Scapulothoracic Bursitis in a Patient With Quadriparesis: A Case Report

Scapulothoracic bursitis is a rare disease and presents as pain or swelling around the bursa of the scapulothoracic articulation. It has been reported to be related to chronic repetitive mechanical stress of the periscapular tissue, trauma, overuse, and focal muscle weakness. The authors experienced an atypical case of scapulothoracic bursitis with shoulder and periscapular pain after quadriparesis.This case implies that muscular atrophy around the scapula and chest wall from quadriparesis may contribute to the development of scapulothoracic bursitis with shoulder and periscapular pain. In addition, clinician should be alert to it as a possible cause when a patient with quadriparesis complains of shoulder and periscapular pain and consider proper diagnostic options such as ultrasonography or magnetic resonance imaging.     

Developing Shingles-Induced Koebner Phenomenon in a Patient With Psoriasis: A Case Report

Both shingles and psoriasis are common cutaneous diseases. About 25% of the psoriatic patients develop Koebner phenomenon (KP) after various injuries, and in rare instance, KP may occur at the site of healed or healing shingles.We report a 30-year-old man with 7-month history of scalp psoriasis who developed KP at the areas of developing shingles. Cutaneous examination revealed scaly erythematous papules and plaques located on the scalp and forehead, and groups of clustered erythematous papules with silver scales in the dermatome distributed on the right side of chest wall the prior herpes zoster lesions involved. After removal of the scales on the papules, underlying bleeding points were present.The lesions on chest had good response to anti-psoriatic therapies, as the lesions on scalp did. After a year of follow-up, recurrent psoriasis occurred, but the lesions were located only on the scalp, and the areas of prior occurrence of shingles, because of which we considered diagnosis of recurrent psoriasis rather than relapsing KP for the chest lesions.Not only the healing and healed shingles can trigger KP in psoriasis, but also the developing shingles can cause psoriatic KP at the site of herpes zoster lesions.     

Cytomegalovirus-Associated Gastroduodenal Ulcers in a Patient With Functional Hypercortisolism: A Case Report

Cytomegalovirus (CMV)-associated gastroduodenal ulcers (GDU) are a rare digestive disease, which principally affect immunocompromised patients. We recently experienced CMV-associated GDU occurring in a seemingly immunocompetent patient. The rarity of such a condition was inimical to a correct clinical diagnosis.A 77-year-old woman with Alzheimer''s disease was admitted to our hospital because of vomiting and anorexia. Her general condition was extremely poor due to severe dehydration. Any invasive procedures including gastroduodenal endoscopy could not be performed. Laboratory test results showed electrolyte imbalance, hyperglycemia, and hypercortisolemia. The plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone level was rather low. On her 11th day in hospital, she suddenly fell into shock status. Despite intensive care, the patient could not be rescued. An autopsy was performed and revealed that she had suffered from CMV-associated GDU and died of candidemia that invaded through the ulcer. Her adrenal glands showed neither neoplasm nor hyperplasia, suggesting that her hypercortisolism was a purely functional disorder. We concluded that the severe opportunistic infections were developed in association with functional hypercortisolism.This case suggests that functional hypercortisolism, even though transient, can cause a patient to be immunocompromised.     

Intratumoral Hemorrhage in a Patient With Cerebellar Hemangioblastoma: A Case Report and Review

Spontaneous hemorrhage is rarely associated with hemangioblastomas. Intratumoral hemorrhage occurring in cerebellar hemangioblastomas is more rare.A 25-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with headache. We found a round cystic lesion with solid part in the right cerebellum. The lesion was resected. The final pathological diagnosis was hemangioblastomas. The radiological features of this case were similar to normal hemangioblastomas, whereas our histological examination showed the occurrence of the intratumoral hemorrhage.If the hemangioblastoma ruptures in our case, the outcome of the patient will be worse. It is difficult to identify the intratumoral hemorrhage of hemangioblastomas and quite dangerous if it is diagnosed late. Diagnosing an intratumoral hemorrhage of hemangioblastomas still needs a further discussion. Genetic screening may help us make an early diagnosis. Furthermore, the mechanism about intratumoral hemorrhage of hemangioblastomas remains unknown. The mutation of D6Mit135 gene on chromosome 6 may be responsible for the vascular dilation and hemorrhage induction in the hemangioblastomas. Tumor size, upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor, spinalradicular location, and solid type are also factors relating to the hemorrhage of hemangioblastomas.The purpose of reporting our case is 2-fold: to remind clinicians to consider the possibility of internal hemorrhaging while diagnosing this disease, and provide a starting point to discuss mechanisms regarding the intratumoral hemorrhage of hemangioblastomas.     

