Iranian Man Research Articles

Effects of dry needling on muscle spasticity of the upper limb in a survivor of traumatic brain injury: a case report

BackgroundSurvivors of moderate and severe traumatic brain injury typically present with spasticity, an upper motor neuron lesion associated with hyperexcitability of the stretch reflex due to disinhibition of cortical influences on spinal cord circuits and structural and functional changes in skeletal muscle. There is growing evidence supporting the effectiveness of dry needling in abating spasticity.Case presentationThe present case aims to quantify the effects of dry needling on upper limb spastic muscles in a survivor of severe traumatic brain injury in a 27-year-old Iranian man. The treated muscles were biceps brachii, brachialis, flexor digitorum superficialis and profundus, flexor carpi radialis, flexor carpi ulnaris, opponens pollicis, and adductor pollicis. Outcome measures were evaluated before and 1 hour after the intervention. Our results showed that the patient’s upper limb recovery stage and hand function improved one grade according to Brunnstrom recovery stages. Spasticity assessed using the Modified Modified Ashworth Scale in all movements showed one-grade abatement, except in the forearm pronator. Passive resistance force decreased in all movements except in forearm supination. Active range of motion and passive range of motion increased in all movements except in active and passive forearm supination. Hand dexterity improved in both affected and unaffected hands.ConclusionsResults shown that dry needling could be a favorable option for reducing spasticity.

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in a patient with novel mutation in the RAC2 gene: a case report

BackgroundProgressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy is a rare demyelinating disease that is often secondary to lytic destruction of oligodendrocytes and, to a lesser extent, to astrocytes’ response to human neurotrophic John Cunningham polyomavirus. Any underlying congenital disorder of primary or secondary immunodeficiency may predispose to virus infection and possible invasion of the brain. We present the first reported case of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy due to a mutation in the RAC2 gene.Case presentationWe describe the case of a 34-year-old Iranian man with recurrent infections from the age of 2 years, along with other disorders such as nephritic syndrome, factor XI deficiency, and hypogammaglobulinemia. He was treated regularly with intravenous immunoglobulin from the age of 10 years with a diagnosis of common variable immune deficiency. Genetic testing confirmed a novel homozygous mutation in the RAC2 gene in the patient. Owing to the onset of neurological symptoms a few months ago, the patient was completely avaluated, which confirmed the diagnosis of PML. Despite all efforts, the patient died shortly after progression of neurological symptoms.ConclusionsAccording to previous studies, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy has been associated with 26 cases of primary immunodeficiency. Our patient presents a new case of primary immunodeficiency with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. Accurate examination of these cases can help us to gain insight into the immune response to John Cunningham virus and better treat this potentially deadly disease.

Management of primary choroidal lymphoma presenting as extensive serous retinal detachment and salmon patch of bulbar conjunctiva: a case report

BackgroundWe describe the outcome of ultra-low-dose radiotherapy plus intravitreal methotrexate and rituximab injections for a patient with primary choroidal lymphoma who presented with nodular conjunctival salmon patches and extensive serous retinal detachment.Case presentationA 34-year-old Iranian man presented with a nodular patch of bulbar conjunctiva in the right eye, and 1+ vitritis. A nearly complete shallow serous retinal detachment, retinal folds, and multifocal yellow choroidal infiltrates were seen during a fundus examination of the right eye. Enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography revealed macular retinal folds and an uneven, undulating, “seasick” appearance of the choroidal surface with choriocapillaris compression, intraretinal and subretinal fluid, and clusters of optically dense material at the outer retinal level. An incisional biopsy of the conjunctival lesion confirmed the diagnosis of primary choroidal lymphoma with epibulbar involvement. The patient was treated with ultra-low-dose “boom-boom” radiation (4 Gy delivered in two fractions over two consecutive days) as well as intravitreal methotrexate and rituximab injections. After a year, the lesions had completely disappeared, with no adverse effects or recurrence.ConclusionUltra-low-dose (boom-boom) radiotherapy combined with intravitreal chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy may be an effective treatment for primary choroidal lymphoma with anterior epibulbar extension and diffuse subretinal fluid with favorable response and minimal side effects.

