Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma With Lymphoepithelial Features and Lacking Association With Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV): A Rare Case.

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common primary thyroid malignancy. PTC is diagnosed based on its hallmark nuclear characteristics, but a myriad of histological variants has been identified some of which can be diagnostically challenging due to its rarity and overlapping histomorphology with other entities. We report a rare variant of PTC with lymphoepithelial features which lacked association with Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV). In such cases, a thorough workup to rule out metastasis from other sites should be undertaken.

Errors in diabetic insulin therapy and the vitality of proper precautions in Bangladesh: Real-life insights from the developing world.

Background: Insulin therapy errors can have life-threatening consequences in patients with diabetes. Given the increasing prevalence of diabetes and insulin therapy in Bangladesh, it is crucial to identify and prevent these errors. This study uses case-based clinical experiences to thematically analyze insulin therapy errors and propose preventive measures. The study aims to provide valuable insights into the challenges faced in managing insulin therapy in a developing country setting and the importance of involving various stakeholders. Materials and Methods: This is a qualitative research that used a case study approach to identify and analyze errors in insulin therapy in diabetic patients who had experienced adverse clinical consequences. The cases were thematically analyzed to generate insights into current global health problems resulting from erroneous insulin therapy. Results: The two case studies highlight potential risks of errors in insulin therapy, including poor glycemic control, complications, and death. The analysis also highlights the importance of careful monitoring, checks, and communication among health-care providers, patients, and pharmacists to prevent such errors. In addition, it emphasizes the need for education and awareness among patients and health-care providers to ensure safe and effective insulin therapy. Conclusion: Accurate insulin therapy is crucial for diabetes management and preventing adverse outcomes. Identified themes emphasize improved communication, education, and monitoring to minimize therapy errors. Insights from this study can inform policies and practices for better patient outcomes. Further research can identify the root causes and develop interventions to prevent errors, leading to improved quality of life for diabetics.

Facile Adaptation of a Fused Deposition Modeling 3D Printer to Motionless Printing through Programmable Electric Relay: Discretized Modeling and Experiments.

In this study, a fused deposition modeling 3D printer is modified into a motionless printer, which has the potential to print patterns in a noiseless manner possibly with improved resolution and in less delay time by eliminating the movement of nozzle or collector. In this motionless 3D printer, both nozzle and collector are fixed, whereas the extruded polymer melt is driven by high-voltage switching points on the collector. By this approach, simple 3D patterns such as multilayer circles, squares, and walls have been printed using two polymer melts with different rheological properties, high-temperature polylactic acid and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. Furthermore, a discretized, nonisothermal bead and spring model is developed to probe printing patterns. The effect of parameters, such as number of conducting points, switching time, voltage and material properties on the accuracy of the printed simple 3D patterns, are thoroughly studied, and we demonstrated that various fiber collection patterns obtained from the experiments are favorably compared with the simulation results.

Plasma cell leukemia with soft tissue involvement; reporting a rare case.

Plasma cell leukemia (PCL) is a rare aggressive variant of multiple myeloma. PCL is diagnosed when clonal plasma cells constitute more than 20 % of the total circulating leukocytes or when the absolute plasma cell count exceeds 2 × 109 /L. Extramedullary involvement including cavity effusion is frequently seen at the time of diagnosis. However, soft tissue involvement is rarely encountered with only one published case in the English literature. We report a 74-year-old man, who presented with progressive shortness of breath over a few months. Laboratory studies showed leukocytosis (32 × 109 /L) with 26 % peripheral plasmacytoid cells and significantly elevated lactate dehydrogenase (> 2500 U/L). Serum protein electrophoresis detected a monoclonal IgG lambda band. A 7.4 cm left hilar mass, bilateral pleural effusion, and multiple fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-avid subcutaneous nodules in the pelvic and gluteal regions were demonstrated on imaging. Gluteal nodule biopsy revealed diffuse infiltrative CD138+ and MUM1+ cells with aberrant CD4, CD30, and BCL2 expression. The Ki-67 proliferation index was 70 %. Bone marrow biopsy showed sheets of atypical plasma cells with lambda-restriction and CD138 and MUM1 expression without cyclin D1 and CD20 expression. These cells comprise approximately 70-80 % of the bone marrow cellularity. A similar immunophenotype was demonstrated in peripheral and bone marrow flow cytometry. Molecular and cytogenetics showed an abnormal clone with a complex karyotype including monosomy 13 and 14q deletion. Overall, these findings are consistent with a plasma cell neoplasm. Our case study illustrates soft tissue involvement in PCL, which is rarely seen.

