{"title":"Primary Ovarian Angiosarcoma: Diagnostic Challenges and Conundrums.","authors":"Sujata Agrawal, Zachariah Chowdhury, Roma Jethani","doi":"10.15190/d.2024.17","DOIUrl":"10.15190/d.2024.17","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Angiosarcoma is an extremely uncommon mesenchymal neoplasm overall and moreso in female genital organs such as the ovary. Diagnosing primary ovarian angiosarcoma remains challenging on clinical grounds due to the absence of specific clinical symptoms as well as on histopathological analysis especially in poorly differentiated subtypes due to non-specific and overlapping morphologic features. Misdiagnosis in such scenarios can be devastating as this tumor is clinically very aggressive. We describe a case of primary ovarian angiosarcoma in a 33-year-old multiparous female with bilateral ovarian masses and metastasis at diagnosis. Histopathologic appraisal revealed a poorly differentiated malignant tumor with varied differential diagnoses. The saviour in such a scenario was the immunohistochemistry findings, underlining the incredible utility of this technique in the precise diagnosis and evasion of misdiagnosis. This case accentuates the paramount importance of precise diagnostic modalities in shaping clinical practice and enriching the scientific understanding of rare and aggressive neoplasms. Against this backdrop, the potential pitfalls and pearls while dealing with this entity have been elucidated, along with a review of the recent literature.</p>","PeriodicalId":72829,"journal":{"name":"Discoveries (Craiova, Romania)","volume":"12 4","pages":"e198"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11746002/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143025528","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":"A Rare Case of Primary Chondrosarcoma of the Breast: A Case Report and Comprehensive Literature Review.","authors":"Sujata Agrawal, Zachariah Chowdhury, Paramita Paul, Tanima Mandal","doi":"10.15190/d.2024.12","DOIUrl":"10.15190/d.2024.12","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Breast sarcomas are a diverse group of malignant neoplasms originating from the mammary stroma. They are uncommon tumors, often occurring as a component of other tumors. Among malignant breast mesenchymal tumors, pure sarcomas lacking epithelial components are even rarer, comprising only 0.5% of breast tumors. The most common types include angiosarcomas, liposarcomas, and osteosarcomas. Pure, primary, and de novo chondrosarcomas are exceedingly rare within breast sarcomas, with very few cases reported. Distinguishing them from metaplastic carcinoma and phyllodes tumors with chondromatous areas entails extensive sampling to exclude proliferating ductal elements. Herein, we present a case of primary chondrosarcoma of the breast in a 72-year-old Indian woman. Initial core biopsy suggested a primary chondroid neoplasm or a heterologous component of a phyllodes tumor. The patient underwent modified radical mastectomy, and histological examination confirmed chondrosarcoma, grade 1, after thorough sampling.Clinical Relevance: This case emphasizes the necessity of incorporating rare sarcomatous breast tumors into the differential diagnosis for breast masses, especially those with chondroid differentiation. The report also reinforces the pivotal role of accurate histopathological evaluation in guiding appropriate surgical and adjunctive treatment, which can significantly impact prognosis in such rare malignancies.</p>","PeriodicalId":72829,"journal":{"name":"Discoveries (Craiova, Romania)","volume":"12 3","pages":"e193"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11685164/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142916461","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":"Herpes Simplex Virus Encephalitis in a Post-operative Case of Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma.","authors":"Anuragani Verma, Shruti Radera, Amita Jain, Nandini Mishra, Sheetal Agarwal, Om Prakash","doi":"10.15190/d.2024.13","DOIUrl":"10.15190/d.2024.13","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Herpes simplex virus (HSV) encephalitis is a life-threatening consequence of HSV infection of the central nervous system. Early antiviral therapy is most effective, necessitating prompt diagnosis. We report a case of atypical HSV encephalitis. The appearance of a strong headache followed by impairment of consciousness during the postoperative course in a 70-year-old patient who underwent surgical removal of a follicular thyroid carcinoma. Diffusion-weighted MRI detected brain abnormalities on the second day after the onset of symptoms, and polymerase chain reaction identification of HSV-1 DNA confirmed the diagnosis. A positive prognosis was achieved due to the decision to start specific, high-dose antiviral therapy based on clinical suspicion. A firm diagnosis was established by Tzanck smear and polymerase chain reaction.</p>","PeriodicalId":72829,"journal":{"name":"Discoveries (Craiova, Romania)","volume":"12 3","pages":"e194"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11693436/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142924270","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}
George Henning, Arjola Agolli, Susan Henning, Samantha Murphy
