Unusual Pattern of Coeliac Trunk and Its Branches: A Cadaveric Study of Two Cases with its Embryological and Clinical Correlation

The coeliac trunk, the first anterior branch, often originates at the level of the T12 vertebral body, right below the aortic hiatus, as the first ventral branch of the abdominal aorta. It commonly divides into the left gastric, common hepatic, and splenic arteries. We report a rare variation in the branching pattern and course of branches of the coeliac trunk in two donated female cadavers during routine abdominal dissection. It is essential to understand the coeliac trunk and the distinctions in its origin and branching pattern to perform efficient upper abdominal surgical and radiological procedures and to adopt novel interventional and treatment options for hepatic cancers. As anatomists, we are also attempting to link our study's variations to their embryological genesis.

Unusual spin-orbit torque switching in perpendicular synthetic antiferromagnets with strong interlayer exchange coupling

Synthetic antiferromagnet (SAF) is an outstanding system for controlling magnetic coupling via tuning the layer thickness and material composition. Here, we control the interlayer exchange coupling (IEC) in a perpendicularly magnetized SAF Pt/Co/Ir/CoFeB/MgO multilayer, which is tuned by varying the nonmagnetic layer Ir thickness and the magnetic layer Co thickness. And we study the spin-orbit torque (SOT) driven magnetization switching of the SAF. In the SAF with a weak IEC, the SOT-driven switching behavior is similar to that of a single ferromagnet system, which is dominated by the external magnetic field. In contrast, in the SAF with an ultra-strong IEC, the saturation magnetic field is large than 50 kOe, and the SOT-driven switching behavior is decided by the effective magnetic field. The effective field is correlated to the external magnetic field, the IEC field, magnetic moments of CoFeB and Co, and magnetic anisotropy. These results may advance the understanding of SOT switching of perpendicular SAFs and promote the applications of SAFs with low stray fields and lower power in spintronic devices.

Loosening of Teeth, an Unusual Presentation of Mucormycosis in COVID-19 Infected Patients

Aim of our study was to report unusual presentation of mucormycosis in patients, who were recovered from COVID-19 infection. This was a prospective observational study, undertaken at Ravindra Nath Tagore Medical College, Udaipur, India, over a period of last 3 months (April-June 2021). All patients with maxillofacial and dental mucormycosis were included in the study. All patients either have COVID-19 infection or recovered from it. Eight (40%) patients had history of use of corticosteroids for COVID1-19 infection, fifteen patients had either known case of diabetes or newly diagnosed diabetes with uncontrolled blood sugar at the time of presentation, three (15%) patients were in pre-diabetic state with HbA1c between 6.0 and 6.5% and two patients had no diabetes. None of patients had diabetic ketoacidosis and only one patient reported complete loss of vision with dental symptoms. There was unusual presentation of mucormycosis in form of loosening of teeth in uncontrolled diabetes. Injudicious use of steroids and uncontrolled diabetes are two main risk factors, so eyes should be kept on both of these.

Unusual clinical presentations in leprosy: a case series and review

Conventionally, leprosy has been divided into various spectra of presentation ranging from the tuberculoid to the lepromatous pole, as well as histoid, pure neuritic leprosy and reactional states. This however is an oversimplification as leprosy can present in unusual clinical forms that may obfuscate the diagnosis. Our objective was to highlight unusual clinical presentations of leprosy occurring across all spectra of the disease. Our case series describes eight uncommon presentations of leprosy seen over a period of 10 y from 2011 to 2021, wherein clinical diagnosis followed by a histopathological confirmation of leprosy was performed. These include rare presentations such as psoriasiform plaques, Lazarine leprosy, verrucous plaques and hypertrophic scarring. Many of these rare presentations remain hitherto unreported, such as primary hypogonadism and annular plaques mimicking erythema annulare centrifugum and erythema gyratum repens. Sarcoidosis and syphilis have been labeled as great mimickers in dermatology. The current case series and review is an attempt to highlight a multitude of unusual presentations of leprosy that need a separate mention to make a correct and timely diagnosis and prevent the debilitating sequelae of this otherwise treatable infectious disease.

An Unusual Occurrence of Scaphoid Fracture Fragment in the Volar Compartment of the Forearm: A Case Report with Review of Literature

Introduction

Scaphoid fractures are common wrist injuries and are commonly missed. Patients present with radial-sided wrist pain. Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging help in better planning, with analysis of comminution, torn ligaments, timely diagnosis, and intricate fixation prevent avascular necrosis, non-union, and carpal collapse.

