Constitutional Symptoms Research Articles

Reproducibility Study on a PBPK Model of FcRn-Mediated Recycling for Large Molecules

The PBPK model of FcRn-mediated recycling of large molecules was developed and studied by \cite{de2023mechanistic} to characterize and predict Immunoglobulin G (IgG) disposition in plasma and tissues. This study investigated the large-molecule model in PK-Sim and its applicability to molecules with FcRn binding affinity in plasma. Subsequently, the model was extended to ensure a more mechanistic description of the internalization of FcRn and the FcRn-drug complex. This PBPK model has applications in autoimmune disorders such as primary immune thrombocytopenia which is mediated partly by platelet autoantibodies, resulting in thrombocytopenia, bleeding, and constitutional symptoms. Currently, there are several FcRn inhibitors in clinical development for numerous indications that can benefit from this model. We created a modular implementation of the model in MoBi, which is able to reproduce the originally published data. This Physiome paper describes how to access, run, and manipulate this model, how to parameterize the model to match data, and how to compare model predictions to data. In addition, some inconsistencies have been revealed and discussed in this paper. EDITOR'S NOTE v2: adding OMEX archive. v3: correcting file names.

Reproducibility Study on a PBPK Model of FcRn-Mediated Recycling for Large Molecules

The PBPK model of FcRn-mediated recycling of large molecules was developed and studied by \cite{de2023mechanistic} to characterize and predict Immunoglobulin G (IgG) disposition in plasma and tissues. This study investigated the large-molecule model in PK-Sim and its applicability to molecules with FcRn binding affinity in plasma. Subsequently, the model was extended to ensure a more mechanistic description of the internalization of FcRn and the FcRn-drug complex. This PBPK model has applications in autoimmune disorders such as primary immune thrombocytopenia which is mediated partly by platelet autoantibodies, resulting in thrombocytopenia, bleeding, and constitutional symptoms. Currently, there are several FcRn inhibitors in clinical development for numerous indications that can benefit from this model. We created a modular implementation of the model in MoBi, which is able to reproduce the originally published data. This Physiome paper describes how to access, run, and manipulate this model, how to parameterize the model to match data, and how to compare model predictions to data. In addition, some inconsistencies have been revealed and discussed in this paper. EDITOR'S NOTE v2: adding OMEX archive. v3: correcting file names.

Reproducibility Study on a PBPK Model of FcRn-Mediated Recycling for Large Molecules

The PBPK model of FcRn-mediated recycling of large molecules was developed and studied by \cite{de2023mechanistic} to characterize and predict Immunoglobulin G (IgG) disposition in plasma and tissues. This study investigated the large-molecule model in PK-Sim and its applicability to molecules with FcRn binding affinity in plasma. Subsequently, the model was extended to ensure a more mechanistic description of the internalization of FcRn and the FcRn-drug complex. This PBPK model has applications in autoimmune disorders such as primary immune thrombocytopenia which is mediated partly by platelet autoantibodies, resulting in thrombocytopenia, bleeding, and constitutional symptoms. Currently, there are several FcRn inhibitors in clinical development for numerous indications that can benefit from this model. We created a modular implementation of the model in MoBi, which is able to reproduce the originally published data. This Physiome paper describes how to access, run, and manipulate this model, how to parameterize the model to match data, and how to compare model predictions to data. In addition, some inconsistencies have been revealed and discussed in this paper.

Reproducibility Study on a PBPK Model of FcRn-Mediated Recycling for Large Molecules

The PBPK model of FcRn-mediated recycling of large molecules was developed and studied by \cite{de2023mechanistic} to characterize and predict Immunoglobulin G (IgG) disposition in plasma and tissues. This study investigated the large-molecule model in PK-Sim and its applicability to molecules with FcRn binding affinity in plasma. Subsequently, the model was extended to ensure a more mechanistic description of the internalization of FcRn and the FcRn-drug complex. This PBPK model has applications in autoimmune disorders such as primary immune thrombocytopenia which is mediated partly by platelet autoantibodies, resulting in thrombocytopenia, bleeding, and constitutional symptoms. Currently, there are several FcRn inhibitors in clinical development for numerous indications that can benefit from this model. We created a modular implementation of the model in MoBi, which is able to reproduce the originally published data. This Physiome paper describes how to access, run, and manipulate this model, how to parameterize the model to match data, and how to compare model predictions to data. In addition, some inconsistencies have been revealed and discussed in this paper.

