Anterior lamellar corneoscleral keratoplasty for the management of corneal thinning following treatment with mitomycin-C and interferon to treat highly suspected ocular surface squamous neoplasia: a case report

ABSTRACT A patient presented with corneoscleral thinning five months after the treatment of suspected ocular squamous surface neoplasia with mitomycin-C and interferon. For tectonic and aesthetic purposes, we decided to perform lamellar corneoscleral transplantation. The approach used established new tectonic support and corneal homeostasis. This technique might be an option in similar cases.

Relato de caso de lombalgia inflamatória com extenso comprometimento anatômico-funcional: a importância de uma adequada abordagem da dor lombar na Atenção Primária à Saúde / Case report of inflammatory low back pain with extensive anatomical-functional impairment: The importance of an adequate approach to low back pain in Primary Care / Presentación de un caso de lumbalgia inflamatoria con afectación anatómico-funcional extensa: La importancia de un abordaje adecuado de la lumbalgia en Atención Primaria de Salud

Introdução: A lombalgia é uma condição prevalente e que apresenta importante impacto na capacidade funcional e na qualidade de vida, sendo a sua correta abordagem na Atenção Primária à Saúde fundamental para a identificação e o estabelecimento de um diagnóstico etiológico precoce de possíveis patologias que possam estar relacionadas a desfechos mórbidos e a graves limitações funcionais. Apresentação do caso: Paciente de 56 anos, sexo masculino, hipertenso, foi encaminhado para serviço especializado de reumatologia com histórico de lombalgia havia mais de 20 anos. Ao exame físico foi constatada presença de deformidades da coluna vertebral e extensa limitação de movimentos. Exames radiográficos mostravam esclerose de articulações sacroilíacas, osteopenia difusa e coluna vertebral em aspecto de "bambu". Conclusões: Constata-se a importância de que na abordagem das lombalgias na atenção primária se busque o reconhecimento de possíveis etiologias graves e potencialmente incapacitantes que possam estar subjacentes à queixa de dor lombar. Com esse objetivo, é fundamental o reconhecimento das chamadas red flags relacionadas às lombalgias, além de sua caracterização como mecânica ou inflamatória. Perante a atuação da atenção primária no oferecimento de um cuidado pautado na integralidade e na prevenção de agravos, reafirma-se a importância de uma avaliação clínica pormenorizada das lombalgias nesse nível de atenção à saúde.

Introduction: Low back pain is a prevalent condition that has an important impact on functional capacity and quality of life, and its correct approach in Primary Care is fundamental to the identification and establishment of an early etiological diagnosis of possible pathologies that may be related to outcomes morbid conditions and serious functional limitations. Case presentation: 56-year-old male patient, hypertensive, referred to a specialized rheumatology service with a history of low back pain for over 20 years. Physical examination revealed the presence of spinal deformities and extensive movement limitations. Radiographic examinations showing sclerosis of the sacro-iliac joints, diffuse osteopenia and a "bamboo" appearance of the spine. Conclusions: It is important that in the approach of low back pain in Primary Care, we seek to recognize possible serious and potentially disabling etiologies that may underlie the complaint of low back pain. For that, it is essential to recognize the so-called "red flags" related to low back pain, in addition to its characterization as mechanical or inflammatory. Given the role of Primary Care in offering care based on integrality and in the prevention of injuries, the importance of a detailed clinical assessment of low back pain at this level of health care is reaffirmed.

Introducción: La lumbalgia es una patología prevalente que tiene un impacto importante en la capacidad funcional y la calidad de vida, y su correcto abordaje en Atención Primaria de Salud es fundamental para la identificación y establecimiento de un diagnóstico etiológico precoz de posibles patologías que puedan estar relacionadas con los resultados, condiciones morbosas y limitaciones funcionales graves. Presentación del caso: Paciente masculino de 56 años, hipertenso, remitido a servicio especializado de reumatología con antecedentes de dolor lumbar de más de 20 años. El examen físico reveló la presencia de deformidades de la columna y amplias limitaciones de movimiento. Los exámenes radiológicos muestran esclerosis de las articulaciones sacroilíacas, osteopenia difusa y una apariencia de "bambú" de la columna. Conclusiones: Es importante que al abordar la lumbalgia en Atención Primaria de Salud busquemos reconocer las posibles etiologías graves y potencialmente incapacitantes que pueden subyacer a la queja de lumbalgia. Con este objetivo, es fundamental reconocer las llamadas "banderas rojas" relacionadas con la lumbalgia, además de su caracterización como mecánica o inflamatoria. Dado el papel de Atención Primaria de Salud a la hora de ofrecer una atención basada en la integralidad y prevención de enfermedades, se reafirma la importancia de una evaluación clínica detallada de la lumbalgia en este nivel de atención sanitaria.

