Man Presenting Research Articles

Influence of gender on clinical presentation, management practices and outcomes of ocular syphilis

Ocular syphilis is a re-emerging inflammatory eye disease with a clear gender imbalance, disproportionately affecting men. We investigated the impact of gender on the presentation, management practices and clinical outcomes of this condition. Data generated from a study of patients consecutively diagnosed with ocular syphilis who attended a subspecialist uveitis service at one of four hospitals in Brazil over a 30-month period were disaggregated for analysis by gender. Two-hundred and fourteen eyes (161 men and 53 women) of 127 patients (96 men and 31 women) were included. Posterior uveitis was the most common presentation in both men and women (80.1% vs. 66.7%, p > 0.05), but men were significantly more likely to have vitritis as a feature of their disease (49.4% versus 28.8%, p = 0.019). Three eyes of women had nodular anterior scleritis (p = 0.015). Men were more likely to undergo a lumbar puncture to assess for neurosyphilis (71.9% vs. 51.6%, p = 0.048), but men and women undergoing a lumbar puncture were equally likely to have a cerebrospinal fluid abnormality (36.2% vs. 25.0%, p = 0.393). All patients were treated with aqueous penicillin G or ceftriaxone, and there was a trend towards more men receiving adjunctive systemic corticosteroid treatment as part of their management (65.2% vs. 46.7%, p = 0.071). There were no significant differences in the age of presentation, bilaterality of disease, anatomical classification of uveitis, initial or final visual acuity, and rates of ocular complications between men and women. Our findings indicate that ocular syphilis has comparable outcomes in men and women, but that there are differences in the type of ocular inflammation and management practices between the genders.

Association of Sport Helmet Status on Concussion Presentation and Recovery in Male Collegiate Student-Athletes.

Sporting helmets contain force attenuating materials which reduce traumatic head injury risk and may influence sport-related concussion (SRC) sequelae. The purpose of this study was to examine the association of sport helmet status with SRC-clinical presentation and recovery trajectories in men's collegiate athletes. Sport helmet status was based on the nature of sports being either helmeted/non-helmeted. 1070 SRCs in helmeted (HELM) sports (Men's-Football, Ice Hockey, and Lacrosse), and 399 SRCs in non-helmeted (NOHELM) sports (Men's-Basketball, Cheerleading, Cross Country/Track & Field, Diving, Gymnastics, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, and Volleyball) were analyzed. Multivariable negative binomial regression models analyzed associations between sport helmet status and post-injury cognition, balance, and symptom severity, adjusting for covariate effects (SRC history, loss of consciousness, anterograde/retrograde amnesia, event type). Kaplan-Meier curves evaluated median days to: initiation of return to play (iRTP) protocol, and unrestricted RTP (URTP) by sport helmet status. Log-rank tests were used to evaluate differential iRTP/URTP between groups. Two independent multivariable Weibull accelerated failure time models were used to examine differential iRTP and URTP between groups, after adjusting for aforementioned covariates and symptom severity score. Overall, the median days to iRTP and URTP was 6.3 and 12.0, respectively, and was comparable across NOHELM- and HELM-SRCs. Post-injury symptom severity was lower (Score Ratio 0.90, 95%CI 0.82, 0.98), and cognitive test performance was higher (Score Ratio 1.03, 95%CI 1.02, 1.05) in NOHELM-compared to HELM-SRCs. Estimated time spent recovering to iRTP/URTP was comparable between sport helmet status groups. Findings suggest that the grouping of sports into helmeted and non-helmeted show slight differences in clinical presentation but not recovery.

Case Report: Endovascular approach with kissing stent technique in aortoiliac occlusive disease (Leriche syndrome) patient

Background: Aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD) or Leriche syndrome, is a peripheral artery disease, specifically affecting the infrarenal aorta and iliac arteries. Presentation of AIOD patients ranged from asymptomatic to having limb-threatening emergencies. Advances and innovations in endovascular devices have replaced surgical approach for AIOD treatment. Here we reported a 52-year-old man presenting with AIOD managed by endovascular approach using kissing stent technique. Case presentation: A 52-year-old man, with history of chronic coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus type 2, long-standing hypertension, and who was a heavy smoker, was admitted to our hospital with symptoms of long time with bilateral claudication and became leg rest pain. He had history of aorto-infrarenal occlusion known from previous percutaneous coronary intervention from right and left femoral artery access. Aortoiliac occlusive disease (TASC II Type D Class) diagnosis was made by lower extremity duplex ultrasound and CT angiography. The patient underwent urgent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with kissing stent technique. The patient was discharged 4 days after the procedure without any significant complaints, received optimal medical treatment, and was educated about smoking cessation. Conclusion: Treatment of AIOD should include both modification of risk factors and efforts to increase perfusion to the lower extremities. An endovascular approach is an excellent alternative and may replace surgical approach in complex aortoiliac obstructive disease. In this case report, an endovascular approach with kissing stent technique showed good results for the patient.

