Lung cancer is associated with acute ongoing cerebral ischemia: A population-based study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cerebral microinfarcts (CMIs) are the most common type of brain ischemia; however, they are extremely rare in the general population. CMIs can be detected by magnetic resonance diffusion-weighted imaging (MRI-DWI) only for a very short period of approximately 2 weeks after their formation and are associated with an increased stroke risk and cognitive impairment. We aimed to examine CMI detection rate in patients with lung cancer (LC), which is strongly associated with ischemic stroke risk relative to other cancer types. METHODS: We used the Clalit Health Services record (representing more than 5 million patients) to identify adults with LC and breast, pancreatic, or colon cancer (non-lung cancer, NLC) who underwent brain magnetic resonance diffusion (MRI) scan within 5 years following cancer diagnosis. All brain MRI scans were reviewed, and CMIs were documented, as well as cardiovascular risk factors. RESULTS: Our cohort contained a total of 2056 MRI scans of LC patients and 1598 of NLC patients. A total of 143 CMI were found in 73/2056 (3.5%) MRI scans of LC group compared to a total of 29 CMI in 22/1598 (1.4%) MRI scans of NLC (p < 0.01). Cancer type (e.g. LC vs NLC) was the only associated factor with CMI incidence on multivariate analysis. After calculating accumulated risk, we found an incidence of 2.5 CMI per year in LC patients and 0.5 in NLC. DISCUSSION: CMIs are common findings in cancer patients, especially in LC patients and therefore might serve as a marker for occult brain ischemia, cognitive decline, and cancer-related stroke (CRS) risk.

Validating the 'CUT score' risk stratification tool for indeterminate thyroid nodules using the Bethesda system for reporting thyroid cytopathology.

PURPOSE: Managing intermediate thyroid nodules remains challenging. The CUT score is an Italian metanalysis-based cytologic (SIAPEC-IAP) scoring system, designed to assist clinicians. However, it was never evaluated against the Bethesda system for reporting thyroid cytopathology (BSRTC). This study aims to validate its utility for BSRTC III and IV nodules in a non-Italian population. METHODS: We collected all BSRTC III and IV thyroid nodules with a documented final pathology between 2010 and 2020. We calculated the C + U components of the CUT score using retrospective clinical (C) data collection and reevaluation of preoperative sonography (U) examination. The cytology (T) component which originally referred to the five-tiered SIAPEC-IAP cytologic classification was replaced by the corresponding BSRTC categories. Optimal test performances were calculated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Data were analyzed twice with considering of NIFTP as benign and as malignant. RESULTS: After exclusions, 62 nodules from 61 patients were included (50% BSRTC III, 50% BSRTC IV). Malignant nodules demonstrated a significantly higher C + U score compared with benign in both categories. The C + U cutoff value for BSRTC III was 5.25 (sensitivity and specificity of 69.23% and 66.67%, respectively, AUC = 0.72, p-value = 0.016), and 5.75 for BSRTC IV (sensitivity and specificity of 85.7% and 76.5%, respectively, AUC = 0.84, p-value < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that the CUT score is applicable for both BSRTC III and IV nodules, and highlights the need for internal validations, since the cutoffs found were higher than previously reported.

Cervical osteomyelitis and soft tissue polymicrobial abscess in an immunocompetent 16-year-old patient.

A 16-year-old man was hospitalised with a painful space-occupying lesion in his posterior neck involving muscles, soft tissues, C1 cervical vertebra and vital cervical blood vessels. The true-cut biopsy showed inflammatory tissue. The microbiological analysis, which combined classical bacteriological and molecular methods, yielded at least four different anaerobic species. The patient was treated successfully with a prolonged course of ceftriaxone and metronidazole.

Creutzfeldt-Jakob and Vascular Brain Diseases: Their Overlap and Relationships.