Missed Opportunities in HIV Testing in Turkiye: Implications for Late Diagnoses.

Late diagnosis of HIV infection is a major global problem. In Turkiye, only 41%-50% of people living with HIV are diagnosed, suggesting that many opportunities for HIV testing might be missed. The aim of this study was to determine the missed testing opportunities for HIV in healthcare settings in Turkiye and the predictors for missed opportunities (MOs). The study included patients with a new HIV diagnosis, presenting to care between January 2018 and December 2020. They were given a verbal questionnaire face to face, by a telephone call or an online meeting for visits to a health care setting within the year before their diagnosis. Electronic medical records were also examined. The sample included 198 patients with at least 1 visit to any health care setting, with a total of 1677 visits. Patients had an indication for HIV testing in 51.3% (861/1677) of the visits; an HIV test was not offered in 77.9% (671/861) and was considered a MO. The highest number of MOs was in emergency departments (59.8%) (180/301). The most common reason for visiting was constitutional symptoms and indicator conditions (55.4%) (929/1677). University graduates and those with a CD4+ T-cell count <200/mm 3 were more likely to have a MO. Many opportunities to diagnose HIV at an early stage are missed in health care settings in Turkiye. Considering the rapidly increasing number of new diagnoses in the last decade, urgent action needs to be taken.

Bilateral adrenal histoplasmosis in a Malaysian tertiary hospital: Report of four cases

Rationale: Adrenal histoplasmosis can present as bilateral adrenal enlargement with constitutional symptoms and/or adrenal insufficiency. Often these patients are initially investigated as secondary adrenal metastases before eventually their diagnosis established by histopathological examination of the adrenal tissues. Patients concerns: We report 4 cases of patients aged 55-78 who presented with hypocortisolism and bilateral adrenal masses. Diagnoses: Bilateral adrenal histoplasmosis. Interventions: Three patients received antifungal treatment for at least one year while 1 patient passed away before the initiation of antifungal treatment. Outcomes: Two patients’ adrenal function recovered not requiring any steroid replacement, while 1 patient still requires long-term steroid replacement. Lessons: Adrenal histoplasmosis should be excluded in patients from endemic areas presenting with bilateral adrenal masses and adrenal insufficiency. Usually patients have an exposure to bird droppings, bat guano or soil contaminated with histoplasmosis fungi. Histopathological examination of biopsied adrenal tissues is still the gold standard investigation as serology and molecular diagnostic methods are still not widely available in most centers in Malaysia.

Takayasu arteritis masquerading as recurrent abdominal pain

Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a rare granulomatous inflammation of large arteries, specifically the aorta and its branches. It is more prevalent in young Asian women with the highest incidence in Japan. There is a delay in diagnosis due to nonspecific early symptoms and unfamiliarity with this disease. We present a case of a young female who presented with recurrent abdominal pain suggestive of mesenteric angina and constitutional symptoms over one-year. Her radial pulses were absent, and she had multiple bruits on examination over the right subclavian and carotid arteries and the epigastrium, along with high inflammatory markers. Her CT angiography of large vessels confirmed the diagnosis of TA and she was treated with high-dose steroids with good clinical remission confirmed by a reduction in inflammatory markers and improvement in symptoms.

