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Todd's paralysis (TP) is relatively uncommon condition that can occur immediately after an epileptic seizure. It is a heterogeneous clinical syndrome that presents with acute-onset neurological findings, such as paralysis, paresthesia, aphasia, hemianopsia, and an altered state of consciousness. This may be accompanied by cytotoxic edema on diffusion MRI. This case illustrates a 28-week pregnant patient with TP who presented with acute stroke-like clinical and radiological findings. The patient was presented to the emergency room with left side weakness following focal onset generalized seizure. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated diffusion restriction which led to the initial consideration of acute stroke. However, after the disappearance of the neurologic deficit and the resolution of the diffusion restriction in the control MRI, the diagnosis shifted away from acute stroke to the postictal TP. It is important to keep in mind that TP may mimic acute stroke even in the presence of an acute brain lesion in the brain MRI. The differentiation is necessary as each of them has completely different treatment and etiology.
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Key Clinical Message: Bilateral thalamic infarction in paramedian artery territory may present with severe acute illness, confusion, coma and memory impairment. However, subtle clinical presentation as in our case should alert the clinician to consider such a diagnosis as it can be associated with good prognosis. Abstract: Bilateral thalamic infarct is a rare form of stroke. Mostly thalamic infarcts are unilateral. In most cases, bilateral thalamic infarction leads to cognitive dysfunction, opthalmoparesis, conscious impairment, behavioral disturbance, and corticospinal dysfunction. Here, we describe the case of a 75-year-old male patient who presented to the emergency department of our hospital with agitation and somnolence for one day. He had poorly controlled hypertension. There was no previous history of stroke, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, known cardiac disease, or smoking history. There was no seizure, recent headache, or visual disturbance. The patient was somnolent and not oriented to time, person, or place. Neurological examination did not show any focal weakness or vertical eye movement restrictions. Other systemic examinations, including those of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, were unremarkable. Extensive laboratory investigations excluded potential metabolic, infectious, endocrine, or toxic etiologies. The patient did not have any recent history of drug misuse, including benzodiazepines. Brain MRI with diffusion-weighted imaging showed an acute bilateral thalamic infarct. Cerebral angiography was unremarkable. The patient was treated with low molecular weight heparin 60 mg subcutaneously, aspirin 300 mg daily, and haloperidol 5 mg twice daily for agitation. After two weeks of intrahospital treatment, his condition improved (consciousness and orientation massively improved).
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Lateral medullary syndrome (LMS) is a less common form of a brainstem stroke. It is the result of occlusion of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA). It is caused by atherosclerosis, thrombosis, or emboli from another source. Case Presentation: A 60-year-old male patient presented to the emergency department with vertigo, vomiting, slurred speech, hiccups, and left-side weakness associated with paresthesia for 1 day. He had a past medical history of uncontrolled hypertension and a smoking habit. The neurological examination revealed ataxia, and left hemiparesis associated with paresthesia. A cranial nerve examination revealed slight right-sided ptosis, mouth deviation, and loss of sensory sensation on the right side of the face. Brain MRI showed right medullary infarct consistent with LMS. Electrocardiogram, echocardiography, and vertebral artery color Doppler were normal. He was admitted to the neurology ward and was treated with low molecular weight heparin 60 mg subcutaneously, aspirin 300 mg, neuroprotective agents, and antihypertensive treatment. After 6 days of medical treatment, his condition has improved massively (dysarthria and dysphagia disappeared). He was discharged for physical rehabilitation. Clinical Discussion: LMS (Wallenberg syndrome) is one of the brainstem stroke syndromes caused by occlusion of PICA. Vertigo, vomiting, dysphagia, dysarthria, ipsilateral ataxia, Horner's syndrome, and contralateral hemiparesis define this syndrome. Brain MRI is necessary for diagnosis alongside clinical syndrome. Conclusion: LMS is a rare form of brainstem stroke and carries a favorable prognosis if early hospitalization and treatment is applied. Brain MRI, including diffusion sequence, is the most useful diagnostic tool for detecting LMS.
