A Case of Tizanidine Withdrawal and Road to Recovery.

This case report highlights the complexities of tizanidine withdrawal in a 68-year-old woman with chronic pain. Tizanidine, a widely used imidazole-derived muscle relaxant, poses challenges due to the absence of standardized withdrawal protocols. The patient's presentation included hypertension and tachycardia following a gradual reduction in her outpatient tizanidine dose. During the de-escalation of tizanidine, the patient experienced withdrawal symptoms, including severe body aches, hypertension, and tachycardia. Management during withdrawal involved a unique approach using a one-time dose of phenobarbital, a measure that allowed the resolution of hemodynamic instability and pain with complete discontinuation of tizanidine. The ultimate decision to transition the patient to methocarbamol and stop taking tizanidine for pain control highlights the importance of individualized care. The patient has responded to this therapy upon follow-up.

Outcomes of COVID-19-Associated Hospitalizations in Geriatric Patients with Dementia in the United States: A Propensity Score Matched Analysis.

Previous studies have convincingly demonstrated the negative impact of dementia on overall health outcomes. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is burgeoning evidence suggesting a possible association between dementia and adverse outcomes, however the relationship has not been conclusively established. We conducted a retrospective cohort study involving 816,960 hospitalized COVID-19 patients aged 65 or older from the 2020 national inpatient sample. The cohort was bifurcated into patients with dementia (n = 180,845) and those without (n = 636,115). Multivariate regression and propensity score matched analyses (PSM) assessed in-hospital mortality and complications. We observed that COVID-19 patients with dementia had a notably higher risk of in-hospital mortality (23.1% vs. 18.6%; aOR = 1.2 [95% CI 1.1-1.2]). This elevated risk persisted even after PSM. Interestingly, dementia patients had a reduced risk of several acute in-hospital complications, including liver failure and sudden cardiac arrest. Nevertheless, they had longer hospital stays and lower total hospital charges. Our findings conclusively demonstrate that dementia patients face a heightened risk of mortality when hospitalized with COVID-19 but are less likely to experience certain complications. This complexity underscores the urgent need for individualized care strategies for this vulnerable group.

Navigating the Challenges of Takayasu Arteritis in a 26-Year-Old Female With Recurrent Chest Pain and a Complex Medical History.

Takayasu arteritis, a rare and complex vasculitis, presents unique diagnostic and management challenges, particularly when encountered in young adults. We present the case of a 26-year-old female with obesity, prediabetes, hepatic steatosis, an adnexal cyst, Helicobacter pylori gastritis, and asthma, who was transferred to our facility due to concerns about aortitis. Her presentation to the referring institution included dysphagia, heartburn that responded to over-the-counter antacids, and recurrent episodes of stabbing chest pain, which had been occurring intermittently since the age of 17. Previous visits to the emergency room for these symptoms had been approached as gastritis, the last being two weeks before this episode. On evaluation, laboratory findings revealed elevated inflammatory markers, and subsequent imaging studies identified extensive circumferential wall thickening of the ascending thoracic aorta, suggestive of aortitis, and the patient was transferred to our institution. The patient's complex medical history and psychosocial stressors, including estrangement from her family, added to the intricacies of her case. Rheumatology consultation was instrumental in guiding further evaluation and management. A diagnosis of Takayasu arteritis with large vessel vasculitis was considered, supported by positron emission tomography-computed tomography findings showing significant metabolic activity in major arteries. The patient was initiated on prednisone therapy, Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia prophylaxis, and methotrexate. Ongoing monitoring for disease activity and medication side effects was emphasized. This case highlights the importance of considering rare conditions such as Takayasu arteritis in young adults with atypical presentations and underscores the need for comprehensive, multidisciplinary care that addresses not only the medical aspects but also the psychosocial well-being of the patient.

Leser-Trélat Syndrome, an Underdiagnosed Cutaneous Paraneoplastic Syndrome That Could Aid in Early Detection of Colon Cancer: A Case Report.

Leser-Trélat syndrome, a rare cutaneous paraneoplastic phenomenon, has gained attention for its potential role as an early indicator of underlying internal malignancies. This article presents a comprehensive case study of a 67-year-old male with a history of alcohol and tobacco use, emphasizing the importance of recognizing this syndrome in clinical practice. The sudden onset of seborrheic keratoses on the thorax and back, retrospectively identified as Leser-Trélat syndrome, prompted investigations that led to the early diagnosis of a colon adenocarcinoma. We discuss the pathophysiology, clinical relevance, and controversies surrounding this syndrome, highlighting the need for increased awareness among healthcare professionals. Timely recognition of Leser-Trélat syndrome can significantly impact patient care, leading to improved prognoses for associated neoplasms. This case underscores the importance of comprehensive evaluations and further research to enhance our understanding and management of cutaneous paraneoplastic syndromes.

