Neurocysticercosis presented as a solitary cystic parenchymal lesion mimicking primary brain tumor: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is an infection of the central nervous system by the larval stage of pork tapeworm (Taenia solium/T. solium). Diagnosing NCC can be challenging, particularly among those who reside in areas with rare occurrence of NCC and atypical manifestation such as a solitary parenchymal lesion. We treated a patient whose initially was diagnosed with brain abcess and later, brain tumor, only finally revealed to be an NCC case. CASE REPORT: A 25-year old male suffered from multiple focal-to-bilateral tonic clonic seizures, was initially diagnosed as brain abscess. He was given antibiotics and anti-seizure medication but the seizure relapsed with a typical semiology. Physical examination demonstrated grade I papilledema, grade 4+ hemiparesis, and headache of vascular origin. Patient was suspected to have oligodendroglioma after underwent head MRI examination and subsequent tumor resection was performed. Pathological anatomy evaluation demonstrated multiple cystic segments containing larva of tapeworm, supporting a diagnosis of active NCC infection. After 14-day course of antheminthic treatment and resumed AED, patient was seizure-free and NCC was not found upon follow-up CT scan. CONCLUSION: NCC, with respect to clinical and radiological manifestations, can be protean. A high index of suspicion towards NCC should always be maintained, particularly among patients originated from endemic area. Appropriate treatment with anthelminthic may result in full disease resolution, thus precluding unnecessary invasive approach.

The Effect of (E)-1-(4'-aminophenyl)-3-phenylprop-2-en-1-one on MicroRNA-18a, Dicer1, and MMP-9 Expressions against DMBA-Induced Breast Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Most of breast cancer patients are estrogen receptor alpha-positive and have high resistance and side effect of chemotherapeutic drug. Therefore, discovering an effective anticancer agent is needed. This research explored the effect of (E)-1-(4'-aminophenyl)-3-phenylprop-2-en-1-one (APE) on miR-18a, Dicer1, and MMP-9 expressions. METHODS: Twenty four female Sprague-Dawley rats were invetigated in this study. The rats were divided into 6 groups of 4. G1 was considered as normal rat. G2, G3, T1, T2, and T3 were given DMBA 20 mg/kgBW twice a week for 5 weeks to induce mammary cancer. After being affiliated with cancer, G2 was given vehicle and G3 was treated with tamoxifen. T1, T2, and T3 were treated with APE intraperitoneally everyday for 21 days at doses of 5, 15, and 45 mg/kgBW/day, respectively. Blood plasma was collected to measure miR-18a expression using qRT-PCR. Mammary tissues were also collected to determine Dicer1 and MMP-9 expressions by using  immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The results showed significant down-regulation of miR-18a relative expression and up-regulation of Dicer1 expression in G3 and T1 compared to G2 (P<0.05). MMP-9 expression has significant decrease in T1 compared to G2 (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: APE can decrease miR-18a and MMP-9 expressions and increase Dicer1 expression in rat mammary cancer. Therefore, this compound could be a candidate of novel anticancer.

Management Comprehensive Multidisciplinary of Malignant Ovarian Germ Cell Tumors and Feto - Maternal Outcome: A Case Series Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Malignant Ovarian Germ Cell Tumors (MOGCT) most commonly occur in young women in the reproductive age group. Timely antenatal diagnosis and treatment of the tumour to enhance maternal and perinatal outcomes are the main challenges confronting the obstetrician and the gyne-oncologist. CASE PRESENTATION: Here we present three cases of pregnancy complicated with MOGCTs. The first case (immature teratoma) was complicated by maternal psychological symptoms consistent with stress and histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of premature ovarian failure (POF). The second case (dysgerminoma) preterm labour occurred as an obstetric complication, but the baby was born in good condition without IUGR. The third case (yolk sac tumour) treated with docetaxel (brexel)-carboplatin chemotherapy administration there was no maternal or fetal complication. At the end of the pregnancy and delivery, complete surgical staging and cytoreduction were performed, and no metastases were found. CONCLUSION: Optimal management strategies centre on a multi-disciplinary comprehensive team approach is critical resulting in better outcomes for the mother and the baby by avoiding complications.

Cerebellar Cryptococcal Abscess in HIV-Negative Patient: A Case Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Cryptococcus is a common cause of opportunistic infection in HIV-positive patients. While the incidence of this disease has decreased in AIDS-associated cases, cryptococcal infection in immune-competent person has been increased. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of cryptococcosis and literature review of pathogenesis and clinical aspects of cryptococcal central nervous system infection. A 64-year-old man, from Flores, complaining of severe headache since a few days before admitted to hospital. Head MRI showed multiple hypointense lesions in the left cerebellar hemisphere, suspected abscess or metastatic process. HIV testing was non-reactive. Surgery was performed, and microscopic evaluation revealed multiple abscesses containing PAS-positive budding yeasts consistent with cryptococcal abscesses. CONCLUSION: Cryptococcosis rarely occur in immunocompetent patients. The clinical manifestation depends on pathogenic factors of pathogen and host factor. Treatment is with the administration of antifungal drugs, and the prognosis mostly depends on the underlying disease.