An asymptomatic huge primary retroperitoneal pseudocyst: a case report and review of the literature

BackgroundRetroperitoneal non-pancreatic or idiopathic pseudocysts are very rare lesions. This case report aimed to present our patient and to check all the available literature on this kind of rare disease.Case presentationOur patient was a 67-year-old Iranian man admitted with mild abdominal discomfort for three months. Ultrasonography and CT scan revealed a huge cystic structure within the retroperitoneal space. The lesion was excised through midline laparotomy and opening of the retro-peritoneum. The histopathology of the cyst wall revealed a benign cystic lesion with no epithelial lining. A histologic diagnosis of non-neoplastic retroperitoneal pseudocyst was made.ConclusionThe primary non-pancreatic retroperitoneal pseudocysts are rare lesions and have to be distinguished from other differential diagnoses of retroperitoneal lesions, and a surgeon should be aware of the possible occurrence of these lesions with unknown origin. Surgical excision is the only way to exclude malignancy and confirm the diagnosis.

Primary disseminated intraabdominal hydatidosis: a case report

BackgroundHydatidosis, a zoonotic disease caused by the larvae of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (E. granulosus s.l.), can be primary or secondary. However, primary disseminated intraabdominal hydatidosis is a rare form of the disease, accounting for about 2% of all intraabdominal cysts.Case presentationWe report herein a case of primary disseminated intraabdominal hydatidosis with multiple organ involvement in a 51-year-old Iranian man presenting to a healthcare facility with abdominal pain. During the physical examination, two abdominal masses were palpated. Ultrasound and computed tomography revealed six cystic lesions in the patient’s liver, subhepatic region, pelvic, and omentum. Afterward, he underwent surgery, during which the cystic lesions were completely removed. The patient received albendazole (400 mg/kg/day) postoperatively and was recommended to continue the treatment for 4 months.ConclusionsAlthough primary disseminated intraabdominal hydatidosis is rare, this problem is of great importance due to the fertility of cysts and the high risk of recurrence. Therefore, it is recommended to follow such patients with imaging modalities and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for native antigen B (AgB). In addition, patients should undergo albendazole therapy postoperatively for 4 months.

Disseminated tuberculosis with myelofibrosis presentation: a case report

BackgroundPrimary myelofibrosis is a rare myeloproliferative disorder in middle-aged and old adults and should be distinguished from secondary and reactive causes of bone marrow fibrosis because, in reactive fibrosis, treatment approaches depend on the underlying etiology.Case presentationHere we report the case of a middle-aged Iranian man who was diagnosed and treated as primary myelofibrosis at presentation, and whose final diagnosis was disseminated tuberculosis with reactive bone marrow fibrosis.ConclusionsIt is prudent to evaluate the potential causes of myelofibrosis in any patient with the diagnosis primary myelofibrosis. Tuberculosis can be an important etiology of bone marrow fibrosis, especially in endemic areas.

Atypical presentation of autoimmune hepatitis\u2013primary sclerosing cholangitis overlap syndrome associated with hypereosinophilia: a case report and review of the\xa0literature

BackgroundAutoimmune hepatitis–primary sclerosing cholangitis overlap syndrome is a form of autoimmune hepatitis with cholestatic features and is characterized by negative anti-mitochondrial antibody and cholangiographic changes on magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Peripheral blood hypereosinophilia in conjunction with autoimmune hepatitis–primary sclerosing cholangitis overlap syndrome has not been reported yet. Here we present a case of autoimmune hepatitis–primary sclerosing cholangitis overlap syndrome with hypereosinophilia.Case presentationA 33-year-old Iranian man with the fatigue, jaundice, elevated liver enzymes and alkaline phosphatase, and hypereosinophilia was referred to our hospital. Viral and autoimmune hepatitis were excluded, and secondary workups for hypereosinophilia were all negative. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography showed beaded appearance of intra- and extrahepatic biliary tree, and liver biopsy revealed interface hepatitis. Therefore, the diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis–primary sclerosing cholangitis overlap syndrome was made, and prednisolone, azathioprine, and ursodeoxycholic acid was initiated. His jaundice and peripheral blood eosinophilia resolved after 2 weeks, and he became completely asymptomatic.ConclusionEosinophils might contribute to the clinical presentation and disease complications.

