Anesthesia management of a patient with claustrophobia undergoing surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Claustrophobia is a form of phobic anxiety disorder characterized by panic attacks. Anesthesia in patients with claustrophobia poses a challenge because these patients reject all treatments in an enclosed space. When such patients are treated in uncomfortably enclosed environments, it can cause mental distress and even sudden psychiatric death. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 55-year-old man with severe anxiety disorder and claustrophobia who required anesthesia for the surgical treatment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. This patient had a history of severe anxiety and claustrophobia for more than 40 years, without having received any treatment for the condition. The patient had failed to tolerate multiple chamber surgeries. Following multidisciplinary discussion, the patient's surgery was performed under general anesthesia in the operating room after the patient underwent induction of anesthesia outside the operating room. CONCLUSIONS: This case report shows that patients with claustrophobia need to be provided a comfortable environment for induction and awakening from anesthesia.

Effects of the immunoglobulin/histamine complex on panic disorder concurrent with chronic spontaneous urticaria: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Panic disorder and panic attacks are two of the most common problems in psychiatry. A psychoimmunological correlation between allergic diseases and panic disorder has been strongly suggested. Histamine H1 receptor antagonists have been suggested as alternative drugs for the treatment of panic disorder. Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) and panic disorder improved simultaneously with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants. Panic disorder has also been treated with the antihistamine chlorpheniramine. The immunoglobulin/histamine complex is a histamine-fixed immunoglobulin preparation that was reported to be effective in treating CSU. This case report describes the successful treatment of a patient with concomitant panic disorder and CSU for 23 years using immunoglobulin/histamine complex therapy. CASE PRESENTATION: This report describes a 52-year-old female Korean patient who suffered from CSU with panic disorder for 23 years. Basic allergy tests (blood tests and skin prick tests) were conducted before and after treatment for the evaluation of allergic conditions. A multiple allergosorbent test (MAST) for the detection of allergen-specific IgE levels was also performed. The clinical severity of CSU was evaluated using the urticaria severity score system. Diagnostic interviews systematically assessed the diagnostic criteria outlined by the DSM-V, and the patient was evaluated before, during and after treatment using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-2) for depression, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) for anxiety and the Beck Hopelessness Score (BHS) for hopelessness. The patient received 2 ml of Histobulin™ (12 mg human immunoglobulin/0.15 µg histamine complex) once a week by subcutaneous injection for the treatment of CSU. Initial improvement of CSU was achieved after the third injection. After the twenty-seventh injection of Histobulin™, she showed no symptoms or signs and ceased allergic medication use. With the remission of CSU, allergic rhinitis was also completely resolved. The frequency of the common cold was significantly decreased during and after treatment. The medication frequency and development of clinical manifestations of panic disorder changed in parallel with the clinical severity of CSU. Moreover, the patient exhibited no clinical manifestations and ceased medication for panic disorder and sleeping pills for insomnia simultaneously with the remission of CSU. In the psychological evaluation, the BDI, STAI and BHS scores improved accordingly. CONCLUSIONS: The immunoglobulin/histamine complex was effective in treating CSU and concomitant panic disorder in this patient and could be effective in treating some types of panic disorder. Considering the mechanisms of action of histamine and the immunoglobulin/histamine complex together with the patient's clinical progress, histamine seemed to be related to panic disorder in this case. The concept of histamine-mediated syndromes, including allergies and psychiatric disorders, shows that a wider disease identity may be needed. Further studies on the immunopathogenesis of panic disorder and the mechanisms of action of the immunoglobulin/histamine complex are necessary.

An Unusual Presentation of Adrenocortical Carcinoma (ACC): Panic Attacks and Psychosis.

