A rare presentation of Guillain-Barre syndrome with GQ1b positivity:A case report

Rationale:To report a case of cervicobrachial variant of acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy presenting with papilledema and GQ1b positivity.Patient concern:A 35-year-old female,68 days postpartum,presented with headache,vomiting,and gait difficulty in swallowing with bilateral upper limb weakness and difficulty in walking,13 days after ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccination.Diagnosis:Guillain-Barre syndrome with GQ1b positivity.Intervention:Five cycles of plasmapheresis were given.Outcome:The patient’s clinical condition improved.Palatal weakness improved and she could walk without support.There were mild sensory symptoms involving upper limbs which gradually improved.Lessons:AIDP should be considered in case of weakness following ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccination.Albumino-cytological dissociation and anti-GQ1b positivity are needed to confirmed the diagnosis.

Association of neuroelectrophysiology and analysis of cerebrospinal fluid immunoglobulin with pathogenetic conditions of patients with Guillain-Barre syndrome

BACKGROUND: Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is an autoimmune disease which is characterized by demyelination of peripheral nerve and nerve root, and inflammatory reaction of lymphocyte and macrophage. Neuroelectrophysiological examination and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis are of significance for its diagnosis. OBJECTIVE: To study the association of neuroelectrophysiology and cerebrospinal fluid immunoglobulin (CSF-Ig) with pathogenetic conditions of patients with GBS. DESIGN: Case control study. SETTING: Department of Neurology, Shenzhen Municipal Shekou Group Hospital; Department of Neuroelectrophysiology, People’s Hospital of Guangdong Province. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 32 GBS patients including 18 males and 14 females who aged from 17 to 72 years were selected as experimental group from the Department of Neurology, People’s Hospital of Guangdong Province from January 2004 to December 2005. All cases conformed with GBS diagnostic criteria established by Asbury in 1990 and they were divided into three types according to neurological criteria established by Chinese Neurology and Psychology Journal in 1993: mild, moderate and severe types. Another 30 patients with vascular headache were selected as control group from the same hospital including 14 males and 16 females who aged from 17 to 79 years. METHODS: ① Neuroelectrophysiological examination: Multiple-functional electromyography device provided by Nicolet Company, USA was used to measure nerve conduction velocity (NCV), including motor nerve conduction velocity (MCV) and sensory nerve conduction velocity(SCV); meanwhile, electromyologram (EMG), somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) and electroencephalogram (EEG) were also measured. ② Detection of CSF-Ig: Concentrations of IgG, IgA and IgM were measured with immunofixation electrophoresis. ③ Follow-up: Among 32 GBS patients, 14 cases received follow-up after treatment and the longest follow-up time was 1 year after onset. Among them, 8 cases were reexaminined with neuroelectrophysiological and CSF examinations. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Results of NCV, EMG, SEP and EEG; comparison of CSF-Ig content; results of follow-up examinations. RESULTS: All 32 GBS cases and 30 patients with vascular headache were involved in the final analysis. ① Abnormal rate of neuroelectrophysiological test: 75% of NCV, 88% of F-wave, 53% of MCV, 25% of SEP, 47% of EMG and 31% of EEG. There were no significant differences among various types (P > 0.05). ② Results of CSF-Ig test: There were no significant differences among various types (P > 0.05); however, abnormalities in experimental group was higher than those in control group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Results of follow-up study suggest that improvement of clinical symptom is earlier than neuroelectrophysiological recovery; MCV and EMG recoveries are faster than that of NCV; the earlier the abnormality of EMG, the poorer the recovery. CSF-Ig recovers normally along improvement of clinical symptoms. It is of significance for neuroelectrophysiology and abnormality of CSF-Ig to determine degree of peripheral nerve demyelination and prognosis.

COVID-19 Infection Presenting as Myalgia, Abnormal Liver Function Tests and the Guillain-Barre Syndrome

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection typically presents with respiratory symptoms. Additionally, there are a number of less frequent neurological manifestations of infection with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with case reports suggesting an association with the Guillain-Barre syndrome. Most patients present with the typical upper respiratory symptoms in association with these neurological symptoms. We present a case of an unvaccinated gentleman with none of the typical respiratory symptoms of COVID-19 who presented with the Guillain Barre syndrome and myalgia. His symptoms settled following treatment with intravenous immunoglobulins. This case highlights the importance of testing for COVID-19 in patients without typical symptoms but who present with neurological illness and supports the use of intravenous immunoglobulin therapy.

