Diffuse Pain Research Articles

Abstract #1399545: Calcification of Left Atrial Appendage in Autosomal Recessive Hypophosphatemic Rickets Type 2 (ENPP1 Mutation)

Autosomal Recessive Hypophosphatemic Rickets type 2 (ARHR2) is a rare genetic condition secondary to a loss-of-function mutation in ENPP1 gene. ARHR2 is associated with renal phosphate wasting and suppressed 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D due to increased FGF-23 levels and causing abnormal bone mineralization. Furthermore, as ENPP1 is implicated in the generation of PPi (inorganic pyrophosphate) which inhibits hydroxyapatite deposition, some ARHR2 patients present with life-treating generalized arterial calcification of infancy (GACI). We reported the case of a 32-year-old woman with a known diagnosis of ARHR2 since the age of seven. At that time, she presented a growth failure, bowed legs but no GACI history. She was treated from the age of 7 to 18 with phosphate supplements and calcitriol. She had ten surgeries for her leg deformities and had a subtotal parathyroidectomy at age 13 for primary hyperparathyroidism. She was referred to a tertiary centre for management of hypophosphatemia and diffuse bone pain. The alkaline phosphatase was at the upper limit of normal but imagings, including computed tomography scans and bone scintigraphy, did not show pseudofractures. Her chronic pain was associated with osteoarthritis and periarticular calcifications. She was treated for hypertension, and had a history of preeclampsia at 33 weeks of pregnancy. At the physical exam, a 30 mm Hg systolic blood pressure differential was noted between the right and left arms, suspect of severe subclavian artery stenosis. Additional investigations demonstrated a normal cardiac ultrasound (US), an Agatson score of 0 (coronary calcium scan) but extensive calcifications of the left atrial appendage, dense calcifications of the mitral valve and numerous calcifications in the ascending aortic wall. The spectrum of clinical manifestations associated with ENPP1-related conditions (GACI and ARHR2) is still unclear. In some patients who survive GACI, resolution of vascular calcifications has been reported. Furthermore, this case raises the possibility of undetected vascular calcifications in the infancy uncovered only after the diagnosis of ARHR2. Previous cases reported pulmonary stenosis, thickening of the aortic valve, and increased carotid intima-media thickness in patients with ARHR2 phenotype. Left atrial calcifications have been described in mechanical valve replacement, mitral stenosis, post-radiotherapy and in chronic kidney disease. Recommendations of cardiac US and kidney US have been proposed at the diagnosis of AHRH2. We further suggest vascular screening with cardiac scans to examine large vessels, and calcium score in these patients.

A Case of HSV-2 Meningitis Retention Syndrome (P12-10.004)

<h3>Objective:</h3> Not applicable <h3>Background:</h3> Meningitis Retention Syndrome (MRS) is a rare disorder characterized by the development of urinary retention in the context of aseptic meningitis with CSF pleocytosis¹. In many cases, no underlying cause is determined, but pathogens such as mycobacteria, listeria, EBV and HSV-2 have been reported as causative agents in the literature². The underlying pathophysiology remains unclear, but possible causes have been suggested including spinal shock secondary to meningeal irritation, sacral myeloradiculitis due to direct viral inflammation, or a post-infectious acute disseminated encephalomyelitis process^3,4. We discuss here an unusual case of a young man presenting for urinary retention who was found to have HSV-2 meningitis. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> <h3>Case report:</h3> A 17-year-old male with chronic constipation presented to the emergency department for urinary retention of 2 days duration. He endorsed the sensation to void with an inability to empty his bladder despite straining in the setting of a two-week history of mild headaches, diffuse back pain, myalgias and low-grade fevers. He was non-toxic appearing and neurological exam was normal. Abdominal X-ray showed a moderate stool burden. Spine MRI demonstrated subtle enhancement of the cauda equina. CSF evaluation were notable for an elevated opening pressure to 34 mmHg and a lymphocytic pleocytosis (693 white blood cells), and elevated protein of 60. Multiplex panel for central nervous system infections by polymerase chain reaction was positive for HSV-2. He was admitted to the hospital for IV acyclovir and management of urinary retention. <h3>Results:</h3> Not applicable <h3>Conclusions:</h3> This case demonstrated the importance of keeping meningitis retention syndrome on the differential for individuals presenting with acute urinary retention after a viral infection. Keeping a high index of suspicion is crucial, especially in cases like the one described where the patient only had some vague viral symptoms but no obvious meningeal signs, radicular pains or genital ulcers. <b>Disclosure:</b> Dr. Aoun has nothing to disclose. Dr. Raj Ghosh has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kuball has nothing to disclose. The institution of Dr. Abreu has received research support from Adult Polyglucosan Body Disease Research Foundation. The institution of Dr. Abreu has received research support from Sanofi Genzyme. The institution of Dr. Abreu has received research support from Takeda. The institution of Dr. Abreu has received research support from Sangamo.

