A rare case of symptomatic bilateral pheochromocytoma

Pheochromocytoma with reported incidence of 2-8 per million, is a rare and special tumor with its own unique clinical and pathological features, originating from the amazingly intelligent neuroendocrine cells of chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla. It may behave as 慻reat masquerader� and be sweet and predictable as a child, while at times act as a 憈reacherous murderer� crashing and tearing everything in its path with fierce rage, the main cornerstone of the disease being surgical excision. Here, we report a rare case of middle aged female presenting with hypertensive crisis which necessitates intensive care unit (ICU) management where she responded well to anti-hypertensives and radiological investigations were suggestive of bilateral pheochromocytoma. The course of treatment consisted of array of investigations to ascertain the diagnosis before embarking on bilateral adrenalectomy keeping in mind the consequences of absence of adrenal and subsequent possibility of Nelsons syndrome, which we were able to treat successfully. Here we want to highlight the consideration of bilateral adrenal tumors as a differential diagnosis for suprarenal growths, subsequent surgical course and post-operative medical treatment highlighting the importance of mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids for day to day functioning.

Clinical features of rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis with bilateral cranial nerves paralyze as the clinical manifestation(report of one case) / 临床神经病学杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical features of rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis(ROCM)with bilateral cranial nerve palsies as the clinical manifestation.Methods The related clinical data about ROCM with bilateral cranial nerve palsy as a clinical manifestation was collected,analyzed as well as discussed in the manuscript.And the relevant literatures were reviewed.Results This patient was a healthy young man with new-onset diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis.The patient developed rapidly with acute onset,bilateral blindness,blepharoptosis and extraocular muscle paralysis.The presence of mucormycosis was confirmed by CSF second-generation sequencing,fungal fluorescent staining and culture.Although effective antifungal therapy was performed early,but the patient quickly presented with cerebral hemorrhage and herniation.Eventually,the patient died after discharge.Conclusions ROCM is a rare and high-mortality infectious disease.This case indicated that the clinicians should consider the presence of ROCM in patients with diabetes/diabetic ketoacidosis when the bilateral cranial nerves paralysis are the clinical symptom,whicn can not be explained by other lesions.CSF next-generation sequencing is helpful for rapid diagnosis.

Clinical analysis of robotic bilateral modified radical neck dissection through the bilateral axillo-breast approach for thyroid carcinoma / 中华内分泌外科杂志

Objective:To research the efficacy and safety of robotic thyroidectomy and bilateral modified radical neck dissection through bilateral axillo-breast approach (BABA) .Methods:We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 37 patients with thyroid cancer who received bilateral modified radical neck dissection through the BABA at the Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery of the 960th Hospital of the People’s Liberation Army from Jan. 2014 to Jan. 2023. There were 24 females and 13 males, and the average age of the patients was (33,22±10.53) years old. The tumor diameter, number of lymph node dissection and metastasis in the central and lateral regions, average operation time, average hospital stay, complications, and aesthetic score were recorded. SPSS 25.0 software was used for statistical analysis, and the measurement data was calculated using mean ± standard deviation ( ± s), and the counting data was expressed in percentages and numbers. Results:A total of 37 thyroid cancer patients underwent robotic bilateral regional lymph node dissection. The 37 patients received total thyroidectomy, bilateral central compartment and cervical lateral regional lymph node dissection. All the pathological types were papillary carcinoma, with a maximal tumor diameter of (1.47±0.85) cm. The average number of central lymph nodes dissected was 19.46±8.84, and there were (10.24±5.95) metastases; The average number of lymph nodes removed from the bilateral cervical region was 38.92±14.21, and there were (7.92±5.84) metastases. The average operation time was (288.05±77.09) min, the average length of stay in the hospital was (10.76±3.92) days, and the average length of stay in the hospital following surgery was (8.03±2.08) days. These patients had no permanent hypoparathyroidism, permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, infection, accessory nerve injury and phrenic nerve injury after operation. Transient hypoparathyroidism occurred in 15 patients, transient recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy occurred in 1 patient, and chyle leak occurred in 2 patients. One month after surgery, the aesthetic score was 9.51±0.69.Two patients were found lymph node metastases during the (27.81±15.10) months of follow-up, and received robotic cervical lymph node dissection with BABA.Conclusion:For carefully chosen thyroid cancer patients with bilateral lateral cervical region lymph node metastases, robotic bilateral cervical lymph node regional dissection via BABA is safe and feasible, and good cosmetic results can be obtained.

