Intracranial Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor: A Review of 49 cases

Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor (IMT) is a rare pathologic entity that was first described in 1973. This lesion is most commonly found in the lungs, but other organs' involvement has also been reported. Intracranial location of Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor is rare, and the first case was reported in 1980. An intriguing fact about the intracranial IMT is its resemblance with meningioma on clinical presentation and neuroimaging. We came across a case of intracranial Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor (IIMT) in a 27-year-old male who presented with recurrent episodes of seizures and was diagnosed as meningioma on neuroimaging. The lesion did not subside with medical management and kept on progressing in size. The patient had to undergo surgery, and diagnosis of Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor was ascertained on histopathology. This 'surprise' diagnosis prompted us to review the literature on all cases of IIMTs reported to date to better understand the entity and its implications. In this review article, we present our observations regarding various studied parameters, including patient profile, clinical presentation, site of involvement, focality of the lesion, special associations, and lines of management of the 49 published cases of IIMTs.

Post-mortem findings in Staphylococcus aureus acute infective endocarditis

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a microbial infection of the heart valves or the mural endocardium that leads to the formation of vegetations composed of thrombotic debris and microorganisms often associated with the destruction of the cardiac tissues. Most of the infections are bacterial (bacterial endocarditis), although fungi and other microorganisms can be etiological agents. Causative organisms differ among the major high-risk groups. Virulent microorganisms like Staphylococcus aureus, commonly found on the skin, can infect normal or deformed valves and are responsible for 20-30% of all IE cases. Staphylococcus aureus is the major offender in IE among intravenous drug abusers. Acute infective endocarditis is typically caused by infection of a previously normal heart valve by a highly virulent organism (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus) that rapidly produces necrotizing and destructive lesions. These infections may be difficult to cure with antibiotics, and despite appropriate treatment, death can ensue within days to weeks. Here we present autopsy findings of a 31-year-old male patient who died of acute infective endocarditis caused by Staphylococcus aureus as the causative organism.

Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS): Smoking Cessation Tools or Escalating Nicotine Addiction

Introduction: Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS)are used to smoke or ‘vape’, a flavoured solution containingnicotine, an addictive chemical found in cigarettes and tobaccoproducts. Contrary to popular belief that they are useful assmoking cessation tools, current data does not support thistheory. In fact, they cause various deleterious effects in bodyincluding death. Their use has seen exponential rise amongstyouth. We conducted a study in northern India to assess itsprevalent use and awareness amongst youth.Material and methods: A questionnaire with variousquestions related to ENDS was circulated amongst highersecondary schools and university students to ascertain theiruse and awareness amongst students regarding its usagepattern and health effects. After receiving first 200 confirmedresponses of use, the data was analysed.Results: First 200 confirmed users were obtained after 764responses. 82% were exposed to ENDS at an age of 15-20 years. 38% said vaping was ‘COOL’ and 32% started itbecause of nice flavours. 28% believed that ENDS are safeand 47% were either not sure or not aware. 41% were nowmore open to the idea of regular smoking.Conclusion: Nicotine is one of the most addictive drug andexposure of youth to ENDS predisposes them to nicotine atan early age. Understanding of the potential harmful effects ofENDS is not fully comprehended by them predisposing themto addiction. Therefore, the ban on ENDS by the governmentis justified.