Minimally Invasive Coronary Artery Revascularization During Current Pandemics, New Hope! - Our Experience in a Third World Country

Objective: Since the last decade, the notion of minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) has gained worldwide rapid popularity. Bangladesh is not far from mastering this technique due to the increasing interest of both patients and surgeons. Meanwhile, during this COVID-19 era could it help patients, remains the main question. In this context, we have operated on a total of 523 patients from October 2020 to November 2021 including, 89 patients who were MICS and among them, 17 were coronary artery bypass grafting. Method(s): We have included all patients who underwent minimally invasive coronary artery surgery in our hospital from October 2020 to November 2021 irrespective of single (MIDCAB) / multi-vessel disease (MICAS) or combined valve replacement with coronary revascularization. Data were collected from the hospital database, telephone conversations, and direct clinic visits. All data were analyzed statistically and expressed in the form of tables. Result(s): In the last 14 months of pandemics we have operated on a total of 89 MICS patients, among them 10 were Minimally Invasive Direct Coronary Artery Bypass (MIDCAB), 6 were double or triple vessels coronary artery surgery (MICAS), 1 patient underwent upper-mini aortic valve replacement along with coronary revascularization. One of our patients needed re-exploration for chest wall bleeding on the same day. Mean ICU and hospital stay in our series were less than conventional revascularization. There was no in-hospital or 30 days' mortality in our series. Conclusion(s): Cardiac surgery these days is headed toward less invasive approaches with the aid of technology, advanced instruments, and pioneer's lead. But from our in-hospital results we conclude that by avoiding median sternotomy, these minimal invasive revascularization techniques can provide hope to the patients by alleviating symptoms with restored vascularity, reduced morbidity, preventing sudden cardiac death. Health costs reduction with shorter hospital and ICU stay are the added benefits.

Marginal Artery of Drummond Pseudoaneurysm Masquerading as Fistulous Tract Resulting in Recurrent Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Introduction: The mortality rate of patients hospitalized with a lower gastrointestinal bleed has been reported at 1.1% in the United States from 2005 to 2014. Pseudoaneurysms, typically associated with pancreatitis, have been described in case reports as a rare condition with a small subset presenting as gastrointestinal bleeding. Our study describes a rare case of recurrent lower gastrointestinal bleeding diagnosed as a pseudoaneurysm by endoscopy and angiography. Case Description/Methods: A 38-year-old male presented to our facility from a long-term care facility with hematochezia and blood clots per gastrostomy-jejunostomy. He had recently been hospitalized for severe coronavirus disease 2019 with a complicated hospital course in the intensive care unit including necrotizing pancreatitis with an abdominal drain, multiple secondary infections, tracheostomy, and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy-jejunostomy. On previous hospitalization, he was found to have a small pseudoaneurysm of the gastroduodenal artery and received embolization of the gastroduodenal and gastroepiploic arteries at that time. During transport to our hospital, he was noted to have tachycardia, hypotension requiring norepinephrine, and was transfused one unit of red blood cells. Hemoglobin at this time was 7.5 g/dl after transfusion. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy was completed and showed a gastrojejunostomy tube in the expected location but was noted to be tight to the mucosa, which was pale in appearance. Flexible sigmoidoscopy revealed localized areas of edematous and erythematous mucosa with some associated oozing throughout the sigmoid colon. Repeat evaluation was completed one week later due to recurrent hematochezia. Colonoscopy was performed with identification of an apparent fistulous tract in the sigmoid colon located at 35 cm. Computed tomography angiography localized a pseudoaneurysm arising from the marginal artery of Drummond just proximal to its anastomosis with the ascending branch of the left colic artery and was successfully embolized. Discussion(s): Pseudoaneurysms, such as the one described in this case, have been shown to be associated with pancreatitis and can result if a pseudocyst involves adjacent vasculature. Gastrointestinal bleeding is a rare presentation of this condition. However, this case highlights the importance of repeat colonoscopy and angiography in the setting of a lower gastrointestinal bleed of unknown etiology.