The value of multi slice spiral CT in the diagnosis of bilateral Wilms tumor in children / 实用放射学杂志

Objective To investigate the application value of multi slice spiral computed tomography(MSCT)in the diagnosis of bilateral Wilms tumor(BWT)in children.Methods The clinical and CT data of 7 children with BWT confirmed by clinical,imaging and pathology were analyzed retrospectively,and all cases underwent CT plain scanning and enhancement CT.Results Two cases were complicated with hypospadias,1 case with cryptorchidism,and 1 case with WAGR syndrome.There were 19 lesions in 14 kid-neys in 7 cases.The lesions were single in 10 kidneys and multiple in 4 kidneys on CT.CT flat scan showed that there were 3 solid lesions,16 cystic lesions,and there were different degrees of necrotic cystic changes inside,2 combined with bleeding,10 calcification,15 clear boundaries,and 4 exudation around.CT enhancement showed that the tumor body was unevenly strengthened,the necrotic cystic area was not strengthened,and the residual renal parenchyma was significantly strengthened.The typical signs were crescent signs and cuddle-ball signs,with 1 case of left renal venous thrombosis and 1 case of the invasion of renal pelvis.Conclusion MSCT can be used in the preoperative diagnosis of BWT in children,to evaluate the effect of chemotherapy and the postoperative evaluation,and to follow-up with and without recurrence and metastasis,so as to provide an important value for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Biomechanical characteristics of the lower limbs of athletes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction during bilateral vertical jumping / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:At present,postoperative timing or subjective criteria by clinicians are commonly employed to determine the return-to-sport timing for patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.Unfortunately,these criteria do not adequately consider the biomechanical deficits in patients following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. OBJECTIVE:To explore the lower extremity kinematic and kinetic characteristics of athletes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction during bilateral vertical jumping. METHODS:Twenty athletes undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and twenty healthy athletes,aged 20-24 years,were recruited in Wuhan Sports University from December 2021 to December 2022.All the 40 subjects underwent a bilateral vertical jumping test.The kinematic and dynamic characteristics of the lower limbs at propulsion phase,initial landing time and peak vertical ground reaction force moment. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:At the initial landing time,the athletes undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction showed higher hip flexion angle(P=0.031)and lower ankle plantar flexion angle(P=0.018)on the operated side compared with the healthy athletes.At the peak vertical ground reaction force moment,the athletes undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction had higher hip flexion angle(P=0.016),lower hip abduction angle(P=0.019),lower knee flexion angle(P=0.025),higher knee external rotation angle(P=0.030),and higher ankle external rotation angle(P=0.042)on the operated side compared with the healthy athletes.At the peak vertical ground reaction force moment,the athletes undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction showed lower knee extension moment(P=0.036),lower knee internal rotation moment(P=0.016),lower hip abduction moment(P=0.004),higher hip extension moment(P=0.040),and higher hip external rotation moment(P=0.005)on the operated side compared with the healthy athletes.To conclude,the athletes undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction exhibit a stiff landing pattern,in which the knee load on the operated side tends to shift to the hip joint,and show inadequate control of lower limb rotational stability.Therefore,detection and correction of abnormal biomechanical characteristics should be part of the rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

One-stage repair of bilateral ureteral stricture by a combined Boari flap ureteroplasty and appendix graft ureteroplasty / 现代泌尿外科杂志

In recent years, ureteral repair and reconstruction techniques, such as appendiceal onlay flap, oral mucosal patch for repairing middle and upper ureteral stenosis, and Boari bladder muscle flap for repairing lower ureteral stenosis, have been continuously introduced and widely used to achieve satisfactory clinical results.In clinical practice, it is important to carefully select suitable patients and adequately prepare for the perioperative period. Factors to consider include the surgical approach, planning the sequence of left and right reconstruction, to ensure optimal results for ureteral repair. This paper provides a detailed account of our center’s experience, reviews relevant literature on robot-assisted appendix graft ureteroplasty combined with Boari flap ureteroplasty for one-stage repair of bilateral ureteral strictures, and discusses the current clinical progress.

