Unusual Cause Research Articles

An unusual cause of significantly elevated blood alpha-fetoprotein levels: a case report and literature review

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) serves as a crucial diagnostic marker for primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and germ cell tumors (GCTs), with rare instances of significantly elevated levels in other diseases. In this study, we present a case of an elderly patient who was diagnosed with AFP-producing gastric cancer (AFPGC) following an elevated AFP result during physical examination. In investigating liver cancer at an early stage, the diagnosis was missed because of failure in detecting the lesion, resulting in delayed treatment initiation. AFPGC is a rare aggressive tumor that demands heightened awareness among clinicians to foster early detection, diagnosis, and treatment for improved prognosis.

Airway management of a patient with linear immunoglobulin A bullous dermatosis: A case report

BACKGROUND There is limited literature on managing the airway of patients with linear immunoglobulin A (IgA) bullous dermatosis, a rare mucocutaneous disorder that leads to the development of friable bullae. Careful clinical decision making is necessary when there is a risk of bleeding into the airway, and a multidisciplinary team approach may lead to decreased patient morbidity during these high-risk scenarios, especially when confronted with an unusual cause for bleeding. CASE SUMMARY A 45-year-old African American female presented to our ambulatory surgical center for right corneal transplantation due to corneal perforation after blunt trauma in the setting of cicatricial conjunctivitis and diffuse corneal neovascularization from linear IgA bullous dermatosis. The diagnosis of IgA dermatosis was recent, and the patient had been lost to follow-up. The severity of the disease and extent of airway involvement was unknown at the time of the surgery. Significant airway bleeding was noticed upon intubation and the otorhinolaryngology team had to be called to the operating room. The patient required transfer to the intensive care unit where a multidisciplinary team was involved in her case. The patient was extubated on postoperative day 4. CONCLUSION A multidisciplinary approach to treating this disease is the best course of action before a surgical procedure. In our case, key communication between the surgery, anesthesia, and dermatology teams led to the quick and safe treatment of our patient’s disease. Ambulatory surgery should not be considered for these cases unless they are in full remission and there is no mucous membrane involvement.

Unusual cause of cushing's syndrome

Unusual cause of cushing's syndrome

Lacrimal sac dacryolith treated with endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy: A case report and literature review

Dacryolith is a concretion within the nasolacrimal systemthat may calcify and cause further obstruction of the nasolacrimal pathway. It may cause intermittent epiphora without inflammation or recurrent dacryocystitis and is often diagnosed during dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). We report the case of a lacrimal sac dacryolith in a 37-year-old man who was referred to our hospital from the eye clinic with complaints of epiphora that were not relieved by medication. He had no history of epiphora. During endoscopic DCR, the presence of dacryolith in the lacrimal sac was detected and completely removed while the pus was drained. The patient was discharged on the second postoperative day with systemic and topical antibiotics. During routine follow-up, the patient was in good condition and had no complaints. We aim to raise awareness among clinicians of this unusual cause of nasolacrimal duct obstruction, which can be successfully managed with endoscopic DCR rather than an open external approach.

An unusual cause of a head and neck mass: about 18 cases

An unusual cause of a head and neck mass: about 18 cases

An unusual cause of gait disturbance in a patient with Parkinson’s disease: Beware of mimics and chameleons

An unusual cause of gait disturbance in a patient with Parkinson’s disease: Beware of mimics and chameleons

Osseous metaplasia of endometrium: An unusual cause of secondary infertility.

Osseous metaplasia of the endometrium is a rare entity in which there is presence of mature or immature bone tissue in the endometrium. It is a rare disorder that usually leads to secondary infertility and is frequently associated with recurrent miscarriages and can be rarely asymptomatic. We present the case of a patient with endometrial ossification associated with secondary infertility. The patient presented with excessive vaginal discharge and was undergoing evaluation for secondary infertility. Transvaginal sonography showed a hyperechoic elongated lesion in the endometrium suggestive of endometrial calcification with posterior acoustic shadowing. Diagnostic hysteroscopy was done and the endometrial cavity showed multiple white-colored, solid, fan-shaped structures and bony spicules all over the endometrium, which were removed with a hysteroscopic grasper and sent for histopathological examination (HPE). The HPE confirmed the presence of bony trabeculae along with secretory endometrial glands. There have only been a few cases of endometrial osseous metaplasia reported in India and it is usually an overlooked cause of infertility. Although rare, we should consider this as a probable cause of secondary infertility when the characteristic ultrasound features are visualized and that hysteroscopic resection is the gold standard treatment.

