Tuberculosis Peritonitis Resulting in Small Bowel Obstruction.

Tuberculosis (TB) peritonitis resulting in a small bowel obstruction is uncommon and can be a challenging infectious disease to diagnose. It often has an insidious onset with non-specific symptoms. Today we report a rare case of a 30-year-old woman who recently traveled to Vietnam and presented with worsening upper and lower gastrointestinal symptoms. CT scan revealed an ill-defined mass in the terminal ileum with prominent mucosal enhancement and wall thickening, which ultimately led to subsequent colonoscopy and Quantiferon Gold testing, revealing a positive result. Biopsy of the mass demonstrated noncaseating granulomatous colitis with rare acid-fast positive bacillus consistent with mycobacterial infection. As a result, the patient was ultimately initiated on antituberculosis therapy. Shortly thereafter, she was readmitted with clinical features suggestive of a bowel obstruction. The patient was managed with supportive care and did not require surgical intervention. However, approximately two months following the readmission, she presented to the emergency department once again with a mechanical bowel obstruction that ultimately required surgery. This case underscores the importance of TB testing in patients with insidious, worsening gastrointestinal symptoms and highlights the potential complications of TB peritonitis, even in those undergoing antituberculosis treatment.

Isolated Gastric Crohn's Disease: A Growing Tendency.

Isolated gastric Crohn's disease (IGCD) is a rare manifestation of Crohn's disease confined to the stomach, unlike its more common forms that primarily affect the ileum and colon. We report the case of a 25-year-old female presenting with a one-month history of epigastric discomfort and nausea, with no other significant gastrointestinal or systemic symptoms. Upper endoscopy revealed an aphthous ulceration on the greater curvature of the stomach, with biopsies showing non-caseating granulomas consistent with Crohn's disease. The diagnosis of IGCD was confirmed through a positive ASCA test and negative p-ANCA test, alongside the absence of ileal and colonic involvement. The patient was treated with prednisone for acute symptom management, followed by infliximab for long-term maintenance. Follow-up evaluations showed no significant relapse episodes. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges and management strategies for IGCD, emphasising the need for further research to optimise treatment protocols and improve long-term outcomes. LEARNING POINTS: This case highlights the challenges and complexities of diagnosing and managing isolated gastric Crohn's disease (IGCD), a rare manifestation of Crohn's disease confined to the stomach.Serological tests such as the anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibody (ASCA) test and the perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (p-ANCA) test help in distinguishing Crohn's disease from other conditions.This case emphasises the importance of considering IGCD in patients with unexplained gastric symptoms, and the need for individualised treatment plans due to the lack of specific guidelines for IGCD.

Nonabsorbable Barbed Sutures for Diastasis Recti. A Useful Device with Unexpected Risk: Two Case Reports.

The introduction of nonabsorbable barbed sutures in plastic surgery has allowed the achievement of significant results in terms of efficacy and short- and long-term outcomes. However, a nonabsorbable material with no antibacterial coating could act as a substrate for subclinical bacterial colonization and thereby determine recurrent subacute and chronic infective-inflammatory processes. The authors report a clinical experience of subacute infectious complications after two cases of diastasis recti surgical correction. The authors present a two-case series in which a nonabsorbable barbed suture was used for the repair of diastasis recti. The postoperative course was complicated by surgical site infection. The origin of the infectious process was clearly localized in the fascial suture used for diastasis correction. The suture was colonized by bacteria resulting in the formation of multiple granulomas of the abdominal wall a few months postoperatively. In both the reported cases, the patients partially responded to the antibiotic targeted therapy and reoperation was required. The microbiological analyses confirmed the colonization of sutures by Staphylococcus aureus . Barbed nonabsorbable sutures should be avoided for diastasis recti surgical correction to minimize the risk of infectious suture-related complications. The paper's main novel aspect is that this is the first clinical report describing infectious complications after surgical correction of diastasis recti with barbed polypropylene sutures. The risk of microbiological subclinical colonization of polypropylene suture untreated with antibacterial coating, therefore, should be taken into account.

