Myocardial infarction following COVID-19 vaccine administration; a systematic review.

Introduction: Covid-19 vaccines have been assessed in randomized trials, which are designed to establish efficacy and safety, but are insufficient in power to detect rare adverse outcomes. Among the adverse cardiac events associated with mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are inflammations (e.g., pericarditis or myocarditis), thrombosis, and ischemia. Objective: This systematic review aims to evaluate the reported cases of myocardial infarction (MI) after COVID-19 vaccinations. Method: Web of Science, MEDLINE on OVID, PubMed, and Google Scholar were searched for English-language papers published until March 25, 2022. Results: This study included 15 papers (10 case reports and 5 case series). In total, 20 individuals were included who had received COVID-19 vaccines and experienced MI. Males (55%) reported more adverse occurrences than females (45%) across the majority of event categories. The mean time from the administration of the vaccine to the onset of symptoms was 2 days (0-10 days). The AstraZeneca vaccine was responsible for more than half of the reported events. In the majority of cases, the event developed after receiving the first dose of vaccination. Conclusion: MI related to COVID19 vaccination is a rare, but serious and life-threatening condition. Chest discomfort should be regarded as a warning sign, particularly in people who have been administered a dose of the vaccine within the previous two days.

Post COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis; a meta-analysis study.

Introduction; Pulmonary fibrosis is a frequently reported COVID-19 sequela in which the exact prevalence and risk factors are yet to be established. This meta-analysis aims to investigate the prevalence of post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis (PCPF) and the potential risk factors. Methods; CINAHL, PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases were searched to identify English language studies published up to December 3, 2021. Results; The systematic search initially revealed a total of 618 articles - of which only 13 studies reporting 2018 patients were included in this study. Among the patients, 1047 (51.9%) were male and 971 (48.1%) were female. The mean age was 54.5 years (15-94). The prevalence of PCPF was 44.9%. The mean age was 59 years in fibrotic patients and 48.5 years in non-fibrotic patients. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was the only comorbidity associated with PCPF. Fibrotic patients more commonly suffered from persistent symptoms of dyspnea, cough, chest pain, fatigue, and myalgia (p-value < 0.05). Factors related to COVID-19 severity that were associated with PCPF development included computed tomography score of ≥18, ICU admission, invasive/non-invasive mechanical ventilation, longer hospitalization period, and steroid, antibiotic and immunoglobulin treatments (p-value < 0.05). Parenchymal bands (284/341), ground-glass opacities (552/753), interlobular septal thickening (220/381), and consolidation (197/319) were the most common lung abnormalities found in fibrotic patients. Conclusion, About 44.9% of COVID-19 survivors appear to have developed pulmonary fibrosis. Factors related to COVID-19 severity were significantly associated with PCPF development.

COVID-19 associated with pulmonary mucormycosis; a case series.

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has evolved as a result of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2). With the rise of cases worldwide, plenty of potential COVID-19 complications have emerged, including increased susceptibility to subsequent bacterial and fungal infections. This study aims to report four cases of COVID-19 associated with pulmonary mucormycosis. Method: This is a multi-center case series study. Diagnosis of COVID-19 was confirmed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Result: A total of 4 patients infected with SARS-CoV2 were involved in this study. The majority of the cases were female, aged >42 years old. All patients developed severe symptoms. All of the patients had received steroids, half of them had co-morbidities. The most common computerized tomography (CT) scan findings were pulmonary cavitation and empyema. All of the cases were treated with a combination of surgery and antifungal treatment. Conclusion: As the number of COVID-19 cases rises, enhanced surveillance for co-infections with unusual pathogens should be continued. Clinicians should raise awareness of these deadly infections, which can further aggravate severe COVID-19.

Outcomes of arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis in pediatric age group.

INTRODUCTION: The feasibility of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation in pediatric patients has long been documented, but few studies have evaluated the forms and long-term outcomes. The aim of this article is to highlight the types, techniques and outcomes of AVFs in pediatric age group. METHODS: This is multi-center, retrospective, single cohort study, including all the cases of pediatric (less than 18 year old) cases underwent AVF creation during four years (2015-2019). The following data were obtained from the patients' medical records and analyzed; socio-demographics, etiology of renal failure (RF), history of dialysis and transplantation, type and site of AVF, the outcomes and complications. RESULTS: The study included 108 patients, 89 patients (82.4%) were female. The mean age was 13 years. The most common cause of RF was the urological causes which were found in 34 cases (31.5%), followed by nephrotic syndrome (32 cases, 29.6%), glomerulonephritis (27 cases, 25%), and polycystic kidney disease (12 cases, 11.1%). The decision for choosing access site was performed only by clinical examination in 96 patients (88.9%) while duplex ultrasound was requested for 12 cases (11.1%). The operation was done under local anesthesia in 81 cases (75%) and general anesthesia in 27 cases (25%). The procedure was performed in the wrist in 58 cases (53.7%) and in cubital fossa in 50 cases (46.2%). The most common early complication was hematoma (12 cases, 11.1%), followed by ecchymosis (10 cases, 9.3%), infection (8, 7.4%), seroma (4, 3.7%) and thrombosis (3, 2.8%). The one-year primary patency rate was found in 95 patients (88%) and two-year patency rate in 86 patients (79.6%). CONCLUSION: Native AVF in pediatric is the first choice dialysis access even in pediatric population. Radiocephalic in the non-dominant hand is the most preferred site.