Asymmetric limb weakness in Guillain-Barre syndrome:Three case reports

BACKGROUND Guillain-Barrésyndrome(GBS)is an autoimmune-mediated peripheral neuropathy characterized by symmetric weakness.Asymmetric weakness in GBS is uncommon and may be easily confused with other differential diagnoses.We herein present three cases of asymmetric GBS and review the literature on this atypical subtype of GBS in order to describe the characteristics of asymmetric GBS and to provide experience for clinicians.CASE SUMMARY Different from patients in the previous reports,our patients showed persistent asymmetric limb weakness from the onset to recovery phase.All three patients were serologically positive for antecedent infections.Two of the three cases had IgG antibodies against ganglioside GM1.Two patients received immunotherapy including intravenous immunoglobulin and plasma exchange,while one patient received only supportive treatment.Autoantibodies against gangliosides,asymmetry of congenital development of blood-nerve barrier and limb use may contribute to the development of asymmetric limb weakness in GBS.CONCLUSION Asymmetric GBS may be a rare clinical variant and should be considered when a patient develops acute and progressive asymmetric limb weakness.The differences in clinical features and prognosis between asymmetric GBS and classic GBS deserve further investigation in a large study.

Guillain-Barre syndrome associated with peginterferon alfa-2a for chronic hepatitis C: A case report

The recommended therapy for chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infection is the combination of a Pegylated interferon and Ribavirin. Almost all such patients on combination therapy experience one or more adverse events during the course of treatment. Significant neurological side effects are rare. A few cases of Bell's Palsy, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy and even one case of acute demyelinating polyneuropathy with atypical features for Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) associated with Interferon therapy have been reported but no report of GBS with typical features has been published. We present a case report of typical GBS associated with Peginterferon alfa-2a and Ribavirin used for treatment of CHC infection.

Clinically Diagnosed Guillain-Barre Syndrome in Pregnancy: Case Report and Review of Literature

Background: Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by a heterogeneous group of pathological and clinical entities. It is associated with ascending areflexic paralysis, some autonomic dysfunction and respiratory failure in severe cases and ultimately death if not promptly diagnosed and treated. It may be preceded by an antecedent event in about two-third of cases. This could be an upper respiratory tract infection, viral illness, recent history of vaccination, pregnancy, cancer or even trauma. The condition is exceedingly rare in pregnancy and only few cases have been reported in literature. Case Report: This is a case of a 28-year-old Gravida 3, Para 1+1 and Estimated Gestational Age of 30 weeks and 4 days. There was a history of upper respiratory tract infection eight weeks prior to presentation which spontaneously resolved. On examination, she was a young woman, anxious, weak, afebrile, not pale, the neck could not hold the head upright and there was bilateral non tender pitting pedal oedema extending to her mid-shin. There were no cranial nerve deficits and no sign of meningeal irritation. There were normal muscle bulk with global hypotonia and flaccid quadriparesis, Power was 3/5. The proximal groups of muscles were more affected than the distal parts. Reflexes were diminished globally with plantar flexor response. She had immunoglobulin as treatment. Conclusion: In a low resource setting like ours it is important to have a high index of suspicion of GBS when an apparently healthy gravid woman presents with progressive weakness of the limbs.

Exceptional Association of a Cerebral Sinus Thrombosis and a Guillain-Barre Syndrome: A New Case Report and Review of the Literature

Background: The association of Guillain-Barre syndrome and cerebral sinus thrombosis is uncommon. Case Presentation: We report a 37-year-old patient hospitalized in medical ICU for respiratory distress following a Guillain-Barre syndrome. He had symptomatic treatment in addition to plasma exchange. In the presence of clonic movements, a brain venography magnetic resonance showed a thrombophlebitis of the left lateral sinus, and hence a low-molecular-weight heparin treatment was begun. Immunological, thrombophilia and serological tests were negative. After a favorable evolution, he was transferred to the neurology department. Conclusion: The combination of a Guillain-Barre syndrome and a cerebral sinus thrombosis would suggest a common process. A rigorous investigation, including the use of imaging, is necessary in front of any unusual clinical sign during a GBS.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy for treatment of Guillain-Barre syndrome-associated achalasia: A rare case

