Standing waves in a patient with systemic scleroderma

Standing waves are a very rare angiographic image with an unclear etiology. Many theories have been developed to explain this phenomenon, but none have been confirmed. We present an interesting case of a 57-year-old woman, whose angiography showed standing waves along the entire length of the superficial femoral artery. On admission, the patient's general condition was fairly good. No significant abnormalities were observed in the P-A chest feet and hands X-ray, as well as in the ultrasound of the abdominal cavity and pelvis. On March 8, the patient underwent angiography documenting the presence of regular "goose trachea-like" 'notched walls' over the entire length of the right superficial femoral artery. Angiography was then followed by an ultrasound exam of femoral arteries, however, no femoral artery wall changes were seen. The diagnosis was standing waves. Moreover, extensive diagnostics for systemic disease, as well as the overall clinical picture allowed for the diagnosis of systemic scleroderma. Standing waves are a rare phenomenon, harmless to the patient's life and health. Researchers have put forward many theories to explain its unclear etiology. The presence of standing waves has also been reported with the coexistence of diseases such as Buerger's, Tolos-Hunt's, or rheumatic heart disease. Moreover, it is worth mentioning the possibility of misdiagnosing standing waves as FMD. To summarize, standing waves are a harmless phenomenon. Despite its rare occurrence, it is worth remembering not to misdiagnose it and consequently, implement unnecessary diagnostics and treatment and cause superfluous anxiety in the patient. Copyright © 2022 Via Medica.

COVID-19 and Sepsis in an Atypical Case of Mixed Connective Tissue Disorder Presenting With a Myasthenic Crisis.

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune illness that causes neuromuscular junctions to be damaged by anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies. It is a very rare condition that is more common among women. Fatigable fluctuating diplopia or ptosis is the characteristic early appearance of this condition. Dysphagia or dysphonia may be present in rare cases. This illness can affect any group of skeletal muscles, including those in the neck and upper limbs. It can also affect the muscles that help you breathe, which can lead to breathing failure. We present a case of a 20-year-old female diagnosed with mixed connective tissue disease presenting with acute respiratory failure as the initial presentation of MG. Clinicians have to have a high index of suspicion for myasthenia when patients arrive with fatigable muscle weakness. This will cut down on the amount of money spent on investigations and the risk of morbidity.

Skin manifestations associated with systemic diseases - Part I.

The skin demonstrates what is happening in the body in many diseases, as it reflects some internal processes on the surface. In this sense, skin as an organ, goes beyond its protective and barrier functions, as it provides clues for the identification of some systemic diseases. The dermatologist then raises diagnostic hypotheses for conditions related to all systems and refers them to the appropriate specialty. With easy access to examination by trained eyes and biopsies, the skin can present specific or non specific alterations on histopathology. In the first case this combination establishes the diagnosis of the disease itself. Non specific manifestations can occur in a variety of contexts and then histopathology is not specific of a particular disease. This article is divided into two parts that will cover large groups of diseases. In this first part, cutaneous manifestations of the main rheumatologic diseases are described, which are the ones with the greatest interface with dermatology. The authors also talk about vascular manifestations and granulomatous diseases. In the second part, endocrinological, hematological, oncological, cardiovascular, renal, gastrointestinal diseases, pruritus and its causes are discussed, and finally, the dermatological manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infection. The authors' intention is that, by using direct and easily accessible language, aim to provide practical material for consultation and improvement to all dermatologists who recognize the importance of a comprehensive assessment of their patients.

COVID-19 infection during autoimmune disease: study of 2 cases in Republic of Guinea.

INTRODUCTION: Coronavirus is a virus that can target the respiratory, musculoskeletal systems with a cascade of inflammatory processes. The objective of this work is to establish the link between autoimmune diseases and a COVID-19 infection in Guinea. METHODS: Retrospective patient data were obtained from medical records. Informed consent was obtained under the direction of the national health security agency (ANSS). RESULTS: We report the case of two patients aged 52 and 64 years respectively, known to have rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic scleroderma (SDS) admitted with clinical signs suggesting underlying infection with COVID-19. They were tested with RT-PCR, which was positive within hours. CONCLUSION: In view of the rapid clinical worsening of patients with COVID-19 infection and autoimmune diseases, increased surveillance should be undertaken with abstinence of any factors that might weaken the immunity of these patients.