An unusual occurrence of multiple primary malignant neoplasms: a case report and narrative review.

Introduction: Multiple primary malignant neoplasms (MPMNs) are cancers presenting distinct pathological types that originate from different tissues or organs. They are categorized as either synchronous or metachronous. Nowadays, the incidence of MPMN is increasing. Patients and methods: We present a case of a 71-year-old male patient with a medical history of hepatitis B and a family history of breast and endometrial cancers. The patient reported a nasal tip skin lesion with recurrent bleeding, and the history disclosed lower urinary tract symptoms. Further investigations revealed the coexistence of four primary cancers: basosquamous carcinoma of the nasal lesion, prostatic adenocarcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Results: A multidisciplinary team cooperated to decide the proper diagnostic and therapeutic modules. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, the synchronization of these four primary cancers has never been reported in the literature. Even so, multiple primary malignant neoplasms, in general, are no longer a rare entity and need proper explanations, a precise representation of definition and incidence, further work-up approaches, and treatment guidelines as well.

Multidisciplinary Teams in Musculoskeletal Infection - From a Pathologist's Perspective.

Multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings have emerged as a promising approach for the treatment of cancer patients. These meetings involve a team of healthcare professionals from different disciplines working together to develop a holistic, patient-centered treatment. Although MDT meetings are well established in oncology, they play a minor role in other diseases. Recent evidence suggests that the implementation of MDT meetings can improve patient outcomes in musculoskeletal infections. The aim of this retrospective, observational study was to present the agenda of our multidisciplinary limb board including live microscopy with a special focus on the pathologist's role. The descriptive analysis of the limb board included 66 cases receiving live microscopy at the meeting and a total of 124 histopathological findings and 181 stainings. We could elucidate that pathologists seem to play an important role especially in clarifying the correct diagnosis. In 80.3 % of the findings, the pathologist specified the clinical diagnosis of the requesting physician leading to a consensus-based treatment plan for each patient. The implementation of MDT meetings including live microscopy in patients with musculoskeletal infections holds potential benefits, such as improved communication, scientific collaboration, and raising clinicians' awareness and understanding of histopathology findings. However, potential challenges, such as organizational effort and technical prerequisites should be considered.

Uncommon finding in a pulmonary graft versus host disease: A first report of Tsukamurella pneumonia in a pulmonary graft-versus-host disease.

A 64-year-old woman presented to Our Department with 2 weeks history of fever and cough. Through a series of radiological and invasive diagnostic studies we finally reach an unexpected diagnosis of Tsukamurella pneumonia; Diagnosing an ILD is a dynamic process, and that is the reason why complex cases discussed in a multidisciplinary team may need to be reconsidered in light of evolution of the disease and the results of the performed exams with a flexible approach. Tsukamurella spp. is an obligate aerobic, Gram-positive, weakly acid-fast, non-motile bacillus that belongs to the order Actinomycetales. Pneumonia caused by Tsukamurella is exceedingly rare, and only few cases are reported in the literature. Our aim is to evidence the paramount importance of Multidisciplinary team discussion in deciding the most appropriate diagnostic is of and therapeutical strategy.

A multidisciplinary approach for people with HIV failing antiretroviral therapy in South Africa.

Background: South Africa (SA) has the largest antiretroviral therapy (ART) programme worldwide. Multiple factors contribute to virological failure (VF), including poor adherence and viral resistance mutations. A multidisciplinary team (MDT) clinic dedicated to those with VF may be of benefit; however, very little data from SA exist. Objectives: To assess whether an MDT approach achieved virological suppression (VS) in patients failing second-line-ART (2LART); assess the number of MDT sessions required to achieve VS; assess local resistance mutation patterns and whether the MDT reduced the number of genotypic resistance testing (GRT) required. Method: An observational, retrospective, cross-sectional chart review study was conducted between January 2018 and December 2019 at a Target High Viral Load (VL) MDT clinic in KwaZulu-Natal, SA. Results: Ninety-seven medical records were eligible. Women accounted for 63% of patients, with a mean age of 37 years. A significant reduction in the first VL measurement following the MDT was seen (median reduction 2374 c/mL; P < 0.001). This was maintained at the second VL measurement post-MDT (median reduction 2957 c/mL; P < 0.001). Patients attended a mean of 2.71 MDT sessions and 73.2% achieved VS, resulting in 61.86% fewer GRTs required. Of the GRTs performed, nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor-related mutations were noted most frequently. Conclusion: The MDT approach resulted in a significant reduction in VL, with most participants achieving VS. The MDT was successful in reducing the need for GRT. Resistance mutations were similar to those found in other studies conducted across SA.

