Monoclonal gammopathy in prostate carcinoma: a case report and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Monoclonal gammopathy is commonly associated with plasma cell dyscrasia. However, monoclonal gammopathy without bone marrow plasmacytosis in prostate carcinoma has rarely been reported. The association between the two conditions is not clearly established. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of metastatic prostate carcinoma in a 65-year-old Indian man with the unusual phenomenon of monoclonal band in gamma globulin region without evidence of bone marrow plasmacytosis. CONCLUSIONS: Monoclonal gammopathy in solid tumor has seldom been reported. This case report highlights the rare association of monoclonal gammopathy with malignant prostatic carcinoma. Therefore, while investigating a case such as this, in an elderly male patient, we should always keep a lookout for any solid tumor foci after excluding multiple myeloma.

Tropical pyomyositis.

BACKGROUND: Tropical pyomyositis is characterized by suppuration within skeletal muscles, manifesting as single or multiple abscesses. Though primarily a disease of tropics, it is increasingly being reported from temperate regions in immunosuppressed patients. However, India has only few sporadic case reports. AIMS: The aim of this study is to evaluate the causative organisms, clinical presentations, diagnostic modalities, treatment protocols and outcome data in tropical pyomyositis patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study was carried out in Nilratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata over 3 years (July 2010 to June 2013). A total of 12 patients were diagnosed with tropical pyomyositis (confirmed with aspiration and culture of pus from muscle). All the investigation and treatment data were recorded systematically. RESULTS: The presenting feature was high fever and myalgia in all 12 patients. Quadriceps femoris was the most commonly involved muscle (50%); followed by iliopsoas (25%). Culture of the aspirate showed Staphylococcus aureus in nine patients (75%), Klebsiella pneumonia in one patient (8.33%) and no growth in two patients (16.67%) even after tubercular and fungal culture. CONCLUSIONS: Tropical pyomyositis can affect immune-competent individuals. S. aureus is the most commonly cultured organism. Immediate initiation of appropriate antibiotics and surgical debridement are required to avoid complications. The prognosis remains excellent if promptly treated.

Whistle from afar: a case of endotracheal metastasis in papillary thyroid cancer.

Endotracheal metastasis is a rare situation, usually associated with malignancies of breast and gastrointestinal tract, specially colon. Papillary carcinoma of thyroid commonly disseminates through lymphatic channels and tracheal involvement through vascular route is rarely reported. Here, we report a case of tracheal metastasis from papillary carcinoma of thyroid. The patient responded to external beam radiation therapy with cobalt 60 beams in a dose of 44 Gy followed by a 16 Gy boost. The patient is under followup and is presently asymptomatic. This paper adds to the repertoire of evidence in treatment of endotracheal metastasis.