Case Presentation

We present a rare scenario of right hand dominant 42 years male with scaphoid waist fracture, where the fracture fragment was unusually displaced 4 cm proximal to the wrist in the volar compartment of the forearm. Urgent open reduction and internal fixation with a Herbert screw was done. At 1 year follow-up, fracture united, with satisfactory range of motion and functional outcomes of the wrist.

Conclusion

Timely diagnosis and urgent operative intervention for unstable displaced scaphoid fractures with rigid fixation provides long-term satisfactory outcomes and prevents complications.

Myriad of MR imaging phenotypes of primary central nervous system lymphoma in a cohort of immunocompetent Indian patient population

PCNSL (primary central nervous system lymphoma) is a chemosensitive and radiosensitive tumor, and early diagnosis has a significant impact on management. Unlike many other brain tumors, radical surgical excision of PCNSLs is not indicated because these lesions are highly infiltrative and even partial resection leads to a bad prognosis. The goal of this study is to highlight the unusual radiological presentation of PCNSLs and increase the awareness, familiarity, and global database of our observations that pose a challenge on management.

Thymoma: Histologically a heterogenous group of tumors

Over the years the nomenclature of thymomas has been debated regarding the best manner in which these tumors should be grouped. In every schema presented thus far, the main issue has been the presence or lack of lymphocytes and accordingly, the tumors have been place into a specific category. However, even though this concept applies for most of the cases, there are numerous tumors that do not necessarily fit into those categories as either the thymomas show another cellular proliferation associated with the epithelial cells or the epithelial cell themselves are arranged in a pattern that departs from the conventional features of the classic thymoma. Herein we will emphasize those features, which in some circumstances, mainly with small mediastinoscopic biopsies may pose a considerable problem in interpretation. We do consider that the most important issue is to be familiar with the different growth pattern that these tumors may show in order to avoid misdiagnosis. In addition, we consider that regardless of the growth pattern or cellular composition of the tumor, it is highly recommended that these tumors just like any other be carefully sampled and properly stage. Although we are fully aware of the different growth pattern and specific cellular details that thymoma may show, the discussion of each one of those tumors is beyond the scope of this review. Therefore, we have placed more emphasis in those, which in our judgment are more commonly encountered in the daily practice.

Uncommon Presentation of COVID-19 With Long Incubation Period and Only Gastrointestinal Symptoms in a Fully Vaccinated Patient: Is There a Relation?

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory infectious disease that caused a worldwide pandemic in December 2019. It affected millions of people across the world and forced nations to lockdown their borders and implement curfews to control the spread of the disease. Unusual manifestations of the disease should be reported and be kept in mind among physicians. We report a case of a 33-year-old man who was fully vaccinated with two doses of Pfizer vaccine and presented with fever, epigastric pain, and diarrhea without any respiratory symptoms. The patient had a longer than usual incubation period of 16 days without reporting any signs of respiratory infection for the period of his infection. His laboratory investigations and chest X-ray were all normal. The patient did not require any treatment and his COVID-19 infection lasted for 10 days. Clinicians should understand that post-vaccination COVID-19 cases might present with a longer incubation period than usual and might present with gastrointestinal symptoms as the sole complaint.

An unusual cause of large bowel obstruction: To keep an open mind

Enterolithiasis or formation of gastrointestinal concretions is an uncommon medical condition that develops in the setting of intestinal stasis due to various pathologies. Its prevalence ranges upto 10% and can present in different clinical pictures to challenge a clinician.

Unusual localizations of hydatid cysts: a rare case report from Syria

Hydatid disease (HD) is an infection with the metacestode stage of the tapeworm Echinococcus. It is commonly seen in South America, The Middle East, Eastern Mediterranean, Africa and China. Hydatid cysts usually affect the liver followed by the lungs. Involvement in other organs has been reported. However, in the majority of the cases, cysts are localized in one organ or one region. We report a rare case of a 36-year-old woman who presented to the hospital in Syria with long-standing history of non-specific abdominal pain. Computerized tomography showed several hydatid cysts in the liver, spleen, left lung, mediastinum (adjacent to the aortic arch), both breasts and above the right gluteal muscles.

An Unusual Presentation of Adult-Onset Still's Disease as Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis in a Male Patient

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is an aggressive and potentially fatal condition characterized by immune activation and multi-organ dysfunction. HLH can be inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion, but can also be secondary to infections, malignancy, immunosuppression, and autoimmune conditions. Adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD) is an autoimmune disorder that can predispose patients to HLH. AOSD, similar to other autoimmune conditions, is more common in females than males. However, the occurrence of AOSD in males and subsequent predisposition to HLH is rarely reported. We report the case of a 23-year-old male patient who presented with fever, joint pain, and rash for 20 days. On evaluation, he fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for AOSD and HLH, and a diagnosis of HLH secondary to AOSD was made. He was treated with pulse dose steroids and gradually tapered. AOSD and HLH have overlapping clinical and laboratory features and hence their co-occurrence poses diagnostic challenges. The mortality rate of HLH is high and hence prompt initiation of treatment is of utmost importance.

