Exploring Factors Associated with Falls in Multiple Sclerosis: Insights from a Scoping Review.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory condition that causes demyelination of the central nervous system accompanied by a wide range of symptoms. The high prevalence of falls among patients diagnosed with MS within the initial six months highlights the importance of this issue. The objective of this study is to identify factors associated with falls in MS patients in order to increase awareness and reduce the risk of falls. This scoping review used specific Mesh terms to formulate the literature search around falls and MS using Medline, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Embase search engines. English papers published between 2012 and 2022, studies with a clear definition of falls, McDonald's diagnostic criteria for MS, and those with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) or Patient Determined Disease Steps (PDDS) scores were included. Critical data from the selected articles were extracted and classified according to the different factors associated with falls in MS patients. Eighteen articles were included in this review. The most important factors associated with falls in MS patients identified were the severity and progression of the disease, mobility and balance problems, bladder dysfunction, fear of falling, fatigue, and cognitive dysfunction. In conclusion, this scoping review yielded the most common factors associated with falls in patients with MS. Study findings can be used to develop future interventions focusing on improving mobility, proprioception, and balance to decrease fall risk and injury amongst MS patients.

A Rare Case of Sarcoidosis Presenting as an Isolated Breast Mass and Pain: A Case Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND Sarcoidosis is a benign systemic granulomatous disorder of unknown etiology that affects multiple organs. Patients diagnosed with sarcoidosis usually present with nonspecific symptoms: fatigue, fever, weight loss, and respiratory symptoms such as cough and dyspnea; 50% of the patients are asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis. In 90% of patients, sarcoidosis targets hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes. In rare cases, it presents solely in the breast with no other symptoms. The diagnosis is established based on compatible clinical and radiological findings and supported by histological evidence in 1 or more organs of non-caseating epithelioid cell granulomas in the absence of organisms or particles. CASE REPORT We herein present a unique case of a 27-year-old woman who presented with pain and swelling in her left breast. On examination, the left breast revealed multiple, firm-hard, and tender masses. Breast ultrasound showed large loculated focally dilated ducts with significant periductal vascularity and inflammation. Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) showed an inflammatory process with granulomatous formation. An ultrasound-guided core biopsy, which was histologically consistent with granulomatous mastitis, and elevated angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) levels confirmed a diagnosis of sarcoidosis. The patient was started on IV steroids followed by oral prednisolone and azathioprine. During treatment, the mass size decreased and the pain substantially improved. CONCLUSIONS It is important to consider sarcoidosis in a patient who presents with only pain and swelling in the breast to ensure early diagnosis and initiate treatment, improving the patient's overall prognosis.