{"title":"Pregnancy challenges and outcomes among female physicians.","authors":"George Henning, Arjola Agolli, Susan Henning, Samantha Murphy","doi":"10.15190/d.2024.11","DOIUrl":"10.15190/d.2024.11","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Female physicians constitute an increasing proportion of the total physician workforce. Lengthy training often causes delays in family planning. When they feel ready and plan to have children, they might face demanding work hours, limited options for parental leave and child support, and potential stigmatization by peers and superiors. The impact of these factors on female physicians' fertility, pregnancy complications, professional growth, and perceptions of a career in medicine as a barrier to motherhood is not well-established. The goal of this study was to identify the main challenges and risk factors for pregnancy complications among U.S. female physicians. Age, stress, adverse working conditions, occupational hazards, and insomnia were some of the main factors that can affect female physicians' fertility. A higher rate of infertility and older age at delivery were observed among female physicians working in surgical specialties. Being a physician is often associated with higher rates of infertility and pregnancy complications than the general population. Although female physicians are increasing in number, they continue to encounter challenges in family planning and personal and professional life balance. More research is needed to assess policy gaps, stigma, stereotypes, and risk factors, especially among different specialties. It becomes essential to develop effective strategies to adequately address these concerns and to offer equal and accessible reproductive care for female physicians.</p>","PeriodicalId":72829,"journal":{"name":"Discoveries (Craiova, Romania)","volume":"12 3","pages":"e192"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11685064/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142916463","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}
Khalid W Al-Kaissi, Arpita Meher, Ayeza Majid, Yamen Hussein
{"title":"Unrecognized Inter-Coronary Communication in a Case of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.","authors":"Khalid W Al-Kaissi, Arpita Meher, Ayeza Majid, Yamen Hussein","doi":"10.15190/d.2024.10","DOIUrl":"10.15190/d.2024.10","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Inter-coronary communication is a rare congenital anomaly, defined as a connection between two patent coronary arteries, and was first described in 1972. We report the case of a 61-year-old Emirati female who presented to the emergency department with chest pain and palpitations, along with a strong family history of cardiac disease. She was initially diagnosed with indolent hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy and accordingly managed; however, the patient remained symptomatic. Further investigations revealed inter-coronary communication between her left circumflex (LCX) and left anterior descending (LAD) coronary arteries. This case highlights the importance of recognizing inter-coronary communications for better outcomes in patients with HOCM, as well as their potential clinical significance with the need for further studies to be done to pinpoint the true significance.</p>","PeriodicalId":72829,"journal":{"name":"Discoveries (Craiova, Romania)","volume":"12 3","pages":"e191"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11685063/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142916466","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":"Association of Vestibular Neuritis Following COVID-19 Vaccination.","authors":"Selia Chowdhury, Nurjahan Shipa Chowdhury","doi":"10.15190/d.2024.14","DOIUrl":"10.15190/d.2024.14","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Among the various side-effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccinations, vestibular neuritis (VN) has been found to have some interesting association with the vaccinations. This paper mainly focuses on exploring different associations between COVID-19 vaccination and VN. A systematic search was conducted on electronic databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane using MeSH terms for case reports published until July 2023. A total of 6 case reports involving 7 individuals from 6 different countries were documented. Reports were analyzed to identify presenting symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and pathophysiological mechanisms related to the relevant issues. The studies included a diverse range of individuals with ages ranging from 40 to 61 years, with an average age of 51 years and a male predominance. The average time between vaccination and symptom onset was 6.35 days. Prominent clinical features observed in the case reports included acute onset vertigo, nausea, vomiting, nystagmus, and gait instability. Diagnostic studies primarily involved vestibular test and brain imaging. Available treatment options consisted of vestibular suppressants, steroids and vestibular rehabilitation. This review highlights the diverse and clinically relevant associations between COVID-19 vaccination and vestibular neuritis. The findings underscore the importance of conducting further studies to explore the causative links in this correlation and gain a better understanding of the relationship.</p>","PeriodicalId":72829,"journal":{"name":"Discoveries (Craiova, Romania)","volume":"12 3","pages":"e195"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11693529/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142924268","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}
