Asymptomatic Presentation Research Articles

The prognostic value of galactosylceramide-sulfotransferase (Gal3ST1) in human renal cell carcinoma

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the deadliest primary genitourinary malignancy typically associated with asymptomatic initial presentation and poorly predictable survival. Next to established risk factors, tumor microenvironment may alter metastatic capacity and immune landscape. Due to their high concentrations, sulfoglycolipids (sulfatides) were among the first well-described antigens in RCC that are associated with worse prognosis. As sulfatide detection in routine diagnostics is not possible, we aimed to test the prognostic value of its protein counterpart, sulfatide-producing enzyme Gal3ST1. We performed retrospective long-term follow up analysis of Gal3ST1 expression as prognostic risk factor in a representative RCC patient cohort. We observed differentially regulated Gal3ST1 expression in all RCC types, being significantly more associated with clear cell RCC than to chromophobe RCC (p = 0.001). Surprisingly, in contrast to published observations from in vitro models, we could not confirm an association between Gal3ST1 expression and a malignant clinical behaviour of the RCC. In our cohort, Gal3ST1 did not significantly influence progression-free survival (Hazard Ratio (HR): 1.7 95% CI (0.6–4.9), p = 0.327). Particularly after adjusting for histology, T-stage, N-status and M-status at baseline, we observed no independent prognostic effect (HR = 1.0 95% CI (0.3–3.3), p = 0.96). The analysis of Gal3ST1 mRNA expression in a TCGA dataset supported the results of our cohort. Thus, Gal3ST1 might help to differentiate between chromophobe RCC and other frequent RCC entities but—despite previously published data from cell culture models—does not qualify as a prognostic marker for RCC. Further investigation of regulatory mechanisms of sulfatide metabolism in human RCC microenvironment is necessary to understand the role of this quantitatively prominent glycosphingolipid in RCC progression.

Lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) in patients with cancer and COVID-19: A COVID-19 and Cancer Consortium (CCC19) study.

6563 Background: Immunodeficiency in patients (pts) with cancer can lead to the progression of common respiratory viral infections to lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) with potentially high mortality. Understanding risk factors of SARS-CoV-2 related LRTD in pts with cancer is imperative for the development of preventive measures. Methods: We examined all patients aged 18 years or older with cancer and laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection reported between March 16, 2020 and February 6, 2021 in the international CCC19 registry. We examined frequency of LRTD (pneumonia, pneumonitis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, or respiratory failure), demographic and clinicopathologic factors associated with LRTD, and 30-day and overall mortality in pts with and without LRTD. Results: Of 7,289 pts with a median follow-up time of 42 (21-90) days, 2187 (30%) developed LRTD. Pts of older age (65 yrs or older), male sex, pre-existing comorbidities, baseline immunosuppressants, baseline corticosteroids, and ECOG performance status of 2 or more had substantially higher rates of LRTD compared to those without these risk factors (Table). We did not observe differences in LRTD rates between pts of different racial/ethnic groups, smoking history, hypertension, obesity, cancer status, timing or type of anti-cancer therapy. LRTD was more likely in pts with thoracic malignancy (39%), hematological malignancy (39%) compared to those with other solid tumors (27%). The majority of pts (86%) had symptomatic presentation; however, 8% of pts with asymptomatic presentation developed LRTD. 30-day and overall mortality rates were significantly higher in pts with LRTD than those without LRTD (31% vs. 4% and 38% vs. 6%, P < 0.05). Conclusions: COVID-19 related LRTD rate is high and associated with worse mortality rates in pts with cancer. The majority of risk factors associated with LRTD demonstrate underlying immunodeficiency or lung structural damage as a driving force in this population. Identifying pts at high-risk for developing LRTD can help guide clinical management, improve pt outcomes, increase the cost-effectiveness of antiviral therapy, and direct future clinical trial designs for vaccine or antiviral agents.[Table: see text]

Delayed Diagnosis of Congenital Hypothyroidism in a 6-month-old Male Infant in Tamale, Ghana.