Median 10 years follow-up of patients with covert Cushing\u2019s syndrome: a case series

BackgroundEctopic adrenocorticotropic hormone secretion syndrome occurs in 10% of all patients with adrenocorticotropic-hormone-dependent hypercortisolism. It is usually associated with overt malignancies or with occult and indolent tumors. This study aims to confirm the source of ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone in four patients with ectopic Cushing’s syndrome over time.Case presentationA 38-year-old Iranian man with Cushing’s syndrome underwent bilateral adrenalectomy since the source of ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone secretion was not localized and pituitary imaging was normal. A whole-body scan revealed a right-lung tumoral mass with mediastinal lymph node metastasis. The mass was assumed a lung carcinoid tumor with mediastinal adenopathy. Right-lung mid-zone lobectomy and mediastinal lymphadenectomy were done. In a 47-year-old Iranian man with Cushing’s syndrome, whole-body computed tomography scan revealed a pulmonary nodule in the posterior segment of the left lower lobe of the lung. The third case was a 25-year-old Iranian man who presented with symptoms and signs of Cushing’s syndrome. Pituitary magnetic resonance imaging revealed a microadenoma 5 × 9 mm. Whole-body scan showed abnormal focal somatostatin receptors analog avid lesion in the posterior aspect of inferior third of right lung, highly suggestive of ectopic adrenocorticotropic-hormone-producing tumor. The last case was a 43-year-old Iranian woman with Marfan syndrome with a history of mitral and aortic valve replacement and chronic dissection of the aorta, who presented with symptoms and signs of Cushing’s syndrome. She underwent bilateral adrenalectomy 1 year later owing to failure to locate ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone syndrome. Whole-body scan showed abnormally increased radiotracer uptake in the midline of the skull base and posterior aspect of the middle zone of left hemithorax and bed of left lobe of thyroid.ConclusionThe clinical spectrum of ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone secretion syndrome is wide, and distinguishing Cushing’s disease from ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone secretion syndrome is difficult. Initial failure to identify a tumor is common. Pulmonary carcinoid or occult source of ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone secretion syndrome is usually the cause. In occult cases of ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone in which the tumor cannot be localized, serial follow-up with serial computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, or scintigraphy is recommended for several years until the tumor can be localized and treated.

Coronavirus-disease-2019-induced antiphospholipid-like syndrome: a case report

BackgroundThis paper describes a case of antiphospholipid syndrome-like condition caused by coronavirus disease 2019. The medical community still faces many diagnostic and therapeutic challenges vis-à-vis coronavirus disease 2019. Ultimately, coronavirus disease 2019 is diagnosed on the basis of laboratory and radiological findings. Considering the high rate of mortality due to coagulation abnormalities and thrombosis among coronavirus disease 2019 patients, it is important to pay attention to the differential diagnoses of coronavirus disease 2019 and other diseases following thrombotic events.Case descriptionThe patient was a 56-year-old Iranian man who underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery and mitral valve repair. During hospitalization, the patient showed an elevated level of anticardiolipin antibody (immunoglobulin G isotype), antiphospholipid antibodies, and thrombosis in the brachial artery of the left hand, based on which a differential diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome was made. However, ultimately, the coronavirus disease 2019 polymerase chain reaction test and computed tomography scan of the lungs showed that the patient had coronavirus disease 2019.ConclusionAccording to the few studies performed on coronavirus disease 2019 patients, elevated levels of the isotypes of antiphospholipid antibodies in coronavirus disease 2019 patients create conditions similar to antiphospholipid syndrome, which, in the absence of reliable coronavirus disease 2019 testing, can lead to misdiagnosis and consequently delayed or improper treatment. Therefore, to provide timely and appropriate treatment, it is important to pay attention to differential diagnosis.

