COVID-19-related mortality in Texas border counties vs non-border counties.

The state of Texas ranked second in total cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the United States during the pandemic. Counties near the US-Mexico border were severely impacted by the pandemic. Mortality and long-term consequences from COVID-19 are associated with comorbidities, illness severity, and patient demographics. However, differences in outcomes between border and non-border counties are unknown. In this retrospective observational study, data were obtained for analysis from the Texas hospital inpatient discharge public use data file from 2020 to 2021 for adult patients with COVID-19 based on the associated international classification of disease 10 codes. Patients were categorized into border or non-border counties. The clinical outcomes included mortality, length of stay, mortality risk, illness severity, and intensive care unit (ICU) or critical care unit (CCU) admissions. Cost differences between border and non-border counties were analyzed. Age, gender, race, ethnicity, admission type, location, and year of diagnosis were covariates. A total of 1,745,312 patients were included in this analysis. 25% of COVID-19 patients admitted in Texas were from border counties. Patient mortality was 5.35% in border counties compared to 3.87% in non-border counties (p = 0.003). In border counties, 36.51% and 32.96% of patients required ICU and CCU admissions compared to 32.96% and 10.72%, respectively in non-border counties. Border counties had significantly higher risk of mortality (relative risk (RR) = 1.26; 95% CI: 1.09-1.46, p = 0.002), ICU admission (RR = 1.15; 95% CI: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.01-1.32, p = 0.038), CCU admission (RR = 2.87; 95% CI: 1.93, 4.27, p < 0.001), and ICU/CCU admission (RR = 1.28; 95% CI: 1.10, 1.48, p < 0.001) which reflects health disparities in the management of COVID-19 in border counties of Texas.

Vancomycin-Induced Thrombocytopenia in a 35-Year-Old Female With Pneumonia: A Case Report.

Vancomycin is one of the most empirically used antibiotics in severely ill patients in hospitalized settings. Vancomycin-induced thrombocytopenia (VITP) is a rare and potentially life-threatening complication that requires immediate recognition. Platelet destruction is largely immune-mediated and results in a precipitous drop in the platelet count over a short period of time. Most cases of VITP are drug-dependent, as discontinuation of the offending agent frequently results in a timely return to baseline to pre-exposure platelet levels. Here, we present a case of severe vancomycin-induced thrombocytopenia in a 35-year-old female with a history of multiple comorbidities who presented with pneumonia. She was undergoing treatment with vancomycin and piperacillin-tazobactam and developed thrombocytopenia within 24 hours of hospitalization. The patient was on a loading dose of 1250 mg intravenous vancomycin every 24 hours and piperacillin-tazobactam 3.375 g intravenously every six hours for presumed community-acquired pneumonia. Her other medications included ondansetron, bupropion, sertraline, tamsulosin, pantoprazole, ergocalciferol, and insulin glargine. Additionally, the patient was placed on a prophylactic dose of enoxaparin while in-patient. The patient's thrombocytopenia resolved with discontinuation of vancomycin. Clinicians should be well-informed about which medications can trigger thrombocytopenia whenever starting a medication in such cases.

Chronic Recurrent Multifocal Osteomyelitis: A Comprehensive Literature Review.

Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO) is a non-infectious, inflammatory disorder of the bones. CRMO typically affects children, with a predisposition to females. Bone-related pain is often felt in the metaphysis of long bones, particularly of the lower extremities, but it can also target other sites at varied time intervals. Patients are likely to complain of tenderness and swelling that may cause considerable disability and adversely impact quality of life. There are three main pathophysiological mechanisms that have been hypothesized to drive CRMO including imbalanced cytokine expression, increased inflammasome activation, and enhanced osteoclast differentiation. Therapies have been based on targeting and suppressing these key players in CRMO patients. The first step in management involves pain control. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should provide initial relief, albeit temporarily. It is imperative to initiate immunosuppressive medication that will help limit bone involvement and thereby prevent the development of fractures or leg-length discrepancies, for example. The purpose of this literature review is to study the pathophysiology of CRMO and carefully dissect the agents that have been previously employed in the management of CRMO patients. This could allow for the purposeful formulation of individualized care plans and improving the overall well-being of patients. The authors included a multitude of PubMed-indexed articles published from 2000 onwards in this review.

Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Although the gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are relatively less reported, they are common and occur in approximately half of individuals with SLE. These symptoms vary and include, but are not limited to, oral ulceration, dysphagia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and intestinal perforation. Gastrointestinal manifestations are often triggered by an inciting event, such as an infection or the side effects of medication. This case report presents a rare GI-related SLE complication, namely superior mesenteric artery syndrome.

Coccidioides-Induced Pyopneumothorax in an Immunocompetent Patient.

Coccidioidomycosis is a rare infection caused by the dimorphic fungi Coccidiodes immitus or Coccidioides posadasii. This fungal infection is very common in the American Southwest as well as northern Mexico. Though the fungus is ubiquitous, symptomatic coccidioidomycosis usually occurs in the elderly or immunocompromised. This case report discusses a unique instance of an immunocompetent 29-year-old male without any notable past medical history who was found to have a coccidioidal cavitary lung lesion with concomitant pyopneumothorax.

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Sepsis and Orbital Cellulitis Leading to a Combined Central Retinal Artery and Vein Occlusion: A Case Report.

Combined central retinal artery and vein occlusion (CCRAVO) is a rare entity characterized by features of tortuous retinal veins, retinal hemorrhage, optic disk edema and pallor, macula edema, cherry-red spot, and cotton-wool spots. The occurrence of CCRAVO in the adult population is often in the setting of systemic disease; while CCRAVO in the pediatric population is frequently associated with infection of the sinuses, preseptal cellulitis, or orbital cellulitis. It has been hypothesized that CCRAVO can result from methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) sepsis-induced coagulation disturbances, orbital cellulitis, and even orbital compartment syndrome; however, there are insufficient reports of this complication. This case report sheds light on one such case with irreversible vision loss as a sequela.

Refractory Escherichia Coli Pneumonia: A Case Report.

Escherichia (E.) coli pneumonia is a rare infection commonly presenting with a cavitary lesion. We report a case of a 44-year-old Hispanic male with comorbidities who was admitted to our facility with multiple falls for two days, shortness of breath, continuous diarrhea, and urinary urgency. Lab results showed leukocytosis with neutrophil predominance, anemia, and respiratory alkalosis. The patient was also noted to have uncontrolled diabetes mellitus with an A1c of 17.6%. Prior to admission to the medical intensive care unit (MICU), the patient was administered vancomycin and cefepime. The patient was then started on fluconazole while admitted to the MICU. In addition, a chest X-ray was conducted, showing patchy airspace opacities in the right upper lobe. A chest and abdominal CT also showed multiple cavitary lesions, pulmonary nodules, and nodular liver contour. Bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage conferred trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole-resistant E. coli without fungal or acid-fast bacilli growth and was subsequently started on ampicillin/sulbactam. Infectious disease was consulted and advised to begin ertapenem. The patient developed increased respiratory demands and was subsequently started on mechanical ventilation with vasopressors. The patient was successfully weaned off and downgraded to the telemetry floor. The patient was successfully discharged in stable condition. This case highlights a severe and uncommon complication of E. coli infection causing pneumonia with cavitary lesions.

Attack of the Clones: A Patient With Untreated Aplastic Anemia Presenting With Classical Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria.

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is an acquired X-linked, clonal hematopoietic stem cell disease. Patients with PNH may complain of vague symptomatology that contributes to the challenge of its diagnosis. This is especially true in the clinical context of a coinciding hematologic disorder. Aplastic anemia (AA) is an additional immune-mediated illness that results in the destruction of hematopoietic precursors and pancytopenia. The authors encourage screening for PNH clones in patients initially diagnosed with AA, treating underlying hematologic disease to prevent clonal expansion, and further research to investigate the effectiveness of eculizumab in an unusual "classical" PNH secondary to AA with hypercellular bone marrow.

Leflunomide-Induced Immune-Mediated Necrotizing Myopathy in a Patient With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Case Report.

Immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM) is a subtype of inflammatory myopathy that is characterized by proximal muscle weakness, markedly elevated serum creatine kinase, myopathic electromyographic findings, and muscle biopsies revealing necrosis or regeneration with sparse inflammatory infiltrate. IMNM tends to be idiopathic but has been associated with certain medications. This supports the possibility for other pharmacotherapies to induce IMNM-particularly leflunomide. Leflunomide is used in the treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and has been shown to induce autoimmune diseases-including autoimmune hepatitis and polymyositis. After an extensive review of history and workup of muscle weakness, we conclude that leflunomide induced an IMNM in our patient. As this is the first case of leflunomide-induced IMNM, it is important for clinicians to suspect an inflammatory myopathy in the setting of myositis while on leflunomide.