Zinner syndrome in a case of male infertility: a case report

Zinner syndrome is a rare congenital malformation formed by the developmental anomaly of distal portion of the wolffian duct. It is an unusual cause of infertility and dysuria among young males. It is associated with ipsilateral renal agenesis, seminal vesical cyst, and ejaculatory duct obstruction. We herein report a rare case of a Zinner syndrome, in a patient of primary infertility. He also presented with complaints of chronic pelvic pain and dysuria. Any young patients of male infertility or unspecified pelvic complaints should be evaluated for Zinner syndrome and surgical intervention is the mainstay treatment for symptomatic patients.

An unusual yet treatable cause of recurrent abdominal pain

An unusual yet treatable cause of recurrent abdominal pain

An unusual cause of adult transverse colonic intussusception with obstruction: Multiple large submucosal lipomas in a 50-year-old male

Intussusception is a gastrointestinal condition that predominantly affects the pediatric population. Although uncommon, it can occur in adults and is typically due to a pathological lead point that causes telescoping of the intestine during peristalsis. In this case, a 50-year-old male presents with abdominal pain, distension, diarrhea, and unintentional weight loss, which was revealed to be caused by intussusception that originated at a cluster of submucosal lipomas in the transverse colon. This patient had recently immigrated to the U.S. from Africa, and had missed his colorectal screening, which is recommended at age 45 for every person. It is crucial to accurately screen for, diagnose, and surgically treat this condition to prevent downstream complications such as bowel infarction or perforation.

Unusual cause of muscle weakness, type II respiratory failure and pulmonary hypertension: a case report of ryanodine receptor type 1(RYR1)-related myopathy

BackgroundPatients with congenital myopathies may experience respiratory involvement, resulting in restrictive ventilatory dysfunction and respiratory failure. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) associated with this condition has never been reported in congenital ryanodine receptor type 1(RYR1)-related myopathy.Case presentation A 47-year-old woman was admitted with progressively exacerbated chest tightness and difficulty in neck flexion. She was born prematurely at week 28. Her bilateral lower extremities were edematous and muscle strength was grade IV−. Arterial blood gas analysis revealed hypoventilation syndrome and type II respiratory failure, while lung function test showed restrictive ventilation dysfunction, which were both worse in the supine position. PH was confirmed by right heart catheterization (RHC), without evidence of left heart disease, congenital heart disease, or pulmonary artery obstruction. Polysomnography indicated nocturnal hypoventilation. The ultrasound revealed reduced mobility of bilateral diaphragm. The level of creatine kinase was mildly elevated. Magnetic resonance imaging showed myositis of bilateral thigh muscle. Muscle biopsy of the left biceps brachii suggested muscle malnutrition and congenital muscle disease. Gene testing revealed a missense mutation in the RYR1 gene (exon33 c.C4816T). Finally, she was diagnosed with RYR1-related myopathy and received long-term non-invasive ventilation (NIV) treatment. Her symptoms and cardiopulmonary function have been greatly improved after 10 months.ConclusionsWe report a case of RYR1-related myopathy exhibiting hypoventilation syndrome, type II respiratory failure and PH associated with restrictive ventilator dysfunction. Pulmonologists should keep congenital myopathies in mind in the differential diagnosis of type II respiratory failure, especially in patients with short stature and muscle weakness.

