A Comparison of the Epidemiological Characteristics Between Influenza and COVID-19 Patients: A Retrospective, Observational Cohort Study.

Background and objective It is crucial to make early differentiation between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and seasonal influenza infections at the time of a patient's presentation to the emergency department (ED). In light of this, this study aimed to identify key epidemiological, initial laboratory, and radiological differences that would enable early recognition during co-circulation. Methods This was a retrospective, observational cohort study. All adult patients presenting to our ED at the Watford General Hospital, UK, with a laboratory-confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 (2019/20) or influenza (2018/19) infection were included in this study. Demographic, laboratory, and radiological data were collected. Binary logistic regression was employed to determine features associated with COVID-19 infection rather than influenza. Results Chest radiographs suggestive of viral pneumonitis and older age (≥80 years) were associated with increased odds of having COVID-19 [odds ratio (OR): 47.00, 95% confidence interval (CI): 21.63-102.13 and OR: 64.85, 95% CI: 19.96-210.69 respectively]. Low eosinophils (<0.02 x 109/L) were found to increase the odds of COVID-19 (OR: 2.12, 95% CI: 1.44-3.10, p<0.001). Conclusions Gaining awareness about the epidemiological, biological, and radiologic presentation of influenza-like illness can be useful for clinicians in ED to differentiate between COVID-19 and influenza. This study showed that older age, eosinopenia, and radiographic evidence of viral pneumonitis significantly increase the odds of having COVID-19 compared to influenza. Further research is needed to determine if these findings are affected by acquired or natural immunity.

Duration of Breastfeeding Interruption in Nuclear Medicine Procedures.

The recommendation for the duration of breastfeeding interruption after radiopharmaceutical administration has not been standardized and varies among the guidance documents and publications in the literature. Methods: A working group consisting of 3 staff physicians, 2 fellows, and 2 technologists was designated to update the institutional recommendations on breastfeeding interruption based on the review of the guidance documents and the literature. Results: Our institutional recommendations on the duration of breastfeeding interruption for 54 radiopharmaceuticals are presented in 4 summary tables. For completeness, we also include other radiopharmaceuticals with available information. Conclusion: The detailed recommendation summary on breastfeeding might be helpful to other centers.

Erdheim-Chester Disease: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare form of non-Langerhans' cell histiocytosis characterized by xanthogranulomatous infiltration of foamy histiocytes surrounded by fibrosis. ECD may be asymptomatic or present as a multi-systemic disease with life-threatening manifestations, most commonly involving the skeletal system. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrates cells that are CD68+, CD1a-, and S100- with an absence of Birbeck granules. We report a case of a 69-year old male patient who presented with neurological symptoms - eventually thought to be separate to his diagnosis of ECD. It represents the ability to diagnose ECD based just on radiological findings in an otherwise asymptomatic individual.

Mammary tuberculosis in the young: a case report and literature review.

Tuberculosis (TB) of the breast is a rare condition with few cases reported outside of Asia. Its presence in juveniles is even more uncommon. Despite this, it is often easily treatable. The diagnosis of mammary TB should always be considered in an atypical presentation, and especially in those with high risk demographics. We present the case of a 16 year old girl with TB of the breast and review the literature currently available.