Granuloma faciale in a patient with remitting seronegative symmetric synovitis with pitting edema

Granuloma faciale (GF) is a rare benign chronic inflammatory dermatologic disease which is characterized by facial lesions. The diagnosis is mainly based on clinical and histopathology findings. It may be resistant to treatments and prone to relapse. Different treatment modalities include corticosteroid therapy, tacrolimus, cryotherapy and surgical methods. We report a case of GF in a patient with remitting seronegative symmetric synovitis with pitting edema (RS3PE). A male patient with RS3PE presented with reddish brown soft nodules on and over lateral aspects of his nose and adjacent areas on his face which were diagnosed histologically as GF. He was treated with prednisolone, methotrexate and clobetasol propionate cream successfully without recurrence. To the best of our knowledge this is the first case report of GF occurring in a patient with RS3PE.

Prevalence, Causes, and Adverse Clinical Impact of Delayed Presentation of Non-COVID-19-Related Emergencies during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings from a Multicenter Observational Study

Objective: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has disrupted healthcare systems worldwide, resulting in decreased and delayed hospital visits of patients with non-COVID-19-related acute emergencies. We evaluated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the presentation and outcomes of patients with non-COVID-19-related medical and surgical emergencies. Method: All non-COVID-19-related patients hospitalized through emergency departments in three tertiary care hospitals in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain in June and July 2020 were enrolled and categorized into delayed and non-delayed groups (presentation ≥/=24 or <24 h after onset of symptom). Primary outcome was the prevalence and cause of delayed presentation; secondary outcomes included comparative 28-day clinical outcomes (i.e., 28-day mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, invasive mechanical ventilation, and acute surgical interventions). Mean, median, and IQR were used to calculate the primary outcomes and inferential statistics including chi-square/Fisher exact test, t-test where appropriate were used for comparisons. Stepwise multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify the factors associated with delay in seeking medical attention. Results: In total, 24,129 patients visited emergency departments during the study period, compared to 48,734 patients in the year 2019. Of the 256 hospitalized patients with non-COVID-19-related diagnoses, 134 (52%) had delayed presentation. Fear of COVID-19 and curfew-related restrictions represented 46 (34%) and 25 (19%) of the reasons for delay. The 28-day mortality rates were significantly higher among delayed patients vs. non-delayed patients (n = 14, 10.4% vs. n = 3, 2.5%, OR: 4.628 (CI: 1.296−16.520), p = 0.038). Conclusion: More than half of hospitalized patients with non-COVID-19-related diagnoses had delayed presentation to the ED where mortality was found to be significantly higher in this group. Fear of COVID-19 and curfew restrictions were the main reasons for delaying hospital visit.

The Role of M-Government Application in the Saudi Health Sector in Light of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Review

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s government had taken an interest in digital health. This helped to speed up the development of services needed to confront the Pandemic. This paper aims to review the role of free mobile health apps available on Google Play and the App Store, and used in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 outbreak. This study relied on a review of the mobile applications currently used for COVID-19. Six applications were selected that included the specific search criteria. The study found that apps have met the inclusion criteria. The following characteristic of the applications have been described: Application overview (user rating, platform (Android, IOS), language, app ranking in the store). Also, application analysis and service criteria shown based on the functions that match the specified criteria (social distancing, isolation/quarantine, awareness). We noticed a redundancy of services between 6 applications. In conclusion, it proposes the design and integration of services through a mobile health application with most of the features and functions analysed in this study.

Inhibition of LPS-mediated TLR4 activation abrogates gastric adenocarcinoma-associated peritoneal metastasis

Surgical resection, the cornerstone of curative intent treatment for gastric adenocarcinoma, is associated with a high rate of infection-related post-operative complications, leading to an increased incidence of metastasis to the peritoneum. However, the mechanisms underlying this process are poorly understood. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an antigen from Gram-negative bacteria, represents a potential mechanism via induction of local and systemic inflammation through activation of Toll-like receptor (TLR). Here, we use both a novel ex vivo model of peritoneal metastasis and in vivo animal models to assess gastric cancer cell adhesion to peritoneum both before and after inhibition of the TLR4 pathway. We demonstrate that activation of TLR4 by either LPS or Gram-negative bacteria (E. coli) significantly increases the adherence of gastric cancer cells to human peritoneal mesothelial cells, and that this increased adherence is abrogated by inhibition of the TLR4 signal cascade and downstream TAK1 and MEK1/2 pathways. We also demonstrate that the influence of LPS on adherence extends to peritoneal tissue and metastatic spread. Furthermore, we show that loss of TLR4 at the site of metastasis reduces tumor cell adhesion, implicating the TLR4 signaling cascade in potentiating metastatic adhesion and peritoneal spread. These results identify potential therapeutic targets for the clinical management of patients undergoing resection for gastric cancer.