Locally Invasive Papillary Intralymphatic Angioendothelioma Arising Within a Lymphatic/Venous Malformation.

BACKGROUND Papillary intralymphatic angioendothelioma (PILA) is a rare vascular tumor affecting children and young adults, with less than 50 cases reported in the literature. This tumor typically presents in the extremities, exhibits borderline behavior, and has a prominent lymphatic phenotype. Originally thought to be malignant, PILA was later recognized for its borderline behavior and lymphatic features, leading to its current classification as a "rarely metastasizing lymphatic vascular neoplasm". CASE REPORT We present the case of a 10-year-old girl with a 6-year history of a right facial venous malformation, which was ultimately diagnosed as PILA in the background of lymphatic/venous malformation (LVM). After undergoing surgical excision of a right facial soft-tissue tumor, histopathological examination revealed scattered lymphatics and thin-walled vascular channels with blood in skeletal muscle and fibroadipose tissue. Intraluminal papillary proliferation of vascular spaces lined by cytologically bland spindle cells was observed, along with Kaposiform morphology and small-vessel proliferation. Immunohistochemical staining confirmed endothelial cell markers (D2-40, ERG, CD34, and CD31) and numerous CD3(+) lymphocytes in the lumen, surrounded by CD3(+) T lymphocytes and CD20(+) B lymphocytes in the surrounding stroma. The tumor lacked pleomorphism, significant mitotic activity, and necrosis. CONCLUSIONS PILA presents a diagnostic challenge and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cutaneous vascular neoplasms. Long-term follow-up is crucial due to its borderline behavior and potential for local invasiveness and metastasis. Accurate diagnosis, aided by characteristic histological and immunohistochemical features, is essential for appropriate management of this rare vascular tumor.

The Changing Global Epidemiology of Re-emerging Human Monkeypox Virus Infection: A Systematic Review.

Human monkeypox virus (MPVX) infection represents an emerging zoonotic disease caused by an orthopoxvirus, resulting in a condition reminiscent of smallpox. More recent developments have witnessed a notable surge in global MPVX outbreaks, eliciting significant concerns. We aimed to investigate the epidemiological factors of the emerging human monkeypox virus infection, including the number of suspected, confirmed, and fatal cases, as well as the risk factors for contracting monkeypox infection. We performed a systematic review of peer-reviewed literature by following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. An electronic database search (PubMed, Wiley Online Library, and Science Direct) was undertaken. For monkeypox-related studies, we included 25 peer-reviewed articles from 2018 and 2022, and data were extracted on the current evidence on the cases and the risk factors for MPVX infection, to develop public health advisories. Our reports show a rapid rise of MPVX cases in the highly endemic African regions after the 1970s, spread to other countries, and an increase in the median age from young children to young adults. The cessation of smallpox vaccination might have been one of the factors responsible for these findings. As of 2022, the genomic sequences of ten MPVX strains associated with the recent countrywide outbreak have been determined. While the West African Clade has been primarily implicated in the recent viral surge, data were insufficient to determine which mutation contributed to increased transmissibility. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), sleeping on the floor was significantly associated with contracting MPVX, while eating or processing of animal foods was not a significant risk factor. In the United States, cleaning the cages and bedding of sick animals, touching infected animals, and daily exposure to sick animals were associated with an increased probability of contracting the MPVX infection. Recent global outbreaks and the rising incidence of MPVX infections among young adults in the endemic zones might be a result of the cessation of the smallpox vaccine. The increased risk associated with exposure to sick animals or sleeping on the floor suggests high infectivity from animal excretions. Increasing awareness, strict surveillance, and contact tracing can help contain global outbreaks. The ring vaccination approach for exposed individuals is another potential disease containment strategy. Future studies should investigate measures for rapid laboratory diagnosis, maintaining lab safety, and transmissibility.

