Introduction: Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by abnormal, fast, synchronous neuronal discharge from the cerebral cortex. This abnormal excitation of the brain is usually short and self-limiting and can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. Neuroimaging and electroencephalography (EEG) are two widely used techniques to differentiate, verify, or exclude the diagnosis of epilepsy. The study aims to identify the frequency of EEG and MRI abnormalities in pediatric epilepsy and their correlations, aiming to improve diagnostic and treatment methods for these children. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional retrospective study, we evaluated pediatric patients aged 0-18 years who visited the Neurology Polyclinic between July 2022 and July 2023, were diagnosed with epilepsy in accordance with the ILAE 2014 epilepsy guidelines, and had undergone neuroimaging at the hospital's radiology department. Demographic information and clinical data, including the patient's age, gender, history of trauma, and congenital infection, were assessed. In all patients, a surface electroencephalogram (EEG) and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed. Results: Our study recruited 102 pediatric patients aged between 0-18 years, including 63 (61.8%) boys and 39 (37.2%) girls. An electroencephalogram (EEG) and MRI study have been done on all patients. An abnormal EEG study was seen in 79 (77.45%) participants, and an abnormal MRI was noted in 45 (44.1%) patients. The EEG and MRI were both abnormal in 34 cases (33.3%). The study found no significant correlation between magnetic resonance imaging and electroencephalographic findings (P =0.779). Conclusion: We observed multiple abnormalities on neuroimaging in pediatric epileptic patients. Even though our sample size was small, our results demonstrated that there is no statistically significant relationship between EEG and MRI results.
Patients with cancer are at high risk of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), with high morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, impaired humoral response renders severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines less effective and treatment options are scarce. Randomized trials using convalescent plasma are missing for high-risk patients. Here, we performed a randomized, open-label, multicenter trial ( https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ctr-search/trial/2020-001632-10/DE ) in hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19 (n = 134) within four risk groups ((1) cancer (n = 56); (2) immunosuppression (n = 16); (3) laboratory-based risk factors (n = 36); and (4) advanced age (n = 26)) randomized to standard of care (control arm) or standard of care plus convalescent/vaccinated anti-SARS-CoV-2 plasma (plasma arm). No serious adverse events were observed related to the plasma treatment. Clinical improvement as the primary outcome was assessed using a seven-point ordinal scale. Secondary outcomes were time to discharge and overall survival. For the four groups combined, those receiving plasma did not improve clinically compared with those in the control arm (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.29; P = 0.205). However, patients with cancer experienced a shortened median time to improvement (HR = 2.50; P = 0.003) and superior survival with plasma treatment versus the control arm (HR = 0.28; P = 0.042). Neutralizing antibody activity increased in the plasma cohort but not in the control cohort of patients with cancer (P = 0.001). Taken together, convalescent/vaccinated plasma may improve COVID-19 outcomes in patients with cancer who are unable to intrinsically generate an adequate immune response.
COVID-19 , Neoplasms , Humans , COVID-19/therapy , SARS-CoV-2 , Immunization, Passive/adverse effects , Treatment Outcome , COVID-19 Serotherapy , Antibodies, Viral , Neoplasms/therapy
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Vulvar penetrating trauma is a rather uncommon occurrence (1). Firearm injuries caused by low-velocity gravitational bullets are a common cause of injuries in war-torn countries such as Somalia [2] (Campbell and Wilbert, 2022). These types of injuries are inflicted on by-standers by wayward bullets. No standard consensus on the appropriate management of vulvar penetrating trauma has been established (3). Here in, we report the successful management of an impacted bullet in the clitoris by a simple incision under local anesthesia. The principles of vulva and clitoris tired bullet trauma management are discussed. In our case, we thought it to be rare and interesting, considering its occurrence. CASE PRESENTATION: In this report, a 24-year-old woman (gravida 2, para 2) suffered from a vulvar area penetrating bullet injury. Imaging revealed that the foreign body was confined to the clitoris, and no evidence of other parts of the body. Under local anesthesia, the bullet was accessed and removed from the clitoris by performing a minor incision. No complications were observed following the surgical removal of the bullet. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Non-obstetric vulva trauma is an extremely rare occurrence. Typically, the cause of non-obstetric vulvar trauma includes sports-related injuries, straddle injuries, and midline splitting injuries. To the best of our knowledge, this case is unique due to the bullet being retained in the clitoris. The treatment of the foreign body is mostly surgical removal. Under local anesthesia, this patient underwent complete surgical removal of the metallic foreign body. During surgical excision, care should be taken not to damage the urethra and other pelvic issues. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first wayward bullet (not intended for the patient) injury penetrating the vulvar area with a retained bullet in the clitoris. In our case, we thought it to be rare and interesting, considering its occurrence.
