ABSTRACT
Knee disorders can present in various forms, often involving complex pathologies. The diagnosis and management of these conditions can be challenging, particularly in the absence of associated trauma. A 45-year-old male with a history of chronic right knee pain and clicking presented after failure of conservative treatment modalities. Imaging of the right knee identified multiple pathologies, including a ligament sprain, bone marrow edema, lateral maltracking of the patella, and advanced chondromalacia patella. Following these findings, the patient underwent arthroscopic surgery. A rare lateral meniscal cyst in the anterior horn was found during the surgery. Debridement, irrigation, and excision of the cyst were performed. Following the surgery, the patient experienced successful symptom resolution. Opting for arthroscopic surgery post other method failures can enhance patient outcomes.
ABSTRACT
Background Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which can be prevented by vaccination. The HPV vaccine received approval in Saudi Arabia in 2010. Objectives This study aimed to examine the awareness and attitudes toward the HPV vaccine among parents of females aged 9-26 in Saudi Arabia and explore factors contributing to hesitancy or acceptance. Methods Conducted from November 2022 to June 2023 in Saudi Arabia, this cross-sectional study surveyed parents of females aged 9-26 using a self-administered questionnaire. Data collected included parental demographics, maternal vaccination status, awareness of the HPV vaccine, and attitudes toward it. Results Out of 551 participants, 445 (82.4%) were mothers. Most participants (331; 69.1%) had attained a university education, and approximately half (315; 57.2%) were employed. A total of 339 (61.5%) were aware of the HPV vaccine, 256 (46.5%) knew of its connection to cervical cancer, and 296 (53.7%) understood its preventive role. Among them, 230 participants demonstrated a good level of awareness, while 321 had a poor level. The majority (377; 68.4%) intended to vaccinate their daughters. Reasons for hesitancy among those unwilling included lack of awareness (234; 42.5%), insufficient information (206; 37.4%), fear of vaccines and needles (203; 36.8%), and conflicting medical opinions (165; 29.9%). Conclusion The current level of awareness regarding HPV vaccines within the general population is deemed satisfactory, with the majority expressing intent to vaccinate their daughters. Ongoing efforts are warranted to enhance awareness further, particularly by leveraging social media platforms and the expertise of trusted physicians and healthcare authorities. These endeavors are crucial for mitigating the preventable impact of HPV infection. Additionally, it is imperative to sustain immunization programs for HPV vaccines, ensuring streamlined vaccine administration.
ABSTRACT
Diffuse tenosynovial giant cell tumor (D-TGCT), previously known as pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS), is a benign, aggressive, and distracting proliferative synovial lesion. D-TGCT is commonly seen in large joints such as the knee and hip. We present the case of a 57-year-old female who initially presented with swelling on the left midfoot that increased over four years. Clinically, a ganglion was suspected on the left midfoot and an MRI showed a heterogeneous lobulated soft tissue mass on the superior aspect of the tarsal midfoot measuring 5.8 x 2.4 x 4.2 cm. The mass causing remodeling and bony erosion was more appreciated at the medial aspect of the talus bone and extended to the sinus tarsi and talocalcaneal joint space. Surgical excision of the mass was performed, and pathology reports found lobulated soft tissue lesions composed of mononuclear cells, multinucleated giant cells, sheets of foamy macrophages, inflammatory cells, and hemosiderin-laden macrophages. This case represents D-TGCT without atypia or malignancy based on the findings.
ABSTRACT
Diabetes is a very common disease and is considered a risk factor for many diseases such as dry eye. The aim of the current work was to evaluate the tear evaporation rate (TER) in patients with diabetes using a hand-held evaporimeter. This observational, case-control and non-randomized study included 30 male patients with diabetes (17 controlled and 13 uncontrolled) with a mean ± standard deviation (SD) of 33.1 ± 7.9 years. An age-matched (18-43 years; 32.2 ± 6.5 years) control group consisting of 30 male subjects was also enrolled for comparison. Subjects with thyroid gland disorder, a high body mass index, high blood cholesterol, or thalassemia, contact lens wearers, and smokers were excluded. The TER was measured after the completion of the ocular surface disease index (OSDI) by each participant. The OSDI and TER median scores were significantly (Wilcoxon test, p < 0.05) higher in patients with diabetes (median (interquartile range; IQR) = 12.0 (8.3) and 46.4 (36.7) g/m2h, respectively) compared to the subjects within the control group (5.6 (7.0) and 15.1 (11.9) g/m2h, respectively). The median scores for the OSDI and TER measurements were significantly (Wilcoxon test, p < 0.05) higher among uncontrolled diabetes patients (13.0 (11.5) and 53.4 (14.2) g/m2h, respectively) compared to those obtained for patients with controlled diabetes (11.0 (8.0) and 27.3 (32.6) g/m2h, respectively). The tear evaporation rate in patients with diabetes was significantly higher compared to those obtained in subjects without diabetes. Uncontrolled diabetes patients have a higher tear evaporation rate compared to controlled diabetes patients. Therefore, diabetes can lead to eye dryness, since these patients possibly suffer excessive tear evaporation.