (PoLCV) list.

CONCLUSION

The majority of our respondents perform a large proportion of the SRP surgeries in the UK with each of the respondents performing an average of 40 SRP surgeries per year. There is a need to recatergorise functional septorhinoplasty as a functional operation and recommend functional SRP surgery to be removed from the PoLCV list.

Acquired Hemophilia A with Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Peptic ulcer disease is the most common cause of acute gastrointestinal bleeding, followed by variceal bleeding, Mallory–Weiss syndrome, and malignancy. On the contrary, acquired hemophilia A is a very rare hemorrhagic disease, which usually manifests with musculocutaneous bleeding, caused by autoantibodies against coagulation factor VIII.

A 78-year-old man presented to the Emergency Department with melena. Dieulafoy’s lesions were observed on, and endoscopic cauterization was performed. However, the patient complained of back pain and symptoms indicative of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Abdominopelvic computed tomography was performed, and hematoma in the psoas muscle was detected. Antibodies against coagulation factor VIII were confirmed with a blood test, and the diagnosis of acquired hemophilia A was made. Here, we report a case of acquired hemophilia A presenting with upper gastrointestinal bleeding symptoms and present a brief review of literature.

Acquired cerebral amyloid angiopathy: An emerging concept

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is commonly found in older people and in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) accompanying cerebrovascular disorders and dementia. Early-onset CAA cases generally have been found only in rare genetic forms of CAA. Interestingly, however, CAA-related hemorrhages have been recently reported in younger people who had histories of neurosurgery with or without evidence of cadaveric dura mater grafts in childhood. It has been established in experimental settings that amyloid β-protein (Aβ) pathology can be transmitted inter-individually with Aβ seeds. Incidental Aβ pathology, predominantly Aβ-CAA, has been recognized in recipients of cadaveric dura mater grafts or cadaveric human growth hormone. These findings suggest that transmission of Aβ seeds through dura mater grafts and other contaminated materials could lead to development of CAA. In addition, neurosurgery or brain injury may contribute to cerebrovascular Aβ deposition through the disturbance of vascular Aβ drainage pathways. Thus, a novel concept, "acquired CAA," has emerged.

Acquired Factor VII deficiency - a rare but important consideration

INTRODUCTION

Isolated acquired Factor VII deficiency is a rare coagulation disorder which is independent of vitamin K deficiency. The exact pathophysiological basis of this condition is unclear. We present a series of cases highlighting different clinical scenarios where this condition was encountered.

CASE SERIES

The first case presented with intra-abdominal sepsis. The second was a patient admitted with acute kidney injury and subsequently diagnosed with myeloma. The final case presented with microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia and was suspected of having atypical Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome. In each case, there was no family or personal history of a bleeding disorder. Follow-up Factor VII levels after recovery from illness was normal in all three cases.

CONCLUSION

Acquired Factor VII deficiency is an uncommon but important finding which should be considered in the general medical setting when an isolated prolonged prothrombin time is detected.

Acquired, Comitant, Non-Accommodative Esotropia (ANAET): Evaluation, Treatment, and Prognosis

Children presenting in later childhood with isolated, acquired, comitant non-accommodative esotropia (ANAET) form an unusual clinical group whose evaluation, treatment, and prognosis are unclear. We identified 9 such patients with no evidence of intracranial pathology whose outcomes following standard bilateral medial rectus recessions were excellent.

Acquired Localized Cutis Laxa: A Case Report and the Role of Plastic Surgery

Cutis laxa is an uncommon connective tissue disorder affecting the elastin fibers leading to lax and pendulous skin and in generalized form can present with systemic involvement. Congenital cutis laxa is common in comparison to acquired cutis laxa and has varied inheritance patterns. Treatment is chiefly observation in congenital cutis laxa, and there is a paucity of literature on surgical management in acquired cutis laxa. We report a rare case of acquired localized cutis laxa with a review of literature on the role of plastic surgery in this condition.

Interatrial septum: A pictorial review of congenital and acquired pathologies and their management

There are many different congenital abnormalities and acquired pathologies involving the interatrial septum. Differentiation of these pathologies significantly affects patient management. We have reviewed the various interatrial septal pathologies and discussed their congenital associates, clinical significance, and management. After reading this article, the reader should be able to better characterize the interatrial septal pathologies using the optimal imaging tools, and have a better understanding of their clinical significance and management.