Introduction and importance: Ascaris lumbricoides is a parasitic roundworm that spread through feces-oral routes and is endemic in many nations with poor sanitation. Case presentation: We present a case of a 6-year-old boy who arrived in the emergency room with abdominal pain, constipation, and vomiting. Physical examination revealed abdominal distension, absence of bowel sounds, and abdominal tenderness. Abdominal radiographs, ultrasonography, and computed tomography established the diagnosis of intestinal obstruction by A. lumbricoides with associated acute appendicitis and surgical approach scheduled. A massive intraluminal nematode from the jejunum to the ileocecal valve was observed during an exploratory laparotomy. An ileal enterotomy was performed and the worms were removed. The patient was discharged without incident on the 12th day. Clinical discussion: Ascariasis is the most common helminthic infection worldwide; reaching peak prevalence in children aged 2 to 10. The disease is prevalent in children with environmental and socioeconomic risk factors, causing serious problems such as intestinal obstruction (IO), volvulus, intussusception, and intestinal necrosis. Conclusion: Ascaris lumbricoid is very prevalent in developing countries and should be kept in mind in preschool children with symptoms of sudden acute intestinal obstruction. The diagnosis of intestinal ascariasis can usually be made with plain radiography, barium examinations, and ultrasonography of the abdomen. Other modalities, such as CT, can also be used. Medical treatment of Ascaris infestation is usually successful; however, bowel obstruction may require surgery.
Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is a fatal disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.TB) with over eight million annual mortality reported worldwide attributed to the disease's direct or indirect effects. Among the most severe form of M. TB is an infection of the Central nervous system (CNS-TB). This infection is characterized by meningitis, tuberculoma, and tuberculous brain abscess. Tuberculomas are the most common variety of intracranial parenchymal tuberculosis. They occur because of conglomeration and conjugation of tubercular microgranulomas, which tend to occur at the grey-white matter junction due to the arrest of the hematogenous disseminating microbes caused by a decrease in the caliber of vessels in that region. Intracranial tuberculoma shows central hypointensity compared to grey matter, seeing this centrally on T2W images is helpful, as it is not seen in most other ring-enhancing lesions. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the findings of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of patients with intracranial tuberculoma using retrospective hospital records. Methodology: We conducted a retrospective data analysis of 73 patients with an age range of 3-70 years between 2018 and 2021 who were diagnosed with intracranial tuberculoma using MRI features at the Radiology Department, Somali-Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan Hospital. All the patients' MRI were evaluated, including conventional and contrast sequences and as well as MR diffusion. Results: This study revealed that most tuberculoma patients were female with 43 (58.9%) and 30 (41.1%) male. According to age group, the majority of patients 30 (41.1%) were 18-30 years of age. Based on the distribution of the conglomerates' tubercles, 39 (53.4%) were located in the supratentorial region, while 24 (32.9%) were found in both the supra-tentorial and infra-tentorial regions, with 10 (13.7%) residing in the infratentorial region. Interestingly, this study also discovered that the majority of the tuberculoma patients 43 (58.9%) had multifocal lesions, with 30 (41.1%) having single lesions. Also, associated abnormalities were detected in 28 (38.4%) of the patients with meningitis, while 7 (9.6%) had both hydrocephalus and meningitis, 2 (2.7%) had hydrocephalus, and one patient had cerebral infarction. Conclusion: The outcome of this investigation shows MRI as a suitable diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of intracranial tuberculoma and associated abnormalities in geographic areas where tuberculosis is endemic.
Bifid mandibular condyle with ankylosis is an extremely rare condition and may arise as a developmental or traumatic defect. We report here a case of bilateral bifid mandibular condyle with ankylosis in a 6-year-old child. The patient had severe limitation of mouth opening and history of trauma 2 years ago.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the hemodynamic changes in the extraocular orbital vessels of the patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), using color Doppler ultrasonography, and to compare the results with those of healthy control subjects. The control group consisted of 35 healthy subjects who had no systemic problems, while the study group consisted of 60 patients with the diagnosis of COPD. Patients with COPD were grouped according to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD). Twenty patients of stage 1 COPD (mild airflow limitation), stage 2 COPD (moderate airflow limitation), or stage 3 COPD (severe airflow limitation) were included in the groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Measurements were performed in both eyes of each participant. Peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), resistance index (RI), and pulsatility index (PI) were measured in the ophthalmic artery (OA), central retinal artery (CRA), and posterior ciliary artery (PCA). The RI and PI measurements of the OA, CRA, and PCA were significantly higher in group 3 when compared to the control group and groups 1 and 2. These significances were not observed when PSV and EDV values were compared. There were also no significant differences between groups 1, 2, and control patients, when mean PSV, EDV, RI, and PI values of all arteries were compared. None of the above parameters showed statistical significance when mean RI, PI, PSV, and EDV were compared between left and right eyes. Severe (stage 3) COPD is associated with impaired retrobulbar hemodynamics. Increased hypoxia and vascular mediators may be suggested in etiology.