Peripheral Neuropathy in a Pediatric ALL Patient (P14-9.006)

<h3>Objective:</h3> To describe the presentation and workup of a patient presenting with neuropathy found to have vitamin deficiency and anti-GD1a antibodies. <h3>Background:</h3> Peripheral neuropathy is a common finding in children with leukemia, particularly those treated with vincristine. Patients typically present with paresthesia, hyporeflexia, and weakness, often in a distal to proximal gradient. In patients receiving vincristine, symptoms typically improve within several months of stopping therapy. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> Not applicable. <h3>Results:</h3> We present a case of a 13-year-old male from Qatar who has a history of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), diagnosed one year prior to presentation as well as 50lb weight loss over the past 6 months. He was admitted for cycle 3 of maintenance therapy with vincristine, prednisone, and intrathecal methotrexate. At time of admission, he reported diffuse weakness and was only able to ambulate a few steps. However, on day 7 of admission he developed complete inability to bear weight or turn in bed as well as diffuse neuropathic pain despite last vincristine dose being 6 weeks prior. Exam was notable for diffuse weakness, worse proximally and absent reflexes. Nerve conduction studies showed decreased velocity with signs of conduction block in multiple nerves suggestive of a diffuse demyelinating pathology. MRI showed no pathologic enhancement and CSF protein was normal. However, laboratory workup was notable for positive anti-GD1a antibodies as well as low levels of B1 and B6. He was started on treatment with IVIG and subsequently plasmapheresis as well as B1 and B6 supplementation. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> This case illustrates the need to consider a broad range of etiologies including vitamin deficiencies and immune mediated neuropathy when evaluating neuropathy in pediatric leukemia patients despite high prevalence of medication-induced neuropathy in this population. <b>Disclosure:</b> Dr. Wells has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kuerbitz has nothing to disclose. Dr. Fisher has nothing to disclose.

A clinical case of viral-bacterial pneumonia caused by SARS-COV-2 and &lt;i&gt;Klebsiella pneumoniae&lt;/i&gt;, complicated by a generalized infection with developed septicemia

Patient A.I., 58 years old, on September 6, 2022 was hospitalized within several hours in the infectious diseases department of the Novocheboksarskaya City Hospital of the Ministry of Health of Chuvashia. The patient in serious condition was admitted being accompanied by ambulance team, according to his son, from the night of 09/05/2022 until the afternoon of 09/06/2022 the patient complained of hectic temperature, diffuse pain in the abdominal cavity. In addition, the patient noted cough, feeling of air lack. As a result, an ambulance was called in. At admission, computed tomography revealed signs of bilateral viral interstitial pneumonia, with a lesion area of 51% and areas of consolidation. The diagnosis of COVID-19 was confirmed by PCR in a nasopharyngeal swab. History: Dyscirculatory encephalopathy of degrees 12, arterial hypertension, chronic indurative pancreatitis. Objective examination: on admission the body temperature was 38.8C. SaO2 56%. Blood pressure 93/50 mm Hg. Art. Deep palpation revealed diffuse soreness and tension in the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall. The assessment of the condition on the NEWS2 scale comprised 11 points. Treatment was started, but a sudden death occurred. A clinical diagnosis was made: a new coronavirus infection COVID-19, virus verified. Competing disease: Acute parapancreatitis. Abscess of the mesentery of the small intestine. Complications of the underlying disease: Bilateral viral interstitial pneumonia. Acute respiratory distress syndrome. Septicemia (SOFA 2 points, procalcitonin = 2 ng/ml). Post-mortem sectional examination revealed signs of viral-bacterial pneumonia. In the brain pericellular and perivascular edema, heart prominent edema of the interstitium, muscle fibers fragmented, kidneys necronephrosis, pancreas periductal, interlobular and intralobular sclerosis of the pancreas, between the islets of neutrophilic infiltrates. Hyperplasia was noted in the lymphoid and hematopoietic tissue, vasculitis, signs of interstitial inflammation in the parenchymal organs were determined. According to the results of microbiological examination of lung tissue, abundant growth of Klebsiella pneumoniae was found. Conclusion. The cause of death of the patient A.I. 58 years old was a novel coronavirus infection COVID-19, which caused bilateral viral pneumonia, in parallel with bacterial microflora, complicated by acute respiratory failure. There was also a generalized spread of infection with developed septicemia and multiple organ failure (pulmonary, cerebral, renal).