Congenital hypothyroidism is a common inborn endocrine disorder. Asymptomatic presentation in majority of cases mean that its diagnosis may be missed especially in settings where newborn screening is absent. We present a case of delayed diagnosis of congenital hypothyroidism and emphasize on need for high level of suspicion to aid prompt diagnosis and treatment. Our case is a 3 year, 4 months old male, who was first seen at 5 months of age on account of poor growth. He passed meconium after day four of life, developed jaundice in first week of life, and slept a lot in neonatal period. He had coarse faces, protruding tongue, widened anterior fontanelle and herniation of umbilicus. He was started on oral levothyroxine 50 microgram daily. In resources limited settings where universal newborn screening is absent, healthcare workers should have a high level of suspicion in picking up the early signs of the condition.

The Commonest Clinical Presentation of Gallstone Disease in Laparoscopically Cholecystectomized Patients

Cholelithiasis is the presence of one or more gallstones within the gallbladder. Gallstone disease is a common cause for surgical intervention all over the world.The objective of the study is to determine the order of frequency of clinical presentations for cholelithiasis in laparoscopically cholecystectomized patients in ALKarama teaching hospital.A total sample of 156 clearly documented gallstone disease and laparoscopic cholecystectomized patients were involved in the present study. In the current study, 156 laparoscopic cholecystectomized patients; (34) males and (122) females, ages range between 20 and 69 years with a mean (m=39.24±11.7). Common factors that justified the indication for laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) were found in the majority of patients with asymptomatic and mild GI presentation those factors include microlithiasis < 3mm, risk for gallbladder CA, history of bariatric surgery, coexistent morbidities like diabetes mellitus (DM) and hemolytic anemia (HA) or the LC was done in concomitant with another laparoscopic surgery.From the present study, we concluded that the mild GI symptoms represented by dyspepsia, nausea, flatulence and constipation, were at the top of clinical presentations for gallstone patients who underwent LC. The distribution of cases was higher in the 4th decade of life with female predominance.

Preoperative and Postoperative Sagittal Alignment and Compensatory Mechanisms in Patients With Posttraumatic Thoracolumbar Deformities Who Undergo Corrective Surgeries.

Secondary posttraumatic spinal kyphosis is a fixed deformity that has an asymptomatic presentation in most patients, but in some, persistent pain and disability can develop refractory to conservative treatment, which may result in the need for corrective surgery. Our aim was to analyze the modification of sagittal alignment and the variation in compensation mechanisms of spinal-pelvic segments before and after surgical correction in a group of patients with symptomatic posttraumatic kyphosis. A retrospective cohort study of 16 consecutive patients from the beginning of 2007 until the beginning of 2017 who underwent surgery due to thoracolumbar sagittal deformities was performed. Regional kyphosis (RK), thoracic kyphosis (TK), lumbar lordosis (LL), lower lumbar lordosis (LLL), lumbar lordosis under the deformity (LLUD), pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT), sagittal vertical axis (SVA), and PI-LL were measured in preoperative and postoperative lateral full spine x rays. Statistical analysis was performed with the nonparametric Wilcoxon test to compare preoperative and postoperative radiologic variables. Sixteen patients were included with a median age of 47.5 years (32-62 years), the median time elapsed from the accident until corrective surgery was 7 months (2-33 months), the median follow-up time was 16.5 months (6-80 months), and the most used corrective strategy was pedicle subtraction osteotomy (11/16 patients). Statistically and radiologically significant improvements were observed in RK (33.5° versus 12°, P < .001) and LLUD (68.5° versus 61°, P = .017), with a noticeable decrease in PI-LL (15° versus 9.5°, P = .233). There were no statistically significant results regarding TK, LL, LLL, PI, PT, or SVA. Osteotomies are an effective tool to correct angular deformities at a local level after spine trauma. Posttraumatic kyphosis results in the compensation of sagittal imbalance through modification of segmental alignment of the mobile spine under the deformity. 3. This work shows the compensation mechanisms after post-traumatic kyphosis in patients with previously healthy spines.