[Brown's syndrome]

Brown's syndrome is related to an abnormality of the superior oblique muscle: it is manifested by an oculomotor disorder with active and passive limitation of elevation in adduction, the field of action of the inferior oblique muscle. The origin is congenital or acquired secondary to multiple causes - inflammatory-infectious, traumatic or iatrogenic. The clinical and paraclinical signs are suggestive. Cerebral and orbital imaging including CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is essential for the diagnosis and management of congenital or acquired Brown's syndrome. The course may yield improvement (spontaneous or after etiological treatment) or a steady state. Treatment is rarely surgical. The indication for surgery requires specific functional and clinical signs: torticollis, hypotropia in primary position, associated strabismus and impaired binocular vision; the long-term results of the various surgical techniques are variable.

Acquired isolated hypoganglionosis as a distinct entity: results from a nationwide survey

PURPOSE

Acquired isolated hypoganglionosis (A-IH) is a late-onset intestinal pseudo-obstruction disorder and shows different pathophysiological findings from congenital isolated hypoganglionosis (C-IH). In this study, we retrospectively examined five cases of A-IH and investigated the features of A-IH.

METHODS

Five cases of A-IH were extracted from a nationwide retrospective cohort study in 10 years, from which totally 355 cases of Allied Disorders of Hirschsprung's Disease (ADHD) were collected.

RESULTS

Ages of onset were between 13 and 17 years in three cases, and 4 years and 4 months in ones. Initial symptoms were abdominal distension and/or chronic constipation in 4 cases, whereas one exhibited intestinal perforation. Affected lesions varied from case to case, extending various length of intestinal tracts. All cases underwent multiple operations (average: 4.6 times), such as enterostomy, resection of dilated intestines, and/or pull-through. Pathological findings showed the decreased numbers of ganglion cells and degeneration of ganglion cells, whereas the size of the plexus was normal. Currently, all cases were alive and almost all eat regular food without requiring parenteral feeding.

CONCLUSION

A-IH is rare, but distinct entity characterized by different clinical courses and pathological findings from those of C-IH. The outcome is considered to be favorable after a resection of affected intestine.

A case of duodenal hemorrhage due to arteriovenous malformation around a serous cystic neoplasm

Background

No reports have so far described arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in the pancreas caused by a tumor. We herein report a case of pancreatoduodenectomy for a patient who developed duodenal hemorrhage due to AVM developed around serous cystic neoplasm (SCN) of the pancreas.

Case presentation

A 79-year-old man was referred to our hospital because of anemia (Hb 7.4 g/dl) and pancreatic head tumor. Computed tomography showed microcystic-type SCN, 87 mm in size, in the pancreatic head. Vascular hyperplasia had developed around the cystic lesion. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and colonoscopy did not reveal the cause of anemia, so the patient was followed closely without hemostatic therapy. Iron preparations had improved the anemia. Three months later, the patient developed anemia (Hb 5.8 g/dl) again. Gastrointestinal endoscopy showed oozing from the mucosa in the duodenum via the swollen vascular hyperplasia. He was diagnosed as duodenal hemorrhage from the blood vessels around SCN. Pancreatoduodenectomy was performed to control repeated duodenal bleeding. A histopathological examination revealed that the cystic lesion in the pancreatic head was SCN, and the AVM developed around SCN and duodenum, causing repeated duodenal hemorrhage. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 22. Nine months after surgery, the patient had no recurrence of anemia.

Conclusions

There have been no reports of duodenal hemorrhage due to acquired pancreatic AVM around pancreatic tumor, including SCN. We successfully treated a case of duodenal hemorrhage due to pancreatic AVM around SCN by pancreatoduodenectomy.

A kinematic and kinetic analysis of the hip and knee joints in patients with posterior tibialis tendon dysfunction; comparison with healthy age-matched controls

BACKGROUND

The biomechanical abnormalities in patients with posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) have been described, but few studies have investigated biomechanical chains of adjacent joints. Therefore, we examined the gait pattern of the lower extremity in subjects with PTTD, focusing on the hip and knee joints.

METHODS

We compared 19 PTTD patients (average age: 67.1) with 30 age-matched control subjects (average age: 65.1). Gait analysis was performed with a nine-camera motion-capture system and four force plates, using the Vicon Plug-In-Gait and Vicon Nexus software. Temporal-spatial parameters were compared between PTTD and control subjects, and motion and ground reaction force data were compared between the affected limb, the contralateral limb, and the right limb in control subjects.