Guillain-Barre syndrome(GBS)-associated achalasia is a very rare disease of uncertain cause. We report the case of a patient diagnosed with GBS-associated type Ⅰ achalasia who was successfully treated with peroral endoscopic myotomy(POEM). A 30-year-old man who was diagnosed with GBS 3 mo before was referred to our department with dysphagia and mealrelated regurgitation. The results of esophagography, endoscopy, and high-resolution manometry(HRM) revealed type Ⅰ achalasia. POEM that utilized a submucosal tunneling technique was performed to treat the GBS-associated type Ⅰ achalasia. After POEM, smooth passage of a contrast agent into the stomach was shown in follow-up esophagography, and followup HRM revealed a decrease in the mean integrated relaxation pressure 22.9 mm Hg to 9.6 mm Hg. The patient remained without dysphagia for 7 mo, even though the patient's neurological problems were not fully resolved. POEM may be a safe and effective treatment for GBS-associated type Ⅰ achalasia.

A Case-control Study on Children with Guillain-barre Syndrome in North China

To explore the risk factors for Guillain-barre syndrome. Methods Case-control study design was used in 51 cases of Guillain-barre syndrome,and 51 matched controls.All of the 51 cases in this study had been examined by electrophysiology. Serum IgG antibodies specific for C. jejuni were determined in all the subjects by ELISA. Each case and control were interviewed using an ad hoc questionnaire, including his/her demographic information,onset of the illness, their personal hygiene and so on. Results The study showed that Guillain-barre syndrome was associated with a few factors, such as polio vaccine immunization before onset of illness (OR=7.27), no hand washing after defecation and before meals (OR=6.15). Infection of C. jejuni was strongly associated with the illness (OR=9.5,P<0.001). Conclusion It is suggested that occurrence of Guillain-barre syndrome may correlate to infection of C. jejuni and poor personal hygiene in children.

Effects of increased human tumor necrosis factor-like molecule 1A expression in peripheral blood of children with acute Guillain-Barre syndrome on interferon-gamma secretion

BACKGROUND:Human tumor necrosis factor-like molecule 1A(hTL1A) is a strong T helper cell type 1(Th1) co-stimulator.Guillain-Barre syndrome(GBS) is an autoimmune disorder of the nervous system,which is mediated by Th1 cells. OBJECTIVE:To determine hTL1A expression in peripheral blood T lymphocytes of acute GBS children and the effects of hTL1 A on secretion of interferon-γ. DESIGN,TIME AND SETTING:A randomized,controlled,neuroimmunological in vitro study was performed at the Central Laboratory of First Hospital of Jilin University,China from November 2005 to November 2007. MATERIALS:Venous blood samples were obtained from 6 healthy donors,aged 6-12 years(all routine blood examination items were normal),and 6 additional children with acute GBS,aged 6-12 years.The GBS children fell ill within 1 week and were not treated with hormones or immunoglobulin. Purified recombinant human soluble tumor necrosis factor-like molecule 1A(rhsTL1A,1 mg/mL, relative molecular mass 22 000,6×His tag,soluble form) was supplied by the Central Laboratory of First Hospital of Jilin University,China. METHODS:Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from healthy donors using the standard Ficoll gradient centrifugation and were incubated in 96-well culture plates.The cells were assigned to the following groups:control(2μg/mL phytohemagglutinin),2μg/mL phytohemagglutinin + 25,100 and 400 ng/mL rhsTL1A.T cell proliferation was quantified using the tritiated thymidine(~3H-TdR) method.Serum interferon-γlevels in acute GBS children were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The ratio of hTL1 A-positive T cells to CD3-positive T cells in peripheral blood of acute GBS children was determined using flow cytometry. Following in vitro pre-activation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells by 2μg/mL phytohemagglutinin,the peripheral blood mononuclear cells were treated with 400 ng/mL exogenous rhsTL1A.Finally,peripheral blood mononuclear cell-secreted interferon-γlevels were measured by ELISA. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:The following parameters were measured:rhsTL1A stimulation index to stimulate proliferation of T cells;the serum interferon-γlevels in acute GBS children;the ratio of hTL1A-positive cells to CD3-positive cells;the levels of interferon-γsecreted by peripheral blood mononuclear cells in acute GBS children,as well as rhsTL1A-stimulated interferon-γlevels. RESULTS:T cell proliferation assay revealed that the stimulation index in each rhsTL1A group was greater than the control group.The stimulation index of the 400 ng/mL rhsTL1A group was the greatest.Serum interferon-γlevels in acute GBS children were significantly greater than the control group(P<0.05).The ratio of hTL1 A^+ CD3^+ T cells to CD3^+ T cells in acute GBS children was significantly greater than the control group(P<0.01).Phytohemagglutinin stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells to a greater extent than 400 ng/mL rhsTL1A in the acute GBS group,and the secreted interferon-γlevels were significantly increased(P<0.05). CONCLUSION:In T cells pre-activated with 2μg/mL phytohemagglutinin,proliferation was effectively increased with 400 ng/mL rhsTL1A treatment.Expression of hTL1 A was increased in activated T cells from peripheral blood of acute GBS children,followed by increased interferon-γsecretion.These mechanisms are considered to be part of the pathological process that induces the secretion of inflammatory cytokines in GBS syndrome.

