Cases Of Degeneration Research Articles

Cerebellar cortical degeneration in ‘Cirneco dell'Etna’ dog: First case report

AbstractA 4‐month‐old, intact male, Cirneco dell'Etna dog was presented with clinical signs of cerebellar ataxia, hindlimb hypometry and short steps with rapid progression. No findings were obtained from blood examinations, magnetic resonance imaging and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examinations and the dog was euthanased when it was not able to walk. Histological examination and immunohistochemical staining of the cerebellum showed multifocal depletion of Purkinje cells, marked increase in cellularity (astrogliosis) and a moderate reduction of the cells of the granule layer and thinning of the molecular layer. This case report describes the first case of cerebellar cortical degeneration in a purebreed Cirneco dell'Etna dog.

Hyperexcitability precedes CA3 hippocampal neurodegeneration in a dox-regulatable TDP-43 mouse model of ALS-FTD.

Cytoplasmic aggregates of TAR DNA Binding Protein 43 (TDP-43) are the predominant pathology in over 90% of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and the majority of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD-TDP) cases. Understanding how TDP-43 pathology promotes neurodegeneration may lead to therapeutic strategies to slow disease progression in humans. Recent reports in mouse and cell culture models suggest loss-of-normal TDP-43 function may drive neuronal hyperexcitability, a key physiological hallmark of ALS and possible contributor to neurodegeneration. In this study, we identified region-specific hyperexcitability that precedes neurodegeneration in the inducible rNLS8 TDP-43 mouse model. Suppressing hyperexcitability with chemogenetics improved behavioral function but did not reduce hippocampal neuron loss. Anti-seizure medications had no beneficial effects suggesting directly targeting hyperexcitability may not be therapeutically effective.

Simulating the Growth of TATA-Box Binding Protein-Associated Factor 15 Inclusions in Neuron Soma.

To the best of the author's knowledge, this paper presents the first attempt to develop a mathematical model of the formation and growth of inclusions containing misfolded TATA-box binding protein associated factor 15 (TAF15). It has recently been shown that TAF15 inclusions are involved in approximately 10% of cases of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). FTLD is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's disease (AD). It is characterized by a progressive loss of personality, behavioral changes, and a decline in language skills due to the degeneration of the frontal and anterior temporal lobes. The model simulates TAF15 monomer production, nucleation and autocatalytic growth of free TAF15 aggregates, and their deposition into TAF15 inclusions. The accuracy of the numerical solution of the model equations is validated by comparing it with analytical solutions available for limiting cases. Physiologically relevant parameter values were used to predict TAF15 inclusion growth. It is shown that the growth of TAF15 inclusions is influenced by two opposing mechanisms: the rate at which free TAF15 aggregates are deposited into inclusions and the rate of autocatalytic production of free TAF15 aggregates from monomers. A low deposition rate slows inclusion growth, while a high deposition rate hinders the autocatalytic production of new aggregates, thus also slowing inclusion growth. Consequently, the rate of inclusion growth is maximized at an intermediate deposition rate of free TAF15 aggregates into TAF15 inclusions.

Increased risk of pigmentary degeneration of the iris and pigmentary glaucoma with fluoroquinolone antibiotics.

Fluoroquinolones are popular antibiotics used for a myriad of conditions including ocular procedures. Despite numerous case reports of acute pigmentary degeneration of the iris with fluoroquinolone use, a pharmacoepidemiological study has not been performed to examine and quantify this risk. Retrospective cohort study with a case-control analysis. A cohort of 1,231,881 new users of oral or topical moxifloxacin, levofloxacin, and azithromycin were followed to first diagnosis of pigmentary degeneration of the iris or pigmentary glaucoma. Four controls were selected for each case using density sampling, matching on age and calendar time. Users of oral or topical moxifloxacin were compared to levofloxacin and azithromycin, a negative control drug from a separate class. First incidence of pigmentary degeneration of the iris or pigmentary glaucoma. The cohort was comprised of 1,231,881 new users of topical or oral levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, or azithromycin. 542 cases of pigmentary degeneration of the iris and 460 cases of pigmentary glaucoma were identified. The incidence of iris pigmentary degeneration or pigmentary glaucoma for topical moxifloxacin was 10.2/1000 person years compared to 2.6/1000 person years for topical azithromycin. Current topical moxifloxacin users had the highest adjusted IRR for pigmentary degeneration of the iris (IRR = 6.81, [95%CI:2.00-23.18]) and pigmentary glaucoma (IRR = 4.07 [95%CI:1.42-11.62]) respectively. The study findings suggest that patients using topical moxifloxacin may have increased risk of developing pigmentary degeneration of the iris and pigmentary glaucoma although the absolute increase was low. Future studies are needed to confirm this association.

