Primary Malignant Melanoma of the Urethra: A Rare Finding.

Primary urinary tract metastatic melanoma is an extremely rare cancer involving the urinary tract. In the majority of melanomas, skin melanocytes can become damaged by ultraviolet radiation and cause melanoma. However, in rare cases, melanocytes in mucosal tissue can develop into melanoma, which can be challenging to diagnose and treat. This case report describes managing and treating a patient with an extremely rare primary cancer finding. We describe the case of a patient who was diagnosed with primary metastatic melanoma of the urinary tract following an extensive and detailed diagnostic period of 2.5 months. After review by an interdisciplinary tumor board and a shared decision-making process with the patient, he agreed to immunotherapy with ipilimumab and nivolumab. The patient survived nearly five months after the initiation of treatment. The cause of death was challenging to determine due to it being unwitnessed; however, it is suspected to be cardiovascular-related, owing to a history of severe cardiovascular disease and an acute stress event prior to death.

Hepatocellular Carcinoma With Tumor Thrombus Extension Into the Right Atrium of the Heart.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver tumor. Most patients present to the hospital with systemic symptoms and typically have a history of liver disease. This case study involves a male in his 60s who presented to our hospital facility with a chief complaint of abdominal pain. He reported no history of liver disease but was diagnosed with HCC stage IVB during this hospitalization. Upon further imaging, a tumor thrombus was found invading the inferior vena cava with an extension into the right atrium. Our primary learning point in this article is to emphasize the importance of prompt surveillance for primary care physicians with patients who are at increased risk for HCC. Additionally, we discuss specific management aimed toward patients diagnosed with a tumor thrombus extending into the right atrium. This management includes dual immunotherapy (atezolizumab and bevacizumab) and transarterial chemotherapy embolization (TACE).

Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis With Hypokalemia: A Case Study.

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is a rare life-threatening condition most commonly seen in individuals between the ages of 20-40 years. It is most prevalent in Hispanic and Asian populations. Here we present a case report of a young male patient admitted to our facility with an acute onset of paralysis. He was found to have new-onset hyperthyroidism and severe hypokalemia. TPP was exacerbated by the intake of a high-carbohydrate meal as well as a steroid injection within 24 hours of symptom onset.

Antimicrobial resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from patients with pneumonia during the COVID-19 pandemic and pre-pandemic periods in Northeast Brazil.

Healthcare-related infections caused by resistant microorganisms are a severe public health problem and are becoming increasingly prevalent in the hospital environment, especially Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This work aimed to evaluate the resistance profile of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to antimicrobials before the COVID-19 pandemic and during the pandemic period. Bacteria strains were obtained from tracheal aspiration, sputum, and bronchoalveolar lavage for diagnosis and phenotypic characterization. Matrix assisted laser-desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALD-TOF MS) was used to identify strains. Automated Phoenix and VITEK® 2 Compact system and the disc diffusion method were performed to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility profile. A total of 41,000 medical reports from adult patients with pneumonia were analyzed. Of these, 951 patients were positive for P. aeruginosa, of which 373 were related to the pre-pandemic period and 578 to the pandemic period. Older men (≥60 years) were more prevalent in both periods. P. aeruginosa strains were resistant to imipenem in both periods: 38.8 and 42.5%, respectively, followed by meropenem (34.2 and 39.2%), ciprofloxacin (33.6 and 36.7%), and levofloxacin (34.9 and 43.5%). Intensive care units had the highest percentage of affected patients (62 and 65%) compared with other sectors, with a prevalence of 71% in the public network before COVID-19 and 59% during the pandemic. Our data showed a prevalence of P. aeruginosa in elderly patients in both the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. In addition, an increase in P. aeruginosa resistance to beta-lactams, quinolones, carbapenems, and cephalosporins was observed during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with the period before the pandemic, especially in ICUs.

Antimicrobial resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from patients with pneumonia during the COVID-19 pandemic and pre-pandemic periods in Northeast Brazil

Healthcare-related infections caused by resistant microorganisms are a severe public health problem and are becoming increasingly prevalent in the hospital environment, especially Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This work aimed to evaluate the resistance profile of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to antimicrobials before the COVID-19 pandemic and during the pandemic period. Bacteria strains were obtained from tracheal aspiration, sputum, and bronchoalveolar lavage for diagnosis and phenotypic characterization. Matrix assisted laser-desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALD-TOF MS) was used to identify strains. Automated Phoenix and VITEK® 2 Compact system and the disc diffusion method were performed to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility profile. A total of 41,000 medical reports from adult patients with pneumonia were analyzed. Of these, 951 patients were positive for P. aeruginosa, of which 373 were related to the pre-pandemic period and 578 to the pandemic period. Older men (≥60 years) were more prevalent in both periods. P. aeruginosa strains were resistant to imipenem in both periods: 38.8 and 42.5%, respectively, followed by meropenem (34.2 and 39.2%), ciprofloxacin (33.6 and 36.7%), and levofloxacin (34.9 and 43.5%). Intensive care units had the highest percentage of affected patients (62 and 65%) compared with other sectors, with a prevalence of 71% in the public network before COVID-19 and 59% during the pandemic. Our data showed a prevalence of P. aeruginosa in elderly patients in both the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. In addition, an increase in P. aeruginosa resistance to beta-lactams, quinolones, carbapenems, and cephalosporins was observed during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with the period before the pandemic, especially in ICUs.