Thyroiditis Post COVID-19 mRNA Booster Dose Vaccination

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 vaccines have been associated with thyroid dysfunction including thyroiditis and Graves' disease. We report a patient who developed thyrotoxicosis secondary to thyroiditis after COVID-19 mRNA booster dose vaccination. Case Description: A 74-year-old man with no known personal or family history of thyroid disorders went to his primary care physician with symptoms of palpitations. Of note, he had the first booster (third dose) of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine about 1 week before. He did not recall any similar symptoms after the first two doses of the same vaccine. There were no other symptoms of thyrotoxicosis such as hand tremors, weight loss or mood change. There was no family history of thyroid disorders. He was not on any medications such as amiodarone and was not taking any herbal supplements. He did not have any symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection. There was no neck pain. Physical examination was unremarkable with no goiter or thyroid eye manifestations. Thyroid function: free T4 elevated at 46.7 pmol/L (11.5-22.7) and TSH suppressed at 0.01 mIU/L (0.5-4.5). Thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin was positive at 200% (50-179). He was initially started on carbimazole 15mg daily. However, the patient became rapidly hypothyroid despite dose reduction and subsequent discontinuation of carbimazole with free T4 of 8 pmol/L and TSH of 36.4 mIU/L. An ultrasound of the thyroid gland showed vascularity with no discrete nodules. No thyroid uptake scan was done. The diagnosis was revised to thyroiditis post vaccination. Hypothyroidism persisted despite discontinuation of carbimazole before recovery 8 months later. Patient was well and did not require any thyroxine supplementation. Discussion(s): It is postulated that COVID-19 vaccines triggered thyroiditis via an autoimmune inflammatory syndrome caused by the vaccine adjuvants. A high index of suspicion is necessary and a thyroid uptake scan may be useful in making the diagnosis. Thyroiditis is a self-limiting condition and recognising it is important as no specific thyroid treatment is necessary in most patients. Patients should not be deterred from subsequent vaccination as COVID-19 infection has higher mortality risk than thyroiditis.Copyright © 2023

Coagulopathy: A Vicious Indicator of COVID-19

COVID-19 is routinely associated with coagulopathy and complications associated with thrombosis. However, the difference between the coagulopathy, which is associated with COVID-19 and the coagulopathy, which is due to different causes, is that the "COVID-19 associated coagulopathy" shows raised levels of D-Dimer and that of fibrinogen. However, it shows quite some abnormalities in the levels of prothrombin time and also in the platelet count. "Venous thromboembolism" and arterial thrombosis is frequently seen in COVID-19 associated coagulopathy as opposed to "disseminated intravascular coagulopathy". Patients suffering from COVID-19 have many have multiple factors in common for thromboembolism which is associated with "Adult respiratory distress syndrome" from different etiologies like generalized inflammation and being unambulatory. "Cytokine storm" is the hallmark of COVID-19 associated coagulopathy which is distinguished by high levels of IL-6,1, tumour necrosis factor and other cytokines. The clinical features of COVID-19 associated coagulopathy overlap that of some syndromes like antiphos-pholipid syndrome and thrombotic microangiopathy. Studies have shown that patients diagnosed with disseminated intravascular coagulation have a poor prognosis compared to the one's that don't get diagnosed with DIC. The advancement of the condition from coagulopathy in the vasculature of the lungs to DIC in patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 shows that the patient's dysfunction associated with coagulation has evolved from local to generalized state. Investigating the coagulopathies will help in understanding the mechanism of COVID-19 associated coagulopathy.Copyright © International Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Multivessel Epicardial Coronary Artery Thrombosis after Heart Transplantation

Introduction: Although cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) remains one of the leading causes of graft failure after heart transplantation (HTx), simultaneous thrombosis of multiple epicardial coronary arteries (CA) is an uncommon finding. Case Report: A 43-year-old male patient with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy underwent successful HTx in 2019. The first two years after HTx were uneventful, surveillance endomyocardial biopsies (EMB) did not reveal any rejection episodes, coronary CTA revealed only minimal non-calcified CA plaques. The patient was admitted to hospital due to fever and chest pain in 2021. Immunosuppressive therapy consisted of tacrolimus, mycophenolate-mofetil and methylprednisolone. ECG verified sinus rhythm. Laboratory test revealed elevated hsTroponin T, NT-proBNP and CRP levels. Cytomegalovirus, SARS-CoV-2-virus and hemoculture testing was negative. Several high-titre donor-specific HLA class I and II antibodies (DSAs;including complement-binding DQ7) could have been detected since 2020. Echocardiography confirmed mildly decreased left ventricular systolic function and apical hypokinesis. EMB verified mild cellular and antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) according to ISHLT grading criteria. Cardiac MRI revealed inferobasal and apical myocardial infarction (MI);thus, an urgent coronary angiography was performed. This confirmed thrombotic occlusions in all three main epicardial CAs and in first diagonal CA. As revascularization was not feasible, antithrombotic therapy with acetylsalicylic acid, clopidogrel and enoxaparin was started for secondary prevention. Tests for immune system disorders, thrombophilia and cancer were negative. Patient suddenly died ten days after admission. Necropsy revealed intimal proliferation in all three main epicardial CAs, endothelitis, thrombosis, chronic pericoronary fat inflammation, fat necrosis, and subacute MI. CA vasculitis owing to persistent high-titre DSAs, chronic ABMR and acute cellular and antibody-mediated rejection led to multivessel CA thrombosis and acute multiple MI. ABMR after HTx may be underdiagnosed with traditional pathological methods. Pathologies affecting coronary vasculature of HTx patients with DSAs, unique manifestations of CAV lesions and occlusive thrombosis of non-stenotic, non-atherosclerotic lesions should be emphasized.Copyright © 2023

