COVID-19 and cardiac complications:Myocarditis and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children

Coronavirus is an important pathogen causing disease in humans and animals.At the end of 2019,an investigation into an increase in pneumonia cases in Wuhan,Hubei Province,China,found that the cause was a new coronavirus.This disease,which spread rapidly across China and caused an outbreak worldwide,resulted in a pandemic.Although this virus has previously been referred to as 2019-nCoV,which causes coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),later it was named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.Children were usually asymptomatic and rarely severely affected.In April 2020,reports from the United Kingdom indicated that children may have Kawasaki disease or a clinical condition similar to toxic shock syndrome.This clinical picture was later defined as multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children.Since then,similarly affected children as well as cases with other cardiac complications have been reported in other parts of the world.In this review,we aimed to evaluate COVID-19 in terms of cardiac involvement by reviewing the literature.

Predictors of perioperative complications after surgical intervention of Sturge-Weber syndrome

Objective:lobectomy is an effective therapy for patients with Sturge-Weber syndrome(SWS).Perioperative complications often play a critical role for SWS patients’rehabilitation.This study aimed to explore and the factors of perioperative complications in SWS patients.Methods:we reviewed retrospectively the clinical profile of totally 60 SWS patients who received surgically treatments in Sanbo Brain Hospital,Capital Medical University,from March 2009 to April 2018.Univariate analyses were used to identify the potential predictors of perioperative complications.Results:the average hospitalization time of 60 patients was(35.57±10.79)d.After surgery,54(90.00%)patients reached Engle I level.The most common postoperative complications were fever(83.33%),motor function damage(38.33%)and hyponatremia(55.00%).Univariate analyses revealed that mental retardation,seizure types and surgery types could be the predictive factors for postoperative complications.Conclusion:postoperative complications are common in SWS patients.Prediction of the severity can help doctors know what kind of special care SWS patients need to help them for further rehabilitation.

Clinical effect of spleen aminopeptide on improving liver function damage and immune function in children with infant hepatitis syndrome

BACKGROUND Infant hepatitis syndrome(IHS)is a clinical syndrome in infants less than one year of age with generalized skin jaundice,abnormal liver function,and hepato-megaly due to various etiologies such as infection.AIM To investigate the effect of IHS patients,after treatment with arsphenamine-based peptides,on patients'liver function damage and immune function.METHODS Of 110 patients with IHS treated in our hospital from January 2019 to January 2021 were grouped according to the randomized residual grouping method,with 5 cases in each group shed due to transfer,etc.Ultimately,50 cases remained in each group.The control group was treated with reduced glutathione,and the treat-ment group was treated with sesquiterpene peptide based on the control group.Observe and compare the differences in indicators after treatment.RESULTS The comparison of serum total bilirubin,direct bilirubin,and serum alanine transferase after treatment was significantly different and lower in the treatment group than in the control group(P<0.05).The comparison of CD4+,CD3+,CD4+/CD8+after treatment was significantly different and higher in the treatment group than in the control group,and the comparison was statist-ically significant(P<0.05).The complication of the two groups showed that the rash,cough and sputum,elevated platelets,and gastrointestinal reactions in the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group,and the differences were statistically significant by test(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The comparative study of IHS treated with arsphenamine combined with reduced glutathione is more effective.

Tacrolimus-induced posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome following liver transplantation