BACKGROUND Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a very rare disease, with an incidence of 1.02 per million population per year. The most commonly secreted hormone in ACC is cortisol, often presenting as a rapidly progressive Cushing syndrome (CS). We describe a case of ACC with an unusual presentation, mainly with psychiatric manifestations, including panic attacks and hallucinations. CASE REPORT A 52-year-old woman presented with episodes of acute anxiety, hallucinations, palpitations, hot flashes, gastrointestinal upset associated with paroxysmal hypertension, tachycardia, and flushing for 1 week. The initial workup was aimed at ruling out causes of acute psychosis and/or anxiety such as substance use, and organic diseases such as pheochromocytoma (PCC). Our initial suspicion of PCC was ruled out based on the negative serum and urinary metanephrines (MN) and normetanephrines (NMN). Recurrent metabolic alkalosis and hypokalemia despite fluid and potassium supplementation prompted us to work up for hyperaldosteronism. Her renin level was elevated and the aldosterone level was appropriately suppressed. Elevated cortisol, positive dexamethasone (DXM) suppression test, low adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), imaging revealing an adrenal mass, and postoperative histology confirmed the diagnosis of cortisol-producing ACC. CONCLUSIONS It is essential to recognize psychiatric presentations of CS to achieve early diagnosis and prevent mortality and morbidity. Panic attacks, a common presentation of CS, can present with features mimicking pheochromocytoma (PCC), including palpitations, sweating, tachycardia, and paroxysmal hypertension. A comprehensive workup is warranted to reach a diagnosis, with a combination of hormonal levels, imaging, and histology.

Anxiety Disorders and Medical Comorbidity: Treatment Implications.

Anxiety disorders are debilitating psychological disorders characterized by a wide range of cognitive and somatic symptoms. Anxiety sufferers have a higher lifetime prevalence of various medical problems. Chronic medical conditions furthermore increase the likelihood of psychiatric disorders and overall dysfunction. Lifetime rates of cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and other medical problems are disproportionately high in anxiety and panic/fear sufferers. The heightened comorbidity is not surprising as many symptoms of anxiety and panic/fear mimic symptoms of medical conditions. Panic disorder specifically is strongly linked to medical conditions due to its salient somatic symptoms, such as dyspnea, dizziness, numbness, chest pain, and heart palpitations, all of which can signal danger and deterioration for chronic disease sufferers. This chapter identifies shared correlates of medical illness and anxiety disorders and evidence for misinterpretation of symptoms as medically relevant and offers an analysis of implications for treatment of both types of conditions. We will concentrate on medical conditions with high associations for anxiety and panic by aspects of symptomatology, specifically neurological disorders (fibromyalgia, epilepsy, cerebral palsy), diabetes, gastrointestinal illness (irritable bowel syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease), and cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses (asthma).

Assessment of sleep quality of patients with panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder during remission: a case-control study

Abstract Background Sleep disorders are common in psychiatric diseases. Panic disorder (PD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) are two major anxiety disorders that are associated with sleep disorders. Objective We hypothesized that poor sleep quality continues in PD and GAD during remission. Therefore, in this study we aimed to compare the sleep quality of patients with PD and GAD to that of healthy controls. Methods The study included patients with PD (n = 42) and GAD (n = 40) who had been in remission for at least 3 months and healthy control volunteers (n = 45). The patients were administered the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Results The total PSQI scores of the GAD group were significantly increased in comparison to those of the PD (p = 0.009) and control (p < 0.001) groups. The rate of poor sleep quality in GAD during remission (77.5%) was greater than that of the PD (47.6%) and control (51.1%) groups (p = 0.011). Discussion GAD is a chronic and recurrent disease. In this study, it was found that the deterioration in sleep quality of patients with GAD may continue during remission. In the follow-up and treatment of patients, it is appropriate to question about sleep symptoms and to plan interventions according to these symptoms.

Pre-treatment peripheral biomarkers associated with treatment response in panic symptoms in patients with major depressive disorder and panic disorder: A 12-week follow-up study.

OBJECTIVE: Peripheral biomarkers have been studied to predict treatment response of panic symptoms. We hypothesized that depressive disorder (MDD) vs. panic disorder (PD) would exhibit different peripheral biomarkers, and their correlation with severity of panic attacks (PA) would also differ. METHODS: Forty-one MDD patients, 52 PD patients, and 59 healthy controls were followed for 12 weeks. We measured peripheral biomarkers along with the Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS) at each visit-pre-treatment, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks on a regular schedule. Peripheral biomarkers including serum cytokines, plasma and serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), leptin, adiponectin, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Patients with MDD and PD demonstrated significantly higher levels of pre-treatment IL-6 compared to controls, but no differences were seen in plasma and serum BDNF, leptin, adiponectin, and CRP. Pre-treatment leptin showed a significant clinical correlation with reduction of panic symptoms in MDD patients at visit 5 (p=0.011), whereas pre-treatment IL-6 showed a negative correlation with panic symptom reduction in PD patients (p=0.022). An improvement in three panic-related items was observed to be positively correlated with pre-treatment leptin in MDD patients: distress during PA, anticipatory anxiety, and occupational interference. CONCLUSION: Higher pre-treatment leptin was associated with better response to treatment regarding panic symptoms in patients with MDD, while higher IL-6 was associated with worse response regarding panic symptoms in PD patients. Different predictive peripheral biomarkers observed in MDD and PD suggest the need for establishing individualized predictive biomarkers, even in cases of similar symptoms observed in different disorders.