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Introduction: Neurologic disorders are common reasons for emergency consultations. Most neurologic disorders seen in the emergency department (ED) are life-threatening and require urgent treatment. The goal of this study is to investigate the pattern of neurological disorders among patients evaluated in the ED. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in the ED of Mogadishu Somali Turkish Training and Research Hospital, from July 2021 to February 2022. The clinical and epidemiological characteristics of adult patients with neurologic manifestations in the ED were evaluated. Age, gender, distribution of neurological disease manifestations, neurological examination findings, and neurological diagnoses made by consultant neurologists were assessed. Results: During the study period, 321 patients were assessed (3.7 % of all ED admissions). The majority of the patients in the study were above 50 years of age (62.6% male). Hypertension was the most common comorbidity among these patients with 122 (38%) cases, followed by diabetes mellitus with 65 (20.2%), and heart diseases with 26 (8.1%) cases. The main reasons for neurology consultations were altered mental status with 141 (44%) cases, motor weakness with 102 (31.8%), seizures with 33 (10%), headache with 17 (5.3%), and vertigo with 9 (2.8%) cases. 196 (61%) had hemiplegia, 60 (18.7%) had consciousness impairment, and 38 (11.8%) had normal neurological examination. The most frequent neurological diagnoses were ischemic strokes with 125 (39%) cases, hemorrhagic strokes with 65 (20.2%), epileptic seizures with 28 (8.7%), and metabolic encephalopathies with 13 (4%) cases. The median duration of the neurology consultations was 20 minutes. 251 (78%) of the patients were admitted to the hospital, while 70 (22%) were discharged from the emergency department. After neurology consultation, the neurology department made the most admissions with 226 (90%) cases, while 25 (10%) were admitted by other departments. Of those admitted, 186 (74.2%) were admitted to the neurology ward, and 65 (25.8%) were admitted to the intensive care unit. Conclusion: In our study, neurologic emergencies accounted for 3.7% of all emergency admissions. Stroke, epileptic seizures, cerebral venous thrombosis, encephalopathies, and acute spinal cord diseases were the most common neurological disorders. The admission rate was very high following neurologic assessment by neurologists.
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Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is the leading cause of valvular heart disease in underdeveloped nations. It remains a significant public health issue in Sub-Saharan African countries. This study aimed to determine the pattern, severity, and complications of RHD in Somalia. This was a retrospective cross-sectional study of all patients diagnosed with rheumatic heart disease. A total of 8526 echocardiographic examinations were done in our center over a two-year study period from January 2020 to December 2021. Patients with congenital cardiac disease, post-operative cases, myxomatous and old age degenerative disease were all excluded. Of 433 patients, 286 (66.1%) were female, and the mean age was 46.5 ± 20.3. The isolated mitral valve (MV) affected 222 (51.3%). Dual involvement of mitral and aortic valve (AV) was present in 190 (44%). Overall isolated or combined valve involvement, mitral regurgitation (MR) was the most common valve lesion 345 (79.7%), followed by mitral stenosis (MS) 160 (37%). According to the severity of lesions, severe MR was 230 (53.1%) patients, followed by severe MS (n=129, 29.8%). The most common complication of RHD depicted in our study were secondary pulmonary hypertension and enlarged left atrium, 23.8% (n=103) and 19.6% (n=85), respectively. In conclusion, in our study majority of RHD patients were females. Both isolated and in combination, MV was the most commonly affected, and mitral regurgitation was the most common valvular lesion. In our study high percentage of patients already had complications at the time of diagnosis.
