Unveiling a Rare Case: Madras Motor Neuron Disease in an 18-Year-Old Patient.

Madras motor neuron disease (MMND) is a rare childhood or juvenile motor neuron disease. Herein, we present a unique case of MMND in an 18-year-old patient, which challenges the conventional understanding of the disease's onset and progression. The patient, a previously healthy adolescent, presented with insidious onset and gradually progressive weakness of all four limbs, wasting, tongue fasciculation, and bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. Neurological examination revealed signs consistent with lower motor neuron involvement. Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) supported the diagnosis of MMND. The patient's clinical course exhibited rapid deterioration, leading to significant functional impairment within a short timeframe. Treatment modalities, including supportive care and symptomatic management, were implemented; however, disease progression remained relentless. This case highlights the significance of considering MMND in the differential diagnosis of motor neuron diseases, even in young individuals. It highlights the importance of conducting more studies to comprehend the underlying mechanisms and consider potential therapeutic strategies for this uncommon ailment.

A Comprehensive Review on Navigating the Neurological Landscape of COVID-19: Insights Into Etiopathogenesis and Clinical Management.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has emerged as a global health crisis with significant neurological implications. While initially characterized by respiratory symptoms, COVID-19 has been increasingly recognized for its diverse neurological manifestations, including encephalopathy, stroke, peripheral neuropathies, and neuropsychiatric disorders. Understanding the neurological landscape of COVID-19 is essential for elucidating its pathophysiology, optimizing clinical management, and improving patient outcomes. This comprehensive review provides insights into the etiopathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, management strategies, and prognostic implications of neurological involvement in COVID-19. Mechanistic insights highlight the multifactorial nature of neurological complications involving direct viral invasion, immune-mediated mechanisms, and thrombotic events. Diagnostic challenges underscore the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to patient care, while management strategies emphasize early recognition and appropriate intervention. Long-term neurological sequelae and prognostic factors are also examined, emphasizing the need for comprehensive follow-up and rehabilitation services. Finally, recommendations for future research prioritize efforts to elucidate underlying mechanisms, identify biomarkers, and evaluate rehabilitative interventions. By addressing these challenges, we can better understand and mitigate the neurological consequences of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Tuberculoma Masquerading as a Sixth Cranial Nerve Palsy in a Young Patient: A Case Report.

Tuberculosis is a worldwide health concern with a wide range of clinical manifestations. Rarely, it can involve the central nervous system in the form of tuberculomas. Although cranial nerve palsies or localized neurological signs are the most frequent presentations of tuberculoma, isolated sixth nerve palsy is unusual and rare. We report the case of a 17-year-old female who presented with isolated sixth nerve palsy, an unusual early manifestation of intracranial tuberculoma. We established the diagnosis through clinical, radiological, and laboratory evaluations and successfully managed the patient with antitubercular therapy. This case highlights the importance of considering tuberculoma as a differential diagnosis in cases of isolated cranial nerve palsies, especially in regions with a high prevalence of tuberculosis.

Klippel-Feil Syndrome With Isolated Facial Dysmorphism: A Clinical Conundrum With Resemblance to Adenoid Facies.

Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS) is a triad comprising cervical spine fusion, a low posterior hairline, and constrained neck movement. This triad is not universally present. The most frequent accompaniment is Sprengel's scapula deformity. According to the Feil classification, Class 1 (C1) is an immense fusion of many cervical vertebrae, Class 2 (C2) is a fusion of one or two vertebrae only, and Class 3 (C3) is coupled with thoracic and lumbar spinal vertebral fusion in addition to the fusion of the cervical vertebrae. Clarke's categorization of KFS includes other associated anomalies. The different classification systems for KFS have been made by the different specialists to whom patients may present, which include orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, orthodontists, faciomaxillary surgeons, cardiologists, and pediatricians. This anomaly being rare and the lack of universally accepted classification may lead to confusion regarding the identification of the syndrome, especially the Clarke Type 3 with isolated facial dysmorphism may go undiagnosed. We report a case with KFS-Clarke Type 3 with isolated facial dysmorphism and Feil Type 2 with the fusion of C2-C3 cervical vertebrae, detected as an incidental radiologic finding, and initial impression of adenoid facies. Hence, this case also highlights the contrasting features between the facial dysmorphism of Clarke Type 3 KFS and adenoid facies.