Disease profile of rheumatoid arthritis and its complications in hispanic population.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disease that is associated with functional disability and reduced quality of life. The central pathology of RA is the inflammation of diarthrodial joints, but approximately 40% of patients experience extra-articular manifestations of RA. Extra-articular manifestations are complications of RA that constitute multisystem disorders, associated with genetic and environmental conditions, and increase mortality in RA patients. Observational studies of RA patients have suggested ethnic disparities exist for minority populations; however, less is known about the distribution and prevalence of RA complications and drug-related problems (DRPs). Our objective was to construct a disease profile of RA-related complications in the Hispanic Mexican-American population compared to the non-Hispanic population of El Paso, Texas. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted in a Texas Tech University Health Science Center El Paso from 2009 to 2019 to assess the prevalence of RA-related complications in the Hispanic vs non-Hispanic population. The primary parameters were RA diagnosis, serological status, RA-treatment modalities, and history of associated complications. Data were extracted by chart review and correlated to disease-related and treatment-related complications. STATA was used to perform statistical analyses. A p-value of < 0.05 determined statistical significance. RESULTS: One thousand five hundred five (N=1505) patients, diagnosed with RA, were included in this study. Of the cohort, 82.52% of patients were females, 76.81% were Hispanic, and 64.12% had no smoking history. From the total cohort, seven hundred fifty-six (N=756) patients had documentation of serological markers (Rheumatoid factor (RF) and/or Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (Anti-CCP)); 78.44% of patients whose serological status was documented, were positive for RF and/or Anti-CCP. Multivariate regression analysis revealed Hispanics have 15% and 17% less risk of overall RA complications and drug-related side-effects, respectively, compared to non-Hispanics (p-value <0.0001). However, within the entire cohort, those with a family history of RA had a 44% more risk of complications compared to those without family history (p-value <0.0001). Additionally, modifiable risk factors, i.e., active smoking and alcohol use had a higher complication risk, 19% and 21%, respectively (p-value <0.0001). Significantly, all patients seropositive for RF, and/or anti-CCP had a lower prevalence of RA-related and drug-related complications. However, non-Hispanic patients seropositive for RF or anti-CCP had a higher prevalence of specific complications of RA and DRPs compared to Hispanic patients. CONCLUSION: In our retrospective review, analysis of sociodemographic characteristics reveals that Hispanic patients paradoxically have less risk of disease-related and treatment-related complications compared to non-Hispanic populations in El Paso, Texas. Genetic predisposition, modifiable environment/lifestyle factors had a higher prevalence of RA complications, congruent with established studies. Further analysis reveals that seropositive RA-patients have decreased complication prevalence compared to seronegative cohorts.

The incidence and characteristics of giant cell arteritis in Hispanics and the associated outcomes of ischemic ocular events and stroke.

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a large vessel vasculitis whereby up to half of all patients show ocular involvement, highlighting the importance of treating GCA before it leads to irreversible blindness. Most of the research published for GCA and associated adverse ocular events are based on majority Caucasian populations establishing the current belief that Hispanics have a much lower incident of GCA. We sought to investigate the incidence of GCA in Hispanics and characterize associated ocular events, stroke rates, and comorbid diseases. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of GCA-coded medical records in self-identified Hispanics assessed at the University Medical Center Hospital in El Paso, Texas. From 2000 to 2019, there were 68 new cases of GCA in the Hispanics which represents an average incidence of 0.062% with a 95% confidence interval of [0.05, 0.09] of Hispanics over the age of 50 admitted to University Medical Center hospital. Of the subjects diagnosed with GCA, the majority had ocular involvement such as blurry vision (47.06%), ocular pain (26.47%), and blindness (14.71%). We did not observe a history of stroke had a statistically significant difference associated with GCA with ophthalmic disease compared to GCA without ophthalmic disease. Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) was identified in only 2.94% of the Hispanic subjects with GCA. Major conclusions in our study advocate Hispanics with GCA are prevalent and unique in its associations with other comorbid diseases. Unlike non-Hispanic White populations, Hispanic subjects with GCA do not show an association with PMR nor an increased association with stroke.

Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma Presenting With Cardiac Tamponade: A Case Report and Review.

Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) comprise a large group of heterogeneous malignant tumors that form approximately 1% of all adult malignancies. Most sarcomas originate from soft tissue and the rest arise from the bone. Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) is an aggressive tumor that usually presents as an asymptomatic subcutaneous mass that exhibits rapid growth with unremarkable skin findings. The diagnosis is usually made with histopathology or immunohistochemistry; once the diagnosis is confirmed, evaluation and workup of the primary tumor, lymph nodes, and metastasis should be made. Treatment is stage-dependent but generally involves en-bloc resection followed by a review of pathology with a discussion of the benefits of adjuvant radiation or chemotherapy. Here, we discuss a case of a 77-year-old patient who presented with a large mass over the right shoulder and echocardiographic findings of cardiac tamponade.

A Case Report on Rare Presentation of Sporadic Disease: Dermatomyositis Sine Dermatitis-Diagnosis and Management.

Dermatomyositis sine dermatitis (DMSD) is one of the rare idiopathic inflammatory myopathies. Based on predominant symptoms faced by patients, it is classified into 3 types: (1) classic dermatomyositis (DM), where patients have both muscle and skin symptoms; and (2) amyopathic DM, when only skin symptoms present with no muscle involvement. Whereas (3) DMSD has mainly muscle symptoms with muscle antibodies but no skin rashes. There have been only nearly 10 published articles about DMSD proving this disease's scarcity. At the same time, it shows the importance of discussing the unusual presentation of such a rare disease. Here we present, a 28-year-old woman with worsening proximal muscle weakness. The decreased muscle strength on physical examination and elevated creatinine kinase required more work up for autoimmune disease. Interestingly, on muscle biopsy, anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (anti-MDA5) antibody returned positive, and the patient responded well to 3 days course of steroids. The lack of skin involvement, the predominance of muscle symptoms, and positive anti-MDA5 antibody indispensably diagnosed patients with DMSD. The previously published articles have proved the association between anti-NXP-2 antibody and DMSD, which was not seen in our case. The systemic involvement of DMSD can lead to interstitial lung disease, where due to diffuse alveolar damage and pulmonary fibrosis, patients end up requiring intubation and may be associated with higher-level mortality. In our case, chest X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans were unremarkable for lung involvement, so as no paraneoplastic syndromes were present, which has also been reported in DMSD patients previously.

Burkitt's Lymphoma of the Colon: A Case Report and Review of the Texas Cancer Registry.

Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) is an aggressive form of non-Hodgkin's B-cell lymphoma with gastrointestinal (GI) involvement, but very few cases report primary colonic findings. We report one case of primary sporadic BL of the colon with non-specific GI symptoms, and its morphologic and immunohistochemical features. In addition, we reviewed and analyzed data from the Texas Cancer Registry between the years 1995 and 2016 in order to provide insight into the demography and epidemiology of BL originating in the colon. This paper reports a 69-year-old male who presented with a history of irritable bowel syndrome, was diagnosed with BL in the colon, and subsequently developed abdominal compartment syndrome. Biopsies derived from the colon tumor at three different sites showed infiltrating malignant lymphoma of the lamina propria. Immunohistochemistry stains of lymphoma cells were positive for CD20, CD79a, CD10, MUM1, BCL6, C-MYC, and negative for BCL2, cyclin D1, CD5, and CD3. Ki-67 demonstrated a high proliferative index of 100%. Forty-nine cases of primary BL of the colon were reported to the Texas Cancer Registry between 1995 and 2016. The unadjusted incidence of BL originating in the colon in persons 18 years old and over was 1.32 per 10 million, and the majority of the cases involved non-Hispanic white males with cecum being the most common primary site. BL is a rapidly growing malignancy, hence, reporting cases of BL and its presenting symptoms can improve assessment and management. Our analysis from the Texas Cancer Registry further supports the rarity of primary sporadic BL in the colon.

Gliomas of the Optic Nerve: A SEER-Based Epidemiologic Study.