A Rare Case of Isolated Extrapulmonary Sarcoidosis With Renal Involvement Sans Pulmonary Findings: Diagnostic Challenges and Clinical Insights.

The cause of sarcoidosis is unknown, and it affects multiple systems with granulomas. Lung lesions are typical, but extrapulmonary findings, especially lymphadenopathy, are present in a significant number of cases. Isolated renal involvement is rare. The presence of noncaseating granulomas on biopsy is a hallmark of sarcoidosis. We present the case of a 59-year-old male with recurrent renal stones who presented with renal failure. The initial diagnosis was challenging due to normal chest imaging and no pulmonary involvement. However, his delayed presentation of calcinosis cutis, an increase in angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) level, and the biopsy of the palm lesion with noncaseating granulomas helped us reach the diagnosis. He was started on prednisolone and achieved remission. The report also intends to show that patients with sarcoidosis can present without lung involvement, and physicians should consider sarcoidosis as their differential diagnosis for idiopathic hypercalcemia even if it has no lung or skin findings.

Cellular and molecular determinants of bacterial burden in leprosy granulomas revealed by single-cell multimodal omics.

BACKGROUND: Which cell populations that determine the fate of bacteria in infectious granulomas remain unclear. Leprosy, a granulomatous disease with a strong genetic predisposition, caused by Mycobacterium leprae infection, exhibits distinct sub-types with varying bacterial load and is considered an outstanding disease model for studying host-pathogen interactions. METHODS: We performed single-cell RNA and immune repertoire sequencing on 11 healthy controls and 20 patients with leprosy, and integrated single-cell data with genome-wide genetic data on leprosy. Multiplex immunohistochemistry, and in vitro and in vivo infection experiments were conducted to confirm the multimodal omics findings. FINDINGS: Lepromatous leprosy (L-LEP) granulomas with high bacterial burden were characterised by exhausted CD8+ T cells, and high RGS1 expression in CD8+ T cells was associated with L-LEP. By contrast, tuberculoid leprosy (T-LEP) granulomas with low bacterial burden displayed enrichment in resident memory IFNG+ CD8+ T cells (CD8+ Trm) with high GNLY expression. This enrichment was potentially attributable to the communication between IL1B macrophages and CD8+ Trm via CXCL10-CXCR3 signalling. Additionally, IL1B macrophages in L-LEP exhibited anti-inflammatory phenotype, with high APOE expression contributing to high bacterial burden. Conversely, IL1B macrophages in T-LEP were distinguished by interferon-γ induced GBP family genes. INTERPRETATION: The state of IL1B macrophages and functional CD8+ T cells, as well as the relationship between them, is crucial for controlling bacterial persistence within granulomas. These insights may indicate potential targets for host-directed immunotherapy in granulomatous diseases caused by mycobacteria and other intracellular bacteria. FUNDING: The Key research and development program of Shandong Province (2021LCZX07), Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province (ZR2023MH046), Youth Science Foundation Cultivation Funding Plan of Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences) (202201-123), National Natural Science Foundation of China (82471800, 82230107, 82273545, 82304039), the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (2023M742162), Shandong Province Taishan Scholar Project (tspd20230608), Joint Innovation Team for Clinical & Basic Research (202410), Central guidance for local scientific and technological development projects of Shandong Province (YDZX2023058).

Review of research progress on different modalities of Macrophage death in Mycobacterium leprae infection.

