Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) Presenting as Recurrent Strokes: A Case Report.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition characterized by fever, acute hemolysis, thrombocytopenia, renal dysfunction, and CNS dysfunction. A peripheral smear shows schistocytes because of microangiopathy. It is extremely rare for TTP and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) to coexist. This report details an Indian female patient's uncommon clinical presentation of TTP linked to SLE. A 52-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with complaints of altered sensorium and weakness of the right side of the body. She was initially evaluated as a case of a cerebrovascular accident. CT brain imaging revealed multiple ischemic infarcts involving both cerebral hemispheres. MRI brain confirmed the same. During further evaluation, she was found to have hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and nephrotic range proteinuria. Immunological investigations confirmed SLE. A peripheral smear revealed schistocytes, and the PLASMIC score confirmed a high risk of TTP. The patient was treated with immunosuppressants, plasma exchange, and hemodialysis, along with other supportive measures. The patient showed a positive response to the therapy mentioned, with improved power and renal function. The patient denied a renal biopsy and was discharged after two weeks. This case report emphasizes the importance of the association between TTP and SLE.

From Pixels to Prognosis: A Narrative Review on Artificial Intelligence's Pioneering Role in Colorectal Carcinoma Histopathology.

Colorectal carcinoma, a prevalent and deadly malignancy, necessitates precise histopathological assessment for effective diagnosis and prognosis. Artificial intelligence (AI) emerges as a transformative force in this realm, offering innovative solutions to enhance traditional histopathological methods. This narrative review explores AI's pioneering role in colorectal carcinoma histopathology, encompassing its evolution, techniques, and advancements. AI algorithms, notably machine learning and deep learning, have revolutionized image analysis, facilitating accurate diagnosis and prognosis prediction. Furthermore, AI-driven histopathological analysis unveils potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets, heralding personalized treatment approaches. Despite its promise, challenges persist, including data quality, interpretability, and integration. Collaborative efforts among researchers, clinicians, and AI developers are imperative to surmount these hurdles and realize AI's full potential in colorectal carcinoma care. This review underscores AI's transformative impact and implications for future oncology research, clinical practice, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

A Case Report of Malignant Mesenchymal Tumor Presenting As Anterior Thigh Swelling: A Diagnostic Challenge.

This case report describes the presentation, diagnostic challenges, and management of a 64-year-old male with a malignant mesenchymal tumor presenting as a swelling in the anterior thigh. Despite initial misdiagnosis and treatment at a local hospital, the swelling worsened, leading to referral to a specialized hospital. Further investigations, including blood tests, ultrasonography (USG), and MRI, revealed a large solid cystic lesion compressing adjacent muscles, indicative of soft tissue sarcoma (STS). A skin biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of a malignant mesenchymal tumor. The patient, also suffering from hypertension and diabetes mellitus, was subsequently referred to the oncology department for further management. This case underscores the importance of thorough evaluation and histopathological confirmation for accurate diagnosis and management of STS, particularly in the context of atypical presentations and comorbidities.

Mucinous Carcinoma of the Breast: A Case Report.

This case report presents the diagnostic journey of a 65-year-old female presenting with symptoms suggestive of breast pathology, ultimately diagnosed with mucinous carcinoma, following comprehensive clinical evaluation and histopathological confirmation. Initial assessments indicated a fibroadenoma; however, subsequent histopathological examination revealed mucinous carcinoma, highlighting the importance of histopathological confirmation in establishing definitive diagnoses. The case underscores the challenges in distinguishing between benign and malignant breast lesions based on clinical presentation and imaging findings alone. The multidisciplinary approach facilitated discussions regarding treatment options tailored to the patient's clinical and pathological characteristics. This case emphasizes the significance of a comprehensive diagnostic approach, integrating clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and histopathological analysis, in ensuring accurate diagnosis and guiding optimal management strategies for patients with breast cancer.

A Rare Case of Obstructed Recurrent Incisional Hernia With Incidentalomas.