RESULTS

Subjects with PTTD had increased stance phase ratio and decreased stride length, cadence, and gait speed. The limbs of subjects with PTTD showed increased knee internal rotation at lording response, which was biased to abduction in the knee joint during the gait cycle, and irregular hip flexion and knee extension moment in the terminal stance, even under control of gait speed.

SIGNIFICANCE

We believe that the subjects with PTTD have an increased risk of knee osteoarthritis in both the affected and contralateral limbs.

Bartter syndrome-like phenotype in a patient with diabetes: a case report

Background

Bartter’s syndrome is a rare genetic tubulopathy affecting the loop of Henle leading to salt wasting. It is commonly seen in utero or in early neonatal period. Rare cases of acquired Bartter’s syndrome are reported in association with infections like tuberculosis, granulomatous conditions like sarcoidosis, autoimmune diseases, and drugs. The mainstay of management includes potassium, calcium, and magnesium supplementation.

Case presentation

We report the case of a 62-year-old Sri Lankan Sinhalese man with diabetes and hypertension presenting with generalized weakness with clinical evidence of proximal myopathy. He was severely hypokalemic with high urinary potassium excretion and hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis. He poorly responded to intravenously administered potassium supplements. A diagnosis of idiopathic Bartter-like phenotype was made. He responded well to spironolactone and indomethacin.

Conclusions

Patients presenting with body weakness need serum potassium estimation. Acquired Bartter’s syndrome although rare, should be ruled out in those with hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis with increased urinary potassium loss with poor response to potassium replacement.

Utilization of diagnostic testing for pediatric sensorineural hearing loss

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Sensorineural hearing loss is a common diagnosis among children. The diagnostic workup varies widely among practitioners. This study's aim was to assess the utilization of diagnostic testing for SNHL and determine the yield of each test.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective chart review.

SETTING

Tertiary care center.

SUBJECTS

827 patients with a diagnosis of SNHL from January 1, 2011 to January 1, 2015.

RESULTS

746 patients met inclusion criteria. Temporal bone imaging was performed on 561 (75%) of patients with 224 (40%) having positive results that explained the etiology of the SNHL. Congenital SNHL was more likely to be associated with abnormal imaging than acquired SNHL (109/299 versus 106/316 respectively) (p = 0.001). Unilateral SNHL was more likely to be associated imaging abnormalities than bilateral SNHL (101/221 and 123/340 respectively) (p = 0.028). Genetic testing was performed on 244 (33%) patients, of which 94 (39%) had abnormalities. Positive genetics results were more common with bilateral than unilateral SNHL (82/191 and 12/53 respectively) (p = 0.007). There was no statistically significant difference in the utility of genetic testing for congenital and acquired SNHL (p = 0.0836). Cytomegalovirus (CMV) testing was available for 104 (14%) of patients with 13 (12.5%) being positive and consistent with congenital CMV. Electrocardiogram, urinalysis, and Lyme titers were less useful.

CONCLUSIONS

Imaging and genetic testing had the highest yield in the evaluation of children with SNHL and were the most commonly performed. CMV testing was valuable in neonates who failed newborn hearing screening.

Primary hyperfibrinolysis: Facts and fancies

Fibrinolysis is a complex process that controls both hemostasis and thrombosis. The regulation of the fibrinolytic system is mediated through a wide array of cofactors and inhibitors that maintain the hemostatic balance in a delicate equilibrium. As a consequence, disturbances in the fibrinolysis pathway are associated with various disease states, ranging from thrombotic to hemorrhagic clinical phenotypes. In particular, a number of inherited and acquired disorders are associated with an enhanced fibrinolysis leading to a bleeding tendency that in some cases may be life-threatening. Hyperfibrinolysis has been classified into primary and secondary forms but such differentiation, which may have important treatment implications, is still controversial. This narrative review will be focused on inherited and acquired conditions associated with primary hyperfibrinolysis.