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New oral anticoagulants (NOACs) have become more popular in the last few decades. Although apixaban has been proven to be safer than warfarin and causes less hemorrhage in comparison to other NOACs, it still poses a risk of spontaneous bleeding. We present here an 81-year-old male known case of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) associated with an apical thrombus of 0.93×1.29 cm who presents with cognitive decline, slurred speech, and right side weakness following apixaban use for his apical thrombus. On further evaluation of non-contrast brain computerized tomography (CT), there was a large extra-axial subacute subdural hematoma with thick septations in the left parietal region, measuring 2.6 cm in thickness, causing an a mass effect, and an a midline shift of 1 mm. Following neurosurgery, cardiology, and anesthesiology discussions, the surgery was deferred due to his age and coexisting conditions with regular follow-ups. The patient has now gained full consciousness and is currently undergoing physiotherapy. This case highlights an elderly patient with apixaban-induced subdural hemorrhage, which is a rare entity in the medical literature. Although apixaban is safer than other NOACs, it may cause subdural hemorrhage.
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Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a less common type of stroke, mostly in young patients. The majority of these cases are due to thrombosis of superior sagittal sinus and transverse sinus. Isolated thrombosis of the inferior sagittal sinus is very rare. Here, we report a 22-year-old male patient with no significant past medical history who presented to the emergency department of our hospital with a convulsion, decreased level of consciousness, and right side weakness. His laboratory investigations, including the coagulation profile, were normal. A non-contrast brain CT showed a 5 × 3 cm hematoma in the left parasagittal parietal lobe with no associated midline shift or intraventricular extension. The cerebral magnetic resonance (MR) angiogram did not show any underlying aneurysm or vascular lesion. However, the cranial MR venogram showed inferior sagittal sinus thrombosis, while other cranial veins and dural sinuses were patent. The patient was admitted to the hospital and managed with low-molecular-weight heparin and warfarin sequentially. He had significant improvement (consciousness and weakness have improved, and seizures are under control). This present case illustrates a rare case of isolated cerebral venous thrombosis and also reviews the known literature on this condition.
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Background and Purpose: The low rates of thrombolysis for ischemic stroke in our country and other developing countries can be attributed to delays in arrival at the hospital. This study aims to investigate the factors that influence the early hospital arrival of patients with acute ischemic stroke to the hospital in Mogadishu, Somalia. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted at a teaching hospital in Mogadishu, Somalia. Adult patients with acute ischemic stroke admitted to the emergency department (ED) between June 2021 and May 2022 were included in the study. A questionnaire-based interview was administered to adult patients or their relatives to assess the factors contributing to hospital delay. Results: Of the 212 patients in the study, 113 (53.3%) were male, while 99 (46.7%) were female. The mean age of the patients was 62±10. Hypertension was the most common risk factor among patients 121 (57%), followed by diabetes and hyperlipidemia. One hundred and forty (66%) patients lived in the city, while 72 (34%) lived outside of the city. About 53 (25%) of the patients were brought to the ED by ambulance, and only 32 (15%) reached the hospital in less than 4 hours. The majority of patients had no idea about stroke symptoms and thrombolytic treatment. In univariate and binary logistic regression analysis, delays in hospital arrivals were associated with a travel distance of more than 10 km, transportation via non-ambulance means, living alone, lack of recognition of stroke symptoms, night-time stroke onset, lack of knowledge about thrombolytic treatment, and non-hemiplegic presentation. Conclusion: This study demonstrates factors delaying early hospital arrivals of patients with ischemic stroke. Improving the modifiable factors through public education will prevent delays in the early hospital arrival of stroke patients and will improve early thrombolytic intervention and the overall outcome of these patients.