An unusual cause of breath-holding spell in a leukemic infant: Cytarabine

An unusual cause of breath-holding spell in a leukemic infant: Cytarabine

Unusual origins of cardiac insufficiency: a case of iliac arteriovenous fistula post-spinal disc surgery

In this case report, we present the unique and intriguing case of a 57-year-old man who experienced exertional palpitations and shortness of breath for 5 years. He was diagnosed with idiopathic heart failure three years ago, leading to diuretic treatment. Physical examination revealed notable left lower extremity swelling, severe varicose veins, and cardiac murmurs. Echocardiography showed significant cardiac enlargement and severe functional mitral and tricuspid valve regurgitation. Computed tomography (CT) imaging uncovered a 10 mm left common iliac arteriovenous fistula, causing abnormal early filling of the inferior vena cava (IVC) and marked IVC dilation. Open surgical repair of the arteriovenous fistula resulted in symptom relief and improved cardiac function. This case underscores the importance of considering unusual causes in heart failure patients and highlights the value of early diagnosis and intervention in complex cardiac-vascular interactions.

Unusual vascular cause of syncope in an adult patient: type 2 proatlantal intersegmental artery.

A proatlantal intersegmental artery anomaly may present with symptoms such as dizziness and syncope. Because it has the risk of damage in surgical and interventional radiological procedures, to know the presence of this unusual vascular anomaly is very important.

LEFT ATRIAL SEPTAL POUCH THROMBUS: AN UNUSUAL CAUSE OF EMBOLIC STROKE

LEFT ATRIAL SEPTAL POUCH THROMBUS: AN UNUSUAL CAUSE OF EMBOLIC STROKE

AN UNUSUAL CAUSE OF ACUTE SMALL BOWEL OBSTRUCTION

Up to 20% of admissions with severe acute abdomen are due to intestinal obstruction, a common surgical emergency. Paraduodenal hernia is a rare entity of congenital internal hernia which is an unusual cause of small bowel obstruction. This case report describes the case of a 29-year-old woman with acute pain abdomen and vomiting without other significant past history. Radiological investigations revealed mechanical bowel obstruction and gangrenous bowel loops was evident on surgical exploration. Non-viable small bowel loop was resected and peritoneal defect was sutured. Left paraduodenal hernia is a rare cause of acute abdomen and high index of suspicion is required for early diagnosis and management.

Secondary syphilis: An unusual cause of osteolytic lesion diagnosed by 99mTc-MDP SPECT and presenting features

Herein, we present the case of a 68-year-old woman complaining of pain of the right knee, which was initially misdiagnosed by plain radiography as fracture on inner right tibia plateau but was finally clarified as osteolytic lesion secondary to syphilis affecting the whole right knee. The final diagnosis was made based on the valuable findings from bone scanning, which allows for imaging of abnormalities with much larger extent, a scale that is out of the examination capacity of plain radiography. Bone scanning was employed in this case, coupled with the use of 99mTc-MDP, to assess abnormal bone metabolism at the whole right knee next to the tibia plateau. The imaging results illustrated the diverse features of bone involvement of secondary syphilis, including periostitis, osteolysis as well as osteomyelitis, occurring together or in isolation.

Abnormal line loss identification and category classification of distribution networks based on semi-supervised learning and hierarchical classification

Line loss refers to the electrical energy that is dissipated as heat during the transmission and distribution of electricity through power lines. However, unusual causes, such as grid topology mismatch and communication failure, can cause abnormal line loss. Efficient abnormal line loss detection contributes not only to minimizing energy wastage and reducing carbon emissions but also to maintaining the stability and reliability of the entire distribution network. In actual situations, the cause of abnormal line loss is not labeled due to the expensive labor cost. This paper proposes a hierarchical abnormal line loss identification and category classification model, considering the unlabeled and unbalanced sample problem. First, an abnormal line loss identification model-based random forest is established to detect whether the line loss is abnormal. Then, an abnormal line loss category classification model is developed with semi-supervised learning for line loss abnormal category classification, considering the unlabeled samples. The real dataset in China is utilized to validate the performance of the proposed model. Its reliability implies the potential to be applied to real-world scenarios to improve the management level and safety of the power grid.

An unusual cause of unilateral shoulder weakness: Parsonage–Turner syndrome—A case report

An unusual cause of unilateral shoulder weakness: Parsonage–Turner syndrome—A case report

Unusual cause of biliary obstruction in a kidney transplant recipient with HIV.

Unusual cause of biliary obstruction in a kidney transplant recipient with HIV.