Incisional hernias (IHs) are the most common postoperative complication of incisions during laparotomy and contribute to a significant burden. The aetiology of IHs varies depending on the surgical technique, patient's condition, and surgeon's experience. Many patients present with abdominal swelling and some degree of discomfort, and in an emergency, the presentation is usually as bowel obstruction or strangulation, necessitating immediate exploration. Hernias can be repaired by closing the defect with a nonabsorbable suture or using mesh. Amidst the use of invasive techniques and mesh, the rate of recurrence remains high for IHs, with pain and infection being the most common symptoms. The consequence of IH repair is affected by comorbid conditions such as chronic cough, constipation, urethral stricture, benign prostate hyperplasia, ascites, and obesity. We present a case of a 63-year-old male with an IH, adrenal adenoma, and adrenal cyst, which was an incidental finding.

Prophylactic early low-dose hydrocortisone and survival without bronchopulmonary dysplasia among extremely preterm infants born at 22-27 weeks' gestation.

OBJECTIVE: To compare survival without BPD among extremely preterm infants (EPI) who received prophylactic early low-dose hydrocortisone (PEH) with those who did not (non-PEH). STUDY DESIGN: This single-center retrospective study compared risk-adjusted rates of survival without BPD, BPD, bowel perforation, and late-onset sepsis among infants (22-27 weeks' gestation at birth) who received PEH (n = 82) and who did not (n = 205). RESULTS: Infants in the PEH group were of lower gestational age, lower birthweight, and higher day-1 risk of death/BPD. After adjusting for risk of death/BPD, PEH-treated infants demonstrated increased survival without BPD (aOR 2.04, 95%CI 1.1-3.7), and lower BPD rates (aOR 0.46, 95%CI 0.25-0.87). Importantly, bowel perforation or sepsis rate were similar among both groups. CONCLUSION: After risk adjustment, PEH-treated infants demonstrated improved survival without BPD and did not increase rates of bowel perforation or sepsis. In our cohort of infants, PEH was safe and effective among the sickest preterm neonates.

Small Cell Non-keratinizing Neuroendocrine Carcinoma Involving the Larynx and the Base of the Tongue: A Rare Case With a Locally Aggressive Spread.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the most predominant type of malignancy in the head and neck region with neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs) being a rare occurrence. Here we report a rare case of small cell non-keratinizing NEC (WHO grade 3), TNM (tumor, node, and metastasis) stage T3N1M0, involving the larynx and the base of the tongue, in a 54-year-old male patient, demonstrating its rarity in an uncommon anatomical site and an aggressive and relatively uncommon pattern of spread for this tumor, over a period of two months. NECs in the head and neck region, especially those affecting the larynx and the posterior third of the tongue, remain exceedingly rare, comprising only a small fraction of malignancies in this region. The aggressive nature and distinct pattern of spread observed in this case underscore the importance of recognizing such unusual presentations for appropriate diagnosis and management. Given the rarity of this tumor type, a comprehensive understanding of its clinicopathological features is essential for guiding effective treatment strategies. We also discuss the treatment.

Utility of CD34 in Assessing Microvessel Density and Its Correlation With Clinicopathological Parameters in Colorectal Carcinoma Patients.

Currently, the most commonly practiced method of reporting cases of colorectal carcinoma is done according to guidelines provided by the College of American Pathologists (8th edition) and the Royal College of Pathologists (UK). These guidelines include various histopathological parameters like tumor site, extent, histologic type, grade, margins, tumor budding, lymphovascular invasion, and perineural invasion. However, in the present guidelines, the immunohistochemistry-based marker of mean vessel density (MVD) has not been addressed as an important parameter. The present study gives an overview of the importance of MVD. MVD was statistically significant when correlated with tumor size, lymph node metastasis, grade, and vascular invasion. However, no statistical significance was observed when compared with age, perineural invasion, and stage of the tumor.

Muco-Obstructive Lung Disease: A Systematic Review.