Using urgent small bowel ultrasound (SBUS) as a tool for decision-making in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Retrospective analysis of United Kingdom (UK) patients' outcome

Background: In the UK, magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) and colonoscopy are the gold standard assessment for mucosal disease activity in IBD. Both techniques require bowel preparation, may be poorly tolerated and are often subject to delay due to capacity issues. In several European centres, ultrasound is used as an alternative tool for disease activity monitoring and clinical decision-making. Recent studies confirm excellent sensitivity, specificity, correlation with MRE / colonoscopy and robust inter-observer agreement. In the UK, a lack of US training in IBD physicians has hindered development of accessible SBUS. In view of issues with MRI capacity during the covid pandemic, a dedicated small bowel ultrasound list with a gastroenterology fellow and a specialist radiology consultant for urgent IBD patients was initiated. Method(s): Records of IBD patients undergoing SBUS between June 2022 and November 2022 were reviewed. SBUS assessed disease activity (vascularity, bowel wall thickness, mesenteric fat and lymphnodes), length of disease, presence of obstruction or fistulating disease. Patients were then retrospectively asked to rate their SBUS experience compared to previous MREs. Result(s): 53 SBUS's (46 (86.7%) CD;2 (3.7%) UC) were performed on a dedicated SBUS list by a gastroenterology fellow and specialist radiology consultant during the study. In 29 patients (54.7%), the area of interest was the terminal ileum. SBUS detected disease complications in 7 (2 (3.7%) patients with obstructive disease, and 5 (9.4%)) patients with penetrating disease. The average waiting time from the point of referral to SBUS was 4.7 weeks, compared to an average waiting time for MRE of 20 weeks. Treatment response was assessed in 18 patients (33.9%). We were able to make treatment decisions with 32 patients (60.3%) based on their SBUS results without further assessment. In 10 patients (18.8%), SBUS was used to confirm a diagnosis in addition to colonoscopy. 18/22 ( 81%) patients reported a preference for SBUS compared to MRE (preference score of 4.5 on scale of 1-5). Conclusion(s): We developed an urgent SBUS service to aid timely clinical decision-making for IBD patients. In our practice, SBUS is an accurate tool to assess disease activity, significantly reduces patients waiting times and is the patient's preferred investigation. There is a clear unmet need to train IBD doctors and radiologists in SBUS.

Renal artery thrombosis as a long-term complication of COVID-19

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been extensively associated with microvascular and macrovascular thrombosis. Several reports have demonstrated a link between COVID-19 and pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, myocardial infarction, stroke, and aortic thrombosis. Renal artery thrombosis is of special interest because of its life-threatening consequences, such as acute kidney injury and renal infarction. We present a case of left renal artery thrombosis as a long-term complication of COVID-19. Moreover, we demonstrate the effectiveness of interventional radiology to regain vascularization of the affected kidney. © 2022