Clinical features and outcomes of influenza and RSV coinfections: a report from Canadian immunization research network serious outcomes surveillance network

BackgroundInfluenza and RSV coinfections are not commonly seen but are concerning as they can lead to serious illness and adverse clinical outcomes among vulnerable populations. Here we describe the clinical features and outcomes of influenza and RSV coinfections in hospitalized adults.MethodsA cohort study was performed with pooled active surveillance in hospitalized adults ≥ 50 years from the Serious Outcomes Surveillance Network of the Canadian Immunization Research Network (CIRN SOS) during the 2012/13, 2013/14, and 2014/15 influenza seasons. Descriptive statistics summarized the characteristics of influenza/RSV coinfections. Kaplan-Meier estimated the probability of survival over the first 30 days of hospitalization.ResultsOver three influenza seasons, we identified 33 cases of RSV and influenza coinfection, accounting for 2.39 cases per 1,000 hospitalizations of patients with acute respiratory illnesses. Adults aged 50 + years commonly reported cough (81.8%), shortness of breath (66.7%), sputum production (45.5%), weakness (33.3%), fever (27.3%), and nasal congestion (24.2%) as constitutional and lower respiratory tract infection symptoms. The mortality rate was substantial (12.1%), and age, comorbidity burden, and frailty were associated with a higher risk for adverse clinical outcomes.ConclusionsOlder adults are at higher risk for complications from influenza and RSV coinfections, especially those over 65 with a high comorbidity burden and frailty.

Pulmonary hemorrhage as a presentation of AL amyloidosis secondary to multiple myeloma: a case report

Abstract Background The convergence of pulmonary hemorrhage, pulmonary amyloidosis, and multiple myeloma is uncommon. Amyloidosis can affect the pulmonary parenchyma in a diffuse, tracheobronchial, or parenchymal pattern and may rarely be associated with pulmonary hemorrhage. Additionally, pulmonary amyloidosis is not a frequent manifestation of multiple myeloma. We present a case of a male patient with pulmonary hemorrhage as the initial manifestation of AL pulmonary amyloidosis, and ultimately, confirmation of multiple myeloma through bone marrow biopsy. Case presentation The clinical case involves a 60-year-old male with no significant medical history, who was admitted presenting a clinical picture evolving over 6 months characterized by hemoptoic cough, accompanied by dyspnea, a decrease in functional capacity, and constitutional symptoms. Thoracic CT images revealed multilobar ground-glass opacities with suspected alveolar hemorrhage. In response to this clinical presentation, bronchoalveolar lavage with cytology was performed, revealing the presence of hemosiderin-laden macrophages. Given the complexity of the case, further investigation included a wedge biopsy of the lung. The pathological report indicated an atypical lymphoplasmacytoid proliferation with deposits of eosinophilic amorphous material, suggestive of amyloidosis. Congo red staining confirmed the presence of amyloid material. Elevated Kappa light chains were detected in both serum and urine, with an increased K/L ratio. Immunoglobulins G and M were found to be decreased. As part of the comprehensive assessment, a bone marrow biopsy was conducted, confirming the diagnosis of multiple myeloma with 10% atypical plasma cells. In light of this diagnosis, appropriate treatment has been initiated to address this intricate medical condition effectively. Conclusion The present case report provides an illustrative perspective on an uncommon presentation of pulmonary amyloidosis secondary to multiple myeloma, with the initial manifestation being pulmonary hemorrhage. The findings from both the physical examination and laboratory tests were consistent with pulmonary amyloidosis, and definitive confirmation of the multiple myeloma diagnosis was achieved through bone marrow biopsy. This case highlights the significance of considering pulmonary amyloidosis as a potential cause of hemoptysis, especially in patients with associated risk factors for multiple myeloma. Early recognition of this clinical association is pivotal for precise diagnosis and prompt therapeutic intervention. The complexity of this case underscores the importance of a comprehensive diagnostic approach in unraveling intricate medical conditions.

The diagnostic performance of Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra on Pericardial, Pleural and Ascitic cohort study fluids for diagnosis of extra-pulmonary Tuberculosis at a referral hospital in Malawi.