Clinical research of approach selection of extraction of maxillary embedded mesiodens / 安徽医科大学学报

Objective @#To explore the related factors for the unilateral flap and bilateral flap by changing the original operation plan in the extraction of maxillary impacted mesiodens. @*Methods @#81 patients with impacted mesiodens in the middle of the maxillary were retrospectively analyzed. The primary outcome variables were planned surgery (unilateral flap)and unplanned surgery (bilateral flap) . The secondary outcome variables consisted of operation time and postoperative swelling. The predictive variables were as follows:the differential value of the shortest distance from the supernumerary tooth to the labial and palatal bone plates , which was divided into≥1. 5 mm group and < 1. 5 mm group ; the ratio of the distance from the adjacent tooth apex to the nasal floor, compared to the length of the supernumerary teeth , was recorded as≥1 and < 1 . A statistical software SPSS 20 was used to complete the statistical analysis. @*Results @#When the differential value was less than 1. 5 mm , the possibility of unplanned surgery increased , and the probability of planned surgery was 0. 085 times than that of unplanned surgery. With age growing each 1 ⁃year, the probability of planned surgery gradually decreased , HR = 0. 745. The postoperative swelling of the palatal approach was only 0. 374 times than that of the labial approach. With age increasing , the operation time increased gradually , B = 1. 213. The ratio of the distance from the adjacent tooth apex to the nasal floor to the length of the supernumerary teeth did not affect the change of the surgical plan during the operation. @*Conclusion @#The shortest distance difference between the supernumerary teeth and the labial and palatal bone plates can be used as a reference for the selection of surgical approach for the extraction of maxillary impacted mesiodens.

Influencing factors of survival of patients with airway stenosis requiring clinical interventions after lung transplantation / 器官移植

Objective To analyze the influencing factors of survival of patients with airway stenosis requiring clinical interventions after lung transplantation. Methods Clinical data of 66 patients with airway stenosis requiring clinical interventions after lung transplantation were retrospectively analyzed. Univariate and multivariate Cox’s regression models were adopted to analyze the influencing factors of survival of all patients with airway stenosis and those with early airway stenosis. Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the overall survival and delineate the survival curve. Results For 66 patients with airway stenosis, the median airway stenosis-free time was 72 (52,102) d, 27% (18/66) for central airway stenosis and 73% (48/66) for distal airway stenosis. Postoperative mechanical ventilation time [hazard ratio (HR) 1.037, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.005-1.070, P=0.024] and type of surgery (HR 0.400, 95%CI 0.177-0.903, P=0.027) were correlated with the survival of patients with airway stenosis after lung transplantation. The longer the postoperative mechanical ventilation time, the higher the risk of mortality of the recipients. The overall survival of airway stenosis recipients undergoing bilateral lung transplantation was better than that of their counterparts after single lung transplantation. Subgroup analysis showed that grade 3 primary graft dysfunction (PGD) (HR 4.577, 95%CI 1.439-14.555, P=0.010) and immunosuppressive drugs (HR 0.079, 95%CI 0.022-0.287, P<0.001) were associated with the survival of patients with early airway stenosis after lung transplantation. The overall survival of patients with early airway stenosis after lung transplantation without grade 3 PGD was better compared with that of those with grade 3 PGD. The overall survival of patients with early airway stenosis after lung transplantation treated with tacrolimus was superior to that of their counterparts treated with cyclosporine. Conclusions Long postoperative mechanical ventilation time, single lung transplantation, grade 3 PGD and use of cyclosporine may affect the survival of patients with airway stenosis after lung transplantation.