A misleading case of Müllerian anomaly: fibroid degeneration and growth involving nonfunctional, noncommunicating rudimentary horn

ObjectiveTo report a rare, misleading fibroid degeneration involving a non-functional, non-communicating horn in a woman with a unicornuate uterus. While the presence of a functional rudimentary horn may lead to signs and symptoms that recommend its removal, non-functional cases are rarely reported, and due to their apparent functional inactivity, the need for their removal has never been reported. No previous report showed the possibility of a degenerative process in a non-functional rudimentary horn causing patient discomfort. DesignThis is a step-by-step narrated video showing a unique case of fibroid degeneration and growth of a non-functional, non-communicating rudimentary horn in a unicornuate uterus (ASRM classification 2021) and its surgical management. SettingUniversity Academic Hospital ‘‘A.O.U. delle Marche – Università Politecnica delle Marche” Ancona, Italy. SubjectA 48-year-old Caucasian nulliparous premenopausal woman was referred to our institution because of abdominal pain and an enlarging adnexal mass. Her personal history showed primary infertility with a previous diagnosis of unicornuate uterus. Given the possibility of ectopic ureters in these occurrences, a complete computed tomography scan was performed, and no genitourinary alterations were found. Pre-operative imaging (ultrasound evaluation, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance) provided a provisional diagnosis of a suspicious ovarian fibroma. InterventionsConsidering the patient’s age, lack of desire for pregnancy, and volumetric increase of the adnexal mass, a laparoscopic intervention to perform mass removal and prophylactic bilateral salpingectomy was planned. The patient was counseled about the low risk of an underlying malignant transformation. Therefore, the decision to remove the intact mass via a mini-laparotomy at the end of the surgery was shared.Once the abdominal cavity was entered, the right unicornuate uterus was found in anatomical continuity with the ipsilateral broad ligament, fallopian tube, and ovary. These structures were wholly attached to the right pelvic wall.On the other side, cranially compared to the right hemi-uterus, a roundish myoma-like mass was detected in direct connection with the left broad ligament, fallopian tube, and ovary.In light of a changed intraoperative finding, the amputation of the left rudimentary horn and prophylactic bilateral salpingectomy were performed. Main outcome measuresShowing the fibroid degeneration and growth of a non-functional, non-communicating rudimentary horn in a unicornuate uterus (ASRM classification 2021) treated laparoscopically. ResultsLaparoscopic removal of the uterine horn was successful, and no intra- and postoperative complications occurred. The patient was in good health at the six-month follow-up visit. The histopathological examination confirmed the fibroid degeneration and the absence of endometrium. ConclusionThe lack of symptomatic cases of rudimentary non-functional horns reported in the literature led gynecologists to consider them a silent Mullerian anomaly. This unique case demonstrates that even non-functional rudimentary horns can undergo symptomatic transformation processes requiring surgery. This information may be helpful for more comprehensive counseling of women and for considering the possibility of this occurrence in the diagnostic work-up of misleading Müllerian anomalies. With this in mind, surgical treatment can also be better planned as the technical aspects change compared to what is expected for an adnexal pathology.