Intrabiliary and abdominal rupture of hepatic hydatid cyst leading to biliary obstruction, cholangitis, pancreatitis, peritonitis and septicemia: a case report

BackgroundHydatid cysts are fluid-filled sacs containing immature forms of parastic tapeworms of the genus Echinococcus. The most prevalent and serious complication of hydatid disease is intrabiliary rupture, also known as cystobiliary fistulae. In this study, a sporadic case of biliary obstruction, cholangitis, and septicemia is described secondary to hydatid cyst rupture into the common bile duct and intraperitoneal cavity.Case presentationA 21-year-old Iranian man was admitted to the emergency ward with 5 days of serious sickness and a history of right upper quadrant abdominal pain, fatigue, fever, icterus, vomiting, and no appetite. In the physical examination, abdominal tenderness was detected in all four quadrants and in the scleral icterus. Abdominal ultrasound revealed intrahepatic and extrahepatic biliary duct dilation. Gallbladder wall thickening was normal but was very dilated, and large unilocular intact hepatic cysts were detected in segment IV and another one segment II which had detached laminated membranes and was a ruptured or complicated liver cyst.ConclusionIntrabiliary perforation of the liver hydatid cyst is an infrequent event but has severe consequences. Therefore, when patients complain of abdominal pain, fever, peritonitis, decreased appetite, and jaundice, a differential diagnosis of hydatid disease needs to be taken into consideration. Early diagnosis of complications and aggressive treatments, such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and surgery, are vital.

Twenty-six years of involvement with cystic echinococcosis: a case report

IntroductionSpinal hydatidosis, a zoonotic disease caused by infection with Echinococcus spp. larvae, is rare, but its treatment remains a significant medical challenge. Approximately 70% of patients with spinal hydatidosis have lesions in their liver, 0–15% have lung involvement, and only 0.5–2% have bone involvement.Case presentationHere we report a 38-year-old Iranian man with spinal hydatidosis, who had a history of eight times surgery in over of 26 years due to hydatid cyst in the liver, lungs, and chest wall. At the most recent admission to hospital he presented with chest pain, paraplegia, and urinary incontinence. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed thoracic spinal hydatid disease. He underwent surgery, and the hydatid cysts were completely removed. Lower extremity forces recovered dramatically and completely within 4 weeks.ConclusionSpinal hydatidosis is a rare disease, but it is associated with a high degree of morbidity, mortality, and poor prognosis. Because of the infiltrative nature of hydatid disease, surgery alone is rarely curative. The current case study demonstrates the importance of a suitable surgical approach, adequate intraoperative prophylaxis to prevent cyst rupture, and prolonged complete paraplegia.

Presentation of COVID-19 infection with bizarre behavior and encephalopathy: a case report

BackgroundCurrent studies show that patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have neurological symptoms manifesting as acute cerebrovascular diseases, impaired consciousness, and skeletal muscle symptoms. Bizarre behavior is an unusual and unique presenting symptom of COVID-19 infection in our patient.Case presentationWe report a case of COVID-19 infection in a middle aged Iranian man without underlying disease who presented with bizarre behavior. Results of brain imaging were normal, but COVID-19 pneumonia was detected on chest computed tomography scan. Given the respiratory problem and positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for COVID-19, treatment with hydroxychloroquine was administered, and after 2 days all of the symptoms resolved.ConclusionsEncephalopathy and encephalitis may be a possible presentation of COVID-19. Clinicians and health care providers should consider the presence of COVID-19 with bizarre behavior during this COVID-19 pandemic.

Non-penetrating traumatic psoas muscle hematoma presenting with gross hematuria: a case report

Psoas muscle hematoma is defined as a spontaneous or traumatic retroperitoneal collection of blood involving the psoas muscle. Early symptoms of an iliopsoas hematoma include lower abdominal or severe groin pain. Although psoas hematoma is a known complication of coagulopathy, psoas hematoma caused by non-penetrating trauma is the subject of only scattered reports and its significance has not been well described in the literature, so the aim of this study was to report a case of blunt traumatic psoas hematoma with the fracture of vertebral transverse process with the presentation of gross hematuria. A 65-year-old Iranian man slipped backward to the ground, and the patient complaint of gross hematuria and difficulty in walking. There was severe left costo-vertebral angle (CVA) tenderness, and mild groin tenderness, and the lower back area was painful, and he had some pain with the flexion of the vertebral column, and there was tenderness on lumbar spine, but there was no tingling, paresthesia, and weakness in left lower extremity. Hip flexion was 3/5 in the left lower. We used some diagnostic modalities as x-ray radiography, ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT) scan with intravenous (IV) contrast, CT cystography, and intravenous pyelogram (IVP) IVP to differentiate the diagnoses and also find skeletal and other organ injuries associated with this kind of injury. We can conclude that post-traumatic psoas hematoma is a rare condition. The diagnostic modality of choice is CT scan which allows rapid identification and measurement of the hematoma. The lesion usually treated with non-operative conservative management.