Systemic Hormonal Unloading (SHU) in secondary hypertension: Addressing the long-term adverse cardiovascular outcomes

@#Excess hormone production from adrenal tumors caused by primary hyperaldosteronism or pheochromocytoma are common etiologies for secondary hypertension. Studies have shown that sustained long-term circulating hormones in excess affect the blood vessels and cardiac structures. Inflammation of cardiomyocytes leads to fibrosis and eventual cardiomyopathy and is clinically presented as arrhythmia, nonfatal myocardial infarction, heart failure, or even death. The tissue changes and/or impaired cardiac function are reversible if early diagnosis and removal of the adrenal tumor by unilateral adrenalectomy is done. However, the condition becomes challenging if the adrenal lesions are bilateral. This article introduces the concept of systemic hormonal unloading and will discuss the philosophy of quality of life in managing bilateral adrenal disease.

Application effect and safety analysis of unilateral laminectomy and bilateral decompression under unilateral biportal endoscopy and microendoscope in lumbar spinal stenosis / 中国内镜杂志

Objective To analyze the efficacy and safety of unilateral laminectomy and bilateral decompression under unilateral biportal endoscopy(UBE)and microendoscope(MED)in lumbar spinal stenosis.Methods 80 patients with lumbar spinal stenosis from January 2021 to December 2022 were selected and divided into two groups by numerical table method,the control group and the study group,and the number of cases was 40.The grouping method was random number table method.The control group was treated with unilateral laminectomy and bilateral decompression under MED,while the study group was treated with unilateral laminectomy and bilateral decompression under UBE.Operation time,intraoperative blood loss,Oswestry disability index(ODI)and visual analogue scale(VAS)of lumbago and leg pain were obtained before surgery,1,3 months after surgery and at the last follow-up,efficacy and complications were compared between the two groups.Result There were no significant differences in operative time and blood loss between the study group and the control group(P>0.05).1,3 months after surgery and at the last follow-up,ODI in both groups were lower than those before surgery(P<0.05),but there was no difference between the study group and the control group(P>0.05).The VAS of lumbago and leg pain in both groups were lower than those before surgery(P<0.05),at 1,3 months after surgery and the last follow-up,and the study group was significantly lower than the control group(P<0.05).The excellent and good rate of clinical treatment in the study group was 97.50%,and there was no difference compared with 92.50%in the control group(P>0.05).The complication rate of the study group was 2.50%,significantly lower than that of the control group(15.00%)(P<0.05).Conclusion Unilateral laminectomy and bilateral decompression under the UBE and MED have similar efficacy in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis,both of which can effectively promote functional recovery,but UBE can reduce pain more effectively and has fewer postoperative complications.

Cochlear Implant Activation in the Immediate Postoperative Period in the Operating Room

Abstract Introduction Cochlear implant (CI) activation usually takes place at ∼ 30 days postoperative (PO). In our service, CI surgery is performed with local anesthesia and sedation, so activation is possible with the patient's cooperation, immediately after the CI surgery, still in the operating room (OR). Objective The objective of the present study was to provide the patient with hearing experience with the CI and to assess auditory perception immediately after surgery while still in the OR, as well as to compare impedance telemetry (IT), neural response telemetry (NRT), and comfort (C) level at two moments: in the OR and at the definitive activation, ∼ 30 days PO. Methods Nine adult patients (12 ears) with acquired (postlingual) deafness were included. Auditory perception was evaluated through the Ling Six Sound Check, musical instruments, and clapping, presented in two different programming maps, elaborated using t-NRT, and comparing IT, NRT, and C level between the two moments. Results We observed that while still in the OR, the patient can already present auditory detection and recognition responses. The values of IT, NRT threshold (t-NRT), and C on both dates differed, with statistical significance. Conclusion We concluded that it is possible to provide the patient with an auditory experience with the CI immediately after surgery, and that the auditory experience and the values of electrode IT, NRT, and C vary significantly between the two moments.