Aseptic meningoencephalitis after COVID-19 vaccination: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Several types of vaccine have been shown to significantly reduce the risk of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study aims to report the first case of meningoencephalitis after receiving the second dose of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. CASE REPORT: A 62-year-old lady presented with headache, fever and rigor for 4 days. She had acute confessional state and inability to talk. She was conscious, disoriented, not obeying commands. Acyclovir vial IV 750 mg three times a day for 14 days were prescribed. She responded very well. DISCUSSION: Concern has been raised about the safety of vaccinations. The most common side effects of COVID-19 vaccinations are local responses at the injection site, followed by non-specific systemic symptoms such as headache, tiredness, myalgia, and fever. These may appear shortly after immunization and disappear in a short period of time. CONCLUSION: Although extremely rare, aseptic meningoencephalitis could occur after COVID-19 vaccination. The patient could be managed conservatively with a good clinical outcome.

Management of post lobectomy subcutaneous emphysema; a case report with literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Subcutaneous emphysema is an extremely rare complication after lobectomy. The current study aims to report a case of lung cancer developing extensive subcutaneous emphysema after lobectomy. CASE PRESENTATION: A 73-year-old man presented with dyspnea and cough for one month duration associated with wheeze and sputum. He was a chronic heavy smoker (100 pack/year). Work up revealed squamous cell carcinoma. Although he had poor pulmonary function tests, he underwent left upper lobectomy. On the fifth postoperative day, he was discharged from the hospital as there was no air leak and the lung remained expanded 15 hours after clamping of the thoracostomy tube. Two days later, the patient developed generalized subcutaneous emphysema. The patient was re-admitted to the hospital and a thoracostomy tube was inserted. The lung expanded upon insertion while the subcutaneous emphysema remained the same and even slightly increased over night. A 3 cm incision was made at the left infra-clavicular area and a negative pressure applied to it. The subcutaneous emphysema completely subsided a few hours after this intervention. DISCUSSION: Because of the benign course, the majority of cases of subcutaneous emphysema (mild to moderate) only need nonoperative management alongside treatment of the predisposing factors. These patients may need nothing other than bed rest, good analgesia, supplemental oxygen, and reassurance. CONCLUSION: Subcutaneous emphysema after lobectomy prolongs hospital stay. It mainly occurs in cases with poor pulmonary function tests, steroid use, and those with extensive adhesion.

Giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath in a 5-year-old child; A case report.

INTRODUCTION: and importance: Giant cell tumors of the tendon sheath in children have rarely been reported in the literature. This study aims to present a case of giant cell tumors of the tendon sheath on the big toe of a 5-year-old child. CASE PRESENTATION: A 5-year-old girl presented with a painless swelling over the dorsal aspect of right big toe for 2 weeks. Physical examination revealed non-tender rubbery like swelling over the dorsal aspect of the right big toe. Ultrasound scan of the swelling showed a 17 × 7 mm oval-shaped subcutaneous hypoechoic lesion. Magnetic resonance imaging showed evidence of 20× 8 mm well-defined fusiform soft tissue lesion scalloping the bone. Under general anesthesia, the mass was totally excised. Microscopic sectioning showed a mixture of fibroblasts and histiocyte like cells associated with multinucleated giant cells in the vascular connective tissue stroma with the definite diagnosis of the giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath. DISCUSSION: These tumors mostly compose of several types of cell like synovial, siderophages, foam, inflammatory and multinucleate giant cells. The major etiological factors that induce development of this tumor could be traumatic, inflammatory, metabolic or neoplastic disease. CONCLUSION: although it is a sporadic finding, giant cell tumors of the tendon sheath might affect the lower limb in children. Complete excision is the main modality of treatment.

Scarf pin inhalation; presentation and management; a case series.

BACKGROUND: Pin inhalation is an accidental entry of a pin into the respiratory passages. This study aims to shed the light on pin inhalation as a hazard and show the magnitude of such preventable thoracic problem and determine the safest method of management. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective single center case series, conducted during 18 month period from January 2016 to April 2017, All patients with pin inhalation had been collected and analyzed according to the age, gender, time between aspiration to presentation and symptoms and signs, number of attempts, bronchoscopic or open removal of the pins with complications. RESULTS: The total number of patients in this study was 162. The mean age was 11years. Pin inhalation accident was more common in patients less than 10 years in males and less than 20 years in females. The most common gender was female (73%). The most common presenting symptom was cough (54%). The left tracheobronchial tree was the most common site for pin lodgment 107 (67.3%) followed by the right side 23 (14.4%). The majority of the pins were extracted in one piece (94%). Thoracotomy was done in one patient, no death reported. CONCLUSION: Sharp pin inhalation is a serious hazard and can have lethal outcome. History is the major parameter to start the diagnosis of pin inhalation and radiography is the gold standard to confirm the diagnosis.