The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)-Directed Implantable Guide Tube Technique: Accuracy and Applications in Deep Brain Stimulation.

OBJECTIVE: The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-directed implantable guide tube technique allows for direct targeting of deep brain structures without microelectrode recording or intraoperative clinical assessment. This study describes a 10-year institutional experience of this technique including nuances that enable performance of surgery using readily available equipment. METHODS: Eighty-seven patients underwent deep brain stimulation surgery using the guide tube technique for Parkinson disease (n = 59), essential tremor (n = 16), and dystonia (n = 12). Preoperative and intraoperative MRI was analyzed to measure lead accuracy, volume of pneumocephalus, and the ability to safely plan a trajectory for multiple electrode contacts. RESULTS: Mean target error was measured to be 0.7 mm (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.6-0.8 mm) in the anteroposterior plane, 0.6 mm (95% CI 0.5-0.7 mm) in the mediolateral plane, and 0.8 mm (95% CI 0.7-0.9 mm) in the superoinferior plane. Net deviation (Euclidean error) from the planned target was 1.3 mm (95% CI 1.2-1.4 mm). Mean intracranial air volume per lead was 0.2 mL (95% CI 0.1-0.4 mL). In total, 52 patients had no intracranial air on postoperative imaging. In all patients, a safe trajectory could be planned to target for multiple electrode contacts without violating critical neural structures, the lateral ventricle, sulci, or cerebral blood vessels. CONCLUSIONS: The MRI-directed implantable guide tube technique is a highly accurate, low-cost, reliable method for introducing deep brain electrodes. This technique reduces brain shift secondary to pneumocephalus and allows for whole trajectory planning of multiple electrode contacts.

Endodermal Cyst Arising from the Oculomotor Nerve: A Case Report Outlining the Novel Insertion of Cysto-subarachnoid Shunt for Refractory Disease.

BACKGROUND: Endodermal cysts of the oculomotor nerve are rare presentations. Only case reports are available to help guide clinicians with managing this rare entity. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 3-year-old boy presented with an acute on chronic left oculomotor nerve palsy due to a left interpeduncular cistern cyst found on magnetic resonance imaging. He underwent a left pterional craniotomy and fenestration of the histologically proven endodermal cyst and had initial improvement at the 2-month review. He subsequently developed clinical and radiologic evidence of recurrence and was treated surgically with a refenestration and insertion of a cysto-subarachnoid shunt through a trans-sylvian approach. At 6-month follow-up, there was complete resolution of the oculomotor nerve palsy with interval development of oculomotor synkinesis. CONCLUSIONS: Magnetic resonance imaging is an essential modality in the follow-up of these patients postoperatively in the setting of unchanged or deteriorated neurology. Fenestration of the cyst is appropriate first-line surgical management; however, a cysto-subarachnoid shunt is a safe consideration in recurrent, symptomatic cysts and provides sustained symptom resolution.

Infantile Optic Pathway Glioblastoma.

BACKGROUND: Optic pathway gliomas and glioblastomas remain a rare entity within the infant population. CASE DESCRIPTION: We outline the case of a 6-month-old female who presented with failure to thrive, nystagmus and features of raised intracranial pressure. Subsequent magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated an infiltrating tumor radiating from the optic nerves bilaterally. She underwent emergent ventriculoperitoneal shunting and biopsy. Histology confirmed a World Health Organization grade IV glioblastoma. CONCLUSIONS: The patient remained clinically and radiologically stable at 1 year. Optic pathway glioblastoma in this population is a previously undescribed entity that requires multidisciplinary input to guide ongoing therapy.

Surgical Management of Spontaneous Spinal Cerebrospinal Fluid Epidural Fistula.

