Retraction: Fahr Disease: A Rare Cause of First-Time Seizure in the Emergency Department.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.7759/cureus.19965.].

Malignancy Rates in Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System Category 3 (TI-RADS 3) Thyroid Nodules: A Retrospective Study.

Introduction Thyroid cancer, one of the most frequently diagnosed endocrine malignancies, has witnessed a discernible global surge, predominantly among young adults. The etiological spectrum of thyroid cancer ranges from genetic mutations to environmental triggers. The early and precise detection of thyroid nodules (TNs) is crucial, given their latent potential for malignancy. Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) is an evidence-based stratification tool designed to standardize the assessment of TNs. Within this system, nodules categorized as TI-RADS 3 present an intermediate risk of malignancy, thereby necessitating meticulous evaluation. The objective of this study is to investigate the rates of cancer within thyroid nodules classified as TI-RADS 3, to determine the accuracy and effectiveness of the TI-RADS classification system in predicting malignancy at this intermediate-risk level, and to improve the diagnostic process and management strategies for these nodules. Methods A retrospective study was carried out on patients diagnosed with TI-RADS-3 thyroid nodules at King Fahad Hospital, Al-Hufof, between January 2019 and May 2023. Data were extracted from electronic medical records and encompassed patient demographics, and clinical and pathological details. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software version 27.0.1 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY) examining the relationship between clinical characteristics and biopsy outcomes. Results The study involved 162 participants, mostly females (82.1%), with a median age of 43 years. Thyroid nodule analysis revealed 92.0% benign and 8.0% malignant cases, with the most common nodule size ranging from 2 to 2.4 cm. No significant correlation was found between clinical characteristics and biopsy results, indicating neither age nor gender significantly predicts malignancy in thyroid nodules within this cohort. Conclusion The majority of TI-RADS 3 nodules at King Fahad Hospital were benign. Yet, relying solely on TI-RADS for clinical decisions is not advised. An integrated approach, encompassing TI-RADS gradings and other nodule features, is essential for balanced patient management between intervention and observation.

The effect of oseltamivir use in critically ill patients with COVID-19: A multicenter propensity score-matched study.

Background: Oseltamivir has been used as adjunctive therapy in the management of patients with COVID-19. However, the evidence about using oseltamivir in critically ill patients with severe COVID-19 remains scarce. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of oseltamivir in critically ill patients with COVID-19. Methods: This multicenter, retrospective cohort study includes critically ill adult patients with COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Patients were categorized into two groups based on oseltamivir use within 48 hours of ICU admission (Oseltamivir vs. Control). The primary endpoint was viral load clearance. Results: A total of 226 patients were matched into two groups based on their propensity score. The time to COVID-19 viral load clearance was shorter in patients who received oseltamivir (11 vs. 16 days, p = 0.042; beta coefficient: -0.84, 95%CI: (-1.33, 0.34), p = 0.0009). Mechanical ventilation (MV) duration was also shorter in patients who received oseltamivir (6.5 vs. 8.5 days, p = 0.02; beta coefficient: -0.27, 95% CI: [-0.55,0.02], P = 0.06). In addition, patients who received oseltamivir had lower odds of hospital/ventilator-acquired pneumonia (OR:0.49, 95% CI:(0.283,0.861), p = 0.01). On the other hand, there were no significant differences between the groups in the 30-day and in-hospital mortality. Conclusion: Oseltamivir was associated with faster viral clearance and shorter MV duration without safety concerns in critically ill COVID-19 patients.

Awareness of diabetic retinopathy among patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus in Abha, Saudi Arabia: A survey-based research study.

Context: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is an avoidable retinal disorder affecting the retina and is deemed the most common microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). Aims: This study aimed to estimate the awareness and attitude of type 2 diabetic patients toward DR. Methods and Materials: A study questionnaire was distributed among Saudi patients with type 2 DM who visited primary health care at Abha, Saudi Arabia, after obtaining an ethical approval. It was a modified questionnaire and included basic demographic characteristics of the patients, general knowledge and awareness of DM and DR, and their practices toward eye examination. Statistical Analysis Used: Data analysis was performed using SPSS software. Chi-square and z-proportionality tests were applied where appropriate. Results: A total of 381 patients with DM responded to our survey; 36% of them had DM for five years or less. Notably, 93.5% of participants knew that diabetes can cause eye disease but only 63.3% agreed that regular eye examination for diabetic patients is necessary, with a significant difference of DM duration (p = 0.01). A total of 217 (57%) patients thought that there is no need to visit an ophthalmologist if diabetes is under control. However, 74.5% believed that patients with type 2 DM should go for an eye examination once diagnosed, with a significant difference between disease duration subgroups (p = 0.006). Conclusion: The current study demonstrated high levels of awareness regarding the effect of DM on the eye and importance of early eye assessment. However, we need to improve the patients' awareness to the value of regular eye checking and standard practices.