Pseudopheochromocytoma.

Pseudopheochromocytoma manifests as severe, symptomatic paroxysmal hypertension without significant elevation in catecholamine and metanephrine levels and lack of evidence of tumor in the adrenal gland. The clinical manifestations are similar but not identical to those in excess circulating catecholamines. The underlying symptomatic mechanism includes augmented cardiovascular responsiveness to catecholamines alongside heightened sympathetic nervous stimulation. The psychological characteristics are probably attributed to the component of repressed emotions related to a past traumatic episode or repressive coping style. Successful management can be achieved by strong collaboration between a hypertension specialist and a psychiatrist or psychologist with expertise in cognitive-behavioral panic management.

Acute Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Secondary to Cigarette Smoking in a 40-Year-Old Man: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Carbon monoxide is one of the most common causes of fatal intoxications in the United States, and multiple previous studies have demonstrated that cigarette smokers have higher levels of carbon monoxide in their blood. However, the potential negative effects due to acute carbon monoxide poisoning from excessive cigarette smoking have not been well established. METHODS: This is a single patient case report. RESULTS: In this case report, a 40-year-old male with a past medical history of depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and substance use disorder developed symptomatic, acute carbon monoxide poisoning secondary to heavy cigarette smoking in a confined space. In this patient, the cessation of clonazepam therapy coincided with increasing anxiety and panic disorder with agoraphobia triggering an escalation in his cigarette smoking. The patient smoked three packs of cigarettes in 3 hours and developed worsening of his symptoms. He required inpatient treatment with benzodiazepines and hyperbaric oxygen. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, it is important to recognize cigarette smoke as a significant source of carbon monoxide exposure. SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE: While the negative effects of cigarette smoking are often perceived as being chronic and only coming to fruition after numerous years of exposure, it is important for both physicians and patients to recognize the possibility for potentially life-threatening acute toxicity secondary to carbon monoxide exposure. (Am J Addict 2019;28:413-415).

Early trauma, attachment experiences and comorbidities in schizophrenia / Relação entre traumas precoces, experiências de apego e comorbidades na esquizofrenia

Abstract Objective To evaluate attachment patterns in subjects with schizophrenia and their relationships to early traumatic events, psychotic symptoms and comorbidities. Methods Twenty patients diagnosed with schizophrenia according to criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) underwent retrospective symptom assessment and careful assessment of the number and manner of childhood caregiver changes. The Diagnostic Interview for Psychosis and Affective Disorders (DI-PAD) was used to assess symptoms related to schizophrenia (positive and negative symptoms), depression and mania. Anxiety disorder comorbidities were assessed by the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS), Yale-Brown Obsessions and Compulsions Scale (Y-BOCS) and Panic and Schizophrenia Interview (PaSI). Experience in Close Relationships - Relationship Structures (ECR-RS) and Early Trauma Inventory Self Report-Short Form (ETISR-SF) were used to assess attachment patterns and traumatic history, respectively. Results Moderate and significant correlations between attachment patterns and early trauma showed that greater severity of anxious attachment was predicted by a higher frequency of total early traumas (Spearman ρ = 0.446, p = 0.04), mainly general traumas (ρ = 0.526, p = 0.017; including parental illness and separation, as well as natural disaster and serious accidents). Among the correlations between early trauma and comorbid symptoms, panic attacks occurring before the onset of schizophrenia showed significant and positive correlations with ETISR-SF total scores and the sexual trauma subscale. Conclusion Children with an unstable early emotional life are more vulnerable to the development of psychopathology, such as panic anxiety symptoms. Traumatic events may also predict later schizophrenia.