BACKGROUND: Intracranial hypotension secondary to spontaneous spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula is a rare condition that can have serious sequelae. Early diagnosis and treatment can be challenging. CASE DESCRIPTION: We present the case of a 17-year-old male who presented with a history of sudden-onset, postural headaches associated with upper thoracic back pain. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a thoracic extradural fluid collection and slumping of the brain within the posterior fossa. The patient was initially managed with a period of bed rest, followed by a thoracic epidural blood patch. Symptoms recurred and subsequent operative exploration found a large arachnoid cyst with CSF egress through a linear split in the axilla of the right T7 nerve root. The arachnoid cyst was resected, and the defect was closed primarily. All symptoms completely resolved. MRI at 3 months postoperatively demonstrated normal spinal configuration and resolution of brain sagging. CONCLUSIONS: Spontaneous CSF leaks are a rare cause of postural headache. Although epidural blood patching is an easy and safe intervention, early serial imaging to ascertain the evolution of the pathology may identify cases that are amenable to early surgical management.

Thoracic discectomy by posterior pedicle-sparing, transfacet approach with real-time intraoperative ultrasonography: Clinical article.

OBJECT: Symptomatic thoracic disc herniations (TDHs) are relatively uncommon, and the technical challenges of resecting the offending disc are formidable due to the location of spinal cord that has relatively poor perfusion characteristics within a narrow canal. The majority of disc herniations are long-standing calcified discs that can be adherent to the ventral dura. Real-time intraoperative ultrasound (RIOUS) visualization of the spinal cord during the retraction and resection of the disc greatly enhances the safety and efficacy of disc resection. The authors have adopted the posterior laminectomy with pedicle-sparing transfacet approach with real-time ultrasound guidance in their practice, and they present the clinical outcome in their patients to illustrate the safety profile of this technique. METHODS: Sixteen consecutive patients undergoing operative management of TDHs were identified from the authors' database. All patients underwent microdiscectomy through a posterior transfacet pedicle-sparing approach under RIOUS. Outcomes and complications were retrospectively assessed in this patient series. Clinical records and pre- and postoperative imaging studies were scrutinized to assess levels and types of disc herniation, blood loss, surgical time, pre- and postoperative Nurick grades, Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores, and complications. RESULTS: All patients had single-level symptomatic TDHs. The patients presented with symptoms including thoracic myelopathy, axial back pain, urinary symptoms, and thoracic radiculopathy. Thoracic disc herniations involved levels T2-3 to T12-L1. Discs were classified as central or paracentral, and as calcified or noncalcified. All discs were successfully removed with no incidence of neural injury or CSF leak. The mean estimated blood loss was 523 ml, and the mean surgical time was 159 minutes. Nurick grades improved on average from 3.3 to 1.6. The mean JOA scores improved from 5.7 to 8.3 out of 11. The mean Hirabayashi recovery rate of the JOA score was 57%. All patients reported improvement in symptoms compared with preoperative status except for 1 patient with an American Spinal Injury Association Grade A spinal cord injury prior to surgery. The average duration of follow-up was 10.5 months. One patient developed postoperative wound infection that required additional operative debridement and revision of hardware. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracic discectomy via a posterior pedicle-sparing transfacet approach is an adequate method of managing herniations at any thoracic level. The safety of the operation is significantly enhanced by the use of realtime intraoperative ultrasonography.

Percepción del nivel cognoscitivo sobre manejo postural continuo en cuidadores de pacientes en silla de ruedas / Perception of cognition level about continuous postural management in caregivers of patients in wheelchairs

Introducción: Los pacientes con alteraciones neurológicas severas dependen del cuidado de terceros, muchas veces son las familias quienes asumen este rol, pero se desconoce cuánto logran integrar del manejo postural continuo. Objetivo: Determinar la percepción del nivel cognoscitivo de los cuidadores, en relación al manejo postural continuo, de pacientes en silla de ruedas, que asisten al Instituto Teletón Concepción, durante el año 2011. Pacientes y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio cualitativo fenomenológico con muestra de casos tipos en 8 cuidadores, que permitió profundizar en las experiencias individuales de estos, a través de entrevistas semi-estructuradas. Se realizó análisis semántico estructural sobre el discurso de los cuidadores. Resultados: Se estableció los códigos principales bajo los cuales los cuidadores comprenden el manejo postural continuo, el cual se entendió por el concepto de alineación corporal, la condición muscular del paciente y las expectativas de rehabilitación. Hay un mayor reconocimiento de los padres a la información entregada por sus pares, dándole mayor valor emocional. Las experiencias particulares de cada cuidador pueden ser una fuente positiva de refuerzo del programa de manejo postural continuo. Conclusiones: Los cuidadores refieren poseer amplios conocimientos del manejo postural continuo, pero no son capaces de detallar los aspectos básicos del mismo, evidenciando una falta de integración del conocimiento en esta área.

