Left hand abscess as a paradoxical reaction during treatment of disseminated tuberculosis in immunocompetent patient: case report and review of literature.

A paradoxical reaction (PR) during the treatment of tuberculosis was defined as the worsening of preexisting disease either clinically or radiologically or the appearance of a new tuberculous lesion. These reactions are frequently observed in patients coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) upon the initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Herein, we present a unique case of a paradoxical reaction in a previously healthy 19-year-old female who started anti-tuberculosis treatment for disseminated tuberculosis. Four weeks after treatment initiation, she developed two new swollen masses in her left dorsum of the hand, accompanied by fever and new right submandibular painful lymphadenopathy, with worsening of the preexisting left lower neck lymph node. The patient underwent needle aspiration from her new skin abscess on the dorsum of her left hand, which revealed positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Anti-tuberculosis treatment was continued, and the patient fully recovered. We described an unusual presentation of paradoxical reaction manifested by a skin abscess at a site distant from her primary disease in an immunocompetent TB patient, which demonstrated the importance of considering paradoxical reactions in HIV-negative patients who present with worsening signs and symptoms after initial improvement following treatment initiation.

Brodie's abscess of the calcaneus due to Serratia marcescens.

Brodie's abscess is a subacute or chronic osteomyelitis characterised by an intraosseous abscess. It may present months to years after the inciting event. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common causative organism of Brodie's abscess, while Gram-negative bacteria are uncommon causative organisms. A combination of culture-directed antibiotics and surgical debridement is key to successful management. This case report describes a patient with a history of minor trauma preceding the development of Brodie's abscess of the calcaneus caused by Serratia marcescens This was managed successfully with surgical debridement, followed by oral antibiotics.

Abscesses in different body sites among children: a single-center prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: An abscess is a localized collection of pus contained within a fibrous capsule. In this study, we aimed to determine the demographic pattern, common anatomical sites, risk factors, and the microbial profile of abscesses in different body sites among children. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study in our pediatric surgical department among children with abscesses in different body sites between January 2019 and December 2022. RESULTS: During the study period, 85 children were included. The participant age range was 0 to 14 years old, and 66% of participants were boys. The most common anatomical sites where abscesses formed were the pelvis (n = 29, 34%), abdomen (n = 22, 26%), neck (n = 14, 16%), and extremities (n = 12, 14%). Risk factors of abscesses in different body sites included cannulation, lymphadenitis, mastitis, perforated appendix, and perianal fistula. We observed that 74% of abscesses were of a polymicrobial nature. CONCLUSION: The most common anatomical sites for abscesses in children included the pelvis, abdomen, neck, and extremities. Most abscesses in these sites were polymicrobial in nature.

The continuous rise in orbital subperiosteal abscess incidence in the Iranian pediatric population.

In this study, we aimed to follow up on the surprising increase in the incidence of orbital subperiosteal abscesses (SPA) reported in the Iranian pediatric population in the post-COVID era. Pediatric patients (≤ 18 years old) diagnosed with orbital SPA following acute sinusitis who were hospitalized between October 1st, 2023, and March 31st, 2024 in Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran, Iran, were included. Demographic, clinical, microbiologic, and radiological characteristics of patients were reviewed. During the 6-month study period, 39 patients were admitted to our tertiary referral hospital. The average age of patients was 7.29 ± 4.13 years and 30 patients (76.92%) were male. The ethmoid sinus was involved in 100% of patients, and SPA involvement was in the medial wall in 27 patients (69.23%). The mean volume of SPA was 1.45 ± 1.77 cm3. Nineteen patients (48.72%) underwent surgical interventions, however, 20 patients (51.28%) received only medical treatment. The best corrected visual acuity of patients increased from 0.63 (0.20 LogMAR) on the first day of admission to 0.84 (0.07 LogMAR) according to the Snellen chart in the first month after treatment. It seems that the outbreak of orbital SPA in the Iranian children population in the post-COVID era is an increasing trend.

Falciform ligament abscess management.

Falciform ligament abscess (FLA) is a rare occurrence as a consequence of local inflammation. This report presents a case of FLA on a background of recent cholangitis and laparoscopic cholecystectomy complicated by superficial umbilical wound infection. Diagnosis was by clinical examination and CT imaging. Management was by laparoscopic drainage.

A hand-washing community-based educational intervention to reduce abscess incidence among people who inject drugs: a cluster randomised controlled clinical trial protocol (the HAWA study protocol).