In this editorial,we talk about a compelling case focusing on posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome(PRES)as a complication in patients undergoing liver transplantation and treated with Tacrolimus.Tacrolimus(FK 506),derived from Streptomyces tsukubaensis,is a potent immunosuppressive macrolide.It inhibits Tcell transcription by binding to FK-binding protein,and is able to amplify glucocorticoid and progesterone effects.Tacrolimus effectively prevents allograft rejection in transplant patients but has adverse effects such as Tacrolimus-related PRES.PRES presents with various neurological symptoms alongside elevated blood pressure,and is primarily characterized by vasogenic edema on neuroimaging.While computed tomography detects initial lesions,magnetic resonance imaging,especially the Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery sequence,is superior for diagnosing cortical and subcortical edema.Our discussion centers on the incidence of PRES in solid organ transplant recipients,which ranges between 0.5 to 5+ACU-,with varying presentations,from seizures to visual disturbances.The case of a 66-year-old male status post liver transplantation highlights the diagnostic and management challenges associated with Tacrolimus-related PRES.Radiographically evident in the parietal and occipital lobes,PRES underlines the need for heightened vigilance among healthcare providers.This editorial emphasizes the importance of early recognition,accurate diagnosis,and effective management of PRES to optimize outcomes in liver transplant patients.The case further explores the balance between the efficacy of immunosuppression with Tacrolimus and its potential neurological risks,underlining the necessity for careful monitoring and intervention strategies in this patient population.

Buried bumper syndrome:A complication of percutaneousendoscopic gastrostomy

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy(PEG) is a widely used method of nutrition delivery for patients with longterm insufficiency of oral intake. The PEG complication rate varies from 0.4% to 22.5% of cases, with minor complications being three times more frequent. Buried bumper syndrome(BBS) is a severe complication of this method, in which the internal fixation device migrates alongside the tract of the stoma outside the stomach. Excessive compression of tissue between the external and internal fixation device of the gastrostomy tube is considered the main etiological factor leading to BBS. Incidence of BBS is estimated at around 1%(0.3%-2.4%). Inability to insert, loss of patency and leakage around the PEG tube are considered to be a typical symptomatic triad. Gastroscopy is indicated in all cases in which BBS is suspected. The depth of disc migration in relation to the lamina muscularis propria of the stomach is critical for further therapy and can be estimated by endoscopic or transabdominal ultrasound. BBS can be complicated by gastrointestinal bleeding, perforation, peritonitis, intra-abdominal and abdominal wall abscesses, or phlegmon, and these complications can lead to fatal outcomes. The most important preventive measure is adequate positioning of the external bolster. A conservative approach should be applied only in patients with high operative risk and dismal prognosis. Choice of the method of release is based on the type of the PEG set and depth of disc migration. A disc retained inside the stomach and completely covered by the overgrowing tissue can be released using some type of endoscopic dissection technique(needle knife, argon plasma coagulation, or papillotome through the cannula). Proper patient selection and dissection of the overgrowing tissue are the major determinants for successful endoscopic therapy. A disc localized out of the stomach(lamina muscularis propria) should be treated by a surgeon.

Unusual complication in patient with Gardner's syndrome: Coexistence of triple gastrointestinal perforation and lower gastrointestinal bleeding: A case report and review of literature

Gardner's syndrome(GS) is a rare syndrome with autosomal dominant inheritance, which is characterized by multiple intestinal polyps, dental anomalies, desmoid tumors, and soft tissue tumors. All gastrointestinal symptoms seen in GS are associated with the underlying familial adenomatosis polyposis and abdominal desmoid tumors, with the most common symptoms being anemia, lower gastrointestinal bleeding, abdominal pain, diarrhea, obstruction, and mucous defecation. To our best knowledge, no case of GS that has presented with gastrointestinal perforation and bleeding has ever been reported in the English language medical literature. A 37-year-old male who had been diagnosed with GS five years earlier was referred to our clinic for lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Despite the absence of a bleeding focus on conventional angiography, the patient was operated on with laparotomy, due to the persistence of both signs and symptoms of mild peritonitis. On the laparotomy, the patient was noted to have areas of perforation in the duodenum, splenic flexura, and midrectum. The third and fourth part of the duodenum, the proximal 15 cm segment of the jejunum, a 10 cm segment of the terminal ileum, the whole colon, and the upper and middle rectum were resected, and duodenojejunal side-to-side anastomosis and terminal ileostomy were performed. The histopathological analysis of the large mass measuring 30 cm × 20 cm was reported as a desmoid tumor. The pathological examination of the tumor foci detected in the colonic specimen revealed poorly differentiated adenosquamous carcinoma.