Extra-pulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) accounts for 15% of the 1.4 million patients with TB notified in 2019. EPTB carries a high risk of mortality and so early diagnosis and treatment are important to reduce this risk. Diagnosis of EPTB in low- and middle-income countries is challenging. This study investigated the diagnostic performance of Xpert MTB Ultra for the diagnosis of EPTB (pericardial, pleural, and ascitic fluid) in adults at a referral hospital in Malawi. Adults with suspected extra-pulmonary TB were screened for evidence of extra-pulmonary fluid and tested for TB using Xpert MTB Ultra, mycobacterial culture, and a Focused Abdominal Sonography in HIV-associated TB (FASH scan). The diagnostic performance of the Xpert MTB Ultra was compared to mycobacterial culture and a composite reference standard defined as a positive FASH scan or a positive mycobacterial culture or a clinical TB diagnosis (constitutional symptoms not otherwise explained with response to empirical TB treatment). There were 174 patients recruited: 99/174 (57%) pleural, 70/174 (40%) ascitic and 5/174 (3%) pericardial. Overall, 10/174 (6%) had bacteriologically confirmed TB and 30/174 (17%) were started on TB treatment based on a positive FASH scan or a clinical TB diagnosis. The sensitivity and specificity of Xpert ultra compared to culture was 83% (95%CI:36%-100%) and 98% (95%CI:94%-99%), respectively. Compared to the composite reference standard, the sensitivity of Xpert Ultra was 17% (95%CI:7%-34%) and specificity was 98% (95%CI:94%-100%). Xpert MTB Ultra provides good diagnostic performance on pleural, pericardial and ascitic fluid with reference to mycobacterial culture. Improved EPTB diagnostic tests are required to improve patient outcomes. We recommend larger multi-centre studies to corroborate our findings.

“Miliary lung parenchymal opacities” as presenting feature of metastatic papillary type of thyroid malignancy: It’s not tuberculosis always!

Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is the most common cause of mortality and morbidity in South East Asia due to infective causes and tops the list of all infectious etiologies in India. Radiological presentations in pulmonary TB are diverse with the most common in them, which are nodules, consolidation, cavitation, and lung parenchymal destruction with or without collapse and consolidation. In this case report, a 31-year-old female presented with constitutional symptoms with miliary opacities in chest X-ray without microbiological evidence for TB in smear microscopy or nucleic acid amplification tests. She was treated as a case of miliary TB with antituberculosis treatment (ATT) on two occasions in the past 2 years as an “X-ray-positive case” on the basis of symptoms and chest radiology findings. She was never shown any clinical and radiological response in the past 1½ years in spite of satisfactory ATT adherence and compliance. After retrospective analysis of this case at our center, we have documented worsening of radiological findings and chest high-resolution computed tomography conformed miliary nodules and not typical miliary mottling favoring TB. We have noted right thyroid enlargement with a nodule in contrast tomography of neck. Fine-needle aspiration cytology confirmed as papillary carcinoma of the thyroid. We have confirmed this case as miliary metastasis due to primary thyroid malignancy. Miliary metastasis should be considered in cases with atypical radiological and clinical presentations with negative microbiological workup. No empirical ATT should be offered in the era of highly sensitive nucleic acid amplification tests and the term “X-ray-positive with negative microbiological tests” should be phased out.

P-82 Riedel's thyroiditis: three-year follow-up under steroid, rituximab and mycophenolate mofetil treatment