Navigating the Complexity of Scoring Systems in Sepsis Management: A Comprehensive Review.

This comprehensive review navigates the intricate landscape of sepsis scoring systems, aiming to provide healthcare professionals and researchers with a nuanced understanding of their role in contemporary sepsis management. Beginning with a succinct overview of sepsis, the review emphasizes the significance of scoring systems in standardizing assessments and guiding clinical decision-making. Through a detailed analysis of prominent systems such as SOFA, APACHE, and qSOFA, the review delineates their unique attributes, strengths, and limitations. The implications for sepsis management and patient outcomes are discussed, highlighting the potential for these tools to enhance early detection and intervention. The review concludes with a compelling call to action, urging healthcare professionals to integrate scoring systems into routine practice and researchers to explore novel approaches. By synthesizing current knowledge and addressing future directions, this review serves as a valuable resource for those seeking clarity and guidance in the dynamic landscape of sepsis management.

Role of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause.

The genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) encompasses a range of symptoms linked to the genitourinary tract stemming from the reduction in estrogen levels following menopause. These symptoms may endure throughout a woman's lifetime. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), known for its capacity to induce angiogenesis and the restoration effects of growth factors, has been widely employed in various disorders, including GSM. This article aims to comprehensively review the existing literature on the utilization of PRP for managing GSM. The search was executed in electronic databases, specifically PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, up until April 2023. Eligible studies were meticulously chosen for inclusion in this systematic review. PRP emerges as a viable alternative for addressing vaginal atrophy, exhibiting favorable outcomes. Notably, it can be considered for patients with contraindications to hormonal therapy. However, the available body of evidence supporting the use of PRP for GSM remains limited. PRP presents itself as a promising agent, offering a patient-friendly, cost-effective alternative modality. To establish the efficacy of PRP in treating GSM definitively, future randomized trials are imperative.

T-cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma Unveiling As Superior Vena Cava Syndrome in a 19-Year-Old Male.

Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) is a collection of signs and symptoms resulting from superior vena cava obstruction which is either partial or complete. SVCS is a rare clinical entity, often associated with various malignancies. T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL) primarily of the mediastinum (thymus) is a rare and aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma that can lead to SVCS. We discuss the case of a 19-year-old male who arrived at our emergency department with symptoms of cough, breathlessness, and facial puffiness along with swelling in the right anterior mediastinum for two weeks suggestive of acute SVCS. An anterior mediastinal mass was confirmed on a chest X-ray and computed tomography. A biopsy of the mass revealed primary mediastinal (thymic) T-LBL. This case report focuses on the unique presentation of a T-LBL as SVCS in a 19-year-old male. Moreover, it highlights the need for vigilance among healthcare providers in recognizing this atypical complication and underscores the critical importance of early diagnosis and timely intervention.

Utility of Platelet Indices as Prognostic Markers of Sepsis: A Medical Intensive Care Unit-Based Cross-Sectional Study at a Rural Setup.

Introduction Even after the breakthrough advancements in the management and prognostic scoring of sepsis, it remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality encountered in intensive care units (ICUs) throughout the globe. This study highlights the utility of platelet indices as prognostic markers of sepsis. Methods In the present prospective cross-sectional study, a total of 177 patients with sepsis were enrolled using the Sepsis-3 criteria. The platelet indices were then linked to severity using the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score. The correlation of platelet indices to morbidity in terms of the length of ICU stay, need for a mechanical ventilator, types of infection, and mortality was also assessed. Results The results showed that mean platelet volume (p = 0.004) and platelet distribution width (PDW; p = 0.009) were positively correlated with the severity of sepsis. Among all the parameters, plateletcrit (%) was the best predictor of the need for an invasive mechanical ventilator at a cutoff point of ≤0.22 with a 60.90% chance of correctly predicting the need for an invasive mechanical ventilator, as was mortality at a cutoff point of ≤0.22 with a 67.30% chance of correct prediction. Among the platelet indices, only PDW showed a significant association with growth in culture because patients with growth had significantly higher PDW as compared to those who did not have growth (22.4 ± 4.47 vs 20.81 ± 4.29, p = 0.011). Conclusion The difference between the survivors and non-survivor groups was statistically significant for platelet indices, making them easily available, cost-effective, and useful prognostic markers for patients in septic shock. This will help in easy understanding and preventing its morbid complications, even at the primary care physician level.