Pain-related analysis on a resorbed ridge with various denture occlusal schemes using finite element method

Abstract Resorbed alveolar ridges, particularly in the lower jaw, have a small denture supporting area, which may cause the stress distribution of mastication load to exceed the pressure-pain threshold (PPT) and induce pain in the mucosa or potentially worsen the ridge resorption. Thus, choosing the ideal occlusal scheme among bilateral balanced (BBO), lingualized (LO), and monoplane (MO) for such conditions becomes crucial. The experiment was conducted using the finite element method on a modeling of a resorbed alveolar ridge in the lower jaw with three dentures placed on top, each of which was given different loading points according to the tooth arrangement of BBO, LO, and MO. The axial load was 100 N, and the resultant oblique loads on BBO and LO were 119 N and 106 N, respectively. The von Mises stresses for BBO, LO, and MO were observed in nine denture-supporting areas, and the results showed that the axial load did not produce stresses that exceeded the PPT value (0.64925 MPa) for BBO, LO, and MO with the highest value on area H, 0.43229 MPa, 0.39715 MPa, and 0.31576 MPa, respectively. However, the oblique load direction showed that the BBO had more areas (area E 0.80778 MPa and area H 0.76256 MPa) that exceeded the PPT than LO (area E 0.64394 MPa). The lingualized occlusal scheme is ideal for patients with resorbed alveolar ridge conditions, especially in terms of limiting interferences when the denture is functioning while maintaining comfort but still providing good masticatory performance and satisfactory esthetics.

Resumo Os rebordos alveolares reabsorvidos, especialmente na mandíbula inferior, têm uma pequena área de suporte para prótese, o que pode fazer com que a distribuição de estresse da carga mastigatória exceda o limiar de pressão-dor (PPT) e induza dor na mucosa ou piore potencialmente a reabsorção do rebordo. Assim, a escolha do esquema oclusal ideal entre balanceado bilateral (BBO), lingualizado (LO) e monoplano (MO) para essas condições torna-se crucial. O experimento foi conduzido usando o método de elementos finitos em um modelo de um rebordo alveolar reabsorvido na mandíbula inferior com três dentaduras colocadas na parte superior, cada uma das quais recebeu diferentes pontos de carga de acordo com o arranjo dentário de BBO, LO e MO. A carga axial foi de 100 N, e as cargas oblíquas resultantes em BBO e LO foram de 119 N e 106 N, respectivamente. As tensões de von Mises para BBO, LO e MO foram observadas em nove áreas de suporte da dentadura, e os resultados mostraram que a carga axial não produziu tensões que excedessem o valor PPT (0,64925 MPa) para BBO, LO e MO com o valor mais alto na área H, 0,43229 MPa, 0,39715 MPa e 0,31576 MPa, respectivamente. Entretanto, a direção da carga oblíqua mostrou que o BBO tinha mais áreas (área E 0,80778 MPa e área H 0,76256 MPa) que excediam a PPT do que o LO (área E 0,64394 MPa). O esquema oclusal lingualizado é ideal para pacientes com condições de rebordo alveolar reabsorvido, especialmente em termos de limitação de interferências quando a dentadura está funcionando, mantendo o conforto, mas ainda proporcionando um bom desempenho mastigatório e uma estética satisfatória.

Chronic Bi-Maxillary Osteomyelitis Caused by Actinomycetes in a Patient with Severe COVID-19 / Osteomyelitis bi-maxilar crónica causada por Actinomycetes en un paciente con COVID-19 severo

Abstract Osteomyelitis is defined as the inflammation of the either medullary, cortical, or cancellous bone, including nerves and blood vessels, causing necrosis and bone sequestrum formation; this condition has become a rare pathology, and odontogenic infections are considered the most frequent causal factor. This case shows a patient with bi-maxillary osteomyelitis caused by Actinomyces spp, which was worsened for severe COVID-19 infection. Patient was submitted at surgery as, amplified total bilateral maxillectomy through the surgical technique Weber-Fergusson, and prolonged use of combination of antibiotics, achieved a good recovery. Two years later follow- up, the patient no show imaging or clinical evidence of the infection of osteomyelitis. The present case shows an interesting relationship between a rare infection and its association with COVID-19.