Homoeopathy for the Management of Delusional Disorder: A Case Report

Abstract Introduction Delusions, a core symptom of psychosis, are false beliefs that are rigidly held with strong conviction despite contradictory evidence. Persistent delusions if held for more than 1 month lead to the diagnosis of delusional disorder (DD) as per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5. Very sparse literature is available evaluating the utility of individualised homoeopathic medicine in the same. Methods A 60-year-old man presenting with symptoms of DD was treated during the period of February 2020 to February 2021. Individualised homoeopathic medicine was prescribed. Outcomes were assessed using Psychotic Symptom Rating Scales. Modified Naranjo Criteria was used to assess whether the changes were likely to be associated with the homoeopathic intervention. Results A beneficial result was obtained from Individualised homoeopathic treatment. Conclusion Even though this is a single case report, the recovery of the patient from the suspiciousness is remarkable and there is no relapse of the symptoms. The patient's family life is peaceful now and he was able to rejoin his job.

A Young Man with Polydipsia and Severe Hyponatremia-Successful Management with Mere Fluid Restriction: A Case Report on Psychogenic Primary Polydipsia

Polydipsia as a result of an obsessive-compulsive disorder may cause polyuria and serious consequences like severe forms of electrolyte imbalance. This case report explores the rare occurrence of psychogenic primary polydipsia resulting in severe hyponatremia in a 29-year-old man presenting with excessive thirst, compulsive water intake, and extreme lethargy owing to serum hypo-osmolarity and hyponatremia. After the exclusion of organic conditions like diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, hypercalcemia and, chronic kidney disease, intervention comprising of intensive counseling sessions, fluid restriction and slow normal saline infusion smoothly alleviated his presenting problems. Psychiatric management was contemplated to attain sustainable results.

Bilateral mydriasis as the first manifestation of Miller Fisher syndrome

Miller Fisher Syndrome (MFS) is a rare variant of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), characterised by a unique clinical triad of ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, and areflexia. MFS, which was first described in 1956 by Charles Miller Fisher , is frequently preceded by an infection, usually respiratory or gastrointestinal, and is believed to be triggered by an autoimmune reaction targeting peripheral nervous system components. However the MFS is further categorised into incomplete forms which can be present without the classical triad, such as acute ophthalmoparesis, acute ataxic neuropathy, acute ptosis and acute mydriasis. We report a case of a 50-year-old man presenting with dilated and unresponsive pupils, which progressed rapidly to ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, and areflexia. Given the clinical history supported by the cyto-protein dissociation in cerebrospinal fluid, the patient was diagnosed to have MFS and successfully treated with intravenous immunoglobulin. This case underscores the importance of recognising atypical features of MFS, such as primary mydriasis, and highlights the variable clinical spectrum within the syndrome. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for MFS, particularly when faced with unusual neurological presentations, to ensure timely intervention and optimal patient outcomes.

Kataegis associated mutational processes linked to adverse prostate cancer presentation in African men.

Kataegis, the focal hypermutation of single base substitutions (SBS) in tumour genomes, has received little attention with respect to prostate cancer (PCa) associated molecular and clinical features. Most notably, data is lacking with regards to this tumour evolutionary phenomenon and PCa racial disparities, with African men disproportionately impacted. Here through comparison between African (n = 109) and non-African (n = 79) whole genome sequenced treatment naïve primary tumours, using a single analytical workflow we assessed for shared and unique features of kataegis. Linking kataegis to aggressive presentation, structural variant burden and copy number loss, we attributed APOBEC3 activity through higher rates of SBS2 to high-risk African tumours. While kataegis positive African patients presented with elevated prostate specific antigen levels, their tumours showed evolutionary unique trajectories marked by increased subclonal and structural variant-independent kataegis. The potential to exacerbate tumour heterogeneity emphases the significance of continued exploration of biological behaviours and environmental exposures for African patients.