Maxillary Aneurysmal Bone Cyst: About a Case

Introduction: Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a primary or secondary benign tumor, consisting of an intraosseous cavity, uni or multilocular, with hematic content. It can develop on all bones of the skeleton with, however, a predilection for the long bones and the spine. KOA mainly affects children and young adults, with a slight female predominance. Objective: The aim of this work is to reveal the diagnostic features at the imaging level. Case Report: This is an 11-year-old female patient with no previous pathological history who has presented for 1 year with diffuse maxillofacial pain, with intermittent fluid discharge in the oral cavity. Facial CT scan without and with contrast injection objective a lytic image centered on the lateral wall of the left maxillary sinus bulging into the sinus lumen with a spontaneously hypodense multicompartmental appearance without contrast gain after PDC injection. Conclusion: KAO is a very polymorphic lesion, which presents a diagnostic problem (Aspecific radiological appearance). In spite of the different therapeutic modalities proposed, it is the surgical treatment which exposes less risk of recurrence.

How Informed Are German Patients with Pulmonary Sarcoidosis about Their Disease?

Background: Sarcoidosis is a multisystemic disease with a heterogenous course of disease. Comprehensive information about the complexity and treatment indications is essential for improving patient knowledge and adhering to therapy. Objectives: The aim of our study was to investigate the level and resources of information in patients with sarcoidosis and to analyze differences in patient subgroups including age and gender. Methods: We conducted a questionnaire-based online survey in Germany and three semi-structured focus group interviews. The interviews were evaluated independently by two investigators using a structured qualitative content analysis. Results: A total of 402 completed questionnaires were analyzed, 65.8% of participants were women, and the mean age was 53 years. The majority of patients felt well informed about their disease in general (59.4%), but 40.6% were inadequately informed. The most relevant information gaps related to the future perspective (70.6%) as well as fatigue and diffuse pain (63.9%). Most patients received information from their treating pulmonologist (72.1%). 94% used the internet, especially homepages of patient support groups (75.2%). Male participants more often reported being well informed about their disease and were more satisfied with the information (p = 0.001). During the interviews, patients expressed their wish for more comprehensive information and highlighted the importance of psychological co-care as well as the future perspective. Conclusions: A relevant proportion of patients with sarcoidosis are inadequately informed about their own disease, particularly with regard to factors impeding quality of life such as fatigue. Efforts are needed to improve the level and quality of information.