Review of Marginal Adaptation and Fracture Resistance of Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturer (CAD‐CAM) Fabricated Endo-crowns

Background: Zirconia-based restorations have become more popular in dentistry during the last two decades. Patients choose metal-free restorations, preferring materials with similar attributes to natural teeth and similar light scattering characteristics, resulting in a nice esthetic appearance. Restoring a root canal treated teeth is one of the hot topics today. endo crown materials can be either; feldspathic, glass-ceramic, monolithic hybrid ceramic or composite material. Considering the marginal gap of endocrown, an important cause of failure of treatment, the current study evaluated the marginal gap of CAD‐CAM concocted endo-crowns. Materials and Methods: This research is an analysis systemic review study was conducted between January 2020 and October 2021. We followed the PRISMA principles and recorded this systematic review using the PROSPERO database to find and identify published literature related to the marginal adaptation of CAD-CAM-fabricated endocrown. The search will include all relevant articles through the end of 2021. Finally, 24 papers on marginal clearance and fracture resistance in coronary arteries were reviewed. Results: The electronic database search yielded 98 studies that were relevant. After cross-referencing, further seven studies were added. After a full-text analysis and duplicate reduction, 74 of the 98 articles were eliminated. 5 clinical (prospective) studies, 19 in vitro studies were found. Conclusion: This analysis of the recent literature on the marginal seating integrity and fracture resistance of CAD/CAM made-up endo-crowns showed that the endo-crown had superior marginal seating integrity than classical full crown. CAM/CAM showed statistically significant higher mean fracture resistance than MAD/MAM.

Association of indoor air pollution on cognitive dysfunction among elderly

OBJECTIVE

Cognitive dysfunction among the elderly is a devastating condition preceded by accumulation of neuropathology leading to accelerated cognitive decline. Many epidemiologic studies have reported the relation between indoor air pollution exposure and cognitive impairment. To clarify the nature of the association, a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis were performed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The analysis included all observational studies, including cross-sectional studies, prospective and retrospective cohort studies. Experimental studies, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and controlled clinical trials were excluded. Studies on the relationships of indoor air pollution and cognition published before 30 April 2021 which are peer-reviewed scientific publications available in English were included after performing a structured literature search through electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and clinical trial.gov. A total of 146 articles were collected, and after screening thoroughly only, 9 studies were selected. Meta-analysis for the final set of selected studies was performed using the R software.

RESULTS

The quality of all the studies was adequate as almost all reported an association between at least one pollutant and cognitive dysfunction. However, relatively few studies considered outcomes that provide the most substantial evidence for a causal effect. In total, 5 studies have reported on cognitive function. The pooled mean of cognitive function was 12.16 (95% CI: 10.73 to 13.58). However, the heterogeneity was very high (I2=100%; chi-square test for heterogeneity = p<0.001). We used a modified JBI structured risk of the bias assessment tool, and it was minimal among the included studies as most of the studies have followed a random sampling method and explicitly mention it in their methods.

CONCLUSIONS

Exposure to indoor air pollution through fuels used for cooking and heating was significantly associated with cognitive dysfunction among elderly women. Given the limitations, a more extensive meta-analysis and longitudinal studies are recommended to investigate the biological mechanism behind the impact of indoor air pollution on cognitive health.

A245 IGG4- RELATED DISEASE AS A RARE CAUSE OF GASTRIC OUTLET OBSTRUCTION: A CASE REPORT AND LITERATURE REVIEW

Background

IgG4- related disease (IgG4-RD) is a newly recognized systemic fibroinflammatory condition that can affect a wide range of organs, including the pancreas, biliary system, retroperitoneum, lymph nodes and salivary glands. However, gastrointestinal luminal involvement is very rare, and the presentation with isolated gastrointestinal obstruction is extremely unusual.

Aims

We present a case of IgG4-RD presenting with gastric outlet obstruction secondary to severe duodenal stricture.