Resumo Objetivos Avaliar o padrão de apego em portadores de esquizofrenia e discutir a relação que tais padrões apresentam com a sintomatologia psicótica e as comorbidades dos pacientes investigados. Métodos Vinte pacientes diagnosticados com esquizofrenia de acordo com os critérios do Manual Diagnóstico e Estatístico de Transtornos Mentais, 5ª edição (DSM-5) foram submetidos a avaliação de sintomas retrospectivos e avaliação cuidadosa do número e modo de mudança de cuidador da infância. A Entrevista Diagnóstica para Psicoses e Transtornos Afetivos (DI-PAD) foi utilizada para avaliar sintomas relacionados à esquizofrenia (sintomas positivos e negativos), depressão e mania. As comorbidades de transtorno de ansiedade foram avaliadas pela Escala de Ansiedade Social de Liebowitz (LSAS), Escala de Sintomas Obsessivo-Compulsivos de Yale-Brown (Y-BOCS) e Entrevista de Pânico e Esquizofrenia (PaSI). Os instrumentos Questionário das Experiências nas Relações Próximas-Estruturas Relacionais (ECR-RS) e Inventário de Autorrelato de Trauma Precoce - Forma Curta (ETISR-SF) foram utilizados para avaliar padrões de apego e histórico traumático, respectivamente. Resultados Foram identificadas correlações significativas entre a ocorrência de traumas precoces e o apego do tipo ansioso. Também foi verificada a relação entre traumas gerais e sintomas de pânico, constatando-se que as crises de pânico antecipam surtos quando predominam sintomas ansiosos, somáticos, alucinações e ideias delirantes. Foi observado que a ocorrência de traumas precoces contribui para o pânico, elevando o risco de episódios psicóticos. Conclusão . Os resultados indicam que as adversidades ambientais na infância estão associadas com o risco de desenvolvimento de esquizofrenia e de outras psicoses mais tarde na vida.

Flushing Disorders Associated with Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Part 2, Systemic Miscellaneous Conditions.

Flushing disorders with involvement of the gastrointestinal tract represent a heterogeneous group of conditions. In part 1 of this review series, neuroendocrine tumors (NET), mast cell activation disorders (MCAD), and hyperbasophilia were discussed. In this section we discuss the remaining flushing disorders which primarily or secondarily involve the gastrointestinal tract. This includes dumping syndrome, mesenteric traction syndrome, rosacea, hyperthyroidism and thyroid storm, anaphylaxis, panic disorders, paroxysmal extreme pain disorder, and food, alcohol and medications. With the exception of paroxysmal pain disorders, panic disorders and some medications, these disorders presents with dry flushing. A detailed and comprehensive family, social, medical and surgical history, as well as recognizing the presence of other systemic symptoms are important in distinguishing the different disease that cause flushing with gastrointestinal symptoms.

Predisposition or side effect of the duration: the reactivity of the HPA-axis under psychosocial stress in panic disorder.

BACKGROUND: Panic disorder (PD) has been associated with an altered reactivity of the hypothalamic­pituitary­adrenocortical (HPA) system under psychosocial stress. Until now it remains unclear whether a diminished cortisol release is an early risk factor predisposing for PD or a consequence of PD. In order to unravel this point, the present study compares the cortisol secretion between patients with a recent onset and a chronic course of PD. METHODS: The Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) was applied in patients with a duration of PD ≤ 1.5 years (N = 35), patients with a duration of PD > 1.5 years (N = 56) and healthy controls (N = 95). Salivary cortisol and heart rate (HR) were assessed as primary outcomes. RESULTS: According to baseline cortisol/baseline HR and HR response there was no significant difference. Both patient groups (≤ 1.5/> 1.5 years) showed a blunted cortisol response with no significant group difference. In multiple linear regression models the attenuation of the HPA-axis was largely accounted for by group, smoking status, use of contraceptive pill and the interaction group by gender. Female patients with a chronic course showed the lowest cortisol response under the TSST. CONCLUSIONS: It might be assumed that a decreased reactivity of the HPA-axis could be considered as etiological risk factor in the preliminary stages of PD. Above, female gender, smoking status and the use of contraceptive pill seem to further moderate the attenuated HPA-axis response pattern in patients with PD.

A CASE OF ADVANCED NON-SEMINOMATOUS TESTICULAR GERM CELL TUMOR ACCOMPANIED PANIC DISORDER.