BACKGROUND: Besides the high prevalence of HIV and HCV infections, people who inject drugs (PWID) have a cumulative risk of acquiring skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI) from, among other things, social precariousness, homelessness/unstable housing, and unhygienic injecting practices. We propose to evaluate whether a two-component educational hand hygiene intervention which combines training in hand-washing with the supply of a single-use alcohol-based hand rub, called MONO-RUB, is effective in reducing injection-related abscesses in the PWID population. Specifically, we shall implement a nationwide, two-arm, multi-centre, cluster randomised controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of this intervention in PWID. METHODS: HAWA is a community-based participatory research study to be conducted in 22 harm reduction centres (HR) in France (not yet recruiting); the latter will be randomised into two clusters: centres providing standard HR services and the intervention (i.e., intervention group) and those providing standard HR services only (i.e., control group). After randomization, each cluster will include 220 PWID, with an inclusion period of 12 months and an individual follow-up period of 6 months. For each participant, we will collect data at M0, M3 and M6 from photos of injection sites on the participant's body, a face-to-face injection-related SSTI questionnaire, and a CATI questionnaire. The primary outcome is the reduction in abscess prevalence between M0 and M6, which will be compared between the control and intervention arms, and measured from observed (photographs) and self-declared (SSTI questionnaire) data. We will also assess the cost-effectiveness of the intervention. DISCUSSION: The HAWA trial will be the first cluster randomized controlled trial to improve hand hygiene among PWID with a view to reducing SSTI. If effective and cost-effective, the intervention combined with the distribution of MONO-RUBs (or a similar cleaning product) may prove to be an important HR tool, helping to reduce the enormous burden of infection-related deaths and diseases in PWID. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT06131788, received on 2 January 2024.

Homograft implant for prosthetic aortic endocarditis with paravalvular abscess in a patient with persistent left superior vena cava.

We present a case report detailing the surgical intervention in a patient with prosthetic aortic valve endocarditis complicated by a paravalvular abscess extending to the mitral-aortic fibrosa. Urgent surgery was required due to severe detachment of the prosthetic aortic valve, marking her third cardiac surgical procedure. Notably, preoperative imaging revealed the presence of a persistent left superior vena cava, a rare vascular anomaly requiring specialized cannulation techniques. The surgical approach involved removal of the infected tissue and prosthetic valve, followed by replacement with a cryopreserved aortic homograft, chosen for its anatomical adaptability.

Uncovering lipid dynamics in Staphylococcus aureus osteomyelitis using multimodal imaging mass spectrometry.

Osteomyelitis occurs when Staphylococcus aureus invades the bone microenvironment, resulting in a bone marrow abscess with a spatially defined architecture of cells and biomolecules. Imaging mass spectrometry and microscopy are tools that can be employed to interrogate the lipidome of S. aureus-infected murine femurs and reveal metabolic and signaling consequences of infection. Here, nearly 250 lipids were spatially mapped to healthy and infection-associated morphological features throughout the femur, establishing composition profiles for tissue types. Ether lipids and arachidonoyl lipids were altered between cells and tissue structures in abscesses, suggesting their roles in abscess formation and inflammatory signaling. Sterols, triglycerides, bis(monoacylglycero)phosphates, and gangliosides possessed ring-like distributions throughout the abscess, suggesting a hypothesized dysregulation of lipid metabolism in a population of cells that cannot be discerned with traditional microscopy. These data provide insight into the signaling function and metabolism of cells in the fibrotic border of abscesses, likely characteristic of lipid-laden macrophages.

Empyema complicated with nephropleural fistula and perinephric abscess.

The coexistence of empyema, nephropleural fistula and perinephric abscess is rare and presents diagnostic challenges, especially when patients exhibit atypical or mild symptoms. This case report details a female in her early 90s who presented with 3 weeks of chest pain and was found to have a left-sided pleural effusion. Further imaging revealed additional findings of a left-sided nephropleural fistula and left perinephric collection. The patient underwent thoracentesis and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, with cultures growing Streptococcus Anginosus Subsequently, she underwent a left nephrectomy, with pathology findings consistent with chronic pyelonephritis and a fistulous tract. The patient was discharged on intravenous antibiotics. Follow-up imaging showed improvement. The patient completed the antibiotic course and reported symptom resolution 2 weeks after discharge.

