Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma with Cutaneous Manifestations in a Young Patient Using Clozapine for Schizophrenia: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is the most common hematological malignancy in the world. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma the most common type and the cutaneous involvement due to this neoplasm is rare. Some risk factors, such as exposure to pesticides, alcohol consumption, and tobacco use, are well established. Over the past 10 years, the association between clozapine, which is the criterion standard treatment for refractory schizophrenia, and hematological malignancies has been described. CASE REPORT We report a case of a 44-year-old woman diagnosed with schizophrenia 31 years previously, who had been taking clozapine since 2009, presenting with diffuse cutaneous nodules and subcutaneous masses accompanied by asthenia, dry cough, and a weight loss of 12 kg. Computed tomography revealed multiple enlarged lymph nodes on both sides of the diaphragm, in addition to multiple large subcutaneous masses located on the right flank and on the right upper lateral chest wall (infra-axillary), homogeneous splenomegaly, and heterogeneous nodular areas of hypoenhancement, poorly delimited, in both kidneys. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in an advanced stage (IVBX) was diagnosed by skin biopsy, with extranodal involvement. Chemotherapy with R-CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone every 21 days) was performed and the decision to maintain clozapine was made. At 1.5 years after the initial diagnosis the patient presented with relapse of the disease and is in follow-up. CONCLUSIONS This case report suggests the potential association between clozapine and an increased risk of lymphoma, with a few case reports in the literature reinforcing this association. Additional studies are required to either confirm or dismiss this association, and new guidelines are needed to define the safety and monitoring of the long-term usage of clozapine.

The relationship between chikungunya virus and the kidneys: A scoping review.

Several atypical forms of chikungunya fever (CHIK) have been described, including neurological, cardiac and renal involvement. These forms may be related to high morbidity and mortality rates. This scoping review based on the PubMed, Scopus, and WOS databases aims to identify and summarise all the available evidence regarding the clinical and histopathological presentations and risk factors associated with kidney injury related to CHIK, as well as the clinical impact. Thus, a total of 54 papers were selected from 1606 initial references after applying the defined inclusion criteria. Data on the association between kidney injury and CHIK are scarce, with studies only conducted in the acute phase of the disease, lacking further characterisation. Kidney injury incidence in hospitalised patients using the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes criteria varies from 21% to 45%, being higher among patients with atypical and severe manifestations. Although acute kidney injury does not seem to be related to viraemia, it may be related to higher mortality. Few studies have described the renal histopathological changes in the acute phase of CHIK, with prevalent findings of acute interstitial nephritis with mononuclear infiltrate, glomerular congestion and nephrosclerosis. Only one study assessed the kidney function of patients in the subacute and chronic phases of CHIK. Additionally, individuals with comorbidities, including chronic kidney disease, may be among those with a greater risk of presenting worse outcomes when affected by CHIK. The results described herein may contribute to better understand the relationship between the kidneys and chikungunya virus.

Autoimmune Hepatitis Associated With Cryoglobulinemic Vasculitis.

Cryoglobulinemic vasculitis presents liver abnormalities usually associated with hepatitis C. We report a case of a 27-year-old woman with cryoglobulinemia and liver dysfunction secondary to autoimmune hepatitis. The patient developed purpura on the lower extremities and elevated aminotransferases. The investigation of hepatitis C was negative. Autoimmune hepatitis was confirmed by positive ANA, hypergammaglobulinemia, and compatible histological changes. Treatment with prednisone and azathioprine regressed cutaneous vasculitis and decreased aminotransferases. This case describes a rare association of cryoglobulinemic vasculitis and autoimmune hepatitis.

Long-Term Persistence of Serum-Specific Anti-Chikungunya IgM Antibody - A Case Series of Brazilian Patients.

