Prior Medical History Research Articles

Acute pancreatitis following asparaginase treatment in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia with a heterozygous SPINK1 c.194 + 2T>C intronic variant: a case report

BackgroundAsparaginase is a critical component of chemotherapy for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), but its use is often complicated by asparaginase-associated pancreatitis (AAP). Genetic predispositions, such as variants in the SPINK1 gene, have been linked to an increased risk of pancreatitis. However, the role of genetic factors in relation to asparaginase treatment remains incompletely understood, partly because mutations in pancreatitis-causing genes are rarely found in pediatric ALL.Case descriptionA four-year and three-month-old Chinese girl was admitted to our hospital due to fever for half a day, with no history of significant prior medical history. Initial blood tests revealed hematological abnormalities, including leukopenia, anemia, and thrombocytosis. Bone marrow aspiration identified 81.5% blast cells with B-lymphocyte morphology and immunophenotype, leading to a diagnosis of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). The patient began treatment under the CCCG-ALL-2015 protocol, which included PEG-asparaginase (PEG-asp). On day 10 of induction, she developed AAP, which was primarily characterized by severe epigastric pain and elevated serum amylase. Despite effective symptom management with analgesics and anti-inflammatory therapy, AAP recurred following administration of L-asparaginase (L-asp). Genetic analysis revealed a heterozygous SPINK1 c.194 + 2T>C variant (rs148954387), a well-known pathogenic variant associated with increased susceptibility to pancreatitis. Sanger sequencing confirmed that the SPINK1 variant was inherited from her asymptomatic mother. The patient's AAP was managed conservatively, and an asparaginase-free regimen ultimately achieved complete remission without recurrence of pancreatitis.ConclusionsThe identification of the SPINK1 c.194 + 2T>C variant, which is recognized as pathogenic, provides valuable information for understanding the heightened risk of AAP in our pediatric ALL patient. Our case underscores the potential role of genetic predisposition in the development of AAP and highlights the importance of considering genetic screening prior to asparaginase therapy in pediatric ALL patients to identify those at increased risk.

P40 A challenging case of new systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract Introduction The diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and its distinction from systemic infection can be challenging. We present a case of new systemic lupus alongside endocarditis, which illustrates this problem. Case description A previously well, 35-year-old male tarmacer of mixed ethnicity, presented with a three months’ history of general malaise, arthralgia and weight loss of 20kg. Two weeks prior to admission he developed progressive confusion, headaches and imbalance. Clinical assessment revealed a pyrexial patient in delirium without focal neurological signs, a faint maculopapular facial rash, symmetrical synovitis, very few nailfold infarcts, a systolic and diastolic murmur and sterile haemato-proteinuria. No history of IV drug abuse. Investigations showed elevated ESR 61, CRP 217, WBC 11.70 and procalcitonin 7.0. He had AKI stage 2 (eGFR 35 with a urinary protein/creat ratio 162; homogenous ANA (1:1280) with positive dsDNA and crithidia-luciliae binding. C3 and C4 suppressed (0.59 and 0.13, respectively); One blood culture prior to broad spectrum antibiotics was negative. Assuming the possibility of Libman-Sacks endocarditis, the attending acute stroke physician initially also treated with pulsed IV steroids, as well as antibiotics. Due to the delirium, key diagnostic tests were technically difficult, although a transthoracic ECHO showed moderately severe aortic and mitral regurgitation that were not felt to be typical for infective endocarditis by the attending cardiologist. The ITU team offered sedation and controlled ventilation to enable all necessary investigations: trans-oesophageal ECHO showed vegetations of aortic and mitral valve leaflets with perforations of single leaflets, resulting in severe acute aortic and mitral regurgitation; a renal biopsy showed class 3 lupus nephritis and an MRI/A Brain showed widespread cerebral foci of restricted diffusion imaging. Consultation with the regional cardiothoracic centre advised urgent transfer for double metal valve replacement, performed on Day 8 post admission. Surgical inspection confirmed an aortic root abscess, and enrichment culture of the native valve subsequently grew Staph. aureus. In addition to IV antibiotics for infective endocarditis, he was continued on steroid taper and commenced on MMF for lupus nephritis. Discussion It can be difficult to differentiate between infective endocarditis and Libman-Sacks endocarditis, especially when there are no existing risk factors. In cases like these antibiotics and steroids can be started at the same time. In our case, we had a young gentleman with no prior medical history who had multiple compounding factors and barriers to fully investigate. Because of his agitation, he required sedation and that allowed the team to perform life saving investigations (renal biopsy and TOE). He ended up having a double metal valve replacement within 8 days post-admission. Multidisciplinary team involvement and close collaboration was of crucial importance in this case to ensure a safe patient outcome. Key learning points • This case illustrates the need to vigorously chase the possibility of concurrent infection in severe new SLE. Close collaboration between multiple specialities to achieve this is key, especially when a patient lacks agency due to their illness.

