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Background In this study, we aimed to explore the possible association between hepatic steatosis (HS) and coronary artery disease (CAD) by calculating the patients' calcium scores and comparing clinical and laboratory parameters of patients in King Abdullah Medical City (KAMC), Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The role of risk factors associated with HS was also assessed. Methodology The medical records of 79 patients who underwent coronary cardiac computed tomography (CT) for calcium scoring and enhanced or non-enhanced CT scans of the abdomen and pelvis at the Department of Radiology, KAMC, Makkah, KSA, between April 2012 and April 2013 were collected and analyzed. Results The overall prevalence of HS was 32.9%. Gender, age, and body mass index were significantly associated with HS. Low-dose unenhanced CT is a promising screening test for the determination of HS. A severe grade of calcium score was significantly associated with HS, while hypertension had no significant relation with HS. Biomarkers such as blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, cholesterol, and triglycerides had a significant association with HS, while other liver function tests and lipid profile values did not have a significant association. Bilirubin was significantly higher in non-fatty liver than in fatty liver. Furthermore, higher grades of calcium score were significantly associated with fatty liver in non-hypertensive and non-diabetic patients. Conclusions CAD is closely associated with HS. Moreover, diabetes mellitus and hypertension play a critical role in the development of HS.
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INTRODUCTION: Acute calcific longus colli tendinitis, also known as retropharyngeal or acute calcific prevertebral tendinitis, is a reactive self-limiting inflammatory response to acute or subacute deposition of amorphous calcium hydroxyapatite crystals in the tendons of the longus colli muscle, anterior to the C1-C2 disk space. CASE PRESENTATION: A 53-year-old man presented with a complaint of neck pain and odynophagia over a few days. Blood test findings showed mild leukocytosis and elevated C-reactive protein level. Computed tomography findings showed mild edematous prevertebral thickening involving the retropharyngeal space, predominantly on the left side, with no appreciable surrounding peripheral enhancement. A small amount of linear calcification/ossification involving the superior fibers of the left longus colli muscle, anterior to the C1 arch were also noted. DISCUSSION: The patient's presentation could be easily misdiagnosed as a retropharyngeal abscess. However, the presence of subtle findings on CT would lead to the correct diagnosis. The management of this condition is mainly with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. CONCLUSION: This study presents the characteristic radiological features of retropharyngeal calcific tendinitis. These features are subtle and could be missed. Once an accurate diagnosis is made, treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is indicated. The purpose of this case report is to highlight this rare condition's diagnosis and management.
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OBJECTIVE: Submental hematoma or pseudo-Ludwig's phenomenon, is a rare entity seen in anticoagulated patients and can precipitate upper airway obstruction. Our objective is to present a rare case of spontaneous submental hematoma due to poorly controlled hypertension in elderly patient and to perform a literature review. CASE REPORT: 101-year-old female presented to emergency room with sudden painful swelling in the floor of mouth and slurred speech. Not on anticoagulation and no history of trauma or known allergies. Physical examination and flexible laryngoscope revealed normal temperature and blood pressure of 190/100, submental/floor of mouth swelling that was tense to palpation, ecchymotic/hemorrhagic and extend to the tip of the tongue suggestive of recent submucosal bleeding and mild swelling at the base of tongue as well as small hemorrhagic vallecular cyst. CT scan ruled out AVM and pseudoaneurysm of lingual artery. She was diagnosed with spontaneous submental hematoma (SSH) probably due to the rupture of atherosclerotic vessels supplying the musculature related to the space due to uncontrolled sever hypertension. She was treated conservatively by electively securing the airway and the swelling resolved in 3days. She got extubated and subsequently discharged home. METHODS: Systematic literature review was conducted and revealed only 5 cases since 2002 reported with this rare subgroup of spontaneous submental hematoma not related to anticoagulation. This case report has been reported in line with the SCARE criteria [1]. RESULTS: 4 cases were results of uncontrolled hypertension whereas one case was seen in cirrhotic liver patient. One patient was managed with surgical evacuation of the hematoma were in the others conservative management initiated but failed. Of those 4, 2 required an emergent airway procedure. CONCLUSION: Spontaneous submental hematoma (SSH) is a clinical diagnosis and conservative management is successful in reducing the amount of swelling once the causative factors have been corrected/controlled. The main goal is to electively secure the airway and as in all emergent airway management the team must include members capable of a surgical airway.
