A Rare and Challenging Presentation of Acute Hemorrhagic Leukoencephalitis With Tumefactive Demyelinating Lesions in a 41-Year-Old Male.

Acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis (AHLE) is a rare and severe inflammatory condition of the central nervous system (CNS), characterized by hemorrhagic lesions in the brain's white matter. Here, we present a case of AHLE with concurrent tumefactive demyelinating disease, highlighting the diagnostic and management challenges associated with this complex presentation. Tumefactive multiple sclerosis (MS) is a rare variant of MS characterized by large, space-occupying lesions in the CNS. Concurrently, hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis (HLE) represents a severe inflammatory disorder characterized by hemorrhagic lesions within the CNS white matter. The diagnosis of tumefactive MS with associated HLE posed significant diagnostic challenges due to overlapping clinical and radiological features. Management involved high-dose corticosteroid therapy and supportive care measures, with longitudinal follow-up to assess treatment response and prevent complications. The patient exhibited a favorable clinical response to treatment, with gradual improvement in symptoms and resolution of radiological abnormalities. The coexistence of tumefactive MS with HLE is exceptionally rare and presents diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. We report a 41-year-old male presenting with acute neurological symptoms, including severe headache, confusion, left-sided body weakness, slurred speech, and blurred vision. Neurological examination revealed dysarthric speech, right homonymous hemianopia, left upper motor neuron facial palsy, and motor deficits. MRI demonstrated multifocal areas of T2 hyperintensity with associated hemorrhage, suggestive of tumefactive MS with associated HLE. Diagnostic workup included neurological examination, MRI imaging, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and serological testing. Management involved high-dose corticosteroid therapy and supportive care measures. The patient exhibited a favorable clinical response to treatment, with gradual improvement in symptoms and resolution of radiological abnormalities. Longitudinal follow-up confirmed sustained improvement. In conclusion, the coexistence of tumefactive MS with HLE poses diagnostic challenges due to overlapping features. This case underscores the importance of considering rare and atypical presentations of CNS demyelinating disease and the potential complications, including associated HLE. Comprehensive evaluation, multidisciplinary collaboration, and individualized management are essential for optimizing outcomes in patients with complex CNS inflammatory disorders.

Relationship of anthropometric measures with Knee Osteoarthritis in diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of knee osteoarthritis in adult patients with Diabetes mellitus and its association with body mass index (BMI) in kg/m2 and waist circumference (WC). METHODS: This is a cross-sectional comparative study at a tertiary hospital based in an industrial area of Karachi. Patient population comprised of all adult diabetic subjects. Clinical and demographic data was obtained with detailed musculoskeletal examination on all patients. BMI and WC were measured as kg/m2 and cm respectively. Data was analyzed on SPSS version 15. RESULTS: A total of 413 subjects were recruited. Among them diabetic and non-diabetic subjects were 210 and 203 respectively. Mean age of diabetics was 50.7+-10.2 years as compared to non-diabetic subjects i.e. 49.5+-10.5 years. Proportion of male subjects was 72(34.3%) and 71(35.0) respectively in both groups. Mean duration of diabetes was 6.2 years. Frequency of knee osteoarthritis (OA) was found to be 52(24.8%) and 54(26.6%) in diabetic and non-diabetic respectively. Among the diabetic group 6 (18%) subjects with OA had normal BMI (18.5-22.9) whereas 4 (16%) were overweight (BMI 23-24.9) and 41(27.5%) were obese(BMI ≥25). Near 98% (n=51) of the diabetic patients with OA had high waist circumference. Females (n= 42, 31.1%) were more frequent than males (n=9, 16%) in the diabetic subjects with OA and a higher WC. CONCLUSION: Both diabetic and non diabetic group did not show any difference in the frequency of knee OA. However, frequency of knee OA showed a significant difference between overweight and obese category of BMI.WC appears as a strong predictor of knee osteoarthritis.

Occipital seizures and persistent homonymous hemianopia with T2 hypointensity on MRI in nonketotic hyperglycemia.

INTRODUCTION: Nonketotic hyperglycemia (NKH) is known to cause focal motor or secondarily generalized seizures. Occipital seizures in NKH are seldom reported, especially with visual hallucinations and persistent homonymous hemianopia (HH) with characteristic radiological and electroencephalographic (EEG) findings. SUMMARY: Our patient was a middle-aged man who presented with a new onset, single episode of generalized tonic-clonic seizure and NKH. He complained of seeing intermittent colorful stripes in his right visual field. Examination revealed persistent complete right HH and he was observed to have complex partial seizures. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed subcortical T2 hypointensity within the left occipital lobe in T2W and FLAIR images. The EEG showed electrographic seizures originating from the left occipital region. Random blood glucose at presentation was 581 mg/dl with HbA1c of 11.4%. The seizure and visual field deficits were successfully terminated by the introduction of antiseizure medication and glycemic control. CONCLUSION: Occipital seizures with visual field deficits can occur in hyperglycemic states. These can be associated with specific MRI brain and EEG changes. The HH is reversible with apt treatment primarily including glycemic control with or without antiseizure medication.