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Introduction: and Importance: Brucellosis is a common prevalent zoonotic disease in developing countries including Somalia. Brucellosis may affect many organs. However involvement in the spine and paravertebral muscles is common and may lead to diagnostic challenges since it presents with non-specific symptoms. Case presentation: Here we report 18-year old male patient who presented with low back pain, low grade fever, difficult voiding and progressive lower extremity weakness for 5 months. The pain was localized to the lumbar vertebra (tender on palpation) and radiating to both lower limbs. There was slight weakness on the left lower limb (muscle power 3+/5). There were no associated sensory symptoms or deep tendon reflex abnormality. But he had mild urine retention.Lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed spondylodiscitis. Rose-Bengal test was positive for brucellosis. A Brucella standard tube agglutination test was positive at a titer of 1:64. Given the test results and the imaging finding, the patient was diagnosed with Spinal brucellosis. He was treated with oral doxycycline (100 mg, two times daily) and Rifampicin (600Mg) orally once daily for 6 months. Streptomycin was added during the first three weeks. The patient had massive improvement after 3 months of treatment, (the patient's symptoms almost disappeared). Clinical discussion: Spinal brucellosis is characterized by the involvement of the vertebral column, interspinal spaces, and/or paraspinal areas. Its subacute or chronic forms typically affect the spinal column. Spinal brucellosis may cause Spondylitis, spondylodiscitis or epidural abscess causing spinal compression. This case presented with spondylodiscitis and was successfully treated without the need for surgical intervention. Conclusions: Brucella spondylodiscitis, though uncommon and challenging, it should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with chronic back pain and lower extremity weakness living in endemic areas like Somalia. The duration of treatments should be prolonged in patients with worse physical condition.
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INTRODUCTION: and Importance: Metoclopramide is a frequently used anti-emetic medication for the treatment of vomiting secondary to medical conditions or chemotherapy. Metoclopramide is known to cause extrapyramidal symptoms (drug-induced movement disorder). While the dystonic reaction is an acute condition that may emerge after a single dose of metoclopramide, Tardive dyskinesia and Parkinsonism are generally seen after prolonged use. These reactions are more frequent in patients receiving high doses of metoclopramide especially in female patients, children, and older patients. CASE PRESENTATION: A 61-year-old male hypertensive patient was admitted into the internal medicine ward following persistent epigastric pain and vomiting. Initial laboratory and imaging assessments were insignificant, Upper GI endoscopy revealed features of gastritis. PPI and metoclopramide 10 mg 3 times daily were started. After 2 days, the patient developed an acute dystonic reaction. The drug was discontinued and anticholinergic biperiden was given. The dystonic reaction was controlled after the third dose. The patient was discharged following recovery. CONCLUSION: Metoclopramide can cause unpredictable acute dystonic reactions. This can be life-threatening and should be detected early. Extrapyramidal side effects should be monitored in patients on metoclopramide since a single dose can cause these symptoms. This case highlights an acute dystonic reaction following the administration of a metoclopromide injection. HIGHLIGHTS: A 61-year old man became sensitive to Metoclopromide administration. He developed an acute dystonic reaction following the administration of a metoclopromide injection. He was treated with biperiden 5 mg IV after the condition was diagnosed, and he responded well.
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Autophagia occurs when one is compelled to inflict pain upon oneself by biting and/or devouring portions of one's body. It is sometimes associated with psychiatric disorders or with acquired nervous system lesions and could be life-threatening (The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, February 2012) [2]. It is the first time that this behavior was seen in post-stroke patients, not reported in the medical literature before. A 65-years-old male patient was seen in our emergency department with left side weakness, and agitation that he had self-mutilated his index finger as the same time for one day before admission. He has no previous history of psychiatric illnesses, only he had hypertension. Head CT showed hematoma in the right thalamic and basal ganglia, after orthopedic consultation, the terminal phalange of the index finger in the left hand was amputated, and antipsychotic drugs was started with significant recovery. So thalamic hemorrhage can cause agitation and self mutilating behavior. Autophagia could be classified under the DSM's Impulse-Control Disorders.Self-mutilation is a severe form of self-injury. Both involve a deliberate and direct injury to one's own body surface without suicidal intent (Claes and Vandereycken, 2007) (Resch et al., 2008) [5].