Only a few case reports of stroke-like onset of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) have previously been published. We aimed to analyze the neurological, imaging, electroencephalographic (EEG), and laboratory features of patients with this very rare phenomenon. Here, we review the clinical characteristics, onset features, and clinical course variants of stroke-like CJD in 23 such patients. The median age of the patients was 71 years (range: 56-84 years); 12 were women. In 20 patients, CJD was sporadic. Thirteen patients developed apoplexy-like onset of symptoms, whereas the others had prodromal non-specific complaints. Most often the patients manifested with pyramidal signs (n = 13), ataxia (n = 9), and aphasia (n = 8). On MRI DWI sequence, all subjects had abnormal hyperintensities in various parts of the cerebral cortex, striatum, or thalamus, while EEG detected periodic triphasic waves only in 11. CSF 14-3-3 protein and total τ-protein were abnormal in 17 of 23 cases. All patients died, median lifespan being 2 months (range: 19 days-14 months). In conclusion, a complex of clinical, radiological, and laboratory manifestations of stroke-like onset of CJD is outlined. The clinical relationships between CJD and stroke are considered, in an attempt to highlight this rare presentation of an uncommon disease.

Relations between body mass index, laryngeal fat pads, and laryngeal airway configuration in adult men population.

BACKGROUND: The impact of body mass index (BMI) on pharyngeal fat pads has been well studied, yet no study has assessed its associations on laryngeal morphology. OBJECTIVES: To study the associations of BMI differences on laryngeal morphology in adult males using computed tomography angiography (CTA) scans. METHODS: All adult male patients who underwent head and neck CTAs between 2011 and 2018 were initially included and categorized according to their BMI: (1) BMI < 20; (2) 20 ≤ BMI < 25; (3) 25 ≤ BMI < 30; (4) 30 ≤ BMI < 35; and (5) BMI ≥ 35. Anatomical measurements included pre-epiglottic and paraglottic fat-pad dimensions, airway width at the epiglottis tip and base, and epiglottis angle. For statistical analysis, BMI was regarded both as a categorical and continuous variable. RESULTS: One hundred and five scans were included. BMI ranged from 15.90 to 44.40 kg/m2. Significant differences were found in pre-epiglottic and paraglottic fat measurements between BMI subgroups 1-5 (Pre-epiglottic fat depth: 17.75, 17.74, 19.04, 20.73, and 21.09 mm, respectively, P = 0.005, correlation 0.343, and P < 0.001 in continuous measurement; Paraglottic space average width: 3.5, 5.4, 5.46, 6.85, and 7.38 mm, P < 0.001, correlation 0.532, and P < 0.001 in continuous measurement). As BMI increased, the epiglottis-hard-palate angle increased (56.4°, 55.3°, 65.2°, 64°, and 68.4°, P = 0.001, correlation 0.354, and P < 0.001 in continuous measurement). No significant difference was found in airway width between subgroups at the epiglottis tip or base. Yet, in continuous variables analysis, a significant negative correlation was found between BMI scores and the airway width at the epiglottis base (-0.226, P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: In adult males, BMI is correlated with laryngeal fat-pad volume, affecting its morphology and airway width. Clinical implications regarding obstructive sleep apnea and voice quality should be further investigated.

Correction to: Spontaneous neck hematoma secondary to parathyroid adenoma: a case series.

In the original publication of the article, one of the author name was published incorrectly.

Spontaneous neck hematoma secondary to parathyroid adenoma: a case series.

PURPOSE: Spontaneous neck hematoma is a rare yet potentially fatal complication of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). Here we aim to describe novel presentations of neck hematomas secondary to PHPT, discussing tools and signs that facilitate diagnosis. METHODS: Case series data were extracted by retrospective chart reviews of our institution's electronic medical records, including all neck hematoma cases from parathyroid origin between 2005 and 2020. Cases from PubMed and EMBASE between 1999 and 2020 were analyzed in a systematic literature review. RESULTS: Four patients were identified with five acute bleeding events, including a novel report of recurrent neck hemorrhage due to parathyroid adenoma. There was postmenopausal female predominance (75%), consistent with previous reports (72.7%). Common presentations included neck pain, dysphagia and hoarseness. All bleedings spread into the retropharyngeal space. Vocal cord paralysis was found in a single case and in 8.6% of the benign lesions in the reviewed cases. A single case presented with normal calcium levels (20% of bleeding episodes), in line with the reviewed cases (17.4%). A subtle CT sign of an enhancing area within the parathyroid gland, which led to the diagnosis, was identified in a single case. Conservative treatments were employed in 80% of our cases and in 51.5% of the reviewed cases, all being successful. Neck explorations performed after a 3-month waiting period from the acute event demonstrated better results compared to immediate surgery. CONCLUSION: A high suspicion index is needed, particularly in post-menopausal women, to reach a diagnosis and allow optimal management. Normal laboratory values do not exclude parathyroid etiology, yet assessment should include calcium and PTH levels along with targeted imaging. Since bleeding may recur, we suggest that PHPT complicated with neck hematoma should be an independent indication for definitive parathyroidectomy surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3b.