Muco-obstructive lung disease is a new classification under the diseases of respiratory tract. A lot of discussion is still going on regarding this new group of diseases. It is characterised by obstruction of the respiratory tract with a thick mucin layer. Usually in normal individuals, the mucus is swept out of the respiratory system while coughing in the form of sputum or phlegm, but if the consistency of the mucus is thick, or the amount is heavy or there is a certain defect in the ciliary function of the respiratory tract, the mucus is not cleared and it gets accumulated in the lungs alveoli, therefore blocking it. The mucus trapped in the distal airways cannot be cleared by coughing therefore forming a layer in the alveoli and bronchioles. Long-standing condition causes inflammation and infection. This new group of diseases specifically includes chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis (CF), primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) and non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB). Asthma, although an obstructive disease of the lung, is not particularly included under muco-obstructive lung disease. The major symptoms with which these diseases present are sputum production, chronic cough and acute exacerbations of the condition. The mucus adheres to the lung parenchyma causing airway obstruction and hyperinflation. In this article, we will see how muco-obstructive lung diseases affect the normal physiology of the respiratory system and how is it different from other obstructive and restrictive lung diseases. We will individually look into all the four conditions that come under the category of muco-obstructive lung diseases.

Correlation of microvessel density with histopathological parameters of carcinoma breast.

BACKGROUND OBJECTIVES: Microvessel density (MVD) is a surrogate measure of tumour angiogenesis, and is well known for over two decades to identify individuals with a high risk of recurrence with greater prevision than traditional markers. This study aims to assess the utility of MVD and its correlation with the Nottingham Prognostic Index (NPI) and other routine histopathological parameters in carcinoma breast. METHODS: This two year retrospective, cross-sectional and analytical study evaluated 143 women with breast cancer presenting to rural tertiary hospital in central India. These women were graded histopathologically, the immunophenotype was determined using ER (estrogen receptor), PR (progesterone receptor), Her2 neu (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 neu) and Ki-67 proliferation index (Kiel-67) immunohistochemical markers and anti-CD34 antibody to stain the endothelial cell clusters displaying the microvessels. The NPI was generated for each participant based on the tumour size, histologic grade and involvement of lymph node. The parameters were compared with the CD34 scores. Differential and inferential statistics, including the independent t test, analysis of variance, Pearson's correlation coefficient, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient and point biserial correlation coefficient, were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: This study showed that CD34 values ranged from 6-36 microvessels/hpf, with 24.16±6.77 microvessels/hpf as the mean. The mean microvessel counts showed a significant positive correlation with the Bloom-Richardson histological grade, vascular invasion, LN (lymph node) positivity and NPI. However, there was no significant correlation of CD34 values with the participant's age, tumour size neither any significant association of CD34 values with the individual's immunophenotype. INTERPRETATIONS CONCLUSIONS: A positive linear correlation of the microvessel counts and the NPI scores suggest that with an increase in tumour angiogenesis, there was increased proliferative potential. Based on the significant correlation between the microvessel counts and the vascular invasion of the tumour masses in this study, it can be assumed that there will be vascular invasion if the microvessel count is higher and vice-versa. Although it is established that angiogenesis and neovascularization are required for the expansion of the solid tumour tissue, the heterogeneous nature of this entity makes it difficult for obtaining a linear correlation. Hence, it is suggested that though neovascularization permits advanced tumour spread it, however, does not guarantee it.

Hysteroscopy as a Therapeutic Tool: A Vision to Spare the Uterus in Premenopausal Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB)/Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (HMB), an Update.

Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) or abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is a common cause of gynecological complaints in perimenopausal women. The treatment chosen by most of the women having HMB/AUB in the perimenopausal age group when medical therapy fails is hysterectomy, which unfortunately has significant issues related to safety and long-term quality of life apart from being a burden on the health care system and cost to patients. Minimal access surgical techniques like hysteroscopic targeted therapies are available which are conservative and spare the uterus and major surgery and its complications and sequelae. Hysteroscopic management of HMB is a minimally invasive and targeted approach in diagnosing and treating the pathological lesions causing the symptoms and not radical like hysterectomy which has more chances of occurrence of adverse events both intra and postoperatively. In terms of health-related quality of life, women suffering from HMB who underwent a hysteroscopic conservative approach had better scores when compared to those with hysterectomy. The present review aims to review the evidence generated to compare the two surgical modalities, hysteroscopic targeted therapy and hysterectomy, in terms of their effectiveness, safety, and effect on the quality of life of these perimenopausal women having HMB/AUB.