Acquired spondylolysis and spinopelvic sagittal alignment

Acquired spondylolysis represents an uncommon complication of spine surgery, of an unknown incidence and etiology. We studied patients presenting this rare entity, with the purpose to investigate the incidence, imaging findings, patients' clinical characteristics, as well as to provide an interpretation of the mechanisms that may lead to this phenomenon. The presented working hypothesis, regarding etiology, suggests that there is a relation between variations in spinopelvic sagittal alignment and acquired spondylolysis. Between January 2010 and January 2015, six patients presented spondylolysis after short-segment transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion, at a mean time of 43 months after surgery. The preoperative intactness and postoperative defect of pars interarticularis were documented with computed tomography scans in all patients. Standard radiographical spinopelvic parameters were measured before and after surgery. The optimum values of lumbar lordosis (LL) and pelvic incidence minus lumbar lordosis modifier (PI-LL mismatch) were calculated as well. The incidence of acquired spondylolysis was 0.95% among patients with short-segment lumbar fusion. Patients presented high-grade PI with a vertically orientated sacral endplate, while LL was found 9° greater and PI-LL mismatch 9° lower than the respective optimum values, indicating a non-harmonized alignment. In conclusion, acquired spondylolysis, though rare, may occur in patients with high-grade PI and sacral slope, and suboptimal spinopelvic sagittal alignment after lumbar spine surgery, thereby highlighting the importance of detailed preoperative planning in spine surgery, along with the study of sagittal balance.

Temporal arachnoid cysts: are they congenital?

CASE REPORT

The authors report two cases of arachnoid cysts (ACs) neither detected during pregnancy nor shortly after birth when newborns underwent CT scan evaluation after birth head trauma. ACs were diagnosed at 10 months and 6 years, respectively. The first one becomes symptomatic, and the other one was incidentally found during a head trauma investigation.

DISCUSSION

These cases give support for the postnatal pathogenesis for some of the assumed congenital ACs. We collected data from the literature that supports the acquired hypothesis for ACs.

Symptoms and diagnostic criteria of acquired Megacolon - a systematic literature review

BACKGROUND

Acquired Megacolon (AMC) is a condition involving persistent dilatation and lengthening of the colon in the absence of organic disease. Diagnosis depends on subjective radiological, endoscopic or surgical findings in the context of a suggestive clinical presentation. This review sets out to investigate diagnostic criteria of AMC.

METHODS

The literature was searched using the databases - PubMed, Medline via OvidSP, ClinicalKey, Informit and the Cochrane Library. Primary studies, published in English, with more than three patients were critically appraised based on study design, methodology and sample size. Exclusion criteria were studies with the following features: post-operative; megarectum-predominant; paediatric; organic megacolon; non-human; and failure to exclude organic causes.

RESULTS

A review of 23 articles found constipation, abdominal pain, distension and gas distress were predominant symptoms. All ages and both sexes were affected, however, symptoms varied with age. Changes in anorectal manometry, histology and colonic transit are consistently reported. Studies involved varying patient numbers, demographics and data acquisition methods.

CONCLUSIONS

Outcome data investigating the diagnosis of AMC must be interpreted in light of the limitations of the low-level evidence studies published to date. Proposed diagnostic criteria include: (1) the exclusion of organic disease; (2) a radiological sigmoid diameter of ~ 10 cm; (3) and constipation, distension, abdominal pain and/or gas distress. A proportion of patients with AMC may be currently misdiagnosed as having functional gastrointestinal disorders. Our conclusions are inevitably tentative, but will hopefully stimulate further research on this enigmatic condition.

Recurrent and acquired tracheoesophageal fistulae (TEF)-Minimally invasive management

OBJECTIVE

Recurrent and acquired fistulae are a serious complication of congenital esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) repair and foreign body ingestion (FBI) (e.g., button battery). We report our experience with a minimally invasive approach to recurrent and acquired TEF.

METHODS

Medical records of patients referred for management of recurrent and acquired TEF between 2003 and 2015 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients underwent endoscopic procedures (de-epithelization of fistulous tract and fibrin tissue adhesive-Tisseel^R) under general anesthesia.

RESULTS

Nine children (7 male, 2 female) with age range 3months to 3years (mean 1.5year) were managed. TEF closed spontaneously in four patients, whereas in 5 patients the TEF closed after combined endoscopic procedure. Three patients required repeat endoscopic procedures. Follow-up ranged between 7months to 10years (mean 4.2years).

CONCLUSIONS

Active observation and repeat combined endoscopic procedures are safe alternatives to open surgical repair of acquired and recurrent TEF.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV study.