Introduction: Patients with severe neurological disorders depend on a third party for their care. Usually it is within their own families, that someone takes over that role, however, it is unknown to what extent they are able to integrate “continuous postural management”. Objective: To determine caregivers’ cognitive perception level with regards to “continuous postural management”, of patients who use wheelchairs and who attended Teletón Institute at Concepción, Chile, during the year 2011. Patients and Method: A phenomenological qualitative research using type cases samples in 8 caregivers was carried out. This made possible to go in depth with their individual experiences by conducting semi-structured interviews. A structural semantic analysis about the caregivers’ speech was done. Outcomes: Main codes under which caregivers understand “continuous postural management” were established. This was understood as the concept of body or corporal alignment, patients’ muscular condition and rehabilitation expectancies. There is greater acknowledgment from parents regarding information provided by their peers, which adds greater emotional value. Therefore, each caregiver’s individual experience may become a constructive strengthening source for the “continuous postural management” program. Conclusions: Caregivers reported having broad knowledge regarding “continuous posture management”, however they were unable to provide details about its basic characteristics, thus showing lack of knowledge integration in this area.

Accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging-directed frame-based stereotaxis.

BACKGROUND: Accurate placement of a probe to the deep regions of the brain is an important part of neurosurgery. In the modern era, magnetic resonance image (MRI)-based target planning with frame-based stereotaxis is the most common technique. OBJECTIVE: To quantify the inaccuracy in MRI-guided frame-based stereotaxis and to assess the relative contributions of frame movements and MRI distortion. METHODS: The MRI-directed implantable guide-tube technique was used to place carbothane stylettes before implantation of the deep brain stimulation electrodes. The coordinates of target, dural entry point, and other brain landmarks were compared between preoperative and intraoperative MRIs to determine the inaccuracy. RESULTS: The mean 3-dimensional inaccuracy of the stylette at the target was 1.8 mm (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5-2.1. In deep brain stimulation surgery, the accuracy in the x and y (axial) planes is important; the mean axial inaccuracy was 1.4 mm (95% CI, 1.1-1.8). The maximal mean deviation of the head frame compared with brain over 24.1 ± 1.8 hours was 0.9 mm (95% CI, 0.5-1.1). The mean 3-dimensional inaccuracy of the dural entry point of the stylette was 1.8 mm (95% CI, 1.5-2.1), which is identical to that of the target. CONCLUSION: Stylette positions did deviate from the plan, albeit by 1.4 mm in the axial plane and 1.8 mm in 3-dimensional space. There was no difference between the accuracies at the dura and the target approximately 70 mm deep in the brain, suggesting potential feasibility for accurate planning along the whole trajectory.

Accuracy of postoperative computed tomography and magnetic resonance image fusion for assessing deep brain stimulation electrodes.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge of the anatomic location of the deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrode in the brain is essential in quality control and judicious selection of stimulation parameters. Postoperative computed tomography (CT) imaging coregistered with preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is commonly used to document the electrode location safely. The accuracy of this method, however, depends on many factors, including the quality of the source images, the area of signal artifact created by the DBS lead, and the fusion algorithm. OBJECTIVE: To calculate the accuracy of determining the location of active contacts of the DBS electrode by coregistering postoperative CT image to intraoperative MRI. METHODS: Intraoperative MRI with a surrogate marker (carbothane stylette) was digitally coregistered with postoperative CT with DBS electrodes in 8 consecutive patients. The location of the active contact of the DBS electrode was calculated in the stereotactic frame space, and the discrepancy between the 2 images was assessed. RESULTS: The carbothane stylette significantly reduces the signal void on the MRI to a mean diameter of 1.4 ± 0.1 mm. The discrepancy between the CT and MRI coregistration in assessing the active contact location of the DBS lead is 1.6 ± 0.2 mm, P < .001 with iPlan (BrainLab AG, Erlangen, Germany) and 1.5 ± 0.2 mm, P < .001 with Framelink (Medtronic, Minneapolis, Minnesota) software. CONCLUSION: CT/MRI coregistration is an acceptable method of identifying the anatomic location of DBS electrode and active contacts.

High-frequency pallidal stimulation for camptocormia in Parkinson disease: case report.

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE: Camptocormia is characterized by abnormal flexion of the thoracolumbar spine that increases during upright posture and abates in the recumbent position and has been reported to occur in patients with Parkinson disease. Camptocormia causes significant spinal and abdominal pain, impairment of balance, and social stigma. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 57-year-old woman with Parkinson disease developed severe camptocormia, which did not improve with trials of antiparkinsonian and muscle relaxant medications. The patient was successfully treated with bilateral globus pallidus interna deep brain stimulation surgery under general anesthesia. High-frequency neuromodulation afforded relief of camptocormia and improvement in Parkinson disease symptoms. CONCLUSION: Camptocormia in Parkinson disease may represent a form of dystonia and can be treated effectively with chronic pallidal neuromodulation.