Clinical and Laboratory Characteristics of a Large Iranian Kindred Afflicted with Von Hippel Lindau Disease.

BackgroundVon Hippel Lindau (VHL) disease is a hereditary disorder characterized by the development of benign or malignant tumors in the brain, spinal cord, eyes, adrenal medulla, kidney, pancreas, and many other organs. Advances in molecular diagnosis have led to the identification of the affected members of families at earlier stages. We present the clinical, laboratory, and genetic characteristics of five generations of a large Iranian kindred with VHL.MethodsThe proband, a 52-year-old Iranian man, was recognized with VHL. All family members underwent clinical, laboratory, imaging, and genetic evaluation. Medical files and histopathology reports of patients who had been operated on before were also reviewed. Diagnosis of the disease was based on clinical findings, positive family history of VHL, and development of a central nervous system or retinal hemangioblastoma or pheochromocytoma.ResultsBased on diagnostic criteria, our initial evaluations revealed that 10 members of the family had already been affected by the disease. Among them, nine had pheochromocytoma, and one had retinal hemangioblastoma. There was no case of kidney tumors among the kindred.ConclusionsStudy results show the high penetrance of the disease and focus on the large burden imposed by the disease on the health and quality of life of patients afflicted with the disease, emphasizing the importance of surveillance from early childhood for detection and management of the disease as early as possible.

Microscopic polyangiitis associated with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) infection in an elderly male

BackgroundMicroscopic polyangiitis (MPA) is an antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) that affects predominantly small- sized vessels. A causal relationship between viral infections and vasculitis has been postulated.Aim of the workTo present the concomitant association of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection with MPA in an elderly Iranian male. Case presentationA 67 year old Iranian man with the history of COVID-19 infection and a positive polymerized chain reaction (PCR) test four weeks before admission to the neurology department with acute onset pain, numbness and progressive weakness in both hands grip, sudden left foot drop and paresthesia. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was 95 mm/hr, ferritin 912 ng/ml and C-reactive protein (CRP) positive, proteinuria 1.1 g/24 h and markedly elevated perinuclear (P-ANCA): 526 IU/ml. Diagnosis of MPA was held presenting with mononeuritis multiplex, glomerulonephritis followed by diffuse alveolar hemorrhage and infiltration of lymphocytes in muscle fibers and vessels wall in sural nerve biopsy. He was successfully treated by methylprednisolone (1 g/day for 3 days) followed by 1 mg/kg with gradual tapering along with cyclophosphamide (CYC) (2 mg/kg). Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG, 2 g/kg in four divided doses) started for the management of inflammatory mononeuritis multiplex with gradual improvement. During hospitalization, plasmapheresis was performed due to alveolar hemorrhage for 5 day. The patient returned home on day 32 and followed-up in the rheumatology clinic with improvement of muscle power and handgrip strength. ConclusionVasculitis is potentially one of COVID-19′s presenting symptoms and prompt diagnosis and treatment is crucial in improving outcome of patients.

An Iranian man with increased thigh mass due to a hydatid cyst.

Background: Hydatid cyst is a zoonotic infection caused by Echinococcosis granulosus. Primary single-intramuscular hydatid disease is rare, even in endemic regions of the world. Here we report the case of exceptional thigh mass due to a hydatid cyst in an Iranian man.Case presentation: An 86-year-old man, initially presented to Velayat teaching hospital surgery clinic in May 2017 with a single right-thigh mass, but physical examinations of other organs were unremarkable. Based on sonographic findings, the differential diagnosis was hydatid cyst. He underwent surgical resection of the cyst. Histopathological results confirmed the diagnosis. There was no evidence of recurrence of the lesion during the 23-month follow-up. Conclusion: Increase thigh mass due to a hydatid cyst is a rare event. In endemic regions with the presence of hydatid cysts, especially physicians of surgical clinics have to consider differential diagnosis of hydatid cysts in unusual locations in case of such a lesion.

