Parietal Thoracic Tuberculosis: A Report of Two Cases

Parietal thoracic tuberculosis is a rare localization of tuberculosis. It reaches the ribs and intercostal spaces due to hematogenous spread or direct transcutaneous inoculation. The diagnosis of tuberculosis must be evoked given the endemic context, even in immunocompetent patients. Surgical excision associated with medical treatment remains the best treatment in this case to avoid any local or distant recurrence.

Development of a Scoring Method Based on a Chest CT Scan to Determine the Outcomes of COVID-19 Patients

Introduction As COVID-19 shifts from pandemic urgency to endemic management, healthcare systems are faced with the evolving challenge of providing optimized care and adept resource allocation in this evolving landscape of the disease. However, the timely management and accurate assessment of disease severity remains a cornerstone of effective treatment. This study presents a pioneering scoring system, based on the primary chest CT scan findings, to predict patient outcomes and to equip clinicians with a tool that can expedite decision-making. Method A retrospective cohort study was conducted involving 406 confirmed COVID-19 cases referred to two of our hospitals in Tehran, between February and April 2020. Radiographic and CT scan data were sourced from the imaging archive system and evaluated by a certified radiologist. We devised distinct severity scores for CT findings, demographic factors, and clinical indicators. These were synthesized into a comprehensive severity score to forecast critical patient outcomes, such as mortality, ICU admission, intubation, or extended hospitalization. Of the total cases, 161 (39.7%) were classified as severe, while 245 (60%) fell into the low or moderate severity category. Results The mean score of demographic, CT scan, and clinical characteristics was significantly higher for those in the severe COVID-19 than the non-severe group. The cutoff score for predicting the outcomes in COVID-19 patients for demographic, clinical, and chest CT scan factors was 2.5, 9.5, and 8.5, respectively. Multivariate analysis indicated that each unit increase in these scores elevated the odds of fatal outcomes by 24%, 2.8%, and 12%, respectively. Then, using the comprehensive severity score, which is the sum of the above scores, we further predicted the disease severity. Conclusion The findings suggest that our innovative scoring system, based on initial chest CT scan findings, serves as a robust predictor of COVID-19 outcomes.

Acute-Onset Achalasia Following a Recent COVID-19 Infection: A Case Report

Achalasia is a rare esophageal motility disorder that leads to dysphagia, regurgitation, and several other symptoms. While the etiology of achalasia is not completely understood, studies have suggested an immune reaction to viral infections, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), as a potential cause. Here, we present a case report of a previously healthy 38-year-old male who presented to the emergency room with severe shortness of breath, recurrent vomiting, and dry cough, that had progressively worsened over five days. The patient was diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and a chest CT also revealed prominent features of achalasia with a markedly dilated esophagus and areas of narrowing at the distal esophagus. The initial management of the patient included IV fluids, antibiotics, anticholinergics, and corticosteroid inhalers which improved his symptoms. This case report highlights the importance of considering the acute-onset of achalasia in COVID-19 patients and the need for further research on the potential association between SARS-CoV-2 and achalasia.

Adult Langerhans' cell histiocytosis with multisystem bone and lung involvement: About a case

INTRODUCTION

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare systemic disease characterized by the abnormal overproduction of histiocytes that tend to infiltrate single or multiple organ systems leading to significant tissue damage. Although LCH can involve various organs including bone, skin, and lymph nodes, multisystem involvement of LCH is rare in adults.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report the case of a 31-year-old man with LCH involving his lungs and bone. The initial radio-clinical presentation was rather in favor of pulmonary tuberculosis. Through this observation we draw attention to this rare pathology and we discuss the diagnostic elements and the therapeutic management of this pathology.

CONCLUSION

Although it is occasionally difficult to discriminate LCH from other disorders, systemic evaluation might be helpful for differential diagnosis. As LCH isn't infiltrating malignant cells, strong chemotherapy regimen is not recommended in order to avoid severe toxic and side effects.