Methods

A 59-year-old female presented with 6 months history of abdominal pain, postprandial nausea and vomiting associated with significant weight loss. CT showed circumferential wall thickening of the 2ndand 3rd parts of the duodenum with gastroscopy showing severe ulcerated duodenal stricture that could not be passed through. Biopsies from the ulcerated area did not reveal a specific etiology, but malignancy could not be excluded, and the decision was made to pursue surgical management with Whipple’s procedure.

Surgical pathology revealed IgG4 related disease in the form of an ulcerated gastric mass invading the duodenum and the pancreas with normal serum IgG4 level. Postoperatively, the patient developed anastomotic leak that was managed conservatively with antibiotics and drainage resulting in significant improvement in her symptoms. MRCP did not show any pancreatic or biliary abnormalities.

Results

A few weeks later, she represented with abdominal pain as well as nausea and vomiting. CT scan revealed severe inflammatory changes at the anastomosis site with mucosal thickening concerning for persistent leak. However, as she was optimally treated before, it was concluded that these changes are likely related to recurrent IgG4-RD. To induce remission, prednisone was started with remarkable improvement in her symptoms within two weeks, and complete resolution of the previous inflammatory changes around the anastomosis on repeat imaging. Subsequently, she was started on mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) with a slow prednisone taper.

Conclusions

IgG4-RD involving the gastrointestinal tract is rare with rare cases reported in the literature presenting in variable ways. Our case demonstrates the possibility of IgG4-RD presenting as gastric outlet obstruction; IgG4-RD should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unexplained duodenal stricture or gastric outlet obstruction. IgG4-RD usually responds to steroids but long-term response rates to steroid-sparing agents, especially in the subset of patients with luminal IgG4-RD, remains to be seen.

Funding Agencies

None

Adamantinoma-Like Ewing Sarcoma of the Parotid Gland: Report of Two Cases and Review of Literature

Adamantinoma-like Ewing sarcoma (ALES) is a rare variant of Ewing sarcoma. It demonstrates heterogeneous morphologic pattern and complex immunophenotypic profile, with a peculiar combination of epithelial and neuroendocrine differentiation. ALES is rarely reported in the head and neck areas, including the parotid salivary gland. Till now, only 10 cases of ALES have been reported in the salivary glands. Herein, we report two cases of ALES involving the parotid gland, adding some valuable insight to the recently reported cases at this site.

Virtual Crossmatch: Reality of Perception

Results of 773 actual flow crossmatches (aFXMs) and virtual flow crossmatches (vFXMs) performed for living and deceased donor kidney transplantation in our center were analyzed retrospectively and evaluated for their concordance. Prediction of vFXMs was based on antibody identification using single antigen bead assay and locally established mean fluorescence intensity cutoff point compared with donor HLA antigens. The vast majority of aFXMs were in concordance with vFXMs with an overall concordance of 97%. Twenty-three predicted to be negative showed positive aFXMs; 12 of them had 0% calculated panel-reactive antibody, and 11 were found in patients with multiple non-donor-specific HLA antibodies. Three predicted positive vFXMs yielded negative aFXMs; 2 of them had allele-specific antibodies. CONCLUSIONS: vFXMs based on precise characterization of antibody specificities detected by single antigen bead assay using our cutoff point accurately predicted FXMs in the majority of patients and can be used safely to allocate kidney offers without performing physical crossmatches in selected patients.

Gastric xanthelasma associated with hyperplastic polyp and mucosal erosions: report of an unusual case and literature review

Gastric xanthelasma is a rare benign tumor-like lesion which is usually observed as an incidental finding due to its asymptomatic presentation. Grossly, it is a well-demarcated yellow-white plaque which is microscopically formed by clusters of foamy macrophages in the lamina propria. The pathogenesis and clinical significance are not clear. Gastric hyperplastic polyps are rarely associated with xanthelasma. Mucosal erosions also appear to have an association with the combined lesions of hyperplastic polyp and xanthelasma. Here, we report a rare case of simultaneous occurrence of gastric xanthoma with hyperplastic polyp and mucosal erosions. The lesions are observed in a 78 years old male who presented with a history of chronic anemia. The histological features together with a literature review of other similar reported cases are described and compared.