Mismatch Repair Deficient (dMMR) Colorectal Carcinoma in a Pakistani Cohort: Association With Clinical and Pathological Parameters.

Introduction Microsatellite instability (MSI) is an important pathway in colorectal carcinoma (CRC) pathogenesis. MSI occurs due to mutations in mismatch repair (MMR) genes that include MutL protein homolog 1 (MLH1), postmeiotic segregation increased 2 (PMS2), MutS homolog 2 (MSH2), and MutS homolog 6 (MSH6). CRC with MSI is termed MMR deficient (dMMR) CRC. Conversely, CRC with intact MMR genes is called microsatellite stable (MSS) or MMR proficient (pMMR). In this study, we compared the clinicopathological features of dMMR CRC with pMMR CRC. Methods It was a retrospective study conducted in the Department of Histopathology, Liaquat National Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, from March 2020 to February 2022, over a duration of two years. Biopsy-proven cases of CRC with upfront surgical resection were included in the study. Microscopic examination was performed to evaluate tumor type, grade, and extent of invasion, presence of necrosis, perineural invasion (PNI), lymphovascular invasion (LVI), peritumoral lymphocytes (PTL), intratumoral lymphocytes (ITL), and nodal metastasis. Immunohistochemical staining was performed using antibodies, namely, MLH1, PMS2, MSH2, and MSH6. Any loss of nuclear expression in tumor cells was termed dMMR or microsatellite instable, whereas the intact nuclear expression in tumor cells was labeled as MSS or pMMR. Results A total of 135 cases of CRC were included in the study. The mean age at diagnosis was 46.76 ± 17.74 years, with female predominance (60.7%). The loss of MLH1, PMS2, MSH2, and MSH6 expression was noted in 39.3%, 34.1%, 17.8%, and 16.3% cases, respectively. Overall, 59.3% of CRCs were pMMR, while 40.7% were dMMR. A significant association of MMR status was noted with respect to age, PNI, LVI, tumor grade, tumor (T) and nodal (N) stage, mucinous differentiation, and ITL. dMMR CRC was significantly above 50 years than pMMR CRC. The frequency of PNI and LVI was lower in dMMR CRC than in pMMR CRC. Conversely, the higher grade (grade 3) and higher T-stage (T4) were associated with dMMR CRC. Alternatively, the frequency of higher N stage (N2b) was more commonly seen in pMMR CRC. Moreover, mucinous differentiation and ITL were significantly associated with dMMR CRC. Conclusion A significant proportion of CRC patients in our population demonstrated dMMR status. dMMR CRC had a higher histological grade with a higher frequency of mucinous differentiation and higher T-stage. Conversely, the presence of LVI, PNI, and higher N stages were associated with pMMR CRC.

A Narrative Review on the Monkeypox Virus: An Ongoing Global Outbreak Hitting the Non-Endemic Countries.

Monkeypox is a rare zoonotic DNA with lineage from the Poxviridae family, Chordopoxvirinae subfamily, and Orthopoxvirus genus. With a previous history of controlled and contained occasional outbreaks of the virus, currently, a widely erupted outbreak of monkeypox with progressively rising numbers has been reported since May 2022 in multiple countries of the western hemisphere that are not historically endemic for this infection, particularly the United Kingdom and European Union countries. We have written a comprehensive review article to help clinicians better understand the disease. The global cessation of smallpox vaccination has been hypothesized to cause the rise in monkeypox infections in recent years. Monkeypox, like any other viral infection, commences with prodromal symptoms; a maculopapular rash with centrifugal distribution usually follows. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirms the diagnosis. Transmission in humans is possible through infected animals or humans. In the ongoing 2022 outbreak, the monkeypox virus has been undergoing novel mutations at an alarming rate. Treatment options for monkeypox are an area that still requires extensive research, and the utility of certain antiviral medications in treating monkeypox infection is currently being explored but is still controversial and debatable.

