Molar Pregnancy Complicated by Impending Thyroid Storm

Gestational trophoblastic diseases, which include molar pregnancy, have an increased risk of complications associated with the thyroid gland. This condition is mainly caused by elevated levels of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin produced during pregnancy, which is exaggerated in molar pregnancy and can lead to thyrotoxicosis. Hence, it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism among women of childbearing age to prevent complications such as thyroid storm. Medical management of thyroid storm before surgery is critical to prevent adverse maternal outcomes. Here, we report a rare case of impending thyroid storm induced by molar pregnancy.

Post-Embolization Syndrome Complicated by Hypertensive Emergency and Severely Elevated Transaminases

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a procedure reserved for the treatment of hepatocellular cancer that is unresectable through surgery. It combines both embolization and chemotherapy by injecting chemotherapy via a catheter directed at the tumor and then blocking the artery to prevent blood flow to the tumor. We present the case of a 69-year-old man who experienced post-embolization syndrome (PES) with a hypertensive emergency and elevated liver transaminases following his TACE procedure. Imaging combined with clinical assessment was necessary to determine whether the patient was experiencing a ruptured hepatic abscess or PES, as both are potential complications of TACE. The patient was ultimately managed with supportive care and discharged after several days.

Lion in Sheep's Clothing: Glioblastoma Mimicking Intracranial Hemorrhage

Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) as a unique image finding, is a rare presentation of glioblastoma (GBM), and can pose a diagnostic challenge. Hypertensive vascular changes are responsible for the majority of the ICH cases, where hemorrhage from brain tumors account only for 5.1% to 7.2% of cases and, the etiology seems to be multifactorial. We present a clinical case of a 70-year-old male who came to the emergency department after a syncopal episode at the workplace, associated with nausea and vomiting. Computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging showed intracranial subdural hematoma, subarachnoidal and interventricular hemorrhage without any underlying lesion. Follow-up imaging in one month showed a new ICH with a thick peripheral mass concerning an underlying neoplasm. The patient underwent tumor resection and immunohistochemical staining confirmed glioblastoma. Despite a multiapproach treatment, including, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and follow-up surgery, the outcome was poor. GBM is a great mimicker and may initially present with unassuming intracranial hemorrhage with a much more sinister hidden diagnosis. A high index of suspicion on initial imaging based on the patient’s demographics with early tissue diagnosis is crucial in arriving at the correct diagnosis. This case reinforces the importance of close interval follow-up in patients with spontaneous ICH, maintaining a high suspicion for brain tumors. To date, GBM remains a poor prognosis despite combined surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy treatment.

Spectrum of neurologic & neuroimaging manifestation in COVID-19

Objective

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) initially thought to be confined to the respiratory system only, is now known to be a multisystem disease. It is critical to be aware of and timely recognize neurological and neuroradiological manifestations affecting patients with COVID-19, to minimize morbidity and mortality of affected patients.

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review of patients admitted to our Level 1 trauma and stroke center during the peak of the COVID-19 outbreak in New York from March 1st to May 30, 2020, with a positive test for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) who presented mainly with neurological findings and had acute radiological brain changes on Computed Tomography (CT) scan. Patients with known chronic neurological disease processes were excluded from the study. We obtained and reviewed demographics, complete blood count, metabolic panel, D-dimer, inflammatory markers such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C reactive protein (CRP), imaging, and patient’s hospital course. We reviewed the current literature on neuroimaging, pathophysiology, and their clinical correlations on COVID-19. This case series study was approved by our institutional review board.

Result

A total of 16 patients were selected for our case series. The most common neuroimaging features on CT, were territorial to multifocal ischemic infarcts, followed by a combination of ischemia and acute white matter encephalopathic changes, followed by temporal lobe predominant focal or more generalized encephalopathy with both confluent and non-confluent patterns, isolated cortical or more extensive intracranial hemorrhages and some combination of ischemia or hemorrhage and white matter changes. All our patients had severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), most of them had elevated inflammatory markers, and D dimer.