Abstract 5176: Cell free malignant ascites fluid facilitates gastric adenocarcinoma peritoneal metastasis

Gastric adenocarcinoma is the fastest rising malignancy in North America. It is commonly associated with malignant ascites (MA), the pathological accumulation of fluid containing cancer cells in the peritoneum. Peritoneal metastasis is the most common site of gastric cancer (GC) progression after curative intent surgery and is the leading cause of death. Upon peritoneal dissemination, the malignant process is deemed non-curative as it is rarely amenable to surgical resection and chemotherapeutic regimens are simply palliative. We hypothesize that cell-free MA increases the potential of GC cells to worsen peritoneal metastasis. Gastric adenocarcinoma cell lines (human: MKN-45, SNU-5, KATO III, OKAJIMA; murine NCC-S1, NCC-S1M) were incubated with cell-free MA and their metastatic ability assessed with static in vitro adhesion assays, as well as migration assays. A novel ex vivo peritoneal metastasis model further corroborated the in vitro results, where cancer cell adhesion to stripped human peritoneum was assessed by co-incubation with non- and pre-stimulated cancer cells. Gross liver metastasis was monitored over several weeks after in vivo intra-peritoneal and intra-splenic injections, whereby C57BL/6 mice were inoculated with control media or stimulated NCC-S1M cells. Incubation of human GC cells and/or human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMC) with cell-free MA resulted in a significant three to five-fold increase of GC cell adhesion to HPMC compared to non-stimulated condition (P&lt;0.05), as measured by inverted fluorescent microscopy. In addition, the murine GC cells incubated with MA showed a significant eight-fold increase on average (P&lt;0.05) in GC cell adhesion to HPMC compared to non-stimulated condition. Cell-free MA was shown to significantly enhance ex vivo SNU-5 cell adhesion to stripped human peritoneum by a two to four-fold increase (P&lt;0.05) compared to non-stimulated condition. Liver metastases were visible in mice that received in vivo injections of ascites-stimulated NCC-S1M cancer cells by day 25, yet not in mice inoculated with control media. Several factors (ANG-2, HGF, ICAM-1, IL-8, TIMP-2, uPAR, VEGF, NAP-2, MIF) were shown to be upregulated in MA samples compared to a cirrhotic ascites control, using a multiplex ELISA. In particular, VEGF was upregulated 11 to 25-fold, and MIF two to 12-fold. The results demonstrated that MA plays a significant role in facilitating GC cell adhesion to peritoneal mesothelia, an important early step in the peritoneal metastatic cascade. MA must therefore provide an environment that supports tumour growth and spread. A more comprehensive understanding of the molecular network is essential to determine the role of cell free MA fluid in GC progression, allowing for the identification of potential therapeutic targets for this aggressive malignancy.

Citation Format: Chantelle A. Janeiro, Vivian Stavrakos, Malak Alzahrani, Roni F. Rayes, France Bourdeau, Betty Giannias, Nicholas Bertos, Veena Sangwan, Jonathan Cools-Lartigue, Jonathan D. Spicer, Lorenzo E. Ferri. Cell free malignant ascites fluid facilitates gastric adenocarcinoma peritoneal metastasis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 5176.

The prevalence of CCR5-Δ32 mutation in a cohort of Saudi stem cell donors

CCR5 is a chemokine receptor that was found to be used by HIV as a co-receptor for entering target cells. A 32 bp deletion was described in certain people that rendered CCR5 non-functional. The mutant allele CCR5-Δ32 has been shown to prevent HIV infection. In addition, stem cell transplantation with the CCR5-Δ32 homozygous genotype can lead to clearance of HIV infection. In this study, our aim was to investigate the frequency of CCR5-Δ32 mutation in a cohort of stem cell donors from cord blood bank and stem cell donor registry. A total of 3025 samples were collected from healthy stem cell donors (2625) and from cord blood units (400). DNA was extracted and the CCR5 gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in a light cycler system using SYBR Green dye. The mutated gene was further confirmed by direct gene sequencing. We found 38 heterozygous for CCR5-Δ32 and one homozygous CCR5 mutation (Δ32/Δ32) out of the 3025 tested individuals. We conclude that the protective CCR5-Δ32 allele appears to be rarely present in Saudi Arabia.

The value of routine bone marrow biopsy in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma staged with PET/CT: a Danish-Canadian study

BACKGROUND

The added diagnostic and prognostic value of routine bone marrow biopsy (BMB) in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) undergoing positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography (PET/CT) staging is controversial.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with newly diagnosed DLBCL who underwent both staging PET/CT and BMB were retrospectively identified in British Columbia, Aalborg, and Copenhagen. Original written PET/CT and pathology reports were retrospectively reviewed to determine Ann Arbor stage and outcomes, with and without the contribution of BMB.