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Transient global amnesia (TGA) is an uncommon clinical syndrome characterized by short-term memory loss and disorientation that resolves in 24 h. Here, we report a 60-year-old male patient who presented with a sudden onset of disorientation and short-term memory loss and started to ask about his whereabouts and what happened. He had no significant past medical or psychiatric disorder. Likewise, the patient did not have a recent history of head trauma, substance abuse, loss of consciousness, seizure disorder, or migraine. Neurologic examination was normal except for mild disorientation and short-term memory impairment. He had a score of 18/30 on the mini-mental state examination. Extensive laboratory investigations did not show any abnormal findings. Brain MRI and EEG were normal. His memory improved and returned to a normal baseline within 24 h from the onset. After the exclusion of potential causes and the patient returned to a normal state of memory, the diagnosis of transient global amnesia was made. At the follow-up visit, the patient was in a state of normal function without a recurrence of memory impairment. Here, we presented this interesting case of transient global amnesia. TGA is a diagnosis of exclusion and is essential to keep in mind when evaluating a patient with acute onset of short-term memory impairment, especially when etiological investigations reveal no potential cause.
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Introduction: The basal ganglia, which comprise many subcortical nuclei, constitute an integrated functional unit of the brain. Spontaneous hemorrhage of the basal ganglia is mostly unilateral and secondary to uncontrolled hypertension. Simultaneous bilateral basal ganglia hemorrhage (SBBGH) is very rare. So far, only 40 cases have been documented so far. Case Presentation: Here, we report a 37-year-old man with a past medical history of uncontrolled hypertension who was brought to the emergency department due to severe headache, worsening confusion, and right-sided weakness for 2 days. An urgent non-contrast brain CT performed immediately revealed bilateral intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) of the same age in the basal ganglia. On admission, blood pressure was 220/120. Other vital signs were normal. The patient was admitted to the ICU, IV antihypertensive and antiedema medications were given. After clinical improvement, he was transferred to the neurology ward on the fifth day. After another 5 days in the neurology inpatient ward, the patient clinically improved and was referred to the rehabilitation department. Conclusion: Due to the rarity of SBBGH, it is particularly interesting to report this remarkable case of a man with simultaneous spontaneous bilateral ganglia hemorrhage secondary to uncontrolled hypertension.
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Hemorragia de los Ganglios Basales , Hipertensión , Adulto , Antihipertensivos/uso terapéutico , Hemorragia de los Ganglios Basales/diagnóstico , Hemorragia de los Ganglios Basales/diagnóstico por imagen , Encéfalo , Hemorragia Cerebral/complicaciones , Hemorragia Cerebral/diagnóstico , Hemorragia Cerebral/tratamiento farmacológico , Humanos , Hipertensión/complicaciones , Hipertensión/diagnóstico , Hipertensión/tratamiento farmacológico , MasculinoRESUMEN
Introduction: and importance: Generalized pustular psoriasis of pregnancy (GPPP) is a rare dermatosis that causes maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Pustular psoriasis of pregnancy (PPP) is a challenging dermatological Condition, which can have impact on the life pregnant woman's and her unborn child's life. Case presentation: Here we report a 26-year-old woman with a history of persistent plaque psoriasis presented with generalized pustular lesions. Ultrasonography revealed normal fetal development despite high serum ESR and CRP levels. Pustular psoriasis was confirmed by histopathology. The patients were given systemic prednisolone 32 mg once daily, which was raised to 60 mg once daily on the tenth day of treatment to manage fresh outbreaks, and the patient's rash continued to gradually improve. When the lesions faded after 4 weeks of treatment, the dose was reduced to 16 mg/day. At 31 weeks' gestation, the patient was discharged and she was kept on prednisolone at a low dose of 4 mg once daily for the duration of the pregnancy. Clinical discussion: Generalized pustular psoriasis of pregnancy (GPPP), herpetiformis, is a less common form dermatosis that can be fatal for both mother and the fetus. Response to treatment is good when initiated early in the course of the disease. This present case shows young pregnant mother with GPPP successfully treated with systemic corticosteroid. Conclusion: Contrary to the majority of other common pregnant dermatosis, pustular psoriasis is an uncommon condition that can have harmful effects on the fetus. Our patient's PPP symptoms included systemic ones as well as body and palm involvement. Close monitoring and administration of systemic corticosteroids ensured secure outcomes.