Spontaneous liver rupture in hypereosinophilic syndrome:A rare but fatal complication

We report a rare case of spontaneous liver rupture in a patient with hypereosinophilic syndrome(HES),of which the diagnosis was delayed,resulting in a fatal outcome.The diagnostic criteria and treatment of HES with hepatic involvement were reviewed.The possible cause of spontaneous liver rupture in HES and its management were also discussed.To our knowledge,this is the fi rst case report of spontaneous liver rupture in HES.We emphasized the need of a high index of suspicion in diagnosing HES,so that early treatment could be initiated.

A case of circumscribed choroidal hemangioma in Sturge-Weber syndrome in China

We present a case of circumscribed choroidal hemangioma (CCH) in Sturge-Weber syndrome in a 30-year-old woman with congenital port-wine stains on the left side of face involving the upper eyelid, cheek and the nose, and she had undergone facial hemangioma surgery 3 years ago suggestive of Sturge-Weber syndrome. She presented with a 1-month history of rapidly decreased visual acuity (VA) to counting fingers in the left eye which had no prior history of visual problem. And there was no evidence of glaucoma. At 3 months after the treatment of the standard photodynannic therapy (PDT) the VA was 20/200. For some reasons, we have no idea about the changes of tumor thickness and subretinal fluid. We confirmed the curative effect of PDT treatment for CCH because of the significantly improved VA in the bad eye.

Air leak syndrome after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography:A rare and fatal complication

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) is a state of the art diagnostic and therapeutic procedure for various pancreatic and biliary problems. In spite of the well-established safety of the procedure, there is still a risk of complications such as pancreatitis, cholangitis, bleeding and perforation. Air leak syndrome has rarely been reported in association with ERCP and the optimal management of this serious conditioncan be difficult to establish. Our group successfully managed a case of air leak syndrome following ERCP which was caused by a 3cm Stapfer type I perforation in the posterolateral aspect of the second part of the duodenum and was repaired surgically. Hereby, we describe the presentation and subsequent therapeutic approach.

Ruthenium-106 plaque brachytherapy for the treatment of diffuse choroidal hemangioma in Sturge-Weber syndrome

AIM:To evaluate the efficacy of ruthenium-106 plaque brachytherapy for the treatment of diffuse choroidal hemangioma(DCH)in Sturge-Weber syndrome(SWS).METHODS:A total of 8 patients with DCH in SWS managed with plaque brachytherapy were retrospectively included.Patients were treated with ruthenium-106 plaque therapy(median apex dose:83 Gy)at the thickest tumor region.On follow-up,we recorded the tumor thickness,the best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA),subretinal fluid(SRF)status,and complications following treatment.RESULTS:At a median follow-up of 43 mo,tumor regression was observed in all cases,with a complete resolution of SRF and reduction in tumor-thickness.No radiation complications were recorded during the follow up time.CONCLUSION:Ruthenium-106 plaque therapy to the thickest portion of the tumor seems to be a useful treatment in patients with DCH in SWS.

CT Manifestations of Lung Changes and Complications in Patients with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome

Objective:To investigate the rol e of CT scanning in diagnosing severe acute respiratory syndrome(SARS). Methods: One hundred and twelve times of spiral CT scanning, 106 t imes on the chest with standard pulmonary and mediastinal window, 5 on the brain and once on the abdomen, were performed in 82 patients (37 males and 45 females ) of SARS. Results: Bilateral shadows showed in 66 patients (80.48%) and unil ateral shadow in 16 (19.52%). The lung CT findings were sub pleural focal con solidation in 26 patients (31.70%), flaky cloudy opacity in 53 (64.63%), large a rea consolidation in 9 (10.97%), ground glass blurry shadow in 31 (37.80%), a lveolar substantive shadow in 14 (17.07%) and interstitial changes in 16 (19.51% ). The pulmonary CT signs of SARS were relatively characterized by: (1) The lesi ons tending to multiply occur, mostly to be bilaterally distributed and commonly involved in the lower lung field. (2) The lung shadows mostly showed as sub pleural focal consolidation, flaky cloudy shadow, large area consolidation, grou nd glass blurry shadow, and often accompanied with signs of broncho inflat ion. (3) Having opacified nodular shadows in the alveolar cavities. (4) Rapid pr ogressions or changes on the size, amount, and distribution of the lesions likel y to be found in dynamic observation of chest X ray and CT scanning, i.e., ma rkedly dynamic changes found within 24 to 48 hrs. Lesions with these characteris tics may be recognized as pulmonary changes possibly induced by SARS. Complicati ons were found in 6 patients (7.31%), including tuberculosis of lung and brain a ccompanied with pneumomediastinum in one patient, secondary infection of lung in 2, pneumothorax in 1, pulmonary fungus in 1, and pyothorax in 1.Conclusion: CT scanning is a sensitive method for diagnosis of SAR S, by which more accurate assessment of the abnormal changes of lung and occurre nce of complications in SARS patients can be made.