Immunohistochemical Staining Characteristics of Low-Grade Invasive Ductal Carcinoma Using the ADH5 Cocktail (CK5/14, P63, and CK7/18): A Potential Interpretative Pitfall.

Background: In our practice, the antibody cocktail ADH5 (CK5/14, p63, and CK7/18) helps with diagnostic challenges, such as identifying microinvasion and foci of invasive carcinoma, differentiating atypical ductal hyperplasia from hyperplasia of the usual type, and distinguishing basal phenotypes in triple-negative carcinomas. However, the ADH5 cocktail does have pitfalls and caveats. Methods: We describe our experience with the ADH5 cocktail of antibodies in breast pathology. Institutional knowledge and a literature search form our data sources. Results: We analyzed 44 cases. Four out of a total of 44 cases (9.1%)-two tubular carcinomas and two low-grade invasive breast carcinomas of no special type (ductal) with tubular features-showed an expected pattern of staining for ADH5 with a loss of brown (P63, CK5/14) staining around invasive glands and diffuse red (CK7/18) expression. Forty out of 44 (90.9%) cases showed an unexpected staining pattern (mixture of cytoplasmic brown and red). All 44 cases (100%) showed negative myoepithelial staining around invasive foci when separately stained for P63 and SMMH (Smooth Muscle Myosin Heavy). Conclusions: The unexpected staining pattern of ADH5 in low-grade invasive ductal carcinomas can be challenging to interpret in these lesions with low-grade cytology. The occurrence can cause confusion among users who employ multiplex stains, and it is important for users to be aware of this potential pitfall.

Early-Onset/Young-Onset Colorectal Carcinoma: A Comparative Analysis of Morphological Features and Biomarker Profile.

Introduction Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is one of the most common cancers that involve the human body. Young-onset CRC (YO-CRC) or early-onset CRC (EO-CRC) is defined as CRC that develops before the age of 50 years, as opposed to CRC that is diagnosed after the age of 50, referred to as late-onset CRC (LO-CRC). EO-CRC is sparsely studied in our population. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the clinicopathological parameters and biomarker profile of EO-CRC and compared them with those of LO-CRC. Methods This was a retrospective study conducted at the Department of Histopathology, Liaquat National Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. A total of 254 biopsy-proven cases of CRC, reported over a period of nine years, were enrolled in the study. The specimens collected during surgery were sent to the laboratory for histopathological and immunohistochemical (IHC) status examinations. IHC staining of the specimens was performed using antibodies, namely, MutL protein homolog 1 (MLH1), postmeiotic segregation increased 2 (PMS2), MutS homolog 2 (MSH2), MutS homolog 6 (MSH6), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2/neu), on representative tissue blocks. A comparison of morphological and biomarker profiles between EO-CRC and LO-CRC was performed. Results The mean age at diagnosis was 46.27±17.75 years, with female predominance (59.8%). A significant difference between the two groups (EO-CRC and LO-CRC) was noted with respect to laterality, tumor site, tumor grade, tumor type, presence of pre-existing polyps, perineural invasion (PNI), lymphovascular invasion (LVI), and IHC markers. EO-CRC (as opposed to LO-CRC) significantly affected the left colon (92.6% vs. 72.9%, p<0.001), with the rectosigmoid being the most common site in the majority of cases (72.1% in EO-CRC vs. 61% in LO-CRC). EO-CRC showed a higher frequency of PNI and LVI than LO-CRC (42.6% vs. 23.7%, p=0.001; 29.4% vs. 18.6%, p=0.046, respectively). A significantly higher proportion of EO-CRCs were mucinous (42.6%) and medullary carcinoma (11.8%). Although the majority (54.4%) of cases of EO-CRC were grade 2 tumors at the time of diagnosis, a significantly higher proportion of them were grade 3 (44.1%) compared with LO-CRC. IHC comparisons between the two age groups showed that a significantly higher proportion of cases of EO-CRC showed positive HER2/neu expression (27.1%) compared with LO-CRC (13.2%). Conversely, the loss of expression of microsatellite instability (MSI) markers was more commonly seen in LO-CRS compared with EO-CRC. Conclusions We found a relatively higher frequency of EO-CRC in our population. Moreover, compared with LO-CRCs, EO-CRCs were associated with prognostically poor histological parameters, such as mucinous and medullary carcinoma, high-grade, PNI, and LVI. Similarly, EO-CRC had a higher positive expression of HER2/neu with intact MSI markers compared with AO-CRC; all these characteristics indicate poor biological behavior in EO-CRC.