BACKGROUND: To determine whether patients with biopsy-confirmed optic nerve glioma differ in clinical features and outcomes from those diagnosed by neuroradiologic imaging alone. METHODS: Retrospective comparative analysis. Pilocytic astrocytomas (PAs) and gliomas of the optic nerve were identified through ICD-O codes in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) cancer registry from 1975 through 2017. Demographics, clinical features, and outcomes were compared according to the method of diagnosis (biopsy-confirmed and radiologic only) and by age (birth through 19 years and 20 years of age and older). Differences in proportions were tested with the chi-square test. Associations with tumor-related death were evaluated with logistic regression. Statistical significance: α < 0.01. RESULTS: Over 42 years, 313 PAs and 720 gliomas of the optic nerve were identified. The young age distributions were similar between the 2 groups. PAs were biopsied more often than gliomas (54% vs 13.2% [ P < 0.001]). Tumor-attributable death occurred more often among PAs and gliomas that were biopsied than those that were not (7.1% vs 0.7% [ P < 0.01]; 7.4% vs 1.1% [ P < 0.01], respectively). Roughly 15% of both PAs and gliomas were diagnosed in persons 20 years and older. CONCLUSIONS: Biopsy-confirmed cases of PA and glioma of the optic nerve were associated with more therapeutic interventions and worse outcomes compared with patients who were diagnosed radiologically. Clinical variables relevant to clinical decision-making not captured by SEER likely explain the inability to meaningfully interpret outcome from the registry database. Cancer registries should avoid coding specific histopathologic diagnoses when tissue is not obtained.

Effects of statins on outcomes in Hispanic patients with COVID-19.

The Hispanic population is regarded among those who are at greater risk of adverse prognoses due to higher rates of diabetes and obesity in the USA during the COVID-19 pandemic. Statin medications are speculated to help treat the infection by decreasing inflammation caused by COVID-19. In this retrospective, observational study, outcomes of statin use were assessed among Hispanic patients with COVID-19 by screening all patients hospitalized between March, 2020 and March, 2021 at a tertiary care hospital in El Paso, Texas, resulting in a total of 1039 patients. The patients were categorized into a group of either being on statins or not. The considered outcomes were mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalization, oxygen supplementation at discharge, hospital length of stay, and mortality. Patients receiving statins were observed to be older with more comorbidities. In the propensity-scores adjusted analysis, no association was found between statin use and: mortality (adjusted risk ratio (aRR)=0.96, p=0.754), mechanical ventilation (aRR=0.91, p=0.503), ICU transfer (aRR=0.96, p=0.395), and O2 supplementation at discharge (aRR=1.03, p=0.729). These outcomes were also evaluated in patients who had myocardial infarction and stroke with COVID-19. Among these patients, association was found between statin use and: a reduced risk of mortality (aRR=0.61, p=0.005), mechanical ventilation (aRR=0.53, p=0.012) and ICU transfers (aRR=0.81, p=0.005). These results may not give us a reason to start patients on statins for the specific treatment of COVID-19, but it may be sufficient evidence to suggest statins should not be discontinued during hospitalization due to COVID-19.

Medical Management of Septic Arthritis of the Sternoclavicular Joint With Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia coli: A Case Report.

The sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) is an uncommon location for septic arthritis to occur in. Due to the rarity of the condition and the nonspecific symptoms, SCJ septic arthritis can be missed or mislabeled as osteoarthritis or muscle strain. Accurate history and physical examination is crucial for recognizing this condition. With the potential life-threatening complications that may ensue, SCJ septic arthritis has traditionally been managed surgically. This ranges from simple incision and drainage to resection of the joint. However, in cases where there is not enough fluid for incision and drainage, a trial of medical management with antibiotics can be attempted. We herein describe a case of a 58-year-old male who presented with nonspecific anterior chest wall and neck pain. Chest X-ray and ultrasound of the anterior chest wall was normal; however, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the chest showed a small effusion without other complications. His blood cultures grew extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli, rendering this as his hematogenous source of septic arthritis. The ESBL was from a left-sided obstructing kidney stone that resulted in pyelonephritis, which was confirmed via computed tomography of the abdomen. His effusion was too minimal to drain; therefore, he was managed medically with intravenous (IV) antibiotics along with a left ureteral stent placement, and he had a full recovery. This case represents the ability for SCJ septic arthritis to be managed medically with IV antibiotics, especially when the diagnosis is caught early without complications. The role of MRI is indispensable for coming to the diagnosis, as it is capable of detecting complications that ultimately dictate management. Additionally, this case highlights the unique microorganism, ESBL-producing E. coli causing the SCJ septic arthritis, a finding that has been rarely reported in the literature as the majority of microorganisms that have been previously documented are either Staphylococcus aureus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Aggressive Plasmablastic Myeloma With Extramedullary Cord Compression and Hyperammonemic Encephalopathy: Case Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Plasmablastic myeloma is an aggressive subtype of multiple myeloma with overall poor prognosis. Spinal cord compression and hyperammonemic encephalopathy are two grave complications of multiple myeloma with significantly poor survival outcomes. CASE REPORT: A 49-year-old male presented with a 5-day history of worsening abdominal distention with inability to walk, urinate or defecate. Imaging findings of innumerable spinal osteolytic lesions with paraspinal masses coupled with a bone marrow biopsy of ≥70% plasmablasts confirmed the diagnosis of plasmablastic myeloma. Despite spinal decompression surgery, the patient remained paraplegic. Three myeloma-directed chemotherapies failed, eventually leading to him developing hyperammonemic encephalopathy culminating in his death. CONCLUSION: Plasmablastic myeloma is a rare entity which poses therapeutic challenges especially in patients with negative prognosticators, including high-risk cytogenetic markers, extraosseous involvement with cord compression and hyperammonemic encephalopathy. Early aggressive management with consideration of novel therapeutic alternatives, especially in treatment refractory disease, can be worthwhile.