The persistence of serum-specific anti-chikungunya IgM antibodies (CHIKV-IgM) can vary after chikungunya fever (CHIK) infection. However, the factors related to its production are not yet known. We described a case series drawn up from data collected from 57 patients between 12 and 36 months after the acute phase of CHIK infection in Northeastern Brazil. CHIKV-IgM was detectable in 7/57 (12.3%) patients after 28.3 months of infection. No frequency differences in chronic musculoskeletal manifestations and underlying conditions were detected between patients with or without CHIKV-IgM. CHIKV-IgM was detected for up to 35 months in Brazilian patients after CHIK infection.

Exuberant bullous vasculitis associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

We described a case of exuberant cutaneous small-vessel vasculitis in a 27-year-old male with mild CoVID-19 in Brazil. The patient presented painful purpuric papules and vesicobullous lesions with hemorrhagic content located in the larger amount in the lower limbs and, to a lesser extent in the region of the back and upper limbs, saving palms and soles of the feet. Influenza-like syndrome with anosmia and ageusia was reported seven days before the skin lesions. A real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was positive on a nasopharyngeal swab for SARS-CoV-2. Histopathological study showed leukocytoclastic cutaneous vasculitis affecting small vessels and microthrombi occluding some vessels. The patient presented an improvement in skin lesions by the fifth day of prednisone therapy. This case highlights the importance of the SARS-CoV-2 test in investigating the etiology of cutaneous vasculitis during this pandemic.

Long-Term Persistence of Serum-Specific Anti-Chikungunya IgM Antibody - A Case Series of Brazilian Patients

Abstract The persistence of serum-specific anti-chikungunya IgM antibodies (CHIKV-IgM) can vary after chikungunya fever (CHIK) infection. However, the factors related to its production are not yet known. We described a case series drawn up from data collected from 57 patients between 12 and 36 months after the acute phase of CHIK infection in Northeastern Brazil. CHIKV-IgM was detectable in 7/57 (12.3%) patients after 28.3 months of infection. No frequency differences in chronic musculoskeletal manifestations and underlying conditions were detected between patients with or without CHIKV-IgM. CHIKV-IgM was detected for up to 35 months in Brazilian patients after CHIK infection.

Severe Aplastic Anemia Developed after Thymectomy: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Thymus neoplasms are frequently related to paraneoplastic autoimmune manifestations. Its most common associations are myasthenia gravis and pure red cell aplasia. Aplastic anemia has been increasingly documented as an initial presentation of thymoma. Nevertheless, its development after successful surgical resection of thymoma is a rare condition. We report a case of a 53-year-old man with severe aplastic anemia preceded by amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia three years after thymectomy with no signs of disease recurrence. He underwent immunosuppressive therapy with cyclosporine 5 mg/kg/day and prednisone 2 mg/kg/day for six weeks. Considering the availability of a compatible donor, allogeneic stem cell transplantation was carried out. However, the patient died 11 days after transplant. A literature review was conducted, and another ten cases of aplastic anemia, diagnosed three months to four years after thymectomy, were identified. These cases suggest persistence of peripheral self-reactive T lymphocytes even years after tumor definitive treatment.

Reversible Pulmonary Hypertension Secondary to Scurvy in a Patient with a Psychiatric Disorder: a Case Report and Literature Review.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) can be related to several diseases, such as connective tissue disorders and pulmonary embolism, or to drugs; it may also be idiopathic. Few cases have been reported demonstrating an association between ascorbic acid deficiency and reversible PH. We report the case of a patient who arrived at the emergency department with dyspnoea, tachycardia and lower limb perifollicular haemorrhage. Examinations, including a transthoracic echocardiogram, revealed enlarged right chambers and an estimated pulmonary artery systolic pressure of 61 mmHg. Further evaluation revealed poor food intake due to paranoid personality disorder, leading to ascorbic acid deficiency and manifestations of scurvy. LEARNING POINTS: Diagnosing ascorbic acid deficiency is important as associated pulmonary hypertension could be completely resolved with appropriate treatment.Ascorbic acid deficiency is a condition that can still be found in many countries, including developed ones.Patients suffering from psychiatric disorders are at high risk of scurvy.

Secondary syphilis with pulmonary involvement mimicking lymphoma: a case report.