Comparison of glycaemic response to honey and glucose in type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the glycaemic effect of 75 gram and 30 gram of natural honey in a honey tolerance test with that of 75 gram glucose in type 2 diabetics. METHODS: The experimental study was conducted at the Jinnah Medical College Hospital, Karachi, and comprised 97 type 2 diabetic patients who came to the out-patient department between March and August 2011. The patients were randomly divided into 75 gram honey group (group 1), 30 gram honey group (group 2), and 75 gram glucose group (group 3). Fasting blood samples were obtained as well as after 1 and 2 hour. SPSS 11 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Of the 97 participants, 62 (64%) were females and 35 (36%) males.Their ages ranged from 25-68 years. Mean rise in blood glucose after two hours in group 2 was 30 mg/dl; group 1, 85mg/dl, and group 3, 170 mg/dl. The difference was statistically significant (p <0.005).The glucose response was significantly lower at 2 hours in group 2 (p <0.001) compared to group 1 or group 2. A significant difference was also seen in group 1 and 3 (p <0.0001). The plasma glucose level in response to honey peaked at 60 min and showed a rapid decline compared to that of glucose, indicating a lower glycaemic response of honey. A small proportion of patients 3 (10.7%) even showed a glucose lowering effect after low dose of honey. CONCLUSION: Low dose of honey can be a valuable sugar substitute for patients with diabetes.

Lupus, still a mystery: a comparison of clinical features of Pakistani population living in suburbs of Karachi with other Asian countries.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the presenting features of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus at a private hospital in Karachi, and to compare the features with those of other Asian populations. METHODS: The retrospective study comprised records of all lupus cases meeting the revised American Rheumatism Association criteria at the time of presentation at Jinnah Medical College Hospital, Karachi, from May 2008 to June 2011. Demographic and clinical data was analysed using SPSS 11.5. RESULTS: Of the 105 cases in the study, there were 6 (5.7%) males and 99 (94.3%) females, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:16 and a mean age of 31.6+/-10.5 years. Clinical manifestations included: constitutional symptoms in (n=69; 65.7%), arthropathy (n=81; 77%), cutaneous involvement (n=39; 37%), lupus nephritis (n=24; 22.8%), pleurisy (n=9; 8.6%), Raynaud's phenomenon (n=24; 22.8%), and vasculitis (n=18; 17%). One (0.95%) patient presented with mononeuritis multiplex, and 1 (0.95%) with acute pancreatitis. CONCLUSION: The diversity in clinical presentation appeared to be a reflection of the great variability that exists among Asian countries with regards to their genetic, environmental and socio-demographic backgrounds. The differences also existed in our own population, suggesting some unknown etiology.

Upper limb musculoskeletal abnormalities in type 2 diabetic patients in low socioeconomic strata in Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal manifestations of diabetes in the upper limb are well recognized. No data has been available in this regard from Pakistan. Our aim was to find out the frequency of upper limb musculoskeletal abnormalities in diabetic patients. METHODS: This was an observational study in which type 2 diabetes patients attending our diabetic clinic were enrolled along with age and gender matched controls. Data was analyzed on SPSS 16. RESULTS: In total, 210 Type 2 diabetics (male 34.3%, female 65.7%) and 203 controls (male 35%, female 65%) were recruited. The mean age was 50.7± 10.2 years in diabetic group as compared to 49.5±10.6 years in the control group. The frequencies of hand region abnormalities were significantly higher in the diabetic subjects as compared to the controls (20.4%, p-value <0.001). Limited joint mobility (9.5% vs 2.5%), carpal tunnel syndrome (9% vs 2%), trigger finger (3.8% vs 0.5%), and dupuytren's contracture (1% vs 0%) were found more frequent as compared to controls (all p-values <0.05). In the shoulder region of diabetic subjects, adhesive capsulitis and tendonitis was found in 10.9% and 9.5% respectively as compared to 2.5% and 2% in control group [p- value <0.001]. A weak but positive relationship was observed between age and duration of diabetes with these upper limb abnormalities. However, no correlation was found between the frequencies of these abnormalities with control of diabetes. CONCLUSION: A higher frequency of upper limb musculoskeletal abnormalities was observed in Type 2 diabetic patients as compared to control group.

Pulmonary tuberculosis with neuromyelitis optica: an uncommon association of a common disease.