Acidente crotálico seguido por primeiro episódio psicótico: um folclore clínico / Rattlesnake bite accident followed by first psychotic episode: a clinical folklore / Accidente crotálico seguido de primer episodio psicótico: un folclore clínico

Introdução: Acidentes ofídicos são doenças negligenciadas e constituem uma parcela importante da morbidade de pessoas em idade produtiva que vivem em zonas rurais. A maior parte dos seus efeitos a curto prazo é amplamente conhecida, especialmente aqueles de natureza clínica; no entanto, ainda se observa lacuna importante do conhecimento das consequências a longo prazo de tais agravos, notadamente as de ordem psíquica. Este artigo relata um caso de adoecimento mental subsequente a um acidente crotálico e gera reflexões de âmbito cultural e fisiopatológico a respeito das sequelas de tais eventos. Apresentação do caso: Trata-se de adolescente residente no interior baiano que foi vítima de mordedura por cascavel e teve necessidade de hospitalização em unidade de terapia intensiva. Observou-se que, mesmo após melhora clínica, iniciou com sintomas psicóticos prodrômicos e progrediu para piora mental grave, que culminou em internação psiquiátrica e diagnóstico de esquizofrenia no decorrer dos meses seguintes. Conclusões: Nota-se, neste caso, correlação direta entre esses dois eventos; mas, em razão da escassez de trabalhos científicos que abordem tais questões, depreende-se que é preciso investigar e estudar com maior profundidade possíveis associações entre acidentes crotálicos e psicoses.

Introduction: Snakebites are neglected diseases and constitute an important part of the morbidity of working-age people who live in rural areas. Most of their short-term effects are widely known, especially those of a clinical nature; however, there is still an important gap in the knowledge of the long-term consequences of such injuries, notably those of a psychotic nature. This article aims to report a case of mental illness subsequent to a rattlesnake bite accident and generate cultural and pathophysiological reflections regarding the consequences of such events. Case presentation: An adolescent residing in the interior of the state of Bahia was bitten by a rattlesnake and required hospitalization in an intensive care unit. It was observed that even after clinical improvement, the case started with prodromal psychotic symptoms and progressed to severe mental deterioration that culminated in psychiatric hospitalization and diagnosis of schizophrenia over the following months. Conclusions: In this case, there was a direct correlation between these two events, but because of the scarcity of scientific works that address such issues, it is necessary to investigate and study in greater depth possible associations between snakebite accidents and psychoses.

Introducción: Las mordeduras de serpientes son enfermedades desatendidas y constituyen una parte importante de la morbilidad de las personas en edad laboral que viven en zonas rurales. La mayoría de sus efectos a corto plazo son ampliamente conocidos, especialmente los de carácter clínico; sin embargo, todavía existe un importante vacío en el conocimiento de las consecuencias a largo plazo de este tipo de lesiones, en particular las de carácter psíquico. Este artículo tiene como objetivo informar un caso de enfermedad mental posterior a un accidente crotálico y generar reflexiones culturales y fisiopatológicas sobre las consecuencias de tales eventos. Presentación del caso: Se trata de un adolescente residente en el interior de Bahía que fue mordido por una serpiente cascabel y requirió hospitalización en unidad de cuidados intensivos. Se observó que, aún después de la mejoría clínica, comenzó con síntomas psicóticos prodrómicos y progresó a un deterioro mental severo que culminó con hospitalización psiquiátrica y diagnóstico de esquizofrenia en los meses siguientes. Conclusiones: En este caso, existe una correlación directa entre estos dos eventos pero, debido a la escasez de trabajos científicos que aborden tales cuestiones, parece necesario investigar y estudiar con mayor profundidad posibles asociaciones entre accidentes crotálicos y psicosis.