Abstract Introduction Riedel's thyroiditis (RT) is an uncommon thyroiditis characterized by fibrosis, macrophage, and eosinophil infiltration and is assumed to be the primary cause of autoimmunity in the pathogenesis. Invasion of the surrounding tissues, particularly the trachea, occurs. RT is also regarded as thyroid involvement in IgG4-related systemic illness. Because there is no conventional medical treatment protocol for RT, this paper aims to highlight the problems we had in diagnosing and our approach throughout therapy. Clinical Case In the last 1.5 years, a 44-year-old female patient on levothyroxine replacement diagnosed with hypothyroidism developed bilateral swelling in the eyes, double vision, drooping eyelids, shortness of breath, and feeling something lodged in the throat. A diffusely enlarged and stiff thyroid gland was palpated in her physical examination. Neck CT revealed a diffusely enlarged thyroid gland 7cm in diameter and constricted trachea. She did not have any constitutional symptoms. According to physical and radiologic exams, preliminary differential diagnoses were anaplastic thyroid carcinoma and IgG4-related thyroiditis. In laboratory tests, TSH: 4.5 mIU/L, st3-4: normal, Anti TPO: +++ TRAB: 0.15 U/L, ANA: Negative, IgG4: 0.52 g/L (0.03-2.01), ACE:21.39. Since the thyroid fine needle aspiration biopsy reported a hypocellular smear, a lacrimal gland biopsy was performed for systemic involvement of IgG4 related disorder's. Her dyspnea was becoming critical; therefore, she was administered 0.5 mg/kg steroid for two weeks before the scheduled bilateral total thyroidectomy, and a considerable decrease in dyspnea, swallowing sensations, and regression in compression findings were seen. Lacrimal biopsies demonstrated persistent inflammation with plasma cells and severe fibrosis, consistent with late-stage IgG4-related illness. Both thyroid lobes were enlarged in neck T1 and T2-weighted MRI images (right lobe was 34×25×68 mm, the left lobe was 35×26×69 mm), diffuse hypointensity was noted, contrast uptake decreased in the thyroid parenchyma following IVCM, and the data was determined to be compatible with RT. The thyroid gland grew markedly on PET-CT, narrowing the air column, with increased FDG absorption in a heterogeneous character (SUVmax: 4.9), and mild-moderate involvement in bilateral lacrimal and parotid glands.The decision was made to continue steroid treatment at 1 mg/kg for one month. Rituximab was given twice every six months while the steroid was lowered. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) (2×500 mg) was introduced as a maintenance immunosuppressive medication. The initial radiologic findings regressed in the control neck MRI and PET-CT in the first year. The MRI findings were also steady in the second and third years of MMF. Conclusion Immunosupression therapy with steroid, rituximab and MMF was effective in our RT patient for the long term without significant complications. Clinical and radiological responses similar to surgery can be obtained with immunosuppressive agents.Figure 1.PET-CT and MRI images at diagnosis and third year

Longitudinal, natural history study reveals the disease burden of idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease.

Idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease (iMCD) is a rare hematologic disorder with heterogeneous presentations ranging from moderate constitutional symptoms to life-threatening multiorgan system involvement. There are vastly different clinical subtypes, with some patients demonstrating thrombocytopenia, anasarca, fever/elevated C-reactive protein, reticulin fibrosis/renal failure, and organomegaly (TAFRO) and others having milder/more moderate symptoms with potential for severe disease (not otherwise specified, NOS). Due to its rarity and heterogeneity, the natural history and long-term burden of iMCD are poorly understood. We investigated real-world medical data from ACCELERATE, a large natural history registry of patients with Castleman disease, to better characterize the long-term disease burden experienced by these patients. We found that iMCD-TAFRO patients face a significant hospitalization burden, requiring more time in the hospital than iMCDNOS patients during the year surrounding diagnosis (median [interquartile range]: 36 [18-61] days vs. 0 [0-4] days; P<0.001). In addition, we found life-sustaining interventions, such as mechanical ventilation (17%) and dialysis (27%), were required among iMCD patients, predominantly those with iMCD-TAFRO. iMCD-NOS patients, however, spent a significantly greater proportion of time following disease onset in a state of disease flare (median 52.3% vs. 18.9%; P=0.004). Lastly, we observed severe iMCD-related morbidities, such as acute renal failure, sepsis and pneumonia, among others, arising after iMCD diagnosis, impairing the patients' quality of life. These data demonstrate a substantial disease burden experienced by iMCD patients and emphasize the importance of ongoing research into iMCD to aid disease control.