Development of the nasopharynx: A radiological study of children.

The relation between pharyngeal tonsil and the bony nasopharynx determines the nasopharyngeal airway patency. Despite its importance, an anatomical study utilizing advanced imaging has not been conducted. The aim of the study was to evaluate the pharyngeal tonsil and bony nasopharynx depth and their ratio (adenoid-nasopharyngeal ratio [ANR]) with relation to sex and age in the general pediatric population. After excluding reported history of adenoidectomy, acute upper airway illness, allergy, and poor quality, 200 randomly selected head computed tomographies (CTs) of children were evaluated. CTs were divided into five age groups (0-5, 5.1-8, 8.1-11, 11.1-14, and 14.1-17 years). For each CT scan, the pharyngeal tonsil, bony nasopharynx and ANR values were calculated. A significant difference was found in the bony nasopharynx and pharyngeal tonsil depth between the five age subgroups (P < 0.001). Both bony nasopharynx and pharyngeal tonsil depth significantly increased between the age groups of 0-5 years to 5.1-8 years (4.17 mm increase, P < 0.001 and 3.47 mm increase, P < 0.009, respectively). The pharyngeal tonsil depth gradually decreases following the age of 8 years. No difference was found between age groups beyond age of eight for both the pharyngeal tonsil tissue and the bony nasopharynx. The ANR has an upward trend in the age group of 5.1-8 years. No sexual predilection was found. The bony nasopharynx and the pharyngeal tonsil tissue both grow during childhood. Different growth rates result in the narrowest airway in the age group of 5.1-8 years (ANR peak). These growth curves should be taken under consideration when treating pediatric pharyngeal tonsil hypertrophy. Clin. Anat., 33:1019-1024, 2020. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Volumetric analysis of the maxillary, sphenoid and frontal sinuses: A comparative computerized tomography based study.

OBJECTIVE: To study volume characteristics of the maxillary, sphenoid and frontal sinuses among healthy Caucasians adults, using computed tomography (CT) scans. METHODS: A retrospective, case series study in a single academic center, CT scans of 201 consecutive adult subjects, performed between January and September 2014, were reviewed for the volume and dimensions of the paranasal sinuses. Patients with documented sinus pathology or lack of pneumatization were excluded. The study population was subdivided by gender and age (50 men age 25-64; 51 men age ≥65; 50 women age 25-64, and 50 women age ≥65). RESULTS: The mean volume of maxillary, sphenoid and frontal sinuses in the four groups were 12.75±4.38 cc; 4.00±1.99 cc and 2.92±2.57 cc, respectively. In both genders, older patients demonstrated a significantly lower volume of the maxillary and sphenoid sinuses (14.81±3.96 cc vs. 11.82±4.28 cc and 4.84±1.97 vs. 3.84±1.89 cc respectively; p<0.001). No age related difference was found in the frontal sinus. Males had significantly larger sinus volumes than females (p<0.001): maxillary 14.38±(4.64) vs. 12.23±(3.82) cc, sphenoid 4.74±(2.06) vs. 3.55±(1.73) cc, frontal 3.74±(2.97) vs. 3.21±(2.79) cc. No synergistic effect of age and gender was found. CONCLUSION: Volumes of the paranasal sinuses correlates with age and gender. Age related volume degeneration is expected in the maxillary and sphenoid sinuses. This volume reduction may influence future surgical and therapeutic approaches in the geriatric population.

Cervical Osteophytes Increase the Risk for Foreign Body Impaction: A 171-Patient Case-Control Study.