Association Between the Duration of Diarrhea and the Length of Hospitalization Among Clostridioides difficile Patients in Northern Nigeria

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has categorized Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) as a significant concern in extended-care facilities, hospitals, and outpatient clinics. However, little is known about CDI in low- and middle-income countries. This study determined CDI prevalence and impact in outpatient adults presenting with diarrhea in Nigeria. Toxigenic culture and PCR were used to detect and validate C. difficile. Prior antibiotic use, medical history, and demographic data were also obtained. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. The patient demographics were 35.48% (22/62) for the 18–24 years age group and 32.26% (20/62) for both the 25–30 years age group and the 31+ years group, with an average age of 29.7 years. Forty-eight percent of the patients (30/62) tested positive for CDI, and the prevalence increased with age. Most patients (86.67%, 52/60) reported moderate/severe cases of diarrhea and 67.7% had no knowledge of antibiotics. The results showed that 62.30% of the cases were hospitalized with the duration of diarrhea being significantly associated (r = 0.98, p ˂ 0.001) with the length of hospitalization. These results suggest that C. difficile is common among diarrhea patients in this population and that Nigerian hospitals’ infection prevention and control measures must include this pathogen.

Changes in N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide according to SGLT2 inhibitor utilization patterns in patients hospitalized for decompensated heart failure: a prospective cohort study

Abstract Introduction Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have found success in treating patients with chronic heart failure (HF) across the entire spectrum of left ventricular ejection fraction (EF). Their benefits may also extend to patients with acute HF decompensation, as they may aid effective decongestion. Purpose This study aims to present the various patterns in changes of N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) according to SGLT2 inhibitor use in patients hospitalized for acute HF decompensation. Methods In this prospective cohort study, we enrolled consecutive patients hospitalized for HF decompensation during a 4-month period in a cardiology department. Prior medical history and cardiovascular risk factors were recorded. The patterns in SGLT2 inhibitor use were noted and patients were classified into three groups; Group 1 (No SGLT2 inhibitor use/Discontinuation), Group 2 (Prior SGLT2 inhibitor use and continuation), and Group 2 (SGLT2i-naïve and initiation). Categorization according to left ventricular (EF) to HF with reduced EF (HFrEF), HF with mildly reduced EF (HFmrEF), and HF with preserved EF (HFpEF) was also performed. Moreover, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was used as an estimate of renal function. Results In this analysis, 159 patients were included (median age: 79 years old, male sex: 64.8%, median duration of hospitalization: 6 days). In this population, 67.9% of the patients were not receiving a SGLT2 inhibitor on admission. Concerning demographic and clinical variables (Figure 1), there were no major differences in age, sex distribution, history of diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and atrial fibrillation, as well as in renal function. Group 2 patients had a lower prevalence of arterial hypertension compared to Group 3 (36.6% vs. 52.6%, p<0.05). Moving to the changes in NTproBNP (Figure 2), we observed that patients who did not use SGLT2 inhibitors and did not initiate them during hospitalization had negligible changes in NTproBNP, either as an absolute change (Group 1: 506 (8792) pg/ml vs. Group 2: -5610 (9461) pg/ml vs. Group 3: -3602 (4409) pg/ml, p=0.001) or as percentage change (Group 1: -2.1 (63.4) % vs. Group 2: -30.3 (39.0) % vs. Group 3: -38.3 (41.5) %, p=0.001), compared to the rest of the study population who were already taking SGLT2 inhibitors or initiated them during hospitalization. Conclusion In this study we found NTproBNP, a widely used biomarker of congestion and prognosis in HF, was significantly reduced in decompensated HF patients receiving SGLT2 inhibitors, with the greatest change being observed in those being treatment-naïve prior to admission. These findings further highlight the role of this drug class even in the acute phase of the disease.Figure 1Figure 2

Predictors of acute ischemic strokes and subsequent mortality in patients hospitalized for percutaneous coronary interventions