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Introduction: and importance: Weber's syndrome is a rare type of brain stem stroke syndrome that is characterized by ipsilateral oculomotor nerve palsy and contralateral hemiparesis. The most common etiology is a midbrain infarction caused by occlusion of the paramedian branches of the posterior cerebral artery or the perforating branches of the basilar bifurcation. Although there are many multiple brainstem strokes, it is uncommon to see this syndrome. Case presentation: Here we present a case of a 62-year-old male hypertensive patient who presented with a one-week history of cognitive dysfunction, left hemiparesis, right eye ptosis, and right medial gaze palsy (oculomotor nerve palsy). Diffusion MRI showed milimetric diffusion restriction in the right side of the mesencephalon, consistent with an acute infarct. Based on the clinical and radiological findings, a diagnosis of Weber's syndrome was made. The patient was treated with antiplatelet and Piracetam along with strict blood pressure control. There was a massive improvement in the patient's condition on the follow-up visit three weeks later. Clinical discussion: Weber's syndrome is a rare brainstem stroke due to midbrain infarction and is characterized by crossing hemiplegia consisting of ipsilateral occulomotor nerve palsy and contralateral limb weakness due to damage to the corticospinal tract. Despite it being a brainstem stroke infarct, it carries a good prognosis if it is early treated along with strict control of the risk factors such as hypertension in this case. Our case had massive clinical improvement within three weeks of medical treatment and risk factor control. Conclusion: This case highlights the classic rare syndrome of brainstem stroke presenting with crossing hemiparesis due to midbrain infarction. This syndrome has a favorable prognosis.
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Introduction: and importance: Renovascular hypertension accounts for 1-2% of all cases of hypertension in the general population, but plays a major role in treatable causes of hypertension in the young. Most of the renovascular diseases are due to atherosclerosis, and fibromuscular disease is thought to be a rare cause of renovascular hypertension. Case presentation: We present a rare case of a young male patient who was diagnosed with renovascular hypertension due to fibromuscular dysplasia of both renal arteries. Computed tomographic angiogram revealed thinning and narrowing area of both renal arteries The left kidney looks atrophied. After vigorous antihypertensive medication and hemodialysis, he was discharged with normal blood pressure without the need for angioplasty. Clinical discussion: Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is a nonatherosclerotic, noninflammatory arterial disease that most commonly involves the renal and carotid arteries. Renal arteries are most commonly involved. Renal FMD may lead to renal failure and secondary hypertension. Multiple stenoses and the 'string-of-beads' appearance seen in renal angiogram are diagnostic for FMD. Females are mostly affected by FMD. Our case was a successfully managed young male patient with renal failure and resistant hypertension due to renal FMD. Conclusions: Fibromuscular dysplasia causing renal artery stenosis, though a rare cause of renovascular hypertension, is essential to be considered in young hypertensives, even in the absence of a family history of hypertension. A high index of suspicion is necessary for early diagnosis and prompt treatment, which can result in rapid and complete recovery.
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Introduction and importance: Pericarditis is a common illness that can appear in a variety of clinical settings and has numerous causes. In developing nations where tuberculosis is still a serious public health issue, more than 50% of cases of pericarditis are related to tuberculosis. Case presentation: There was no history of TB, alcoholism, IV drug abuse, immunosuppressant, or corticosteroid use. On examination, she had a fever, tachycardia, pulsus paradoxus of 10 mmHg, hypotension, tachypnea, and a distended jugular vein. On auscultation, her heartbeats were muffled, and accompanied by a pericardial rub. Laboratory investigation showed low hematocrit and a high WBC count with lymphocyte predominance. ESR and CRP levels were elevated. Her chest X-ray revealed an enlargement of the cardiac silhouette. The ECG showed low voltage complexes. Echocardiography showed circumferential 30 mm × 25 mm pericardial effusion with fibrin strands in the visceral pericardium. An emergency pericardiocentesis was performed under the guidance of transthoracic echocardiography using sub-xiphoidal standards. Microbiologic analysis of the pericardial fluid confirmed tuberculosis. After successful pericardiocenthesis, the patient's condition improved massively. After three days of pericardiocentasis drainage, TB treatment was started and she was discharged for outpatient flow up. Clinical discussion: Tuberculous pericarditis is a serious tuberculosis (TB) complication that can be difficult to diagnose and often goes undetected, leading to late complications such as constrictive pericarditis and cardiac tamponade, which lead to increased mortality. This current case illustrates a young female patient presenting with isolated TB pericarditis complicated by cardiac tamponade. She had massive improvement following pericardiocentesis and anti-TB treatment. Conclusion: In Africa, tuberculous pericarditis should be considered as a differential diagnosis in any patient presenting with moderate to massive pericardial effusion. A high index of suspicion is required for the diagnosis of extrapulmonary TB pericarditis, especially in patients without known risk factors.