Clinical, imaging and histopathological characterization of a series of three cats with cerebellar cortical degeneration

BackgroundNeurological inherited disorders are rare in domestic animals. Cerebellar cortical degeneration remains amongst the most common of these disorders. The condition is defined as the premature loss of fully differentiated cerebellar components due to genetic or metabolic defects. It has been studied in dogs and cats, and various genetic defects and diagnostic tests (including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)) have been refined in these species. Cases in cats remain rare and mostly individual, and few diagnostic criteria, other than post-mortem exam, have been evaluated in reports with multiple cases. Here, we report three feline cases of cerebellar cortical degeneration with detailed clinical, diagnostic imaging and post-mortem findings.Case presentationThe three cases were directly (siblings, case #1 and #2) or indirectly related (same farm, case #3) and showed early-onset of the disease, with clinical signs including cerebellar ataxia and tremors. Brain MRI was highly suggestive of cerebellar cortical degeneration on all three cases. The relative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) space, relative cerebellum size, brainstem: cerebellum area ratio, and cerebellum: total brain area ratio, were measured and compared to a control group of cats and reference cut-offs for dogs in the literature. For the relative cerebellum size and cerebellum: total brain area ratio, all affected cases had a lower value than the control group. For the relative CSF space and brainstem: cerebellum area ratio, the more affected cases (#2 and #3) had higher values than the control group, while the least affected case (#3) had values within the ranges of the control group, but a progression was visible over time. Post-mortem examination confirmed the diagnosis of cerebellar cortical degeneration, with marked to complete loss of Purkinje cells and associated granular layer depletion and proliferation of Bergmann glia. One case also had Wallerian-like degeneration in the spinal cord, suggestive of spinocerebellar degeneration.ConclusionOur report further supports a potential genetic component for the disease in cats. For the MRI examination, the relative cerebellum size and cerebellum: total brain area ratio seem promising, but further studies are needed to establish specific feline cut-offs. Post-mortem evaluation of the cerebellum remains the gold standard for the final diagnosis.

Switching from a Fixed Monthly Aflibercept Regimen to Bi-Monthly Brolucizumab in Refractory Cases of Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of bi-monthly brolucimumab treatment in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) refractory to monthly aflibercept treatment. Methods: A retrospective chart review included 32 eyes of patients with refractory nAMD who switched from monthly intravitreal aflibercept treatment to bi-monthly intravitreal brolucizumab treatment. This study evaluated changes in visual acuity (VA), intraretinal fluid (IRF), subretinal fluid (SRF), pigment epithelial detachment (PED), and central macular thickness (CMT), at specific times as follows: baseline before switching (T0), 2 months after switching (T1), 4 months after switching (T2), and 6 months after switching (T3). Results: The mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) did not significantly change across all time points (0.52 ± 0.12, 0.48 ± 0.27, 0.48 ± 0.28, and 0.50 ± 0.27 logarithms of the minimum angle of resolution in T0, T1, T2, and T3, respectively). CMT significantly decreased after additional brolucizumab injections compared to the baseline (218.2 ± 48.6 and 207.9 ± 49.8 μm, respectively; p = 0.001). The PED height also significantly decreased from 251.0 ± 165.4 to 154.4 ± 115.65 μm (p < 0.001), with complete resolution in nine patients (28%). The mean subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) before brolucizumab treatment was 262.8 ± 79.7 μm, which decreased to 233.0 ± 71.2 μm (p = 0.001) after the first injection. The final SFCT also significantly decreased after additional brolucizumab injections compared to the baseline SFCT (p = 0.012). Conclusions: Bi-monthly brolucizumab treatment proves effective for patients refractory to monthly fixed aflibercept, resulting in positive anatomical changes without significant deterioration in visual acuity. This approach provides a promising prognosis while reducing the treatment burden on refractory patients.

Differential diagnosis of chronic infertility in high-yield cows

The infertility of cows and heifers has been the most pressing problem in the livestock sector. The genitals and mammary gland have an increased functional load associated with pregnancy, childbirth, and lactation. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of symptoms of chronic irreversible infertility in Ayrshire cows culled as a result of multiple artificial inseminations. The study employed analytical, structural-comparative, and statistical methods, as well as a modified differential palpation diagnosis of the clinical state of the reproductive organs in the ovary+oviduct area with lateral localisation was consistently applied in two stages. The findings of the study showed that cows with in vivo diagnosed symptoms of chronic adherent salpingitis and ovosalpingitis (52.17%), i.e., irreversible form of infertility, had significantly higher (+28.05%; P &lt; 0.01) milk production and better lactation compared to those without these pathologies. Furthermore, in the group of cows culled due to numerous ineffective inseminations, related gonadopathies were detected: from 4.35% to 10.87% of ovarian hypotrophy, 4.35% of gonadal sclerosis symptoms and 17.39% of cystic follicular degeneration cases. In 73.91% of females, the presence of sexual cyclicity with unchanged ovarian function in the follicular phase and in 84.78% – in the luteal phase of the cycle was established. The use of differential palpation diagnostics in production conditions allows in vivo predicting the tendency to loss of genetic resources (the ability of cow ovaries to maintain generative and secretory functions) in highly productive cows due to chronic inflammatory gynecological pathologies, which will contribute to the improvement of drug and biotechnological schemes of therapeutic measures for the prevention of infertility in the dairy herd

Production and characterization of novel monoclonal antibodies against pathological human TDP-43 proteins.