Rhabdomyolysis Caused by a Behavioral Manifestation of Acute Mania

AbstractIntroductionWhile seen in patients with bipolar disorder due to NMS, antipsychotic side effects, or substance use, rhabdomyolysis resulting from behaviors seen in mania has not been reported in recent literature. We present a case of a patient with rhabdomyolysis due to exertion during a manic episode.CaseA 29-year-old male with a history of bipolar disorder type 1 was brought to the ED in June 2022 after he was found on the roof of a local theater sharing excerpts from a book he had written. Temperatures outside were 100–102 Fahrenheit. On presentation, the patient had rapid, pressured speech and demonstrated flight of ideas. He was religiously preoccupied. He had been previously admitted to Psychiatric Emergency Services in April 2022 for mania and was discharged with lithium and lamotrigine. He had been titrating these medications with his outpatient psychiatrist.The patient’s labs showed an elevated creatinine of 1.49, up from his baseline of 1.09. Further workup revealed an elevated CK of 3,538. Additional abnormalities included an AST of 70, calcium of 10.6, total bilirubin of 1.6, and WBC of 15.5. He was afebrile, oriented, and had no obvious signs of infection. The patient received 2 liters of Lactated Ringers (LR) and was admitted to Internal Medicine. Later, he was agitated overnight and received 10mg olanzapine and 2mg lorazepam. Lithium level following fluid resuscitation was 0.6.On interview the next day, the patient described working on a creative religious piece that he wanted to share with others, leading to him climbing on the roof. He had been hyper-focused on this work, with 1–4 hours of sleep nightly. He also had been frequently doing gymnastics, walking long distances, and climbing other buildings. He endorsed diffuse muscle pain, but this was not reproducible on exam.150mL/hr of LR was started, and PO fluid intake was encouraged. He agreed to resume his medications and was started on lithium 900mg and lamotrigine 50mg. His CK continued to downtrend. WBC count decreased and was 12.9 at discharge. Lamotrigine was titrated up to home dose of 100mg. His mania improved, and he was ultimately discharged home with outpatient follow-up.ConclusionRhabdomyolysis results from the release of toxic cellular compounds from muscle fibers. Complications include acute renal failure, hyperkalemia, and compartment syndrome. Causes include substance use, medications, trauma, seizures, ischemia, overexertion, and dehydration. Recently reported cases of mania-associated rhabdomyolysis involve iatrogenic causes, such as neuromuscular malignant syndrome (NMS) and non-NMS antipsychotic side effects.Other causes include high-risk drug use during mania. Rhabdomyolysis due to behavioral manifestations of mania have been documented more rarely in older reports, similarly, addressing excessive exercise and dehydration. Therefore, our case represents a reminder of the medical sequalae resulting from actions undertaken during acute mania. This highlights the importance of implementing effective treatment to prevent such episodes.FundingNo Funding

PD05-01 DISTINCT PHENOTYPES OF BLADDER PAIN IDENTIFIED IN THE MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH TO THE STUDY OF CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN RESEARCH NETWORK DATASET

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023PD05-01 DISTINCT PHENOTYPES OF BLADDER PAIN IDENTIFIED IN THE MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH TO THE STUDY OF CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN RESEARCH NETWORK DATASET Oluwarotimi Nettey, Nicholas Jackson, and A. Lenore Ackerman Oluwarotimi NetteyOluwarotimi Nettey More articles by this author , Nicholas JacksonNicholas Jackson More articles by this author , and A. Lenore AckermanA. Lenore Ackerman More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003229.01AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Patients with chronic urologic pelvic pain present a unique challenge as their underlying condition is largely a diagnosis of exclusion. In the present analysis, we extend symptom cluster definitions from a pilot study evaluating bladder pain among ambulatory females to a multicenter prospectively recruited dataset using unsupervised machine learning techniques to assess the stability and reproducibility of these bladder pain phenotypes. METHODS: Unsupervised machine learning techniques were applied to patient reported symptoms extracted from the female Genitourinary Pain Index and Interstitial Cystitis Symptom and Problems Indices. Responses from 130 premenopausal female subjects without current opioid use enrolled in the Multidisciplinary Approach to the Study of Chronic Pelvic Pain (MAPP) research network were analyzed. Symptom clusters generated from the MAPP multisite cohort (MC) were compared to previously published pilot data results to assess for alignment and concordance. RESULTS: Symptom clusters included a nonurological pelvic pain group with localized pain unrelated to the micturition cycle (NUPP-MC), a myofascial pelvic pain group (MFP-MC) with stranguria, sensation of incomplete bladder emptying, urinary urgency and high symptom bother/severity, and a bladder specific-pain group (BPS-MC) with pain worsened by bladder filling and relieved by bladder emptying.Cluster comparisons demonstrated concordance by subtype between local and multisite cohorts on various domains of bladder pain (Figure 1). MFP–MC patients had more pain severity (p<0.001), diffuse body pain involvement (p=0.02), pelvic floor tenderness (p=0.01), and increased number of flares (p=0.009). MFP-MC cluster assignation was associated with severe sexual dysfunction, impaired relationship scores as well as sleep and anxiety disturbances. CONCLUSIONS: Patient reported symptoms can be utilized to perform deep phenotyping and identify distinct subgroups of perceived bladder pain. Phenotypic clusters appear stable both in a single institutional pilot cohort and a larger multi-site study. Further validation of these phenotypes and their associations with response to therapy will clarify how to target treatment of bladder pain. Source of Funding: None © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e148 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Oluwarotimi Nettey More articles by this author Nicholas Jackson More articles by this author A. Lenore Ackerman More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Dentists’ perception of third molar surgery in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A cross sectional pilot study

