ABSTRACT
Aim Extramedullary plasmacytoma are rare neoplasms, which mainly occur in the head and neck, the most common site being the nasal cavity or septum. Patients may present with epistaxis, nasal obstruction, or rhinorrhoea. Extension into the orbit is rare but can lead to visual disturbances. Method This case report pertains to a 69-year-old female patient who initially presented with a 6-week history of recurrent sinusitis, with left sided cheek pain and diplopia. Results A CT and MRI scan was performed, which showed opacification of the left maxillary, ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses with bony destruction of the medial and anterior maxillary walls and into the anterior soft tissues. The mass was completely obstructing the left nasal cavity extending into the inferomedial orbit. Staging CT scans also showed nodal disease in the neck. Biopsy with histology was positive for CD138, with diffuse proliferation of plasma cells of varying maturity and atypia. Additionally, mono IgG kappa was also positive as was CD45 suggestive of a lymphoid neoplasm. Bone marrow biopsy and PET scan confirmed there was no systemic involvement. Radiotherapy was initiated after the patient recovered from COVID -19. A repeat MRI scan 6 weeks post radiotherapy showed a partial response with reduction in the size of the tumour, resolution of the intra-orbital extension and disappearance of paraprotein. Conclusions This case report illustrates need for earlier consideration of EMP diagnostically to reduce the risk of conversion of the plasmacytoma to multiple myeloma, which is a known possibility and to ensure minimal delay in the commencement of treatment.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Although not recommended by EAU guidelines, many men with acute scrotal pain undergo ultrasound (US) to screen for occult tumours. This has low diagnostic yield and must be weighed against the increased risks of coronavirus due to additional hospital attendances, inconvenience for the patient, and demand on NHS resources. We evaluated our case series to determine current practice and diagnostic yield. Method: 141 consecutive cases of scrotal pain and/or swelling were identified from our Trust's Surgical Assessment Unit (September- December 2020). Clinical diagnosis, and where performed, timing, indication and outcome of scrotal US was recorded. Results: 109/141 patients underwent scrotal US;the only urgent clinical indications were suspected collection/abscess (5 cases) or testicular mass (4). Relative indications included uncertain diagnosis (27 cases), suspected missed testicular torsion (6) and suspected hernia (1). 66/ 109 US performed were for 'soft' indications, however one occult testicular tumour, one acute testicular torsion and two inguinal herniae were unexpectedly found. Conclusions: Scrotal US changed immediate patient management in 1/ 109 cases (acute testicular torsion). Early outpatient US would be sufficient to diagnose occult testicular tumour, missed testicular torsions and groin herniae. There is too much reliance on US;more focus on history and examination is needed.