Ismail Mazhar, Mir Muhammad Rai, Abdullah Ahmad, Natasha Nadeem, Aamir Shahid Javed, Hassan Mumtaz
{"title":"Recent Vaccines against Emerging and Tropical Infectious Diseases.","authors":"Ismail Mazhar, Mir Muhammad Rai, Abdullah Ahmad, Natasha Nadeem, Aamir Shahid Javed, Hassan Mumtaz","doi":"10.15190/d.2024.6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15190/d.2024.6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Emerging diseases, re-emerging diseases and tropical diseases are a slowly progressing problem globally. This may in part be the result of shifting population, growing poverty, inadequate distribution of resources, or even complacency against personal hygiene. As a result of the low income and low standards of health in developing countries, they provide the perfect breeding grounds for the pathogens and parasites that are the root cause of Neglected Tropical diseases (NTDs). In the case of emerging diseases, most are of zoonotic origin and the recent COVID-19 pandemic is a key example. However, it is not just new diseases but re-emerging diseases such as Influenza that highlight the relentless nature of these infections. Vaccines represent the ultimate safety net against these diseases by bolstering immune systems and lowering subsequent mortality and morbidity of these conditions. In fact, against diseases with high mortalities such as AIDS, Hepatitis, and Malaria, vaccine development has markedly reduced mortality and prolonged life expectancy of those afflicted with these conditions. However, this research highlights the importance of enhancing vaccine efficacy and response. The review further underscores the necessity of research, the timing of vaccine administration, effective resource management by governments, and the perception of the population. Therefore, the review offers valuable insights for the medical community and the pharmaceutical industry in improving research and management to maximize the potential of vaccines.</p>","PeriodicalId":72829,"journal":{"name":"Discoveries (Craiova, Romania)","volume":"12 2","pages":"e187"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11910014/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143652377","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":"Depersonalization-Derealization Disorder: Etiological Mechanism, Diagnosis and Management.","authors":"Harsahaj Singh Wilkhoo, Afra Wasama Islam, Felcia Reji, Labdhi Sanghvi, Rhea Potdar, Siddhant Solanki","doi":"10.15190/d.2024.09","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15190/d.2024.09","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This comprehensive review delves into the complexities surrounding Depersonalization-Derealization disorder (DPDR), a dissociative disorder characterized by enduring feelings of detachment from one's self and surroundings. Tracing its historical roots back to 19th-century descriptions and its current classification as a singular disorder, the review meticulously explores the clinical presentation, epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis, and management of DPDR. Despite many trials and studies conducted the exact cause of this condition is still unknown. The best way to understand its etiology is by taking into account its clinical presentations and linking it to different structural and functional alterations of the brain. Alteration in cortical activity and structure associated with white matter, gray matter, caudate nucleus, amygdala, and other areas like Broadman's areas of cortex are analyzed to be potential mechanisms for etiology. With a concerning rise in its prevalence globally and notable impact on adolescents and young adults, DPDR manifests through a spectrum of symptoms including depersonalization, and derealization, and often accompanies comorbidities such as anxiety and depression. While the precise cause remains elusive, factors such as traumatic experiences, stress, and genetic predispositions have been implicated, with modern neuroimaging studies offering insight into potential structural and functional brain alterations. Managing DPDR necessitates a multifaceted approach integrating psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, and lifestyle interventions, with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and pharmacological agents like SSRIs and SNRIs emerging as primary interventions. The importance of early detection and intervention is crucial for improving its prognosis. Unfortunately, DPDR is highly understudied to date. Due to a scarcity of scientific literature about DPDR in recent years, it has become very challenging to get a proper in-depth understanding of this. Therefore, this review serves as an all-in-one source to get information about DPDR ranging from etiology to its management strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":72829,"journal":{"name":"Discoveries (Craiova, Romania)","volume":"12 2","pages":"e190"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11910194/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143652362","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}
Kinal Paresh Bhatt, Larri Rudman, Daniela Ramos Padilla, Kamal Akbar, Nicole Clarke, Paulraj Rahulraj, George Michel