Drug Induced Hyperprolactinemia

Introduction: Drugs are a common cause of hyperprolactinemia. It is essential to differentiate this cause from other pathological causes which avoids unnecessary investigations. Detailed history will help us in identifying the responsible drug and withdrawing the same will be rewarding. Here we are reporting a case series of drug induced hyperprolactinemia. Methods: It was a cross-sectional observational study. Subjects were recruited from our outpatient department. Hyperprolactinemia was defined as blood prolactin levels >30 ng/mL in females and >24 ng/mL in males, regardless of the presence of symptoms. Serum prolactin was repeated one week after holding the suspected drug(s). Drug induced hyperprolactinemia is defined as normalisation of serum prolactin on discontinuation of the offending drug. Demographics, clinical presentation and offending drug name were entered in pre designed proforma.Results: Total of 32 subjects were studied in this study with age of 35.5±10.8years. Predominantly female subjects were present with female to male ratio 5.4. Basal prolactin was 132±68.7ng/mL and after holding the drug prolactin value was 16.9±8.2. Proton pump inhibitors in combination with prokinetics were the leading cause (71.8%) and followed by multiple drug combinations (15.6%), anti-psychiatric drugs(9.3%) and oral contraceptives(3.1%). Overall 86.75% of subjects were having symptomatic presentation. Commonest clinical presentation among the women was galactorrhea (88.9% of female subjects) followed by irregular menstrual cycles (59% of female subjects) and breast heaviness in 29.6%. Among the men erectile dysfunction was common presentation, noted among 80% of them. Asymptomatic presentation was there in 6.25% of subjects. All subjects were improved clinically after withdrawal of the the offending drug(s).Conclusions: Most of the subjects were clinically symptomatic. Most common symptom in female was galactorrhea followed by irregular menses and breast heaviness, and erectile dysfunction in males. All subjects were improved clinically after withdrawal of the offending drug(s). A detailed drug history is rewarding and avoids unnecessary investigations for hyperprolactinemia

Management of epistaxis during COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract Epistaxis represents a commonly encountered manifestation in the ENT Emergency Department. Healthcare providers working in the ENT Emergency Department are at high risk of COVID-19 infection both because of the high viral load in the upper airways and because of the asymptomatic presentation of COVID-19 disease. Special focus is needed for managing the balance between appropriate patient care and ensuring the safety of healthcare workers. Adequate preparation and modification of the procedures for bleeding control to minimize risk of spread is necessary. While managing, attention should be kept on less invasive methods with avoidance of aerosol-generating activities. Nonetheless, proper use and disposal of personal protective equipment is of utmost importance in stopping the spread of COVID-19.

Pulmonary benign metastasising leiomyoma: a single-institution case series

BackgroundBenign metastasising leiomyoma (BML) is a rare and often asymptomatic presentation of smooth muscle tumour of uterine origin, occurring outside the uterus. We present the first case series of pulmonary BML in a contemporary UK population.Patients were identified from prospective histopathological databases spanning from 2003 to 2019. Data was collected retrospectively from physical and electronic data sources.ResultsSix post-menopausal females were identified with an average age of 44±8 years (mean±SD). Fifty percent of our cohort was asymptomatic with an incidental finding of pulmonary nodules, whilst the others complained of non-specific respiratory symptoms. Five patients (88%) had multiple lesions (median 9, range 2 to 12)—with bilateral distribution, measuring an average of 11 mm (range 7 to 27) in size on cross-sectional imaging. All patients underwent diagnostic surgical pulmonary wedge resection, with no perioperative morbidity.Immunohistochemistry confirmed the presence of ‘spindle cells’, staining positive for smooth muscle actin, desmin and progesterone receptors for all patients (100%), and oestrogen receptors in five patients (87%). Four patients (67%) underwent a hysterectomy prior to diagnosis of BML and one (17%) due to the diagnosis itself. Four patients (67%) underwent oophorectomy, whilst one patient required hormonal suppression therapy. Survival was 100% at a median follow-up of 59.5 months (range 29 to 166).ConclusionsBML is a rare clinical entity accounting for a small proportion of patients presenting with pulmonary nodules. Following successful tissue diagnosis, outcomes with conservative or medical management are excellent.

