Cerebral Venous Thrombosis in Young Adults: Unknown Origins

Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a relatively rare neurological disorder that may result in significant morbidity if not diagnosed and managed promptly. The clinical presentation of CVT is nonspecific and highly variable with acute, subacute, or chronic onset. It most often presents as a headache but may present with focal neurological symptoms, symptoms of intracranial hypertension, or encephalopathy. The predisposing factors for CVT are mainly acquired and genetic hypercoagulable conditions. However, the epidemiology, predisposing factors, and clinical presentation of CVT are not clearly established given the rare nature of the condition. We present a case series of three young patients who did not have any classic underlying etiology for CVT or any prior diagnosis of venous thrombosis. We want to report this case series to show that a high index of suspicion should be maintained regardless of the absence of risk factors.

Cerebral Venous Thrombosis in a Patient With Smith-Magenis Syndrome

Smith-Magenis syndrome (SMS) is a complex genetic developmental disorder characterized by distinctive physical features, cognitive impairment, developmental delay, and behavioral abnormalities. It is caused by a microdeletion of chromosome band 17p11.2 encoding for multiple genes including the Retinoic-acid-induced (RAI1) gene. RAI1 gene is expressed in many tissues, acting as a transcriptional regulator. It is a dosage-sensitive gene. The variants of the RAI1 gene have been explored with some contributing to systemic manifestations. The hematological manifestations such as venous thrombosis (VT) including cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) have not been reported to date. We report a case of a 25-year-old female with SMS who presented with lethargy and gastrointestinal symptoms and was diagnosed with CVT. Our case highlights the risk of VT in patients with SMS and therefore holding a high index of suspicion for early diagnosis and management.

Acute Myocardial Infarction in a Young Male With COVID-19 Infection

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection is a global health crisis resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. The presentation of COVID-19 infection is variable, ranging from an asymptomatic carrier state to multi-organ failure. While cases of COVID-related myocarditis and myocardial dysfunction are well reported, only a few cases of coronary artery thrombosis resulting in myocardial infarction are noted on literature review. However, the previously reported cases were in patients with high risk for coronary artery disease. We hereby report a case of a young man with no significant past medical history or cardiovascular risk factors who presented with severe chest pain and was diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction in the setting of COVID-19 infection requiring intervention. We want to report this case to improve awareness in the community about COVID-related arterial thrombosis and have a high index of suspicion for this regardless of the person's risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.

SCROTAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA AND ASSOCIATED BLINDNESS: A CASE REPORT AND LITERATURE REVIEW

BACKGROUND

Carcinoma of the scrotum is a rare disease which has been linked with occupational exposure to certain industrial carcinogens. Scanty reports of scrotal carcinoma exist in literature but in very few places worldwide. To our knowledge, there has been one documented report of scrotal carcinoma in our country and this is the first report of scrotal carcinoma in over 45years existence of our tertiary Health institution. We present the clinical evaluation, investigations and surgical intervention of a blind elderly welder with squamous cell carcinoma of the scrotum at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

CASE PRESENTATION AND MANAGEMENT

A 65 year-old blind welder presented to us with a painless fungating scrotal mass of two years' duration. He had prior incision and drainage of the swelling in a primary health centre but this failed to heal, with copious purulent discharge. The mass measured 20cm x 15cm x 8cm and was inseparable from the right testis and cord structures, with infiltration of the root of the penis. The inguinal lymph nodes were not enlarged. CT scan confirmed localized scrotal tumour and biopsy confirmed squamous cell carcinoma.He subsequently had wide local excision of the scrotal tumour (with at least 2cm free margins), right total orchidectomy and advancement flap closure of scrotal defect. Histopathological reports corroborated the earlier findings and confirmed tumour free margins. He has remained well 18 months after surgery.

CONCLUSION

Squamous cell carcinoma of the scrotum, though rare, is the commonest malignancy affecting the scrotum worldwide. Surgery still remains the mainstay of treatment and early intervention improves the chances of a favourable outcome.