Surgical Management in a Patient With Complex Uveitic Glaucoma: A Case Report

Uveitic glaucoma (UG) is secondary glaucoma, present as a clinical challenge in both diagnosis and management.We report a case of complex UG, which initially presented as pupillary block and rupture of the anterior lens capsule. We performed cataract extraction with preservation of posterior capsule. Then, the case turned to aphakic malignant glaucoma. We performed anterior vitrectomy with posterior capsule resection in this case. After the second operation, the patient had a satisfactory recovery. Specifically, ultrasonographic biomicroscopy was useful during the diagnosis process and follow-up period in this case.UG presenting as pupillary block, rupture of the anterior lens capsule, and aqueous misdirection seldom presents in clinical practice. Earlier and more active surgical intervention may be necessary for effective preservation of visual function in complex cases of UG.     

Bilateral Diaphragmatic Paralysis in a Patient With Critical Illness Polyneuropathy: A Case Report

Bilateral diaphragmatic paralysis (BDP) manifests as respiratory muscle weakness, and its association with critical illness polyneuropathy (CIP) was rarely reported. Here, we present a patient with BDP related to CIP, who successfully avoided tracheostomy after diagnosis and management.A 71-year-old male presented with acute respiratory failure after sepsis adequately treated. Repeated intubation occurred because of carbon dioxide retention after each extubation. After eliminating possible factors, septic shock-induced respiratory muscle weakness was suspected. Physical examination, a nerve conduction study, and chest ultrasound confirmed our impression.Pulmonary rehabilitation and reconditioning exercises were arranged, and the patient was discharged with a diagnosis of BDP.The diagnosis of BDP is usually delayed, and there are only sporadic reports on its association with polyneuropathy, especially in patients with preserved limb muscle function. Therefore, when physicians encounter patients that are difficult to wean from mechanical ventilation, CIP associated with BDP should be considered in the differential diagnosis.     

Thoracolumbar Scoliosis in a Patient With Proteus Syndrome: A Case Report and Literature Review

The Proteus syndrome (PS) is a complex and rare congenital hamartomatous condition with a wide range of malformations. Little is reported about spinal deformity associated with this syndrome.This study presents a case of scoliosis occurring in the setting of PS and explores the possible mechanisms between the 2 diseases.The patient is a 17-year-old Chinese female with scoliosis and hemihypertrophy of the right upper and lower extremity as well as exostosis of the right lower leg joint including the hip, knee, ankle, and toes. These manifestations were suggestive of PS. She underwent a posterior correction at thoracic 2-lumbar 4 (T5–L4) levels, using the Moss-SI spinal system. At 3-month follow-ups, the patient was clinically pain free and well balanced. Plain radiographs showed solid spine fusion with no loss of deformity correction.The severity of scoliosis in PS is progressively aggravated and the correction of the extensive spinal deformities is generally difficult. Therefore, early diagnosis is required for adequate interdisciplinary treatment.     

Scoliosis in a Patient With Gilbert Syndrome: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Gilbert syndrome (GS) is mainly characterized by intermittent unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia in the absence of hepatocellular disease or hemolysis. Little data are available on operative outcomes in GS patients with spinal deformity surgery.This study has presented a case of GS occurring in the patient with scoliosis.The patient was a 30-year-old female with scoliosis and GS. She was taken a correction form Thoracic 2 to Lumbar 1) levels by using the USS-II spinal system. At 2 years follow-up, the patient was well balanced and pain free. Plain radiographs demonstrated spine solid fusion without correction loss.Although complex scoliosis surgery can be performed safely in these patients with GS, careful perioperative managements including liver function and coagulation function are required.     