Coexisting Logopenic Variant of Primary Progressive Aphasia with Amyloid Pathology and Early Parkinsonism

The presence of parkinsonism features in primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a subject of ongoing research. These features are usually more pronounced in the advanced stages of the disease, particularly in the non-fluent/agrammatic subtype, and are exceptionally rare in the logopenic variant (lvPPA). Here we report a case of a 63-year-old man presenting as language impairment, predominantly naming and word-finding difficulties, emerged alongside a left-sided internal tremor. Neurological examination revealed bilateral, left-side predominant rigidity, bradykinesia, and resting tremor. Notably, anosmia and constipation were present. Language assessments showed preserved single-word comprehension, object knowledge, and a minimal apraxia of speech, as well as sentence repetition issues. Neuroimaging and biomarker analysis supported a diagnosis of primary progressive logopenic aphasia with amyloid pathology co-existing with prominent and early parkinsonism. This case underlines the intricate relationship between language disorders, parkinsonism, and amyloid pathology in lvPPA.

Multimodality imaging of caseous mitral annular calcification complicated by possible systemic embolizations.

We demonstrate the case of a man presenting with chest pain in which an initial assessment with echocardiography and, subsequently, with cardiac computed tomography led to a final diagnosis of caseous mitral annular calcification complicated by multiple embolizations.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of endovascular versus open repair in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm in Iran: a cross-sectional study.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is one of the most important cardiovascular diseases, especially in the elderly. People with this disease are at risk of rupture of the abdominal aorta and death. The present study was conducted with the aim of analyzing the cost-effectiveness of endovascular repair compared to open surgery in AAA patients in Iran. A Markov chain model was developed based on the use of endovascular repair and open surgery. The base-case patient was defined as a 65-year-old man presenting with AAA diameter greater than 5cm. The determination of costs was from the perspective of the public sector provider. QALY was used to calculate the effectiveness. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) and TreeAge software were used for cost-effectiveness analysis. The follow-up period was 10 years and the willingness to pay (WTP) was determined as three times the Gross domestic product (GDP) per capita. At the end of year 10, the endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) strategy gained 1318313559 Iranian Rial (IRR) (67885.29$) in cost and 3.57 QALYs in effectiveness. In contrast, the use of the open surgery repair (OSR) strategy gained 1186761858 IRR (61111.16$) in cost and 3·32 QALYs in effectiveness. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, comparing EVAR versus OSR, was 53, 346, 3757 IRR (178.36$) per QALYs, which is lower than the proposed WTP, indicating that EVAR is more expensive and more effective. Based on the Monte Carlo simulation test, EVAR is the preferred strategy in 58.6% of the population. Endovascular repair has a relative superiority compared to open surgery, and the probability of the effectiveness of endovascular repair compared to open surgery does not change with increasing willingness to pay.

LAPAROSCOPIC TREATMENT OF RIGHT INGUINAL HERNIA RE-RECURRENCE

Abstract We report the case of an 81-year-old man presenting with a right inguinal hernia re-recurrence. He had undergone a laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal hernioplasty in 2001. The recurrence occurred in 2021, and therefore, he had to be treated with an open approach. Past medical history included arterial hypertension, COPD, coronary artery stenting for ischemic heart disease, stage II chronic renal failure. Previous surgeries consisted of bilateral iliac arteries, percutaneous angioplasty and stenting with a right femoral arterial access, laminectomy of L3–L5, and laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Surgical procedure Laparoscopy confirmed a right hernia re-recurrence. Herniated ileal loop was completely reduced. Peritoneal incision was performed with a lateral-to-medial approach. The mesh was dissected away from the pre-peritoneal fat. The shrunk mesh was pulled downwards to allow the identification of the epigastric vessels, which were then dissected according to a cranial-to-caudal approach. The large hernia sac was completely reduced thus exposing the re-recurrence orifice. Dissection was carried out towards the Bogros’ space. Epigastric vessels were detached from the mesh thus allowing to expose the medial part of the myopectineal orifice. Cooper’s ligament and pubic symphysis were therefore identified. The epigastric and spermatic vessels were freed from the mesh only after the critical view of the myopectineal orifice (MPO) was achieved. The mesh was completely mobilized from the peritoneum and removed. A “landing zone” was obtained, a 15 × 10 cm self-fixating mesh positioned around the re-recurrence orifice. Peritoneum closure was performed by means of a 3–0 running barbed suture from medial to lateral.

