Immunoglobulin A Vasculitis After Initiation of Treatment for Tuberculous Pleurisy: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Immunoglobulin A vasculitis (IgAV), also known as Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP), is a disease that causes inflammation and bleeding in small blood vessels in the skin, joints, intestines, and kidneys. Although various infections and chemicals are known to be triggers, the underlying cause of IgAV remains unknown. Here, we describe a case of an 86-year-old male patient with IgAV that developed after anti-tuberculosis treatment for tuberculous pleurisy. There have been several case reports implicating Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other acid-fast bacterium in the development of IgAV, but only a few case reports implicating anti-tuberculous drugs. This case highlights the importance of recognizing that IgAV can be caused by anti-tuberculous drugs.

A Rare and Challenging Presentation of Acute Hemorrhagic Leukoencephalitis With Tumefactive Demyelinating Lesions in a 41-Year-Old Male.

Acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis (AHLE) is a rare and severe inflammatory condition of the central nervous system (CNS), characterized by hemorrhagic lesions in the brain's white matter. Here, we present a case of AHLE with concurrent tumefactive demyelinating disease, highlighting the diagnostic and management challenges associated with this complex presentation. Tumefactive multiple sclerosis (MS) is a rare variant of MS characterized by large, space-occupying lesions in the CNS. Concurrently, hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis (HLE) represents a severe inflammatory disorder characterized by hemorrhagic lesions within the CNS white matter. The diagnosis of tumefactive MS with associated HLE posed significant diagnostic challenges due to overlapping clinical and radiological features. Management involved high-dose corticosteroid therapy and supportive care measures, with longitudinal follow-up to assess treatment response and prevent complications. The patient exhibited a favorable clinical response to treatment, with gradual improvement in symptoms and resolution of radiological abnormalities. The coexistence of tumefactive MS with HLE is exceptionally rare and presents diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. We report a 41-year-old male presenting with acute neurological symptoms, including severe headache, confusion, left-sided body weakness, slurred speech, and blurred vision. Neurological examination revealed dysarthric speech, right homonymous hemianopia, left upper motor neuron facial palsy, and motor deficits. MRI demonstrated multifocal areas of T2 hyperintensity with associated hemorrhage, suggestive of tumefactive MS with associated HLE. Diagnostic workup included neurological examination, MRI imaging, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and serological testing. Management involved high-dose corticosteroid therapy and supportive care measures. The patient exhibited a favorable clinical response to treatment, with gradual improvement in symptoms and resolution of radiological abnormalities. Longitudinal follow-up confirmed sustained improvement. In conclusion, the coexistence of tumefactive MS with HLE poses diagnostic challenges due to overlapping features. This case underscores the importance of considering rare and atypical presentations of CNS demyelinating disease and the potential complications, including associated HLE. Comprehensive evaluation, multidisciplinary collaboration, and individualized management are essential for optimizing outcomes in patients with complex CNS inflammatory disorders.

Outcomes of patients with acute severe autoimmune hepatitis: Predictors of non-response to corticosteroids and need for liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Acute severe autoimmune hepatitis (AS-AIH) is an evolving concept and the outcomes and optimal treatment have been less studied. In this study, we aimed to investigate the outcomes of patients with AS-AIH and predictors of non-response to corticosteroid therapy and need for liver transplantation. METHODS: In a retrospective cohort, we included patients with AS-AIH admitted to our liver center. We defined AS-AIH based on the international autoimmune hepatitis group score as acute presentation of AIH with an international normalized ratio (INR) ≥ 1.5 and without liver cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy. All patients received high dose corticosteroid therapy. Treatment response was defined as liver transplant free survival at 4 months after presentation. Factors associated with response to corticosteroids and survival of patients were studied. RESULTS: In total, 61 patients with AS-AIH were included. Forty-seven patients responded to corticosteroid therapy. In the multivariate regression model, baseline INR (odds ratio [OR]: 0.184; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.048-0.699; p = 0.013) and delayed versus early initiation of corticosteroid (after vs. before 5 days of presentation) (OR: 0.189; 95% CI: 0.039-0.919; p = 0.039) were independent predictors of clinical non-response to corticosteroid therapy. In the multivariable Cox regression model, baseline INR level (OR: 2.542; 95% CI: 1.188-5.440; p = 0.016) and delayed initiation of corticosteroids (OR: 3.578; 95% CI: 1.084-11.812; p = 0.036) were independent predictors of liver transplant free survival at 6 months after diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Delayed initiation of corticosteroid therapy might be predictive of clinical non-response to medical therapy and need for liver transplantation in patients with AS-AIH.

