Granulomatous lobular mastitis treated by a combined internal and external treatment of traditional Chinese medicine:A case report

BACKGROUND Granulomatous lobular mastitis(GLM)is a rare benign inflammatory disease of the breast and is classified under comedo mastitis in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).The etiology of this disease is unknown,and it mainly occurs in women of childbearing age.The diagnosis depends on histopathological biopsy.At present,there is no systematic and standardized treatment plan for GLM.In the absence of evidence supporting an infectious etiology,affected patients might continue to receive multiple courses of antibiotics and unnecessary surgery.CASE SUMMARY A 37-year-old Chinese woman with a history of coronavirus disease 2019 infection presented with swelling and pain in the left breast.She also had erythema,nodules in the lower extremities,arthritis in both knees,cough,and headache.In the early stage of GLM,the mass was not significantly reduced by conservative treatment with internal application of TCM;hence,surgical treatment was carried out.The aim of postoperative treatment was to drain the pus,eliminate the necrosed tissue,and expand the muscles;fumigation and washing using TCM was applied.CONCLUSION Combined internal and external treatment with TCM,following the principle of“Prioritize internal treatment before ulceration and emphasize external treatment after ulceration”was effective in our patient with GLM.The prognosis was good.We believe that TCM offered valuable therapeutic benefits in this disease.

Treatment of bilateral granulomatous lobular mastitis during lactation with traditional Chinese medicine: A case report

BACKGROUND Granulomatous lobular mastitis(GLM)is a type of benign chronic inflammatory disease that poses therapeutic challenges to healthcare providers.The diagnosis of GLM relies on tissue biopsy,and incorrect treatment may lead to delayed diagnosis,considerable aesthetic damage,and even mastectomy.CASE SUMMARY We report the case of a 37-year-old Chinese woman who was lactating and had GLM in both breasts.At the time of treatment,the right breast had a mass of approximately 15 cm×11 cm,which was hard and had poor mobility.Multiple skin ulcerations and pus spills were also observed on the surface of the breast.The left breast had a mass of about 13 cm×9 cm,which was hard and had poor mobility.CONCLUSION Herein,we report a case of bilateral GLM in a lactating woman that was successfully treated with traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),without the requirement for surgery or other treatments.Therefore,TCM may have advantages in the nonsurgical treatment of GLM.

Acute moderate to severe ulcerative colitis treated by traditional Chinese medicine:A case report

BACKGROUND Ulcerative colitis(UC),also known as chronic nonspecific UC,is an inflammatory bowel disease characterized by diffuse colonic mucosal inflammation.The incidence and prevalence of UC have risen markedly,and the disease seriously affects the quality of life of patients and imposes a great burden on the world health care infrastructure and economy.CASE SUMMARY Case I describes a 34-year-old female who came to see a doctor because of repeated abdominal pain,diarrhoea and purulent blood for 2 mo.This patient had UC with an initial onset,an active stage and a wide range of lesions.After the poor effect of sulfasalazine and mesalazine,the patient’s condition gradually deteriorated,her abdominal pain and bloody stools continued,and anemia occurred.She began treatment with the Chinese medicine Guizhi Dahuang decoction,which was taken orally twice a day,200 mL each time.After 6 mo of treatment,abdominal pain,diarrhoea,bloody stool and other symptoms disappeared.No abnormality was found by repeat electronic enteroscopye,and the anemia was corrected.The patient’s condition did not recur after nearly 4 years of follow-up.CONCLUSION A series of symptoms in this UC patient significantly improved with the administration of traditional Chinese medicine.

Reabsorption of intervertebral disc prolapse after conservative treatment with traditional Chinese medicine:A case report

BACKGROUND Conservative treatments have been reported to diminish or resolve clinical symptoms of lumbar intervertebral disc herniation(LIDH)within a few weeks.CASE SUMMARY Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)of the lumbar region of a 25-yearold male diagnosed with LIDH showed prolapse of the L5/S2 disc.The disc extended 1.0 cm beyond the vertebral edge and hung along the posterior vertebral edge.The patient elected a conservative treatment regimen that included traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),acupuncture,and massage.During a follow-up period of more than 12 mo,good improvement in pain was reported without complications.MRI of the lumbar region after 12 mo showed obvious reabsorption of the herniation.CONCLUSION A conservative treatment regimen of TCM,acupuncture,and massage promoted reabsorption of a prolapsed disc.