Gonococcal pelviperitonitis: a diagnostic challenge

Neisseria gonorrhoeae is the second most common etiological agent of pelvic inflammatory disease and is currently un-derdiagnosed due to its asymptomatic presentation in 50% of cases. When the disease presents, it may appear in the form of acute abdomen and normal imaging tests, making it a major diagnostic challenge. We present four cases of acute gonococcal peritonitis. The main symptom was acute abdominal pain, and both the gy-necological examination and complementary tests showed normal results. The only notable finding from the laparoscopy was the existence of purulent ascitic fluid. The results of the anatomical and pathological tests were all normal. Endocer-vical and ascitic fluid culture showed infection with N. gonorrhoeae, and in one case, concomitant infection with Chlamydia trachomatis. The definitive treatment applied was intravenous antibiotic therapy. When a sexually active young woman is diagnosed with peritonitis that has no apparent cause, it is important to rule out sexually transmitted diseases.

Trabecular Bone Score (TBS) in Primary Hyperparathyroidism (PHPT): A Useful Tool?

Primary Hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) often leads to bone loss, even in its asymptomatic presentations. Trabecular Bone Score (TBS) is a method to assess the trabecular bone structure of the spine. This study aimed to evaluate TBS measurements combined with Dual X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) values in the search for more accurate bone fragility risk assessment among PHPT patients. From 2017 to 2019, patients diagnosed with PHPT (n = 64), before surgery, were invited to participate in this study. Bone mineral density (BMD) by DXA at the lumbar spine, total hip, femoral neck, distal third radius, and TBS were determined in patients and controls (n = 63). The vertebral fracture was defined using the Genant method in vertebral images by DXA and vertebral fracture assessment (VFA). Patients and controls did not differ in age, sex, menopausal status, or body mass index (BMI). The PHPT patients presented significantly lower BMD values than the controls in all sites evaluated. The TBS measurements were also statistically lower in PHPT patients than controls (mean TBS PHPT = 1.233 vs TBS controls = 1.280, p = 0.044). Osteoporosis was observed in 50% of PHPT patients and 26.6% of controls (p = 0.02). However, lumbar spine T-Score < -2.5 was observed only in 21.8% of PHPT patients. Vertebral fractures were detected in nine individuals (14%) from the PHPT group and four (6.3%) in the controls (p = 0.24). The TBS area under the curve (AUC) was higher than DXA AUC in all sites, for vertebral fracture assessment. The TBS AUC was significant in the PHPT group (0.75, 95% CI 0.62 - 0.88, p = 0.02) and not significant in the DXA analysis. The ROC curve showed that TBS values < 1.187 are associated with a significantly higher risk of vertebral fracture among PHPT patients (p = 0.02). The TBS used as a complement to DXA measurements is a useful tool which may better assess fragility risk among PHPT patients.

HYSTEROSCOPY FOR DIAGNOSIS OF FEMALE GENITAL TUBERCULOSIS IN INFERTILE WOMEN: AN ESSENTIAL TOOL IN MINIMALLY INVASIVE ERA.

INTRODUCTION: Female genital tuberculosis (FGTB) is difcult to diagnose due to asymptomatic presentation and paucity of denitive investigations. Hysteroscopy can be utilized for the diagnosis of genital tuberculosis in infertile women. This study was done to study the role of hysteroscopy in the diagnosis of genital tuberculosis. METHODS: Prospective observational study was performed on 50 infertile women after basic evaluation of infertility. The women with tubal factors for infertility or unexplained infertility were selected for the study. Premenstrual endometrial biopsy (EB) was done for mycobacteria (AFB) detection. Hysteroscopy was performed in the next cycle if no AFB was detected on EB. ATT was given if genital TB was diagnosed on EB, and hysteroscopy was performed after completion of ATT. Hysteroscopic observations were compared with endometrial biopsy results. RESULTS: A total of 4 (8%) cases were diagnosed as bacteriologically positive for genital tuberculosis in endometrial samples. They were given anti-tubercular treatment. On hysteroscopy, pale endometrium (16%), Intrauterine adhesions (46%), and osteal obliteration (18%) were the common abnormal observations. 12 patients had mild adhesions, 6 had moderate and 5 patients had severe adhesions. Overall, 26 (52%) patients had features of intrauterine brosis, like intra-uterine adhesions or ostial obliteration, which could be suggestive of chronic infection like tuberculosis. Hysteroscopic adhesiolysis was performed in 46% and the cavity was restored. CONCLUSION: Endometrial Biopsy and Hysteroscopy are complementary procedures that together can help in the diagnosis of FGTB. Hysteroscopy is not only the gold standard for diagnosing uterine adhesions, distortion of the uterine cavity and tubal ostia, but it can also be a prognostic and therapeutic tool.