All in the Marrow - a Case of Primary Bone Marrow Oedema

Introduction/Background: Primary bone marrow oedema syndrome is an elusive and less well-defined entity. Whether Rheumatologists should consider it as a stand alone diagnosis, is debatable. It possibly would be best described as an MRI feature which could be a finding in a number of diseases which would include the initial phases of Osteonecrosis of the bone, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Spondyloarthritis, Enthesitis related, Post traumatic, OA, Infections and Cancers. The treatment options become constricted due to the paucity of evidence. Rheumatologists need to consider this as an area of unmet need with development of consensus classification criteria and treatment approaches. Description/Method: 27-year-old male, Height 174 cms Weight 90 Kgs BMI 29 Kg/m2, became symptomatic in Jan 2022 with complains of pain in the both hip joints & groin regions, pain became excruciating and he became bed-bound, with early morning stiffness lasting approximately 45 mins. Had received steroids for COVID infection in August 2020. Investigations Hb 13.5gm/dl TLC 7000/mm3 Platelet 400 x 103/mm3 Sr Bil 0.8mg/dl AST 16 IU/L. ALT 24 IU/L Sr Creatininine 1.1mg/dl Blood Sugar Levels, Fasting 89 mg/dl Post Prandial 102 mg/dl ESR 10mm in 1st hour by Wintrobes method CRP Quantitative 29.38mg/L HLA B27 by PCR Negative, RF Negative, ACCP Negative Serum, IgG, Beta2 Glycoprotein 1.44 SGU Serum, IgM, Beta2 Glycoprotein 3.44 SGU Serum, IgG, Cardiolipin antibody 8.4 GPL Serum, IgG, Cardiolipin antibody 17.45 GPL Lupus anticoagulant by DRVVT Negative Sr Cholesterol 211mg/dl HDL 29 mg/dl LDL 156mg/dl TGs 130 mg/dl MRI Hips & SI joints Transient bone marrow oedema/osteopenia of bilateral hip. PET CT Increased metabolic activity in both hip joints Bone Scan (99mTcMDP) Increased vascularity in perfusion phase, increased accumulation in soft tissue in blood pool phase and increased uptake in bilateral Hip joints in skeletal phase scan, suggestive of CRPS Type-I. Management Was initially managed with Tab Etoricoxib 90mg BD, also started on Tab Sulphaslazine and Tab Methotrexate. However, when he had no symptomatic relief he was administered Inj Infliximab on 12 May 2022 and a second dose on 9 June 2022. He had excellent pain relief after the 1st dose, however after 10 days of the administration, he again began experiencing pain especially after walking. He also had pain in the knees on this occasion. He was also administered Inj Zoledronic 4mg on 23 May 2022. He is at present not requiring any NSAIDs over the last 1 month. Discussion/Results: The patient having presented with excruciating and debilitating pain was worked up and evaluation revealed features of bone marrow oedema on MRI which was corroborated with bone scan and PET CT imaging. The acute phase reactant CRP was also significantly elevated. The patient also gave history of early morning stiffness lasting approximately 45 mins. Hence an underlying Inflammatory process such as Spondyloarthritis(Peripheral) with enthesitis was considered. The confounding factors were the pain which worsened on mobilization, HLA B27 negative status, Rheumatoid Factor and ACCP negative status and past history of having received IV Corticosteroids for COVID infection in August 2020. In view of the debilitating pain and aworking diagnosis of Spondyloarthritis, hewas started onNSAIDs alongwith rest, initially, followed by conventional synthetic disease modifying agents in Rheumatic disease followed by biologic synthetic diseasemodifying agent - Inj Infliximab. The thought process was to avoid prolonged NSAID use to prevent the associated side effects. However, since Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral head is a very likely possibility, the patient is planned to be kept under close follow up. Key learning points/Conclusion: Collaborative efforts between the Departments of Nuclear Medicine, Radiology, Orthopaedics and Rheumatology are crucial in the early detection and approach to cases of Bone Marrow oedema. Avascular necrosis of head of Femur is a far more common entity and must be kept in ind even when a diagnosis of Bone Marrow oedema syndrome is being entertained. Diagnosis of Bone Marrow oedema syndrome must be entertained only as a diagnosis of exclusion. Continued follow up and regular imaging must be pursued rigorously in patients diagnosed with Bone Marrow oedema syndromes. There is a requirement to document acute phase reactants such as CRP and ESR in patients diagnosed with Avascular necrosis of bone as this data could help us differentiate AVN from Primary Bone marrow oedema in the early stages.

Cervical and Axillary Lymphadenopathy after Administrating mRNA BNT-162b2 Vaccine against COVID-19: Clinical and Sonographic Findings, Outcomes of Short-term Follow-up

Introduction: Vaccination plays an important role in all strategic actions against the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the high safety and efficacy of vaccination, side effects of the vaccines may also occur. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and sonographic findings and short-term results of cervical and axillary lymphadenopathy after the BNT-162b2 mRNA vaccine. Materials and Methods: The patients who received at least one dose of BNT-162b2 mRNA vaccine between July-September 2021 and were detected to have ipsilateral axillary and cervical lymphadenopathy related closely to the vaccination period, were included in the study. Clinical characteristics, sonographic findings of lymphadenopathies, and short-term results were analyzed retrospectively. Results: A total of 13 patients [six females (46.2%), seven males (53.8%)] were evaluated in the present study. Mean age of the patients was 41.9 years (min-max= 20-56). Median time-lapse between vaccination and presentation to hospital was six days, and seven (53.8%) patients presented with symptoms and findings after the first dose, and six patients (46.2%) after the second dose. Three (23.1%) axillary lymphadenopathies, and 10 (76.9%) cervical lymphadenopathies were detected. Sonographic examination revealed lymphadenopathies predominantly oval morphology (69.2%), asymmetric cortical thickening (61.5%), and hilar-type vascularization (69.2%). Mean time of regression was found 19.2 days (min-max= 10-35). Conclusion: Ipsilateral cervical and axillary lymphadenopathies may occur because of vaccines against COVID-19. The sonographic findings of these lymphadenopathies may not be distinguished clearly from malignant lymph nodes;and for this reason, close clinical and radiological follow-up would be appropriate to elucidate the process.