Luminal B, Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2/neu), and Triple-Negative Breast Cancers Associated With a Better Chemotherapy Response Than Luminal A Breast Cancers in Postneoadjuvant Settings.

Background Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease with many histological and molecular/intrinsic breast cancer subtypes. Intrinsic breast cancer subtypes include luminal A, luminal B, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2/neu), and triple-negative subtypes. The intrinsic breast cancer typing is based on the expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), HER2/neu, and Ki67-labeling index. One of these patients' foremost prognostic factors upon surgical resection is a response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The presence of a pathologically complete response (pCR) indicates a favorable patient outcome compared with a pathologically partial response (pPR). In this study, we compared the neoadjuvant chemotherapy response in breast cancer in different intrinsic breast cancer subtypes. Methodology It was a retrospective cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Histopathology, Liaquat National Hospital, from January 2019 to December 2022, over three years. A total of 287 post-neoadjuvant chemotherapy cases of breast cancer were included. Anthracyclines and taxanes, coupled with or without anti-HER2/neu therapy, have been used in the neoadjuvant chemotherapy treatment setting contingent upon the patients' HER2/neu status. The post-chemotherapy response was assessed pathologically and categorized into pCR and pPR. Results The mean age of the patients was 47.90 ± 10.34 years, with a mean tumor size and Ki67 index of 5.36 ± 2.59 cm and 36.30 ± 22.14%, respectively. Invasive breast carcinoma of no special type (IBC-NST) made up 88.2% of cases, while grade 2 carcinomas made up 45.5%. The majority of tumors (42.7%) belonged to tumor (T) stage T2, and nodal metastasis was detected in 59.7% of patients. The intrinsic breast cancer subtypes luminal B (40.6%) and triple negative (33.3%) were the most prevalent, followed by luminal A (15.8%) and HER2/neu (10.3%). In 81 cases (24.5%), pCR was detected. The association of post-neoadjuvant chemotherapy response with intrinsic breast cancer subtypes showed a significant difference (P < 0.001). The highest frequency of pCR was noted in HER2/neu cancers (58.8%), followed by luminal B (25.4%) and triple negative (23.6%). Regarding age, T-stage, tumor grade, and histological type of carcinoma, there was no discernible difference between pCR and pPR. Conversely, a significant association was noted for the Ki67 index. A Ki67 index higher than 25% showed a significantly higher frequency of pCR. Conclusions In postchemotherapy specimens, the HER2/neu breast cancer subtype substantially displayed higher pCR, followed by luminal B and triple-negative subtypes. After identifying the patients' subtypes, intrinsic subtyping can help determine the prognosis and anticipated response to chemotherapy. Furthermore, prechemotherapy breast specimens with high Ki67 index values have shown a direct association with neoadjuvant chemotherapy response.

Right middle cerebral artery stroke secondary to ovarian clear cell carcinoma in a 35-year-old: A case report.