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Background: Hypothyroidism can cause a variety of manifestations, including cardiovascular disorders. The most frequent clinical signs are sinus bradycardia and pericardial effusion. The affected patient generally has significant symptoms. Hypothyroidism infrequently results in a complete atrioventricular block. Case presentation: A 19-year-old girl presented to our cardiology clinic with generalized tiredness, edema in her lower limbs and face, constipation, and a menstruation abnormality in the previous six months. With a normal ejection fraction on echocardiography, an electrocardiogram revealed complete atrioventricular block. When she was admitted, her laboratory testing showed that she had severely raised Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) levels, severe dyslipidemia with normal electrolytes, and normal liver and kidney function tests. The patient was treated with 50mg Thyroxine to her. She had significant improvement within two weeks of treatment. Up on the next follow-up (at one-month), her electrocardiogram returned to normal sinus rhythm without any evidence of atrioventricular block and that the lipid profile had returned to normal. Clinical discussion: In its first stages, hypothyroidism can not show any obvious symptoms. Untreated hypothyroidism over time can lead to a variety of health issues, including obesity, joint discomfort, infertility, and heart disease. This current case demonstrates how levothyroxine medication successfully managed a young female patient's severe hypothyroidism, difficult total heart block, severe hyperlipidemia, and long-standing menstrual irregularity. Conclusion: We found that overt hypothyroidism caused a complete atrioventricular block and severe dyslipidemia, and that thyroxin therapy completely corrected both conditions.
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Introduction: Status epilepticus (SE) is one of the most common neurologic emergencies and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The underlying cause of SE varies between patients with epilepsy and those presenting without. The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiology, risk factors and outcomes of patients presenting with convulsive SE in the emergency department (ED) of a tertiary hospital in Mogadishu. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted between July 2021 and June 2022. The study included both patients with epilepsy and those without epilepsy presenting to the ED with SE. Risk factors and underlying etiologies were evaluated in the patients in both the pediatric group (0-18 years) and adult group (18 years and above). Clinical history, neurologic examinations, neuroimaging, electroencephalography findings, and laboratory investigations were all evaluated. Results: The mean age for pediatric patients was 6 (SD±4.7), while the mean age for adult patients was 38 (SD±10.4). About 33 (36%) of the subjects had previous history of epilepsy, while 59 (64%) presented to the ED with their first seizure. About 80 (87%) had generalized seizure while 12 (13%) had focal seizure. Poor antiepileptic compliance was the most common risk factor for SE 20 (21.7%), followed by CNS infections 14 (15%), and prolonged febrile seizures 7 (7.6%). Poor antiepileptic drug compliance, cerebrovascular disorders, electrolyte imbalance, metabolic conditions, and drug abuse were the most common underlying etiologies of SE in patients older than 18 years. Prolonged febrile seizure, meningitis, encephalitis, systemic infections, and structural brain abnormalities were the most common underlying etiologies of SE in patients younger than 18 years. Conclusion: CNS infections, CVDs, metabolic disturbances, electrolyte imbalances, and systemic infections are major etiological risk factors of SE in patients without prior history of epilepsy. Medication adherence was the major etiological risk factor for SE identified in patients with epilepsy.