Metastatic pancreatic cancer presenting with pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Chronic cough is one of the most common symptoms encountered in respiratory clinics. It has a variety of differential diagnoses, and without a clear algorithmic approach, the final diagnosis can be overlooked. In this case report, we present a unique case of metastatic pancreatic cancer presented as chronic cough.

Prevalence, Reasons and Determinants of Patients' Nondisclosure to Their Doctors in Saudi Arabia: A Community-Based Study.

INTRODUCTION: Patient-doctor communication is a fundamental component of patients' care. Withholding important information to the doctor can negatively affect the patients' health and patient-doctor communication. AIM: This study aimed to explore the fundamental types of information that patients hide from doctors, eg, the use of medication, health-related lifestyle, or disagreement with the doctor's plan. In addition, this study examines the prevalence and reasons for this nondisclosure and factors associated with it. METHODOLOGY: An online survey was conducted using a self-designed questionnaire, which was distributed to social media, targeting the residents of Saudi Arabia from February 1, 2021 to February 28, 2021. Respondents under 18 years of age and those who provided incomplete/incorrect data were excluded from the study. Types of nondisclosed information and their reasons were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 2725 participants completed the questionnaire, and 1392 (51.1%) were males. About 43.2% of the participants were 18-29 years. Most (82%) responded "yes" to the question "Have you ever withheld any information from your doctor?" Nondisclosed information commonly involved disagreements with the recommendation (44.7%), not taking prescription medication as instructed (40.6%), and not understanding the instructions (37.4%). The most frequent reasons (68.7%) for nondisclosure were that the participants wanted to undergo further tests, did not like the doctor's attitude (48.7%) and felt it did not matter to the doctor (43.2%). Those under 40 were more apt to withhold information (70.4%) than older participants (29.6%) p value = 0.0034. Other factors like gender, education level, and marital status were not associated with nondisclosure. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of nondisclosure to doctors is high. Effective communication skills and sound doctor-patient relationships may reduce this risk and improve the care delivered to the patients.

Awareness About Keratoconus and Its Relation With Eye Rubbing: A Cross-Sectional Study in Medina.

BACKGROUND: Keratoconus is a non-inflammatory, bilateral, asymmetrical progressive disorder characterized by ectasia, thinning, and increased curvature of the cornea, as well as loss of visual acuity. Eye rubbing is considered the most common risk factor for keratoconus. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to assess the awareness of the population in Medina about keratoconus and its relation to eye rubbing. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study involving 767 participants via an online pre-designed questionnaire from November 2021 to January 2022, in Medina, Saudi Arabia.  Results: Among the study participants, 94.1% have a lack of awareness about keratoconus and its relation to eye rubbing. Participants who have a visual disturbance and positive family history of keratoconus were found to have good awareness levels. Those who heard about keratoconus represent 39.8% of the participants, and relatives with keratoconus were the most common source of their information. An allergic reaction was reported by 34.9% of the participants, and 7.7% have a family history of keratoconus. Only 27.8% believe in the relationship between keratoconus and allergy, and 61.9% have no idea about the treatment. For eye rubbing, 28.9% of participants believe it can lead to keratoconus; also, 80.4% reported rubbing their eyes, and itching was the most common cause of their behavior. CONCLUSION: The majority of the participants have a lack of awareness about keratoconus and its relation to eye rubbing. Health education programs for the population should be conducted to enhance public awareness about keratoconus.