Conclusion

COVID-19 infection is a multi-organ disease, which can manifest as rapidly progressive neurological disease beyond the more common pulmonary presentation. Early recognition of various neurological findings and neuroimaging patterns in these patients will enable timely diagnosis and rapid treatment to reduce morbidity and mortality. Our retrospective study is limited due to small non-representative sample size, strict selection criteria likely underestimating the true extent of neurological manifestations of COVID-19, mono-modality imaging technique limited to predominantly CT scans and lack of CSF analysis in all except one patient. Multi-institutional, multi-modality, largescale studies are needed with radio-pathological correlation to better understand the complete spectrum of neurologic presentations in COVID-19 patients and study the causal relationship between SARS-CoV-2 and CNS disease process.

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Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) is the causative virus for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

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COVID-19 most commonly affects the respiratory system but is now known to be a multisystem disease.

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SARS-COV-2 has neurotropic/neuroinvasive abilities and may present with a multitude of neurological symptoms.

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CT Brain patterns include ischemic infarcts, encephalopathy, hemorrhages isolated or in some combination.

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Encephalopathy always involved at least one temporal lobe.

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Larger studies are necessary to understand the complete spectrum of neurologic presentations in COVID-19 patients.

Osmotic Demyelination Syndrome Despite Appropriate Hyponatremia Correction

Acute demyelination of the pons or extrapontine areas results in an osmotic demyelination syndrome (ODS), previously referred to as central pontine myelinolysis (CPM) or extra pontine myelinolysis (EPM). It is caused by osmotic dysregulation in the brain. Multiple risk factors have been known to contribute to these osmotic disturbances. Among them, osmotic stress caused by rapid correction of hyponatremia is the most common cause. Other risk factors include liver failure, alcohol dependence, malnutrition, and malignancy. Symptoms can vary depending on the location of the demyelination. It has a high rate of morbidity and mortality. We present a case of ODS in a malnourished patient who was found to have alcoholic hepatitis and invasive colon cancer. The initial presentation was sepsis secondary to pneumonia. The patient was found to be severely hyponatremic at the time of admission, and the hyponatremia was corrected as per the recommendations. The initial non-contrast head computed tomography (CT) scan was unremarkable. However, the hospital course was complicated by a deteriorating neurological exam with encephalopathy despite not overcorrecting the sodium. A short-term follow-up brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) eventually revealed ODS. Initially, the findings of ODS were masked due to symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. However, the patient had a quick recovery with the improvement of all the neurological findings.

Austrian Syndrome in an Immunocompromised Patient—A Case Report

Austrian syndrome consists of a triad of endocarditis, meningitis, and pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. With the arrival of many antibiotic therapies, the disease remains rare, however, it can be overlooked due to the lack of awareness. We present a case of Austrian syndrome in an immunocompromised patient complicated by multiorgan failure.

Bilateral Basal Ganglia Infarction After Intranasal Use of Cocaine: A Case Report

We present a case of a young man who developed bilateral basal ganglia infarct after intranasal use of cocaine. Cerebral ischemic infarcts are a known complication of cocaine use. This complication is rare and has been reported in the past with cocaine and concomitant use of other drugs such as heroin and amphetamines.

Cerebellar Cavernous Malformation (Cavernoma): A Case Report

Cavernous malformations are congenital or acquired vascular abnormalities. They are uncommon entities with an incidence of 0.5% of the general population and usually are unnoticed until a hemorrhagic event occurs. Cavernomas can be concurrently seen with developmental venous anomalies (DVAs) in 20% (range 20%-40%) of cases, in which case they are known as mixed vascular malformations. We report a case of a healthy young adult, who presented with acute onset of headache, dizziness, and nausea with intermittent episodes of vomiting for four days. Brain tomography imaging at presentation revealed likely multiple foci of intracranial hemorrhage; however, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed findings suggestive of an underlying cavernoma that had bled, in addition to a coexisting DVA. The patient was discharged home with no deficits. Outpatient follow-up five months later revealed no symptoms or neurologic deficits.