Nasal Herpes Simplex With Infraorbital Neuralgia: A Rare Presentation.

Facial herpes is a form of herpes simplex type I infection and presents with characteristic vesicular lesion around the perioral region. Nasal herpes, a form of facial herpes is a rare presentation with only a few cases reported in the literature. Neuralgic pain in herpes simplex is usually experienced at the site of the lesion during or before the eruptive stage. Here, we are reporting a case where the patient with a herpes simplex lesion over the tip of her nose presented with pain over the infraorbital region, which is a region supplied by the infraorbital nerve, a branch of the maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve. Initially confused as a bacterial infection due to its unusual presentation and rarity of the condition, the patient was given anti-bacterial therapy, but on showing no relief in symptoms, the patient was treated with appropriate antiviral drugs, following which complete remission of the lesion was observed. The case highlights a rare site for a common condition and atypical presentation.

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.

Unmasking Uremic Encephalopathy: Choreoathetoid Movements Mimicking Alcohol Withdrawal in a Person with an Alcohol Use Disorder.

Chorea is a disorder characterized by irregular, involuntary movements affecting the limbs, trunk, neck, or face. It can be a significant symptom in various neurologic diseases, including metabolic, autoimmune, and neurodegenerative conditions. The neural foundation that underlies the genesis of chorea appears to be fairly diverse, even though its pathophysiology is frequently associated with the malfunctioning of inhibitory circuits within the basal ganglia. Movement disorders such as tremors, myoclonus, ataxia, chorea, and Parkinsonism may arise due to renal dysfunction or complications from management like renal transplant and hemodialysis. Uremic encephalopathy is a rare but potentially life-threatening neurological complication of chronic kidney disease. We present a case of a 50-year-old male with a known history of chronic kidney disease and chronic alcoholism, who exhibited abnormal movements resembling chorea upon presentation. Initially suspected as alcohol withdrawal-related chorea, further evaluation revealed concurrent rising creatinine levels, acidosis, and hyperkalemia. Hemodialysis was initiated, resulting in a significant improvement in choreoathetoid movements. This case implies the importance of considering uremic encephalopathy in the differential diagnosis of movement disorders in patients with underlying kidney dysfunction, even in the context of chronic alcoholism.

Association of Asthma With Patients Diagnosed With Metabolic Syndrome: A Cohort Study in a Tertiary Care Hospital.