Chinese Multidisciplinary Expert Consensus on Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Based Combination Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma (2023 Edition).

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-based combination therapy modalities for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have achieved significant efficacy in clinical research and practice and have become the mainstay for the treatment of unresectable HCC. Summary: To better help clinicians use combination immunotherapy drugs and regimens rationally, effectively, and safely, the editorial board facilitated a discussion with multidisciplinary experts in the field, adopted the "Delphi" consensus formation method, and finally revised and completed the "Chinese Multidisciplinary Expert Consensus on the Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICIs)-Based Combination Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma (2023 Edition)" on the basis of the 2021 edition. Key Messages: This consensus primarily focuses on the principles and methods of clinical practice of combination therapy based on ICIs, aiming to summarize the recommendations for clinical application based on the latest research and expert experience and provide application guidance for clinicians.

A Machine Learning Method for Differentiation Crohn's Disease and Intestinal Tuberculosis.

Background: Whether machine learning (ML) can assist in the diagnosis of Crohn's disease (CD) and intestinal tuberculosis (ITB) remains to be explored. Methods: We collected clinical data from 241 patients, and 51 parameters were included. Six ML methods were tested, including logistic regression, decision tree, k-nearest neighbor, multinomial NB, multilayer perceptron, and XGBoost. SHAP and LIME were subsequently introduced as interpretability methods. The ML model was tested in a real-world clinical practice and compared with a multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting. Results: XGBoost displays the best performance among the six ML models. The diagnostic AUROC and the accuracy of XGBoost were 0.946 and 0.884, respectively. The top three clinical features affecting our ML model's result prediction were T-spot, pulmonary tuberculosis, and onset age. The ML model's accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity in clinical practice were 0.860, 0.833, and 0.871, respectively. The agreement rate and kappa coefficient of the ML and MDT methods were 90.7% and 0.780, respectively (P<0.001). Conclusion: We developed an ML model based on XGBoost. The ML model could provide effective and efficient differential diagnoses of ITB and CD with diagnostic bases. The ML model performs well in real-world clinical practice, and the agreement between the ML model and MDT is strong.

Gene therapy for people with Haemophilia B: a proposed care delivery model in Italy.

BACKGROUND: Gene therapy is designed to provide people with haemophilia B with a steady and elevated factor IX activity, thereby strengthening protection and relieving the burden of replacement therapy frequent infusions. The European Medicines Agency has approved a gene therapy for the severe and moderately severe forms of haemophilia B that uses the factor IX Padua variant (etranacogene dezaparvovec). The aim is to provide a document dedicated to haemophilia B gene therapy and give a comprehensive overview of the topic. METHODS: An Italian group of experts in haemophilia has carried out a narrative review of the literature and has discussed during a virtual meeting several key aspects of the delivery of this treatment in Italy. The discussion covered the organisational model, the role of the multidisciplinary team, the laboratory surveillance and the patient journey, from the follow-up to the identification of safety issues and outcome measures. RESULTS: This article highlights the need to follow the Hub and Spoke organisational model and sheds light on the role of each professional figure within the multidisciplinary teams to favour patient engagement, management, and retention. Moreover, this article stresses the need to perform laboratory tests for patient screening and follow-up and proposes a checklist to help patient identification. Finally, the needs of Italian haemophilia centres have been considered to ensure an efficient implementation of the care delivery model. CONCLUSION: It is crucial to ensure that centres are appropriately organized, equipped and trained to adequately select patients, deliver the gene therapy and perform follow-up.