Concerns about the indications for the surgical removal of third molars have not yet reached a decisive agreement. The aim of the study was to evaluate the perception and practice of Saudi' dentists when encountering third molars clinical situations including diagnosis, treatment, and postsurgical care. A cross-sectional survey was conducted and approved by the ethics research committee at Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz (PSAU). The survey comprised of four sets of questions with multiple-choice answers including the participants' details and type of practice (private or government), clinical awareness and attitude regarding lower third molars surgery, and the confidence level of dentists when performing third molars extraction. The survey was published online with a timeframe of three months to respond. 196 participants responded to the designated survey (55 dental interns and 141 general dental practitioners (GPs)). Most responses (80.1%) were from Riyadh province (central region). There was a significant difference between GPs and interns in terms of impacted third molars with associated cystic lesions, bony impactions, and diffuse pain (P<0.05). Male dentists tend to prescribe antibiotics more than female dentists (P=0.001) and GPs more than interns (P=0.027). The results also indicated that male dentists were more confident than females when performing third molar extraction. Generally, female dentists preferred to have further training on such surgery (P<0.05). Continuing professional development programs both during dental internship and general practice are recommended to improve the required skills of third molar extraction.

Characteristics of Pain During MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound Thalamotomy.

Magnetic resonance imaging-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) has become popular as an incisionless mode of neurosurgical treatment. However, head pain during sonication is common and its pathophysiology remains poorly understood. To explore the characteristics of head pain occurring during MRgFUS thalamotomy. Our study comprised 59 patients who answered questions about the pain they experienced during unilateral MRgFUS thalamotomy. The location and features of pain were investigated using a questionnaire including the numerical rating scale (NRS) to estimate maximum pain intensity and the Japanese version of the Short Form of McGill Pain Questionnaire 2 to evaluate the quantitative and qualitative dimensions of pain. Several clinical factors were investigated for possible correlation with pain intensity. Forty-eight patients (81%) reported sonication-related head pain, and the degree of pain was severe (NRS score ≥ 7) in 39 patients (66%). The distribution of sonication-related pain was "localized" in 29 (49%) and "diffuse" in 16 (27%); the most frequent location was the "occipital" region. The pain features most frequently reported were those in the "affective" subscale of the Short Form of McGill Pain Questionnaire 2. Patients with diffuse pain had a higher NRS score and lower skull density ratio than did patients with localized pain. The NRS score negatively correlated with tremor improvement at 6 months post-treatment. Most patients in our cohort experienced pain during MRgFUS. The distribution and intensity of pain varied according to the skull density ratio, indicating that the pain might have had different origins. Our results may contribute to the improvement of pain management during MRgFUS.

Clinical impact and misdiagnosis of functional ophthalmological symptoms: a case report

Introduction The disease burden due to non-specific, functional, and somatoform disorders is high. An unknown part of these medically unexplained symptoms belongs to factitious disorders. When it comes to deciding whether a patient is able to work, it is essential to differentiate a somatoform disorder from a factitious disorder.ObjectivesThe aim is to highlight, on the one hand, the differences between somatoform disorder and factitious disorder and, on the other hand, the potential impact of misdiagnosis in medical expertise regarding eligibility for a disability income.MethodsA case report of Ms A. a 42-year-old Caucasian woman. She worked as a 100% fiduciary accountant until the age of 32 when she was placed on medical leave due to persistent trigeminal neuralgia. Subsequently, she developed total blindness, accompanied by distress in a crucial emotional context. A diagnosis of factitious disorder was retained by an expert psychiatrist, with severe consequences for her, such as disability income suspension and family conflict. We evaluated Ms. A. in our multidisciplinary medical expertise service for a disability income review.ResultsThe patient reported a total absence of light perception in both eyes (subjective), not confirmed by objective ocular examination and spécific neuro-ophthalmological examination.Psychiatric examination revealed that Ms. A. had been sexually assaulted at age of 7 and sexually abused for a year by her teacher at age of 14. Regarding the identity of the first abuser, she describes that she “can’t see his face” and that the multiple sexual assaults during her teenage years took place in the classroom after school, with the teacher “pulling down the window shades so it was totally dark.” She explains that, defensively, to avoid thoughts related to the traumatic experience, she was heavily invested in her studies. But, at the age of 30, after separation with her first boyfriend, diffuse pain and progressively total blindness appeared.We concluded the diagnoses of pain disorders related to psychological factors and a dissociative neurological symptom disorder with visual disturbance.Conclusions Blindness not explained by a physiologic process may accompany trauma and psychological distress, with the search for the link between the onset of symptoms and significant unconscious psychic conflicts being crucial in the psychiatric investigation. A new diagnosis of dissociative neurological symptom disorder with visual disturbance (6B60.0) is included in the ICD-11. It is characterized by visual symptoms such as blindness, tunnel vision, diplopia, visual distortions, or hallucinations that are not consistent with a recognized disease of the nervous system, other mental, behavioral, or neurodevelopmental disorders. Differentiating this pathology from factitious disorder or simulation is essential from an insurance medicine point of view, but also for its treatment.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