Rotura do peitoral maior: relato de caso de uma rotura incomum / Pectoralis major rupture: case report of an unusual rupture / Rotura del pectoral mayor: informe de un caso de rotura inusual

Apesar de não muito frequente, nos últimos 20 anos, houve um aumento significativo dos relatos sobre rotura do peitoral maior, normalmente associadas à prática de atividade física em que ocorre contração intensa e/ou uso de cargas pesadas exercendo resistência sobre o músculo. Neste relato de caso temos um paciente de 51 anos referindo dor no tórax à direita e no braço direito há 3 dias após tentar consertar o guidão da moto. Apresentava assimetria dos peitorais, perda de força do membro superior direito, dificuldade de movimentação e hematoma. A ressonância magnética demonstrou rotura completa da junção miotendínea do peitoral maior, com tendinopatia com fissuras insercionais e intrasubstanciais infraespinhal e tendinopatia com rotura parcial do tendão subescapular. Foi indicado por médico ortopedista o acompanhamento com o uso de medicação analgésica.

Although not very common, in the last 20 years, there has been a significant increase in reports of rupture of the pectoralis major, normally associated with the practice of physical activity in which intense contraction occurs and/or the use of heavy loads exerting resistance on the muscle. In this case report we have a 51-year-old patient reporting pain in his right chest and right arm for 3 days after trying to fix his motorcycle's handlebars. He had asymmetry of the pectorals, loss of strength in the right upper limb, difficulty moving and hematoma. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated complete rupture of the myotendinous junction of the pectoralis major, with tendinopathy with insertional and intrasubstantial infraspinatus fissures and tendinopathy with partial rupture of the subscapularis tendon. An orthopedic doctor recommended follow-up with the use of analgesic medication.

Aunque no es muy común, en los últimos 20 años se ha observado un aumento significativo en los reportes de rotura del pectoral mayor, normalmente asociado a la práctica de actividad física en la que se produce una contracción intensa y/o al uso de cargas pesadas ejerciendo resistencia sobre el mismo. el músculo. En este caso clínico tenemos un paciente de 51 años que refiere dolor en el pecho derecho y en el brazo derecho durante 3 días después de intentar arreglar el manillar de su motocicleta. Presentó asimetría de pectorales, pérdida de fuerza en miembro superior derecho, dificultad de movimiento y hematoma. La resonancia magnética demostró rotura completa de la unión miotendinosa del pectoral mayor, con tendinopatía con fisuras de inserción e intrasustancial del infraespinoso y tendinopatía con rotura parcial del tendón subescapular. Un médico ortopédico recomendó seguimiento con el uso de medicación analgésica.

An Unexpected Giant: A Case of Massive Paratesticular Extra-mammary Myofibroblastoma.

Mammary-type myofibroblastomas (MFBs) are benign spindle cell tumors, typically presenting in common locations such as the breast, abdomen, and inguinal region. We present a case of a 66-year-old male with a four-year history of painless scrotal swelling. The preoperative diagnosis was challenging, with an initial suspicion of soft tissue sarcoma. A complete surgical excision was performed, revealing a well-circumscribed, encapsulated mass. The tumor measured 30 x 20 x 14 cm, weighing 5.28 kg. Histopathology confirmed an MFB. This exceptionally large paratesticular MFB emphasizes the diagnostic difficulty of such tumors. Surgical resection remains the treatment of choice, with an excellent prognosis. This case highlights the importance of considering MFB in the differential diagnosis of scrotal masses, even with atypical presentations.

Navigating the Cardiothoracic Publication Landscape: A Primer for Journal Selection.

Journal selection is very important for any researcher in every field. Publication in a reputable journal not only has a higher reach among a greater number of people but also sets a benchmark for significance and quality. This primer aims to guide researchers in the field of cardiothoracic research, including medicine, surgery, and imaging, to assist in journal selection for their respective articles. Journal selection depends on a variety of factors, such as impact factors, publication charges, review processes, article types that a journal accepts, and indexing. This primer highlights all these factors in detail that are essential for the selection of a suitable journal. The article emphasizes the importance of these factors in making a reasoned decision about journal selection. This article also focuses on different types of publication models and their implications, including hybrid open access, gold open access, and diamond open access. In conclusion, this primer aims to provide insights to researchers in the fields of cardiothoracic surgery, medicine, and imaging about the publication landscapes and guide them to strategically plan their submissions.