Angiosarcoma in the femoral bone: A case report of a rare bone tumor.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Angiosarcoma is a high-grade endothelial sarcoma rarely found in the bones. Challenges lie in its rareness, high mortality, metastasis, and recurrence. The role of radiotherapy and chemotherapy in managing angiosarcoma remains debatable, while surgery stands out as the optimal treatment for local control. We present a patient with angiosarcoma of the bone, managed through a combination of surgery and radiotherapy. CASE PRESENTATION: A 66-year-old male presented with pain on the right distal femur and was unable to weight bearing after lifting a box. The X-ray showed a fracture and lytic lesion. The patient has lost 5 kg of body weight in the last 3 months. The Clinicopathological Conference (CPC) suspects a malignancy process, prompting us for wide resection, biopsy, and ORIF with cement augmentation. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry results confirmed the diagnosis of angiosarcoma. We decide to manage patients with radiotherapy without chemotherapy and regular monthly monitoring. The patient exhibited clinical improvement. DISCUSSION: Angiosarcoma of the bone tends to have a bad prognosis. Diagnosis might be challenging as it is a rare condition and could be easily confused with another disease. The routine CPC we held was beneficial for the diagnosis and treatment of the patient. The combination of surgery and radiotherapy is yielding positive outcomes. CONCLUSION: Angiosarcoma should be considered in patients with osteolytic lesions in the bone. Surgery and radiotherapy are important to local control in patients with angiosarcoma.

Improving care for systemic light-chain amyloidosis patients: is a multidisciplinary approach best?

INTRODUCTION: Light chain (AL) amyloidosis is a rare and complex disease which can affect various systems of the body. In common with many rare and multisystemic diseases, the breadth of diagnostic, clinical, and supportive expertise required to care for such patients is best met by a multidisciplinary team. AREAS COVERED: We outline different phases of the patients' journey, including diagnosis, staging, treatment, and response assessment, to highlight common clinical issues best resolved by a multidisciplinary approach. EXPERT OPINION: To extend the benefit of multidisciplinary care to the majority of patients with AL amyloidosis, innovative healthcare models such as telehealth and multisite multidisciplinary team meetings need to be implemented. The need for a multidisciplinary approach where such a wide array of healthcare skills is required also highlights the shortcomings of our current diagnostic and monitoring assays. Better access to diagnostic and subtyping assays is necessary. The ability to characterize and measure the causative amyloidogenic light chain as well as imaging techniques to accurately diagnose and monitor response to therapy is also needed and is currently an area of research focus.

Treatment Adherence Rates and Long-Term Mortality in a Quaternary Multidisciplinary Heart Team: An Observational Cohort.

BACKGROUND: A multidisciplinary heart team (HT) approach to patients with complex coronary artery disease has a class IB recommendation, yet there are limited data on adherence to HT treatment recommendations and long-term clinical follow-up. The objective of this study was to assess adherence rates to HT recommendations and assess long-term mortality rates among patients with complex CAD. METHODS AND RESULTS: Six hundred eighty-four sequential HT cases for complex coronary artery disease from January 2015 to May 2017 were reviewed. After excluding cases with significant comorbid valve disease, baseline characteristics were compared based on HT treatment recommendations: optimal medical therapy, percutaneous coronary intervention, and coronary artery bypass grafting. Adherence rates were manually extracted, and 5-year mortality rates were obtained from the Michigan Death Registry. Seventy-two percent of 405 included patients were men (mean age 66±11 years), with high rates of medical comorbidities. Estimated surgical risk scores were lowest in the coronary artery bypass grafting group. Optimal medical therapy was recommended in 138 patients (34%), percutaneous coronary intervention in 95 (23%), and coronary artery bypass grafting in 172 (42%). Adherence to HT recommendations across groups was high (96%) and did not differ between treatment groups. Over 5 years of follow-up, there were 119 deaths, resulting in a cumulative mortality rate of 29%. CONCLUSIONS: In the largest HT cohort in the United States to date, high rates of adherence to HT recommendations were observed among high-risk patients with coronary artery disease. High rates of adherence to HT recommendations were observed irrespective of treatment group recommendation, suggesting that HT recommendations were individualized and acceptable to both patients and physicians alike.