{"title":"A case report of long-term asymptomatic primary hypothyroidism treated with levothyroxine and dexamethasone.","authors":"Kinal Paresh Bhatt, Larri Rudman, Daniela Ramos Padilla, Kamal Akbar, Nicole Clarke, Paulraj Rahulraj, George Michel","doi":"10.15190/d.2024.5","DOIUrl":"10.15190/d.2024.5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Hypothyroidism is an underactive thyroid gland that is diagnosed based on the laboratory findings. The risk is higher in women over the age of 60, pregnancy, patients with a prior history of head and neck irradiation, patients with autoimmune disorders and/or type 1 diabetes, family history, positive thyroid peroxidase antibodies, and medication adverse effects. The primary screening test for thyroid dysfunction is serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) testing. Abnormal findings will require a follow-up testing of serum thyroxine (T4). Abnormally high TSH and low T4 will confirm the diagnosis of hypothyroidism, also known as \"overt\" hypothyroidism. No consensus exists on the treatment threshold or better clinical outcome for hypothyroidism. Generally, a TSH level greater than 10.0 mIU/L is considered optimal for treatment initiation for symptomatic and asymptomatic hypothyroid patients. The present case emphasizes the importance of close observation in a patient with primary hypothyroidism findings and the importance of adequate treatment. When treated with thyroxine replacement, both autoimmune and nonautoimmune mechanisms of primary hypothyroidism may contribute to iatrogenic thyrotoxicosis. Levothyroxine has a very narrow therapeutic index; therefore, to avoid adverse effects of levothyroxine-induced iatrogenic thyrotoxicosis, dexamethasone was added as an adjunct medication. Dexamethasone inhibits TSH, further reducing the release of T3 and T4 from the anterior pituitary gland. We advised the patient to have an outpatient follow-up for appropriate follow-up and educated him about the importance of continuity of care for his diagnosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":72829,"journal":{"name":"Discoveries (Craiova, Romania)","volume":"12 2","pages":"e186"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11835451/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143450400","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":"Complexities of Dengue Fever: Pathogenesis, Clinical Features and Management Strategies.","authors":"Maheen Nasir, Javeria Irfan, Aimen Binte Asif, Qudsia Umaira Khan, Haleema Anwar","doi":"10.15190/d.2024.8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15190/d.2024.8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Dengue fever, transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitos, poses a significant global threat, particularly in the tropical and subtropical region. In this review, we aim to summarize the existent literature on dengue virus infection and to enlighten the reader on recent advances and knowledge. Dengue virus infection can cause a spectrum of clinical manifestations, ranging from asymptomatic or mild illness to more severe and potentially life-threatening complications. Pathogenesis of dengue is based on viral and host factors. Viral factors include NS1 antigen and genomic factors. Host factors include antibody dependent enhancement, anti-NS1 antibodies, cytokines, cross reactive T-Cell response, HLA allele variation and non-HLA mediated polymorphisms. The clinical picture of dengue is described on the basis of WHO 1997 and 2009 criteria. It is classified into dengue fever, dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), and dengue shock syndrome (DSS). Life-threatening complications can develop in severe cases, and this includes renal complications such as acute kidney injury (AKI) and hepatic complications such as hepatic dysfunction and in rare cases, fulminant hepatic failure. Neurological complications, cardiac complications and respiratory distress syndrome have also been reported. Treatment methods include targeting the dengue vector and Carica papaya, a natural remedy with antiviral properties. Additionally, the role of corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulins, and mast cell inhibitors has been explored in dengue treatment, aiming to reduce severity. Novel approaches involve drugs targeting dengue proteins and host factors necessary for the virus's life cycle, offering potential avenues for more targeted therapeutic interventions. In recent years, significant progress has been made in the development of vaccines against dengue, with Sanofi Pasteur's Dengvaxia being the first licensed vaccine approved for use. Utilizing various approaches such as recombinant proteins, viral vectors and viral like particles, various alternatives have been provided which aim to be safer substitutes to Dengvaxia while maintaining the effectiveness. A review on dengue is essential for clinicians and healthcare professionals to stay updated on diagnostics, treatment protocols and prevention strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":72829,"journal":{"name":"Discoveries (Craiova, Romania)","volume":"12 2","pages":"e189"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11910338/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143652359","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}