Leprosy, caused by Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae), is a chronic infectious disease primarily affecting the skin and peripheral nerves. The interaction between M. leprae and macrophages, its primary host cell, plays a critical role in disease progression. This review explores the various forms of macrophage cell death induced by M. leprae infection, including apoptosis, autophagy, necroptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis and necrosis. The regulation and implications of these cell death pathways on the host immune response are discussed. Apoptosis and autophagy are highlighted as mechanisms that may limit M. leprae proliferation, while necroptosis and pyroptosis contribute to inflammation and immune response. Notably, recent studies have identified CYBB-mediated ferroptosis as essential for macrophages infected with M. leprae to polarize towards the M2 phenotype, facilitating immune evasion by the pathogen. This review underscores the complexity of macrophage cell death in leprosy, and summarize their corresponding molecular mechanisms and potential impact on the host immunity.

Disseminated cysticercosis incidentally diagnosed in a patient with distal cholangiocarcinoma: A case report.

Cysticercosis, a major health issue in developing countries, is caused by the larval stage of Taenia solium. Disseminated cysticercosis (DCC), which is characterized by widespread cysticerci in various tissues, is rare and often asymptomatic. Here, we report the case of a 50-year-old man from rural Nepal with distal cholangiocarcinoma and DCC involving the skin, brain, orbit, tongue, soft palate, heart, and abdominal organs. Despite the presence of abdominal pain, obstructive jaundice, anemia, and significant weight loss-symptoms indicative of biliary malignancy-there were no symptoms typical of DCC. Diagnostic imaging confirmed DCC and stomach-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed. Histopathological examination of the periampullary mass revealed distal cholangiocarcinoma. Postsurgical treatment for DCC included steroids, carbamazepine, and antiparasitic therapy with albendazole. The coexistence of cysticercosis and neoplasia, though uncommon, necessitates thorough diagnostic evaluation. This case underscores the clinical complexity and highlights the need for comprehensive management of concurrent conditions.

Retrospective clinical and microbiologic analysis of metagenomic next-generation sequencing in the microbiological diagnosis of cutaneous infectious granulomas.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous infectious granulomas (CIG) are localized and chronic skin infection caused by a variety of pathogens such as protozoans, bacteria, worms, viruses and fungi. The diagnosis of CIG is difficult because microbiological examination shows low sensitivity and the histomorphological findings of CIG caused by different pathogens are commonly difficult to be distinguished. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to explore the application of mNGS in tissue sample testing for CIG cases, and to compare mNGS with traditional microbiological methods by evaluating sensitivity and specificity. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study at the Department of Dermatology of Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University from January 1st, 2020, to May 31st, 2024. Specimens from CIG patients with a clinical presentation of cutaneous infection that was supported by histological examination were retrospectively enrolled. Specimens were delivered to be tested for microbiological examinations and mNGS. RESULTS: Our data show that mNGS detected Non-tuberculosis mycobacteria, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, fungi and bacteria in CIG. Compared to culture, mNGS showed a higher positive rate (80.77% vs. 57.7%) with high sensitivity rate (100%) and negative predictive value (100%). In addition, mNGS can detect more pathogens in one sample and can be used to detect variable samples including the samples of paraffin-embedded tissue with shorter detective time. Of the 21 patients who showed clinical improvement within a 30-day follow-up, eighteen had their treatments adjusted, including fifteen who continued treatment based on the results of mNGS. CONCLUSIONS: mNGS could provide a potentially rapid and effective alternative detection method for diagnosis of cutaneous infectious granulomas and mNGS results may affect the clinical prognosis resulting from enabling the patients to initiate timely treatment.

Clinical improvement after removal of hypercalcemia-causing granulomas.

In this report, we present the case of a woman with clinical characteristics of hypercalcemia due to ectopic production of 1,25(OH)2D. She reported a history of aesthetic surgery with gluteal fillers. The formation of granulomas after these interventions were previously described. In this case, surgical removal of the foreign formations was attempted with clinical stability during 3 years.

Presentamos el caso de una mujer con características clínicas de hipercalcemia secundaria a la producción ectópica de 1,25(OH)2D. La paciente informó una historia de rellenos glúteos con fines estéticos. La formación de granulomas posterior a este tipo de intervenciones fue previamente descrita por otros autores. En este caso se intentó la extirpación quirúrgica de las formaciones extrañas con estabilidad clínica durante 3 años.