Abstract Background Acute ischemic strokes (AIS) occurring post percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are an infrequent but severe complication, resulting in increased mortality rates and morbidity in survivors. Purpose We aimed to investigate independent predictors of AIS and subsequent mortality in patients hospitalized for PCI in a nationwide cohort. Methods A retrospective analysis using on ICD-10-GM and OPS-codes obtained from 2006-2021 from the German Federal Statistical Office was performed. Patients with a peri-interventional AIS aged ≥18 years which were admitted for PCI were included in this analysis. A stepwise regression analysis was employed to identify factors independently associated with AIS and to determine variables linked to in-hospital mortality. Results From 4,910,430 PCI cases registered from 2006-2021, AIS occurred in 4,098 (0.08%) patients. Patients with an AIS were 70.9±11.3 years of age, predominantly male (65.3%) and displayed a high burden of comorbidities such as diabetes (36.1%), a prior medical history of atrial fibrillation (34.6%) and chronic kidney disease (19.4%). In patients with AIS, 27.4% presented with a ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), whilst 38.9% were admitted with a Non-STEMI. Concerning procedural characteristics, 84.2% underwent a coronary stent implantation, and in 5.5% cases a coronary thrombectomy was carried out. Important predictors of peri-interventional AIS after a PCI were: carotid artery disease, history of stroke, presentation with myocardial infraction, atrial fibrillation, and coronary thrombectomy. For variables like hyperlipoproteinemia, obesity and stent implantation an inverse association was noted (also see Figure 1A). With regard to mortality, during a mean in-hospital stay of 18 ± 15.1 days, a total of 18.1% (n=742) patients died. We identified several independent predictors of mortality including clinical presentation with cardiogenic shock, dialysis and STEMI as indication for PCI. A negative correlation with in-hospital mortality was seen for variables such as arterial hypertension and coronary stent implantation (see Figure 1B for full set of independently associated variables). Conclusion In a nationwide cohort of patients hospitalized for PCI over 16 years, we identified important predictors of AIS including carotid artery disease and coronary thrombectomy. Moreover, a substantial rate of in-hospital mortality as well as several predictors of death were recognized. Our findings might help clinicians identify patients undergoing PCI who are at highest risk for ischemic cerebral complications and subsequent mortality.

Unusual partners: a rare cause of small bowel bulges and a common cause of anemia.

A 67-year-old female, without prior medical history, presented to the emergency department due to dizziness and asthenia, where iron deficiency anemia, without visible blood loss, was identified. A previous abdominal computed tomography revealed intestinal pneumatosis of the proximal jejunum and right colon. The upper endoscopy showed non-atrophic gastritis associated with H.pylori infection, which was treated, and the colonoscopy revealed right colic pneumatosis, without other alterations. A small bowel capsule endoscopy was performed, revealing bulging areas of the intestinal wall, lymphangiectasias and angioectasias, in the proximal small bowel. A single balloon assisted anterograde enteroscopy reached the proximal jejunum, showing several areas of bulging with endoscopically normal mucosa, compatible with intestinal pneumatosis. In 3 bulging areas, there were multiple lymphangiectasias and friable punctate angioectasias, which were treated with argon-plasma coagulation and through-the-scope clip with haemostatic success. The procedure was uneventful. After 6 months of follow-up, the patient was asymptomatic, without anemia or iron deficiency.

Hypersensitivity myocarditis induced by isoniazid overdose in a 15-year-old girl: a case report.

Myocarditis represents a diverse group of inflammatory diseases affecting the heart muscle, with both infectious and non-infectious etiologies. Among the non-infectious causes, drug-induced hypersensitivity reactions are rare but serious. Isoniazid, a cornerstone in tuberculosis treatment, is known for its hepatotoxicity but has rarely been documented to cause hypersensitivity myocarditis. We present a case of a 15-year-old girl from Eastern Turkmenistan who was admitted to our emergency department with altered consciousness and seizure activity. She was diagnosed with status epilepticus and treated accordingly. The patient, with no prior medical history, was found to have hypotensive shock and myocarditis upon further examination. A detailed history revealed she had ingested 45 tablets of expired isoniazid in a suicide attempt. She was treated with pyridoxine and supportive therapies, resulting in a gradual recovery. This case underscores the critical need to consider drug-induced hypersensitivity myocarditis in the differential diagnosis of myocarditis, especially in patients with recent medication use. Prompt recognition and appropriate treatment with pyridoxine, steroid, and supportive cardiac care can be lifesaving. This case also highlights the importance of awareness regarding the potential cardiotoxic effects of isoniazid overdose.

Exploring risk factors for endocrine-related immune-related adverse events: Insights from meta-analysis and Mendelian randomization.