QALYs for COVID-19: A Comparison of US EQ-5D-5L Value Sets.

BackgroundIn economic evaluations, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) can serve as a unit of measurement for disease burden. Obtaining QALY values for COVID-19 presents a challenge owing to the availability of two US EQ-5D-5L value sets and the potentially asymptomatic presentation of the disease. The first value set was completed allowing for the discounting of future health outcomes while the second value set is undiscounted.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to compare the distribution of QALY values using a national survey and the two published value sets; and to estimate the association between COVID-19 outcomes and QALY losses.MethodsBetween 9 and 11 November, 2020, 1153 US adults completed the EQ-5D-5L instrument (five items and a visual analog scale) as well as self-reported their demographics, COVID-19 symptoms, and memberships to populations that are at risk of COVID-19 infection. The two US value sets were applied to the EQ-5D-5L responses to produce QALY values. We estimated the mean QALYs by visual analog scale decile and a generalized linear model of COVID-19 outcomes.ResultsThe discounted values are higher than the undiscounted values for each visual analog scale decile owing to methodological differences. Persons at increased risk, with a fever in the past day, and with one or more other symptoms have significantly greater QALY losses (p < 0.01). Overall, non-institutionalized individuals at risk of symptomatic clinical COVID-19 equal 0.68 for the 2016 value set (95% confidence interval 0.49–0.87) and 0.10 for the 2017 value set (95% confidence interval − 0.31 to 0.51) QALYs.ConclusionsMultiple studies have shown that decision makers discount future health outcomes, which increase QALY values. This study confronts the practical implications of these methodological advances for use in COVID-19 economic evaluations. Health economists will be able to use the QALY values in this study to better evaluate health interventions against COVID-19.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40271-021-00509-z.

Malignant invasion of the cerebrospinal fluid in adult and paediatric patients with haematological and solid malignancies: a monocentric retrospective study

ABSTRACT Objectives In this study, we describe the clinical presentation, the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) characteristics and outcome of children and adults with leptomeningeal invasion due to haematological and solid malignancies. Methods Routine CSF samples analyzed from 2008 to 2018 at our institution were retrospectively reviewed for the presence of malignant cells based on cytomorphological analysis. Results Leptomeningeal invasion was identified in 212 patients: 45 children versus 167 adults, and 92 haematological versus 120 solid malignancies. Leukaemic invasion in childhood was mainly due to ALL, and lymphoma invasion was often due to a high-grade B-cell lymphoma in adults. Metastatic invasion by solid tumours was almost exclusively seen in adults. Patients suffered most frequently from cranial neuropathy and headache (both 32%), while asymptomatic presentations were seen mainly in children (33%) and haematological malignancies (17%). Laboratory CSF parameters often showed an elevated WBC count (87%), total protein (74%) and lactate (76%) and a decreased glucose (77%). These deviations were especially found in solid malignancies (>84%) and adults (>82%). Brain and/or spinal cord imaging was more often suggestive for the leptomeningeal invasion in solid than in haematological malignancies (86% vs. 46%). The 5-year overall survival (OS) rates for patients with haematological and solid malignancies were 21.5% and 5.9%, respectively. The 5-year OS rate for children (55.6%) was significantly better than for adults (3.5%). Conclusion Leptomeningeal invasion is more often asymptomatic, and CSF parameters and imaging are more often normal in children and haematological malignancies than in adults and solid malignancies, possibly leading to underdiagnosis.