The Safety and Efficacy of Low-Dose Naltrexone in Patients with Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain sensitivity syndrome characterized by diffuse musculoskeletal pain and many other systemic manifestations. Low-dose naltrexone (LDN) has been increasingly used as an off-label treatment option in FM. However, current evidence on the safety and efficacy of LDN in patients with FM is not well known. To systematically assess the current evidence on the safety and efficacy of LDN use in the treatment of FM. A comprehensive bibliographic search was conducted on EBM Reviews - Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EBM Reviews - Cochrane Database of Systematic, Embase, Ovid MEDLINE(R) and Epub Ahead of Print, In-Process, In-Data-Review & Other Non-Indexed Citations, Daily and Versions and Scopus databases in September 2022. Inclusion criteria were articles that were published in English, focusing on clinical trials involving LDN for the treatment of FM. Two reviewers independently screened and extracted the data. A qualitative analysis was used due to the high methodological heterogeneity between studies. The electronic search produced 805 articles. After applying the inclusion criteria, 9 articles (one RCT, two case reports, two case series, and four pilot trials) were selected for evaluation. LDN intervention protocols, study designs, and follow-up periods were different among the included studies. Overall, LDN was found to be effective in the symptomatic management of FM, and of the 78% of included studies that evaluated for safety, no severe adverse events were reported. Proving the efficacy and safety of low-dose naltrexone is a future possibility based on current study data, but the level of scientific evidence is limited. Future well-designed trials with large sample sizes are required.

Successful Treatment of Sthaphylococcus Peritonitis Using Oral Linezolid Without Catheter Removal in a Peritoneal Dialysis Patient

Peritonitis is one of the main complications of peritoneal dialysis and accounts for considerable mortality and hospitalization. It is usually treated with intraperitoneal antibiotherapy, as it is the best way to achieve high concentrations at the site of infection. We report a case of an 86-year-old female patient with end-stage renal disease under continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, who was admitted to our hospital with complaints of intense diffused abdominal pain. The effluent culture yielded Staphylococcus hominis only sensible to vancomycin and linezolid. She was diagnosed with peritonitis secondary to Staphylococcus hominis infection and treated with oral linezolid without catheter removal. Adequate linezolid peritoneal fluid concentration (between 3 and 20 µg/mL) was achieved and the antibiotic therapy was maintained for 21 days with clinical and analytical improvement. According to our knowledge, this was the first Staphylococcus peritonitis in a peritoneal dialysis patient, successfully treated with oral linezolid and has had linezolid levels monitored in the peritoneal dialysis effluent.

Combined Invasive Peripheral Nerve Stimulation in the Management of Chronic Post-Intracranial Disorder Headache: A Case Report

The introduction of ventricular shunts dramatically changed the outcome and quality of life of hydrocephalic patients. However, shunt surgery continues to be associated with numerous adverse events. Headache is one of the most common complications after shunt operation. It is often of prolonged duration, the symptoms resemble those of migraine, and pain does not respond to medication. We propose invasive peripheral nerve stimulation as a potential solution in the treatment of patients suffering from chronic headache associated with shunted hydrocephalus. A young woman presented with daily holocephalic headache with diffuse pain exacerbated by lying down. Imaging revealed panventricular enlargement and possible aqueduct stenosis. When a ventriculoperitoneal shunt was placed, clinical symptoms resolved. Nevertheless, she gradually exacerbated after a second valve replacement due to wound infection. Imaging revealed decompressed ventricles and appropriate shunt placement. The diagnosis of chronic post-intracranial disorder headache was set. Therefore, occipital nerve stimulation was applied and, considering that the patient did not have a total response, bilateral parietal stimulation was added. Three months after the combined PNS, she experienced total remission of headache. Combined PNS eases refractory headaches much more than occipital nerve stimulation alone and could be considered as a solution for shunted hydrocephalus-associated headache.