Paraneoplastic Dermatomyositis Revealing the Metastatic Progression of an Undifferentiated Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Case Report From Northern Morocco.

Dermatomyositis (DM) is an inflammatory disease of striated muscles and skin that can occur sporadically or rarely be associated with malignancy, thereby serving as a potential clinical indicator or harbinger of underlying cancer. Knowing the pathognomonic, clinical, and biological features of DM plays a pivotal role in its recognition. Its correlation with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is particularly prevalent in regions where the incidence of NPC is notably high, underscoring the intricate interplay between immune dysregulation and oncogenesis. Specially, in the context of patients previously treated for NPC, the emergence of DM raises the clinical suspicion of metastatic progression or recurrence of the cancer. Thus, early recognition of DM-associated paraneoplastic syndromes can facilitate prompt intervention and optimize patient outcomes. We present a case of metastatic progression in a patient treated for NPC, revealed by the pathognomonic, clinical, and biological signs of DM.

COVID-19 and Clostridioides difficile Coinfection Analysis in the Intensive Care Unit.

Since the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 in late 2019, the global mortality attributable to COVID-19 has reached 6,972,152 deaths according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The association between coinfection with Clostridioides difficile (CDI) and SARS-CoV-2 has limited data in the literature. This retrospective study, conducted at Mureș County Clinical Hospital in Romania, involved 3002 ICU patients. Following stringent inclusion and exclusion criteria, 63 patients were enrolled, with a division into two subgroups-SARS-CoV-2 + CDI patients and CDI patients. Throughout their hospitalization, the patients were closely monitored. Analysis revealed no significant correlation between comorbidities and invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) or non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV). However, statistically significant associations were noted between renal and hepatic comorbidties (p = 0.009), death and CDI-SARS-CoV-2 coinfection (p = 0.09), flourochinolone treatment and CDI-SARS-CoV-2 infection (p = 0.03), and an association between diabetes mellitus and SARS-CoV-2-CDI infection (p = 0.04), as well as the need for invasive mechanical ventilation (p = 0.04). The patients with CDI treatment were significantly younger and received immuno-modulator or corticotherapy treatment, which was a risk factor for opportunistic agents. Antibiotic and PPI (proton pump inhibitor) treatment were significant risk factors for CDI coinfection, as well as for death, with PPI treatment in combination with antibiotic treatment being a more significant risk factor.

Recommendations of the French Society of Rheumatology for the management in current practice of patients with polymyalgia rheumatica.

OBJECTIVE: To develop recommendations for the routine management of patients with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). METHODS: Following standard procedures, a systematic review of the literature by five supervised junior rheumatologists, based on the questions selected by the steering committee (5 senior rheumatologists), was used as the basis for working meetings, followed by a one-day plenary meeting with the working group (15 members), leading to the development of the wording and determination of the strength of the recommendations and the level of agreement of the experts. RESULTS: Five general principles and 19 recommendations were drawn up. Three recommendations relate to diagnosis and the use of imaging, and five to the assessment of the disease, its activity and comorbidities. Non-pharmacological therapies are the subject of one recommendation. Three recommendations concern initial treatment based on general corticosteroid therapy, five concern the reduction of corticosteroid therapy and follow-up, and two concern corticosteroid dependence and steroid-sparing treatments (anti-IL-6). CONCLUSION: These recommendations take account of current data on PMR, with the aim of reducing exposure to corticosteroid therapy and its side effects in a fragile population. They are intended to be practical, to help practitioners in the day-to-day management of patients with PMR.