Surgical Complications of Pica Syndrome: About 03 Cases

The Pica syndrome is an eating disorder characterized by an excessive or abnormal desire to consume a non-nourishing substance which can be relatively harmless, or potentially harmful for the health. It is a rare affection secondary to the accumulation of diverse nature foreign bodies inside the digestive tract and more especially at the stomach level. Gastro-intestinal localization is the most frequent, and can remain long time asymptomatic. Treatment is surgical. We report 3 cases of digestive complication of Pica syndrome. The first one was operated for gastric perforation due to nail (53 nails, a pin and bands of tape recorder cassette ingested), the second one for trichobezoar and the last had a subocclusion by pieces of granite.

Postoperative complications of concomitant fat embolism syndrome, pulmonary embolism and tympanic membrane perforation after tibiofibular fracture: A case report

BACKGROUND Fat embolism syndrome(FES)is a rare disease characterized by pulmonary distress,neurologic symptoms,and petechial rash and seriously threatens human life and health.It is still neglected clinically because of the lack of verifiable diagnostic criteria and atypical clinical symptoms.No studies on FES with pulmonary embolism(PE)and tympanic membrane perforation have been reported to date.Here,we report a rare case of concomitant FES,PE and tympanic membrane perforation after surgery in a patient with a tibiofibular fracture.CASE SUMMARY A 39-year-old man presented with right lower extremity pain due to a car accident while driving a motorbike on the road.X-ray and computed tomography scans revealed a fracture of the right mid-shaft tibia and proximal fibula categorized as a type A2 fracture according to the AO classification.A successful minimally invasive operation was performed 3 d after the injury.Postoperatively,the patient developed sudden symptoms of respiratory distress and hearing loss.Early diagnosis was made,and supportive treatments were used at the early stage of FES.Seven days after surgery,he presented a clear recovery from respiratory symptoms.The outcome of fracture healing was excellent,and his hearing of the left ear was mildly impaired at the last follow-up of 4 mo.CONCLUSION Concomitant FES,PE and tympanic membrane perforation are very rare but represent potentially fatal complications of trauma or orthopedic surgery and present with predominantly pulmonary symptoms.Early diagnosis and treatment can reduce the mortality of FES,and prevention is better than a cure.

Severe Thromboembolic Complication Revealing a Nephrotic Syndrome Due to Segmental and Focal Hyalinosis: A Case Report

Adult Nephrotic Syndrome (NS) is defined by proteinuria > 3 g/24h or 50 mg/kg/day, hypoprotidemia < 60 g/24h, hypoalbuminemia < 30 g/L. It is a disease with high thromboembolic risk. Peripheral vein thrombosis is common, while its association with pulmonary localizations has been more rarely reported. We report a case of nephrotic syndrome revealed by an association of pulmonary embolism, renal vein and inferior vena cava thrombosis. The diagnosis was confirmed by thoracic angioscan. Renal biopsy revealed Focal Segmental Hyalinosis (FSH). An anti-coagulant treatment and an anti-proteinuric treatment were instituted based on a calcium channel blocker (amlodipine) associated with the conversion enzyme inhibitor (perindopril).