Successful Kidney Transplantation from a Deceased Donor with Severe COVID-19: Undetectable SARS-CoV-2 in Donor Kidney and Aorta by Sensitive Molecular Testing

Purpose: Kidney transplantation (KT) from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) positive donors has been avoided due to concerns for donor-derived transmission and possibility of the kidney being a viral reservoir. There is no long-term safety data, and sensitive molecular testing for SARS-CoV-2 in donor kidney is not routinely performed. We report a case of successful KT from a deceased donor who died from severe COVID-19 respiratory illness whose donor kidney and aorta were probed for virus using in situ hybridization (ISH) and quantitative reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Method(s): A 30-year-old female was admitted to the hospital with severe COVID-19 pneumonia with a positive RT-PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 on nasopharyngeal swab. With clinical worsening, she was placed on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, but developed hypoxic brain injury and progressed to brain death. Renal function was stable during her hospital course with serum creatinine concentration of 0.7 mg/dL. SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR on bronchoalveolar lavage and nasopharyngeal samples tested again three days prior to donation was negative. A 55-year-old male recipient with an end-stage renal disease secondary to hypertension was transplanted with the left kidney from the above donor. The donor kidney was studied using pre-implantation surgical biopsy tissues to investigate the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Aorta tissue with the kidney was also studied given high expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptors in vasculature. Result(s): ISH analyses did not show any positive signal for SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the donor kidney sample compared to a SARS-CoV-2 positive lung control. All samples tested by qRT-PCR were also negative for SARS-CoV-2. We found no evidence of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA in the donor kidney and aorta. The recipient has been free of COVID-19 related signs or symptoms and tested negative for SARSCoV- 2 by nasopharyngeal swab RT-PCR on days 20, 30, and 90 following KT. After an initial period of delayed graft function requiring hemodialysis, the recipient now has excellent renal recovery over 6 months following the transplant, and the most recent creatinine is 1.3 mg/dL. Conclusion(s): Taken together with recent observations of successful KT outcomes from mild or asymptomatic COVID-19 donors, we believe that the transmission risk of SARS-CoV-2 through KT is likely to be very low. Use of deceased donors who died after severe COVID-19 can be considered for KT. Larger scale studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Bunazosin inhibited axial elongation with an increase of the choroidal blood perfusion in a murine model of myopia

Purpose : The prevalence of myopia is accelerating worldwide possibly because of the decrease in outdoor activity including COVID-19 home confinement. We have reported the effective treatments of suppressing myopia progression, including oral administration of crocetin (Mori K et al. Sci Rep. 2019) and violet light exposure (Jiang X et al. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2021). In this study, we examined the therapeutic effects of bunazosin, known as one of the α1-adrenergic receptor antagonists, in a lens-induced myopia mouse model. Methods : C57BL/6J mice were induced myopia at 3-week-old by a method established in our research group (Jiang X et al. Sci Rep. 2018). For 3 weeks, mice were equipped with lenses in both eyes, a left for 0 D lens as internal control and a right for -30 D lens as myopia induction. During this period, we administered 0.01% bunazosin hydrochloride solution by intraperitoneal injection (IP group) and eye drop (E group) once a day, and PBS as control. Ocular components including refraction error, axial length, and choroidal thickness before and after myopia induction were measured by an infrared photorefractor and an SD-OCT. The choroidal blood flow was evaluated by an SS-OCT angiography. Results : In the eye with -30D lens of control group, significant changes in a myopic shift of refraction (p < 0.01), axial elongation (p < 0.05), and choroidal thinning (p < 0.01) compared to 0D lens were observed. In contrast, IP or E groups showed no significant difference between both eyes, suggesting myopia progression was suppressed by bunazosin treatment. The choroidal blood flow of the eye with -30D in E group (58.9±8.9%) was higher than that of the control group -30D (44.0±6.4%)(p < 0.05). Conclusions : Bunazosin has a preventive effect on myopia progression by suppressing axial elongation and choroidal thinning together with an increase of choroidal blood flow.

