Extramedullary relapse of multiple myeloma presenting as space-occupying lesion in liver treated with daratumumab, pomalidomide, dexamethasone and bendamustine.

Extramedullary relapse in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) is often associated with loss of biochemical response and the appearance of measurable residual disease in the bone marrow. Fever is an unusual presenting manifestation of MM. Treatment of extramedullary relapse in patients progressing on proteasome inhibitors, anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies and immunomodulatory drugs is challenging, as access to chimeric antigen receptor T-cells and bispecific antibodies is limited. We report a case of relapsed MM who presented with fever and hepatic space-occupying lesion mimicking hepatocellular carcinoma. In this case report, we also present our experience of using a novel combination regimen comprising Dara-Pom-Benda-Dexa (daratumumab, pomalidomide, dexamethasone and bendamustine) for relapsed MM.

Age and Disease Duration Independent Cardiac Autonomic Neuropathy in Patients with Diabetic Foot Complications: Case-Control Study.

Introduction: Cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) in people with diabetes is associated with high mortality. We aimed to study age and disease duration, independent prevalence of CAN in people with diabetic foot complications. Methods: 530 patients with diabetes were screened to undergo CAN assessment (automated CANS-analyser). CAN was defined as "early", "definite," or "severe" according to the Toronto consensus. History pertaining to autonomic symptoms, prior cardiovascular events (CVE), and assessment for peripheral neuropathy was done. Participants were grouped into those with diabetic foot complication (group A, n = 82) [Charcot foot (n = 42), diabetic foot ulcer (n = 40)]; with DPN without foot complications (group B, n = 82); and without DPN or foot complications (group C, n = 82). Results: Symptoms of autonomic dysfunction were prominent in people with foot complications than the other groups. Resting heart rate was significantly greater in those with foot complications [99.89 ± 26.71 (group A) vs. 86.99 ± 22.24 (group B) vs. 88.32 ± 17.08 (group C); P = 0.001]. The prevalence of CAN was 75.6% in group A (51.2% early, 12.2% definite, 12.2% severe), 57.2% in group B (45.1% early, 12.2% severe) and 58.5% in group C (43.9% early, 1.2% definite, 13.4% severe) (P = 0.002). Patients with foot complications were more likely to have CAN (75.6% vs. 57.9%, P < 0.001). Charcot foot had higher prevalence of CAN (78.6%) as compared with those with DFU (72.5%) or without DFU or DPN (57.9%), P < 0.001. Conclusion: CAN is present in more than two-third of patients with diabetes and foot complications with highest prevalence in Charcot neuroarthropathy.

Endotracheal Intubation with Laryngeal Mirror in Simulated Difficult Direct Laryngoscopy: Comparison of Gum Elastic Bougie Versus Styleted Endotracheal Tube.

Laryngeal mirror (LM) is an inexpensive, portable, readily available device which can help visualize the vocal cords in difficult airway (DA) situations. We evaluated its use in improving glottic view prior to placing the airway adjuncts in simulated difficult airway.Eighty patients scheduled to undergo elective surgery under general anaesthesia with endotracheal intubation were allocated- Bougie group (Group B) and Stylet group (Group S). Direct laryngoscopy was performed and CL grade III simulated. The glottic view was obtained using laryngeal mirror and Gum Elastic Bougie (GEB)/ Styleted Endotracheal Tube (ETT) inserted under mirror view. Time taken to obtain glottic view in LM and time for successful intubation were noted.Significant improvement in glottic view with LM was observed, with the view improving to Grade I in 76.25% and grade II in 23.75% of patients. Both groups were comparable with respect to number of attempts and success rate (p = 0.55).The success rate was 90% in group B and 95% in group S. Time taken for intubation was less in Group S (52.44 ± 14.23 s vs. 62.805 ± 20.74 s) [p = 0.01]. Hence, overall stylet proved to be a better adjunct with mirror guided intubation.We recommend stylet assisted rather than GEB assisted ET intubation under LM guidance in emergency scenarios. Also, further controlled trials are recommended to know the exact location of the mirror in relation to bulb of the laryngoscope as well as different angles at which it is placed to improve the view and stabilize the assembly.

Evaluate the Role of Rigid Bronchoscopy in Tracheo-Bronchial Foreign Bodies.