Associations among serum VEGF and CGRP levels with the peripheral vascular blood flow of the skin of the hands in women with Fibromyalgia

BackgroundFibromyalgia (FM) is a long-term condition of unknown physiopathology, whose hallmark symptoms are diffuse musculoskeletal chronic pain and fatigue. ObjectivesWe aimed to analyze the associations among serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) levels with the peripheral temperature of the skin of both hands and the core body temperature in patients with FM and healthy controls. MethodsWe conducted a case-control observational study with fifty-three women diagnosed with FM and twenty-four healthy women. VEGF and CGRP levels were spectrophotometrically analyzed in serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We used an infrared thermography camera to assess the peripheral temperature of the skin of the dorsal thumb, index, middle, ring, and pinkie fingertips and dorsal centre as well as the palm thumb, index, middle, ring, and pinkie fingertips, palm centre and thenar and hypothenar eminences of both hands and an infrared thermographic scanner to record the tympanic membrane and axillary temperature. ResultsLinear regression analysis adjusting for age, menopause status, and body mass index showed that serum VEGF levels were positively associated with the maximum (β = 65.942, 95% CI [4.100,127.784], p = 0.037), minimum (β = 59.216, 95% CI [1.455,116.976], p = 0.045), and mean (β = 66.923, 95% CI [3.142,130.705], p = 0.040) temperature of the thenar eminence of the non-dominant hand, as well as with the maximum temperature of the hypothenar eminence of the non-dominant hand (β = 63.607, 95% CI [3.468,123.747], p = 0.039) in women diagnosed with FM. ConclusionsMild associations were observed between serum VEGF levels and the peripheral temperature of the skin in hand areas in patients with FM; therefore, it is not possible to establish a clear relationship between this vasoactive molecule and vasodilation of the hands in these patients.

Shin Splint: A Review.

Medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), usually referred to as "shin splints," is a common overuse injury of the lower extremities affecting a large percentage of athletes. A variety of factors can lead to shin splints, including overtraining, poor footwear, muscular imbalances at the ankle, overtight or weak triceps surae muscles, imbalances at the thoracolumbar complex, and a body mass index (BMI) above 30. Injuries present with diffuse palpable pain that is often described as a dull ache following exercise. The pain is often alleviated by resting. Often, athletes complain of tenderness along the posteromedial edge of the tibia and pain along the middle to distal third of the posteromedial border of the tibia following an exercise session. The pain caused by a shin splint should be categorized according to its location and cause, such as lower medial tibial pain caused by periostitis or upper lateral tibial pain caused by raised compartment pressure. In order to prevent MTSS or shin splints, it is important to avoid excessive stress. The main objectives of shin splint treatment are to relieve pain and to enable the patient to return to normal activities without pain. To prevent shin splints, repetitive stress should be avoided. In this paper, we review what is known about the pathophysiology of shin splintsyndrome, present evidence regarding risk factors associated with shin splints, assess the effectiveness of prevention strategies, and make recommendations for prevention. The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of interventions to prevent shin splints.

An update on tarsal coalitions

Tarsal coalitions are anomalous connections between two or more bones in the hindfoot or midfoot secondary to embryonic failure of segmentation and differentiation of the mesenchyme. Calcaneonavicular and talocalcaneal coalitions are the most common. Although it is a congenital deformity, presentation is usually in adolescence which coincides with ossification of the coalition. Patients typically present with diffuse foot pain, calf muscle pain, recurrent ankle ligament sprains and a rigid hindfoot valgus deformity. Initial management is non-operative and may involve activity reduction, a trial of immobilization in a walking boot or cast, physiotherapy, corticosteroid injections and regular analgesia. Close to a third of patients experience symptom relief but the remaining patients with persistent symptoms will require operative intervention. Patients without degenerative joint disease undergo resection of the coalition. It is now established that an associated severe hindfoot valgus foot should be addressed at this stage to prevent inevitable future joint degeneration. The indications for joint fusion remain unclear and the tendency is to postpone this when possible until a later age. In recent years, arthroscopic resection of talocalcaneal coalitions has gained popularity, despite being technically demanding. It gives good visualization of the coalition, better postoperative pain relief and quicker improvement of the hindfoot stiffness.