Exfoliative Dermatitis as a Para-neoplastic Syndrome of Prostate Adenocarcinoma: A Rare Case Report With Literature Review.

Background/Aim: This study aimed to report a rare case of erythroderma or exfoliative dermatitis as a paraneoplastic syndrome of prostate adenocarcinoma. Exfoliative dermatitis is a rare inflammatory skin condition that is characterized by desquamation and erythema involving more than 90% of the body surface area. It is a clinical manifestation and usually associated with various underlying cutaneous disorders, drug induced reactions and malignancies. Case Report: Herein we report a case of 55-year-old male patient who presented with progressively diffuse scaling and erythematous rash of 3 months duration. He was diagnosed with untreated prostate adenocarcinoma about 2 months prior his admission. Skin biopsy confirmed exfoliative erythroderma diagnosis. He was investigated extensively for other pathologies, however all work up remained negative except a CT finding of large heterogeneous prostate gland with elevated PSA which was consistent with prostate cancer. Daily oral prednisone for one week and hydrocortisone cream provided partial clinical improvement. The patient was discharged on tapering steroid to follow-up with urology and oncology for further underlying prostate carcinoma management. Conclusion: We concluded that the ongoing erythroderma was a paraneoplastic syndrome of prostate adenocarcinoma. Hence, early detailed history and routine screening of malignancy-related biomarkers is warranted on any individuals presenting with such symptoms.

Occurrence of Second Primary Malignancies in Patients With Primary Optic Nerve Gliomas: A Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Analysis.

Background/Aim: Advanced understanding of screening and therapeutic modalities acts as provision for increased survival in patients diagnosed with optic nerve gliomas. Secondary primary malignancies (SPMs) in patients diagnosed with primary optic nerve glioma (OPG) are currently an uncharacterized frontier. This US national database analysis highlights the incidences of SPMs in patients diagnosed with primary OPG. Materials and Methods: Standardized incidence ratios (SIR) and excess absolute risk (EAR) for SPMs were calculated using the SEER-specific multiple outcome analysis. 95% SIR confidence intervals were calculated with statistical significance achieved at p<0.05. Results: SPMs originating from soft tissues (including the heart) (SIR=33.23, CI=6.85-97.11; EAR=5.07), breast (SIR=4.99, CI=1.36-12.77; EAR=5.57), female breast (SIR=5.03, CI=1.37-12.89; EAR=5.58), brain (SIR=105.38, CI=65.23-161.08; EAR=36.23), cranial nerves (SIR=103.29, CI=12.51-373.12; EAR=3.45), non-lymphocytic leukemia (SIR=15.05, CI=1.82-54.37; EAR=3.25), myeloid and monocytic leukemia (SIR=16.26, CI=1.97-58.75; EAR=3.27), and Kaposi's sarcoma (SIR=79.88, CI=2.02-445.08; EAR=1.72) demonstrated significantly increased SIR. Overall, the values for cumulative SPM (SIR=6.04, CI=4.33-8.19; EAR=59.60) highlight the overall significance in incidence of SPM in patients diagnosed with OPG. Conclusion: Clinical decision-making should reconcile enhanced propensities for development of SPM.