Thromboembolic events (TEEs) can be classified into two types: venous TEEs (vTEEs), such as pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and arterial TEEs (ATEs), such as acute myocardial infarction and cerebral infarction. Ovarian cancer has a high incidence of venous thromboembolism, with the clear cell subtype carrying the highest risk. However, the incidence of ATEs, especially cerebral infarction, in patients with ovarian carcinoma, of all subtypes, is much lower. This report is of a rare case of a 35-year-old Asian woman who presented with sudden onset of left hemiplegia and right gaze as the first presenting signs of an underlying ovarian malignancy. The patient had no pertinent medical history and no underlying cardiovascular risk factors. Final diagnosis was stage 2B clear cell carcinoma of the ovary without lymphovascular invasion arising from endometriosis. Patients who suffer from arterial thrombosis without known atherosclerotic risk factors should undergo further evaluations to rule out the possibility of cancer, particularly ovarian carcinoma.

Papillary Renal Cell Carcinomas Demonstrating Micropapillary Features: An Investigation Into the Diagnostic and Prognostic Implications.

AIMS: Papillary renal cell carcinoma (PRCC) with micropapillary carcinoma (MC) has been rarely described. We conducted a retrospective descriptive evaluation of the association of MC with PRCC and the possible prognostic implications. METHODS: A database search was made at the University of Southern California (USC) and Lenox Hill Hospital (LHH; New York City) in June 2016-June 2019 of PRCC cases with MC. Diagnosis of MC was made using routine histology, based on the presence of small clusters of cells without a vascular core. Features evaluated included: percent of MC, gross appearance, PRCC typing, nuclear grade, lymphovascular invasion, and lymph node metastasis. RESULTS: 848 RCC cases (690 from USC and 157 from LHH); 70 cases PRCC (54 from USC, 16 from LHH) of these cases, 13 had an MC, 12 were from radical nephrectomy, and 12 cases were male. Mean age was 68.3 years; seven were located in the right kidney. Average tumor size was 8.6 cm. MC ranged from 10% to 80% (average 37.5%), nine cases were PRCC type 2 and four type 1. Nuclear grade: three cases (grade 2), nine cases (grade 3), and one case (grade 4); 11 out of 13 tumors presented with extrarenal extension; nine cases that had lymph nodes submitted had metastatic carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of a micropapillary component in PRCC was found to be 18.5%, and it was predominantly associated with high pathologic stage and lymph node metastases. The clinical course of these tumors seems similar to MC in other tissues/organ systems. We advocate reporting this pattern when identified.

Fibrolipoma of Tongue: A Rare Entity.

Lipomas are benign mesenchymal tumors that comprise almost one-half of all soft tissue tumors. Lipomas can occur at any site where fat cells are present but are rare in the oral cavity, especially the tongue, which is a very rare site. Lipoma has several variants. Fibrolipoma is a rare variant and accounts for 25-40% of lipomas of the tongue. In only 14 cases, the diagnosis of fibrolipoma has been made histologically. Most cases of lipomas occur above 40 years of age. Herein, we report a case of fibrolipoma of the tongue in a young female of 18 years. The patient presented with complaint of swelling on the dorsum of the tongue for 8 years. The swelling was surgically excised and microscopically a diagnosis of fibrolipoma was made. In conclusion, oral lipomas especially lingual lipomas are a rare entity. Although oral lipomas mostly occur above 40 years of age, they can occur at a younger age. Key Words: Fibrolipoma, Tongue, Histopathology.

Impact of Nicotine on Cognition in Patients With Schizophrenia: A Narrative Review.