IgA nephropathy treatment with traditional Chinese medicine:A case report

BACKGROUND IgA nephropathy(IgAN)is a common primary glomerular disease that leads to end-stage renal disease with poor therapy efficacy.Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)is effective in the treatment of IgAN and has the potential to become an alternative treatment for IgAN.Professor Yan-Qin Zou is a nephropathy expert,a National Chinese Medicine Master,and an heir to the Menghe School of Medicine.CASE SUMMARY A 28-year-old man had positive urinary protein and elevated serum creatinine(Scr)results and was diagnosed with IgAN 2-3 years prior to the outpatient department visit at our hospital in 2017.Professor Zou used the following methods to treat the patient:Invigorating the spleen and tonifying the kidney,removing dampness and clearing turbidity,quickening the blood and transforming stasis,and freeing vessels and regulating collaterals.She adjusted the prescription in accordance with the patient’s symptoms.After 6 mo of treatment,the symptoms had resolved and serological indexes were also decreased[Scr from 288.5 to 188.6μmol/L,blood urea nitrogen(BUN)from 10.9 to 9.5 mmol/L,serum uric acid(UA)from 612 to 503μmol/L].During follow-up,BUN,Scr,and UA levels remained stable.CONCLUSION Professor Zou’s therapeutic strategy to treat IgAN using TCM was efficacious and a good reference for application.

Traditional Chinese medicine manipulative reduction combined with percutaneous vertebroplasty for treating type Ⅲ Kummell's disease: A case report

BACKGROUND A patient with type Ⅲ Kummell’s disease had a ruptured posterior cortex of the fractured vertebral body, which caused spinal cord compression. An open surgery was considered the best choice of operation. However, the patient and her family refused open surgery and instead demanded a minimally invasive surgical treatment such as percutaneous vertebroplasty(PVP). After preoperative discussion, we finally adopted the novel therapy of traditional Chinese medicine manipulative reduction(TCMMR) combined with PVP.CASE SUMMARY A patient with type Ⅲ Kummell’s disease exhibiting bone block-induced spinal cord compression was admitted to our hospital. She suffered from a variety of medical disorders but refused open surgery, and instead asked for PVP surgery. TCMMR, in parallel with PVP, was used to restore the height of the compressed vertebral body and reduce the symptoms of spinal cord compression by the bone block in order to strengthen the vertebral body and prevent further collapse. The surgery was very successful. The height of the compressed vertebra was restored, and the symptom of spinal cord compression by bone block was reduced successfully via TCMMR. The fractured vertebra was solidified by the PVP. The pain visual analog score declined from preoperative 7 scores to postoperative 2 scores, and the Frankel spinal cord scale increased from preoperative D degree to postoperative E degree.CONCLUSION The new method has advantages in treating patients with type Ⅲ Kummell’s disease who cannot be treated with open surgery.

Traditional Chinese medicine for gait disturbance in adrenoleukodystrophy:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Adrenoleukodystrophy(ALD)is caused by a deficit in the ABCD1 gene,which leads to demyelination of neurons and dysfunction of the adrenal cortices and testicles.Of the three known phenotypes,30%-50%of male ALD patients present with the adrenomyeloneuropathy phenotype,characterized by gait disturbance as the initial symptom.CASE SUMMARY A 46-year-old man with a prior diagnosis of ALD was admitted to a Korean medicine hospital for the treatment of gait disturbance.His ability to walk was severely impaired at admission,significantly affecting the patient’s quality of life.He was treated with acupuncture,pharmacopuncture,electroacupuncture,and herbal medicine for 23 d.The 25-Foot Walk test(25FW),timed up and go(TUG),comfortable gait speed(CGS),numeric rating scale(NRS),Berg Balance Scale(BBS),Tinetti test,manual muscle test(MMT),and 3-level version of EuroQol-5 dimension(EQ-5D-3L)were used to evaluate the patient.The outcomes of the 25FW,TUG,and CGS improved during hospitalization.From the time of admission to discharge we observed:A decrease in NRS scores in the lower extremities and the lower back;an increase of 3 points in the BBS;a 1-point increase in the balancing part of the Tinetti Test;MMT and EQ-5D-3L performances remained unchanged.CONCLUSION Traditional Chinese medicine treatments could be a therapeutic option to alleviate issues related to gait disturbance in ALD.