LEFLUNOMIDE-INDUCED COLITIS IN IMMUNOSUPPRESSED PATIENT WITH SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS AND RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background: Leflunomide is an oral disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD), with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties that has been in use since 1998. Common leflunomide side-effects include gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea), occurring in 10-20% of patients treated with leflunomide. Scarce evidence exists that leflunomide can cause colitis. Aims: We present the case of a 61-year-old female, with Lupus Erythematosus who presented with colitis induced by long-term leflunomide treatment. Methods: Case report and review of literature Results: A 61-year-old female was seen by the gastroenterology team with complaints of diarrhea ongoing for 6 weeks associated with 10 lb weight loss. The patient had a complex medical history, including lupus, hypothyroidism, asthma, atrial fibrillation, recurrent C. difficile infection, Bell's palsy and avascular necrosis secondary to long-term corticosteroid therapy. Previous immunosuppressive therapies included prednisone, mycophenolic acid (Myfortic), hydroxychloroquine, azathioprine, mycophenolate (CellCept) but due to multiple intolerances, she was initiated on leflunomide in 2014 and has been maintained on it since. Stool analysis ruled out infectious causes. COVID-19 testing was also negative. A CT of the abdomen revealed pancolitis. This was confirmed on colonoscopy, which revealed mild, Mayo 1 pancolitis and normal terminal ileum. She was initiated on Mezavant as a treatment for possible ulcerative colitis. However, during the hospitalization her symptoms, worsened and bloody diarrhea was noted. She underwent a subsequent endoscopic evaluation which revealed more severe disease, Mayo 2-3 colitis, with mucosal hyperemia and ulcerations, as well as effacement of the vasculature. Initial pathology results revealed mild colitis, but repeat pathology results revealed moderate active colitis, with cryptitis, crypt abscesses and significant apoptosis consistent with drug-induced colitis. Given these findings, the diagnosis of leflunomide-induced colitis was made. Leflunomide was therefore discontinued, the patient was initiated on a higher dose of corticosteroids and cholestyramine was initiated. Following these measures, her diarrhea resolved. Conclusions: Leflunomide may cause diarrhea in up to 33% of patients. Challenges related to the diagnosis of leflunomide-induced colitis exist, including the rarity of the diagnosis, a not completely understood mechanism for acute leflunomide-induced diarrhea, as well as variable endoscopic and histologic findings associated with the diagnosis. This report illustrates a case of leflunomide-induced colitis which should be considered in patients on leflunomide, who present with symptoms of abdominal pain and diarrhea, even years after medication initiation.

A prospective ultrasonographic surveillance study on the incidence and recovery period of COVID-19 vaccination-related axillary lymphadenopathy following a booster shot

Background: COVID-19 vaccination-related lymphadenopathy is a frequent imaging finding that may be indistinguishable from malignant nodes and can lead to diagnostic difficulties in patients with cancer or healthy individuals on cancer screening. However, no prospective trials regarding COVID-19 vaccination- related lymphadenopathy following a booster shot have been conducted. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence and imaging characteristics of COVID-19 vaccination-related axillary lymphadenopathy and assess the recovery period following a booster shot. Methods: We prospectively enrolled healthy women working at St. Luke's International Hospital, who would receive the third shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine between December 6 and 28, 2021. Women with a history of cancer, atopic dermatitis, auto-immune disease, or axillary surgery were excluded. All participants underwent ultrasound (US) examinations for the bilateral axilla at baseline (prior to the third shot), early phase (1-3 days after the shot), and late phase (6 weeks after the shot) if lymphadenopathy was detected at the early phase. We evaluated the incidence and US characteristics of lymphadenopathy. As for US characteristics mimicking a malignant node, focal cortical thickening, absence of the echogenic hilus, and vascularity were examined. In this study, abnormal lymphadenopathy was defined as [1] an increase in the short-axis size by more than 2 mm compared with the baseline, [2] an increase in the number of nodes with short-axis diameter more than 5 mm, and [3] demonstrating US characteristics mimicking malignant nodes. Results: A total of 100 women were enrolled in this study. The median age was 41 years (range 23-63). Abnormal axillary lymphadenopathy on the vaccinated side was observed in 59% of participants in the early phase and 8% in the late phase. In the contralateral axilla, abnormal lymphadenopathy was observed in 1% of participants in the early phase and 2% in the late phase. The median short-axis size of ipsilateral abnormal lymphadenopathy was 7.6 mm in the early phase and 5.7 mm in the late phase. In the early phase, US characteristics mimicking malignant nodes were observed, including focal cortical thickening in 54% of participants, absence of the echogenic hilus in 16%, and hypervascularity in 33%. Conclusions: COVID-19 vaccination-related axillary lymphadenopathy indistinguishable from malignant nodes was observed in more than half of the participants compared with the baseline, which improved in most cases within 6 weeks after the latest booster shot. To avoid a diagnostic conundrum, patients with breast cancer should be vaccinated on the arm contralateral to the cancer side. It is recommended that non-urgent imaging screening for the axilla should be scheduled after 6 weeks following the latest vaccination.