We report a 33-year-old male with a left advanced non-seminomatous testicular germ cell tumor (NSGCT) accompanied panic disorder. He had experienced palpitation and hyperpnea in crowds in his twenties. He was admitted to the Department of Otorhinolaryngology with the chief complaint of left neck swelling. 18F-fluorodeoxy glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) demonstrated left neck, left supraclavicular, left axillary, and paraaortic lymph node (LN) swelling and left testicular swelling. He was referred to our department. The left testis had enlarged to the size of a fist. He rejected admission at that time, but next day, he was taken to our hospital by an ambulance because he lost consciousness at home. No abnormalities were found in the brain CT and electrocardiogram. He was admitted and left high orchiectomy was performed. The human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) level had elevated to 9,717 IU/L and alpha fetoprotein level (AFP) had elevated to 427 ng/ml. The histopathological diagnosis was tumors of more than one histological type, mixed forms: seminoma and embryonal carcinoma.He had palpitation and hyperpnea after admission and was diagnosed with panic disorder by a psychiatrist. Psychotropic drugs (fluvoxamine maleate 50 mg/day, alprazolam 0.8 mg/day) were prescribed and the panic attacks disappeared afterwards. The psychiatric social worker supported his mind side. Bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (BEP) therapy was performed for 4 courses. He put on a blanket to his face and came to avoid a conversation with other people during the chemotherapy. He was diagnosed with depression and psychotropic drugs were increased (fluvoxamine maleate 50→75 mg/day, alprazolam 0.8→1.2 mg/day) in quantity.Lymphadenectomies for LN metastases were performed and their histopathological examination revealed the existence of viable embryonal carcinoma in the supraclavicular LN. Etoposide, ifosfamide, and cisplatin (VIP) therapy was performed for 2 courses.The pateint has remained alive without tumor recurrence. Psychotropic drugs were reduced and the recent drug is fluvoxamine maleate 25 mg/day.

Functional somatic syndromes as risk factors for hysterectomy in early bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis.

OBJECTIVE: We tested the hypothesis that functional somatic syndromes (FSSs) are risk factors for hysterectomy in early bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC). METHODS: In 312 women with incident BPS/IC, we diagnosed seven pre-BPS/IC syndromes: chronic pelvic pain (CPP), fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), sicca syndrome, migraine, and panic disorder. Each was defined as present before 12 months (existing syndrome) or onset within 12 months (new syndrome) prior to BPS/IC onset. Retrospectively, we sought associations between prior hysterectomy and existing FSSs. Prospectively, we studied associations of existing and new syndromes with subsequent hysterectomy. Logistic regression analyses adjusted for age, race, menopause and education. RESULTS: The retrospective study showed prior hysterectomy (N=63) to be associated with existing CPP and the presence of multiple existing FSSs. The prospective study revealed that 30/249 women with a uterus at baseline (12%) underwent hysterectomy in early BPS/IC. This procedure was associated with new CPP (OR 6.0; CI 2.0, 18.2), new IBS (OR 5.4; CI 1.3, 22.3), and ≥3 existing FSSs (OR 3.9; CI 1.1, 13.9). CONCLUSION: Accounting for CPP and IBS, the presence of multiple FSSs (most without pelvic pain) was a separate, independent risk factor for hysterectomy in early BPS/IC. This suggests that patient features in addition to abdominopelvic abnormalities led to this procedure. Until other populations are assessed, a prudent approach to patients who are contemplating hysterectomy (and possibly other surgeries) for pain and who have IBS or numerous FSSs is first to try alternative therapies including treatment of the FSSs.

Panic disorder and psychoactive substance use in primary care / Transtorno do pânico e uso de substâncias psicoativas na atenção primária

Objective: To identify the association between panic disorder and licit and illicit substance use in the population provided with primary care in the southern Brazil. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with patients from three primary care centers. We used the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) to evaluate substance use and the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) to diagnose panic disorder. Results: A total of 1,081 subjects were evaluated. The prevalence of panic disorder was 5.6%. Panic disorder was associated with using marijuana (p = 0.001), tobacco (p = 0.001), cocaine (p < 0.001), and other illicit substances (p < 0.001). Conclusion: A significant association is noticed between panic disorder and licit and illicit substance use, thus, it is interesting to rethink the approach to treatment/intervention in patients with dual diagnosis. .