This study utilized meta-analysis and Mendelian randomization (MR) to identify risk factors for endocrine-related immune-related adverse events (EirAEs) and to ascertain whether EirAEs confer better prognosis of immunotherapy. The meta-analysis identified several risk factors for EirAEs, including elevated baseline TSH (OR = 1.30, 95% CI 1.10-1.53), positive TgAb (OR = 14.23, p < .001), positive TPOAb (OR = 3.75, p < .001), prior thyroid-related medical history (OR = 4.19), increased BMI (OR = 1.11), combination immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) therapy with targeted treatment (OR = 2.71, 95% CI 2.11-3.47), and dual ICI therapy (OR = 3.26, 95% CI 2.22-4.79). MR analysis further supported causalities between extreme BMI, hypothyroidism, and irAEs from a genetic perspective. In addition, cancer patients who experienced EirAEs exhibited significantly prolonged PFS (HR = 0.84, 95% CI 0.73-0.97) and OS (HR = 0.59, 95% CI 0.45-0.76) compared to those without. These findings provide valuable insights for clinical decision-making among healthcare professionals and offer direction for future research in this field.

12511 Rhabdomyolysis Related Acute Kidney Injury Presenting as First Manifestation of Autoimmune Hypothyroidism: A Case Report

Abstract Disclosure: A. Tiwari: None. S. Mantravadi: None. N. Doshi: None. A. Dabaja: None. C. Saad: None. Introduction: Autoimmune thyroiditis is the predominant cause of primary hypothyroidism, with an incidence of estimated 0.3-1.5 cases per 1000 people, with female to male predominance of 7-10[1]. Hypothyroid myopathy affects 79 % of the affected population. Its common presentation is fatigue and cramp but in rare instances rhabdomyolysis can occur with trivial triggers like alcohol, exercise2, Case Presentation: A 32-year-old male with no significant medical history, presented with generalized weakness, myalgia, and facial puffiness for last three months. The patient engaged in regular-intensity workouts and reported consuming 12 beers several times a week for past 5 years. Physical examination revealed facial puffiness and proximal muscle weakness. Initial Laboratory findings showed elevated creatinine (1.68 mg/dL, baseline 1.0 mg/dL in April 2020), CK (8113 U/L), AST (260 U/L), ALT (129 U/L). Urinalysis revealed hematuria and mild proteinuria. Serum electrolytes were unremarkable. Abdominal ultrasound showed diffuse hepatic steatosis with normal kidney appearance. This could not explain the reason for the Acute Kidney Injury and further workup showed TSH (&amp;gt;150 mIU/L) and TPO antibodies (197.9 U/mL). Autoimmune panel was unremarkable. Thyroid ultrasound done subsequently revealed a markedly heterogeneous gland. Treatment included parenteral crystalloids, low-dose prednisone which was empirically added for suspected autoimmune myositis and was later discontinued once the autoimmune panel was negative, and Levothyroxine at the recommended dose. At the time of discharge, his creatinine was reduced to 1.33 mg/dL and CK to 2,298 U/L. Discussion: Severe rhabdomyolysis is a rare but significant complication of autoimmune thyroiditis, potentially leading to acute kidney injury (AKI) if not promptly diagnosed and treated. Resident physicians often attribute symptoms like myalgia and generalized weakness in males to clear evident rhabdomyolysis if they find a cause like alcohol consumption and exercise, potentially overlooking the actual etiology. We recommend thyroid workup in such patients to promptly detect and manage underlying etiology predisposing to muscle damage and subsequent kidney injury. Our patient never had any Physician encounter as his prior medical history was unremarkable, however we suggest thorough family history and thyroid profile should be a part of outpatient workup as well for patients who show other risk factors for rhabdomyolysis like daily alcohol consumption, vigorous workout, consume medications like HMG CoA inhibitors, antipsychotics etc. Presentation: 6/3/2024