Systemic tuberculosis has been reported with varying neurological manifestations like meningitis, tuberculomas, myositis and neuropathy. Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a well known neurological entity which has been described in association with several systemic disorders like systemic lupus erythematosis, diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, exposure to insecticides etc. However, only a few cases of NMO have been reported in association with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Here, we report a case of pulmonary tuberculosis in association with NMO to highlight the under-reported association of NMO with pulmonary tuberculosis presenting in a peculiar anatomical fashion i.e. longitudinal myelitis with predominant posterior column involvement.

Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma: an atypical astrocytoma.

Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) is rare primary neoplasm of brain. Despite its pleomorphic appearance, it has a relatively good prognosis. We report a case of biopsy proven pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma in a young male who presented with visual and sensory symptoms, classical neuroimaging findings and showed remarkable recovery, post surgery. We have also reviewed recent literature focusing on neuroimaging, histopathology and prognostic markers of the tumour.

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis: association with primary varicella zoster virus infection.

Varicella zoster virus (VZV) has been known to cause cerebral arterial vasculopathy and an acquired antibody-mediated coagulopathy associated with purpura fulminans and generalized thromboembolism. There are no published reports of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) associated with primary VZV infection. We report 2 cases that highlight an unusual presentation of VZV infection: CVST with primary varicella infection. One patient had extensive CVST with coexistent middle cerebral artery involvement. Primary VZV infection can be associated with thrombosis of cerebral arteries and venous sinuses.

Frequency of newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus in acute ischaemic stroke patients.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus in acute ischaemic stroke patients. STUDY DESIGN: Observational study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, from June 2007 - June 2008. METHODOLOGY: This study included adult patients (age > 30 years, both genders) with the diagnosis of acute ischaemic stroke. Patients who were known to have diabetes mellitus prior to stroke, had a non-lacunar stroke or were admitted to intensive care units for any reason were excluded. Detailed history and examination, fasting blood sugar, fasting lipid profile, a non-enhanced CT scan brain and electrocardiogram were done on every patient. Data were entered on a preformed proforma. The results were analyzed on SPSS version 10. Chi-square test was applied. P-value <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 250 patients were enrolled. The male: female ratio was 1: 0.9. Mean age was observed as 60.9±10.1 years. In total, 50 new cases of diabetes mellitus were identified (20%). Average fasting blood sugar in diabetic subjects was 148±10 mg/dl. The most common risk factors in the newly diagnosed diabetic subjects were hypertension 26 (52%), smoking 18 (36%) and hyperlipidemia 14 (28%). Atrial fibrillation and myocardial infarction were seen in 12 subjects (24%) and 9 subjects (18%) respectively. CONCLUSION: Twenty percent patients with acute ischaemic stroke had un-diagnosed diabetes. Therefore, it is advisable to screen acute stroke patients for diabetes to reduce their long-term morbidity and mortality.

Clinical spectrum of post-stroke seizures.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the characteristics of post-stroke seizures and compare these in early vs. late post-stroke seizures. STUDY DESIGN: Observational study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Department of Neurology, Liaquat National Hospital, Karachi, from March to September 2007. METHODOLOGY: All admitted patients aged over 25 years, with diagnosis of post-stroke seizures were included. Those with known epilepsy, sepsis and electrolyte imbalance were excluded. Age, co-morbid condition, details of seizures and radiological findings regarding type and location of stroke were collected and entered in a pre-formed proforma. Results were described as frequency and mean. Association of variables was determined through chi-square test with significance at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Out of the 50 patients, there were 28 (56%) males and 22 (44%) females with the mean age of 56.86 ± 15.26 years. Thirty-one (62%) patients had history of hypertension. Early seizures i.e. within 2 weeks were seen in 29 (58%) patients. Generalized seizures were seen more frequently i.e. in 37 (74%) patients. Thirty-one (62%) subjects experienced more than 2 seizures. Forty (80%) had an ischemic stroke including 36 (72%) arterial infarct and 3 (6%) venous infarcts. Intracerebral hematoma was seen in 10 (20%) of subjects. Comparison between early and late onset seizures revealed significant association between ischemic heart disease (IHD), old stroke, hypertension and late onset seizures (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Post-stroke seizures were more frequent in males, with history of hypertension, and with cortical ischemic strokes. Early seizures, multiple episodes and generalized seizure type were more common. Venous infarcts were chiefly associated with seizures at presentation. History of old stroke, ischemic heart disease, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia showed a strong relationship with the occurrence of late onset seizures.

Posterior reversible leukoencephalopathy.

Posterior Leukoencephalopathy is a rare, though reversible complication of eclampsia. We report two cases, in which patients with eclampsia presented with seizures, visual disturbances and focal neurological signs with high intensity areas predominantly in parieto-occipital white matter on cranial MRI, where successful control of blood pressures led to complete resolution of neurological deficits as well as radiological abnormalities. It is an infrequently recognized neurological disorder, not known to many physicians, which has almost complete recovery with early diagnosis and treatment. The purpose of presenting this case series is to highlight the importance of early recognition and treatment of this potentially reversible disorder.