Clinical Presentation and Outcomes of Covid-19 in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients in Pakistan: A single-Center Study

The objective of the present study was to review clinical presentation and short-term outcomes of COVID-19 in patients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). The study was conducted at three coordinated outpatient hemodialysis units at Aga Khan University Hospital from 1st May 2020 to 31st July, 2020.&#x0D; METHODOLOGY: Detailed analysis of 15 patients on MHD diagnosed with COVID-19 during the study period was done along with comparison between surviving and deceased subjects.&#x0D; RESULTS: Out of 108 MHD patients, 17 were diagnosed with COVID-19 through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and 15 of them were included in the study. Mean age of subjects was 62.8 years; 53.3% were females. Median HD vintage was 15 months (IQR 8-14). Forty percent of the patients were asymptomatic. Frequent symptoms observed were shortness of breath (40%), cough (26.7%) and fever (20%). Lymphopenia was not seen in our study and 40% had no radiographic finding. Acute respiratory distress syndrome, myocardial injury, hepatic dysfunction and thrombotic event were observed complications. Compared to survivors, deceased patients were significantly older (p=0.01) and had higher inflammatory markers including C-reactive protein, ferritin, procalcitonin, lactate dehydrogenase. Forty percent were hospitalized and 83.3% required ventilation (invasive or noninvasive). By the end of follow up; 40% patients died. &#x0D; CONCLUSION:&#x0D; Patients on MHD are susceptible to severe COVID-19 and higher mortality. Asymptomatic presentation demands high clinical suspicion for prompt diagnosis. Following trend of inflammatory markers may help clinician in identification of severe cases and appropriate management.

Clinical Practice Patterns in Nonsyndromic Craniosynostosis: A Review of Continuous Certification Tracer Data From the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Abstract Since 2003, the American Board of Plastic Surgery has collected data on 20 plastic surgery operations as part of the Maintenance of Certification process. The goal of this study was to describe national trends in craniosynostosis repair as they relate to Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) articles published during this timeframe. Cumulative tracer data for nonsyndromic craniosynostosis were reviewed from 2006 to March 2020, and compared with EBM articles published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Topics were categorized as: As of March 2020, 940 cases of nonsyndromic craniosynostosis had been entered. The median age at the time of surgery was 8 months (range, 1–204 months). Practice patterns from 2006 through 2013 were compared with those between 2013 and 2020. The most common surgical technique from 2006 through 2013 was anterior regional cranioplasty, and from 2013 to 2020 was orbital rim advancement. Differences in practice between these time periods included an increase in patients with asymptomatic clinical presentation (27% versus 42%, P &lt; 0.001) and presentation with papilledema (1% versus 4%, P = 0.003). Use of preoperative MRI significantly increased (1% versus 6%, P &lt; 0.001). Significant changes were noted in surgical technique and methods of fixation. By examining the American Board of Plastic Surgery tracer data, the authors can describe national trends in presentation, imaging, and surgical techniques for non -syndromic craniosynostosis repair over a 14-year period.

Multimodality diagnosis of cardiac involvement in COVID-19 patients

Abstract The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2), exhibits a wide spectrum of manifestations, from asymptomatic presentations to acute respiratory failure, myocardial injury, arterial or venous thrombosis, multiorgan failure, and death. Although COVID-19 mainly disrupts the respiratory syndrome, it has been shown to have detrimental impact on cardiac morphology and function, resulting in a broad range of cardiovascular complications and poor outcome, increasing morbidity and mortality of these patients. This review will summarize the knowledge on characterization of myocardial injury in COVID 19, by using cardiac biomarkers, electrocardiographic, and cardiac multi-modality imaging findings for an early and accurate diagnosis, proper management, correct treatment, and follow-up of COVID-19 patients.

Is Stent-Assisted Coil Embolization for the Treatment of Ruptured Blood Blister-Like Aneurysms of the Supraclinoid Internal Carotid Artery Effective? : An Analysis of Single Institutional Experience with Pooled Data.