Resumen La osteomielitis se define como la inflamación del hueso medular, cortical o esponjoso, incluyendo nervios y vasos sanguíneos, causando necrosis y formación de secuestro óseo; esta condición es una patología rara, y las infecciones odontogénicas son consideradas como el factor causal más frecuente. En este caso, se muestra un paciente con osteomielitis bi-maxilar causada por Actinomyces spp, la cual empeoró por la infección de COVID-19 severo. El paciente fue sometido a una cirugía, maxilectomía bilateral total amplificada, a través de la técnica quirúrgica de Weber- Fergusson, y el uso prolongado de una combinación de antibióticos, logrando una buena recuperación. A los 2 años de seguimiento, el paciente no mostró evidencia clínica o imagenológica de la infección de osteomielitis. El presente caso muestra una interesante relación entre una infección rara y su asociación con COVID-19.

Surgical outcome after impacted mandibular third molar surgery using piezotome and conventional rotary handpiece: a comparative study

Background: This study was performed to compare the surgical outcome in impacted mandibular third molar surgery using piezotome and conventional rotary handpiece. Methods: Total 40 patients were selected with similar Pederson Index for mandibular third molar surgery with either piezosurgical unit or conventional rotary handpiece. Pain, trismus, oedema and alveolar osteitis were evaluated preoperatively and then postoperatively 1st, 3rd, and 7th day. Results: Statistical analysis showed that the average time needed to complete the osteotomy and extraction was significantly lesser for the rotary group than for the piezo group (p<0.05). The average duration of surgery was 18.16 minutes in group A, and 20.49 minutes in group B. Conclusions: Significantly lesser pain, trismus, facial swelling, alveolar osteitis and a better perception of the quality of life by the patients after third molar extraction was found using the Piezotome.

A rare case of bilateral septic arthritis of hip: in a patient of idiopathic angiodema

Enterococcal infection can lead to gastroenteritis and bacteraemia. However, osteoarticular infections caused by Enterococci are rarely encountered. We report the case of a 27-year-old female patient with bilateral hip infection caused by enterococci. This young female patient initially presented with flare up of angioedema symptoms followed by septic arthritis of one hip and then 2nd hip while patient was admitted in hospital. Thankfully this patient was successfully treated and discharge back home. Early detection and proper treatment are essential for the eradication of the infection. The use of prolonged antimicrobial therapy can be considered in the management of bilateral hip joint destruction due to delayed diagnosis of enterococci infection. The patient was informed that data from the case would be submitted for publication, and she provided his consent.

Menopausia quirúrgica en pacientes con mutación BRCA, el papel de la terapia hormonal / Surgical Menopause in Patients with BRCA Mutation, the Role of Hormone Therapy

Introducción: las mujeres con mutación BRCA1/2 (mBRCA) tienen un riesgo aumentado de desarrollar cáncer de mama (CM) y ovario (CO). La salpingo-oforectomía bilateral (SOB) se asocia con la reducción del riesgo del 80% para CO y un 50% para CM. Se recomienda realizarla entre los 35 y 40 años. Como consecuencia se produce una menopausia prematura, con un impacto negativo sobre la calidad de vida por la presencia de síntomas climatéricos, aumento del riesgo de enfermedad cardiovascular, osteoporosis y riesgo de alteración cognitiva. La terapia hormonal (THM) es el tratamiento más eficaz para la prevención de estos síntomas. Estado del arte: distintos estudios han demostrado un mayor riesgo de CM en mujeres posmenopáusicas que reciben THM en particular con terapia combinada, estrógeno + progesterona (E+P). Según el metanálisis de Marchetti y cols., en las mujeres portadoras de mBRCA que recibieron THM, no hubo diferencias en el riesgo de CM comparando E solo con E+P. En el estudio de Kotsopoulos, incluso se encontró un posible efecto protector en aquellas que usaron E solo. Otro estudio en portadoras sanas demostró que, en las mujeres menores de 45 años al momento de la SOB, la THM no afectó las tasas de CM. Sin embargo, en las mujeres mayores de 45 años, las tasas de CM fueron más altas. Como el esquema de E+P se asocia con un mayor riesgo relativo (RR) de CM, las dosis de progestágenos utilizados se deberían limitar, eligiendo derivados naturales de progesterona, de uso intermitente para disminuir la exposición sistémica. Según diferentes guías internacionales, a las portadoras de mBRCA sanas que se someten a una SOB se les debe ofrecer THM hasta la edad promedio de la menopausia. Conclusión: la menopausia prematura disminuye la expectativa de vida; es por ello que una de las herramientas para mejorar y prevenir el deterioro de la calidad de vida es la THM. El uso de THM a corto plazo parece seguro para las mujeres portadoras de mBRCA que se someten a una SOB antes de los 45 años, al no contrarrestar la reducción del riesgo de CM obtenida gracias a la cirugía. (AU)