Coronavirus vaccine and cerebral vasculitis: Potential pathophysiology

Background and Purpose: Since the implementation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination, we see continued hesitancy across the world regarding the potential emergence of immune and thromboembolic complications with these injections. This has included temporary pauses over concerns for thromboembolic events and cardiac inflammation.We provide discussion of a 57-year-old patient who suffered multiple ischemic strokes, with no prior history of vascular events after receiving her SARSCoV- 2 (messenger ribonucleic acid [mRNA]) vaccination with workup suggesting CNS vasculitis in the setting of multiple positive immune markers and propose the need for further investigation in this area. Methods:Review of case presentation, testing, imaging, and laboratory studies. Results: CT angiography was performed but could not identify any vascular pathology in the large vasculature. Brain MRI/MR angiography demonstrated strokes in multiple vascular territories (similar findings on first and second admission). Conventional angiogram was completed, which also did not demonstrate large vessel abnormalities. Telemetry was unremarkable. Echocardiogram (transthoracic and transesophageal) was performed without cardioembolic source identified. Serum and CSF laboratory studies were completed and suggestive of a CNS immune process and given the overall clinical picture were most consistent with probable small vessel CNS vasculitis. Conclusion: In presenting this patient's background and medical history, which includes autoimmune hepatitis, we propose there may be a subpopulation who could be at higher risk of immune reactions in the setting of these vaccinations and that while generally still safe for the overall population, in these particular subpopulations increased caution may be warranted pending further investigation, particularly if considering the newermRNA vaccinations.

Effect of Bevacizumab in Treatment of Severe COVID-19- Observations from a Tertiary Care ICU in South India ABS0032)

Aim and background: One of the primary causes of mortality and morbidity in the COVID-19 pandemic is dyspnea and hypoxia secondary to the pulmonary ARDS caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It results in the increased expression of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) triggered by the hypoxia. VEGF is responsible for increased permeablity of the vasculature causing leaky capillaries in the alveoli and flooding of the air spaces. VEGF also participates in the lung inflammation. Bevacizumab is an anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody being used in cancer treatment since more than a decade without any serious adverse effects. Objective: Whether the addition of bevacizumab to standard treatment helps to have an effect on the need for invasive ventilation, duration of ICU stay, and all-cause mortality caused by the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Materials and methods: We retrospectively compared patients of either gender aged between 18 and 80 years who tested positive with RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 and were hypoxic but not needing mechanical ventilation at admission from a single tertiary care hospital ICU in southern India admitted between April 2021 and July 2021. We excluded pregnant women and patients with chronic kidney and liver disease. The control group received standard treatment which included remdesivir, steroids, anticoagulants, and oxygen supplementation as required whereas the test group received a single intravenous dose of bevacizumab (400-500 mg@7.5 mg/kg/iv) along with standard treatment. We compared the need of invasive ventilation, length of stay in ICU, and all-cause mortality. Results: 16 patients (57.1%) in the bevacizumab group required invasive ventilation later, whereas 15 patients (60%) in the control group ended up requiring invasive ventilation (p = 0.63). 10 patients (35.7%) in bevacizumab group died whereas 5 patients (20%) in the control group died during their stay in ICU P(0.2), the rest got discharged home. The average length of stay in ICU was 13.8 ± 7.05 days in bevacizumab group compared with 18.48 ± 15.21 days in the control group. Mortality rates in patients who needed invasive ventilation were 45.5% in the bevacizumab group vs 50% in the control group, whereas mortality rates in patients not needing invasive ventilation were 31.2% in the bevacizumab group vs 0% in the control group. The average length of stay in ICU in patients needing invasive ventilation was 18.8 ± 6.95 days in the bevacizumab group vs 25.2 ± 20.8 days in the control group, whereas the average length of stay in ICU in patients not needing invasive ventilation was 11.06 ± 5.5 days in the bevacizumab group vs 14 ± 8.03 days in the control group. Conclusion: The addition of bevacizumab to standard treatment did not have any statistically significant effect on the need for invasive ventilation, length of stay in ICU, and all-cause mortality caused by the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Patients who required invasive ventilation had longer lengths of stay and higher mortality rates as compared to patients who did not need invasive ventilation in both the groups, but it was not statistically significant.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Associated mucormycosis (CAM)

The currently prevalent COVID-19 infection, its line of treatment, resultant immunosuppression, and pre-existing comorbidities have made patients exposed to secondary infections including mucormycosis. Mucormycosis is a rare but in invasive fungal infection (IFI) due to several species of saprophytic fungi, occurring in patients with underlying co-morbidities which include diabetes mellitus, organ transplant, immunosuppressive corticosteroid therapy. The maxilla rarely undergoes necrosis due to its rich vascularity. Rare but not uncommon is the incidence of mucormycosis associated maxillary osteomyelitis occurring post COVID-19 infection. Fungal osteomyelitis is a life-threatening infection which may further spread from maxilla to the nose and paranasal sinuses within the orofacial region. It is an aggressive infection that needs to be addressed promptly to prevent fatal consequences.