Corticosteroid Therapy in Acute and Subacute Arachnoiditis - A Case Series.

Arachnoiditis is difficult to treat. Patients are often left frustrated after many failed trials of conservative therapies without symptom resolution. Surgery may provide symptom relief for a short period of time, but their pain often returned. Herein, we present three cases of acute arachnoiditis following three different pain procedures: epidural blood patch, IDDS implant, and epidural steroid injection. The patients were diagnosed and treated with corticosteroids within 10 days of the procedure. Two patients were treated with the same oral steroid regiment, while the third patient was treated with both oral and IV steroid. All three patients had good outcomes at the completion of their steroid therapy. This case series may provide insight into treating acute and subacute arachnoiditis from pain interventions.

The Possibility of Acute Drug-Induced Liver Injury Associated With Prednisolone.

A female patient was referred to our hospital with complaints of liver injury. She had been treated for immunoglobulin (Ig)A nephropathy using prednisolone and other medications. Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) was suspected, as no evidence of viral infection or autoimmune liver disease was apparent. All medications except for prednisolone were discontinued, but liver enzyme levels remained elevated. Percutaneous liver biopsy showed the characteristics of DILI and drug lymphocyte stimulation testing yielded positive results for prednisolone. After stopping administration of prednisolone, liver enzyme levels recovered to near-normal. Prednisolone has immunosuppressive effects and is sometimes used to treat DILI. Some reports have revealed that high-dose corticosteroids can induce liver injury, but liver injuries associated with low-dose corticosteroid therapy have not been described. Prednisolone-induced liver injury is a rare phenomenon. When low-dose corticosteroids are used for treatment, care should be taken regarding the possibility of liver injury.

Colitis due to cancer treatment with immune check-point inhibitors - review of literature and presentation of clinical cases.

Treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors is effective in various cancers, but may be associated with immune-mediated side effects in other organs. Among the more common ones is gastrointestinal tract involvement, especially colitis. In most patients, colitis is mild or responds to corticosteroid treatment. A smaller proportion of patients, more often those treated with cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 inhibitors, may have a more severe course of colitis, even life-threatening complications. In these patients, prompt action, timely diagnosis with endoscopic evaluation and early treatment with high-dose corticosteroids and, if ineffective, rescue therapy with biologic agents such as infliximab and vedolizumab are needed. We present three cases from our clinical practice, data on incidence and clinical presentation, current recommendations regarding diagnostic approach and treatment of immune checkpoint inhibitors induced colitis.

Differentiated vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia long-term follow up and prognostic factors: An analysis of a large historical cohort.

INTRODUCTION: Differentiated vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (dVIN) is a high-risk preinvasive vulvar lesion and precursor of human papillomavirus-independent vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC). Due to its rarity, literature data on its malignant potential are scant. The aim of the study is to assess the risk of developing VSCC in patients surgically treated for dVIN not associated with VSCC (solitary dVIN) and the risk of VSCC recurrence in patients treated for dVIN associated with VSCC (dVIN-VSCC) at first diagnosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A historical cohort study was performed in a northern Italy referral center for vulvar neoplasms. All consecutive women surgically treated for histologically confirmed dVIN from 1994 to 2021 were collected. Primary outcome was cancer risk or recurrent cancer risk, secondary outcomes were risk factors associated with VSCC development or recurrence. Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test were used to estimate cancer risk or recurrent cancer risk differences and uni- and multivariate Cox regression analyses to identify risk factors associated with VSCC development in solitary dVIN and recurrence of dVIN-VSCC. RESULTS: Seventy-six patients with dVIN at preoperative biopsy were included: at excisional specimens 44 were solitary dVIN and 32 were dVIN-VSCC. The absolute risk of VSCC development after solitary dVIN treatment was 43.2% with median time to to VSCC diagnosis of 25.4 months (range 3.5-128.0 months). VSCC recurrence absolute risk in treated dVIN-VSCC patients was 31.3% with median time to VSCC recurrence of 52.9 months (range 6.5-94.8 months). At uni- and multivariate regression analyses, only compliant topical ultrapotent corticosteroid treatment after solitary dVIN excision showed an ability to prevent VSCC development. No protective effect by corticosteroid treatment was shown for VSCC recurrence in dVIN-VSCC patients. Smoking was associated with higher cancer recurrence risk in dVIN-VSCC patients on both uni- and multivariate regression analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with dVIN have a high risk of developing both primary and recurring VSCC. Early recognition, long-term follow up, and compliant ultrapotent topical corticosteroid treatment are recommended.