Effect of conduction block in classification and prognosis of Guillain-Barre syndrome

Aim:The aim was to investigate the electro-physiological characteristics in disease progression of Guillain-Barre syndrome(GBS)and observe the effect of conduction block(CB)in classification and severity of the disease.Methods:Two hundred and ninety-four patients with GBS were divided into acute inflammatory demyelinating poly-neuropathy(AIDP)group,acute motor axonal neuropathy(AMAN)group and equivocal group according to their electro-physiological results and then reclassificated after electro-physiological review.All of the patients were followed for 6 months since their attacks.Results:Bad prognosis is more pronounced in AMAN group than in AIDP group(P<0.05).Most of the patients classificated as AIDP transformed into AMAN when CB occurred in the early phase of the disease.There is a positive relationship between CB in the early phase of the disease and severity of illness(P<0.05),but CB showed no correlation with prognosis of the patients(P>0.05).Conclusion:CB in the early phase of GBS indicates the probability of AIDP transforming into AMAN;it suggests that patients with CB in the early phase of the disease might be in serious conditions in a certain extent.

Dynamic ultrasonography for optimizing treatment position in superior mesenteric artery syndrome:Two case reports and review of literature

BACKGROUND Superior mesenteric artery(SMA)syndrome is a rare cause of duodenal obstruction by extrinsic compression between the SMA and the aorta(SMA-Ao).Although the left lateral recumbent position is considered effective in the treatment of SMA syndrome,individual variations in the optimal patient position have been noted.In this report,we present two elderly cases of SMA syndrome that exhibited rapid recovery due to ultrasonographic dynamic evaluation of the optimal position for each patient.CASE SUMMARY Case 1:A 90-year-old man with nausea and vomiting.Following diagnosis of SMA syndrome by computed tomography(CT),ultrasonography(US)revealed the SMA-Ao distance in the supine position(4 mm),which slightly improved in the lateral position(5.7–7.0 mm)without the passage of duodenal contents.However,in the sitting position,the SMA-Ao distance was increased to 15 mm accompanied by improved content passage.Additionally,US indicated enhanced passage upon abdominal massage on the right side.By day 2,the patient could eat comfortably with the optimal position and massage.Case 2:An 87-year-old woman with vomiting.After the diagnosis of SMA syndrome and aspiration pneumonia by CT,dynamic US confirmed the optimal position(SMA-Ao distance was improved to 7 mm in forward-bent position,whereas it remained at 5 mm in the supine position).By day 7 when her pneumonia recovered,she could eat with the optimal position.CONCLUSION The optimal position for SMA syndrome varies among individuals.Dynamic US appears to be a valuable tool in improving patient outcomes.

Hepatocardiorenal syndrome in liver cirrhosis:Recognition of a new entity?