8024 A Case of Smoldering Clinically Silent Cushing’s Disease

Abstract Disclosure: C. Bheeman: None. I. Shafiq: None. Aggressive pituitary adenomas account for about 10% of all pituitary adenomas. These aggressive tumors are noted to have unusually rapid tumor growth rate despite optimal standard therapies including surgery, medical therapy and radiotherapy. We present a case of a 39-year-old female with no prior past medical history who initially presented with complaint of amenorrhea. She had reported she had not menstruated for the past 6 months. She also endorsed galactorrhea with nipple stimulation. A pituitary dedicated MRI revealed a pituitary adenoma measuring 2.5 x 1.7 x 1.7 cm. Hormonal work-up showed salivary cortisol on two consecutive nights that was 66 ng/dL and 52 ng/dL (reference range: 0 - 99 ng/dL) and a prolactin that was slightly elevated at 44.9 ng/mL (reference range: 4.8-23.3 ng/mL). This elevation in prolactin was thought to be due stalk effect and since her hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis was suppressed, patient had a transsphenoidal resection of what was thought to be a nonfunctioning adenoma. However, the pathology of her tumor was significant for extensive ACTH staining and a Ki-67 of 11 - 15%. Her clinical course proved to be challenging as her tumor reoccurred multiple times and she eventually developed biochemical and clinical evidence of Cushing’s disease and had visual defects due to compression of the tumor on the optic nerves. This tumor was refractory to multiple surgeries, radiation treatment and chemotherapy. Through the presentation of this case, we aim to highlight the factors associated with aggressive pituitary adenomas, the current treatment guidelines and emerging medical therapies. Presentation: 6/1/2024

Post-COVID-19 condition in children: epidemiological evidence stratified by acute disease severity.

To determine the prevalence of pediatric Post-COVID-19 condition (PPCC), identify risk factors, and assess the quality of life in children with differing severities of acute COVID-19. During a prospective longitudinal study with a 1-year follow-up, we compared non-hospitalized (mild) and hospitalized (severe) COVID-19 cases to a negatively tested control group. 579 children were included in this study. Of these, 260 had mild acute disease (median age:8, IQR:6-10), 60 had severe acute disease (median age:1, IQR:0.1-4.0), and 259 tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 (NT) (median age:8, IQR:5-10). At three months, 14.6% of the SARS-CoV-2 positive mild group (RR:6.31 (CI 95%: 2.71-14.67)) and 29.2% of the severe group (RR:12.95 (CI 95%: 5.37-31.23)) reported sequelae, versus 2.3% of the NT group. PPCC prevalence in the mild group decreased from 16.1% at one month to 4.4% at one year. Children with PPCC exhibited lower physical health-related quality of life scores and higher fatigue scores than the NT children. Severe acute COVID-19 in children leads to a higher PPCC prevalence than in mild cases. PPCC prevalence decreases over time. Risk factors at three months include prior medical history, hospital admission, and persistent fatigue one month after a positive test. We demonstrate children with severe COVID-19 are more likely to develop Post-COVID-19 condition than those with mild or no infections, and highlights the risk factors. Here we have stratified by acute disease severity, prospectively included a negative control group, and have demonstrated the heterogeneity in prevalence when utilizing various recent definitions of post-COVID. Identifying risk factors for pediatric post-COVID and highlighting the heterogeneity in prevalence based on various current definitions for post-COVID should aid in correctly identifying potential pediatric post-COVID cases, aiding in early intervention.

Centre-Specific Variation in Atrial Fibrillation Ablation-Treatment Rates in a Universal Single-Payer Healthcare System

BackgroundDisparities in atrial fibrillation ablation rates have been studied previously, with a focus on either patient characteristics or systems factors, rather than geographic factors. The impact of electrophysiology (EP) centre practice patterns on ablation rates has not been well studied. MethodsThis population-based cohort study used linked administrative datasets covering physician billing codes, hospitalizations, prescriptions, and census data. The study population consisted of patients who visited an emergency department with a new diagnosis of atrial fibrillation, in the period 2007-2016, in Ontario, Canada. Patient characteristics, including age, sex, medical history, comorbidities, socioeconomic factors, closest EP centre within 20 km, and distance to the nearest centre, were used as predictors in multivariable logistic regression models to assess the relationship between living in a location around specific EP centres and ablation rates. ResultsThe cohort included 134,820 patients, of whom 9267 had an ablation treatment during the study period. Patients undergoing ablation treatment were younger, had a lower Congestive Heart Failure, Hypertension, Age, Diabetes, Stroke/Transient Ischemic Attack (CHADS2) score, lived closer to EP centres, and had fewer comorbidities than those who did not receive ablation treatment. Wide variation occurred in ablation rates, with adjacent census divisions having ablation rates up to 2.6 times higher. Multivariate regression revealed significant differences in ablation rates for patients who lived in a location around certain EP centres. The odds ratios for living in a location closest to specific centres ranged from 0.78 (95% confidence interval: 0.68-0.89) to 1.60 (95% confidence interval:1.34-1.90). ConclusionsLiving near specific EP centres may significantly affect a patient’s likelihood of receiving ablation treatment, regardless of factors such as age, gender, socioeconomic status, prior medical history, and distance to EP centres.

Minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy for circumportal pancreas: literature review and report of two type IIIA cases

BackgroundCircumportal pancreas is a rare morphological variant with clinical significance due to the high risk of postoperative pancreatic fistula in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy. Type IIIA (suprasplenic anteportal) is the most common type of circumportal pancreas. We present two cases of type IIIA treated with minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy, and review the literature on patients with circumportal pancreas who underwent pancreatic surgery.Case presentationCase 1: Laparoscopic Pancreaticoduodenectomy for Non-functioning Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasm with Circumportal Pancreas. A 69-year-old female with no prior medical history presented with a pancreatic head mass detected during routine ultrasound. CT revealed a 20 mm hypervascular tumor in pancreas head and a suprasplenic circumportal pancreas with an anteportal duct. The main pancreatic duct (MPD) was not in the parenchyma on the dorsal side of the portal vein (PV). Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed. The anteportal side was resected with an ultrasonic device, and the retroportal side with a mesh-reinforced stapler. Pancreaticojejunostomy was performed without complications. Case 2: Robot-assisted Pancreaticoduodenectomy for Pancreatic Head Cancer and Non-functioning Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasm in the pancreatic tail with Circumportal Pancreas. A 72-year-old male with no prior medical history presented with a dilated main pancreatic duct on ultrasound. Diagnosed with pancreatic head cancer (Stage IIA), he underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Contrast-enhanced CT revealed pancreatic cancer in the head and a tumor in the tail with unknown pathology. Robot-assisted pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed, and pancreatectomy on the left side of the tail tumor was planned. Intraoperative findings revealed a circumportal pancreas with the MPD not running through the dorsal parenchyma. After resected the parenchyma on the left side of the tail tumor, parenchyma on the dorsal side of the PV was dissected using SynchroSeal®. Pancreaticojejunostomy was performed without complications. The postoperative course was uneventful.ConclusionsThe optimal location and method of pancreatic resection should be selected according to the type of circumportal pancreas and the location of the lesion to be resected to minimize the risk of pancreatic fistula. Minimally invasive surgery for circumportal pancreas remains challenging even for surgical teams with sufficient experience and skills, and careful consideration are necessary for its application.

Using High-Resolution Vessel Wall Magnetic Resonance Images in a Patient of Intracranial Artery Dissection Related Acute Infarction.

Acute ischemic stroke in young adults typically carries significant implications for morbidity, mortality, and long-term disability. In this study, we describe the case of a 34-year-old male with no prior medical history who presented with symptoms of right-sided weakness and slurred speech, suggesting an acute ischemic stroke. Initial CT angiography revealed an occlusion in the left M2 segment middle cerebral artery (MCA). The occlusion was successfully recanalized through emergent endovascular thrombectomy, which also identified a dissection as the cause of the stroke. Follow-up assessments at 3 days and three months, which included advanced vessel wall MRI, highlighted the critical role of intracranial artery dissection in strokes among young adults and provided essential images for ongoing evaluation.

Sex-Based Differences in Clinical Characteristics of Patients with Acute Myocarditis: A Cohort Study

BackgroundThis study investigated sex differences in acute myocarditis patients during index hospitalization. MethodsWe included 365 patients with acute myocarditis, hospitalized with continuous monitoring at the intensive care unit from 2000-2023 into the Basel Myocarditis Cohort study. We compared sex differences in clinical presentation, the presenting electrocardiogram, prior medical history, inflammatory and cardiac biomarkers, cardiac imaging, arrhythmia occurrence, and short- to midterm outcomes. ResultsMean age was 41.3 years, and 26.3% were female. Compared with men, women were older (median 49.7 vs 38.3 years, P < .001) at the time of diagnosis and presented more frequently with dyspnea (41 vs 26%, P = .013) and a higher Killip class (P = .011). In the presenting electrocardiogram, men had a higher occurrence of diffuse ST-elevation (38 vs 9%, P < .001) and PQ-depression (31 vs 20%, P = .042), compared with women. Women had higher N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide levels (1180 vs 387 ng/L, P = .015), lower cardiac troponin T levels (389 vs 726 ng/L, P = .006), and fewer segments with nonischemic late gadolinium enhancement on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (1 vs 3, P = .005), but similar left ventricular ejection fraction (55 vs 55%, P = .629), compared with men. Overall, hospital stay was longer in women compared with men (7 vs 5 days, P = .018), with a similar length of intensive care unit stay (2.6 vs 2.7 days, P = .922). Women more often developed severe arrhythmia (8.3 vs 2.2%, P = .015) and heart failure during the hospitalization (31.3 vs 16.4%, P = .003). ConclusionCompared with men, women with acute myocarditis were older at the time of diagnosis, presented more often with heart failure, and had an increased frequency of severe arrhythmia.