The RNA/DNA-binding protein TDP-43 plays a pivotal role in the ubiquitinated inclusions characteristic of TDP-43 proteinopathies, including most cases of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD-TDP) and Alzheimer disease (AD). To understand the mechanisms of pathological TDP-43 processing and identify potential biomarkers, we generated novel phosphorylation-independent monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) using bacteria-expressed human full-length recombinant TDP-43. Remarkably, we identified a distinctive MAb, No. 9, targeting an epitope in amino acid (aa) region 311-360 of the C-terminus. This antibody showed preferential reactivity for pathological TDP-43 inclusions, with only mild reactivity for normal nuclear TDP-43. MAb No. 9 revealed more pathology in FTLD-TDP type A and type B brains and in AD brains compared to the commercial p409/410 MAb. Using synthetic phosphorylated peptides, we also obtained MAbs targeting the p409/410 epitope. Interestingly, MAb No. 14 was found to reveal additional pathology in AD compared to the commercial p409/410 MAb, specifically, TDP-43-immunopositive deposits with amyloid plaques in AD brains. These unique immunopositivities observed with MAbs No. 9 and No. 14 are likely attributed to their conformation-dependent binding to TDP-43 inclusions. We expect that this novel set of MAbs will prove valuable as tools for future patient-oriented investigations into TDP-43 proteinopathies.

TAVI in younger patients: is it a reliable option?

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements None. Background/Introduction Severe aortic stenosis is the most common valve disease requiring intervention. It has very poor prognosis, and early intervention is recommended. Either surgical or percutaneous transcatheter intervention is possible. According to European guidelines, surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) is usually indicated for patients younger than 75 years old. However, some patients are refused surgery, and transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) might be an option of treatment for these patients, however medium-long term results are still uncertain. Purpose This study intends to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TAVI in younger patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis. Methods Retrospective cohort of 224 patients were submitted to TAVI in the last 3 years, of which 21 patients were younger than 75 years old. The primary endpoints are mortality, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and rehospitalization (related to the procedure, valve, or heart failure). Efficacy and safety were evaluated during a follow-up of at least 6 months, compared with the traditional group. Results A total of 224 patients underwent TAVI during the last 3 years at our center. Of these, 21 patients (9%) were younger than 75 years. The mean age was 72,1±3 [62-75] years old and 33% were female (n=7). 95% (n=20) of the TAVI procedures were due to degenerative severe aortic stenosis and 5% (n=1) due to degenerative aortic surgical valve prothesis. The mean euroscore risk value was 6,2±1,3%, and 18 patients were refused for surgery (86%) and 3 patients refused surgery (14%). All procedures were performed by transfemoral access, with 2 peripheral access complications (9,5%), 1 hemorrhagic (4%), solved with covered stent, and 1 closure device occlusion solved with wire crossing and balloon inflation (4%). It was necessary to implant 3 temporary pacemakers, however, only 2 patients required a definitive pacemaker implantation (9,5%). There were no cases intraprocedural death, MACE or aortic severe complications. There was a statistically significant reduction of risk of peripheral complications and pacemaker implantation on younger patients comparing with older patients (p=0,04 and p=0,05 respectively). Mean follow-up time was 14±8,3 months [6-39 months]. During follow-up there were no deaths, MACE or episodes of rehospitalization due to heart failure recorded. Regarding echocardiographic evaluation, there were no cases of significant valve degeneration, with mean aortic gradient of 13±4,1mmHg, no significant leakage or other echocardiographic findings. In younger patients, TAVI appears to be also valid therapeutic option, with less risk of peripheral access complication or need of permanent pacemaker implantation. During the follow-up there was no cases of prothesis degeneration, proving to be a reliable option for the medium to long term.