Rheumatic valvular heart disease treated with traditional Chinese medicine:A case report

BACKGROUND Rheumatic heart disease(RHD)is an autoimmune disease that leads to irreversible valve damage and heart failure.Surgery is an effective treatment;however,it is invasive and carries risks,restricting its broad application.Therefore,it is essential to find alternative nonsurgical treatments for RHD.CASE SUMMARY A 57-year-old woman was assessed with cardiac color Doppler ultrasound,left heart function tests,and tissue Doppler imaging evaluation at Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University.The results showed mild mitral valve stenosis with mild to moderate mitral and aortic regurgitation,confirming a diagnosis of rheumatic valve disease.After her symptoms became severe,with frequent ventricular tachycardia and supraventricular tachycardia>200 beats per minute,her physicians recommended surgery.During a 10-day preoperative waiting period,the patient asked to be treated with traditional Chinese medicine.After 1 week of this treatment,her symptoms improved significantly,including resolution of the ventricular tachycardia,and the surgery was postponed pending further follow-up.At 3-month follow-up,color Doppler ultrasound showed mild mitral valve stenosis with mild mitral and aortic regurgitation.Therefore,it was determined that no surgical treatment was required.CONCLUSION Traditional Chinese medicine treatment effectively relieves symptoms of RHD,particularly mitral valve stenosis and mitral and aortic regurgitation.

Traditional Chinese medicine for foot pain in a patient with complex regional pain syndrome: A case report

BACKGROUND Complex regional pain syndrome(CRPS)is characterized by pain as well as sensory,motor,and sudomotor disorders.Generally,it is classified into two types CRPS-I and CRPS-II.There is no single diagnostic test or treatment approach for CRPS,and a multidisciplinary approach is gaining attention to improve patients’symptoms and their quality of life.CASE SUMMARY A 35-year-old woman with an unremarkable medical history sought treatment for CRPS at a hospital of Korean medicine.During her first visit,she was wheelchairbound due to severe pain in her left lower extremity.She had edema and discoloration of the left foot.She was treated with a combination of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)approaches,including acupuncture,moxibustion,pharmacopuncture,and herbal decoction,for approximately 20 sessions.The foot and ankle outcome score(FAOS)and visual analog scale(VAS)score for pain were evaluated,along with general signs and functions.Her symptoms,signs,FAOS,and VAS scores improved after treatment,with a significant 7-degree decrease in the VAS score and a 62-point increase in the FAOS score.Additionally,the foot swelling and discoloration gradually resolved.During the phone follow-up,5 mo after the last visit,additional improvements in outcomes were observed.CONCLUSION Combined TCM treatment may be a reasonable and safe option for alleviating symptoms and improving function in patients with CRPS.

Metastatic colon cancer treated using traditional Chinese medicine combined with chemotherapy:A case report

BACKGROUND Colon cancer(CC)is one of the leading causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide.Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)is widely used in the treatment of various chronic diseases.CC easily metastasizes and results in high morbidity and mortality rates.CASE SUMMARY A 71-year-old man with a 12-year history of old myocardial infarction and a 7-year history of type 2 diabetes mellitus was diagnosed with CC and underwent right hemicolectomy 1 year ago.Tumor biopsy revealed moderately poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma.Subsequently,chemotherapy with oxaliplatin and paclitaxel was administered.Anastomosis recurrence and pelvic metastasis were noted 37 d later.The patient received eight 21-d cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy with oxaliplatin and capecitabine after recurrence.However,the tumor persisted,and chemotherapy-related liver damage developed gradually.Thus,he was advised to take TCM for the recurrence and pelvic metastasis.The patient’s metastatic CC was cured after receiving TCM combined with long-term chemotherapy.CONCLUSION TCM may be an effective adjunct therapy in the treatment of patients with metastatic CC.

Application of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine in the treatment of juvenile localized scleroderma with skin ulcer: a case report

Background:Juvenile Localized Scleroderma(JLS)is a rare pediatric rheumatic disease characterized by inflammation and skin sclerosis.The side effect of consensus-recommended medications and the risk of disability posed challenges to the JLS treatment.We intend to demonstrate the potential of traditional Chinese medicine in treating JLS with skin ulcers and reducing the dose of glucocorticoid.Method:Here we report a case of a 13-year-old male with JLS who took oral methotrexate tablets of 10 mg/week and methylprednisolone of 6 mg/day for over six months without significant effect and suffered from skin ulcers on the dorsal feet one month after drug cessation.Subsequently,the patient was treated with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine of low-dose glucocorticosteroid,adjusted Shenqi Huoxue formula and Jinshe Xiaoyan formula,etc.Results:After integrated treatment,the patient’s dorsal feet ulcers healed and the skin sclerosis and hyperpigmentation improved significantly.Conclusions:This case report suggests that integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine can be used as an effective treatment for JLS.