Variations in the treatment of acute peripheral facial paralysis. A nationwide survey / Encuesta nacional sobre la variabilidad en el tratamiento de la parálisis facial periférica aguda

Background Acute peripheral facial paralysis may be diagnosed and treated by different specialists. Objective The aim of this study was to explore the variability in the treatment of Bell’s palsy (BP) and Ramsay Hunt Syndrome (RHS) among different medical specialties. Methods An anonymous nationwide online survey was distributed among the Spanish Societies of Otorhinolaryngology (ORL), Neurology (NRL) and Family and Community Medicine (GP). Results 1039 responses were obtained. 98% agreed on using corticosteroids, ORL using higher doses than NRL and GP. Among all, only 13% prescribed antivirals in BP routinely, while 31% prescribed them occasionally. The percentage of specialists not using antivirals for RHS was 5% of ORL, 11% of NRL, and 23% of GP (GP vs. NRL p = 0.001; GP vs. ORL p < 0.0001; NRL vs. ORL p = 0,002). 99% recommended eye care. Exercises as chewing gum or blowing balloons were prescribed by 45% of the participants with statistically significant differences among the three specialties (GP vs. NRL p = 0.021; GP vs. ORL p < 0.0001; NRL vs. ORL p = 0.002). Conclusion There is general agreement in the use of corticosteroids and recommending eye care as part of the treatment of acute peripheral facial paralysis. Yet, there are discrepancies in corticosteroids dosage, use of antivirals and recommendation of facial exercises among specialties. (AU)

Introducción La parálisis facial periférica aguda puede ser diagnosticada y tratada por diferentes especialistas. Objetivo El objetivo de este estudio es analizar la variabilidad entre especialidades en el tratamiento de la parálisis de Bell (PB) y del síndrome de Ramsay-Hunt (SRH). Métodos Se distribuyó una encuesta anónima online entre los miembros de la Sociedad Española de Otorrinolaringología (ORL), la Sociedad Española de Neurología (NRL) y la Sociedad de Medicina Familiar y Comunitaria (MF). Resultados Se recopilaron 1039 respuestas. El 98% de los participantes coincidieron en el uso de corticoides, los ORL utilizaron dosis más altas que NRL y MF. Del total de encuestados, el 13% recomendaba antivirales en la PB de manera rutinaria, mientras que el 31% los recomendaba en ocasiones. El 5% de ORL, 11% de NRL, y 23% de MF (MF vs. NRL p = 0.001; MF vs. ORL p < 0.0001; NRL vs. ORL p = 0,002) no utilizaba antivirales en el tratamiento del SRH. El 99% de añadía cuidados del ojo al tratamiento de la parálisis facial. El 45% de los participantes aconsejaba ejercicios faciales como mascar chicle o inflar globos con diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre las tres especialidades (MF vs. NRL p = 0.021; MF vs. ORL p < 0.0001; NRL vs. ORL p = 0.002). Conclusión Existe acuerdo general en la utilización de corticoides y recomendar cuidados del ojo como parte del tratamiento de la parálisis facial periférica. A pesar de ello, existen diferencias en las dosis utilizadas, la utilización de antivirales o la recomendación de ejercicios faciales entre especialidades. (AU)