Combined superficial keratectomy, alcohol delamination and amniotic membrane patch with fibrin glue in Salzmann nodular degeneration.

To describe the outcomes of five Salzmann's Nodular Degeneration (SND) cases treated with a combination of alcohol delamination, superficial keratectomy and amniotic membrane patch with fibrin glue. Five patients affected by SND with significant discomfort and decreased visual acuity were evaluated with refraction, best corrected visual acuity, Break-up time test, corneal topography, Anterior Segment of Optical Coherence Tomography and images of anterior segment with a full slit lamp examination. All the patients underwent alcohol delamination of the corneal epithelium followed by superficial keratectomy to remove the subepithelial nodules. A patch of amniotic membrane was applied to all of them with a ring shape and a banana shape in two patients due to the location of the disease. A bandage contact lens was inserted. The patch was kept in place for 14 days. Another bandage contact lens was inserted for 21 days until the corneal epithelium had completely healed. The surgical procedure was successful in removing the nodules in all patients. Vision was restored in all cases with a significant regularization of the corneal surface and reduction of ocular discomfort. After a 12-month follow-up, none of the patients showed recurrence of the disease. Combining alcohol delamination with superficial keratectomy and amniotic membrane patch with fibrin glue is an effective procedure for the management of SND to regularize the corneal surface and avoid the recurrence of subsequent nodules. This report is the first description of the outcomes of SND cases treated with a combination of the aforementioned techniques.

A novel GCaMP6f-RCS rat model for studying electrical stimulation in the degenerated retina.

Background: Retinal prostheses aim to restore vision by electrically stimulating the remaining viable retinal cells in Retinal Degeneration (RD) cases. Research in this field necessitates a comprehensive analysis of retinal ganglion cells' (RGCs) responses to assess the obtained visual acuity and quality. Here we present a novel animal model which facilitates the optical recording of RGCs activity in an RD rat. This model can significantly enhance the functional evaluation of vision restoration treatments. Methods: The development of the novel rat model is based on crossbreeding a retinal degenerated Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rat with a transgenic line expressing the genetic calcium indicator GCaMP6f in the RGCs. Characterization of the model was achieved using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) imaging, histology, and electroretinography (ERG) at the ages of 4, 8, and 12weeks. Additionally, optical recordings of RGCs function in response to ex-vivo subretinal electrical stimulations were performed. Results: Histological investigations confirmed the high expression of GCaMP6f in the RGCs and minimal expression in the inner nuclear layer (INL). OCT imaging and histological studies revealed the expected gradual retinal degeneration, as evident by the decrease in retinal thickness with age and the formation of subretinal debris. This degeneration was further confirmed by ERG recordings, which demonstrated a significant decrease in the b-wave amplitude throughout the degeneration process, culminating in its absence at 12weeks in the GCaMP6f-RCS rat. Importantly, the feasibility of investigating subretinal stimulation was demonstrated, revealing a consistent increase in activation threshold throughout degeneration. Furthermore, an increase in the diameter of the activated area with increasing currents was observed. The spatial spread of the activation area in the GCaMP6f-RCS rat was found to be smaller and exhibited faster activation dynamics compared with the GCaMP6f-LE strain. Conclusion: This novel animal model offers an opportunity to deepen our understanding of prosthetically induced retinal responses, potentially leading to significant advancements in prosthetic interventions in visual impairments.

A Case of Paraneoplastic Cerebellar Degeneration (PCD) in a Patient with Merkel Cell Carcinoma Treated with Nivolumab (P1-14.014)

A Case of Paraneoplastic Cerebellar Degeneration (PCD) in a Patient with Merkel Cell Carcinoma Treated with Nivolumab (P1-14.014)

Investigating G-quadruplex structures in RPGR gene: Implications for understanding X-linked retinal degeneration