Epileptogenesis in Sturge-Weber syndrome

Sturge-Weber syndrome(SWS)is a sporadic congenital neurocutaneous disorder characterized by facial port-wine stain,glaucoma and leptomeningeal angioma.It is hypothesized that somatic mutation in GNAQ(p.R183Q),which is associated with the disruption of vascular development,may be a possible mechanism of SWS.The neurological course of this disease may be progressive,and its major morbidity includes epilepsy,stroke-like episodes and intellectual retardation.The earlier the time point of the mutation,the severer the disease presents itself later in life.However,the relationship between SWS and epileptogenesis is still unknown.

Rare complication:Tapia's syndrome following shoulder surgery under endotracheal general anesthesia

Tapia's syndrome is a rare disorder, characterized with paralysis of extracranial part of Nervus Vagus and Nervus Hypoglossus, effecting the ipsilateral vocal cord and the tongue. This complication is usually related to intubation and head positioning during surgery. In this study, we report a case with Tapia's syndrome under general anesthesia, following arthroscopic shoulder instability surgery. Patient recovered as short as 3 mo, following complication.

Balloon venoplasty for disdialysis syndrome due to pacemakerrelated superior vena cava syndrome with chylothorax postbacteraemia: A case report

BACKGROUND Although superior vena cava(SVC)syndrome has also been reported as a late complication of pacemaker(PM)implantation,acute onset of SVC syndrome caused by disdialysis syndrome in patients with PM implantation is very rare.There are no specific therapies or guidelines.CASE SUMMARY A 96-year-old woman receiving dialysis was implanted with a PM due to sick sinus syndrome.She was referred to our facility for chest discomfort experienced during dialysis.Upon examination,unilateral pleural effusion on the right side was cloudy with a foul odour.The patient was diagnosed with pyothorax and treated with antibiotics.After the effusion was reduced,it gradually reaggravated and remained cloudy.In this case,SVC syndrome,which is generally considered a late complication after PM implantation,rapidly developed following the bacteraemia,resulting in impaired venous return,chylothorax,and disdialysis syndrome.After catheter intervention for SVC stenosis,the patient’s symptoms promptly improved.The patient has been recurrence-free for a year.CONCLUSION Acute SVC syndrome can cause dysdialysis in PM-implanted patients.Catheter intervention alone has improved this condition for a traceable period.

Clinical outcomes and complications of single anastomosis duodenal-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy:A 2-year follow-up study in Bogotá,Colombia

BACKGROUND The global prevalence of obesity has increased over the past 40 years,and bariatric surgery has proven to be the most effective therapy for long-term weight loss.Its principles are based on modifying the brain-gut axis by altering the gastrointestinal anatomy and affecting the function of gastrointestinal hormones,thereby modifying satiety signals.Single anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy(SADI-S)combines both techniques and has become an alternative to gastric bypass and biliopancreatic diversion procedures for treating severe obesity and associated metabolic diseases in selected patients.AIM To describe the outcomes and complications of SADI-S.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients who underwent SADI-S laparoscopically at the Clínica Reina Sofía in Bogotá,Colombia.This study assessed the therapeutic effectiveness of SADI-S in terms of short-term preoperative clinical characteristics,postoperative complications,comorbidities,nutritional deficiencies,and intraoperative complications during a 2-year follow-up.RESULTS Sixty-one patients with a mean body mass index(BMI)of 50±7.1 kg/m2 underwent laparoscopic SADI-S.The mean operative time and hospital stays were 143.8±42 min and 2.3±0.8 d,respectively.The mean follow-up period was 18 mo,and the mean BMI decreased to 28.5±12.2 kg/m2.The excess BMI loss was 41.8%±13.5%,and the weight loss percentage was 81.1%±17.0%.Resolution of obesity-related comorbidities,including type 2 diabetes mellitus,hypertension,dyslipidemia,and obstructive sleep apnea,was achieved and defined as complete or partial remission.No intraoperative complications were observed.Short-term complications were observed in four(6.8%)patients.However,larger studies with longer follow-up periods are required to draw definitive conclusions.CONCLUSION SADI-S has a low intraoperative and postoperative complication rate and is effective for weight loss and improving obesity-related comorbidities,including hypertension,type 2 diabetes mellitus,dyslipidemia,and sleep apnea syndrome.