Lower Extremity Injury Patterns in Elite Ballet Dancers: Ultrasound/MRI Imaging Features and an Institutional Overview of Therapeutic Ultrasound Guided Percutaneous Interventions

BACKGROUND

Altered biomechanics from repetitive microtrauma, such as long practice hours in en pointe (tip of the toes) or demi pointe (balls of the feet) predispose ballet dancers to a multitude of musculoskeletal pathologies particularly in the lower extremities. Both ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are radiation-sparing modalities which can be used to confidently evaluate these injuries, with ultrasound (US) offering the added utility of therapeutic intervention at the same time in experienced hands.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

The purposes of this paper were: (1) to illustrate the US and MRI features of lower extremity injury patterns in ballet dancers, focusing on pathologies commonly encountered at a single orthopedic hospital; (2) to present complementary roles of both ultrasound and MRI in the evaluation of these injuries whenever possible; (3) to review and present our institutional approach towards therapeutic ultrasound-guided interventions by presenting explicit cases.

METHODS

Online searches were performed using the search criteria of "ballet biomechanics" and "ballet injuries." The results were then further narrowed down by limiting articles published in the past 15 years, modality (US and MRI), anatomical region (foot and ankle, hip and knee) and to major radiology, orthopedics, and sports medicine journals.

RESULTS

Performing ballet poses major stress to lower extremities and predisposes dancer to several musculoskeletal injuries. These can be adequately evaluated by both US and MRI. US is useful for evaluating superficial structures such as soft tissues, tendons, and ligaments, particularly in the foot and ankle. MRI provides superior resolution of deeper structures such as joints, bone marrow, and cartilage. In addition, US can be used as a therapeutic tool for providing quick symptomatic improvement in these athletes for who "time is money".

CONCLUSION

Performing ballet may cause major stress to the lower extremities, predominantly affecting the foot and ankle, followed by the knee and hip. US and MRI play complementary roles in evaluating various orthopedic conditions in ballet dancers, with US allowing for dynamic evaluation and guidance for interventions.

Population-based health survey in eastern region of Saudi Arabia

A community health survey was conducted to describe the current health status and preventive health practices of National Guard military employees and their dependants residing in the Eastern region of Saudi Arabia. In a cross-sectional survey in 2010, data were collected via a questionnaire interview and direct physical measurements. A total of 1339 adults aged 14 years completed the survey [mean age 30.7 (SD 12.7) years]. About two-thirds of the sample had problems of overweight and obesity, while 50% had high serum lipids and psychiatric disorders. Hypertension and diabetes were detected in 9.0% and 9.1% of the participants respectively and 15.8% were smokers. The rates of complete immunization and breastfeeding of children were 88.9% and 80.2% respectively and 21.7% of the women had ever used oral contraceptives. However, only 6.5% of the women had ever had a mammogram and 13.4% a cervical smear. The survey results provide a baseline from which to strengthen many oublic health nolicies and orogrammes.

Emergency section and overcrowding in a university hospital of Karachi, Pakistan

OBJECTIVE

To quantify the extent of Emergency Section overcrowding at a tertiary care hospital and to identify possible solutions.

METHODS

This was a retrospective chart review of all the patients presented to the Aga Khan University Hospital's (AKUH) Emergency Section (ES). The ES information system has an automatic patient log and generates daily report for patients who stay longer than 6 hours. The charts of all patients who stayed longer than 6 hours were reviewed.

RESULTS

Among 9630 patients, 1999 (20.8%) were held in the ES for more than 6 hours. Of those 134 (6.7%) were discharged from the ES, while 1535 (76.8) were admitted to the hospital. About two-third of all delays were due to unavailability of bed, followed by financial constraints, involvement of multiple specialty, and because the admitting residents wanted to investigate the patients more thoroughly.

CONCLUSION

Significant overcrowding exists in Emergency Section of the hospital. Four solutions were proposed: (1) early discharges of in-patients, (2) creation of a holding unit, (3) flexible ward assignment, (4) active inter-facility transfer. These efforts will lead to an optimal care in the Emergency Section in rising patient demand.