Introduction: women with BRCA1/2 (mBRCA) mutation have an increased risk of developing breast (BC) and ovarian (OC) cancer. Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO) is associated with an 80% risk reduction for OC and 50% for BC. The recommended age for this procedure is 35 to 40 years. The consequence is premature menopause, which hurts the quality of life due to the presence of climacteric symptoms, increased risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and a higher risk of cognitive impairment. Hormone therapy (MHT) is the most effective treatment for preventing these symptoms. State of the art: different studies have shown an increased risk of BC in postmenopausal women receiving MHT, particularly with combined therapy, estrogen + progesterone (E+P). According to the meta-analysis by Marchetti et al., in women carrying mBRCA who received MHT, there was no difference in the risk of BC compared to E alone with E+P. In the Kostopoulos study, there was also a possible protective effect in those who used E alone. Another study in healthy carriers showed that in women younger than 45 years at the time of BSO, MHT did not affect BC rates. However, in women older than 45 years, BC rates were higher. As the E+P scheme is associated with a higher RR of BC, the doses of progestogens should be limited, choosing natural progesterone byproducts of intermittent use to decrease systemic exposure. According to various international guidelines, healthy mBRCA carriers undergoing BSO should be offered MHT until the average age of menopause. Conclusion: premature menopause decreases life expectancy, which is why one of the tools to improve and prevent deterioration of quality of life is MHT. Short-term use of MHT appears safe for women with mBRCA who undergo BSO before age 45 as it does not counteract the reduction in the risk of MC obtained by surgery. (AU)

Bilateral Variation of the Vertebral Artery: Report of a Case and its Clinical Implication / Variación Bilateral de la Arteria Vertebral; Reporte de un Caso y su Implicancia Clínica

SUMMARY: There are many reports on anatomical variations of the vertebral arteries, which may be related to origin, trajectory, caliber, and side. Bilateral variations are less frequent, however, and less common are bilateral variants that differ from each other. The aim of this work was to report the presence of a bilateral variation of the vertebral artery and its functional and clinical implications. Dissection of a female cadaver, fixed in 10 % buffered formaldehyde, which had not undergone any previous surgeries in the study area and had anatomical variations in both vertebral arteries. In each one, follow-up was done from its origin to its end, determining its trajectory, diameters, branching, and anatomical relations. A left vertebral artery was found, starting in the aortic arch and making a sinuous trajectory of 4 curvatures to enter the transverse foramen of C4. The right vertebral artery began as the first branch of the subclavian artery. Its initial trajectory was rectilinear, followed by a right concave curve, a 360° loop that included a second ascending curve, and ended straight before entering the transverse foramen of C6. The coexistence of bilateral variations in the vertebral arteries is possible. This atypical situation can potentially generate vascular and neurological pathologies, but with different symptoms and causes. Knowing these variations and deliberately searching for them will enable the specialist to make a suitable differential diagnosis.