AimsThis pilot study investigates the potential pathogenic role of G-quadruplex (G4) structures in RPGR-associated retinal degeneration, starting from a case of suspected X-linked form affected family. We hypothesize that the stabilization of these structures might alter DNA replication and transcription, inducing genetic instability and influencing gene expression. Main methodsWe conducted whole genome amplification experiments and next-generation sequencing to detect the blockade of polymerase activity by G4 structures. Our specific focus was the RPGR gene, which hosts a high concentration of predicted G4-forming motifs and is implicated in most X-linked retinal degeneration cases. To understand the potential interference of G4 structures, we applied computational and 3D molecular modeling to visualize interferences in DNA replication and transcription regulation. Key findingsOur data confirmed the obstruction of DNA polymerase enzymes by G4 structures, particularly when stabilized by the compound pyridostatin. This obstruction was evident in the reduced amplification of RPGR gene regions and a shift in the start/end sites of putative G4 motifs. Moreover, the modeling indicated a potential disruption of critical promoter elements and RNA polymerase binding, which could drastically alter gene expression. SignificanceOur findings suggest that G4 formation in the RPGR gene could lead to genetic instability and affect the expression of RPGR, contributing to retinal dystrophy. Moreover, this study underscores the broader implications of G4 structures in other genetic disorders. Improved understanding of G4 structures could reveal novel therapeutic targets to combat genetic disorders, promoting the advancement of personalized medicine and precision health.

Real3D: The Curious Case of Neural Scene Degeneration

Despite significant progress in utilizing pre-trained text-to-image diffusion models to guide the creation of 3D scenes, these methods often struggle to generate scenes that are sufficiently realistic, leading to "neural scene degeneration". In this work, we propose a new 3D scene generation model called Real3D. Specifically, Real3D designs a pipeline from a NeRF-like implicit renderer to a tetrahedrons-based explicit renderer, greatly improving the neural network's ability to generate various neural scenes. Moreover, Real3D introduces an additional discriminator to prevent neural scenes from falling into undesirable local optima, thus avoiding the degeneration phenomenon. Our experimental results demonstrate that Real3D outperforms all existing state-of-the-art text-to-3D generation methods, providing valuable insights to facilitate the development of learning-based 3D scene generation approaches.

BARRAGE LASER PHOTOCOAGULATION IN HIGH-MYOPIC PATIENT WITH SYMPTOMATIC RETINAL TEARS BEFORE PHACOEMULSIFICATION: A CASE REPORT

Introduction : Retinal tears can be present in up to 2.4% of cases of lattice degeneration, which is considered an important risk of retinal detachment in a high-myopic patient. Laser photocoagulation has been shown to reduce the risks of retinal detachment before phacoemulsification thus improve in the visual outcome. We report a case of a high myopic patient with symptomatic retinal tears who underwent phacoemulsification that was treated prophylactically with barrage laser photocoagulation.&#x0D; Case Illustration : A 43 years-old female with a history of high myopia complained of flashes and floaters on both eyes. She had high myopia measuring -13.0 dioptres and -28.0 dioptres in the right and left eyes respectively. Unaided visual acuity was 2/60 in both eyes. Fundus examination showed lattice degenerations with a small tear found on both eyes with no retinal detachments. She was treated with a barrage laser on both eyes followed by phacoemulsification. On the last follow-up, the retina remained stable and the visual acuity was significantly improved with no development of macular edema or retinal detachment in both eyes.&#x0D; Discussion : Although most cases of lattice degeneration do not need intervention, some present a risk of retinal detachment. Barrage laser photocoagulation may have a place in high myopic patient lattice degeneration with symptomatic retinal tears to maintain retinal stability and to obtain the optimal outcome after phacoemulsification.&#x0D; Conclusion : Barrage laser photocoagulation is beneficial as a prophylactic treatment of symptomatic retinal tears before phacoemulsification in high-myopic patients.

Clinicopathological Analysis of Adnexal Masses Presenting in a Tertiary Healthcare Centre, Karnataka, India: A Retrospective Observational Study