A rare case of perianal alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma.

Perianal alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma is a rare sarcoma that requires a high index of suspicion along with tissue biopsy for accurate diagnosis. Successful treatment, even in the setting of recurrence, requires a multidisciplinary approach.

Clinical and Radiological Identification and Management of SAPHO Syndrome.

Introduction: Synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome is an autoinflammatory disease whose acronymic name stands for the symptoms commonly seen in the disease. These symptoms typically occur simultaneously, in different combinations, in patients during exacerbations of the disease. SAPHO syndrome is a rare disease, most frequently seen in patients aged 30 to 50. It is estimated to be found in 1 in 10 000 persons in White populations, with an even lower incidence seen in non-White populations. Case Presentation: A post-menopausal woman with a medical history of SAPHO presented to the emergency department with left foot pain and chest pain with palpitation. She had chronic pustular rashes, located on the bilateral soles of the feet, bilateral palms, neck, and abdomen, which she stated appeared hours after the initial presentation of her pain. Chest X-ray readings showed osteitis and sclerosis of the sternocostoclavicular joint and first rib, a radiological finding of SAPHO syndrome. The patient was successfully treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain relief and IV corticosteroids for the rheumatoid-like inflammatory aspect of SAPHO. Conclusion: While SAPHO syndrome is a rare disease, it is important to be aware of its manifestations and symptoms, such as the patient's rash, foot and chest pain, in addition to the dermatological symptoms appearing simultaneously. An early diagnosis can provide patients with accurate and appropriate treatment.

Unveiling the Complexity of Nocardia Septic Arthritis in an Immunocompromised Patient: A Case Report.

Background: Nocardiosis is the systemic manifestation of Nocardia infection, often found in immunocompromised individuals. Nocardia are transmitted via inhalation or skin wounds, disseminating hematogenously to organs and rarely, joints. We present a patient with immunosuppression who developed gout of the knee with superimposed Nocardial septic arthritis and a possible subsequent systemic infection. Case Presentation: A 74-year-old man presented with left lower extremity swelling and pain. He was taking immunosuppressive medication for antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody-positive vasculitis. A week prior, an arthrocentesis test was positive for gout. He received prednisone without improvement. A repeat arthrocentesis was positive for Nocardia farcinica septic arthritis. Chest imaging showed subpleural nodules. After failed antibiotics, a susceptibilities test yielded results that favored linezolid. The patient exhibited acute anemia from hematomas intramuscularly above the infection, which resolved with transfusions. Immunosuppression was stopped, and the patient recovered appropriately after the correct antibiotics were administered. Conclusion: This case involves septic arthritis with possible pulmonary nodule involvement, showcasing the complexity of infections in immunocompromised individuals. Clinicians should maintain adequate suspicion for an infectious cause of arthritis in patients with immunosuppression. In our case, the hematomas are a curious finding, without known etiology. The question of when and how to reintroduce immunosuppressive agents while preventing the recurrence of nocardiosis remains a complex consideration.

Idiopathic Granulomatous Lobular Mastitis: A Case Report.

Introduction: Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM), also known as nonpuerperal mastitis or granulomatous lobular mastitis, is a rare, benign, chronic inflammatory breast disease first characterized in 1972. IGM is characterized by sterile noncaseating lobulocentric granulomatous inflammation, usually affecting parous premenopausal women with a history of lactation. Case Presentation: We present a 38-year-old African American woman presenting to our continuity clinic complaining of a painful right breast mass discovered during a self-breast examination. An initial right breast ultrasound demonstrated an area of concern with asymmetry, architectural distortion, and a questionable mass correlating to a 5.1 cm hypoechoic mass at the 12:30 position. Additionally, a mammogram showed a suspicious, indeterminate, large hypoechoic region or mass with angular margins measuring 5.1 x 1.7 x 3.7 cm with slight internal vascularity. An ultrasound-guided stereotactic biopsy revealed extensive mixed inflammatory and focal granulomatous lobular mastitis. Conclusion: Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis is a rare disorder that often mimics breast malignancies and infectious processes. This case highlights the need for further research on IGM pathogenesis to prevent unnecessary life-altering therapeutic procedures and bring awareness to the medical community.

