Parsonage-turner syndrome associated with SARS-CoV2 (COVID-19) infection

Parsonage-Turner Syndrome (PTS), also known as idiopathic brachial plexopathy or neuralgic amyotrophy, is an uncommon condition characterized by acute onset of shoulder pain, most commonly unilateral, which may progress to neurologic deficits such as weakness and paresthesias (Feinberg and Radecki, 2010 [1]). Although the etiology and pathophysiology of PTS remains unclear, the syndrome has been reported in the postoperative, postinfectious, and post-vaccination settings, with recent viral illness reported as the most common associated risk factor (Beghi et al., 1985 [2]). Various viral, bacterial, and fungal infections have been reported to precede PTS, however, currently there are no reported cases of PTS in the setting of recent infection with SARS-CoV2 (COVID-19). We present a case of a 17 year old female patient with no significant past medical or surgical history who presented with several weeks of severe joint pain in the setting of a recent viral illness (SARS-CoV2, COVID-19). MRI of the left shoulder showed uniform increased T2 signal of the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, teres major, and trapezius muscles, consistent with PTS. Bone marrow biopsy results excluded malignancy and hypereosinophilic syndrome as other possible etiologies. Additional rheumatologic work-up was also negative, suggesting the etiology of PTS in this patient to be related to recent infection with SARS-CoV2 (COVID-19). Radiologists should be aware of this possible etiology of shoulder pain as the number of cases of SARS-CoV2 (COVID-19) continues to rise worldwide.

Characteristics of non-melanoma skin cancers of the cutaneous perioral and vermilion lip treated by Mohs micrographic surgery

BACKGROUND

The lip and surrounding perioral region are susceptible to non-melanoma skin cancer, but the distribution of basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma on the cutaneous and vermilion lips has not been fully elucidated.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the distribution of cutaneous and vermilion lip non-melanoma skin cancer and to better describe risk factors, anatomic location, treatment characteristics and oncologic outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective comparative case series of patients undergoing Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) at a single academic centre for lip and perioral basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma was performed over a 5-year period. Demographics, medical comorbidities, surgical characteristics and recurrence status were extracted.

RESULTS

Forty-five vermilion and 116 cutaneous lip cancers were identified. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) was more common in the cutaneous perioral region, while squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was more common on the vermilion lip (P < 0.001). BCCs were more common on the upper vermilion lip and SCCs were more common on the lower vermilion lip (P < 0.001). Within the cutaneous perioral region, both BCCs and SCCs were more common on the upper perioral surface (P = 0.002). Male gender was associated with lower lip SCC (P = 0.015). Smoking, immunosuppression, anticoagulant use and hydrochlorothiazide use were not associated with cancer type or location. Recurrences were rare, but more common in vermilion lip cancers (6.6%) compared to perioral cutaneous cancers (0.8%). Outcomes for all groups were similar; BCCs of the vermilion lip had significantly greater mean MMS stages (P < 0.001) as did SCCs (P = 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Basal cell carcinoma is more commonly encountered on the cutaneous lip, whereas SCC is more common on the vermilion lip. Within the vermilion lip, BCC favours the upper lip, while SCC favours the lower lip. Within the cutaneous perioral region, both BCC and SCC favour the upper cutaneous tissue. Early stage lip cancers are curable by Mohs micrographic surgery with rare recurrences.

MRI findings in pediatric patients with scurvy

In modern times scurvy is a rarely encountered disease caused by ascorbic acid (vitamin C) deficiency. However, sporadic cases of scurvy persist, particularly within the pediatric population. Recent individual case reports highlight an increased incidence of scurvy among patients with autism or developmental delay, with isolated case reports detailing the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of scurvy in these pediatric populations. We present the MRI findings of scurvy in four patients with autism or developmental delay, and review the literature on MRI findings in pediatric patients with scurvy. Despite its rarity, the radiologist must consider scurvy in a pediatric patient with a restricted diet presenting with arthralgia or myalgia.

The roles of TQM and BPR in organisational change strategies: a case study investigation

The aim of this study, which followed two prior postal surveys, was to explore in detail, the roles of incremental improvement typified by TQM, and radical innovation in the form of BPR, in organisational change strategies. The empirical research comprised six in‐depth case studies, the selection of the case organisations being purposive rather than on a representative basis. The key research questions that shaped the empirical research, emanated from the prior research and from extensive reviews of relevant literatures, which had raised many questions. It was found that, at the case organisations, TQM and BPR were regarded as complementary approaches to organisational change rather than being mutually exclusive, as some writers have suggested. Also, it was found that many of the lessons and experiences gained from TQM, were fundamental in designing and implementing new processes. In general, the change profiles of the six case organisations resembled the episodic pattern identified by Orlikowski and Tyre (1993) rather than the “‘big bang”’ approach advocated by Hammer (1990). The merits of the former are explored. Because of the limitations of the research methodologies employed, the authors acknowledge the need for further investigation into the roles of TQM and BPR in organisational change strategies.