Emerging evidence and perspectives have pointed towards the heart playing an important role in hepatorenal syndrome(HRS),outside of conventional understanding that liver cirrhosis is traditionally considered the sole origin of a cascade of pathophysiological mechanisms directly affecting the kidneys in this context.In the absence of established heart disease,cirrhotic cardiomyopathy may occur more frequently in those with liver cirrhosis and kidney disease.It is a specific form of cardiac dysfunction characterized by blunted contractile responsiveness to stress stimuli and altered diastolic relaxation with electrophysiological abnormalities.Despite the clinical description of these potential cardiac-related complications of the liver,the role of the heart has traditionally been an overlooked aspect of circulatory dysfunction in HRS.Yet from a physiological sense,temporality(prior onset)of cardiorenal interactions in HRS and positive effects stemming from portosystemic shunting demonstrated an important role of the heart in the development and progression of kidney dysfunction in cirrhotic patients.In this review,we discuss current concepts surrounding how the heart may influence the development and progression of HRS,and the role of systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction causing circulatory dysfunction within this setting.The temporality of heart and kidney dysfunction in HRS will be discussed.For a subgroup of patients who receive portosystemic shunting,the dynamics of cardiorenal interactions following treatment is reviewed.Continued research to determine the unknowns in this topic is anticipated,hopefully to further clarify the intricacies surrounding the liver-heart-kidney connection and improve strategies for management.

Advancements in Lynch Syndrome Management: Applying Immunotherapy for Therapeutic Success

Lynch syndrome is the fourth most common cancer in the United States, with an early age of onset and poor prognosis. Here, we present a unique case of a patient with progressive colon cancer due to a late diagnosis of Lynch syndrome showing excellent response to immunotherapy. A 59-year-old male with a history of rectal cancer 30 years ago came to the hospital due to a fever and further found a large necrotic colon mass. Biopsy was positive for colorectal cancer;however, due to the size of the tumor, the patient was deemed not a surgical candidate and offered hospice with palliative chemotherapy. Based on further workup, the patient was diagnosed with Lynch syndrome, with colon cancer determined to be responsive to Immunotherapy. He was started on JEMPERLI (Dosterlimab-gxly), and after three cycles of therapy, imaging and PET scan were repeated, showing decreased activity and extent of the tumor—a tremendous success.

Adherence to Pharmacotherapy in Post-Menopausal Women with Hypertension or Metabolic Syndrome: Real World Experience

Background: Adherence to medications is dependent upon a variety of factors, including individual characteristics of the patient, interactions with health care providers, and medication complexity. Even though several studies were conducted to test intervention strategies, results are uncertain. Aim: The aim of the study is to assess if a tailored combined intervention strategy improves medication adherence in a large population of post-menopausal women affected by hypertension or metabolic syndrome. Methods: We enrolled 6833 patients aged 50 to 69 years, 85.7% with hypertension, and 14.3% with metabolic syndrome. A network between patients, general practitioners, and cardiologists was established. Interventions included education, adequate information to patients, a simplified scheme of treatment, and periodic adherence assessment. These were either delivered as healthcare provider supports or using modern technology. Medication adherence was estimated by the proportion of days covered for all classes of drugs after the index date. Results: Non-adherent hypertensive women were 297 (5%), and those with metabolic syndrome were 73 (7.4%) (p Conclusions: The rate of non-adherence in both settings of postmenopausal women was 7.7%, much lower than that described in the literature. This rate was increased in patients with metabolic syndrome;probably it is related to the complexity of the therapeutic scheme or to a poor consciousness of the disease. Therefore, implementing a tailored combined intervention can improve significantly patients’ adherence to medical therapy.