Thrombotic Events in Patients with Antiphospholipid Syndrome: A Single Center Study

Background: There is limited literature regarding risk factors for development of thrombosis and long-term thrombotic outcomes in Armenian APS patients. The aim of the study is to identify patients with APS with thrombotic complications and to evaluate the epidemiological statistics of thrombosis and thrombophilia and their complications in Armenia. Methods: We analyzed medical records of Patients with APS from January 2018 to December 2021 treated at the Armenian Thrombosis and Hemostasis Center was enrolled. Results: Both acquired and hereditary thrombophilia increase the risk of thrombosis. Thrombophilia was present in 61.5% of 123 patients. It was found that 38 pregnant women with thrombosis had a family history of VTE, myocardial infarction or stroke in the next of kin under 50 years of age. The prevalence of this history was 31.4% (11 patients) compared to 68.6% (27 patients), who did not have 41.6% of postpartum thrombotic events up to two months postpartum. Conclusion: Thrombosis in pregnancy is a redoubtable complication requiring an excellent cooperation between the obstetrician and hematologist. Clear detection of thrombosis in APS patients in all types allows to accurately predicting the method and duration of anticoagulant treatment and to prevent thrombotic complications.

Clinical Study on the Retention Enema with Modified Dahuang Mudan Decoction in Treating Lower-Jiao Obstruction Syndrome Caused by Severe Pneumonia Complicated with Heart Failure

[Objectives]To treat patients with Lower-Jiao Obstruction Syndrome caused by severe pneumonia complicated with heart failure using the retention enema with Modified Dahuang Mudan Decoction,and to observe the effect and safety of this treatment on inflammatory indicators,cardiac function,gastrointestinal function and multiple organ failure in patients with Lower-Jiao(lower energizer)Obstruction Syndrome caused by severe pneumonia complicated with heart failure.[Methods]54 patients with Lower-Jiao Obstruction Syndrome caused by severe pneumonia complicated with heart failure diagnosed in Nanchong Chinese Medicine Hospital from January 2020 to December 2021 were randomly divided into experimental group(n=27)and control group(n=27).The control group was given conventional treatment combined with 0.9%sodium chloride injection(100 mL)+glycerine enema(40 mL).The treatment group was treated with Modified Dahuang Mudan Decoction on the basis of conventional treatment for 7 d.The efficacy indicators and adverse events such as white blood count(WBC),C-reactive protein(CRP),procalcitonin(PCT),N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP),Lausanne Intestinal Failure Estimation(LIFE)and multiple organ dysfunction score(MODS)were observed.[Results](i)There was no significant difference in WBC,PCT,CRP and NT-proBNP between the two groups before treatment.All indicators after treatment were significantly lower than those before treatment in both groups(P<0.05).The levels of WBC,PCT and CRP in the treatment group were lower than those in the control group after treatment(P<0.05),and there was no significant difference in NT-proBNP between the two groups after treatment(P>0.05),but the difference in NT-proBNP before and after treatment in the treatment group was higher than that in the control group.(ii)The LIFE of the two groups decreased significantly after treatment,and the improvement of LIFE of the treatment group was better than that of the control group(P<0.05).(iii)The MODS of the two groups decreased significantly after treatment(P<0.05),and the degree of decrease after treatment in the treatment group was higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).(iv)There was no significant difference in all-cause mortality between the two groups(P>0.05).(v)No serious adverse events were found in both groups during the treatment period.[Conclusions]The conventional treatment,combined with the retention enema with Modified Dahuang Mudan Decoction could further reduce the inflammatory indicators,improve cardiac function,improve intestinal function and organ function,and the safety was good.