K. Ziogas, Evangelos Tourvas, I. Galanakis, G. Kouvidis
{"title":"Arthroscopy Assisted Balloon Osteoplasty of a Tibia Plateau Depression Fracture: A Case Report","authors":"K. Ziogas, Evangelos Tourvas, I. Galanakis, G. Kouvidis","doi":"10.4103/1947-2714.166223","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/1947-2714.166223","url":null,"abstract":"Context: A clinical case of a tibia plateau fracture is presented which was treated with balloon osteoplasty and arthroscopy guidance. Balloon Tibioplasty has been shown to be a very useful method for the management of tibial plateau fractures. The use of calcium phosphate has been described in the literature for management and restoration of bone defects in tibial plateau fractures. Case Report: A 45-years-old Caucasian woman was presented after a fall from a ladder. The patient sustained a lateral tibia plateau fracture which was classified as Shatzker type III (AO 41-B2) with posterolateral depression of the joint surface. Surgical treatment was applied using a minimal approach which included percutaneous reduction of the fracture under arthroscopy and fluoroscopy guidance. The bone defect was filled with calcium phosphate via injection. The clinical outcome at the 6, 12 and 24 weeks was excellent with full-range of motion of the knee joint. Conclusion: Arthroscopy assisted balloon osteoplasty seems to be a safe and effective method for the treatment of depressed tibia plateau fractures. Further study is needed for the proper evidence based use and application of this method.","PeriodicalId":19703,"journal":{"name":"North American Journal of Medical Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2015-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"80299060","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ana Maria Abreu Velez, Juliana Calle-Isaza, M. S. Howard
{"title":"Immunofluorescence Patterns in Selected Dermatoses, Including Blistering Skin Diseases Utilizing Multiple Fluorochromes","authors":"Ana Maria Abreu Velez, Juliana Calle-Isaza, M. S. Howard","doi":"10.4103/1947-2714.166219","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/1947-2714.166219","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Autoimmune vesiculobullous disorders represent a heterogeneous group of dermatoses whose diagnosis is made based on clinical history, histologic features, and immunopathologic features. The most commonly used techniques for the diagnosis of these diseases are direct and indirect immunofluorescence (DIF and IIF), including salt-split processing. NaCl split skin is used to determine the level of blister formation, and the localization of autoantibodies relative to the split. Classically, immunofluorescence has been performed with one fluorochrome in the diagnosis of autoimmune bullous skin diseases. Aims: To compare DIF and IIF of the skin, using a single fluorochrome versus multiple fluorochromes. Materials and Methods: We studied 20 autoimmune skin disease cases using fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) alone, in comparison to multiple fluorochromes (with or without DNA counterstaining). Results: The use of multiple fluorochromes helped to simultaneously visualize reactivity in multiple skin areas, in contrast to using FITC alone. Conclusions: Using multiple fluorochromes allows simultaneous labeling of two or more antigens within the same cell/or tissue section, assists in colocalization of unknown antigens with known molecules, and helps in ruling out \"background\" staining.","PeriodicalId":19703,"journal":{"name":"North American Journal of Medical Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2015-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"83275494","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Acute Liver Failure after Initiation of Rivaroxaban: A Case Report and Review of the Literature","authors":"M. Baig, K. Wool, J. Halanych, Rehan Sarmad","doi":"10.4103/1947-2714.166221","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/1947-2714.166221","url":null,"abstract":"Context: Rivaroxaban is a direct factor Xa inhibitor approved for the prevention of thromboembolism. Drug induced liver injury has been increasingly reported with rivaroxaban recently, but actual liver failure has not been reported. Case Report: We present a case report on the probable occurrence of acute liver failure with rivaroxaban therapy. An 89 year old woman with history of atrial fibrillation was hospitalized for biventricular congestive heart failure with passive congestion of liver, which responded to furosemide. She was discharged home on rivaroxaban for prevention of thrombo-embolism. Liver function tests upon discharge returned to almost normal range. One week later, she presented with abdominal pain and was found to have highly elevated liver enzymes, elevated bilirubin, and an abnormal coagulation profile. A day later, she developed hepatic encephalopathy, suggesting liver failure. Conclusion: Liver enzymes declined rapidly with the discontinuation of all of her medications, however patient died because of multi-organ failure. The causality assessment in this patient was \"probable\" with rivaroxaban.","PeriodicalId":19703,"journal":{"name":"North American Journal of Medical Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2015-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"86896848","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