Spontaneous retroperitoneal haemorrhage after pulmonary endarterectomy surgery

Spontaneous retroperitoneal hematoma (SRH) is a rare complication of anticoagulation therapy. Presentation may vary from limb paresis to hypovolemic shock due to blood loss. The optimal treatment is controversial. It can be managed conservatively or surgically. We report a case of a 73-year-old man presenting with progressively worsening abdominal pain and severe pain radiating to his left lower limb twenty-five days after his pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) surgery. He was on anticoagulation per our institutional protocol for PEA patients. Investigations revealed a large, spontaneously occurring iliopsoas hematoma. Our patient was treated conservatively, and the SRH stabilised.

HOW TO MANAGE MITRAL VALVE POSTERIOR LEAFLET HYPOPLASIA

Abstract Background Mitral valve posterior leaflet hypoplasia is a relatively rare and often congenital anatomical malformation. In this condition, achieving a good and durable mitral valve repair still represents a challenge for surgeons. Methods We present the case of a 43 years old man presenting with exertional dyspnoea due to severe mitral regurgitation. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiograms revealed a severe hypoplasia of the posterior mitral leaflet with an significant prolapse of the anterior leaflet (particularly A2–A3), which determined massive regurgitation. The anteroposterior annular diameter was 38 mm with a 4 mm mitro–anular disjunction, left ventricular telediastolic diameter was 59 mm and ejection fraction 68%. No other cardiac malformations were evident; in particular tricuspid valve was normal. Results Surgery was performed through a right mini–thoracotomy with femoral cannulation, using three–dimensional video–assisted technology. The mitral valve was approached from the left atrium, behind the interatrial groove. Surgical inspection revealed a severely hypoplasic posterior leaflet and a wide anterior leaflet prolapsing near the postero–medial commissure (A2–A3) (Figure 1). Based on our previous experience, we decided to repair the valve performing a posterior para–commissural edge–to–edge (A3–P3) followed by an atypical annuloplasty using a bovine pericardium band, shaped on a 40 mm ring sizer, only in the postero–medial portion of the mitral annulus (Figure 2). On the hydrostatic test, the valve showed a satisfactory continence, that was confirmed on the intraoperative TEE. Postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged home on postoperative day 7. Transthoracic echocardiography at discharge showed a good result of the mitral valve repair with no residual regurgitation a medium gradient across the mitral valve of 3 mmHg. Conclusions In our experience, reductive annuloplasty isn’t the optimal treatment for hypoplasic mitral valve posterior leaflet because it lowers the already small posterior leaflet, thus reducing the coaptation surface. To avoid this, we introduced this technique that improved our surgical outcomes.

Presentation and treatment response in men with micro, macro or giant prolactinoma

Presentation and treatment response in men with micro, macro or giant prolactinoma

Extended Duration Bridge to Orthotopic Heart Transplant Utilizing the Impella RP Flex

We present a case of a 56 year old man presenting with cardiogenic shock from isolated right ventricular failure due to arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy who was successfully bridged to heart transplantation after 29 days on an Impella RP Flex right ventricular assist device. This represents the longest reported duration of support with the device to date and highlights the utility of this platform in the management of severe right ventricular failure.

Radiotherapy combined with anti-PD-1 and TKI for primary cardiac angiosarcoma considering the joint assessment of TLSs and PD-L1: a case report

BackgroundPrimary cardiac angiosarcoma(PCA) has a low incidence rate and poor prognosis. Currently, no unified clinical treatment standards are available.Case presentationWe report the case of a 48-year-old man presenting chest tightness, breathlessness, and dyspnea. Imaging and postoperative histopathologic studies confirmed PCA and that the tumor had invaded the entire right atrium. The patient developed progressive disease (PD) during postoperative radiotherapy. We used immunotherapy combined with targeted therapy based on the results of molecular profile and evaluation of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) and programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1). After treatment, the metastatic lymph nodes of the patient were reduced to a certain extent, indicating that combination therapy was effective.ConclusionTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of radiotherapy combined with anti-PD-1 and tyrosine kinase inhibitors(TKI) for PCA. In addition, this is the first report on immunotherapy for PCA based on new evaluation methods, including TLSs, PD-L1, and genomic profile.