Efficacy of Eculizumab in a Patient With Immunoadsorption-Dependent Catastrophic Antiphospholipid Syndrome: A Case Report

Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS) is a rare but devastating complication in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) with a high morbidity and mortality.We describe a case of a 30-year old female patient with immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiency who underwent splenectomy because of idiopathic thrombocytopenic thrombocytopenia. Subsequently, an APS and finally systemic lupus erythematosus was diagnosed. After an uncomplicated pregnancy that was terminated by cesarean section, the patient developed severe CAPS with cerebral, myocardial, renal, and pulmonary involvement.Because of IgA deficiency, standard therapy consisting of plasmapheresis and intravenous immunoglobulins in addition to steroids was not tolerated. After 8 sessions of immunoadsorption (IAS), massive pulmonary hemorrhage was controlled but relapsed twice whenever IAS was terminated. As other immunosuppressive agents were considered dangerous because of the risk of infections in the face of severe hypogammaglobulinemia, we administered eculizumab, an inhibitor of the terminal complement pathway, which led to a persistent control of her disease. Interestingly, eculizumab therapy was associated with a further decline of complement C3 and C4 serum levels. The patient developed a subsequent flare of her systemic lupus erythematosus, potentially indicating that complement inhibition by eculizumab is not effective in preventing lupus flares.Taken together, we describe a unique case of life-threatening and difficult-to-treat CAPS with a good clinical response after terminal complement complex inhibition with eculizumab. Further controlled trials are necessary to investigate the value of eculizumab in patients with CAPS.     

Tracheomediastinal Fistula in a Patient With Lung Adenocarcinoma and Its Treatment With Argon Plasma Coagulation: A Case Report

Tracheomediastinal fistula is a rare complication that occurs during the course of lung cancer. The fistula connects the airways to the mediastinum and is often associated with lymphoma. Clinical data on tracheomediastinal fistulas are limited to case reports. Tracheal stenting, pericardial and omental patch closure, and muscle flap closure can be performed to repair such fistulas. We herein report a case of tracheomediastinal fistula in a 47-year-old man.The main symptoms were shortness of breath and a feeling of fullness in the neck. Thoracic magnetic resonance imaging revealed an approximately 57 × 16 × 20 mm multiloculated cystic lesion with air density located in the upper mediastinum of the right paratracheal region and a fine fistula tract at this level. The main diagnosis was primary lung adenocarcinoma-related mediastinal lymphadenomegaly with a tracheomediastinal fistula.The patient underwent fistula opening on the trachea, which was then coagulated and sealed using argon plasma coagulation.The patient is currently asymptomatic and doing well 8 months after the intervention.     

Successful Treatment of Lung Calciphylaxis With Sodium Thiosulfate in a Patient With Sickle Cell Disease: A Case Report

Calciphylaxis is a small vessel vasculopathy, characterized by medial wall calcification that develops in a few patients with chronic renal failure. The prognosis of skin calciphylaxis has improved considerably since the introduction of sodium thiosulfate (STS), but it remains unclear whether this therapy is effective against organ lesions related to calciphylaxis. Pulmonary calciphylaxis is a usually fatal medical condition that may occur in association with skin involvement in patients with end-stage renal disease.We report here the case of a 49-year-old woman homozygous sickle cell disease patient on chronic hemodialysis with biopsy-proven systemic calciphylaxis involving the lungs and skin. On admission, ulcerative skin lesions on the lower limbs and bilateral pulmonary infiltrates on chest computerized tomography scan were the main clinical and radiological findings. Skin and bronchial biopsies demonstrated calciphylaxis lesions. The intravenous administration of STS in association with cinacalcet for 8 consecutive months led to a clear improvement in skin lesions and thoracic lesions on chest computerized tomography scan.This case suggests for the first time that organ lesions related to calciphylaxis, and particularly lung injury, are potentially reversible. This improvement probably resulted from the combination of 3 interventions (more frequent dialysis, cinacalcet, and STS), rather than the administration of STS alone.     

The Ascending Reticular Activating System in a Patient With Severe Injury of the Cerebral Cortex: A Case Report

We reported on the ascending reticular activating system (ARAS) finding of a patient in whom severe injury of the cerebral cortex was detected following a hypoxic-ischemic brain injury (HIBI).A 67-year-old female patient who suffered from HIBI induced by cardiac arrest after surgery for lumbar disc herniation underwent cardiopulmonary resuscitation approximately 20 to 30 minutes after cardiac arrest. The patient exhibited impaired alertness, with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 4 (eye opening: 2, best verbal response: 1, and best motor response: 1). Approximately 3 years after onset, she began to whimper sometimes and showed improved consciousness, with a GCS score of 10 (eye opening: 4, best verbal response: 2, and best motor response: 4) and Coma Recovery Scale-Revised score of 9 (auditory function: 1, visual function: 1, motor function: 2, verbal function: 2, communication: 1, and arousal: 2).Results of diffusion tensor tractography for the upper connectivity of the ARAS showed decreased neural connectivity to each cerebral cortex in both hemispheres. The right lower ARAS between the pontine reticular formation and the thalamic intralaminar nuclei (ILN) was thinner compared with the left side.Severe injury of the upper portion of the ARAS between the thalamic ILN and cerebral cortex was demonstrated in a patient with some level of consciousness.     