RESULTS

A total of 530 patients were identified: 146 (28%) had focal bone marrow (BM) lesions on PET/CT and 87 (16%) had positive BMB. Fifty-two of 146 patients (36%) with positive PET/CT had a positive BMB [39 DLBCL, 13 indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma (iNHL)], while 35 of 384 patients (9%) with negative PET/CT had positive BMB (12 DLBCL, 23 iNHL). BMB upstaged 12/209 (6%) of stage I/II patients to stage IV, although this was the case for only 3 (1%) patients with DLBCL in the BMB. PET/CT identified BM involvement by BMB with sensitivity 60%, specificity 79%, positive predictive value 36%, and negative predictive value 91%. Concordant histological involvement of the BM by DLBCL was associated with worse overall survival and progression-free survival than discordant or no involvement in univariate and multivariate analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with DLBCL, staging PET/CT can miss BM involvement with concordant DLBCL (less common) or discordant iNHL (more common). Routine BMB does not add relevant diagnostic or prognostic value over PET/CT alone in the majority of patients with DLBCL.

Pediatric hearing loss: common causes, diagnosis and therapeutic approach

Pediatric hearing loss limits the child ability to develop effective auditory and speech capabilities. Early rehabilitation of hearing loss results in higher levels of linguistic, academic and social skills. To achieve the best outcomes, proper and timely diagnosis is essential. The etiology of hearing loss can be classified according to its nature as sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), conductive hearing loss (CHL) or mixed hearing loss (MHL). Congenital hearing loss could be genetic or non genetic (acquired), syndromic or non-syndromic. Hearing loss can be classified according to the severity into mild (26-40 dB HL), moderate (41-70 dB HL), severe (71-90 dB HL) and profound (more than 90 dB HL). Management of hearing loss is mainly influenced by the nature, the bilaterality, the severity and the age at diagnosis. Severe to profound bilateral SNHL can be managed by cochlear implantation (unilateral or bilateral), if picked up at early age while mild to moderate bilateral SNHL are easier to manage with conventional hearing aids. CHL has less impact on the speech development of the child. It is usually managed by correcting the underlying etiology such as otitis media with effusion or even surgically in cases of external ear atresia or ossicular malformations. Unilateral SNHL have fortunately no impact on the language development of the child and can be passed undiagnosed until preschool-aged children. The implementation of national newborn hearing screening programs has improved the management of affected children by rehabilitating them at early stages to allow for normal speech development. In this review article, we aim to highlight the most common causes of pediatric hearing loss, their character and presentation and to review the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches of a deaf child.

Bacillus Calmette-Guerin lymphadenitis: a 6-year experience in two Saudi hospitals

BACKGROUND

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccination as a part of the global expanded program for immunization. Although the BCG vaccine is usually a safe vaccine, a number of complications with lymphadenitis being the most common complication, can occur.

AIM

We evaluated the frequency, the clinical presentation and treatment modalities of lymphadenitis after BCG vaccine in Saudi children.

RESULTS

A total of 145 patients with BCG lymphadenitis presented between January 2005 and December 2010. In the majority (103) of the cases, the lymphadenitis involved ipsilateral left axillary nodes. Other sites of involvement included the left supraclavicular lymph nodes in 26 (18%) patients, and both the left axillary and supraclavicular lymph nodes were involved in 7 cases (4.8%). A total of 75 patients (65%) were given antituberculous medication. Eight (27%) patients had positive acid-fast bacilli and positive cultures for Mycobacterium bovis.

CONCLUSION

In light of the findings of this study, it would be advisable to administer the BCG vaccine in Saudi Arabia at a time later than at birth, as the younger children are commonly affected.

Cholesterol granuloma of the maxillary sinus

INTRODUCTION

Cholesterol granuloma (CG) can be found in several areas of the body. Maxillary sinus localization is considered rare.

CASE REPORT

A 37-year-old male presented with acute febrile sinusitis. Nasal endoscopy showed a nasal polyp at the middle meatus. Computed Tomography (CT scan) of the sinus showed complete opacity of the right maxillary sinus without calcification and partial opacification of frontal and ethmoidal sinuses. Functional endoscopic sinus approach was performed. Marsupialization of the cyst which a brownish fluid, which evoked the diagnosis of cholesterol granuloma.

CONCLUSION

The definite diagnosis is made by histology, although intra-operative finding could be suggestive. Complete excision is achievable by endoscopic approach.