Nicotine is the psychoactive component given tobacco has several main components and acts as an agonist for nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the nervous system. Although the ligand-gated cation channels known as nAChRs are found throughout the nervous system and body, this review focuses on neuronal nAChRs. Individuals with psychiatric diseases such as schizophrenia, comorbid substance use disorders, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, major depression, and bipolar disorder have increased rates of smoking. These psychiatric disorders are associated with various cognitive deficits, including working memory, deficits in attention, and response inhibition functions. The cognitive-enhancing effects of nicotine may be particularly relevant predictors of smoking initiation and continuation in this comorbid population. Individuals with schizophrenia make up a significant proportion of smokers. Literature suggests that patients smoke to alleviate cognitive deficiencies due to the stimulating effects of nicotine. This narrative review examines the role of nicotine on cognition in schizophrenia.

Calcifying Pseudoneoplasm of the Neuraxis in the Posterior Fossa: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Calcifying pseudoneoplasm of the neuraxis are rare fibro-osseous lesions that can occur throughout the central nervous system. This paper reports one case of this lesion within the posterior fossa and contains a literature review of all cases documented within the posterior fossa to date. A 53-year-old female patient with a history of epiphora, facial irritation, and headaches was found to have a mass centered in the posterior fossa. The patient underwent surgical resection for removal of the mass. Upon review by pathology, the final diagnosis was consistent with calcifying pseudoneoplasm of the neuraxis.

Extensive Degenerative Change Masquerading Histomorphology in a Giant Cystic Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor With Rare PDGFRA Mutation.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most frequent type of mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and most of the time they acquire the mutation of special kinds of genes. GISTs may be familial or inherited and affect several family members of the family or can be sporadic. The risk of GIST is increased in people with mutations in the receptor tyrosine kinase (KIT) and platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRA) genes. In this report, we present a case of a large GIST with extensive cystic and degenerative change in a 76-year-old female patient with a rare Asp842-His845 deletion mutation detected in PDGFRA exon 18, that required subtotal gastrectomy with en bloc resection.

Painful Bladder Syndrome/Interstitial Cystitis Successful Treatment with Montelukast: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis (PBS/IC) is a chronic condition characterized by pelvic pain, urinary frequency, and urgency for more than six months in the absence of urinary tract infections. The etiology of PBS/IC is still an enigma. PBS/IC is challenging for doctors to diagnose because its symptoms overlap with other diseases such as urinary tract infection, overactive bladder, or endometriosis. Hence, it is diagnosed after excluding those diseases. The prognosis of PBS/IC may vary because of multiple treatment options. In this study, we are documenting a 26-year-old female patient who was successfully treated with montelukast after diagnosed with PBS/IC.

Subacute Infective Endocarditis of Aortic Valve During Pregnancy.

Bacterial infective endocarditis is a rare but a life-threatening infection during pregnancy. Infective endocarditis during pregnancy is often associated with a congenital heart condition or an earlier history of rheumatic heart disease. In pregnant women with infective endocarditis, the maternal and fetal mortality rate can reach as high as 33% and 29%, respectively. In most cases, infective endocarditis runs a subacute course and involves the mitral valve, nonetheless, rarely it can involve the aortic valve as well. We are documenting a rare case of subacute infective endocarditis in a 26-year-old pregnant female with severe aortic stenosis with associated multiple systemic emboli. The patient was managed by urgent cesarean section at 35 weeks of gestation followed by aortic valve replacement; there was no maternal or fetal mortality. This case report highlights the importance of early diagnosis, and timely management of infective endocarditis in pregnant women to prevent maternal and fetal death.

Ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block: A technically easier analgesic option in obese compared to epidural.

Ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is an extremely attractive alternative to the technically difficult epidural in obese patients. It provides adequate perioperative analgesia and reduces the opioid requirement. The use of ultrasound has enhanced the accuracy of local anaesthetic deposition in the plane between internal oblique and transversus abdominis, thereby blocking the spinal nerves more effectively and hence enhancing the efficacy of analgesia. We present a case of 65-year-old male patient weighing 96 kg who underwent umbilical hernia repair and had adequate perioperative pain relief after the ultrasound-guided TAP block. Epidural analgesia planned for him was abandoned after we faced technical difficulty in securing the epidural, but the TAP block administered under ultrasound guidance ensured adequate pain relief perioperatively.