When the Lightning Strikes Twice: Navigating the Complex Terrain of Cerebral Tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis (TB), a Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection, remains a significant global health concern despite a declining incidence. This report highlights a complex case involving a 24-year-old patient from Angola who presented with a constellation of symptoms, including fever, weight loss, and neurological deficits. The patient had been on chronic corticosteroid therapy, a known risk factor for the reactivation of latent TB infection (LTBI). Her clinical course was marked by diagnostic challenges, such as a previous diagnosis of Kikuchi's disease and paradoxical progression despite appropriate tuberculostatic chemotherapy. Miliary TB, characterized by widespread dissemination of Mtb from the primary site of infection, can manifest in various extrapulmonary locations. Central nervous system (CNS) involvement, particularly TB meningitis, is the most severe form of TB, associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The diagnosis of miliary and CNS TB can be elusive due to nonspecific clinical presentations and imaging findings. This case underscores the importance of a high index of suspicion, especially in immunocompromised individuals, and the need for comprehensive microbiological analysis, including cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination, to confirm CNS involvement. Furthermore, this case illustrates the challenges associated with TB treatment, including the risk of drug toxicity, medication adherence, and the potential for drug resistance. Treatment duration for miliary TB is extended, typically lasting nine months to a year, and may require adaptation based on the patient's clinical response and drug penetration into the CNS. Corticosteroids play a critical role as adjuvant therapy, particularly in cases with perilesional edema or paradoxical reactions during treatment. This case underscores the complexity of diagnosing and managing miliary and CNS TB, emphasizing the importance of considering TB as a diagnostic possibility in patients with nonspecific symptoms and risk factors. Early identification, multidisciplinary collaboration, and tailored therapeutic strategies are essential for achieving optimal outcomes in such challenging cases. Additionally, screening for latent TB infection should be a priority for patients requiring immunosuppressive therapy to mitigate the risk of reactivation.

Prothrombin time predicts steroid response in severe alcohol-related hepatitis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Alcohol-related hepatitis (AH) is the most severe form of acute alcohol-related liver disease. Maddrey's discriminant function ≥32 defines the severe form of AH, which is associated with a high mortality. Steroid therapy represents the main medical treatment that may reduce short-term mortality. Lille score at day 7 assesses the therapeutic response to steroid therapy. At present, no parameters able to predict the response to steroid therapy have been highlighted. The aim of the present study was to evaluate if baseline prothrombin time (BPT) could predict the response to steroid in severe AH (sAH). METHODS: Patients consecutively admitted in two Italian Liver Units, from 2017 to 2022, suffering from sAH were included. Data were collected prospectively. In order to evaluate if BPT could predict steroid response, we assessed the correlation between BPT using the Lille score at day 7. RESULTS: A total of 52 patients received steroid treatment were enrolled in the study. The response to therapy was assessed by Lille score at day 7. Responders were 34 patients (65%), non-responders 18 patients (34%). BPT significantly predicted the steroid response (p < .001). The likelihood of not responding to the steroid therapy was significantly higher in patients with higher BPT (OR = 2.954). CONCLUSIONS: BPT value predicted steroid response in patients with sAH. BPT could quickly identify non-responder patients to steroid therapy, reducing the risk of infections and it could allow the early evaluation for liver transplantation.

Pulse versus non-pulse corticosteroid therapy in patients with acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Corticosteroids are commonly used for the treatment of acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (AE-IPF); however, the optimal initial dose of corticosteroids remains uncertain due to a lack of sufficient evidence. We evaluated whether the administration of a pulse dose of corticosteroids resulted in improved survival outcomes compared with conventional non-pulse dose of corticosteroids. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed 238 patients with AE-IPF treated with corticosteroids at a tertiary referral hospital between January 2013 and December 2021. Based on whether a pulse dose of corticosteroids (methylprednisolone of ≥250 mg/day or equivalent) was administered within 7 days of hospitalization for AE-IPF, the patients were divided into the pulse and non-pulse regimen groups. The survival outcomes were compared between the two groups using multivariable regression and propensity score-matched analyses. RESULTS: Among the 238 patients, 59 patients received pulse dose of corticosteroids, whereas 179 patients received conventional non-pulse dose of corticosteroids. After adjusting for the confounding factors related to the baseline clinical and radiographic severity, compared with the conventional non-pulse regimen, the pulse regimen of corticosteroids did not reduce the risk of mortality at the 3-month (aHR 0.84, 95% CI 0.45-1.38) or 12-month (aHR 0.96, 95% CI 0.60-1.25) follow-ups. Propensity score-matched analysis revealed similar results. CONCLUSION: The survival outcomes of patients with AE-IPF who received a pulse dose of corticosteroids did not differ from those of patients who received conventional non-pulse dose of corticosteroids. Further prospective studies are required to establish the optimal initial dose of corticosteroids for the treatment of AE-IPF.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Morning Salivary Cortisol in the Assessment of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Recovery after Prolonged Corticosteroid Therapy in Children.