Concurrent acute cystitis, pancolitis, and tubo-ovarian abscess following laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Inadequate surgical interventions can lead to serious complications such as tubo-ovarian abscesses in the upper female genital system, often resulting from untreated pelvic inflammatory disease. Pelvic inflammatory disease, caused by infections like Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, leads to scarring and adhesions in the reproductive organs, with common risk factors including intrauterine device use and multiple sexual partners. Pelvic inflammatory disease primarily affects sexually active young women and can manifest with varied symptoms, potentially leading to complications like ectopic pregnancy, infertility, and chronic pelvic pain if untreated. CASE PRESENTATION: This case report presents a unique scenario involving a 17-year-old sexually inactive female who experienced concurrent tubo-ovarian abscess, acute cystitis, and pancolitis following laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy. Pelvic inflammatory disease and its complications are well-documented, but the simultaneous occurrence of acute cystitis and pancolitis in this context is unprecedented in the medical literature. The patient's presentation, clinical course, and management are detailed, highlighting the importance of considering diverse and severe complications in individuals with a history of gynecological surgeries. CONCLUSIONS: Our case report highlights the need for healthcare professionals to remain vigilant for atypical presentations of gynecological complications and emphasizes the value of interdisciplinary collaboration for optimal patient care. We encourage further research and awareness to enhance understanding and recognition of complex clinical scenarios associated with gynecological procedures.

Successful management of renal abscess secondary to diabetes mellitus with surgical treatment and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Renal abscess (RA) is a collection of infective fluid in or around the renal parenchyma. It typically occurs in immunocompromised patients, including those with diabetes mellitus (DM), poor nutritional status, or steroid administration. We herein report a case of RA associated with DM in which hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy greatly contributed to the resolution of this disease. The patient was an 85-year-old man with poorly controlled type 2 DM. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography for postoperative follow-up of appendiceal cancer showed a mass lesion with poor contrast enhancement extending from the upper pole of the left kidney to the dorsal side. Therefore, a diagnosis of RA was established. The lesion was percutaneously punctured, and a drainage tube was placed. Antibiotics following sensitivity testing were administered. The catheter was removed six days after its placement. However, pus discharge continued from the catheter removal site, with persistent redness around the wound. Therefore, a lumbotomy incision for abscess drainage was performed on the 49th day. However, the pus discharge persisted, and we decided to perform HBO2 therapy, expecting decreases in bacterial proliferation, reduction in local edema, and improvement of host defense. HBO2 therapy for 90 min at two atmospheres absolute was performed ten times. The amount of pus discharge decreased, and redness improved from the fifth day after HBO2 therapy. One month after starting HBO2 therapy, the wound was closed, and the pus discharge resolved completely. Four years have passed since the HBO2 therapy, and there have been no symptomatic or imaging relapses of RA.

From flank pain to splenic abscess: a complex case of infective endocarditis with literature review.

BACKGROUND: Infective endocarditis (IE) is a severe condition characterized by inflammation of the heart endocardium and valves, commonly caused by Gram-positive bacteria. Complications such as embolic phenomena and organ abscesses can arise, necessitating timely diagnosis and intervention. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 20-year-old female with a history of cerebral and splenic infarctions due to IE. The patient presented with left-sided flank pain, urinary burning, and fever. Examination revealed mitral and aortic valve involvement, splenomegaly, and neurological deficits. Despite initial antibiotic therapy, the patient developed a splenic abscess and drug-induced neutropenia. She required aortic valve replacement and was successfully managed with a multidisciplinary approach. CONCLUSION: Multidisciplinary management, including timely surgical intervention and advanced imaging, is essential for favorable outcomes in IE patients. This case underscores the importance of early detection and tailored treatment strategies in managing severe complications associated with IE.

Clinical study of ultrasound-guided minimally invasive catheterization combined with compound cortex phellodendri fluid in the treatment of lactational breast abscess.