Objetivo: Identificar a associação entre transtorno do pânico e uso de substâncias lícitas e ilícitas na população atendida na atenção primária no sul do Brasil. Métodos: Este é um estudo transversal com pacientes de três centros de cuidados primários. Foi usado o Teste de Triagem do Envolvimento com Álcool, Tabaco e Outras Substâncias (ASSIST) para avaliar o uso de substâncias e a Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) para diagnosticar o transtorno do pânico. Resultados: Um total de 1.081 pacientes foram avaliados. A prevalência de transtorno do pânico foi de 5,6%. O transtorno do pânico foi associado com o uso de maconha (p = 0,001), tabaco (p = 0,001), cocaína (p < 0,001) e outras substâncias ilícitas (p < 0,001). Conclusão: Foi observada uma associação significativa entre transtorno do pânico e uso de substâncias lícitas e ilícitas. Por este motivo, é interessante repensar a abordagem de tratamento/ intervenção em pacientes com duplo diagnóstico. .

Anxiety disorders and inflammation in a large adult cohort.

Although anxiety disorders, like depression, are increasingly being associated with metabolic and cardiovascular burden, in contrast with depression, the role of inflammation in anxiety has sparsely been examined. This large cohort study examines the association between anxiety disorders and anxiety characteristics with several inflammatory markers. For this purpose, persons (18-65 years) with a current (N=1273) or remitted (N=459) anxiety disorder (generalized anxiety disorder, social phobia, panic disorder, agoraphobia) according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition criteria and healthy controls (N=556) were selected from the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety. In addition, severity, duration, age of onset, anxiety subtype and co-morbid depression were assessed. Inflammatory markers included C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor-necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Results show that after adjustment for sociodemographics, lifestyle and disease, elevated levels of CRP were found in men, but not in women, with a current anxiety disorder compared with controls (1.18 (s.e.=1.05) versus 0.98 (s.e.=1.07) mg l(-1), P=0.04, Cohen's d=0.18). No associations were found with IL-6 or TNF-α. Among persons with a current anxiety disorder, those with social phobia, in particular women, had lower levels of CRP and IL-6, whereas highest CRP levels were found in those with an older age of anxiety disorder onset. Especially in persons with an age of onset after 50 years, CRP levels were increased compared with controls (1.95 (s.e.=1.18) versus 1.27 (s.e.=1.05) mg l(-1), P=0.01, Cohen's d=0.37). In conclusion, elevated inflammation is present in men with current anxiety disorders. Immune dysregulation is especially found in persons with a late-onset anxiety disorder, suggesting the existence of a specific late-onset anxiety subtype with a distinct etiology, which could possibly benefit from alternative treatments.

[Medico legal considerations on prosthesis surgery of the erectile dysfunction in a La Peyronie disease case]. / Considerazioni medico legali sulla chirurgia protesica della disfunzione erettile in un caso di malattia di La Peyronie.

Peyronie's disease is characterized by the presence of an inelastic fibrous plaque of the penile tunica albuginea affecting 3-10% of the male population. The fibrous scar causes the curvature of the erect penis, which prevents the penetration. In the stabilization phase the plaque can cause a variable degree of erectile dysfunction (20-54%). In the treatment of the chronic disease, surgery is the gold standard and in case of concomitant erectile dysfunction the placement of a penile prosthesis is indicated. This surgery is loaded with an increase of the variables which can affect the outcome, such as individual clinical features and functionality of the device. The present case concerns a patient suffering from erectile dysfunction associated with Peyronie's disease who underwent surgery for implantation of hydraulic three-component penile prosthesis. After surgery a malfunction of the prosthesis was detected, which required unloading measures under sedation and a surgical revision of the scrotal pump. The latter was followed by the displacement of the prosthesis' cylinder and by a new surgical treatment for the reintegration of the prosthesis and the repair of the left corpus cavernosum. After two months a wrong positioning of the two cylinders inserted into the corpora cavernosa, with the left cranial extreme positioned 2 cm below the contralateral, was detected. In this case the failure of surgical treatment highlights a negligent behavior and the responsibility of the doctors by failing to examine adequately the variables, both clinical and not clinical, that might affect the outcome of the intervention.