The aim of this study is to define the relationship between anatomical and pathological cervical structures and the impaction of ingested foreign bodies (FBs). The effects of such structures on deglutition have been previously discussed, however their contribution to FB impaction has not yet been examined. This was a retrospective case-control study of 171 patients who underwent computed tomography (CT) scans over the period 2008-2014: 57 patients with an esophageal or hypopharyngeal FB; the other 114 comprised the control group, selected using the 'neighbor control' method. CT scans were reviewed for measurements of cervical structures. The mean age was 63 ± 13 years and 55 ± 17 years in the case and control groups, respectively (p-value = 0.003). Age was the only demographic or clinical characteristic which demonstrated a significant difference. Overall, 24 patients had cervical osteophytes: 28 %(16) with an impacted FB, compared with 7 %(8) from the control group (p-value < 0.001). Of the patients with osteophytes and impacted FBs, 62.5 % had the FB lodged at a vertebral level corresponding to their osteophytes, while another 18.75 % had the FB within three vertebral levels above the osteophytes. Stepwise logistic regression revealed that osteophytes were a significant factor, independent of older age (p-value = 0.004). Adjusted odds ratio for FB impaction in the presence of osteophytes was 4.04. Ventral cervical osteophytes increase the risk for FB impaction in the upper digestive tract. This risk is independent of older age. These findings can be of value in preventive medicine, and emphasize the importance of looking for spinal changes in patients with recurrent FB impaction.

Acute Splenic Infarction at an Academic General Hospital Over 10 Years: Presentation, Etiology, and Outcome.

Few case series provide a current, comprehensive, and detailed description of splenic infarction (SI), an uncommon condition.Retrospective chart review complemented by imaging evaluation and patient follow-up.All adult patients with a confirmed diagnosis of acute SI discharged over 10 years from a single academic center were studied. A systematic literature review was done to compile a complete list of SI etiologies.SI was found in 32 patients, 0.016% of admissions. Ages ranged from 18 to 86 (median 64) years. Cardiogenic emboli were the predominant etiology (20/32, 62.5%) and atrial fibrillation was frequent. Other patients had autoimmune disease (12.5%), associated infection (12.5%), or hematological malignancy (6%). Nine of the patients (28%) had been previously healthy or with no recognized morbidity predisposing to SI. In 5 of 9 hitherto silent antiphospholipid syndrome or mitral valve disease had been identified. Two remained cryptogenic. Most patients presented with abdominal pain (84%), often felt in the left upper quadrant or epigastrium. Associated symptoms, leukocytosis or increased serum lactate dehydrogenase occurred inconsistently (∼25% each). Chest X-ray showed suggestive Lt. supra-diaphragmatic findings in 22%. Thus, the typical predisposing factors and/or clinical presentation should suggest SI to the clinician and be followed by early imaging by computed tomography (CT), highly useful also in atypical presentations. Complications were rare and patients were discharged after 6.5 days (median) on anticoagulant treatment. The systematic literature review revealed an extensive list of conditions underlying SI. In some, SI may be the first and presenting manifestation.SI is a rare event but should be considered in predisposed patients or those with any combination of suggestive clinical features, especially abdominal pain CT evaluation is diagnostic and the outcome is good.

Low-back pain, lassitude and loss of appetite.

White blood cells, Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein are sensitive tools to discover rare, but potentially serious pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis, a disease whose incidence is increasing.

Spontaneous neck hematoma in a patient with fibromuscular dysplasia: a case report and a review of the literature.

Background. Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is a vascular disease that may present as aneurysms in the cervical arteries. Spontaneous neck hematoma is a rare life threatening medical condition. This is the first report of neck hematoma in a patient with FMD. Methods and Results. We present a case of a 69-year-old woman, with diagnosed cervical FMD and a 3-day history of sore throat and neck pain, who presented with enlarging neck hematoma. No active bleeding was noticed on CT angiography, airway was not compromised, and patient was managed conservatively. Next day, invasive angiography was performed, and no bleeding vessel was demonstrated. Patient has improved and was discharged after 5 days of hospitalization. We have discussed the different etiology of this condition, focusing on systemic vascular diseases. Conclusion. Complaint of neck pain in a patient with a FMD should raise suspicion for possible neck hematoma. Conversely, spontaneous neck hematoma without clear etiology should raise suspicion for a systemic vascular disease.