INTRODUCTION: Assessment of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is necessary after prolonged glucocorticoid therapy withdrawal. Salivary cortisol reflects 65% of the free circulating cortisol fraction. Saliva collection is non-invasive and child friendly. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of morning salivary cortisol (mSAF) to determine HPA recovery after prolonged corticosteroid therapy in children. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, validation study in 171 paediatric patients (mean ± SD age: 13.0 ± 4.4 years) who received glucocorticoids for >4 weeks (median and interquartile range: 11 [7-14] months) and were referred for therapy withdrawal. Serum and saliva samples were collected between 8 and 9 a.m. on the same day. Cortisol was measured by an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) 48 h after cessation of glucocorticoid therapy. Serum cortisol ≥193 nmol/L was used as the reference cut-off value for HPA recovery after glucocorticoid withdrawal and mSAF as the index test. RESULTS: The cut-off concentration obtained by ROC for mSAF was ≥5.0 nmol/L. True positive and true negative results were observed in 85/171 and 40/171 children, respectively. The false-positive rate was low (3/171, 1.7%); however, false-negative results were observed in 43/171 (25%) children. The main ROC results (95% CI) were area under curve: 0.98 (0.96-0.99), sensitivity: 0.66 (0.57-0.75), specificity: 0.93 (0.81-0.99), positive predictive value: 0.97 (0.90-0.99), negative predictive value: 0.48 (0.37-0.59), LR+: 9.5, and diagnostic accuracy: 73.1%. CONCLUSION: The present study supports that mSAF ≥5.0 nmol/L by ECLIA is a non-invasive biomarker for the assessment of HPA recovery after prolonged glucocorticoid therapy in paediatric patients, with a positive predictive value of 97%. This proposed cut-off should be further validated using gold standard techniques for steroid quantification such as liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Idiopathic Lymphocytic Pleuritis Responding to Corticosteroid Therapy.

An 83-year-old man presented with chronic dyspnea, and chest X-ray showed bilateral pleural effusion. Right thoracentesis revealed lymphocyte-predominant exudate with no malignancy; bacterial and mycobacterial cultures were negative. Thoracoscopy via the right chest and a biopsy of the same site were performed; these showed lymphoplasmacytic infiltration and fibrosis, ruling out malignancy or tuberculosis. We decided to start corticosteroid therapy for the diagnosis of idiopathic lymphocytic pleuritis (ILP). The patient was discharged after clinical improvement, and steroids were tapered off. An early diagnosis by thoracoscopy and the exclusion of other diseases are important for initiating steroid therapy in patients with ILP.

Primary Cytomegalovirus Pneumonia Successfully Treated with Corticosteroid Therapy and Valganciclovir.

Cytomegalovirus infection is typically asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals. A 26-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with a fever and breathlessness. Chest computed tomography (CT) revealed bilateral diffuse reticulation and nodules. Laboratory investigations showed atypical lymphocytosis and increased transaminases. She was treated with corticosteroid pulse therapy because of acute lung injury, and her clinical condition improved. Based on the presence of cytomegalovirus antibodies, antigen, and polymerase chain reaction findings, she was diagnosed with primary cytomegalovirus pneumonia and treated with valganciclovir. Primary cytomegalovirus pneumonia is very rare in immunocompetent individuals. The efficacy of corticosteroid and valganciclovir against cytomegalovirus pneumonia in this patient is noteworthy.