Disseminated, fatal reactivation of bovine tuberculosis in a patient treated with adalimumab: a case report and review of the literature.

PURPOSE: Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) are known to increase the risk of tuberculosis (TB) reactivation, though cases involving Mycobacterium bovis are rarely reported. CASE PRESENTATION/RESULTS: We describe a case of disseminated TB with M. bovis in a 78-year-old woman with a negative Interferon-Gamma-Release Assay (IGRA), taking adalimumab due to rheumatoid polyarthritis, which resulted in a fatal outcome. The atypical clinical and histopathological features were initially interpreted as sarcoidosis. The case occurred in Switzerland, an officially bovine tuberculosis-free country. The whole genome sequence of the patient's cultured M. bovis isolate was identified as belonging to the animal lineage La1.2, the main genotype in continental Europe, but showed significant genetic distance from previously sequenced Swiss cattle strains. In a literature review, four cases of bovine tuberculosis reactivation under TNFi treatment were identified, with pulmonal, oral and intestinal manifestations. Similar to our patient, two cases presented a negative IGRA before TNFi initiation, which later converted to positive upon symptomatic presentation of M. bovis infection. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the diagnostic challenges of TB in immunosuppressed patients, the limited sensitivity of IGRA, and the importance of considering TB reactivation even in regions declared free of bovine tuberculosis. Detailed patient histories, including potential exposure to unpasteurized dairy products, are essential for guiding preventive TB treatment before TNFi initiation.

Management of Esophageal Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor With Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection.

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors are rare tumors that have been described in virtually all organs. Even though they are extremely rare in the esophagus, several cases have been described in the literature. Surgical resection has been the therapeutic modality used in most of those cases. In this report, we describe a case of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor that was successfully managed endoscopically for the first time with the endoscopic submucosal dissection technique.

Regression course of ostium granulomas under topical intranasal steroids coverage after endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy.

This study aimed to elucidate the regression process of ostium granulomas under the usage of intranasal steroid after primary endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). The authors retrospectively reviewed 57 patients (a total of 72 ostia) who had ostium granulomas after primary endoscopic DCR between 2011 and 2015. Topical intranasal steroid spray was applied in all the patients since postoperative day 1. Adjunctive intralesional triamcinolone acetonide injections were administered for extensive and large-sized granulomas that caused impending ostium blockage. Sequential regression of the ostium granulomas and success rates of DCR were assessed using endoscopic photos. The granulomas completely disappeared in 69 (95.8%) ostia, and the average time interval from the surgery to the disappearance was 6.9 ± 2.8 months. Anatomical and functional surgical success rates were 90.3% and 84.7%, respectively. Intralesional steroid injections for ostium granulomas did not alter the outcomes compared to topical intranasal steroid usage significantly (p = 0.445). In conclusion, we observed that, by continuing the usage of intranasal steroids, ostium granulomas disappear gradually at postoperative 6 months. The intranasal surgical manipulation of granulomas, which results in more mucosal cicatricial change and impedes patient satisfaction, can be successfully avoided.

Rare manifestations of sarcoidosis in a young boy.

Sarcoidosis is a chronic multisystem granulomatous disease of unknown etiology. It is rare in young children. A 9-year-old boy presented with failure to thrive, skin rashes, persistent fever, and respiratory symptoms since 5 years of age. Blood investigations done showed elevated serum calcium and angiotensin converting enzyme levels and biopsy of the rashes on the left shin revealed non-caseating granulomatous lesion. Computed tomography of chest revealed interstitial lung disease and examination of eyes showed bilateral uveitis. He also had sensorineural hearing impairment, nephrocalcinosis, and short stature. The patient was treated with oral steroids and mycophenolate mofetil. At follow up, there was improvement in his systemic features including rashes and arthritis. Early detection, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment of sarcoidosis are vital for disease control and to avoid morbidity.