The Placement of a Single-Incision Mini-Sling for the Treatment of Complete Intrinsic Sphincter Deficiency in an Adolescent Female: A Case Report.

Introduction: Intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD) is associated with a patient history of urethral injury or childbirth. Suburethral sling placement for ISD has been found to be beneficial in patients with this diagnosis. ISD in the pediatric population is rare and surgical management may prove difficult. ISD requires intensive counseling on available treatment options for this unique population. Case Presentation: This report is on the use of the single-incision mini-sling for complete ISD in an adolescent patient. The patient was a 15-year-old nulligravid female who was found to have idiopathic complete intrinsic deficiency based on a multi-channel urodynamic study. Despite conservative management, the patient opted for a surgical option instead. The patient underwent a single-incision mini-sling placement. At 3- and 6-month postoperative follow-up visits, the patient reported a subjective cure of stress urinary incontinence. Conclusion: Single-incision mini-sling is a minimally invasive surgical technique that may be a feasible treatment option to reduce urinary incontinence in pediatric patients with a diagnosis of ISD.

Steroid-Dependent Recurrent IgA Vasculitis in a 19-Year-Old Woman.

Background: Immunoglobulin A (IgA) vasculitis is common in children and typically resolves spontaneously. However, when presenting in adults, it is more likely to be severe and recurrent. Case Presentation: We present the case of a 19-year-old female patient with recurrent steroid-dependent IgA vasculitis. She had a history of a prolonged episode of IgA vasculitis in childhood. She presented to our hospital with proteinuria and a painful, palpable purpuric rash on her bilateral lower extremities. She was treated with high-dose intravenous steroids. When steroids were tapered, the patient had a recurrence of her painful rash. Over several months, she developed steroid-induced hyperglycemia and worsening proteinuria. Conclusion: Recent studies have shown that corticosteroids have limited effect on long-term outcomes in IgA vasculitis, but steroid-sparing agents have potential for the treatment of recurrent steroid-dependent IgA vasculitis.

Thrower's Fracture With Subsequent Compartment Syndrome Requiring Emergent 2 Compartment Upper Extremity Fasciotomy.

Introduction: A thrower's fracture is a mid-to-distal third humerus fracture that commonly presents as an audible pop with severe arm pain sustained during the throwing motion. Although thrower's fracture has been described previously in the literature, this report is the first to demonstrate compartment syndrome as its potential sequel. Case Presentation: A 25-year-old semi-professional pitcher presented to the emergency department with severe right arm pain following a pitch. He described hearing an audible pop with subsequent severe pain. He was found to have elevated compartment pressures in his upper arm and was rushed to the operating room for a 2 compartment fasciotomy. The thrower's fracture classically presents as an audible pop with subsequent arm pain in male patients aged 20-30 years during the acceleration phase of throwing. A potential well-known sequel is radial nerve palsy, which occurs in roughly 5-11% of patients. A sequel which has not been previously described is the subsequent development of compartment syndrome. Conclusion: Compartment syndrome should be monitored in patients with thrower's fractures, as it is a limb-threatening condition that can subsequently develop.

Atypical Presentation of B-Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma: Solitary Scalp Mass in a Pediatric Patient.

B-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (B-LBL) is a subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma characterized by the proliferation of abnormal B-cell lymphoblasts in lymphoid tissues. Typical presentations include lymphadenopathy, mediastinal mass, and involvement of organs such as the liver and spleen, but extranodal sites can also be affected. A previously healthy 20-month-old male child presented to the pediatric surgery clinic with a two-month history of a painless, progressively enlarging mass on the scalp as well as postauricular mass consistent with an enlarged lymph node. Ultrasound of the mass near the vertex demonstrated a hypoechoic complex cystic lesion for which excision was indicated. Preoperatively, acute enlargement of the entire postauricular lymphatic chain was noted. Intraoperatively, the scalp mass was noted to be firm with calcified tissue and no identifiable cystic or infectious components. The mass and part of the overlying skin were excised. Pathologic evaluation was consistent with B-LBL. The patient was therefore referred to a pediatric oncologist for further evaluation and management. Bone marrow examination revealed greater than 25% blasts in the clot section, consistent with B-ALL. He was promptly initiated on induction therapy with maintenance chemotherapy to ensure continued remission. This case highlights the atypical presentation of B-cell lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma (B-ALL/LBL) as a scalp mass in a 20-month-old male. It underscores the importance of considering malignancy in the differential diagnosis of unusual masses. Prompt collaboration between pediatric surgeons and oncologists facilitates timely diagnosis and initiation of appropriate treatments for optimal outcomes.