We present a case of atypical presentation of secondary syphilis with extensive lymph node involvement and pulmonary lesions, initially suspected as lymphoma. The patient presented with weight loss, dry cough, chest pain, palpable lymph nodes in several peripheral chains, and multiple pulmonary nodules and masses on chest imaging. The key features for secondary syphilis diagnosis were a lymph node biopsy suggestive of reactive lymphadenopathy, positive serologic tests for syphilis, and complete recovery after antisyphilitic treatment.

Secondary syphilis with pulmonary involvement mimicking lymphoma: a case report

Abstract We present a case of atypical presentation of secondary syphilis with extensive lymph node involvement and pulmonary lesions, initially suspected as lymphoma. The patient presented with weight loss, dry cough, chest pain, palpable lymph nodes in several peripheral chains, and multiple pulmonary nodules and masses on chest imaging. The key features for secondary syphilis diagnosis were a lymph node biopsy suggestive of reactive lymphadenopathy, positive serologic tests for syphilis, and complete recovery after antisyphilitic treatment.

Factors associated with burnout syndrome in medical residents of a university hospital.

OBJECTIVE:: To determine the prevalence of burnout syndrome among resident physicians of various specialties and to evaluate associated factors. METHOD:: The Maslach Burnout Inventory questionnaire and a sociodemographic questionnaire were used to evaluate factors associated with the syndrome. Burnout was defined as the association of high emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and low professional achievement. Multivariate analysis was performed after adjustment of the Poisson model with the identification of risk factors and calculation of prevalence ratios (PR). Of the 250 resident physicians registered with Hospital das Clínicas of Pernambuco, 129 participated in the study. RESULTS:: In the three domains that characterize burnout syndrome, we found a low level of professional achievement in 94.6% of resident physicians interviewed, a high level of depersonalization in 31.8%, and 59.7% with a high level of emotional exhaustion. The prevalence of burnout was 27.9%. Having suffered a stressful event in the last six months (PR: 8.10; 95CI 1.2-57.2) and being a student of surgical specialty (PR: 1.99; 95CI 1.2-3.3) were independently associated with burnout. CONCLUSION:: The prevalence of burnout found in resident physicians is in accordance with previous Brazilian studies. Residents of surgical specialties and those who suffered some stressful event were identified as susceptible in this study. The early identification of risk factors is fundamental for the implementation of preventive measures against burnout syndrome.

Factors associated with burnout syndrome in medical residents of a university hospital / Fatores associados à síndrome de burnout em médicos residentes de um hospital universitário

Summary Objective: To determine the prevalence of burnout syndrome among resident physicians of various specialties and to evaluate associated factors. Method: The Maslach Burnout Inventory questionnaire and a sociodemographic questionnaire were used to evaluate factors associated with the syndrome. Burnout was defined as the association of high emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and low professional achievement. Multivariate analysis was performed after adjustment of the Poisson model with the identification of risk factors and calculation of prevalence ratios (PR). Of the 250 resident physicians registered with Hospital das Clínicas of Pernambuco, 129 participated in the study. Results: In the three domains that characterize burnout syndrome, we found a low level of professional achievement in 94.6% of resident physicians interviewed, a high level of depersonalization in 31.8%, and 59.7% with a high level of emotional exhaustion. The prevalence of burnout was 27.9%. Having suffered a stressful event in the last six months (PR: 8.10; 95CI 1.2-57.2) and being a student of surgical specialty (PR: 1.99; 95CI 1.2-3.3) were independently associated with burnout. Conclusion: The prevalence of burnout found in resident physicians is in accordance with previous Brazilian studies. Residents of surgical specialties and those who suffered some stressful event were identified as susceptible in this study. The early identification of risk factors is fundamental for the implementation of preventive measures against burnout syndrome.

