Retroperitoneal Knee Pain: An Unusual Case Report and Review of an Ancient Schwannoma.

Schwannomas are nerve sheath tumors that occur in Schwann cells. They are usually benign, but malignant transformation can occur. Symptomatology depends on the involvement of the surrounding tissues or the mass effect of the tumor. We describe a case of a 28-year-old man who initially presented with right iliac fossa pain associated with radiating pain over the anterior and lateral aspect of his right knee. Following subsequent investigations, we found a retroperitoneal schwannoma of the right lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. The key to our diagnosis was the referred pain to his right knee, which gave us a clue of possible neuropathic pain. Our patient highlights the need to consider a unified diagnosis when faced with an incongruent set of symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging is the diagnostic modality of choice for the diagnosis of schwannomas. Treatment is directed towards symptomatic control. Surgery, radiation, and, in rare instances, chemotherapy are the major treatment modalities employed.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: An Unusual Cause of Hemorrhagic Stroke.

Stroke is one of the most common causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Hemorrhagic stroke comprises 10-20% of strokes. Here, we present a case report of hemorrhagic stroke that may have been secondary to untreated Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) in a young man with no other cardiovascular risk factors or features of metabolic syndrome. A 32-year-old man was admitted for hemorrhagic stroke. An initial thorough workup for the etiology of stroke was inconclusive. Eventually, a polysomnography was done, which demonstrated OSA suggesting that untreated OSA may have contributed to his stroke. OSA may cause hemorrhagic stroke by nocturnal blood pressure surge. So, all physicians should consider doing polysomnography for unexplained hemorrhagic stroke or in patients at risk. Diagnosing and treating OSA would be critical in preventing hemorrhagic stroke and its recurrences.

Brain Tumor Causing Atrial Fibrillation in an Otherwise Healthy Patient.

We report a case of a 57-year-old man who presented with an episode of syncope resulting in an accident. On presentation, he was found to have atrial fibrillation (AF). A brain imaging done to exclude intracranial hemorrhage revealed a brain tumor instead. Recently, AF has been used as a marker for occult cancer. Thus, we hypothesize that AF in our patient was a result of the existing brain tumor and not simply a coincidence. AF may help in diagnosing brain tumors in asymptomatic or oligosymptomatic patients at an early stage, decreasing mortality and morbidity significantly.

Invasive Streptococcus Pneumoniae Infection Causing Cardioembolic Stroke: A Clinical Proximity to Austrian Syndrome.

Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) is a significant human bacterial pathogen and the major cause of pneumonia. In the post-antibiotic era, S. pneumoniae endocarditis is rare but carries a high risk of central nervous system (CNS) involvement. We present a case of invasive S. pneumoniae infection, which led to a cardioembolic stroke in a young man from septic emboli. Diagnosing a disseminated S. pneumoniae infection at an early stage is crucial and may improve patient outcomes.

Spinal Cord Infarction Mimicking Acute Transverse Myelitis.

Spinal cord infarction (SCI) is a rare type of stroke. The initial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is usually normal and can mimic the presentation of the acute transverse myelitis (ATM), acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, and compressive myelopathies from neoplasm, epidural or subdural hematoma, or abscess. The aim of this report is to describe and discuss the case of a patient with SCI presenting as a diagnostic confusion with acute transverse myelitis. A 64-year-old male with a medical history of hypertension presented with an acute onset of urinary retention with lower limb weakness. Based on the initial MRI and evaluation, a diagnosis of acute transverse myelitis was made. Despite thorough evaluation, the etiology of transverse myelitis was undetermined. Hence, the MRI of the thoracic spine was repeated which showed patchier enhancements of the vertebral body with features suggestive of the spinal cord and vertebral body infarction. Thus, a repeat MRI is required to make an accurate diagnosis. The vertebral body is always involved and can be of diagnostic significance as it reflects the pathology of underlying blood supply.