Registry based trauma outcome: perspective of a developing country

OBJECTIVE

To report trauma outcome from a developing country based on the Trauma and Injury Severity Scoring (TRISS) method and compare the outcome with the registry data from Major Trauma Outcome Study (MTOS).

DESIGN

Registry based audit of all trauma patients over two years.

SETTING

Emergency room of a teaching university hospital.

SUBJECTS

279 injured patients meeting trauma team activation criteria including all deaths in the emergency room.

OUTCOME MEASURES

TRISS methodology to compare expected and observed outcome.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

W, M, and Z statistics and comparison with MTOS data.

RESULTS

279 patients meeting the trauma triage criteria presented to the emergency room, 235 (84.2%) were men and 44 (15.8%) women. Blunt injury accounted for 204 (73.1%) and penetrating for 75 (26.9%) patients. Seventy two patients had injury severity score of more than 15. Only 18 (6.4%) patients were transported in an ambulance. A total of 142 (50.9%) patients were transferred from other hospitals with a mean prehospital delay of 7.1 hours. M statistic of our study subset was 0.97, indicating a good match between our patients and MTOS cohort. There were 18 deaths with only one unexpected survivor. The expected number of deaths based on MTOS dataset should have been 12.

CONCLUSIONS

Present injury severity instruments using MTOS coefficients do not accurately correlate with observed survival rates in a developing country.

Emergency medical services and cultural determinants of an emergency in Karachi, Pakistan

OBJECTIVES

The study was conducted to understand the prehospital system in Karachi, the mode of transport that adult inpatients use to reach the emergency departments (EDs), and the barriers to the use of ambulances.

METHODS

The study consisted of two parts. The first part involved interviewing the administrators of major ambulance services in Karachi. The second part consisted of a structured interview of randomly selected adult inpatients admitted to one government and one private hospital.

RESULTS

Seven ambulance service administrators were interviewed. The interviews revealed that ambulances in Karachi are mainly involved in transporting patients from hospital to hospital or to home. A large number of calls are for transporting dead bodies. A total of 92 patients were interviewed (58 male, 34 female). Admission complaints included abdominal pain (22), blunt trauma (11), penetrating trauma (3), chest pain (6), shortness of breath (4), hematemesis (3), acute focal weakness (4), high fever (4), and other (32). The most common mode of transport to the ED was taxi (53, 58%), followed by private car (21, 23%). Specific reasons for not using ambulances included a perception that the patient was not sick enough (34, 45%), slow response of the ambulance services (17, 23%), not knowing how to find one (8, 11%), and the high cost (6, 8%).

CONCLUSION

In case of a medical emergency, most people in Karachi do not use ambulances. The reasons for this low usage include not only poor accessibility, but also cultural barriers and lack of education in recognition of danger signs.

Analysis of blood tests in the emergency department of a tertiary care hospital

There is ample evidence that many investigations sent from the accident and emergency department are inappropriate, thus affecting the quality of patient care. A study was designed to address this issue in the emergency department of a tertiary care hospital of a large city. A prospective cross-sectional study was carried out during the 3-month period 1 December 1996 to 28 February 1997. A set of guidelines was used to assess the appropriateness of different blood tests for the initial assessment of the patients presenting with common clinical conditions, although any investigation could be done if considered important for patient management. All other blood tests were considered inappropriate. A total of 6401 patients were seen in the emergency department and 14,300 blood tests were done on 3529 patients with diagnoses covered by the guidelines. Of these 62.2% were found to be inappropriate. Of the total 22,655 investigations done on all the 6401 patients seen, only 3.8% influenced the diagnosis, 3.0% influenced patient care in the emergency department, and 4.0% influenced the decision to admit or not. Amylase and arterial blood gases were found to be the most appropriate investigations. Analysis of reasons for unnecessary use of emergency tests suggested that improving supervision, decreasing the utilization of the emergency department as a phlebotomy service for the hospital, and abolition of routine blood tests would help to improve patient care.