R. Pathak, Raju Khanal, M. Aryal, S. Giri, P. Karmacharya, B. Pathak, Upasana Acharya, V. Bhatt
{"title":"Sarcoidosis and Antiphospholipid Syndrome: A Systematic Review of Cases","authors":"R. Pathak, Raju Khanal, M. Aryal, S. Giri, P. Karmacharya, B. Pathak, Upasana Acharya, V. Bhatt","doi":"10.4103/1947-2714.166213","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/1947-2714.166213","url":null,"abstract":"Association between sarcoidosis and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is rare with few reported cases. We sought to systematically review the published cases of APS with sarcoidosis to better characterize the demographics, clinical characteristics, treatment, and the outcome of this association. Systematic electronic search for case report, case series, and related articles published until May 2014 was carried out and relevant data were extracted and analyzed. Four cases of APS with sarcoidosis were identified exclusively in females. These cases were seen in the sixth decade of life. Pulmonary embolism and central retinal artery occlusion were the presenting thrombotic events. All the patients were treated with lifelong anticoagulation with warfarin. During the median follow-up period of 5.5 months, additional thrombotic events were not observed. Although rare, sarcoidosis may be associated with APS. Further reporting of the cases will help to better establish this association, elucidate pathogenesis, and define clinical characteristics and outcomes.","PeriodicalId":19703,"journal":{"name":"North American Journal of Medical Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2015-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"81501283","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
S. Hosseini, N. Samimi, M. Farahmandnia, Benafsheh Shakibajahromi, F. S. Sarvestani, M. Sani, M. Mohamadpour
{"title":"The Preventive Effects of Neural Stem Cells and Mesenchymal Stem Cells Intra-ventricular Injection on Brain Stroke in Rats","authors":"S. Hosseini, N. Samimi, M. Farahmandnia, Benafsheh Shakibajahromi, F. S. Sarvestani, M. Sani, M. Mohamadpour","doi":"10.4103/1947-2714.166216","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/1947-2714.166216","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Stroke is one of the most important causes of disability in developed countries and, unfortunately, there is no effective treatment for this major problem of central nervous system (CNS); cell therapy may be helpful to recover this disease. In some conditions such as cardiac surgeries and neurosurgeries, there are some possibilities of happening brain stroke. Inflammation of CNS plays an important role in stroke pathogenesis, in addition, apoptosis and neural death could be the other reasons of poor neurological out come after stroke. In this study, we examined the preventive effects of the neural stem cells (NSCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) intra-ventricular injected on stroke in rats. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the preventive effects of neural and MSCs for stroke in rats. Materials and Methods: The MSCs were isolated by flashing the femurs and tibias of the male rats with appropriate media. The NSCs were isolated from rat embryo ganglion eminence and they cultured NSCs media till the neurospheres formed. Both NSCs and MSCs were labeled with PKH26-GL. One day before stroke, the cells were injected into lateral ventricle stereotactically. Results: During following for 28 days, the neurological scores indicated that there are better recoveries in the groups received stem cells and they had less lesion volume in their brain measured by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Furthermore, the activities of caspase-3 were lower in the stem cell received groups than control group and the florescent microscopy images showed that the stem cells migrated to various zones of the brains. Conclusion: Both NSCs and MSCs are capable of protecting the CNS against ischemia and they may be good ways to prevent brain stroke consequences situations.","PeriodicalId":19703,"journal":{"name":"North American Journal of Medical Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2015-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"86405487","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
David Thomas, Nihar Shah, Hiren Patel, Tapan Pandya, Dron Gauchan, Michael Maroules