RADIOTHERAPY OF RECURRENT SPINAL EPENDYMOMA

Spinal ependymoma is a rare tumor for which there is no consensus on optimal treatment and prognosis. However, complete resection is generally recommended when possible, offering a high rate of local control and favorable long-term survival. In cases where complete resection is not feasible, adjuvant radiotherapy may be considered to reduce the risk of recurrence. A 36-year-old patient, with no prior medical history, was diagnosed with a grade II spinal ependymoma according to the 2021 WHO classification. He underwent total resection in 2021. Twenty-one months later, he experienced a local recurrence and a spinal metastasis, for which he underwent partial resection urgently due to a sudden onset of spinal cord compression symptoms. The patient then received adjuvant radiotherapy, with a total dose of 39.6 Gy and a boost of 14.4 Gy. His pain improved starting from the second week of radiotherapy. One year later, his clinical and radiological condition remains stable.

Hypothalamic Hamartoma in an 11-Year-Old Female: Clinical Presentation, Diagnostic Evaluation, and Management Strategies – A Case Report and Literature Review

Background: Hypothalamic hamartomas (HH) are rare, benign brain tumors that can cause severe neurological symptoms, including epilepsy. This report presents a case of an 11-year-old female with HH, highlighting the clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, and management strategies. Case Presentation: An 11-year-old female with no prior medical history presented with generalized tonic-clonic seizures during sleep, characterized by convulsions, cyanosis, tongue biting, frothing at the mouth, and loss of consciousness lasting 1-2 minutes. Subsequent episodes included focal Jacksonian seizures involving the face and right eye myoclonus, progressing to generalized convulsions. Neurological examination and development were normal, with no family history of epilepsy. MRI revealed a sessile lesion in the left hypothalamus with T2/FLAIR hyperintensity and T1 hypointensity. Laboratory tests, including thyroid function, gynecological ultrasound, and various blood tests, were normal. A 48-hour video EEG indicated sensorimotor cortex involvement in both hemispheres, likely linked to the hypothalamic lesion. Management: Initial management involved observation without antiepileptic medications. Due to persistent seizures, the treatment plan included oxcarbazepine, titrated to 1200 mg/day, and Keppra (levetiracetam) 1000 mg/day. Efforts were made to discontinue Keppra and maintain monotherapy with oxcarbazepine. Given the small size of the lesion and effective seizure control with medication, surgical intervention was not pursued. Conclusion: This case underscores the importance of comprehensive diagnostic evaluation and individualized treatment plans for patients with HH. While medical management can be effective for small lesions, surgical options reported in the literature provide alternative strategies for larger or treatment-resistant cases. A multidisciplinary approach is crucial in managing the complex presentation of HH to optimize patient outcomes and improve quality of life.

Comparison of 30-day retention in treatment among patients referred to opioid use disorder treatment from emergency department and telemedicine settings

IntroductionTelemedicine is a feasible alternative to in-person evaluations for people with opioid use disorder (OUD). The literature on medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) telemedicine has focused on ongoing OUD treatment. Emergency department (ED) visits are an opportunity to initiate MOUD; however, little is known regarding the outcomes of patients following telemedicine referrals for MOUD from emergency settings. The current study describes rates of initial outpatient clinic appointment attendance and 30-day retention in care among patients referred by telemedicine compared to ED referrals. MethodsThis paper reports a retrospective review of data for patients referred from EDs or telemedicine through the Medication for Addiction Treatment and Electronic Referrals (MATTERS) Network. The MATTERS online platform collects data on patient demographic information (e.g., age, gender, race/ethnicity, and insurance type), reason for visit, prior medical and mental health history, prior OUD treatment history, and past 30-day substance use behaviors. Analyses compared initial visit attendance and 30-day retention among the patients for whom follow-up data were received from clinics by demographic and initial treatment factors. ResultsBetween October 2020 and September 2022, the MATTERS Network made 1349 referrals; 39.7 % originated from an ED and 47.8 % originated from telemedicine. For patients with available data, those referred from telemedicine were 1.64 times more likely to attend their initial clinic appointment and 2.59 times more likely be engaged in treatment at 30 days compared to those referred from an ED. More than two-thirds of patients referred from the emergency telemedicine environment followed up at their first clinic visit and more than half of these patients were still retained in treatment 30 days after referral. ConclusionsThe rates of initial clinic visit and 30-day retention when referred following a telemedicine evaluation are encouraging. Further development of telemedicine programs that offer evaluations, access to medications, and referrals to treatment should be considered.