Screening for anxiety disorders in patients with coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Anxiety disorders are prevalent and associated with poor prognosis in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). However, studies examining screening of anxiety disorders in CAD patients are lacking. In the present study we evaluated the prevalence of anxiety disorders in patients with CAD and diagnostic utility of self-rating scales for screening of anxiety disorders. METHODS: Five-hundred and twenty-three CAD patients not receiving psychotropic treatments at initiation of rehabilitation program completed self-rating scales (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale or HADS; Spielberger State-Anxiety Inventory or SSAI; and Spielberger Trait-Anxiety Inventory or STAI) and were interviewed for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social phobia, panic disorder and agoraphobia (Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview or MINI). RESULTS: Thirty-eight (7%) patients were diagnosed with anxiety disorder(s), including GAD (5%), social phobia (2%), agoraphobia (1%) and panic disorder (1%). Areas under the ROC curve of the HADS Anxiety subscale (HADS-A), STAI and SSAI for screening of any anxiety disorder were .81, .80 and .72, respectively. Optimal cut-off values for screening of any anxiety disorders were ≥ 8 for the HADS-A (sensitivity = 82%; specificity = 76%; and positive predictive value (PPV) = 21%); ≥ 45 for the STAI (sensitivity = 89%; specificity = 56%; and PPV = 14%); and ≥ 40 for the SSAI (sensitivity = 84%; specificity = 55%; PPV = 13%). In a subgroup of patients (n = 340) scoring below the optimal major depressive disorder screening cut-off value of HADS-Depression subscale (score <5), the HADS-A, STAI and SSAI had moderate-high sensitivity (range from 69% to 89%) and low PPVs (≤ 22%) for GAD and any anxiety disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Anxiety disorders are prevalent in CAD patients but can be reliably identified using self-rating scales. Anxiety self-rating scales had comparable sensitivities but the HADS-A had greater specificity and PPV when compared to the STAI and SSAI for screening of anxiety disorders. However, false positive rates were high, suggesting that patients with positive screening results should undergo psychiatric interview prior to initiating treatment for anxiety disorders and that routine use of anxiety self-rating scales for screening purposes can increase healthcare costs. Anxiety screening has incremental value to depression screening for identifying anxiety disorders.

The interaction of nicotine withdrawal and panic disorder in the prediction of panic-relevant responding to a biological challenge.

The current investigation evaluated nicotine withdrawal symptoms elicited by 12 hours of smoking deprivation on anxious and fearful responding to bodily sensations among daily smokers with and without panic disorder (PD). It was hypothesized that smokers with PD who were experiencing greater levels of nicotine withdrawal would experience the greatest levels of fearful responding to, and delayed recovery from, a 10% carbon dioxide-enriched air (CO2) biological challenge procedure. Participants were 58 adults who reported smoking 19.72 cigarettes daily (SD = 7.99). Results indicated that nicotine withdrawal and PD status interacted to predict greater postchallenge panic attack symptoms. Also, individuals with PD initially evidenced a quicker decrease in subjective anxiety following the challenge, but their rate of recovery decelerated over time as compared to those without PD. There was, however, no significant interaction for change in subjective anxiety pre- to postchallenge. Results are discussed in relation to the role of nicotine withdrawal in anxious and fearful responding for smokers with PD.

Comparison of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and adenosine deaminase activities between respiratory and nocturnal subtypes of patients with panic disorder.

OBJECTIVE: There is mounting evidence indicating that oxidative and inflammatory processes may have an important role in the pathogenesis of panic disorder (PD). PD is a heterogeneous disease, and panic attacks are divided according to the different symptom clusters as respiratory, nocturnal, non-fearful, cognitive, or vestibular subtypes. The aim of this study was to compare whole-blood and serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase and adenosine deaminase activities in PD patients with/without nocturnal, respiratory subtypes and healthy subjects. METHODS: The study was conducted including 60 patients with PD and 30 healthy control subjects. The Panic Attack Symptom Checklist, Panic and Agoraphobia Scale, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale were administered to the patients. Biochemical analyses were performed after all the blood samples were collected. RESULTS: We found that whole-blood SOD and glutathione peroxidase activities of patients were significantly lower and adenosine deaminase activities of patients were higher than those of healthy controls. There were no statistically significant differences between respiratory and nocturnal subtypes. In addition, there were no marked relationships between the duration of illness and panic-agoraphobia scores of patients with nocturnal subtypes. Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale scores of patients with the nocturnal subtype were markedly higher than those of patients without the nocturnal subtype. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that oxidative and inflammatory processes may play a role in the pathophysiology of PD. These findings may support the idea that both nocturnal and respiratory subtypes of PD have different symptom clusters of the same disease.