Unusual Radiological Presentation of Intracranial Dermoid Cyst: A Case Series

Intracranial dermoids are rare congenital lesions of the brain that account for < 1% of all intracranial tumors. Even though they are rare, typical computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features along with location allow radiological diagnosis in the majority of patients. Radiologically, dermoid cysts typically appear as nonenhancing low-density masses on CT scan and are hyperintense on T1-weighted (T1-W) MRI sequences with variable signal on T2-W sequences. We describe two cases of dermoid with unusual imaging appearance with the presence of mural nodule in both the cases. The recognition of atypical radiological features can avoid diagnostic pitfalls and is clinically relevant for overall surgical management.

Beyond thrombocytopaenia, haemorrhage and shock: the expanded dengue syndrome

Dengue infection classically presents with fever, thrombocytopaenia, and varying degrees of plasma leakage, giving rise to shock. However, a myriad of other manifestations, involving the cardiovascular system, the nervous system, the liver, the kidneys, the gut and the haematological system have been reported in dengue. This review summarizes these varied presentations.

Less common manifestations in TSC

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is due to pathogenic variants in TSC1 or TSC2 genes resulting in hyperactivation of the mTOR pathway. Many organ systems can be affected, such as brain, skin, eye, heart, bone, kidney, or lung. Typical lesions of TSC usually are those included as major criteria, including angiofibromas, hypomelanotic macules, tubers, subependymal nodules, angiomyolipomas, cardiac rhabdomyomas, and lymphangioleiomyomatosis. However, there are many other manifestations less frequent and/or less well known, many of them not included as clinical diagnostic criteria that are part of the clinical spectrum of TSC. The focus of this review will be on these less common and less well-known manifestations of TSC. Among the rare manifestations, we will discuss some clinical findings including arteriopathy, arachnoid cysts, lymphatic involvement, chordomas, gynecological, endocrine, and gastrointestinal findings. Among the manifestations that are very frequent but much less well known, we find the sclerotic bone lesions. Although they are very frequent in TSC they have been largely overlooked and not considered diagnostic criteria, mainly because they are asymptomatic. However, it is important to know their typical characteristics to avoid misdiagnosing them as metastasis.

A Case of Unusual Occurrence of Nasogastric Tube Feed Coming Through the Chest Tube in a 27-Year-Old Polytrauma Patient

The provision of early and adequate nutritional support is vital for the successful recovery from the trauma in any form. Nutritional support is enteral unless specified otherwise as dictated by various benefits of the former. Nasogastric tubes provide effective and common mode of enteral feed due to the ease of placement and maintenance. To our knowledge, the late presentation of diaphragmatic hernia with gastric perforation in a trauma patient leading to feed coming through chest tube is very rare of the complications.

A Case of Unusual Occurrence of Nasogastric Tube Feed Coming Through the Chest Tube in a 27-Year-Old Polytrauma Patient

The provision of early and adequate nutritional support is vital for the successful recovery from the trauma in any form. Nutritional support is enteral unless specified otherwise as dictated by various benefits of the former. Nasogastric tubes provide effective and common mode of enteral feed due to the ease of placement and maintenance. To our knowledge, the late presentation of diaphragmatic hernia with gastric perforation in a trauma patient leading to feed coming through chest tube is very rare of the complications.

An unusual surgical cause of pyloric stenosis in an 8-month-old infant

Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) is the most common surgical cause of nonbilious, projectile vomiting in children. Its incidence is estimated to be 2-5/1000 live births and has been noted to be quite rare in African-Americans, Asians, and Indians. It is more common in infants under 6 months of age and is quite rare in older infants. While IHPS is invariably intrinsic in nature, extrinsic pyloric stenosis is very rare. Children who present with nonbilious, projectile vomiting after the age of 6 months should, therefore, be thoroughly investigated for causes other than IHPS. This is a case report of an 8-month-old child who had a band of tissue constricting the pylorus which mimicked IHPS.