Patient Perceptions of Illness Causes and Treatment Preferences for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Mixed-Methods Study.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a condition with high patient morbidity and mortality. Research shows that eliciting patient explanations about illness causes and treatment preferences promotes cross-cultural work and engagement in health services. These topics are in the Cultural Formulation Interview (CFI), a semi-structured interview first published in DSM-5 that applies anthropological approaches within mental health services to promote person-centered care. This study focuses on the New York City site of an international multi-site study that used qualitative-quantitative mixed methods to: (1) analyze CFI transcripts with 55 adults with OCD to explore perceived illness causes and treatment preferences, and (2) explore whether past treatment experiences are related to perceptions about causes of current symptoms. The most commonly named causes were circumstantial stressors (n=16), genetics (n=12), personal psychological traits (n=9), an interaction between circumstantial stressors and participants' brains (n=6), and a non-specific brain problem (n=6). The most common treatment preferences were psychotherapy (n=42), anything (n=4), nothing (n=4), and medications (n=2). Those with a prior medication history had twice the odds of reporting a biological cause, though this was not a statistically significant difference. Our findings suggest that providers should ask patients about illness causes and treatment preferences to guide treatment choice.

Ki67 as a prognostic factor in male breast cancer (male BC): Results from a large GEICAM Spanish cohort of male BC.

556 Background: Male BC management is based, by default, on evidence produced from female BC. There is a high need to validate gender specific performance of established prognostic biomarkers. We present here descriptive results from a large, country specific, registry of Male BC. Methods: GEICAM/2016-04 (NCT03800355) is a retrospective, observational study including Male BC pts diagnosed from 2000 to 2019 in 51 Spanish sites. Data from BC diagnosis until 10-Mar-2020 was collected from medical charts; biological specimens were obtained. Pts and tumors characteristics, therapies, and outcomes were analyzed. Molecular subtypes were categorized as hormonal receptor positive (HR+)/HER2 negative (HER2−), triple negative (TN) (HR−/HER2−), and HER2+ (any HR). Results: 773 pts were analyzed, at first diagnosis, 721 (93%) had early BC (EBC) (stages I [28%], II [41%], III [21%]), and 52 (7%) de novo metastatic BC; median age was 66 (23-96) years; median body mass index was 28 (18-50) Kg/m2 (overweight), with obesity in 4% as prior medical history. Previous history of other cancers: 20 (3%) pts were diagnosed with prostate cancer (PC) and 20 (3%) pts with skin cancer (melanoma and non-melanoma). BC family history was reported in 212 (35%) pts, 56 (9%) PC, and 35 (6%) ovarian cancer. Germline genetic testing for hereditary risk was performed in 238 (31%) pts, with BRCA1/2 mutations present in 46 (19%) pts (BRCA1 in 6, BRCA2 in 39, and both in 1); BRCA1/2 mutations were observed in 9 (33%) HER2+ pts and 32 (18%) HR+/HER2− pts. Of EBC pts, 322 (45%) were node-positive, 274 (38%) had T2 tumors; 4% had breast conserving surgery, and 42% sentinel lymph node biopsy; 42% received adjuvant radiation therapy; 336 (47%) adjuvant and 44 (6%) neoadjuvant chemotherapy, 609 (84%) adjuvant endocrine therapy, mainly tamoxifen (72%); and 6% pts did not receive any systemic therapy. Morphologically, invasive carcinoma of no special type was reported in 89% pts, and 52% were grade 2. Per local pathological assessment, 97% estrogen receptor positive (ER+), 90% progesterone receptor positive (PgR+), 84% androgen receptor positive; 51% presented Ki67 index expression ≥20%, and 11% HER2+. Frequency according to molecular subtype: 599 (77%) HR+/HER2−, 75 (10%) HER2+, 6 (1%) TN, and 93 (12%) unknown. With a median follow-up of 64 months, medians of invasive disease-free survival (iDFS) and distant DFS (dDFS) were not statistically different in HR+/HER2− vs HER2+ pts and according to levels of Ki67 index expression (&lt;20% vs. ≥20%). In a Cox multivariate model, stage I-II vs III and age were statistically significant (p&lt;0.05) for both iDFS and dDFS. Conclusions: HR+/HER2− is the most common Male BC subtype, with ER and PgR highly positive, and 20% as median Ki67 index. No statistically significant differences were observed in terms of iDFS and dDFS based on level of Ki67 index expression. Clinical trial information: NCT03800355 .