Macrophage activation syndrome with acute hepatitis in a patient with adult-onset immunodeficiency with anti-interferon gamma antibodies: a case report

BackgroundMacrophage activation syndrome is a rare disorder leading to unregulated immune activity manifesting with nonspecific constitutional symptoms, laboratory abnormalities, and multiorgan involvement. We report the case of a patient who presented with acute hepatitis secondary to macrophage activation syndrome diagnosed by liver biopsy and successfully treated with intravenous immune globulin, anakinra, and rituximab.Case presentationA 42-year-old Laotian woman with adult-onset immunodeficiency with anti-interferon gamma antibodies presented with a fever, headache, generalized myalgia, dark urine, and reduced appetite in the setting of family members at home with similar symptoms. Her laboratory workup was notable for evidence of acute hepatitis without acute liver failure. After an unrevealing comprehensive infectious and noninvasive rheumatologic workup was completed, a liver biopsy was performed ultimately revealing the diagnosis of macrophage activation syndrome. She was successfully treated with intravenous immune globulin, anakinra, and rituximab.ConclusionThis case highlights the importance of maintaining macrophage activation syndrome on the differential of a patient with acute hepatitis of unknown etiology in the correct clinical context and the value of a liver biopsy in making a diagnosis when noninvasive testing is unrevealing.

A Rare Case Series: Cardiac Myxoma and their Versatile Presentation

Background: Although rare, cardiac myxomas are the most common primary cardiac tumor with an incidence of 0.5 per million per year. Clinical presentation is variable and ranges from intracardiac obstruction, embolization to the pulmonary and systemic circulation, heart failure or constitutional symptoms. Surgical resection is the only effective treatment to prevent its debilitating and catastrophic complication. Case summary: Here, three atypical presentations as well as three different locations of cardiac myxomas were reported. First one is a rare case of ST-elevated myocardial infarction due to myxoma that originated from the left ventricle. One case involved right sided myxomas with pulmonary embolism. The third case involved huge left atrial myxoma combined with recurrent syncope. All three cases were almost misdiagnosed due to their atypical presentation. Echocardiography was the primary tool for detecting and diagnosing these cases. Subsequently all three patients underwent successful resection of myxoma. We also review clinical presentations and diagnostic characteristics of cardiac myxomas. Conclusion: Rare cardiac myxomas may have various clinical and imaging features. Physicians especially other non-cardiologist must increase their awareness of this disease and engage in the early diagnosis. Echocardiography is the diagnostic procedure of choice. The long-term survival after surgical resection is excellent and recurrence is rare. Bangladesh Heart Journal 2024; 39(1): 63-68

Momelotinib expands the therapeutic armamentarium for myelofibrosis: Impact on hierarchy of treatment choices.

The primary objective of treatment in myelofibrosis (MF) is prolongation of life, which is currently accomplished only by allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT). Determination of optimal timing for AHSCT is facilitated by molecular risk stratification. Non-transplant treatment options in MF are palliative in scope and include Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) inhibitors (JAKi): momelotinib (FDA approved on September 15, 2023), ruxolitinib (November 16, 2011), fedratinib (August 16, 2019), and pacritinib (February 28, 2022); all four JAKi are effective in reducing spleen size and alleviating symptoms, considered a drug class effect and attributed to their canonical JAK-STAT inhibitory mechanism of action. In addition, momelotinib exhibits erythropoietic effect, attributed to alleviation of ineffective erythropoiesis through inhibition of activin A receptor type-I (ACVR1). In transplant-ineligible or deferred patients, the order of treatment preference is based on specific symptoms and individual assessment of risk tolerance. Because of drug-induced immunosuppression and other toxicities attributed to JAKi, we prefer non-JAKi drugs as initial treatment for MF-associated anemia that is not accompanied by treatment-requiring splenomegaly or constitutional symptoms. Otherwise, it is reasonable to consider momelotinib as the first-line JAKi treatment of choice, in order to target the triad of quality-of-life offenders in MF: anemia, splenomegaly, and constitutional symptoms/cachexia. For second-line therapy, we favor ruxolitinib, over fedratinib, based on toxicity profile. Pacritinib and fedratinib provide alternative options in the presence of severe thrombocytopenia or ruxolitinib-resistance/intolerance, respectively. Splenectomy remains a viable option for drug-resistant symptomatic splenomegaly and cytopenia.