Co-occurrence of Glycogen Storage Disease Type 2 and Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome Type 5 in a Pediatric Patient: A Case Report.

Glycogen storage disease type 2 (also known as Pompe disease) is a metabolic disorder characterized by an accumulation of glycogen within lysosomes. Pathophysiologically, this condition is caused by an autosomal recessive deficiency of the lysosomal acid alpha-glucosidase enzyme, resulting in defects in lysosomal metabolism. Glycogen accumulation causes advanced muscle weakness (myopathy) throughout the body, including the heart, skeletal muscles, liver, and the neurological system. Currently, there is no definitive treatment for Pompe disease. However, recent studies have indicated that enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) can be effective. Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune illness that affects the postsynaptic acetylcholine receptors and causes fatigue that can be eased by rest. MG is frequently accompanied by a thymoma. Dyspnea and/or bulbar symptoms can indicate an imminent crisis requiring immediate intervention. Here, we present a rare case of a four-year-old female patient who initially presented at the age of one month with the infantile form of Pompe disease and congenital myasthenia syndrome type 5. The patient presented with bradycardia, poor suckling, respiratory distress, and respiratory failure requiring assisted ventilation, subglottic stenosis, and tachypnea. Whole exome sequencing was used for definitive diagnosis. ERT (Myozyme) was administered with good results. We propose that early identification and management of Pompe disease with Myozyme can improve patients' condition and ultimately increase the possibility of survival.

Assessment of Using the Syndromic Approach in Managing Patients With Sexually Transmitted Diseases Among the National Guard Primary Health Care Physicians, Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia.

Background Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) include a group of clinical syndromes that can be transmitted mainly through sexual activity. Using STIs' syndromic approach for diagnosis and management is widely recommended to control and reduce the burden of these transmissible diseases. Objective The objective of this article is to assess the knowledge and practice of physicians concerning syndromic management of STIs in National Guard Primary Health Care (PHC) centers in Jeddah city, Saudi Arabia. Materials and methods This observational study was conducted at the National Guard PHC centers in Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia. An interview-administered questionnaire was designed. Fifty physicians have met the inclusion criteria, and all of them were included in the present study. Results Of the study population, 47 PHC physicians (response rate was 94%) were interviewed and the questionnaire was completed. Overall, the physicians' knowledge was different from one syndrome to another; it was highest for urethral discharge (72%) and lowest for vaginal discharge in pregnant women (21%). During the last 10 days, the physicians in the present study reported that two-thirds of their cases of STI were urethral discharge cases. However, during the previous 10 days, the practice assessment revealed that most physicians (76%) were correctly prescribed the medications as indicated by specific patients' syndromes. Conclusion Syndromic management is essential guidance to control and reduce the burden of STIs. Overall knowledge and practice of physicians were different from one syndrome to another. There is a need to design continuing medical education programs targeting PHC physicians to be clinically and culturally competent against socially sensitive diseases like STIs.

Fahr Disease: A Rare Cause of First-Time Seizure in the Emergency Department.

Seizure is a common neurological problem in the emergency department. First-time seizure needs careful evaluation to exclude the underlying structural brain lesions. Neuroimaging studies, including magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scan, are strongly recommended for all adult patients with first-time seizures. We report the case of a 35-year-old woman who was brought to the emergency department because of the first-time loss of consciousness episode. She developed bilateral jerky movements in both her upper and lower limbs. It was associated with frothy secretions from the mouth and cyanosis. The episode lasted for two minutes and terminated spontaneously. The patient was tired after gaining consciousness. The past medical history of the patient was remarkable for anxiety, depression, and polycystic ovarian syndrome. She has undergone multiple cognitive behavioral therapy sessions, but she did not take any psychiatric medications. Neurological examination did not reveal any focal neurological deficit. The patient underwent a computed tomography scan to exclude any space-occupying lesion. The unenhanced scan demonstrated bilateral symmetrical calcification of the basal ganglia. No calcification was noted in the cerebellum or the cerebral cortex. Otherwise, no intracranial pathology was seen. Such findings conferred the diagnosis of Fahr disease. The patient was discharged on carbamazepine to prevent further seizure episodes. After six months of follow-up, the patient did not experience further convulsion episodes. Fahr disease is a rare disorder with a wide spectrum of manifestations. Despite its rarity, physicians should keep this condition as a possible differential diagnosis when they encounter an adult patient with a first-time seizure, particularly in a patient with a history of neuropsychiatric disorders.