Variations in the treatment of acute peripheral facial paralysis. A nationwide survey.

BACKGROUND: Acute peripheral facial paralysis may be diagnosed and treated by different specialists. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the variability in the treatment of Bell's palsy (BP) and Ramsay Hunt Syndrome (RHS) among different medical specialties. METHODS: An anonymous nationwide online survey was distributed among the Spanish Societies of Otorhinolaryngology (ORL), Neurology (NRL) and Family and Community Medicine (GP). RESULTS: 1039 responses were obtained. 98% agreed on using corticosteroids, ORL using higher doses than NRL and GP. Among all, only 13% prescribed antivirals in BP routinely, while 31% prescribed them occasionally. The percentage of specialists not using antivirals for RHS was 5% of ORL, 11% of NRL, and 23% of GP (GP vs. NRL p = 0.001; GP vs. ORL p < 0.0001; NRL vs. ORL p = 0,002). 99% recommended eye care. Exercises as chewing gum or blowing balloons were prescribed by 45% of the participants with statistically significant differences among the three specialties (GP vs. NRL p = 0.021; GP vs. ORL p < 0.0001; NRL vs. ORL p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: There is general agreement in the use of corticosteroids and recommending eye care as part of the treatment of acute peripheral facial paralysis. Yet, there are discrepancies in corticosteroids dosage, use of antivirals and recommendation of facial exercises among specialties.

New Findings in the Multidisciplinary Management of a Fetal Intrapericardial Teratoma: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Fetal intrapericardial teratoma is a rare tumor that can be diagnosed by antenatal ultrasonography early in pregnancy. CASE PRESENTATION: A fetal intrapericardial teratoma was detected on routine ultrasonography in the second trimester of pregnancy. At 31 weeks gestation, a marked increase in tumor size, fetal ascites, and pericardial effusion were observed, indicating that preterm delivery would be inevitable. Corticosteroid prophylaxis (24 mg of betamethasone in two doses of 12 mg 24 h apart) initiated for prophylaxis of respiratory distress syndrome led to a reduction in fetal ascites and pericardial effusion. Betamethasone therapy (4 mg/per day) was continued with the aim to postpone the expected date of delivery. Gestation was extended for more than 2 weeks. At 33 weeks and 5 days gestation, the neonate was delivered by elective cesarean section with ex utero intrapartum treatment and immediately submitted to fetal cardiac surgery. The infant was discharged from the hospital in good health about 4 months later. CONCLUSION: The present report draws attention to improvement in fetal status and extension of gestation achieved with maternal low-dose corticosteroid therapy on antenatal ultrasound finding of fetal ascites and pericardial effusion due to intrapericardial teratoma.

[Bilateral sub-acute upper limb ischemia revealing Horton's disease, a rare presentation : A case report and literature review]. / Ischémie subaiguë bilatérale des membres supérieurs révélant une Maladie de Horton, une présentation assez rare : à propos d'un cas et revue de la littérature.

STUDY'S GOAL: Our goal is to enrich the medical literature by sharing our experience in managing a case of sub-acute upper limb ischemia that revealed Horton's disease. This is particularly relevant given the current lack of well-established guidelines. INTRODUCTION: Acute upper limb ischemia is rarely seen in Horton's disease. CASE REPORT: We present a case of a 63-year-old female patient with sub-acute ischemia in both upper limbs, accompanied by jaw claudication and absence of bilateral temporal pulses. The CT Angiography scan revealed bilateral occlusions and stenosis of the axillary and sub-clavier arteries, as well as involvement of the external carotid arteries and its branches. The Arteriography confirmed abnormalities in the medium-sized arteries of the supra-aortic trunks. The histopathology examination of the temporal artery biopsy was negative. The patient received emergency corticosteroid therapy followed by an immunosuppressant. Due to the improved clinical condition of the upper limbs, surgical intervention was not performed.