Disorders of Taste and Olfaction by COVID- 19- Patients- A functional and morphological Study

Purpose We investigated the prevalence of smell and/or taste loss and the clinical characteristics and recovery in a cohort of consecutive patients treated by two COVID-19 reference hospitals and evaluated the late persistence of hyposmia. Material and Methods 53 consecutive RT-PCR diagnosed patients (23 males, 30 females, 42,54 ± 10, 95 years) who had been hospitalized between January- June 2021 in the COVID-19 care wards were contacted, excluding patients with cognitive disorders and severe deconditioning. These patients (Group A) have been examined twice, once direct after leaving the hospital, and once again 4-6 weeks later. The patients- nasal and oral mucosa (Fungiform Papillae on tongue-s tip-fPap) were examined with a contact endoscope. Their olfaction was also examined with Sniffin' Sticks. As control-group we have examined 53 healthy subjects (Group B). Results Significant alterations in form and vascularization of fPap have been detect, specially by the first examination. Patients EGM-Thresholds of both measurements are higher than those of healthy subjects, although those of the second one are clearly lower. The same results have been found using Schniffin- Sticks. Discussion Our findings suggest that COVID-19 can produce a mild to profound neuropathy of multiple cranial nerves, which are responsible for the regeneration of fPap and the transmission of the chemical stimuli.

Leukocytoclastic vasculitis secondary to COVID-19 vaccine

We present the case of a severe cutaneous reaction following COVID-19 vaccination. A 60-year-old white woman presented to our service with an extensive painful, pruritic rash affecting her bilateral lower limbs. This was on a background of psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and notably inoculation against COVID-19 with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine hours prior to onset. There was no history of new medications, illicit drug use or infections. On examination, extensive palpable purpura was noted circumferentially at both lower limbs from the knee distally. Tense bullae were described at her bilateral ankles. She was apyrexial. Her cardiopulmonary and gastrointestinal examinations were normal. A punch biopsy taken from her right lower limb demonstrated findings consistent with leucocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV). Direct immunofluorescence demonstrated IgA deposits within the vasculature. IgA LCV secondary to COVID-19 vaccination was proposed on the basis of histological and clinical findings. Treatment consisted of oral steroids, oral antibiotics for secondary infection and wound dressings. Opioid analgesia and nitrous oxide were implemented for severe pain associated with dressing changes. As her urinary protein creatinine ratio was in excess of 100 mg dL-1 and microscopic haematuria was noted on urine microscopy, she was referred to nephrology. We note case reports of patients diagnosed with LCV up to 2 weeks following COVID-19 vaccination (Cavalli G, Colafrancesco, De Luca G et al. Cutaneous vasculitis following COVID- 19 vaccination. Lancet Rheumatol 2021;3: E743-4). In this case, onset of symptoms occurred within hours. While this presentation may have been coincidental, the relationship between immune complex vasculitis, COVID-19 infection (Iraji F, Galehdari H, Siadat AH, Bokaei Jazi S. Cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis secondary to COVID-19 infection: a case report. Clin Case Rep 2020;9: 830-4) and vaccination (Cavalli et al.) has been reported in the literature and represents the most likely diagnosis.

Isolated pauci-immune pulmonary capillaritis associated with an extensive bilateral hemothorax and pleuro-pericarditis

Introduction: Isolated pauci-immune pulmonary capillaritis (IPIPC) is a rare disorder characterized by small vessel vasculitis limited to alveolar capillaries in the absence of systemic manifestations. There are very few case reports of this disorder in the medical literature. Case Report: A 37-yo male with no known history of autoimmune pathology who was admitted to the hospital for evaluation and treatment of dyspnea and thoracalgia. Peripheral blood cultures, serum studies to detect Legionella and Pneumococcus antigens, and a nasopharyngeal swab test for covid-19 were all negative. Chest imaging revealed bilateral pleural effusions from the base to the apices with concomitant atelectasis of the adjacent lung parenchyma. Although the results of an 18F-PET-CT scan revealed no pathological uptake, video-assisted thoracoscopy revealed diffusely edematous pleura with crater-like patches with new onset of venous vessel varicosities, intra-alveolar hemorrhages associated with disordered vascularization, suggesting small vessel vasculitis. Histologic findings included widespread intra-alveolar hemorrhage with organizing injury, hemosiderin-laden macrophages, scattered intra-arterial thrombi, and diffuse perivascular neutrophilic infiltrates consistent with a diagnosis of capillaritis. Conclusions: Given the negative immune studies (save for a weakly-positive lupus anticoagulant and no evidence for extra-pulmonary vasculitis, the diagnosis was Isolated pauci-immune pulmonary capillaritis. The patient recovered in response to immunosuppressive/anti-inflammatory therapy.