A Rare Case of Breast Malignant Phyllodes Tumor With Metastases to the Kidney: Case Report

Phyllodes tumors are rare breast neoplasms. Surgery is the treatment of choice. The role of postoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy is still under dispute, as there are no equivocal prognostic factors. Treatment failure results in the occurrence of distant metastasis—mainly to the lungs, bones, liver, and brain. We have described the case of a woman with a malignant phyllodes tumor of the breast that was surgically treated. She did not receive adjuvant therapy because there is no consensus on the role of postoperative chemotherapy and radiotherapy. One year following the surgery, the patient had left-sided nephrectomy performed because of a rapidly growing tumor of the kidney. Renal cancer was suspected; however, a histopathological examination revealed that it was a metastatic phyllodes tumor. At the same time, the patient was diagnosed as having metastases in the other kidney, the lungs, liver, and bones.Our case report describes not only an unusual localization of the metastases (in the kidneys), but also failure of the chemotherapy and the aggressive course of malignant phyllodes tumor. Identification of patients with high risk for distant metastasis and the introduction of uniform rules for the management of adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy would make planning treatment as efficacious as possible.     

Hemobilia in a Patient With Multiple Hepatic Artery Aneurysms: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Hepatic artery aneurysm is a rare vascular lesion that accounts for nearly 10% of hemobilia cases. Its etiology is most often atherosclerosis, trauma, or infection. Autoaggressive disorders are rarely associated with hepatic artery aneurysm as is thyroid dysfunction. Presented here is a case of hemobilia secondary to a rupture of one of multiple aneurysms of both right and left hepatic arteries in a women with a history of rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism, and hypertension. Surgical intervention has been the rule in the past. Selective transcatheter embolization has gained clinical application in recent years, especially in the treatment of intrahepatic aneurysms. Its efficacy and safety are demonstrated by this case.     

Multiple Brain Abscesses Due to Aspergillus Fumigatus in a Patient With Liver Cirrhosis: A Case Report

Invasive cerebral aspergillosis always developed in immunocompromised host. Early diagnosis may save life in this critical condition; however, it is difficult to reach. Herein, we presented an unusual case of invasive cerebral aspergillosis in a cirrhotic patient.A 47-year-old man presented with progressive deterioration of consciousness for three days. The patient had a history of alcoholic liver cirrhosis, Child-Pugh class C. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of brain showed multi-focal parenchymal lesions, which was consistent with multiple brain abscesses. The diagnosis of invasive cerebral aspergillosis was made by molecular based laboratory methods including Aspergillus galactomannan antigen assay and oligonucleotide array. Despite treatment with the antifungal agent, Amphotericin B, the patient died at the ninth day of hospitalization.Our findings suggest that liver cirrhosis can be one of risk factors of invasive cerebral aspergillosis, and support the diagnosing usefulness of MRI, Aspergillus galactomannan antigen assay, and oligonucleotide array.     

Coexistence of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma With Thyroid MALT Lymphoma in a Patient With Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: A Clinical Case Report

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common type of thyroid neoplasias; however, primary thyroid gland lymphoma (PTL) is uncommon and their simultaneous occurrence is very rare.Herein, we reported a 25-year-old female patient with Hashimoto''s thyroiditis (HT), who developed a small goiter with a palpable 1.2-cm nodule in the right lobe. A fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy revealed atypical follicular epithelial cells and lymphoid cells in a background of lymphocytic thyroiditis. A total thyroidectomy was performed. The pathology showed multicentric papillary thyroid carcinoma, concomitant thyroid mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma, and Hashimoto''s thyroiditis. Postoperatively, he received chemotherapy and radioactive iodine ablation treatment. Nowadays the thyroglobulin of the patient is undetectable, without recurrences at 2 years of follow-up.It is concluded that the PTC and MALT lymphoma can exist concomitantly, especially in patients with HT. For the diagnostic workup and optional management of this rare coexistence, a multidisciplinary approach and close surveillance are needed.