Introduction Asthma is defined as a chronic inflammatory airway disease. The prevalence of both asthma and obesity has been rising simultaneously, demonstrating a parallel trend. Obesity is a significant factor in metabolic syndrome, and numerous studies have indicated a connection between metabolic syndrome and bronchial asthma. Aims and objectives The aim of this paper is to evaluate the association of asthma with patients diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. The main objectives were to analyze the clinical profile and spirometric indices in patients with metabolic syndrome and to assess asthmatic patients among them with spirometry and clinical parameters at a tertiary care hospital in Chennai. Materials and methods This hospital-based cohort study was conducted on 73 patients attending the outpatient department who had a known case of metabolic syndrome and were evaluated for asthma through history, physical examination, and a pulmonary function test. A history of cough, expectoration, shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, allergy, seasonal variation, and smoking habits was asked, and a thorough physical examination was performed. Bronchial asthma was confirmed with airflow reversibility by spirometry as per the Global Initiative for Asthma Guidelines. Metabolic and spirometry parameters were examined, such as body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, waist-hip ratio, fasting blood sugar (FBS), postprandial blood sugar, hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C), serum insulin, lipid profile, C-reactive protein (CRP), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV1/FVC pre- and post-reversibility (baseline vs. six months). Results and discussion The average BMI of all participants was 29.6511 ±2.64564. The waist-hip ratio was 0.5512 ±0.43855, which decreased during the follow-ups, demonstrating a decline in the risk of obesity in study participants. The level of HbA1C showed a drop from 6.1% to 5.9% at the first follow-up. This exhibited a further reduction at the six-month follow-up in addition to a positive reflection in insulin sensitivity, indicating successful control of diabetes among study participants. It was discovered that this was statistically significant (p<0.001). At the third and sixth months of follow-up, the FEV1/FVC ratio increased by 38% and 37%, respectively, when metabolic syndrome was under control. The results show that controlling diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and triglyceride values improved asthmatic symptoms, and this was determined to be statistically significant (p<0.001). Conclusion The results of the current study demonstrated that the regulation and maintenance of metabolic parameters such as BMI, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension aid in improving asthma control.

Navigating Nasal Surges: Understanding Catamenial Epistaxis.

Catamenial epistaxis is a rare form of epistaxis (nosebleed) that occurs in women during menstruation due to hormonal changes. There are numerous hypotheses on the cellular mechanisms and pathophysiology of endometriosis. Endometriosis may present a wide range of symptoms depending on where endometrial tissue was implanted. This entity's diagnosis is neither simple nor difficult. There are numerous clinical and laboratory diagnostic techniques in use, but none of them is considered to be the best. Every woman who experiences recurrent symptoms (such as epistaxis and hemoptysis) of extrapelvic organs should be clinically suspicious of endometriosis because of its multipotent location and the variety of clinical manifestations of the condition. This case report demonstrates that periodic epistaxis may infrequently be the root cause of the extra pelvic endometrium in the nasal septum in a woman who has had treatment for recurrent pelvic discomfort and dysmenorrhea.

Traumatic Encephalocele in a 16-Year-Old Male: A Rare Phenomenon.

The term "encephalocele" refers to the herniation of brain tissue caused by a cranial bone defect. It could be congenital, traumatic, neoplastic, or arise spontaneously. The possibility of traumatic fronto-ethmoidal encephalocele should be considered in patients who have experienced trauma. We report a case of a 16-year-old male with a recent history of a bike accident presented with sudden unilateral rhinorrhea. Non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) brain was done, which showed findings of left fronto-ethmoidal encephalocele. The patient was managed with single-staged surgery without any complications.

A Case of Antipsychiatry Polypill Overdose (200 Tablets) Successfully Treated With Hemodialysis: A Serious Encounter.

Polypharmacy refers to using and consuming multiple drugs as part of the treatment for a disease or disorder. Polypharmacy can lead to an increase in the number of drug overdose emergencies. Age-related metabolic changes and reduced drug clearance in older adults can result in severe drug reactions and other clinical consequences, which can sometimes be fatal, raising concerns about the safety of polypharmacy. We discuss a case of a 50-year-old female who presented to us in a drowsy state after an antipsychiatry (antipsychotic and antidepressant) polypill overdose with 200 tablets and was successfully treated with hemodialysis. This case report highlights that prompt treatment initiation based on the patient's clinical status and drug serum levels is crucial to achieving the best outcomes.

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.

Chemical Pneumonitis and Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome After Fumigation Exposure to Dimethanol and Glutaraldehyde: A Silent Menace Unmasked.

Chemical pneumonitis caused by dimethanol and glutaraldehyde exposure is a serious medical condition that requires prompt and effective treatment. As per a literature search in Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus, this is the first instance of chemical pneumonitis caused after fumigation with dimethanol and glutaraldehyde inhalation. This article discusses the factors that can contribute to the development of chemical pneumonitis and outlines the diagnostic and treatment options available to healthcare professionals. By understanding the causes and consequences of dimethanol- and glutaraldehyde-induced chemical pneumonitis, medical professionals can provide better care to their patients and help prevent future cases of this potentially life-threatening condition. This describes a case of a 60-year-old female who presented to the emergency department complaining of acute onset of shortness of breath approximately 48 hours after being exposed to dimethanol and glutaraldehyde while working in intensive care. After 13 days, the patient's symptoms subsided and she was discharged. On follow-up, after 1 month, there was a marked resolution of the initial symptoms.