Percepções dos profissionais da atenção básica em saúde sobre a responsabilidade no cuidado integral às pessoas com transtornos mentais / Perceptions of primary care professionals about responsibility for comprehensive health care for people with mental disorders

A Reforma Psiquiátrica Brasileira possibilitou a reinserção das pessoas com transtornos mentais na sociedade. Isso acarretou a necessidade de implementar outras formas de olhar e acompanhar essa população, instigando a construção do cuidado em liberdade. Assim, objetivou-se identificar as percepções dos profissionais da atenção básica em saúde sobre a responsabilidade no cuidado integral à pessoa com transtorno mental e/ou sofrimento mental. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, de abordagem qualitativa, realizado com sete profisionais de uma equipe de Saúde da Família, na região metropolitana de Porto Alegre, Sul do Brasil. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevistas individuais e analisados conforme análise de conteúdo. Evidenciou-se que existe o movimento de tomada de responsabilidade por parte dos profissionais entrevistados, a partir da construção de cuidado e acompanhamento em saúde mental. Influenciam esse movimento aspectos como: a escuta, a construção do vínculo, o estigma como modificador da percepção e os fluxos/encaminhamentos para outros serviços. A enfermagem demonstrou ter um papel fundamental na tomada de responsabilidade na atenção básica, em que o profissional enfermeiro é visto como referência na realização dos cuidados e capacitação da equipe.

The Brazilian Psychiatric Reform enabled the reintegration of people with mental disorders into society. This led to the need to implement other ways of looking at and supporting this population, encouraging the construction of care in freedom. Thus, the aim was to identify the perceptions of primary health care professionals regarding responsibility for comprehensive care for people with mental disorders and/or mental distress. This is a descriptive study with a qualitative approach, conducted with seven professionals from a Family Health Team in the metropolitan region of Porto Alegre, Southern Brazil. Data were collected through individual interviews and analyzed using content analysis. It was evident that there is a movement towards taking responsibility on the part of the interviewed professionals, through the construction of mental health care and monitoring. Aspects influencing this movement include: listening; building rapport; stigma as a modifier of perception; and referrals to other services. Nursing demonstrated a fundamental role in taking responsibility in primary care, where the nurse professional is seen as a reference in providing care and training the team.

Adjuvant surgical treatment of non-tuberculous mycobacterial lung disease in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: A first case report.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is not considered a known risk factor for non-tuberculous mycobacterial lung disease (NTM-LD), despite that many studies state that incidence is almost equal to other chronic lung diseases. Current standard of care for NTM-LD consists in multidrug antibiotic regimen for several months. However, it results in negative culture conversion in a minority of cases. Therefore, when feasible an adjuvant surgical approach is indicated. In this case report we highlight the importance of multidisciplinary team discussion in providing the best therapeutic strategy in presence of significant comorbidities like chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.

The evolution of nutritional care in preterm infants with a focus on the extreme preterm infant.

The evolution of nutritional care in preterm infants, particularly those classified as extremely preterm, has undergone significant advancements in recent years. These infants, born at less than 28 weeks of gestation, face unique challenges related to their elevated nutrient requirements, underdeveloped organ systems and minimal reserves, posing a need for timely and specialised nutritional strategies. Historically, the nutritional management of preterm infants focussed on short-term goals to promote survival. In recent years, the focus has shifted to the quality of nutrient provision to optimise neurodevelopment and longer-term health outcomes. This review highlights the shift from a generalised nutritional approach to a robust, evidence-based approach for preterm infants, acknowledging the intricate interplay between nutrition, holistic care and developmental outcomes. As neonatal care continues to evolve, ongoing research will refine nutritional interventions, optimise growth and enhance the long-term health outcomes of these vulnerable infants.

Mixed gonadal dysgenesis with gonadoblastoma diagnosed by prophylactic laparoscopic gonadectomy: A case report.

Mixed gonadal dysgenesis (MGD) is a disorder of sex development caused by mosaicism of the Y chromosome, represented by 45,X/46,XY. Prophylactic gonadectomy is recommended as soon as possible after its diagnosis, owing to a high risk of malignancy. In the present case, a 21-year-old woman presented with primary amenorrhea. Although the patient's external genitalia were female, the patient exhibited a hypoplastic uterus, wherein the ovaries were difficult to identify. The patient's height was 146 cm; they had cubitus valgus and webbing of the neck, leading to the consideration of a disorder of sex development. Chromosomal examination revealed 45,X/46,XY mosaicism. Thus, the patient was diagnosed with MGD. After thorough counseling, laparoscopic bilateral gonadectomy was performed. Pathological examination revealed a gonadoblastoma of the left gonad. Postoperatively, the patient had no recurrence and continued on Kaufmann therapy. In conclusion, prophylactic gonadectomy is recommended immediately following a diagnosis of MGD; however, the timing of the surgery should be carefully considered and adequate counseling should be conducted by a multidisciplinary team.