From Lysis to Hemolysis

Introduction: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common genetic disease in the world. Vitamin D deficiency has been described in several patients with this disease. We report the case of a patient in whom osteomalacia revealed the disease. Observation: The patient was 35 years old, not an alcoholic, not exposed to toxic products, with a family history of sickle cell disease in her 4 brothers and sisters. She reports the appearance of diffuse bone pain but which predominates in the axial skeleton, the ribs and the rhizomelic zones having motivated several hospitalizations. These pains are recurrent with new attacks on the lumbar spine, and sacroiliac joints with intense pain. Paraclinical examinations revealed: normal long bone radiographs without bone lysis, a CT scan of the sacroiliac joints without any aspect of sacroiliitis, but revealing multiple vertebral condensing bone lesions in streaks, diffuse at the level of the iliac wings with osteolysis surrounded by non aggressive osteocondensation. Densitometry was normal, vitamin D deficiency was noted at 29 ng/mL with elevated alkaline phosphatase, normal concentrations of Calcemia and Phosphoremia respectively at 96 mg/L and 36 mg/L, contrasting with hyperparathyroidism with a blood level of parathyroid hormone elevated to twice the normal level at 104.4 pg/mL It should be noted that the patient had received per os vitamin D supplementation before coming to us. The diagnosis of osteomalacia secondary to vitamin D deficiency complicated by secondary hyperparathyroidism was retained. Given the family history, we looked for the existence of sickle cell disease which was finally confirmed on hemoglobin electrophoresis with an AS profile. Conclusion: The association between vitamin D deficiency and sickle cell disease is not uncommon, and is explained by the ethnic origin, race, skin color, genetics and physiological features of patients with this disease rather than the disease itself.

Клинический случай дебюта гистиоцитоза из клеток Лагерганса под маской ревматологического заболевания

A pediatrician faces with the differential diagnosis of oncological, oncohematological diseases which could have rheumatological "masks". According to medical literature, the most important symptoms are the joint pain at night, diffuse bone pain and organomegaly. Among the laboratory markers of oncological/oncohematological diseases the most important are bi-/trilineage cytopenia, high level of ESR, LDH, uric acid; including in the differential diagnosis of the neoplastic process in the detection of unilateral sacroiliitis without damage of other joints is necessary. The clinical case of a patient with Lagerhans cell histiocytosis is presented for differential diagnosis with the debut of spondyloarthritis for increasing the alertness of pediatricians and rheumatologists in children with musculoskeletal pain. Key words: Lagerhans cell histiocytosis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, juvenile ankylosing spondylitis

Pleuro-Pericardial Inflammation and Effusion: A Rare Acute Initial Presentation of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic inflammatory arthritis characterized by joint pain and morning stiffness. The affected joints are typically symmetrically affected, and given the inflammatory nature of this condition, patients often present with warmth and erythema around affected joints as well as fatigue. Extra-articular manifestations, especially pleuro-pericardial inflammation, are rare initial presentations, although may be seen in advanced or undertreated disease. Case Presentation: We describe a case of a rheumatoid arthritis presenting atypically in a middle-aged male who came to the emergency department complaining of diffuse muscle pain and swelling in the distal extremities. Cardiac ultrasound revealed pleuro-pericardial inflammation and effusions. Myositis and infectious causes were ruled out and bilateral hand x-rays did not show erosions or any evidence of arthritic changes. All rheumatological auto-antibodies were negative except for rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) and a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis was made. The patient was started on prednisone with excellent response. Conclusions: This case highlights that rheumatoid arthritis can uncommonly present initially with extra-articular manifestations that are often manifested in advanced disease. Typically, extra-articular manifestations, especially those as severe as this patient’s, occur with untreated, advanced disease and could accompany extensive arthritic joint changes. Thus, it is important to have an understanding of rare, atypical presentations of rheumatoid arthritis so that a high index of suspicion can be maintained to make the diagnosis and initiate treatment in a timely manner.