Tuberculosis extrapulmonar en paciente embarazada. Reporte de caso / Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis in Pregnant Patient. Case Report

Introducción: La tuberculosis (TB) extrapulmonar es la afectación de cualquier órgano, sin compromiso pulmonar demostrado, como consecuencia de la diseminación hematógena/linfática del bacilo de Koch. Presentación de caso: Paciente en puerperio inmediato cursando cuadro clínico de gonalgia que se estudió con resonancia magnética que mostró lesión endomedular en región distal del fémur izquierdo. Se estudió con tomografía de tórax, abdomen y pelvis que evidenciaron otras lesiones a nivel esplénico, sin compromiso hepático ni pulmonar. Se realizó punción diagnóstica femoral con evidencia de granulomas con necrosis central. Se interpretó tuberculosis extrapulmonar y se inició tratamiento antifímico con mejora sintomática. Discusión: La TB extrapulmonar puede impactar a nivel de pleura, ganglios linfáticos, vías urinarias, sistema osteoarticular, sistema nervioso central y abdomen. En el embarazo, la prevalencia de TB extrapulmonar es baja. Conclusión: La TB femoral y esplénica concomitante en pacientes embarazadas es un hallazgo infrecuente por lo que su análisis resulta de gran importancia. Arribar al diagnóstico requiere un elevado índice de sospecha. El retraso diagnóstico conlleva a un aumento de la morbimortalidad

Introduction: Extrapulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is the involvement of any organ, without demonstrated pulmonary involvement, as a consequence of the hematogenous/lymphatic dissemination of the Koch bacillus. Case presentation: Patient in the immediate postpartum period with clinical symptoms of gonalgia that was studied with magnetic resonance imaging showing intramedullary lesion in the distal region of the left femur. A CT scan of the chest, abdomen and pelvis showed other lesions at the splenic level, without liver or lung involvement. A femoral diagnostic puncture was performed with evidence of granulomas with central necrosis. Extrapulmonary tuberculosis was interpreted and antifimic treatment was started with symptomatic improvement. Discussion: Extrapulmonary TB can impact the pleura, lymph nodes, urinary tract, osteoarticular system, central nervous system and abdomen. During pregnancy, the prevalence of extrapulmonary TB is low. Conclusion: Concomitant femoral and splenic TB in pregnant patients is a rare finding, which is why its analysis is of great importance. Arriving at a diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion. Delayed diagnosis leads to an increase in morbidity and mortalit

Granuloma Annulare Exhibits Mixed Immune and Macrophage Polarization Profiles with Spatial Transcriptomics.

Granuloma annulare (GA) is an idiopathic condition characterized by granulomatous inflammation in the skin. Prior studies have suggested that GA develops from various triggers, leading to a complex interplay involving innate and adaptive immunity, tissue remodeling, and fibrosis. Macrophages are the major immune cells comprising GA granulomas; however, the molecular drivers and inflammatory signaling cascade behind macrophage activation are poorly understood. Histologically, GA exhibits both palisaded and interstitial patterns on histology; however, the molecular composition of GA at the spatial level remains unexplored. GA is a condition without Food and Drug Administration-approved therapies despite the significant impact of GA on QOL. Spatial transcriptomics is a valuable tool for profiling localized, genome-wide gene expression changes across tissues, with emerging applications in clinical medicine. To improve our understanding of the spatially localized gene expression patterns underlying GA, we profiled the spatial gene expression landscape from 6 patients with GA. Our findings revealed mixed T helper 1 and T helper 2 signals comprising the GA microenvironment and spatially distinct M1 and M2 macrophage polarization characteristics. IFN-γ and TNF signals emerged as important regulators of GA granulomatous inflammation, and IL-32 emerged as a key driver of granulomatous inflammation. Overall, our spatial transcriptomics data indicate that GA exhibits mixed immune and macrophage polarization.

