Diagnostic and therapeutic challenges with germ cell tumours associated with transverse testicular ectopia and persistent Müllerian duct syndrome.

Transverse testicular ectopia (TTE) is an infrequent ectopic testis where both testes descend via the same inguinal canal, located in the same hemiscrotum, and augments the risk of developing testicular tumours. Type II TTE is accompanied by persistent Müllerian duct syndrome, where the Müllerian structures persist for various reasons. Here, we present a case of an adult in his early 30s, who presented with a right testicular swelling and was diagnosed as type II TTE and testicular mixed germ cell tumour after surgery. We could find only 13 similar cases of TTE and testicular tumours in the literature. Our case highlights the importance of clinical acumen with detailed history, meticulous clinical examination, radiological investigations and a detailed pathological examination while dealing with such sporadic presentations.

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 - solving the puzzle.

Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) are tumors that involve two or more endocrine glands. It can also involve other organs and tissues as well. Out of the four types of MEN type 2 is the most common. In MEN type 2 or type 3, paraganglioma is rare, but in our case, medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), hyperparathyroidism, and pheochromocytoma were associated with the paraganglioma.

Prolonged Oxygen Therapy Post COVID-19 Infection: Factors Leading to the Risk of Poor Outcome.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a single-stranded ribonucleic acid (RNA) ß-coronavirus. Prolonged duration of symptoms, ill health, disability, and need for hospitalisation are all well-known features of severe COVID-19 disease. OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiological, clinical and imaging characteristics of hospitalised patients of COVID-19 who required prolonged oxygen therapy after testing negative for SARS-CoV-2 and attempt to determine the associated factors leading to delayed recovery, failure to wean, and mortality. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Prospective observational study from 9th September to 6th November 2020 in a tertiary care COVID hospital of Jharkhand. Included COVID-19-infected patients requiring oxygen to maintain a saturation of ≥95% after testing reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) negative. Patients were classified as Group I, those who could be weaned off oxygen, and Group II, those who could not be weaned off oxygen during their stay in the isolation ward. A detailed assessment for outcome in these two groups related to age, gender, presence or absence of co-morbidities, nature of co-morbidities and findings of high-resolution CT (HRCT) thorax was done to ascertain risk factors for failure to wean and adverse outcomes. RESULTS: During the study period, 93 patients suffering from moderate to severe COVID-19 infection, could not be discharged from the hospital and were admitted to the post-COVID isolation ward after testing RT-PCR negative, due to breathlessness and need for oxygen therapy, with a male predominance, M:F ratio of 2.2:1. Of these 93 patients, 51 could be weaned off oxygen in the isolation ward. The mean and median age of patients who could be successfully weaned was 58.5±14.3 years and 60 years respectively, compared to a mean age of 64±12.4 years and a median age of 67 years for patients who could not be weaned off oxygen during the isolation period. Patients aged ≥60 years were at risk for prolonged requirement of oxygen compared to those <50 years of age, relative risk (RR) 1.43 (95%CI 0.9-2, p=0.051). Failure to wean in <50 years was noted in presence of co-morbidities, RR 4 (95%CI 1.5-10.6, p=0.005). Multivariable logistic regression analysis calculated an odds ratio (OR) of 12.22 (95%CI 2.4-61.5, p<0.002) in patients of coronary artery disease (CAD), and 3.34 (95%CI 1.01-10.9, p<0.046) in patients of diabetes, for failure to wean with delayed recovery in patients aged 50 years and more, having multiple co-morbidities. Presence of ≥three co-morbid conditions was associated with increased risk of critical care unit (CCU) admissions (RR 2.1, p=0.02), failure to wean (RR 1.79, p<0.006), and death (p=0.02). Elderly male patients (mean age of 81.3±7.2years) with CAD and multiple comorbidities were at a high risk of mortality (p=0.01). CONCLUSION:  Patients ≥50 years of age having ≥three co-morbidities are at increased risk of prolonged hospitalisation and oxygen therapy in moderate to severe COVID-19 infection, precluding their discharge even after they test negative for SARS-CoV-2. Elderly male patients of COVID-19 with CAD and multiple comorbidities are at a high risk of mortality.

Pacemaker pocket infection due to environmental mycobacteria: Successful management of an outbreak and steps for prevention in future.

BACKGROUND: An outbreak of surgical site infection (SSI) due to environmental mycobacteria (EMB) occurred in a hospital in Eastern India. METHOD: A quality improvement project (QIP) was undertaken to analyze the causes and prevent further outbreak. Step (1) Proof of the need: Four patients who had undergone pacemaker implantation consecutively during a 10-day period developed SSI. Step (2) Diagnostic journey: Since all patients developed SSI within 2 months of implantation, a common source of infection was likely. Atypical mycobacteria (AMB) were grown from surgical sites as well as from the surface of operation table, image intensifier, and lead aprons. It was a rapid growing variety that lacked pigment, a characteristic of EMB with pathogenic potential. The EMB was finally traced to its source, the overhead water tank. Step (3) Remedial journey: By thorough cleaning of the water tank and enriching its chlorine content, the EMB was eliminated from its source. Step (4) Holding the gains: Protocol for cleaning the water tank once in 3 months was made. A checklist was prepared to ensure compliance to asepsis protocol in the operation theater. In the ensuing 5 years, the infection did not recur. RESULT: The bacteria that caused SSI were identified as EMB that grew in the water tank and contaminated the operation room. It could be eliminated by appropriate measures. INTERPRETATION: Water is a potential reservoir for EMB. Use of the term 'environmental mycobacteria' instead of 'atypical mycobacteria' will generate awareness about contamination as the cause of SSI.