Tuberous Sclerosis Associated With Aortic Stenosis and Endocarditis: A Case Report.

Tuberous sclerosis (TS) is a multisystem neurocutaneous disorder with an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance. It is characterized by hamartomas that damage the skin, kidneys, lungs, heart, and central nervous system, among other organs. Rhabdomyomas, benign tumors of aberrant myocytes, are common in affected patients at birth. Depending on their size and location, these lesions might create valvopathies, which can cause heart failure or malignant arrhythmias, or they can cause obstruction of the outlet or inlet tract. Before making the diagnosis, a long time-even years-often passes. Early diagnosis can help prevent permanent irreversible complications. Differential diagnoses may include neurofibromatosis type 1, Sturge-Weber syndrome, and von Hippel-Lindau disease, among others. Diagnostic aids, such as MRI, CT scans, and genetic testing, can be useful in confirming a diagnosis of TS. Histological findings may include the presence of hamartomas, which are benign tumors composed of abnormal cells. Treatment for TS is mainly supportive and may involve medications to manage symptoms, and surgery to remove tumors. We present the case of a 23-year-old woman with TS who was admitted with macroscopic hematuria and fever, with further workup revealing tumor-like cardiac lesions associated with infective endocarditis.

Understanding the Role of Human Papillomavirus in Head and Neck Cancer of Unknown Primary: A Systematic Review.

This systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of human papillomavirus (HPV) in head and neck cancer of unknown primary (HNCUP). HNCUP is a rare type of cancer with an unknown primary site, which makes it difficult to diagnose and treat. The review includes articles published between 2013 and 2023 that investigated the prevalence of HPV in HNCUP, its association with clinical outcomes, and its potential implications for diagnosis and treatment. The search was conducted in 11 electronic databases, and the gray literature: Cochrane, Cumed, IBECS, JAMA Network, LILACS, MEDLINE Ovid, MEDLINE-EBSCO, PubMed, Scopus, SciELO, and Taylor & Francis Online; a total of 23 studies met the inclusion criteria. The review found that HPV is present in a significant proportion of HNCUP cases, ranging from 15.5% to 100%. HNCUP incidence is increasing, and the presence of HPV was associated with improved clinical outcomes in some studies, such as overall survival and disease-free survival; but was found to have no association with outcomes in others. This may have implications for diagnostic and treatment strategies. The findings of this review suggest that further research is needed to better understand the role of HPV in HNCUP and to develop targeted therapies for this disease.

Simpatectomía torácica para hiperhidrosis focal: una revisión de alcance / Thoracic sympathectomy for focal hyperhidrosis: a Scoping Review

La hiperhidrosis focal primaria (HH) es un trastorno que consiste en sudoración que excede lo requerido para la termorregulación y afecta a 3 de cada 100 personas en la población general. Es considerada una enfermedad con alto impacto en la calidad de vida. La fisiopatología involucra el eje hipotálamo- sistema nervioso autónomo. A lo largo de la historia se han descrito múltiples terapias médicas y quirúrgicas con resultados variables. En la literatura se evidencia un vacío en el conocimiento acerca de la simpatectomía torácica (ST) y su utilidad en el contexto de HH. En miras a mejorar la calidad de vida de estos pacientes, realizamos una revisión cuidadosa de la literatura disponible actualmente, encontrando que la ST es un procedimiento seguro y efectivo, con altas tasas de éxito y satisfacción en estos pacientes.

Primary focal hyperhidrosis (HH) is a disorder consisting of sweating in excess of that required for thermoregulation and affects 3 out of 100 people in the general population. It is considered a disease with a high impact on quality of life. Pathophysiology involves the hypothalamic-autonomic nervous system axis. Throughout history, multiple medical and surgical therapies have been described with variable results. The literature shows a gap in knowledge about thoracic sympathectomy and its usefulness in the context of HH. To improve the quality of life of these patients, we carried out a careful review of the currently available literature, finding that ST is a safe and effective procedure, with high rates of success and satisfaction in these patients.

Cardiac Myxomas As Chameleons: A Scoping Review of Their Paraneoplastic Presentations.

This scoping review aims to explore the relationship between cardiac myxomas (CMs) and paraneoplastic syndromes (PS). CMs are the most common tumors in the heart, with the majority located in the left atrium, and are often associated with a triad of obstructive, embolic, and constitutional symptoms. However, they can also present with unrelated symptoms that are part of a PS. This study performed a thorough literature search of 11 databases and included 12 papers in the final review. All of the patients were diagnosed with atrial myxoma, which initially presented as a PS. Surgery was the curative measure in all cases and resulted in remission in every case, with patients reporting resolution of symptoms at follow-up. The majority of patients in the study were female, with comorbid rheumatologic conditions often present. This study highlights the heterogeneity of presentations of CMs and their associated PS.