Detection of infective endocarditis with [64Cu]Cu-DOTATATE positron emission tomography/computed tomography: a case series.

Background: Infective endocarditis (IE) is a serious and fatal condition, with prosthetic valve endocarditis representing the worst prognosis. The recommended nuclear imaging modality 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography ([18F]FDG PET/CT) has limitations. In this case series, we present two patients with IE scanned with a novel PET tracer [64Cu]Cu-DOTATATE ([64Cu]Cu-[1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-N,N',N″,N‴-tetra acetic acid]-d-Phe1, Tyr3-octreotate). Case summary: An 84-year-old female patient (Patient 1) with a biological mitral valve prosthesis (MVP) was admitted acutely from the outpatient clinic. Transoesophageal echocardiography showed vegetations on the MVP. The patient underwent [64Cu]Cu-DOTATATE PET/CT, which showed uptake at the site of infection. The patient underwent surgical valve replacement. The post-operative period was without significant complications, and the patient was discharged home. In another case, a 72-year-old male patient (Patient 2) with a medical history of mild mitral valve stenosis, aortic valve stenosis, and gastrointestinal stromal tumour was admitted to the hospital for back and abdominal pain and subfebrile episodes. Transoesophageal echocardiography showed large vegetations in the native aortic valve. The patient underwent [64Cu]Cu-DOTATATE PET/CT, which showed no uptake at the site of the suspected infection. The patient underwent surgical valve replacement. The post-operative period was characterized by Candida albicans sternitis, and after prolonged hospitalization, the patient died of respiratory failure as a complication of sepsis. Discussion: In conclusion, this is the first case series presenting two patients with definite IE (modified Duke criteria), who were scanned with the novel [64Cu]Cu-DOTATATE PET/CT. Patient 1, with endocarditis in the MVP, showed an uptake of the tracer, while Patient 2, with native aortic valve endocarditis, did not show any uptake.

Bacterial pneumonia patients with elevated globulin levels did not get infected with SARS-CoV-2: two case reports.

Background: COVID-19 began in December 2019, rapidly spreading worldwide. China implemented a dynamic zero-COVID strategy and strict control measures after the outbreak. However, Guangzhou city ended closed-off management by the end of November 2022, leading to exposure to SARS-CoV-2. Despite most hospitalized patients being infected or co-infected with SARS-CoV-2, some remained uninfected. We report two cases of bacterial pneumonia with elevated globulin levels not infected with SARS-CoV-2, aiming to identify protection factors of SARS-CoV-2 infection and provide a scientific basis for SARS-CoV-2 prevention. Case presentation: Case 1, a 92-year-old male, admitted on October 21, 2022, developed worsening cough and sputum after aspiration, diagnosed with bacterial pneumonia with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli (CRE) and carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) infections. He was treated with imipenem anti-infective therapy and mechanical ventilation, then switched to a combination of meropenem, voriconazole and amikacin anti-infective therapy due to recurrent infections and septic shock, and died of sepsis on 8 January 2023. Case 2 is an 82-year-old male admitted on 30 September 2022, with recurrent cough, sputum, and shortness of breath, diagnosed with bacterial pneumonia with carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) and Mycobacterium pneumoniae infections. He was treated with ventilator-assisted ventilation, meropenem, amikacin, tigecycline and mucomycin nebulization and discharged with improvement on 26 October. He was readmitted on 21 November 2022 and diagnosed with bacterial pneumonia. He was treated with cefoperazone sulbactam, amikacin, meropenem and fluconazole and discharged on 31 December. Neither patient was infected with SARS-CoV-2 during hospitalization. Notably, their globulin levels were elevated before SARS-CoV-2 exposure, gradually decreasing afterward. Conclusions: Patients with bacterial pneumonia with high globulin levels likely have large amounts of immunoglobulin, and that immunoglobulin cross-reactivity causes this protein to be involved in clearing SARS-CoV-2 and preventing infection. Therefore, bacterial pneumonia patients with high globulin levels included in this study were not infected with SARS-CoV-2. After exposure to SARS-CoV-2, the amount of globulin in the patient's body was reduced because it was used to clear SARS-CoV-2. The results of this study are expected to provide a theoretical basis for the study of the mechanism of prevention and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

A consultation and work-up diagnosis protocol for a multicancer early detection test: a case series study.