A Rare Case of Sublingual Gland Hydatid Cyst

Background: Hydatid cyst is a zoonotic disease due to the infection with the larvae of
 Echinococcus granulosus. The liver and lungs (80%) are the main organs involved and rarely
 head and neck.
 Case Presentation: A 47-year-old Iranian man presented to our center complaining of
 sublingual inflammation for 8 months. Sonography revealed a cystic lesion of 4×5×6 cm within
 the tongue. CT-scan showed a well-defined and hypodense mass in the floor of the mouth.
 Cyst resection was performed with the probability of ranula. Pathology was suggestive of
 hydatid cyst. Further workups revealed liver involvement. Therefore, he was treated with
 albendazole for 2 months.
 Conclusion: The hydatid cyst in the head and neck is rare and the involvement of sublingual
 gland is extremely rare. However, in endemic areas, hydatid cyst should be considered in the
 differential diagnosis of head and neck masses.

Co-existence of renal hydatid cyst and renal cell carcinoma in one kidney: A case report

Rationale: Cystic echinococcosis (hydatid disease) is a parasitic infection of humans, but renal hydatid cyst is rare. It is even more uncommon to find hydatid cyst and renal cell carcinoma (RCC) synchronously in one kidney. Patient concerns: This report presents a 47 years old Iranian man with the chief complaint of lower abdominal pain. Abdominal ultrasound and computed tomographic scan was performed for more evaluation. Diagnosis: RCC was the most probable diagnosis, so he went under left total nephrectomy. Eventually, after histopathologic examination of the excised kidney, cystic echinococcosis came to the first line and papillary RCC was the second diagnosis. Outcomes and lessons: Diagnosis of hydatid cyst and RCC is mostly based on imaging, but, as we noticed in this case, distinguishing between these two may sometimes be difficult due to radiological similarities.

Psychometric Properties of Iranian Man Spousal Abuse Questionnaire

Aim: This study was conducted to examine psychometric properties of Iranian Man spousal Abuse Questionnaire.
 Methodology: This descriptive study was carried out within two steps using combined method including qualitative steps. Authors performed deep interview and determined the focused group of men’s spouse abuse concept then designed the questionnaire using phenomenology method. At second step, psychometric properties of questionnaire were addressed using exploratory factor analysis, validity of instrument and internal consistency. Statistical population consisted of married men living in Alborz and Tehran in Iran in 2017 who had referred to couple therapy clinics complaining about marital problems; 7 psychologists working in these centers also participated in this study. 400 married men living in Alborz were selected using convenient sampling method; these members filled the man abuse questionnaire out.
 Results: According to the results obtained from the 50-item questionnaire that measures 5 dimensions of men’s domestic violence including active aggression and sexual abuse, verbal abuse and negligence, emotional and verbal abuse, passive aggression and domination, these 5 factors could explain 67.05% of total variance. Moreover, the obtained Cronbach’s alpha (0.98) for all questions indicated high internal consistency of questions.
 Conclusion: Findings show that the questionnaire of domestic violence against men made it possible to evaluate various dimensions of domestic violence against men using 5 factors and it is a suitable instrument to assess men’ domestic violence in Iranian community considering results obtained from validity and reliability calculation.

Divergent Identities in Iran and the Appropriation of Trans Bodies

While gender-based scholarship on the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI) is largely centred on a woman’s right to unveil, those adopting an LGBT+ framework tend to focus on human rights violations against homosexual males. This paper provides a more inclusive study in its assessment of the state’s oxymoronic approach to trans persons in Iran and the use of gender affirming surgery to reposition its subjects in line with hegemonic notions of “healthy” sexualities. In this context, the Iranian woman, bound by a particular conception of Islamic femininity, and the Iranian man, embodied by the hyper-masculine martyr figure, are promoted as the only genderisms acceptable to the state. This binary of hetero-Muslim male/female excludes all other expressions of gender. Ignoring the country’s historic array of masculinities and sexualities, the IRI criminalises gender “passing” in its limited notion of gender performativity. Furthermore, it utilises gender affirming surgery as a tool for repositioning divergent identities and sexualities within the state-sanctioned paradigm. While the state appropriates trans bodies to promote the ideal gendered subject, the framework of gender performativity is also adopted by regime critics to promote cis-gendered female agency: popular culture employs “cross-dressing” to contest the policing of heteronormative bodies and sexualities. Undoubtedly such methods are complicit in the continuation of discriminatory practices against trans persons in Iran.