ObjectiveGiven the high risk of rebleeding and recurrence of blood blister-like aneurysms (BBAs), we treated ruptured BBAs of the internal carotid artery (ICA) with stent-assisted coil embolization (SAC). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of SACs. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed clinical and radiological data from eight patients with ruptured BBAs of the supraclinoid ICA. The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was used to assess clinical outcomes, while radiological outcomes were evaluated on angiographs. For a pooled analysis, data from literature reporting the outcomes of ruptured BBAs treated with SAC were collected and analyzed in conjunction with our data. ResultsIn our cohort, the mean Raymond classification score was 1.57±0.53 immediately after initial endovascular treatment. There were no perioperative complications or rebleeding events during the follow-up period. The mean mRS score at patient discharge was 1.00±0.81 and improved to 0.28±0.48 by the last follow-up day. The recurrence rate was 25% with an asymptomatic presentation and successful treatment with multiple stent insertion. Pooled analysis of 76 cases of SAC revealed a complete occlusion rate immediately after treatment of 54.8%, rebleeding rate 7.94%, and recurrence rate 24.2%. Good clinical outcomes with mRS score 0–2 were observed in 89.9% by the last clinical follow-up. Total mortality rate was 7.7%. ConclusionThis treatment appears to not only minimize the hemodynamic burden on the fragile dome specific to this type of aneurysm, but also provides an opportunity for safe and effective treatment in recurrent cases.

COVID-19 infection rates in patients referred for psychiatric admission during a regional surge: The case for universal testing

Some psychiatric hospitals have instituted mandatory COVID-19 testing for all patients referred for admission. Others have permitted patients to decline testing. Little is known about the rate of COVID-19 infection in acute psychiatric inpatients. Characterizing the proportion of infected patients who have an asymptomatic presentation will help inform policy regarding universal mandatory versus symptom-based or opt-out testing protocols. We determined the COVID-19 infection rate and frequency of asymptomatic presentation in 683 consecutively admitted patients during the surge in the New York City region between April 3rd, 2020 and June 8th, 2020. Among these psychiatric inpatients, there was a 9.8 % overall rate of COVID-19 infection. Of the COVID-19 infected patients, approximately 76.1 % (51/67) either had no COVID-19 symptoms or could not offer reliable history of symptoms at the time of admission. Had they not been identified by testing and triaged to a COVID-19 positive unit, they could have infected others, leading to institutional outbreak. These findings provide justification for psychiatric facilities to maintain universal mandatory testing policies, at least until community infection rates fall and remain at very low levels.

Iris clues in ACG.

Primary angle closure glaucoma is a major cause of visual morbidity in Asia, which hosts 80% of the worldwide cases. In India, primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) comprises almost 50% of adult glaucomas in hospital setting with its asymptomatic presentation predominating at 80%. Early diagnosis is critical to prevent the blinding trajectory of this disease, which is purported to cause twice as much blindness compared to open angle glaucoma. Traditional screening methods to identify PACG range from van Herick and flashlight test (relatively poor predictors) to gonioscopy (gold standard). Altered iris morphology are intrinsic to PACG, resulting in specific iris patterns. Iris appraisal could emerge as a method to screen underlying PACG. This would not only be specific, objective, but also easily performed at the peripheral level by a trained personnel and used in the era of tele-medicine for mass screening by AI softwares. This article seeks to detail these iris changes.

Atrial septal aneurysm in Sub-Saharan Africa: From an asymptomatic incidental echocardiographic finding to a potential cause of cardio embolic stroke

Atrial Septal Aneurysm (ASA) is an abnormality of the interatrial septum that has continued to generate interest because of its rarity, asymptomatic presentation and possibility to cause cardioembolic stroke. There are many published accounts of atrial septal aneurysm in USA, Europe and Asia but very few published reports from sub-Saharan Africa. Our first case is a 48 years old female patient with type 1 ASA presented as an incidental finding during echocardiographic investigative procedures for other cardiac diagnosis. The second case is a 58 years old female with type 2L ASA, who presented with transient loss of consciousness lasting for 5 minutes. Our third case is a 25 years old male with type 5 ASA with heart failure who presented with exertional dyspnoea for 3 years. In this presentation, we ask questions about the reason for rare presentations and or publications of atrial septal aneurysm from Africa. We also re-examined the different associations of ASA as well as clinical presentations. ASA is an often asymptomatic but treatable cause of cardiovascular disease that includes cardioembolic stroke. A high index of suspicion is required to make the diagnosis during routine trans thoracic echocardiography and the availability of transesophageal echocardiography will definitely improve diagnosis and management of cases in sub-Saharan Africa.