The emergence of multicancer early detection (MCED) tests holds promise for improving early cancer detection and public health outcomes. However, positive MCED test results require confirmation through recommended cancer diagnostic imaging modalities. To address these challenges, we have developed a consultation and work-up protocol for definitive diagnostic results post MCED testing, named SPOT-MAS. Developed through circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis and in line with professional guidelines and advisory board consensus, this protocol standardizes information to aid general practitioners in accessing, interpreting and managing SPOT-MAS results. Clinical effectiveness is demonstrated through a series of identified cancer cases. Our research indicates that the protocol could empower healthcare professionals to confidently interpret circulating tumor DNA test results for 5 common types of cancer, thereby facilitating the clinical integration of MCED tests.

New tests can now screen for multiple types of cancer early, offering hope for better health outcomes. If one of these tests shows a positive result, doctors need to confirm it with imaging tests. We have developed a guide to help doctors understand and confirm these results. This guide could help healthcare professionals interpret results for five common types of cancer, making it easier to use these tests in regular medical practice.

Outcomes of patients with blastomycosis-associated respiratory failure requiring veno-venous ECMO: a case series.

Blastomycosis can result in lung injury with high mortality rates. The literature on veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) used as a rescue therapy is limited to case reports and small case series collected over extended time periods. This report describes the clinical course and post-hospitalization outcomes among patients with blastomycosis-induced respiratory failure requiring VV-ECMO in the most recent time frame. The data were collected retrospectively from the health records of eight patients with blastomycosis-induced respiratory failure admitted to a tertiary care center between 2019 and 2023. The mean time from the start of mechanical ventilation to ECMO initiation was 57 h. All patients survived to ECMO decannulation, and seven of them survived to hospital discharge. All six patients whose post-discharge follow-up information was available were weaned from mechanical ventilation and lived at home while two required supplemental oxygen. This includes a case where the provision of adequate ECMO support was challenging due to the patient's morbid obesity. The most common residual imaging abnormalities included pulmonary infiltrates and pneumatoceles. The study demonstrates the feasibility of VV-ECMO as a rescue therapy in patients with blastomycosis-related refractory respiratory failure. Rapid initiation of ECMO support in eligible patients may have contributed to the good outcomes.

Lower li1mb mesenchymal hamartoma masquerading as hemangioma: a case report of AA2 atypical presentation and diagnostic challenges.

Introduction and importance: Hamartomas are abnormal growths that consist of various types of mesenchymal tissues, including cartilage, fat, connective tissue, and smooth muscle. These tumors can occur in almost any organ system within the body. While head and neck hamartomas have been frequently documented, cases involving the lower limbs are relatively rare. However, a unique instance of a mesenchymal hamartoma located in the leg has recently emerged. Case presentation: A 30-year-old woman presented with a painless, gradually growing swelling on her left leg, diagnosed as a subcutaneous hemangioma preoperatively. Despite unsuccessful propranolol treatment, surgical excision revealed a mesenchymal hamartoma. Postoperative examination confirmed the diagnosis, and the patient recovered smoothly without recurrence after a week of hospitalization. Clinical discussion: Cutaneous mesenchymal hamartomas are benign tissue growths with unknown etiology, associated with syndromes like Cowden and Peutz-Jeghers. Smooth muscle hamartoma can be acquired after skin trauma. Hemartoma can be misdiagnosed as hemangiomas. Cutaneous mesenchymal hamartomas presents as painless swellings in various locations, occasionally in adulthood. Differential diagnoses include lipomas and fibromas. Surgical excision is recommended for symptomatic cases to prevent recurrence. Conclusion: This case highlights the atypical presentation of the hamartoma and emphasizes the importance of accurate diagnosis and management.