Clinical evolution of antisynthetase syndrome-associated interstitial lung disease after COVID-19 in a man with Klinefelter syndrome:A case report

BACKGROUND This study presents a case of rapidly developing respiratory failure due to antisynthetase syndrome(AS)following coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)in a 33-year-old man diagnosed with Klinefelter syndrome(KS).CASE SUMMARY A 33-year-old man with a diagnosis of KS was admitted to the Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine of a tertiary hospital in China for fever and shortness of breath 2 wk after the onset of COVID-19.Computed tomography of both lungs revealed diffuse multiple patchy heightened shadows in both lungs,accompanied by signs of partial bronchial inflation.Metagenomic next-generation sequencing of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid suggested absence of pathogen.A biopsy specimen revealed organizing pneumonia with alveolar septal thickening.Additionally,extensive auto-antibody tests showed strong positivity for anti-SSA,anti-SSB,anti-Jo-1,and anti-Ro-52.Following multidisciplinary discussions,the patient received a final diagnosis of AS,leading to rapidly progressing respiratory failure.CONCLUSION This study underscores the clinical progression of AS-associated interstitial lung disease subsequent to viral infections such as COVID-19 in patients diagnosed with KS.

Epidemiological, Clinical and Coronary Angiography Aspects of Acute Coronary Syndrome in the Cardiology Department of the Hospital Mother-Child “Le Luxembourg”Mali

Introduction: Cardiac catheterisation plays a fundamental role in the management of acute coronary syndrome. These explorations require heavy, complex and costly equipment and a large team of doctors, nurses and technicians with highly specialized training. Aims: To describe epidemiological, clinical and coronary angiography aspects of patients with acute coronary syndrome. Patients and Methods: Descriptive study from September 2019 to December 2023 in the Cardiology Department of the Hôpital Mère-Enfant of Bamako. Inclusion criteria were patients admitted for coronary angiography with the diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome. Results: During the study period, 1253 patients underwent coronary angiography, 596 of whom had acute coronary syndrome as an indication, representing a hospital frequency of 47%. Sex-ratio was 2.10. Mean age of patients was 58.5 ± 11.39 years. ST elevation acute coronary syndrome was the most common indication with 63.92% of cases. High blood pressure was the main cardiovascular risk factor with 58.7% of cases, and radial access approach was used in 98% of cases. Coronary angiography was pathological in 91.70% of cases (n = 548). Patients with lesions of anterior interventricular artery were 73.73% of cases. Tritruncal lesions accounted for 40.63% of cases. Conclusion: ST elevation acute coronary syndrome is the most frequent manifestation of acute coronary syndrome. Anterior interventricular artery is most often the culprit lesion for our patients.

Clinical features and possible pathogenesis of multiple evanescent white dot syndrome with different retinal diseases and events:a narrative review

●Multiple evanescent white dot syndrome(MEWDS)is a rare fundus disease,characterized by acute vision loss and visual field defects.Many previous studies have explained the possible pathogenesis and clinical features of primary MEWDS.However,as the number of reported cases increases,secondary MEWDS occurs in other related retinal diseases and injuries,exhibiting some special characteristics.The associated retinal diseases include multifocal choroiditis/punctate inner choroidopathy(MFC/PIC),acute zonal occult outer retinopathy,best vitelliform macular dystrophy,pseudoxanthoma elasticum,and ocular toxoplasmosis.The related retinal injury is laser photocoagulation,surgery,and trauma.Although primary MEWDS often have a self-limiting course,secondary MEWDS may require treatment in some cases,according to the severity of concomitant diseases and complications.Notably,MEWDS secondary to MFC/PIC that is prone to forming choroidal neovascularization and focal choroidal excavation,needs positive treatment with corticosteroids.The possible underlying pathogenesis of secondary MEWDS is the exposure of choroidal antigen after the disruption of Bruch’s membrane.The MEWDS-related features in secondary MEWDS are still evanescent under most circumstances.Its prognosis and treatment depend on the severity of complications.Current studies propose that the etiology is associated with immune factors,including viral infection,inflammation in choroid and Bruch’s membrane,and antigen exposure caused by retinal and/or choroidal insults.More pathogenic studies should be conducted in the future.Accurate diagnosis for secondary MEWDS could benefit patients in aspects of management and prognosis.