Chylothorax caused by blunt chest trauma: a review of literature.

Chylothorax is the accumulation of chyle in the pleural cavity that typically contains a high concentration of triglycerides. Blunt chest trauma is a rare cause. The aim of this study is to review all of the reported cases of chylothorax caused by blunt chest trauma. Available databases were explored systematically for the condition and the eligible papers were included. The literature search revealed 30 studies with 39 cases, 72.3% of the cases were male, and 21.7% of the patients were female. The age range varied between 4 and 75 years with a mean age of 35.8 years. All of the patients were diagnosed after fluid sampling from the pleural fluid by thoracentesis and/or chest tube insertion. About 71.4% of the patients were treated successfully by conservative management: others (28.6%) were managed surgically. Although it is a rare condition, persistent milky drainage after blunt chest trauma should raise the suspicion of chylothorax. Pleural fluid sampling is the cornerstone of the diagnosis. In the majority of the cases, conservative treatment is quite enough. Surgery is indicated whenever non-operative measures failed.

A dilemma of a case of Zenker diverticulum; leak or Acinetobacter baumannii?! A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Zenker's diverticulum is an acquired mucosal pulsion of the upper esophagus. The aim of this paper is to report a case of Zenker's diverticulum with a complicated postoperative course including infection by Acinetobacter baumannii causing diagnostic as well as management dilemma. CASE REPORT: A 43-year-old male complained from dysphagia for three months. Barium swallow revealed Zenker's diverticulum. Under general anesthesia, the small Zenker's diverticulum was ligated and myotomy was done. He developed erythematous swelling at the site of the operation. The patient was taken to the operation theater. The esophagus was tested, no trace of leak was found. The patient developed cardiac arrest. He was admitted to the intensive care unit and remained there for twenty eight days. Bronchial wash culture showed Acinetobacter baumannii. The patient was on antibiotic, supportive treatment and enteral feeding through nasogastric tube. After recovery he was extubated and barium swallow was done which was normal and showed no signs of leak. Three months after the operation, the patient was completely normal. DISCUSSION: This case had a positive culture for Acinetobacter baumannii. It is commonly accounted for nosocomial infections. It has been documented as a serious threat worldwide because of the emerging prevalence of multidrug resistant. However, an inadequate understanding of A. baumannii pathophysiology and ecosystem confines the progress of alternative therapeutic policies. In the current case, it was not clear either leak or Acinetobacter baumannii was the cause of deterioration. CONCLUSION: Both esophageal leak and infection with Acinetobacter baumannii are fulminant debilitating conditions that could be managed with conservative strategies.

Bilateral inframammary pilonidal sinus: A case report with literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Pilonidal sinus (PNS) is a chronic inflammatory perianal disorder that rarely occurs outside sacrococcygeal region. The aim of this study is to report an extremely rare case of bilateral inframammary PNS with brief literature review. CASE REPORT: A 25-year-old female presented with a discharging sinuses in both inframammary region for two years. Examination showed multiple discharging sinuses with several centimeters of induration and tenderness. Under general anesthesia, complete excision of the sinuses with primary closure done. Histopathological examinations showed chronic foreign body granuloma surrounding hair shaft pictures consistent with PNS. DISCUSSION: Inframammary PNS has never been reported in the literature. As with intermammary PNS, in this case also it is associated with obesity and large breasts with tight brassieres. Diagnosis is usually clinical. In contrast to sacrococcygeal PNS, operation under general anesthesia is main treatment modality. CONCLUSION: Pilonidal sinus of inframammary region is an extremely rare condition. High index of suspicion is required for diagnosis. Excision with primary closure is the definitive therapy.

Hydatid cyst of the thigh: A case report with literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Hydatid diseases are cystic parasitic infestation caused by Echinococci. The most frequently affected organs are liver and lung. The aim of this study is to report a rare case of hydatid disease of the thigh. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 34-year-old female presented with mild, continuous lower abdominal pain. Concomitantly, she was complaining of gradually increasing swelling of the left thigh for about 9 month duration. On examination, there was tender, 3 × 4 cm, suprapubic mass with firm non-tender 10 × 17 cm swelling at the lateral aspect of left thigh. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the diagnosis thigh hydatid cyst. It was managed by surgical resection. DISCUSSION: In endemic regions, hydatidosis can be controlled by several preventive mechanisms including regular medication of definitive hosts by praziquantel, vaccinating sheep, preventing dog's access to intermediate hosts, boiling or safe disposal of offal. The current case reported positive history of animal contact without fulfilling any preventive measure. CONCLUSION: Hydatid cyst of the thigh is a very rare parasitic manifestation presenting as a painless swelling, diagnosed typically by MRI and managed with en bloc resection.