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively analyze the clinical practicability and value of ultrasound-guided minimally invasive catheterization combined with compound Phellodendron Phellodendri liquid in the treatment of breast abscess during lactation. METHODS: 139 patients with lactational breast abscess discharged from our hospital from January 2021 to November 2023 were selected. We divided them into groups according to treatment methods, analyzed whether there were statistical differences in observation indexes among groups and the risk factors affecting breastfeeding rate and treatment satisfaction. RESULTS: We found that numerical rating scale(NRS) score and incidence of breast fistula in group A were significantly lower than other, the continuous decrease of postoperative drainage in group A was higher than other, there were significant differences among groups (p<0.001). Univariate analysis showed that recovery time, drainage tube placement time, postoperative redness and swelling regression time, scar length, and VAS score of six groups were statistically significant (p<0.001). We found that the overall satisfaction and the rate of continued breastfeeding in group A (96.2%) were higher than other, the differences were statistically significant(p<0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the significant risk factors influencing treatment satisfaction included the time of drainage tube placement, postoperative redness and swelling regression time, treatment group, surgical method, NRS score on the first day after operation, postoperative drainage volume, healing time, scar length, flushing drugs, and VAS score. Postoperative redness and swelling regression time, treatment group, operation method and VAS score are all risk factors that influence the outcome of breastfeeding. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided minimally invasive catheterization combined with compound cortex phellodendri fluid in the treatment of breast abscess during lactation can not only reduce the pain caused by dressing change, but also offer numerous advantages, including shorter healing time, beautiful appearance, lower incidence of breast fistula, high satisfaction and high rate of continued breastfeeding.

Rare symptom of left inguinal abscess secondary to a retroperitoneal perforation of diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon: A case report.

RATIONALE: Complicated colorectal diverticulitis could be fatal, and an abscess caused by this complication is usually formed at the pericolic, mesenteric, or pelvic abscess. Therefore, we report a rare case of sigmoid colon diverticulitis that developed a large inguinal abscess. PATIENT CONCERNS: A woman in her 70s was admitted to our hospital with a chief complaint of left inguinal swelling and tenderness 1 week before admission. Physical examination showed swelling, induration, and tenderness in the left inguinal region. Blood tests revealed elevated inflammatory reaction with C-reactive protein of 11.85 mg/dL and white blood cells of 10,300/µL. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed multiple colorectal diverticula in the sigmoid colon, edematous wall thickening with surrounding fatty tissue opacity, and abscess formation with gas in the left inguinal region extending from the left retroperitoneum. DIAGNOSES: The diagnosis was sigmoid colon diverticulitis with large abscess formation in the left inguinal region. INTERVENTIONS: Immediate percutaneous drainage of the left inguinal region was performed, as no sign of panperitonitis was observed. Intravenous piperacillin-tazobactam of 4.5 g was administered every 6 hours for 14 days. OUTCOMES: The inflammatory response improved, with C-reactive protein of 1.11 mg/dL and white blood cell of 5600/µL. Computed tomography of the abdomen confirmed the disappearance of the abscess in the left inguinal region, and complete epithelialization of the wound was achieved 60 days after the drainage. The patient is under observation without recurrence of diverticulitis. LESSONS: We report a rare case of sigmoid colon diverticulitis that developed a large inguinal abscess, which was immediately improved by percutaneous drainage and appropriate antibiotics administration.

Extra-Articular Abscess Expansion as a Specific Complication of Septic Arthritis of the Shoulder Joint: Report of Three Cases with Extension of the Infection through the Biceps Groove Producing a Large Abscess.

BACKGROUND: Septic arthritis of shoulder is a rare clinical entity as the metaphysis is extracapsular and there is no communication between epiphyseal and metaphyseal vessels. Septic arthritis of the shoulder joint is a diagnostic and surgical emergency because joint destruction develops rapidly and can cause significant morbidity and mortality. Unusual complications of septic arthritis of the shoulder joint may include extra-articular abscess extension to the upper arm through the biceps groove and osteomyelitis of the greater tuberosity. CASE PRESENTATION: Septic arthritis of the shoulder, if left untreated, can lead to complications such as extra-articular abscess extension and osteomyelitis. Three patients with septic arthritis of the shoulder joint with no clear history of trauma were reported in this study. The initial presentation was pseudoparalysis with upper arm swelling. MRI diagnosed septic arthritis of shoulder joint together with an upper arm abscess. Arthroscopic debridement with through irrigation and open drainage of the extra-articular abscess extension to the upper arm improved both the shoulder pain and abscess completely. However, if shoulder pain or abnormalities in laboratory findings continue after initial treatment, uncontrolled septic arthritis or secondary osteomyelitis are possibilities that should be concerned. MRI is a useful tool for detecting those atypical complications. CONCLUSIONS: Rarely, septic arthritis of the shoulder joint can extend to the upper arm through the biceps tendon groove and cause an abscess. Also, acute osteomyelitis of the tuberosity should be considered in patients with long-standing refractory septic arthritis of the shoulder joint who have continued pain and uncontrolled laboratory findings after initial treatment.