Nasogastric tube syndrome:A Meta-summary of case reports

BACKGROUND Since its description in 1790 by Hunter,the nasogastric tube(NGT)is commonly used in any healthcare setting for alleviating gastrointestinal symptoms or enteral feeding.However,the risks associated with its placement are often underes-timated.Upper airway obstruction with a NGT is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening complication.NGT syndrome is characterized by the presence of an NGT,throat pain and vocal cord(VC)paralysis,usually bilateral.It is poten-tially life–threatening,and early diagnosis is the key to the prevention of fatal upper airway obstruction.However,fewer cases may have been reported than might have occurred,primarily due to the clinicians'unawareness.The lack of specific signs and symptoms and the inability to prove temporal relation with NGT insertion has made diagnosing the syndrome quite challenging.AIM To review and collate the data from the published case reports and case series to understand the possible risk factors,early warning signs and symptoms for timely detection to prevent the manifestation of the complete syndrome with life-threatening airway obstruction.METHODS We conducted a systematic search for this meta-summary from the database of PubMed,EMBASE,Reference Citation Analysis(https://www.referencecitation-analysis.com/)and Google scholar,from all the past studies till August 2023.The search terms included major MESH terms"Nasogastric tube","Intubation,Gastrointestinal","Vocal Cord Paralysis",and“Syndrome”.All the case reports and case series were evaluated,and the data were extracted for patient demographics,clinical symptomatology,diagnostic and therapeutic interventions,clinical course and outcomes.A datasheet for evaluation was further prepared.RESULTS Twenty-seven cases,from five case series and 13 case reports,of NGT syndrome were retrieved from our search.There was male predominance(17,62.96%),and age at presentation ranged from 28 to 86 years.Ten patients had diabetes mellitus(37.04%),and nine were hypertensive(33.33%).Only three(11.11%)patients were reported to be immunocompromised.The median time for developing symptoms after NGT insertion was 14.5 d(interquartile range 6.25-33.75 d).The most commonly reported reason for NGT insertion was acute stroke(10,37.01%)and the most commonly reported symptoms were stridor or wheezing 17(62.96%).In 77.78%of cases,bilateral VC were affected.The only treatment instituted in most patients(77.78%)was removing the NG tube.Most patients(62.96%)required tracheostomy for airway protection.But 8 of the 23 survivors recovered within five weeks and could be decannulated.Three patients were reported to have died.CONCLUSION NGT syndrome is an uncommon clinical complication of a very common clinical procedure.However,an under-reporting is possible because of misdiagnosis or lack of awareness among clinicians.Patients in early stages and with mild symptoms may be missed.Further,high variability in the presentation timing after NGT insertion makes diagnosis challenging.Early diagnosis and prompt removal of NGT may suffice in most patients,but a significant proportion of patients presenting with respiratory compromise may require tracheostomy for airway protection.

Acute Coronary Syndrome of Young Subjects at the Luxembourg Mother-Child University Hospital in Bamako

Introduction: Acute coronary syndrome is often the first event of coronary disease of young subjects. Objective: To study sociodemographic, clinical, paraclinical, therapeutic and evolutionary aspects of acute coronary syndrome of young subjects. Patients and Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study with prospective recruitment from October 01, 2020 to March 31, 2022. Were included all patients admitted for acute coronary syndrome whose age was less or equal to 45 years and who had undergone coronary angiography at the Mother-Child University Hospital on Luxembourg from Bamako. Results: During the study period, we collected 60 patient files out of 198. These 60 patient files met our inclusion criteria. Hospital frequency was 30.30%. Average age of patients was 40.43 ± 3.9 years. Sex ratio M/F was 5.3. Main cardiovascular risk factor was smoking tobacco (23.42%), followed by dyslipidemia (13.92%). Functional signs were dominated by angina 62% followed by dyspnea 25.3%. Persistent ST-segment elevation on electrocardiogram was present in 76.4%. Left ventricular systolic dysfunction was present in 26.5%. Time to first medical contact was more than 12 hours in 62.7% of cases. Radial approach was adopted in 94% of cases. Coronary angiography was pathological in 85% (n = 51) of cases. Lesions were single-vessel disease in 47.1% and culprit artery was anterior interventricular in 51% of cases. Dual anti-platelet aggregation was aspirin and ticagrelor in 91.8% of cases. Angioplasty was performed in all patients who had significant abnormalities at coronary angiography. In-hospital mortality was 3.9%. Conclusion: Acute coronary syndromes exist in young Africans with a male predominance. Main cardiovascular risk factor is smoking tobacco. Coronary lesions are single vessel disease in the majority of case. Most of patients meet medical team after 12 hours. Time to first medical contact is a main challenge in our country.