Artificially Sweetened Beverages Beyond the Metabolic Risks: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

We carried out a review of the available literature on the effects that artificially sweetened beverages (ASBs) such as diet soda (DS) have on health, particularly those not related to incident diabetes mellitus, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. A search of scientific articles was carried out using 11 different databases: PubMed, Cochrane, LILACS, MEDLINE Ovid, JAMA Network, IBECS, Cumed, Scopus, SciELO, MEDLINE-EBSCO, and Taylor & Francis Online. Articles published in the last 10 years were considered, considering cross-sectional studies, retrospective or prospective cohort studies, case-control studies, and randomized controlled clinical trials. Only articles in Spanish or English were considered using the MeSH (Medical Subject Heading) and DeCS (Descriptores en Ciencias de la Salud) terms, including "Diet soda," "Health," "Artificial sweetener," "Gaseosa sin azúcar," "Refresco sin azúcar," and "Salud." Additionally, Boolean operators "AND" and "Y" were used. A total of 1,323 articles were obtained in the initial search, of which 21 main ones were selected for review, which included the topic of DS consumption and explored the health consequences that it poses on different organs. The question of whether ASBs such as DS are a preferred substitute is becoming more and more important in terms of public policy due to mounting evidence of the potential negative health effects of their excessive consumption. This systematic review, the first of its kind to our knowledge, sheds light on how excessive DS consumption can affect multiple organ systems, and associations have been made to mental health burden, delays in child neurodevelopment, cardiac remodeling, worsening retinopathy in diabetics, incidental end-stage renal disease, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and multiple myeloma in men, rheumatoid arthritis in women, hip fractures, dental erosion, increases in breath alcohol concentration when used in alcoholic beverages, and accelerated cell aging. Further studies should delve further to understand the pathophysiologic mechanisms of these associations.

Unraveling Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Therapy Side Effects in Bladder Cancer: A Tale of Triumph Over Treatment Challenges.

This case report presents a 66-year-old male with a complex medical history, including testicular cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, obstructive sleep apnea, tobacco use disorder, erectile dysfunction, and obesity. The patient exhibited recurrent gross hematuria, leading to a comprehensive workup. Cystoscopy revealed a bladder tumor, prompting transurethral resection and mitomycin C instillation. Subsequent intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) therapy was initiated but resulted in severe sepsis during maintenance. Despite initial suspicion of BCG-induced sepsis, further evaluation suggested a reaction with chemical cystitis. Treatment involved brief antimicrobial therapy, and the patient's condition improved. This case highlights the challenges in managing BCG therapy complications, emphasizing the need for prompt intervention, careful monitoring, and consideration of risk factors. Patient education and vigilant follow-ups are crucial for addressing potential long-term effects.

An Atypical Cutaneous Metastasis in a Case of Clear Cell Renal Carcinoma.

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) comprises most renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cases, with its incidence increasing in recent years. Metastases are most commonly found in the lungs, bones, liver, and brain. However, few patients present with cutaneous metastases, which are usually associated with poor outcomes. We present the case of a 52-year-old man with ccRCC and skin metastasis. Our aim was to highlight the variability in the presentation of cutaneous metastasis of ccRCC. Clinicians should be aware of the various manifestations and possible locations of RCC skin metastases to better identify these lesions and further guide treatment.

A Case of Two Brothers With Dysphagia Due to Eosinophilic Esophagitis.

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a disease that is still not fully understood. Its pathogenesis, while increasingly clarified, still remains highly complex, which means that no curative treatment has been defined for this clinical entity. It is clear that it is a disease of multifactorial etiology, in which both genetics and environmental factors, especially those related to childhood, have considerable weight, and there is an important allergenic factor as well. We present the case of two brothers with EoE. Two male patients aged 20 and 22 years, white, with a personal history of atopy, allergic rhinitis, and dermatitis, consulted the gastroenterologist for dysphagia. Endoscopy and esophageal biopsy showed elements compatible with EoE in both of them. Treatment was conducted with proton pump inhibitor (PPI) monotherapy in one of the brothers, and PPI with oral steroid in the other, both of which led to good results in terms of symptoms. In the first case, histologic evidence of the disease persisted despite the symptomatic resolution; the second did not pursue a follow-up. The biggest questions pertaining to the treatment of this condition are as follows: Is suppression of gastric acidity enough? Should we use steroids? How about a combination of both? Should we adopt new therapies? New studies involving randomized trials should be conducted to address these questions in order to treat each patient individually with an effective and practical approach that is also supported by the literature.