Integrative techniques using acupuncture,Chinese herbal medicine,diet,and supplements for polycystic ovary syndrome:a case report

Patients with a diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome （PCOS） are on the rise. About 4%-12% of women are currently estimated to have this condition. It is hypothesized that PCOS appears in women who have long-standing insulin resistance （1R）, which leads to high androgen and testosterone levels; this ultimately disrupts their menstrual cycles. Some researchers attribute IR to genetic factors, although there have been only minute changes in the human genome in the past 20 000 years. However, even with a stable gene pool, genes can be turned on and offby the environment, food and air quality and toxin exposure.

Partial response to Chinese patent medicine Kangliu pill for adult glioblastoma: A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND Glioblastoma is the most common type of brain tumor and is invariably fatal,with a mean survival time of 8-15 mo for recently diagnosed tumors,and a 5-year survival rate of only 7.2%.The standard treatment for newly diagnosed glioblastoma includes surgery followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy and further adjuvant temozolomide.However,the prognosis remains poor and longterm survival is rare.This report aimed to demonstrate a new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of glioblastoma.CASE SUMMARY A patient was referred to the Department of Neurosurgery with an intracranial space-occupying lesion with a maximum diameter of approximately 5 cm.The tumor was compressing functional areas,and the patient accordingly underwent partial resection and concurrent chemoradiotherapy.The imaging and pathological findings were consistent with a diagnosis of glioblastoma with oligodendroglioma differentiation(World Health Organization IV).The patient was finally diagnosed with glioblastoma.However,the patient discontinued treatment due to intolerable side effects,and was prescribed Kangliu pill(KLP)7.5 g three times/d,which he has continued to date.Significant shrinkage of the tumor(maximum diameter reduced from about 3.5 to about 2 cm)was found after 3 mo of KLP therapy,and the tumor was further reduced to about 1 cm after 3 years.The patient’s symptoms of headache,limb weakness,and left hemiplegia were relieved,with no side effects.CONCLUSION KLP has been a successful intervention for glioblastoma, and the current caseindicates that traditional Chinese medicine may offer effective alternativetherapies for glioblastoma.

Integrated Chinese and Western medicine in the treatment of a patient with podocyte infolding glomerulopathy:A case report

BACKGROUND Podocyte infolding glomerulopathy(PIG)is a newly described and rare glomerular disease.To date,only approximately 40 cases have been reported globally.CASE SUMMARY A 26-year-old female patient presented to our hospital with a complaint of intermittent edema of both lower limbs over the past 2 years.The patient was diagnosed with PIG.She was prescribed corticosteroid therapy in other hospitals during the initial stage,to which she had responded poorly and had developed femoral head necrosis.Therefore,we administered immunosuppressants,reninangiotensin system inhibitors,combined with traditional Chinese medicine.The patient was followed for 1 year,during which her clinical condition improved.CONCLUSION Integrated Chinese and Western medicine may be effective for PIG treatment,which requires active intervention to improve prognosis.

Treatment of a patient with severe cerebral malaria during the COVID-19 pandemic in China:A case report

BACKGROUND On June 30,2021,China received certification from the World Health Organization for malaria elimination.However,this certification does not signify the absence of malaria within China.Due to the increasing frequency of international exchanges and collaborations,the threat of imported malaria persists in China.Consequently,the prevention and control of imported malaria have become a primary focus for our country to maintain its malaria elimination status.CASE SUMMARY Herein,we present a case report of a 53-year-old Chinese man who worked in Africa for nearly two years.He was diagnosed with malaria in the Democratic Republic of the Congo between November 19 and November 23,2022.After receiving effective treatment with oral antimalarial drugs,his condition improved,allowing him to return to China.He was later admitted to our hospital on January 12,2023,during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in Huangshi,China.Through a thorough evaluation of the patient's symptoms,clinical signs,imaging and laboratory test results,and epidemiological data,he was rapidly diagnosed with severe cerebral malaria.The patient underwent successful treatment through a series of intensive care unit interventions.CONCLUSION The successful treatment of this imported case of severe cerebral malaria provides a valuable reference for managing patients with similar malaria infections and has significant clinical implications.