Resumo Objetivo: Determinar a prevalência da síndrome de burnout entre médicos residentes de várias especialidades e avaliar os fatores associados. Método: Foram aplicados o questionário Maslach Burnout Inventory e um questionário sócio-demográfico para avaliar fatores associados à síndrome. Burnout foi definido pela associação de alto desgaste emocional e despersonalização e baixa realização profissional. Análise multivariada foi realizada por meio do ajuste do modelo de Poisson com a identificação dos fatores de risco e calculadas as razões de prevalência (RP). Dos 250 médicos residentes cadastrados no Hospital das Clínicas de Pernambuco, 129 participaram do estudo. Resultados: Nos três domínios que caracterizam a síndrome de burnout, encontramos um baixo nível de realização profissional em 94,6% dos médicos residentes entrevistados, alto nível de despersonalização em 31,8% e 59,7% com alto nível de desgaste emocional. A prevalência de burnout encontrada foi de 27,9%. Ter sofrido evento estressante nos seis meses anteriores (RP: 8,10; IC 95% 1,2-57,2) e cursar especialidade cirúrgica (RP: 1,99; IC 95% 1,2-3,3) estiveram associados de forma independente ao burnout. Conclusão: A prevalência de burnout encontrada em médicos residentes está de acordo com estudos brasileiros prévios. Residentes de especialidades cirúrgicas e aqueles que sofreram evento estressor foram identificados como susceptíveis neste estudo. A identificação precoce dos fatores de risco é fundamental para a implementação de medidas preventivas para o não desenvolvimento da síndrome.

Tongue Necrosis Secondary to Giant Cell Arteritis: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Giant cell arteritis is a form of vasculitis involving the medium- and large-sized arteries that chiefly affects older people. Clinical findings are headache, jaw claudication, fever, pain, and thickening of the temporal artery. The most feared complication is visual loss due to impairment of the ophthalmic artery and posterior ciliary arteries. This a case report of an 85-year-old male presenting with headache and jaw pain, who was admitted with tongue necrosis as an initial manifestation of giant cell arteritis. The necrotic area detached spontaneously after two weeks of therapy with corticosteroids and methotrexate. Reviewing the literature, our patient presented with clinical symptoms consistent with most reports, except for the fact of being male. Although unusual as an initial manifestation, tongue necrosis is an important alert for diagnosing giant cell arteritis. Early diagnosis and treatment of this atypical manifestation may reduce morbidity.

Comparative analysis of primary and secondary glomerulopathies in the northeast of Brazil: data from the Pernambuco Registry of Glomerulopathies - REPEG.

INTRODUCTION: In Brazil, glomerulopathies are the third leading cause of chronic renal disease, accounting for 11% of dialysis patients. Studies on the prevalence of this disease in Northeastern Brazil are scarce. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to describe the findings of biopsies and to conduct a comparative analysis on the clinical laboratory presentation of primary glomerulopathies (PG) and secondary glomerulopathies (SG). METHODS: This was a retrospective study conducted at two public teaching hospitals in the state of Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil. RESULTS: A total of 1151 biopsies performed between 1998 and 2016 were analyzed. The sample consisted of 670 biopsies of native kidneys, after excluding extra glomerular diseases and unsuitable material. PG were more frequent than SG (58% vs. 42%). There was a prevalence among PG of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (43%). Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis and collapsing glomerulopathy, accounted for 9% and 3% of the PG, respectively. For SG, the main etiologies were lupus nephritis (67%) and infections (10%). Female sex, hematuria and an elevated level of creatinine were related to a greater chance of SG, at multivariate analysis. An increase of proteinuria reduced this chance. Nephrotic syndrome was more common among the PG, while urinary abnormalities and nephritic syndrome prevailed in patients with SG. CONCLUSION: This is the first registry of glomerulopathies in Northeastern Brazil. It also presents a comparative analysis of the main clinical laboratory abnormalities of PG and SG, and includes the current classifications of glomerular diseases.