Introduction: The ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the broad ligament make up the anatomical adnexa. Adnexal masses represent a commonly occurring issue in gynaecology. The majority of ovarian malignancies are detected at advanced stages. The clinical manifestations of adnexal masses vary, with many cancers either showing no symptoms or presenting with vague signs. In the reproductive age group, the most typical manifestation is a benign functional cyst. Aim: To conduct a clinico-pathological analysis of adnexal masses among women presenting at a tertiary healthcare centre. Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Akash Institute of Medical Science and Research Centre, Devanahalli, Karnataka, India, from November 2022 to April 2024. The diagnosis of adnexal mass was based on clinical symptoms, abdominal examination, bimanual examination, and trans-abdominal ultrasound. The CA-125 and other tumour markers were sent depending on the risk of malignancy. All tissues were sent for histopathological examination. The data were collected and tabulated in a Microsoft excel sheet, and percentages were calculated. Results: This study included 38 cases, in which benign ovarian and para-ovarian cysts were the most common findings, observed in 21 cases (55.3%). There were six cases of benign serous cystadenoma (15.8%), three cases of teratoma (7.9%), two cases of high-grade serous carcinoma (5.3%), one case of germ cell tumour (2.6%), one case of mucinous cystadenoma (2.6%), two cases of endometriotic cysts (5.3%), one case of adnexal cystic degeneration of a fibroid (2.6%), and one rare case of primary fallopian tube carcinoma (2.6%). The most common presenting complaint was abdominal pain, reported in 21 cases (55.3%). Conclusion: Adnexal masses can present in a variety of forms, ranging from benign cysts to infections and cancers. A thorough history and clinical examination are essential for accurate diagnosis. Investigations support the diagnosis, and histology confirms it.

A Case of Spinocerebellar Degeneration with Eye Movement Abnormalities.

A Case of Spinocerebellar Degeneration with Eye Movement Abnormalities.

Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion (XLIF) Including the Segment L5/S1 for Multi-level Lumbar Spondylodesis

Study Design: This is a single centre retrospective study of 24 cases of multilevel degeneration of the lumbar spine treated with the XLIF procedure including the level L5/S1. Objective: The purpose of this study is to report the feasibility of including the L5/S1 segment in treating the degenerative lumbar spine using the XLIF procedure and demonstrating the preoperative conditions necessary to do so. Summary of background data: In the last decades, more and more elderly patients suffer from pain and disability due to degenerative instability of the lumbar spine. Spinal fusion procedures, including XLIF, have proven good results despite significant complication and revision rates. Methods: 24 patients (mean age 66 years, range 32 – 89 years) who would be candidates for XLIF surgery at L5/S1 were included. Preoperative anatomical assessment of the iliac crest in relation to the L5/S1 disc space was performed. All patients were operated with the aid of neuromonitoring using a mini-invasive XLIF approach with direct visualisation of the psoas muscle. Complication rates, surgery time, and blood loss were calculated as well as clinical results using the VAS score preoperative, and at 6 weeks, 3 months and 1 year postoperative. Results: The mean postoperative VAS score improved from 7.8 preoperative to 3.1 at one-year followup. There was one case of pseudoarthrosis at the L5/S1 level. There were no new neurological deficits postoperatively. We report a total complication rate of 29%. Conclusion: The XLIF procedure for multilevel lumbar spine fusion is feasible at the L5/S1 level in patients with certain anatomical prerequisites, predominantly in females. The procedure should be done under direct visualization. The clinical outcome and revision rate is comparable to other multilevel fusion techniques

Évaluation d’une expérimentation de télémédecine en ophtalmologie

To meet the need for access to eye care in an area with a lack of physicians, a telemedicine workstation in ophthalmology was created. The main objective was to measure the improved access to eye care via telemedicine consultation. No criteria of age, sex or geographical location were defined. Depending on the cause for the consultation and the results of the examinations conducted by an ophthalmic technician physically present in the center, the patient might be given a telemedicine consultation with an ophthalmologist. Eleven indicators were defined to achieve the study objectives. Data were compared with a reference eye care center. The quality, safety of care, and medical benefits of telemedicine consultation were not inferior to those of the reference center. The consultations screened 25 cases of age-related macular degeneration, 240 glaucoma, 229 cataracts and 27 diabetic retinopathy. 88.5% of patients were included in a cooperative ophthalmologist/technician protocol, compared with 27.3% in the reference center (P<0.0001). The telemedicine workstation must be linked to a main center located at most a one-hour drive away. The equipment must be adapted to the use of telemedicine and to allow the technician to perform the necessary assessments and examinations. The number of emergency department visits after telemedicine consultation at the telemedicine workstation was higher than the reference center, which may lead to a subsequent study. Telemedicine consultation improves access to eye care in a medically under-served area.