Evaluation of sexual function in hypertensive men receiving treatment: a review of current guidelines recommendation.

INTRODUCTION: It has been suggested that some classes of antihypertensive drugs may induce or exacerbate sexual and/or erectile dysfunction (ED) more than others. Sexually related side effects of antihypertensive treatment may compromise patient's and partner's quality of life. Often, these side effects can lead to withdrawal or poor compliance with therapy resulting in abnormal blood pressure and associated morbidity. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether hypertension clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) address ED and/or other sexual issues as either an adverse outcome of chosen therapy or as a factor to consider in treatment decision. METHODS: Hypertension CPGs were identified by searching PubMed (from 2000 to current), the World Wide Web, bibliographies of retrieved guidelines, and official home pages of major medical societies. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome measures used for this study were guidelines assessment using a set of author-determined survey questions. RESULTS: Twelve CPGs were identified and analyzed. From these 12, only three emphasized the importance of assessing sexual function prior to initiation and/or follow-up of antihypertensive therapy; only five described potential sexual side effects associated with some drugs; only two provided specific management recommendations on commencing antihypertensive therapy in sexually active men or those with preexisting ED and address the timeline of the potential drug-induced impairment of sexual function. CONCLUSIONS: Only a minority of CPGs for the treatment of hypertension consider ED or other sexual issues as either an adverse outcome or as a factor to consider in treatment. Sexual function is an important aspect of quality of life for both the individual and his partner. It is therefore imperative to select therapy with the least possible potential for causing sexual sequelae and enable the best achievable balance between therapeutic efficacy, quality of life, and therapeutic compliance. Based on these results, our proposed algorithm attempts to effectively apply available evidence to clinical practice.

Subcutaneous emphysema of the scrotum (pneumoscrotum) due to traumatic pneumothorax: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Subcutaneous emphysema of the scrotum due to traumatic pneumothorax is a rare medical situation and only a few cases are reported in the literature. CASE REPORT: We present the case of a 22 year old man who was admitted to the emergency department after a motorcycle accident having a painless crepitant scrotum and chest excoriations. Further evaluation revealed subcutaneous emphysema of the scrotum caused by left pneumothorax. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, subcutaneous emphysema of the scrotum (or pneumoscrotum) due to traumatic pneumothorax is not an urgent condition and assessment should be supportive with intervention directed at the etiology, e.g. the pneumothorax.

Rapture of renal angiomyolipoma during pregnancy: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Rapture of a renal angiomyolipoma and massive retroperitoneal hemorrhage, during pregnancy is rare and occasionally fatal. The association of this complication with pregnancy has been reported sporadically in the literature. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a 28 years old woman, in 33 week of her first pregnancy who came to our hospital complaining of abdominal pain in the right hemiabdomen, associated with nausea and vomiting. The ultrasound and MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) scan showed a 7 x 7 x 5 cm mass suggestive of angiomyolipoma in the right kidney, with evidence of retroperitoneal bleeding right perirenal and intrarenal haematoma. Given the size of the tumor, presence of symptoms and hemodynamic instability of the patient right nephrectomy was performed, following emergency caesarean delivery. The histological study of the resected mass revealed the presence of angiomyolipoma. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, it seems that these tumours show a greater growth index in pregnant women. Angiomyolipoma with spontaneous bleeding during pregnancy is a dangerous condition that may cause mortality in the mother and fetus, but elective, simultaneous cesarean section and radical nephrectomy can be performed. We have also done a review of the literature focusing on its management and its relationship with pregnancy.