Arteriovenous malformation and thyroid metastasis from underlying renal cell carcinoma, an unusual presentation of malignancy: A case report

Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma (RCC) comprises over 80% of renal malignancies in adults. Thyroid gland metastasis is rare in RCC. Few studies have described cases of RCC mistaken for benign arteriovenous malformation (AVM). To the best of our knowledge, an AVM arising from underlying RCC metastasis to the brain has not yet been reported. The current study presents a case of RCC metastasis to the thyroid gland, with an AVM identified to be a result of metastatic involvement in the brain. A 45-year-old African-American female presented with left-sided weakness, slurred speech, facial droop and seizure. The patient's medical history was notable for a diagnosis of RCC, 2010 American Joint Committee on Cancer Tumor-Node-Metastasis Stage 1B (T1B, N0, M0) grade III status post-right partial nephrectomy. Computed tomography (CT) imaging revealed a soft-tissue mass, suspected to be metastasis, in the left lobe of the thyroid, in addition to a 1.9 cm right intracranial mass in the parietal lobe. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography revealed a hypermetabolic area in the thyroid. Fine needle aspiration of the thyroid, and subsequent histopathological analysis, suggested a diagnosis of RCC metastasis. Subsequent immunohistochemical analysis of the thyroid tumor confirmed RCC metastasis. The patient also underwent a right partial craniotomy with resection of the intra-axial mass. Initial pathology was suggestive of an AVM. After several months, the patient was readmitted with headache, nausea and vomiting. Repeat imaging revealed recurrence of a 3.9 cm mass that was negative for AVM on biopsy; however, the immunostaining markers were positive for RCC. Recent literature suggests a link between AVMs and RCC as each exhibit highly vascular characteristics. RCC is a particularly vascular tumor that has been demonstrated to lead to the abnormal expression of various angiogenesis-promoting growth factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor. These angiogenic factors are vital to the pathophysiological pathway involved in the tumorigenesis and progression of RCC, and may explain the development of AVMs within these neoplasms, as demonstrated in the case presented in the current study.

Unusual CT Appearance of Bony Metastases from Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor

We present a case of bone metastases from a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST). While multiple bone lesions typically are suggestive of metastatic disease, especially in combination with a primary tumor and positive PET, the appearance of lesions in this patient was quite atypical. We are not aware of any case of metastatic disease with such atypical doughnut appearance as in our case.

[Unusual multifocal osteoarthritis tuberculosis in an immunocompetent patient]

Les formes multifocales de la tuberculose, surviennent habituellement chez des sujets immunodéprimés. Dans les formes multifocales, certaines localisations osseuses sont rares. Les auteurs rapportent le cas d'une patiente de 58 ans, immunocompétente qui présentait une tuberculose multifocale associant une atteinte pulmonaire et des localisations osseuses et articulaires inhabituelles (l’épaule, la cheville et le pied homolatéral, la branche illio-pubienne). Le diagnostic a été histologique (biopsie ostéo-articulaire) et bactériologique (mise en évidence des BAAR dans les crachats). Le traitement a été médico-chirurgical.

Report of a Fatal Pediatric Case of Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Associated with Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) Infection in 2009

An acute viral infection may lead to death, as seen in the recent novel 2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus pandemic that rapidly spread worldwide. Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a systemic disorder with high mortality rates and can be triggered by various etiological agents, including viral infections. H1N1-associated HLH is a very rare condition that may cause extremely severe complications leading to multiple organ failure (MOF) and death. We report an unusual case of a rapidly progressive and fatal H1N1 infection that was complicated with HLH and MOF in a previously healthy 8-year-old Asian female who initially presented with fever and abdominal pain. To enable early recognition and proper treatment, physicians should be aware of the possibility of this fatal complication, which may present with unusual initial symptoms.

Unusual headaches

Headaches presented with unusual manner like cough, exertion, and sex, poses a diagnostic challenge in the emergency room or primary care provider's office. The majority of these patients have no underlying intracranial pathologic condition and have a good prognosis. Since the pathophysiology is poorly understood, treatment choices are limited. Further research is needed to elucidate the pathophysiologic mechanisms of these uncommon headaches and to assess the cost-effectiveness of various diagnostic and follow-up strategies. This article focuses on eleven unusual headache syndromes, all of which are associated with significant morbidity and mortality.

[Metastasis to unusual sites]

Metastases are responsible for the majority of deaths from solid cancers. Metastatic phenomenon, complex, is a multi-step process where interactions between cells and with the microenvironment are essential. The organ tropism, that is the propensity of a cancer to metastasize to specific organs, can be explained by several mechanisms that we have described. Apart from the usual metastases, unusual sites can appear with heterogeneous clinical presentations. We describe known to date mechanisms that can explain these unusual metastasis. A summary of these locations has been realized. A rare location should always be considered in front of any atypical symptom.