{"title":"Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis: A Series of Five Clinical Cases in Adult Patients at a Single Institution with a Review of the Literature.","authors":"David Thomas, Nihar Shah, Hiren Patel, Tapan Pandya, Dron Gauchan, Michael Maroules","doi":"10.4103/1947-2714.166225","DOIUrl":"10.4103/1947-2714.166225","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Context: </strong>Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis or the \"Hemophagocytic Syndrome\" is a spectrum of disorders of regulatory immunomodulatory pathways inciting phagocytosis of hematopoietic cells resulting in end-organ damage. The condition appears in both heritable and non-heritable forms from a multitude of possible environmental triggers, most notably infection. The condition often results in a fatal outcome without prompt diagnosis and treatment. Cases in children have been reported much more frequently and classically than in adult patients.</p><p><strong>Case report: </strong>In this case series we examined five such cases in adult patients that were found at our institution in a window as small at 2 years with more cases having presented since the time of this writing. In these cases, likely triggers were found ranging from infectious, drug-inducing and even underlying malignancy. The condition can be diagnosed by a set of laboratory and physical criteria (Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis -2004). Treatment ranges from immunosuppressive agents to chemotherapeutic approaches with variable success.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Clinicians must maintain a higher index of suspicion in cases presenting with ominous symptomatology to ensure a prompt diagnosis and effective treatment of this potentially deadly condition.</p>","PeriodicalId":19703,"journal":{"name":"North American Journal of Medical Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2015-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4630736/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"75294415","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Awareness and Performance of Iranian Nurses with Regard to Health Economics: A Cross-Sectional Study","authors":"A. Heydari, R. Mazloom, A. Najar, M. Bakhshi","doi":"10.4103/1947-2714.166214","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/1947-2714.166214","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Health costs have risen everywhere, worldwide, and nurses play a pivotal role in cost savings and in contributing to the financial stability of hospitals. Aim: This study evaluated the awareness and performance of Iranian nursing staff, with regard to health economics. Materials and Methods: A total of 175 nurses who worked in three teaching hospitals in Mashhad (Iran) were selected for this descriptive cross-sectional study, and data were gathered via a 27-item questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance, multiple regression analysis, and Pearson′s correlation coefficient. Results: A total of 78% (n = 39) of nurses did not have a good awareness of health economics. The overall mean score for economic awareness was 5.9 ± 2.1 (possible range, 0-16), and for economic performance was 26.6 ± 4 (possible range, 0-44). There was a significant relationship between the economic awareness and performance of nurses, and nurses in higher positions had a greater awareness of health economics. Conclusions: Considering the inadequacy of the health economics awareness and performance of nurses, it is essential that efforts are made to enhance their knowledge and behavior with regard to economic issues and cost saving in all the fields of nursing, through the use of continuing education courses and workshops.","PeriodicalId":19703,"journal":{"name":"North American Journal of Medical Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2015-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"73885149","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Demographic and Etiological Patterns of Gastric Outlet Obstruction in Kerala, South India","authors":"V. Sukumar, C. Ravindran, R. Prasad","doi":"10.4103/1947-2714.166220","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/1947-2714.166220","url":null,"abstract":"Background: In the modern era, the major cause of gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) is known to be a malignancy, especially in the developed world. Many books and articles do suggest that the benign causes continue to be the major cause of GOO in the developing world however, there is growing evidence proving the contrary. Males were (more commonly) affected females and individuals in their fifth and sixth decade have been the predominant age group in the majority of studies. There is a minimal data of GOO from South India. Aims: A retrospective analysis of the endoscopic findings of patients presenting with features of GOO to determine the demographic and etiological patterns. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of the endoscopic findings of patients with GOO from January 2005 to January 2014 was done. The diagnosis of GOO was based on clinical presentation, and an inability during the upper endoscopy to enter the second portion of the duodenum as documented in the endoscopy registers. Patients who have already been diagnosed with malignancy prior to the endoscopy were excluded from the study; so were the patients with gastroparesis. Results: A total of 342 patients with GOO underwent the endoscopy during the study period. The causes for benign obstruction were predominantly peptic ulcer disease. The major cause for malignant obstruction was carcinoma of stomach involving the distal stomach. The male to female ratio was 3.2:1. The patients with malignancy were older than patients with benign disorders. Most of the patients were in the sixth and seventh decade. The risk of malignancy was higher with increasing age, especially in women. A fourth of all carcinoma stomach presented with GOO. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that the cause for GOO in Kerala, South India is predominantly malignancy. The etiological and demographic patterns were similar to the studies conducted in the developed nations.","PeriodicalId":19703,"journal":{"name":"North American Journal of Medical Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2015-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"83649012","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Iswanto Sucandy, Harsha V Polavarapu, Christopher M Pezzi
