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1.
Cureus ; 16(9): e68395, 2024 Sep.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39355460

RESUMO

Acute quadriparesis is caused by severe and sudden weakness of all four limbs, which is a distressing clinical presentation that demands immediate and comprehensive investigation. This case report presents a unique instance of acute quadriparesis secondary to an adrenal tumor. A 54-year-old female presented with acute weakness in her upper and lower limbs over six hours without a prior history of fever, convulsions, or other systemic symptoms. Laboratory evaluations revealed significant hypokalemia, prompting further investigation. Differential diagnoses such as Guillain-Barré syndrome, demyelinating lesions, and myopathy were systematically ruled out through clinical evaluation and diagnostic testing. The patient's hypokalemia was aggressively managed with intravenous potassium replacement, leading to significant improvement in muscle strength. Radiological imaging revealed a hyperenhancing lesion in the left adrenal gland, consistent with an adrenal tumor. Elevated serum aldosterone levels supported the diagnosis of hyperaldosteronism. The patient's condition stabilized with intravenous potassium and antihypertensive medications, and a laparoscopic adrenalectomy was performed to remove the adrenal tumor. Postoperatively, the patient's blood pressure and electrolyte levels normalized, and she experienced a full recovery of muscle strength. This case highlights the importance of considering endocrine disorders in the differential diagnosis of acute quadriparesis and underscores the need for a comprehensive diagnostic approach, including routine electrolyte assessments, hormonal evaluations, and thorough imaging studies. Effective management involving prompt identification and treatment of underlying causes is critical for optimal patient outcomes. This case contributes valuable insights into the diverse clinical manifestations of adrenal tumors and the importance of early and accurate diagnosis.

2.
Cureus ; 16(8): e67865, 2024 Aug.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39328605

RESUMO

Paraneoplastic neurological syndromes (PNS) are a rare and diverse group of disorders caused by immune-mediated effects of malignancies. These syndromes are very rare and often present diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Motor neuron disease as a paraneoplastic condition is particularly uncommon, especially in association with gastrointestinal malignancies like sigmoid colon adenocarcinoma. A 62-year-old male with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) presented with chronic diarrhea and a three-year history of progressive bilateral limb weakness. Initial symptoms were attributed to diabetic neuropathy, but the rapid progression and severity warranted further investigation. Neurological examination revealed hypotonia, muscle wasting, and absent reflexes in all four limbs. Diagnostic tests, including electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies, confirmed motor sensory axonal neuropathy. A colonoscopy revealed a mass in the sigmoid colon, and a biopsy confirmed adenocarcinoma. The patient was managed with surgical resection of the tumor, adjuvant chemotherapy, and immunomodulatory treatments, resulting in the stabilization of neurological symptoms. This case highlights the importance of considering paraneoplastic syndromes in patients with unexplained neurological symptoms, particularly when a malignancy is suspected or known. Early recognition and a multidisciplinary approach are crucial for improving patient outcomes. Further research is needed to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms and develop sensitive biomarkers for early detection.

3.
Cureus ; 16(8): e68086, 2024 Aug.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39347345

RESUMO

Cortical laminar necrosis (CLN) is a rare neurological complication that refers to ischemic injury of selective neuronal cortical layers. This condition often gets triggered by hypoxia, hypoglycemia, status epilepticus, immunosuppressive therapy, and rarely infection. This case report highlights the clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, management, and outcomes of a patient who developed CLN due to bacterial meningitis. A 54-year-old woman with no significant medical history presented with high-grade fever, vomiting, and headache for two days. The clinical findings and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis indicated bacterial meningitis, leading to the initiation of empirical intravenous antibiotics. Despite initial improvement with antibiotics, the patient's condition worsened on day four, and she presented with increased headache and dizziness. An MRI performed on day four revealed CLN. Streptococcus pneumoniae was subsequently identified as the causative agent, and the antibiotic regimen was escalated based on the CSF culture and sensitivity results. By day nine, the patient experienced pain relief and a fever reduction. Although there were initial cognitive deficits, these improved significantly by the end of the second week with conservative management. The patient was discharged at the end of the second week, with a follow-up brain MRI scheduled one month later. This case highlights the critical importance of early recognition and aggressive management of bacterial meningitis to prevent neurological complications such as CLN. MRI plays a key role in neuroprotection for patients with CLN. Long-term follow-up and optimal antibiotic therapy are essential for safeguarding patient outcomes and ensuring quality of life.