The role of the radiologist in the prostate cancer multidisciplinary conference.

The broad range of disease aggressiveness together with imperfect screening, diagnostic, and treatment options in prostate cancer (PCa) makes medical decision-making complex. The primary goal of a multidisciplinary conference is to improve patient outcomes by combining evidence-based data and expert opinion to discuss optimal management, including for those patients with challenging presentations. The primary purpose of the genitourinary imaging specialist in the prostate cancer multidisciplinary conference is to use imaging findings to reduce uncertainty by answering clinical questions. In this review, we discuss the role and the opportunities for an imaging specialist to add value in the care of men with prostate cancer discussed at multidisciplinary conferences.

Plasma exchange and intravenous immunoglobulin for the peri-operative management of type 2 heparin-induced thrombocytopaenia in a patient requiring urgent surgery for critical limb ischaemia.

We report the case of a 61-year-old female who developed heparin-induced thrombocytopaenia following treatment of a submassive pulmonary embolism, and who then required an above knee amputation for critical limb ischaemia. Heparin-induced thrombocytopaenia is a rare, immune-mediated complication associated with an in-hospital mortality rate of 10%. It is more common in surgical patients, with patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery more likely to develop it than patients undergoing cardiac surgery, but heparin-dependent immunoglobulin G antibodies are more likely to be formed in the latter. Peri-operative management remains a challenge. Ideally, it is preferable to wait for the platelet count to improve; but in certain cases, surgery cannot be delayed. Heparin-induced thrombocytopaenia is usually managed with direct thrombin inhibitors, such as argatroban and bivalirudin. Newer therapeutic modalities, such as plasmapheresis and intravenous immunoglobulin, as used in this case, can rapidly remove antibodies, but the certainty of evidence is low. Our case adds to the literature regarding the use of these modalities and highlights the multidisciplinary team approach required to manage such complex cases.

Multidisciplinary care in Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a multifaceted and progressive disorder characterized by a diverse range of motor and non-motor symptoms. The complexity of PD necessitates a multidisciplinary approach to manage both motor symptoms, such as bradykinesia, gait disturbances and falls, and non-motor symptoms, including cognitive dysfunction, sleep disturbances, and mood disorders, which significantly affect patients' quality of life. Pharmacotherapy, particularly dopaminergic replacement therapy, has advanced to alleviate many symptoms. However, these medications can also induce side effects or aggravate symptoms like hallucinations or orthostatic dysfunction, highlighting the need for comprehensive patient management. The optimal care for PD patients involves a team of specialists, including neurologists, physical and occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, psychologists, and other medical professionals, to address the complex and individualized needs of each patient. Here, we illustrate the necessity of such a multidisciplinary approach in four illustrative PD cases with different disease stages and motor and non-motor complications. The patients were treated in different treatment settings (specialized outpatient clinic, day clinic, inpatient care including neurorehabilitation). The biggest challenge lies in organizing and implementing such comprehensive care effectively across different clinical settings.

Cancer of Unknown Primary: When Imaging, Pathology, and Molecular Biology Do Not Match.

Introduction: Cancers of unknown primary are aggressive and rare malignancies with a complex diagnosis and management. Here we present a case in which imaging, pathology, and molecular biology did not match for a specific tumor site and the importance of a multidisciplinary team for these complicated cases. Case Presentation: A man in his 70s with strong smoking history under workup for suspicion of metastatic lung cancer underwent lung mass biopsy. Immunohistochemical stains corresponded to hepatocellular/cholangiocarcinoma or germ cell tumor; however, dedicated liver and testicular studies including imaging and iscochrome 12p FISH were negative. Additionally, somatic variant profiling was not specific for any malignancy nor targetable variants. Given the pattern of disease, risk factors, and patient history, the patient received treatment for lung adenocarcinoma (carboplatin, pemetrexed, and pembrolizumab). The patient had a drastic improvement in dyspnea, weight gain, and was able to return to work. Conclusion: This report describes a case in which immunohistochemistry and molecular profiling did not identify the tissue of origin and highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary team to reach a diagnosis and guide treatment without delaying patient care in patients with these diagnoses.