Prevalence of Anxiety, Depression, and Perceived Stress Among Family Caregivers of Patients Diagnosed With Oral Cancer in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Central India: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and objectives Oral cancer is a significant health issue in India, with one of the highest incidence rates globally. Family caregivers play a crucial role in the care of oral cancer patients, but their mental health often faces challenges. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and perceived stress among family caregivers of oral cancer patients in a tertiary care hospital in central India and explore the associated psychosocial factors. Population and method The study was carried out between March 2023 and August 2023 in a tertiary care hospital in Wardha, Maharashtra. Family caregivers (N=82, mean age = 36.1 (SD 10.5) years) of patients with clinically diagnosed oral cancer were subjected first to structured psychiatric clinical interviews to screen for psychiatric diagnoses and then were given self-reporting questionnaires for socio-demographic data, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) for measuring the emotional, cognitive, and motivational symptoms of depression, Manifest Anxiety Scale (MAS) to assess the degree of anxiety and Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10) to assess stress level. Data was analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26.0 (Released 2019; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). Chi-square test and logistic regression analyses were conducted wherever appropriate in order to explore predictive factors of depressive, anxious, or stress symptoms. Result In the studied population, the majority experienced symptoms of depression (65.1%), anxiety (69.5%), and perceived stress (74.7%). Caregivers of patients with advanced oral cancer were found to have a higher likelihood of experiencing depression (χ2 (1) = 16.76, p < .001) and anxiety related to unemployment (χ2 (1) = 10.12, p = .001) or insufficient earnings (χ2 (1) = 28.63, p < .001). Additionally, participants with no or little formal education (χ2 (1) = 4.63, p = 0.031) and lower income (χ2 (1) = 28.63, p < .0001) were significantly more likely to experience distress compared to those with higher levels of education. Conclusion This study highlights the need for comprehensive support systems for family caregivers of oral cancer patients. Educational programs, financial assistance, and mental health services should be tailored to caregivers' specific needs. Early identification and intervention strategies can help mitigate the psychological impact of caregiving. Further research is essential to develop targeted interventions that enhance the well-being of caregivers and improve the quality of life for both patients and caregivers.

Endodermal Sinus Tumor of the Neck: A Rare Presentation.

Germ cell tumors usually occur in the gonads. Extragonadal germ cell tumors (EGCTs) are uncommon, and the head and neck region is a rare primary location. In this region, endodermal sinus tumors are relatively uncommon; they are typically recorded alongside teratomas and infrequently by themselves. When an endodermal sinus tumor arises in the neck, it can present with unique clinical and radiographic features and can be challenging to diagnose and manage. We report the peculiar case of a 25-year-old young adult who was suffering from a painful left-sided neck swelling for a year. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of neck mass was performed and the cytomorphological features were suggestive of germ cell tumor. After the diagnosis, the patient received chemotherapy and was posted for wide local excision of the tumor. On microscopic examination, the tumor mass showed histopathological features suggestive of an endodermal sinus tumor.

Thyrolipoma: A Rare Presentation of the Thyroid Gland.

Thyrolipoma is a rare disorder marked by substantial adipose tissue growth inside the thyroid gland. Fatty tissue is frequently seen in salivary glands, thymus, breasts, and pancreas but rarely in the thyroid gland. The fascinating and unusual illness known as thyrolipoma presents challenging diagnostic and therapeutic issues. Due to the rarity of thyrolipoma, doctors must evaluate thyroid nodules with a high index of suspicion, especially those who are radiologically and clinically worrisome. We present a study of a 50-year-old female who came with the complaint of midline neck mass for one year. On clinical examination, a diagnosis of multinodular goiter was made. Computed tomography (CT) scan was suggestive of a heterogenous enhanced thyroid mass lesion. Thus, a total thyroidectomy was performed. On histopathological examination, a final diagnosis of thyrolipoma was made. The abstract aims to provide an overview of the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment options of thyrolipoma, as well as highlight the importance of early recognition and appropriate management of this rare tumor.