4.
Cureus ; 16(8): e67070, 2024 Aug.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39286672

RESUMO

Background Acute coronary syndrome (ACS), encompassing unstable angina (UA), non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), poses significant global health challenges because of its associated high mortality and morbidity rates. Vascular inflammation plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, and it is often assessed using biomarkers such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). Hyperglycemia, common in myocardial infarction patients, is linked to increased complications and mortality, with glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) serving as a key indicator of long-term glycemic control. Objective This study investigates the correlation between hs-CRP and HbA1c levels in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and evaluates their impact on six-month mortality outcomes. Methods A prospective observational study was conducted with 80 patients diagnosed with AMI. Data collection included demographic information, medical history, clinical assessments, laboratory investigations (including hs-CRP and HbA1c levels), and imaging studies. Patients received standard treatment and were followed up for six months. Statistical analyses were performed to examine the relationships between hs-CRP, HbA1c, and clinical outcomes. Results Higher HbA1c levels at admission were significantly correlated with elevated hs-CRP levels (p < 0.05). Both biomarkers showed a reduction at six months, correlating with improved glycemic control and reduced inflammation. Each unit increase in HbA1c was associated with a 21% increase in the hazard of mortality, and, similarly, each unit increase in hs-CRP was associated with a 17% increase in the hazard of mortality. The positive correlation between HbA1c and hs-CRP suggests that HbA1c can serve as an independent marker for predicting mortality in this patient population. Conclusion The study demonstrates a significant correlation between hs-CRP and HbA1c levels in patients with AMI and T2DM, with both biomarkers serving as strong predictors of six-month mortality. HbA1c, because of its positive correlation with hs-CRP, could be used as an independent marker for assessing the risk of adverse outcomes in these patients. These findings highlight the importance of managing both glycemic control and inflammation in diabetic patients with ACSs.

5.
Cureus ; 16(8): e66990, 2024 Aug.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39280419

RESUMO

This case report details a 50-year-old female presenting with pulmonary and neurological symptoms initially diagnosed as disseminated tuberculosis, leading to treatment with antitubercular therapy. Despite initial improvements, daily bedside evaluations revealed a new cervical lymph node, which, upon further investigation, revealed features suggestive of malignancy. Further biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of adenocarcinoma of the lung with cerebral metastases. The patient was started on palliative chemotherapy but eventually succumbed due to complications. This case underscores the diagnostic challenge of approaching synchronous cerebral and pulmonary lesions, highlighting the critical role of thorough daily evaluations in accurate diagnosis and timely intervention. While the initial diagnosis focused on tuberculosis, the discovery of the cervical lymph node was pivotal in identifying metastatic lung adenocarcinoma. This case emphasizes the importance of considering malignancy in similar clinical scenarios and using comprehensive diagnostic approaches, including advanced imaging and timely biopsies, to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.

6.
Cureus ; 16(8): e66992, 2024 Aug.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39280422

RESUMO

HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) encompasses a spectrum of cognitive impairments prevalent in individuals infected with HIV, despite effective combination antiretroviral therapy. This case report discusses a 42-year-old male with a history of HIV infection since 2014 who is currently on antiretroviral therapy (ART). The patient presented with cognitive impairment and generalized weakness, with subsequent investigations revealing HAND and CNS viral escape. The patient's management involved a switch to a different ART regimen, resulting in significant clinical improvement. This case highlights the importance of considering CNS-specific HIV replication in patients with neurocognitive symptoms and underscores the need for tailored ART regimens. The exclusion of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy through negative JC virus PCR was crucial in directing appropriate management. Comprehensive diagnostic evaluations, including CSF analysis and brain imaging, are essential for the accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of HAND, particularly in cases of CNS viral escape.

7.
Cureus ; 16(7): e65756, 2024 Jul.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39211710

RESUMO

INTRODUCTION: Thrombocytopenia, characterized by a low platelet count, poses a risk of abnormal bleeding. Traditional diagnostic methods focus on platelet count alone, but emerging evidence suggests that platelet indices like mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW) could provide valuable insights. This study aims to investigate the role of platelet indices in thrombocytopenia assessment, exploring their potential as additional diagnostic and prognostic markers. METHODOLOGY: Over a five-month period, this prospective study enrolled 80 adult patients with thrombocytopenia. Platelet indices were measured using an automated blood cell analyzer (SYSMEX XN 1000; Sysmex Corporation, Kobe, Japan), and statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, IBM Corp., Version 23.0, Armonk, NY). RESULTS: The study participants showed significant age differences between hypoproductive and hyperproductive thrombocytopenia groups but no significant gender-based disparities. While platelet count and plateletcrit (PCT) didn't differ significantly between groups, individuals with hyperdestructive thrombocytopenia had higher MPV values. Platelet indices varied across clinical conditions, highlighting their potential diagnostic and prognostic value. CONCLUSION: Platelet indices like MPV, along with platelet count and PCT, offer insights into thrombocytopenia causes and prognosis. Further research is needed to confirm these findings, but integrating platelet indices into clinical practice could inform treatment decisions and reduce unnecessary procedures like bone marrow biopsies and imaging studies.

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