Comparative analysis of primary and secondary glomerulopathies in the northeast of Brazil: data from the Pernambuco Registry of Glomerulopathies - REPEG / Análise comparativa de glomerulopatias primária e secundária no nordeste do Brasil: dados do Registro Pernambucano de Glomerulopatias - REPEG

Abstract Introduction: In Brazil, glomerulopathies are the third leading cause of chronic renal disease, accounting for 11% of dialysis patients. Studies on the prevalence of this disease in Northeastern Brazil are scarce. Objective: The aim was to describe the findings of biopsies and to conduct a comparative analysis on the clinical laboratory presentation of primary glomerulopathies (PG) and secondary glomerulopathies (SG). Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted at two public teaching hospitals in the state of Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil. Results: A total of 1151 biopsies performed between 1998 and 2016 were analyzed. The sample consisted of 670 biopsies of native kidneys, after excluding extra glomerular diseases and unsuitable material. PG were more frequent than SG (58% vs. 42%). There was a prevalence among PG of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (43%). Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis and collapsing glomerulopathy, accounted for 9% and 3% of the PG, respectively. For SG, the main etiologies were lupus nephritis (67%) and infections (10%). Female sex, hematuria and an elevated level of creatinine were related to a greater chance of SG, at multivariate analysis. An increase of proteinuria reduced this chance. Nephrotic syndrome was more common among the PG, while urinary abnormalities and nephritic syndrome prevailed in patients with SG. Conclusion: This is the first registry of glomerulopathies in Northeastern Brazil. It also presents a comparative analysis of the main clinical laboratory abnormalities of PG and SG, and includes the current classifications of glomerular diseases.

Resumo Introdução: No Brasil, glomerulopatias são a terceira causa de doença renal crônica terminal, responsáveis por 11% dos pacientes em diálise. Entretanto, estudos sobre a prevalência desta patologia no nordeste do Brasil são escassos. Objetivo: O objetivo foi descrever os achados das biópsias e analisar comparativamente a apresentação clínico laboratorial entre as glomerulopatias primárias (GP) e as glomerulopatias secundárias (GS). Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo, realizado em dois hospitais públicos de ensino do estado de Pernambuco, nordeste do Brasil. Resultados: Foram avaliadas 1.151 biópsias, de 1998 a 2016. A amostra foi composta por 670 biópsias de rins nativos, após exclusão de patologias extra glomerulares e materiais inadequados. GP foram mais frequentes do que GS (58% × 42%). Dentre as GP, houve predomínio de glomeruloesclerose segmentar e focal (GESF). Glomerulonefrite membranoproliferativa e glomerulopatia colapsante foram responsáveis por 9% e 3% das GP, respectivamente. Das GS, as etiologias principais foram nefrite lúpica (67%) e infecciosas (10%). Sexo feminino, hematúria e nível elevado de creatinina estiveram relacionadas a uma maior chance de GS na análise multivariada. Síndrome nefrótica foi mais comum dentre as GP, já anormalidades urinárias e síndrome nefrítica prevaleceram nos pacientes com GS. Conclusões: Este é o primeiro registro de glomerulopatias do nordeste do Brasil. Demonstrou-se também uma análise comparativa das principais alterações clínico laboratoriais das GP e GS, com classificações atualizadas das doenças glomerulares.

Predictors of loss to follow-up among children registered in an HIV prevention mother-to-child transmission cohort study in Pernambuco, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Mother-to-child transmission of HIV (MTCT) is the major form of acquiring the disease among children. The loss to follow-up (LTF) of mothers and their children is a problem that affects the effectiveness of programs for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT). The aim of this study is to identify risk factors associated with the LTF of HIV-exposed children in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was carried out with 1200 HIV-exposed children born between 2000 and 2009, registered up to the age of 2 months in a public health PMTCT program. Children were considered LTF if they did not return for scheduled visits to monitor infection status. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify risk factors for LTF. RESULTS: A total of 185 children (15.4%; CI: 95%: 13.4-17.4%) met the case definition of LTF before the determination of serological HIV status. Risk factors independently associated with LTF were mother-child pairs who reside in rural and remote areas (OR 1.86; 95% CI: 1.30-2.66) and mothers who use illicit drugs (OR 1.8; 95% CI: 1.08-3.0). Initiation of the PMTCT during pregnancy was a protective factor for LTF (OR 0.69; 95% CI: 0.49-0.96). CONCLUSIONS: The decentralization of support services for HIV-exposed children to other cities in the state seems to be crucial for the accurate monitoring of outcomes. It is also important to introduce additional measures addressing mothers who are drug users so that they remain in the program: an intensive follow-up program that actively searches for absentee mother-child pairs, support from social services and treatment for drug-dependency. The findings of this study highlight the importance of diagnosing mothers as early as possible in order to conduct a more complete follow-up period of the children. Solving the above-mentioned problems is a challenge, which must be overcome so as to improve the quality of PMTCT.