Diagnosis of TB Granuloma in SLE Patient by Kidney Biopsy

Lupus Nephritis is a common clinical manifestation affecting more than 50% of patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect virtually any organ. Whilst lupus nephritis is typically detected by an abnormal urinalysis with or without an elevated plasma creatinine, diagnosis is confirmed on renal biopsy. It is characterized by immunologic abnormalities including formation of immunocomplex deposits affecting the glomerular basement membrane, mesangium and/or subendothelial. It is by nature an immunocompromised state and along with its immunosuppressive treatment, lupus nephritis places a patient at high risk of opportunistic infections, including Tuberculosis (TB). A 21-year-old female presented with clinical features suggestive of lupus nephritis and a preserved renal function. The diagnosis was later confirmed on renal biopsy with an incidental finding of TB on renal histopathology. Interestingly, the patient had no constitutional symptoms or clinical history suggestive of TB. Antituberculosis treatment was initiated and mycophenolate, enalapril and prednisone was boarded after 2 weeks of TB treatment. The patient was later lost to follow up due to defaulting chronic treatment and follow up.

Definition and measurement of post-COVID-19 conditions in real-world practice: a global systematic literature review

Post-COVID-19 conditions (PCC) is an umbrella term that encompasses a range of signs, symptoms and conditions present weeks after the acute phase of a SARS-CoV-2 infection. This systematic literature review...

Brodie's Abscess of the Ankle Presenting as a Tumor: A Summary of Five Cases.

A Brodie's abscess is a form of subacute osteomyelitis that is often considered in the differential diagnosis of other benign and malignant bone lesions. The authors summarize the findings of five cases of Brodie's abscesses in the distal tibia initially thought to be tumors by the referring physicians. All five cases were presented to the referring physicians with a chief complaint of ankle pain. All patients complained of chronic ankle pain and swelling that was aggravated by activity without constitutional symptoms. On physical examination, all patients presented with point tenderness over the distal tibia/malleolar regions. Three out of the five cases had a full range of ankle motion; the other two had limited dorsiflexion secondary to pain. All inflammatory laboratory values were within normal limits or only slightly elevated. All initial radiographs of the cases described demonstrated a well-defined radiolucent lesion within the distal tibia. In all cases, patients were treated with curetting, with or without bone graft. Bacterial and fungal cultures were negative in all five patients and no long-term post-operative antibiotics were administered. In this report, we discuss the clinical, radiographic, and pathologic features of this relatively rare condition in the distal tibia. The distinct clinicopathologic features of the disease process are presented to distinguish Brodie's abscess from a bone tumor.

Inguinal Arteriovenous Malformation

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are rare disorders, with inguinal region involvement being particularly uncommon, as they typically manifest in the neck, limbs, trunk, and intracranial or extracranial sites. Despite their varied presentation across organs and tissues, AVMs can lead to cardiac failures due to high output, necessitating management even in asymptomatic cases. We present the case of a 37-year-old male with a known history of hypertension and severe depressive disorder, referred to the urology department for bilateral renal calculi evaluation. The patient complained of sudden-onset, moderate-intensity left-sided flank pain, with no signs of infection or constitutional symptoms. A non-contrast CT scan revealed bilateral renal calculi and an intriguing mass in the scroto-inguinal region. Further investigation through contrast-enhanced computed tomography identified an AVM originating from the right internal iliac artery, located a few millimeters next to the scrotum. A multidisciplinary team, including interventional radiology, urology, and vascular surgery, collaborated to develop a curative strategy. Angioembolization was performed successfully in a single session, involving catheterization and ligation of the feeder vessel using a lipiodol-glue mixture. Postoperatively, the patient remained stable with mild pyrexia (99°F), a heart rate of 76 bpm, and blood pressure fluctuating between 110-125 mmHg systolic and 72-80 mmHg diastolic. The absence of glue leakage upon saline injection confirmed the effectiveness of embolization. The patient experienced relief from pain and was mobilized on the second postoperative day. This case underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach in managing rare presentations of AVMs, emphasizing successful angioembolization as a viable therapeutic option