Association of Serum Calcium With Infarct Size and Severity in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Rural Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Background One of the major mediators of ischemic neuronal cell death is calcium. It has been found that elevated serum calcium is associated with a better prognosis in patients with ischemic stroke. This study highlights the association of serum calcium, albumin-corrected calcium, and ionic calcium with the size of acute ischemic stroke as well as severity outcome in terms of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score and Barthel Index. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on 85 cases of acute ischemic stroke (based on a computerized tomography scan of the brain) from September 2019 to October 2021. All included patients had undergone complete clinical history, systemic examination, as well as estimation of serum total calcium, albumin corrected calcium, and ionic calcium. NIHSS score and Barthel Index were used to access the severity of each subject.  Results A significant positive correlation was seen between infarct size with NIHSS with a correlation coefficient of 0.35. A significant negative correlation was seen between infarct size with serum calcium, albumin-corrected calcium, and Barthel Index with a correlation coefficient of -0.483, -0.354, and -0.365 respectively. No correlation was seen between infarct size and ionic calcium with a correlation coefficient of 0.082. Conclusion It can be concluded that higher normal levels of serum calcium and albumin-corrected calcium are associated with a smaller-sized infarct and had less severity index among patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Erythema Multiforme: Unveiling the Unusual Effect of an Ayurvedic Medication 'Jambavasa' Used in the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Erythema multiforme (EM) is a rare immune-mediated condition that can manifest as cutaneous, mucosal, or both types of lesions. The target lesion, with concentric zones of color change, is a cutaneous feature that is typical of this illness. Despite the fact that a number of factors can lead to EM, the most common being Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection, drug-induced EM is a rare entity. As disease severity and mucosal involvement vary across individuals, treatment should be optimized for each patient, considering the risk versus benefit ratio. To distinguish EM from other clinical imitators and to confirm the diagnosis, histopathologic tests and other laboratory procedures may be utilized. Our patient presented with symptoms suggestive of a viral infection, such as fever and rash, but the RTPCR report for various viral infections came out to be negative, hence indicative of the diagnosis of drug-induced erythema multiforme.

Falciparum Malaria, Leptospirosis, and Vibrio mimicus Encephalitis in a Resilient Patient: A Remarkable Case of Triple Infection Survival.

Malaria is referred to as a "rainy season disease" and is brought on by Plasmodium species. Leptospira interrogans, a spirochete, cause zoonosis leptospirosis. It is pretty uncommon for both diseases to coinfect one another. Before assuming a fever is caused by a vector-borne disease, it is essential to first rule out other possible causes, regardless of the patient's risk factors. This case report demonstrates an unusual coinfection and how it manifests. The patient can avoid many deadly consequences with early detection and prompt treatment. There have been reports of coinfections between malaria and various infectious diseases, including dengue, hantavirus, and filariasis. Recently, a few case reports of coinfection with leptospirosis and malaria have also been published. Leptospirosis and malaria are both spreadable diseases that are prevalent throughout the world, particularly in the tropics. We discuss a case of coinfection with meningoencephalitis, leptospirosis, and malaria in a young male who required intensive care unit (ICU) care. It is difficult to distinguish between single infections and coinfections due to the wide variability in presentation, which may further confound the clinical features. Furthermore, when a coinfection is present but has not yet been identified, the clinical course may worsen because there is no effective treatment. This case report demonstrates the uncommon coinfection appearance and related symptoms. The case study also examined the management of patients with leptospirosis, meningoencephalitis, and life-threatening malaria coinfections as well as the clinical course of such coinfections. A meningeal infection or inflammation that resembles both meningitis and encephalitis is referred to as meningoencephalitis.