Existen múltiples reportes sobre variaciones anatómicas de las arterias vertebrales, las que se pueden relacionar con origen, trayecto, calibre y lateralidad. Sin embargo, las variaciones bilaterales son menos frecuentes, y menos común es que las variantes bilaterales sean diferentes entre ellas. El objetivo de este trabajo fue reportar la presencia de una variación bilateral de la arteria vertebral y su implicancia funcional y clínica. Disección en un cadáver de sexo femenino, fijado en formaldehido tamponado al 10 %, el cual no presentaba intervenciones quirúrgicas previas en la región de estudio y que tenía variaciones anatómicas en ambas arterias vertebrales. En cada una se realizó seguimiento desde su origen hasta su terminación, pudiendo determinar su trayecto, diámetros, ramificaciones y relaciones anatómicas. Se encontró una arteria vertebral izquierda originada en el arco aórtico, que realizaba un trayecto sinuoso de 4 curvaturas e ingresaba al foramen transverso de C4. La arteria vertebral derecha se originaba como primera rama de la arteria subclavia. Su trayecto inicial era rectilíneo seguido por una curva de concavidad derecha, un loop (giro) de 360° que incluía una segunda curva ascendente y terminaba en dirección recta antes de ingresar al foramen transverso de C6. La coexistencia de variaciones bilaterales en las arterias vertebrales es posible. Esta situación atípica, potencialmente puede generar en la persona patologías neurológicas de origen vascular, pero con sintomatología y causas diferentes. Conocer estas variaciones y realizar una búsqueda intencionada de ellas permitirá el especialista realizar un adecuado diagnóstico diferencial.

Spontaneous bilateral pneumothorax in a previously healthy COVID-19 patient: A case report

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is commonly linked with mild cough, fever, and shortness of breath symptoms. However, there have been reports of pneumothorax, which particularly occurred at least 1 week following symptom onset in elderly COVID-19 patients. Spontaneous pneumothorax (SP) is an uncommon but possibly fatal complication of COVID-19 pneumonia and is rarely reported in non-intubated patients. We report a case of a healthy, non-smoker 35-year-old young woman who presented with a 7-day cough, fever, and sudden shortness of breath. She was diagnosed with severe COVID-19 pneumonia, experienced a right SP, and developed a second pneumothorax on the contralateral side. She improved gradually following chest tube insertion in the right lung and conservative management for the left pneumothorax.

Successful delivery in a case of sickle cell disease with bilateral avascular necrosis: a case report

Sickle cell disease is an inherited hemoglobinopathy. The patients with sickle cell disease had a small life years, before the advancement of medical science and development of newer drugs. These have improved the life expectancy among the sickle cell disease patients. Females are reaching reproductive age and are expectant of becoming mothers. But pregnancy in a sickle cell disease carries major fetal and maternal complications. Managing the pregnancy from conception to delivery is a difficult task and needs a team effort. Here we presented a case report of a female who got pregnant without any planning and was already on hydroxyurea. On top of that she was not willing to get her pregnancy terminated.

Exploring the Bilateral Comparisons of Articular Surfaces of Talus: An Observational Study at Tertiary Health Care Center in Pune City

Background: The existing conclusive data show variations in the subtalar joint regarding its morphological features and articulation of bones. Inadequate studies exist on the morphometry of articular surfaces of the talus which may help in surgical interventions and development of implants and prostheses in diverse populations. Purpose: The current study was undertaken to conduct a bilateral comparison of parameters of articulating surfaces of talus. Material and Methods: An observational study design was carried out at one of the private medical colleges in the Pune district of Maharashtra. A total of 100 (fifty-one from right side and forty-nine left-sided tali) dry human talar bones were collected and various dimensions of articular surfaces of bones were measured by Digital Vernier Caliper and Ruler. The data analysis was performed and results were tabulated and presented graphically. Results: There was a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) in bilateral measurements of lateral articular surface height (LASH) of talar bones. The difference was not significant (p>0.05) for all other parameters. Conclusions: The study inferences can be applied as a guide and baseline information for surgical measures, inflammatory disease management, and forensic anthropologists.