[Mortality trend due to accidental tetanus from 1981 to 2004 in Pernambuco and analysis of the impact on intensive care unit attendance]. / Tendência temporal do tétano acidental no período de 1981 a 2004 em Pernambuco com avaliação do impacto da assistência em unidade de terapia intensiva sobre a letalidade.

Despite reductions in the incidence of accidental tetanus cases in Brazil, there has not been any significant decrease in its mortality. In this case series, the mortality rates before and after establishing standard management practices for tetanus patients in the intensive care unit at the Oswaldo Cruz University Hospital are compared over the period from 1981 to 2004. Over these 24 years, 1.971 patients were admitted. Before establishing the intensive care unit management, the mortality rate was 35%. The Intensive care unit for attending to tetanus patients was established in 1997. From 1998 to 2004, the mortality rate fell to 12.6%: OR = 0.27 (95% CI = 0.18-0.39); p < 0.001. This trend was seen in all age groups and both sexes. The centralization of attendance for these patients into a single specialized service with early treatment in an intensive care unit has therefore been decisive in reducing the mortality rate. This service can count on the medical team's vast experience of tetanus management, with better treatment of symptoms that forestalls the serious complications from this disease.

Tendência temporal do tétano acidental no período de 1981 a 2004 em Pernambuco com avaliação do impacto da assistência em unidade de terapia intensiva sobre a letalidade / Mortality trend due to accidental tetanus from 1981 to 2004 in Pernambuco and analysis of the impact on intensive care unit attendance

Apesar da redução na incidência de tétano acidental no Brasil, não houve queda significativa na letalidade. Nesta série de casos, comparamos a letalidade antes e após o estabelecimento padrão de manejo em unidade de terapia intensiva do paciente com tétano no Hospital Universitário Oswaldo Cruz, no período de 1981 a 2004. Em 24 anos, foram internados 1.971 pacientes e antes do manejo em Unidade de terapia intensiva a letalidade era de 35 por cento. Durante 1997 foi instituída a unidade de terapia intensiva para assistência dos pacientes com tétano, e de 1998 a 2004, a letalidade caiu para 12,6 por cento, OR= 0,27 (IC95 por cento= 0,18- 0,39); p<0,001. Esta tendência foi evidenciada em todas as faixas etárias e em ambos os sexos. A centralização da assistência a esses pacientes em um único serviço especializado com Unidade de terapia intensiva de forma precoce, portanto, tem sido decisiva na redução da letalidade, por contar com a vasta experiência da equipe de saúde no manejo do tétano e melhor tratamento sintomático, antecipando as graves complicações da doença.

Despite reductions in the incidence of accidental tetanus cases in Brazil, there has not been any significant decrease in its mortality. In this case series, the mortality rates before and after establishing standard management practices for tetanus patients in the intensive care unit at the Oswaldo Cruz University Hospital are compared over the period from 1981 to 2004. Over these 24 years, 1.971 patients were admitted. Before establishing the intensive care unit management, the mortality rate was 35 percent. The Intensive care unit for attending to tetanus patients was established in 1997. From 1998 to 2004, the mortality rate fell to 12.6 percent: OR = 0.27 (95 percent CI = 0.18-0.39); p < 0.001. This trend was seen in all age groups and both sexes. The centralization of attendance for these patients into a single specialized service with early treatment in an intensive care unit has therefore been decisive in reducing the mortality rate. This service can count on the medical team's vast experience of tetanus management, with better treatment of symptoms that forestalls the serious complications from this disease.