Pseudo Broad Ligament Fibroid Posing a Clinical Dilemma: A Case Report.

Pseudo broad ligament fibroids originate in the uterus but grow into the broad ligament while retaining their attachment to the uterus. We report a case of a right-sided pseudo broad ligament fibroid mimicking an adnexal mass in a 40-year-old woman presenting with dysmenorrhoea and heavy menstrual bleeding. She had a uterine mass corresponding to an 18-week pregnant uterus size, which clinically and radiologically posed a diagnostic dilemma between an ovarian cyst, a bicornuate uterus with multiple fibroids, and a broad ligament fibroid. She underwent a total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, which revealed a pseudo broad ligament fibroid of 12x10x6 centimeters, weighing 1.2 kg. The histopathology report confirmed the diagnosis of a leiomyoma with normal ovaries.

Chronic Glomerulonephritis and Malignant Hypertension With PRES (Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome) Presenting As Status Epilepticus: A Case Report.

Hypertension risk is a common complication of chronic glomerulonephritis (GN), which includes focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and proliferative forms of GN such as IgA nephropathy. The clinical-radiological phenomenon known as posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is frequently linked to renal disorders, particularly chronic kidney disease and hypertension. PRES is an acute clinical condition characterized by multiple neurological symptoms such as seizures, impaired consciousness, headaches, visual abnormalities, nausea, and vomiting. In this case report, we discuss status epilepticus due to PRES in a 20-year-old girl who presented with nephrotic syndrome after renal biopsy chronic GN was confirmed. Repeated neuroimaging performed following proper blood pressure management revealed that the lesions had vanished, supporting the diagnosis of PRES. Presumably, PRES remained for 5-7 days in our case. Nephrologists must be familiar with the atypical characteristics of PRES as it is frequently associated with kidney disease. Prompt identification and care prevent irreparable consequences and pointless investigations.

Metastatic mastery: the uncommon journey of papillary thyroid carcinoma to the brain (a case report).

Papillary thyroid carcinoma is one of the most common thyroid malignancy, often has excellent prognosis and low incidence of distant metastatic conditions. Brain metastases from papillary thyroid carcinoma has a rare occurrence, with patients presenting with non-specific symptoms such as headaches, cognitive changes etc., and poor survival outcomes. The standard protocol for diagnosis and treatment remains controversial. We report a patient who presented with cerebral metastasis prior to the diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma, review the current literature, and explain our approach on the basis of clinical, pathological, and radiological data. A 60-year-old hypertensive male presented with lower back pain, bilateral lower limb weakness, occasional episodes of frontal headache and personality changes. The diagnostic evaluation included computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with and without contrast enhancement, and color Doppler. Intra-axial complex solid cystic mass lesion in the right parieto-occipital region with significant perilesional oedema, and imaging characteristic of neoplastic etiology were observed. He was posted for excision of tumor and underwent right occipital craniotomy. Histopathological analysis of the surgical specimen confirmed papillary carcinoma of the thyroid gland. Brain metastases from thyroid malignancy is a sign of detrimental prognosis, hence, thorough clinical, radiological and pathological evaluation for rapid detection is critical. Neurosurgical removal along with radiotherapy should be considered as treatment of choice. The information obtained contributes towards better management and overall long-term outcomes.

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Presenting as Non-cirrhotic Portal Hypertension.

Non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH) is a poorly understood condition attributed to various causes in the absence of liver cirrhosis. One of the important and rare conditions leading to NCPH is myeloproliferative neoplasms and blood coagulation abnormalities, which infiltrate the liver cells leading to stasis and raised sinusoidal pressure. We present a rare case of a 40-year-old male who presented to our emergency department with complaints of hematemesis and Malena and was later diagnosed with NCPH associated with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). This case report emphasizes the importance of considering rare causes of NCPH like CML while evaluating such cases.