Pulmonary granulomas confirmed in Blau syndrome using TBLC specimens: Case report.

Blau syndrome (BS), is an autoinflammatory granulomatosis disease characterized by a distinct triad of skin, joint, and eye disorders similar to those of sarcoidosis, but the lung involvement frequently observed in sarcoidosis are rare. Granulomas from patients with BS displayed a distinct morphology indicating an exuberant chronic inflammatory response. Patients with BS may have granulomatous lung lesions, which require early diagnosis. To determine whether therapeutic intervention is needed for lung lesions, examining transbronchial lung cryobiopsy specimens and accumulating cases of BS with lung involvement could be contributed to improving BS management in the future.

Cytomorphological findings in confirmed cases of tubercular lymphadenitis.

Objective: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major health problem, especially in the developing countries. Fine-needle aspiration cytology is the first line of investigation for tubercular lymphadenitis as it is easy to perform, less invasive, quick, and economical. The typical cytopathological features of tuberculosis TB include epithelioid cell granulomas with Langhans giant cells and caseous necrosis. The present study aimed to evaluate the cytomorphological features of newly diagnosed cases of tubercular lymphadenitis confirmed by GeneXpert. Material and Methods: This was a retrospective study in which all fine-needle aspirates from newly diagnosed cases of tubercular lymphadenitis confirmed by GeneXpert over a 1-year period from July 2022 to July 2023 were included in the study. The May-Grunwald-Giemsa stained smears from these aspirates were categorized into three patterns-epithelioid cell granulomas with necrosis, epithelioid granulomas without necrosis, and necrosis only. The granulomas were further categorized into well-formed, ill--formed, and splintered. The background of the aspirate which included a reactive lymphoid background, lymphocytes, eosinophils, and neutrophils was tabulated for all the cases. Results: Out of the three cytomorphological patterns, epithelioid granulomas with necrosis were the most predominant (67.5%), followed by necrosis only (20.8%) and granulomas without necrosis (11.6%). An acid-fast bacilli (AFB) positivity of 53.3% (64 cases) was seen on the Ziehl-Neelsen stain. Well-composed, poorly formed, and splintered granulomas were seen in 55 (57.9%), 42 (44.2%), and 21 (22.1%) cases, respectively. Neutrophils were the most common background population (42, 35%) followed by lymphocytes (36, 30%). Reactive lymphoid cells and eosinophils were seen in 12 (10%) and 3 (2.5%) cases, respectively. Conclusion: Fine-needle aspiration cytology is a rapid inexpensive minimally invasive test for tubercular lymphadenitis as epithelioid cell granulomas along with caseous necrosis are highly suggestive of TB. However, manual acid-fast AFB detection has a low sensitivity as is illustrated in the present study where only AFBwas demonstrated in only 53.3% of cases.

Bilateral swelling of the lacrimal glands as first manifestation of systemic sarcoidosis in a patient with breast cancer.

Sarcoidosis, a multifaceted granulomatous disease primarily affecting the lungs, occasionally presents in atypical locations. Lacrimal gland involvement, though rare, poses distinct diagnostic challenges. This case report details a 52-year-old female with bilateral lacrimal gland swelling initially suggestive of metastatic tumor due to a history of breast cancer. Subsequent investigations, including CT and MRI, unveiled pulmonary sarcoidosis. Discussion emphasizes the diverse ocular manifestations of sarcoidosis, with lacrimal gland participation potentially indicating early stages. Diagnostic complexities involve differentiation from other lacrimal pathologies, including neoplasms, lymphoproliferative disorders, Sjögren's syndrome, Wegener's granulomatosis, tuberculosis, and IgG4-related disease. In summary, while lacrimal gland involvement in sarcoidosis is infrequent, it should be considered in orbital masses, necessitating a comprehensive approach for accurate diagnostic orientation in such cases.