Tracheobronchial foreign bodies continue to present challenges to practitioners worldwide. The major issues involve the accurate diagnosis and speedy and safe removal of the foreign bodies. The aim of this study was to to assess an epidemiological data regarding airway foreign bodies in patients presenting to our institute and to assess the role of rigid bronchoscopy for diagnosis and management of cases of foreign body aspiration. Study was conducted between December 2015 and July 2021 in Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery Department. 200 patients who underwent rigid bronchoscopy in above period for suspected foreign body aspiration was included in the study. All the parameters was recorded and analysed in an attempt to define the epidemiology, clinical presentation, management and associated morbidity. Descriptive statistical analysis was done using SPSS software version 22 of Windows 7. Tracheo-bronchial foreign bodies (TFB) were more common in pediatric age group. 80% of our patients with TFB were aged less than 3 years. Most common symptom was cough (70%) and the commonest sign was diminished unilateral breath sounds (72%). Peanut was the commonest (45%) foreign body. Most common site of lodgement of TFB was right main bronchus (49%). TFB aspiration is always accidental and sudden with high mortality. It is a life threatening condition and needs urgent intervention. Rigid bronchoscopy under general anesthesia represents a safe and effective tool in the management of TFB aspiration.

A prospective study to evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound-guided ganglion impar block in patients with chronic perineal pain.

BACKGROUND: The blockade of the ganglion impar has been described to relieve the intractable perineal pain of sympathetic origin in patients with coccydynia. Chronic perineal pain (CPP) has been effectively managed by ganglion impar block. The feasibility, safety, and efficacy of ultrasound (US)-guided ganglion impar block by transsacrococcygeal approach was analyzed in the present study. METHODS: A total of 15 patients with CPP were administered US-guided ganglion impar block using out of plane approach. Patients were followed for VAS and quality of life using Karnofsky performance status (KS), Linear Analog Scale Assessment (LASA), and constipation score up to 2 months at different time intervals. Time required to perform the procedure, number of attempts, and any complications were also noted. RESULTS: The mean time required to perform the procedure was 7.67 ± 1.23 min. There were no adverse events. All the patients had significant pain relief during 2 month follow-up (P < 0.05 compared to baseline VAS). The KS and LASA score improved post block which was statistically significant. The dose of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) decreased from preblock state with statistically significant difference, while the difference in dose of tramadol and morphine was statistically insignificant. CONCLUSION: US-guided ganglion impar block is technically feasible and safe technique. USG can be used to locate sacrococcygeal junction (SCJ) and facilitate the performance of ganglion impar block. The efficacy and safety of the US-guided ganglion impar blockades needs a proper evaluation in the randomized controlled trials.

Evaluation of new approach to ultrasound guided stellate ganglion block.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound imaging is an ideal tool for stellate ganglion block (SGB) due to clarity, portability, lack of radiation, and low cost. Ultrasound guided anterior approach requires the application of pressure to the anterior neck and is associated with more risk of injury to inferior thyroid artery, vertebral artery, and esophagus. The lateral approach does not interfere with nerve or vascular structures. Blockade at the C6 vertebral level results in more successful sympathetic blockade of the head and neck with less sympathetic blockade of the upper extremity compared to sympathetic blockade at C7 vertebral level, which produces successful sympathetic blockade of upper extremity. This is helpful in patients of complex regional pain syndrome of the upper limb. Hence, we conducted a study using the lateral approach at C7 level. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ultrasound guided SGBs using lateral in-plane technique at C7 level were given in 20 patients suffering from chronic pain patients of upper extremity, head, and neck using 4 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine and 1 ml of 40 mg triamcinolone. The patients were assessed for a numeric pain intensity score (NPIS), the rise in axillary temperature, the range of motion of joints of upper extremity, and resolution of edema at various time intervals up to 3 months. RESULTS: NPIS showed a statistically significant decrease from baseline at 30 min, which was sustained till 3(rd) month. The rise in axillary temperature after the block was statistically significant, which was sustained till 2(nd) week. The edema score decreased significantly at all-time intervals (P ≤ 0.001). The restriction of motion in all joints of upper limb decreased from 13 to 3 patients. CONCLUSION: There is a significant variation in the anatomy of stellate ganglion at the level of C6 and C7. Ultrasound guided lateral approach increases the efficacy of SGB by deposition of drug subfascially with real-time imaging.