April 2024 Critical Care Case of the Month: A 53-year-old Man Presenting with Fatal Acute Intracranial Hemorrhage and Cryptogenic Disseminated Intravascular Coagulopathy

April 2024 Critical Care Case of the Month: A 53-year-old Man Presenting with Fatal Acute Intracranial Hemorrhage and Cryptogenic Disseminated Intravascular Coagulopathy

Prolactinoma Presenting with Secondary Amenorrhoea in a Young Girl

Prolactinoma is the most common secreting pituitary adenoma. It has different clinical presentation in men and women which varies with age. Young women present with menstrual problems, infertility and galactorrhoea, whilst older women and men may present with loss of libido, visual disturbances and in late cases, ith osteoporosis. In approaching a young woman with secondary amenorrhoea, other cuses such as pregnancy, functional hypothalamic amenorrhea, pituitary adenoma, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) or primary ovarian insufficiency should be ruled out. Prolactinoma can be confirmed in the presence of high serum prolactin level and adenoma on pituitary gland magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Dopaminergic agonist, cabergoline is efficacious in restoring gonadal and sexual functions by normalising prolactin levels. We presented a case report onan 18-year-old girl who presented with secondary amenorrhoea for six months. On further evaluation she was noted to have galactorrhoea with substantially high prolactin level of 466.9 ng/mL (normal range: 4.0- 23) and the MRI showed a pituitary tumour measuring 1.2 x 1.1 x 1.4 cm. A diagnosis of macroprolactinoma was made and she was managed with cabergoline with gradual dose increment. At 6 months of treatment, her menstrual cycle and serum prolactin had normalised. A repeat MRI pituitary one year later showed reduction in tumour size.

Axillary vein as an alternative venous access site for VV-ECMO cannulation: a case report

BackgroundUltrasound-guided percutaneous axillary vein cannulation can reduce cannulation failure and mechanical complications, is as safe and effective as internal jugular vein cannulation, and is superior to subclavian vein cannulation using landmark technique. As far, reports of venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) with percutaneous axillary vein cannulation are rare.Case presentationA 64-year-old man presenting with dyspnea and chest tightness after aspirating sewage was admitted to the emergency department. Computed tomography (CT) showed diffuse exudation of both lungs and arterial blood gas analysis showed an oxygenation index of 86. He was diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and intubated for deteriorated oxygenation. Despite the combination therapy of protective mechanical ventilation and prone position, the patient’s oxygenation deteriorated further, accompanied with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, which indicated the requirement of support with VV-ECMO. However, vascular ultrasound detected multiple thrombus within bilateral internal jugular veins. As an alternative, right axillary vein was chosen as the access site of return cannula. Subsequently, femoral-axillary VV-ECMO was successfully implemented under the ultrasound guidance, and the patient’s oxygenation was significantly improved. Unfortunately, the patient died of hyperkalemia-induced ventricular fibrillation after 36 h of VV-ECMO running. Despite the poor prognosis, the blood flow during ECMO run was stable, and we observed no bleeding complication, vascular injury, or venous return disorder.ConclusionsAxillary vein is a feasible alternative access site of return cannula for VV-ECMO if internal jugular vein access were unavailable.

Mpox Case Presenting With Genital Lesions and Proctitis.

Monkeypox (Mpox) is a zoonotic Orthopoxvirus of the Poxviridae family, endemic to Africa. In August 2022, the US government declared it an emergency because of the worldwide spread. Traditionally, Mpox infection spreads through contact with infected animals. However, the 2022 outbreak Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data note that 94% of cases had recent male-to-male sexual or close intimate contact, suggesting a novel sexual transmission. In this article, we report a 39-year-old HIV-positive man presenting with a diffuse cutaneous rash, perianal pain, and bloody stool of 2-week duration. A medical history includes intravenous drug use and multiple sexual partners. Physical examination revealed umbilicated, tan-colored, crusted cutaneous papules scattered across the face, trunk, and genital regions. Perianal lesion biopsy showed an acanthotic epidermis with spongiosis, ballooning degeneration of keratinocytes, and the formation of multinucleated syncytial keratinocytes. A dermal superficial/lichenoid mixed inflammatory cell infiltrate with multinucleated giant cells was noted. Perianal lesion polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was positive for Mpox. Colonoscopy revealed a 3-cm circumferential rectal ulcer with gray exudate and necrosis. A rectal ulcer biopsy showed an ulcerated mucosa with acute proctitis and necrosis. There were scattered macrophages with intranuclear inclusion and glassy vacuolization, and Mpox infection was confirmed by immunostaining with a Mpox-specific anti-Vaccinia virus antibody.