Usage of traditional Chinese medicine in treating intractable hiccups: a case report

1 Introduction A hiccup is a sudden involuntary contraction of the diaphragm with a sharp gulp-like sound,often recurring at short intervals[1].Traditional Chinese medicine（TCM）states there is a wide range of reasons for why hiccups occur.From the view of TCM,the requirement of stomach qi or the vital energy of body is thought to fade when it comes to the patients who are severely weak,and when the illness

Necrotizing fasciitis of cryptoglandular infection treated with multiple incisions and thread-dragging therapy:A case report

BACKGROUND Necrotizing fasciitis is a fulminant necrotizing soft tissue disease with a high fatality rate.It always starts with impact on the deep fascia rapidly and might result in secondary necrosis of the subcutaneous tissue,fascia,and muscle.Thus,timely and multiple surgical operations are needed for the treatment.Meanwhile,the damage of skin and soft tissue caused by multiple surgical operations may require dermatoplasty and other treatments as a consequence.CASE SUMMARY Here,we report a case of 50-year-old male patient who was admitted to our hospital with symptoms of necrotizing fasciitis caused by cryptoglandular infection in the perianal and perineal region.The symptoms of necrotizing fasciitis,also known as the cardinal features,include hyperpyrexia,excruciatingly painful lesions,demonstration gas in the tissue,an obnoxious foul odor and uroschesis.The results of postoperative pathology met the diagnosis.Based on the premise of complete debridement,multiple incisions combined with thread-dragging therapy(a traditional Chinese medicine therapy)and intensive supportive therapies including comprising antibiotics,nutrition and fluids were given.The outcome of the treatment was satisfactory.The patient recovered quickly and achieved ideal anal function and morphology.CONCLUSION Timely and effective debridement and multiple incisions combined with thread-dragging therapy are an integrated treatment for necrotizing fasciitis.

Danggui Sini decoction treatment of refractory allergic cutaneous vasculitis:A case report

BACKGROUND Allergic cutaneous vasculitis(ACV)is a difficult disease to treat.At present,there is no effective treatment for this condition.Traditionally,immunosuppressants and hormones have been primarily used in its management,but the treatment effect is suboptimal,and it has several side effects.CASE SUMMARY We present the case of a 19-year-old woman who presented at our hospital with a four-year history of symmetric skin lesions mainly affecting her lower extremities.She had previously undergone treatment with prednisolone acetate,cetirizine hydrochloride,and loratadine tablets but had not experienced any relief in her condition.Thereafter,she was treated with oral traditional Chinese medicine.Her skin damage gradually improved within two months of treatment initiation.After six months,the skin ulcers had completely subsided.No evidence of skin ulcer recurrence was observed during the subsequent follow-up.This report presents the first case of a female patient who received oral Danggui Sini decoction for the treatment of ACV.CONCLUSION Danggui Sini decoction may be a promising oral treatment for ACV patients.

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis with airway mucosa involvement:A case report

BACKGROUND Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis(AGEP)is a severe cutaneous adverse reaction characterized by sterile pustules on erythematous skin associated with fever and leukocytosis.The annual incidence of AGEP is estimated to be 1-5 cases per million.Cases of AGEP with oral mucosa involvement have been reported.However,reports of AGEP involving airway mucosa are limited.CASE SUMMARY We report a 42-year-old woman with serious AGEP involving the airway mucosa.The patient initially developed fever and a small rash on her forehead and face.Over the next 2 d,she developed a diffuse,pustular rash over her trunk and legs.In addition,she complained of a cough with white foam-like sputum,chest tightness and dyspnea.Four days later,due to dyspnea,her mental status started to gradually deteriorate.She became more and more drowsy.Biopsies of the skin and airway mucosa suggested the diagnosis of AGEP.According to the European study of severe cutaneous adverse reactions group’s scoring system,the patient scored+6 indicating a probable diagnosis of AGEP.She received intravenous methylprednisolone 120 mg/12 h for 3 d,and was eventually discharged in good condition.This patient had already experienced respiratory failure and airway mucosa involvement on admission;however,the clinicians had an insufficient understanding of AGEP.Glucocorticoid was administered for more than 10 d following onset of the disease,and her overall prognosis was satisfactory.CONCLUSION This case represents a rare clinical feature of AGEP and an important finding for clinicians.

Acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis treated using the Feibi recipe:Two case reports

BACKGROUND Rationale:No other treatment besides lung transplant is effective for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF).Patients with IPF have poor prognosis,which may eventually lead to death.Patient concerns:Two female patients were diagnosed with IPF.In our recent follow-up,both these patients maintained a good quality of life.CASE SUMMARY Diagnosis:Both patients had dry cough and progressive dyspnea.Interventions:The first patient was treated with prednisone,and the second patient was treated with prednisone and tripterygium glycosides.However,the symptoms did not improve and fibrosis was not controlled.Thus,the Feibi recipe was used.Outcomes:No deterioration was observed after the treatment,and the dry cough and its effect were ameliorated.Furthermore,they are still alive and the quality of their lives has improved.CONCLUSION These two cases suggest that the Feibi recipe and other traditional Chinese medicine therapies could be beneficial for IPF treatment.