{"title":"Hypoplasia of the Spleen: Review of Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Potential Clinical Implications.","authors":"Iswanto Sucandy, Harsha V Polavarapu, Christopher M Pezzi","doi":"10.4103/1947-2714.163645","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/1947-2714.163645","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Context: </strong>Splenic aplasia is seen when the spleen is congenitally absent, has been surgically removed, or becomes atrophic secondary to episodes of arterial/venous occlusion, which result in splenic infarction. This rare condition is caused by a heterogenous group of diseases, which may present a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations. Splenic hypoplasia is defined as reduction in splenic mass and or functions caused by incomplete splenic development or secondary parenchymal involution. Splenic infarction may be clinically silent and only discovered incidentally during abdominal exploration for other conditions.</p><p><strong>Case report: </strong>We present an unusual case of hypoplastic spleen with calcifications, which was preoperatively found during radiologic workup for gastric carcinoma. An 88-year-old woman presented with coffee-ground emesis. Her past medical history was only significant for atrial fibrillation. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy demonstrated gastric carcinoma, for which a subtotal gastrectomy was planned. Preoperative computed tomography scan showed a hypoplastic spleen with calcifications in the left upper quadrant. Symptoms of immunologic deficiency were not present. During laparotomy, an atrophied and calcified spleen was identified and left in situ. The patient made an uneventful postoperative recovery. Splenic hypoplasia is an unique entity, which may be seen in the setting of atrial fibrillation and abdominal malignancy.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Splenic hypoplasia may be detected incidentally during radiologic workup or abdominal exploration. Abdominal symptoms or immunologic deficiency are not always present.</p>","PeriodicalId":19703,"journal":{"name":"North American Journal of Medical Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2015-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/f8/1a/NAJMS-7-368.PMC4561443.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"34045243","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rafay Khan, Mohammad A Hossain, Qiang Nai, Abdalla M Yousif, Shraman Sen
{"title":"Hyperhomocysteinemia Association With Transient Global Amnesia: A Rare Case Report.","authors":"Rafay Khan, Mohammad A Hossain, Qiang Nai, Abdalla M Yousif, Shraman Sen","doi":"10.4103/1947-2714.163647","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/1947-2714.163647","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Context: </strong>Transient global amnesia (TGA) is an intriguing condition that classically presents with an abrupt onset of temporary complete anterograde amnesia and partial retrograde amnesia. Most individuals who experience such a form of amnesia usually have only one attack but recurrent attacks are possible. Most attacks last for a few minutes or few hours and the ability to lay down new memories may also be affected but gradually improves, leaving only a dense amnestic gap for the duration of the episode. There has been some discussion about the etiology behind TGA; however, there has yet to be a consensus with regard to any significant association.</p><p><strong>Case report: </strong>We report the case of a 65-year-old male presenting with a sudden onset of memory loss that is typical of TGA and who was found to have elevated homocysteine levels. There has only been one other case previously reported that discussed a possible correlation between hyperhomocysteinemia and TGA. It is yet to be determined if increased homocysteine level is a significant risk factor for attacks of TGA.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Although it was first described more than half a century ago, it can still be misdiagnosed frequently as many physicians are not familiar with this condition. Furthermore, there are quite a few medical conditions that may cause sudden memory impairment, such as epilepsy and stroke, which make it difficult to distinguish them from this form of amnesia. The knowledge of these clinical identities is necessary for a high index of suspicion, which may lead to a meticulous medical evaluation as required for proper diagnosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":19703,"journal":{"name":"North American Journal of Medical Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2015-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/6f/85/NAJMS-7-374.PMC4561445.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"34045245","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}