SYNOPSIS: Cardiac tamponade among systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients is an unusual event. The pericardial effusion may be a consequence of uremia, infections in the pericardium, or the lupus pericarditis itself. We present four atypical cases of cardiac tamponade from pericarditis of connective tissue disease (CTD), all of which were treated with drainage and immunosuppressants. Due to the rarity of this combination, management was a challenge.
CLINICAL PRESENTATION: Four females each sought consult for dyspnea associated with typical manifestations of connective tissue disease such as arthritis, characteristic rashes, serositis, typical laboratory features, and a positive ANA and/or anti-dsDNA. The first three cases fulfilled the criteria for SLE, while the fourth fulfilled the criteria for SLE-dermatomyositis overlap syndrome. Echocardiography was done due to suspicion of pericardial involvement and revealed massive pericardial effusion in tamponade physiology in all cases.
DIAGNOSIS: Cardiac tamponade from serositis due to connective tissue disease [SLE (case 1 to 3) or SLE-dermatomyositis overlap (case 4). Other common etiologies of tamponade such as bacterial, tuberculous, malignant, and uremic pericardial effusion were ruled out by clinical and laboratory tools, including Gram stain and culture, cytology, PCR, and biochemical testing. The pericardial fluid of the first case tested positive for lupus erythematosus (LE) cells, indicative of lupus serositis.
TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: All patients underwent pericardial drainage via tube pericardiostomy. They received high dose glucocorticoids after infectious etiologies for the pericardial effusion were ruled out. The fourth case with the overlap syndrome, however, required more immunosuppressants using azathioprine and methotrexate. Resolution of pericardial effusion was noted with this approach. Three of four were discharged improved, however, the third case suffered from worsening nephritis and pulmonary hemorrhage leading to her demise.
SIGNIFICANCE AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Four cases of cardiac tamponade as a manifestation of connective tissue disease were presented. Literature underlines the rarity of this condition anytime during the course of SLE. Despite this, SLE should be considered as one of the differential diagnosis of cardiac tamponade, especially in patients who manifest with multi-systemic findings. Likewise, massive pericardial effusion should be considered in patients with a connective tissue disease presenting with subtle evidence of pericardial involvement. It requires timely identification and treatment with high dose steroids, after other causes such as infections have been excluded. Immediate drainage through pericardiocentesis or pericardiostomy in combination with immunosuppressants may be life-saving.

Human ; Female ; Adult ; Adolescent ; Pericardiocentesis ; Pericardial Effusion ; Azathioprine ; Cardiac Tamponade ; Methotrexate ; Glucocorticoids ; Serositis ; Dermatomyositis ; Immunosuppressive Agents ; Pericardial Fluid ; Neutrophils ; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic ;

This is an unusual case of a 55 year old male with appendicitis caused by the incarceration of the appendix in an area of tissue reaction from a prosthetic mesh used for open inguinal hernia repair which migrated transanatomically from the right inguinal area into the right lower peritoneal cavity. Isolated appendicitis caused by such phenomenon has never been reported in current literature.

Human ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Appendix ; Appendicitis ; Hernia, Inguinal ; Peritoneal Cavity

OBJECTIVES: To present a case of bilateral temporomandibular joint ankylosis that was managed successfully through gap arthroplasty. METHODS: Design: Case Report Setting: Tertiary Government Hospital Patient: One RESULTS:A 25-year-old man presented with inability to open his mouth for 18 years after direct trauma to his chin. CT scan showed bilateral bony fusion of condyles to glenoid fossae, hypertrophic sclerosis and fusion of the condylar heads to the temporal bones. He underwent bilateral gap arthroplasty via preauricular approach with creation of a 15 mm space on the mandibular fossa. As of latest follow up, the patient maintained an inter-alveolar distance of 30 mm for five months postoperatively through continuous aggressive mouth opening exercises. CONCLUSION:Gap arthroplasty may be an efficient procedure for temporomandibular joint ankylosis in achieving satisfactory post-operative inter-alveolar opening and articular function. Early and meticulous rehabilitation is required to prevent relapse. Long-term follow up is recommended to document possible recurrence.
Human ; Male ; Adult ; Temporomandibular ankylosis ; Ankylosis

Neuroprotective Agents

Objective: To present a rare case of facial schwannoma manifesting as a parotid mass and discuss its diagnosis and treatment. Methods: Design: Case Report Setting: Tertiary Government Hospital Patient: One Results: A 48-year-old female was seen for a 2-year progressive left hemifacial paralysis and a 5-month gradually enlarging left infraauricular mass with episodes of tinnitus but intact hearing and balance. Physical examination showed a left-sided House Brackmann grade VI facial paralysis and a 5 x 4 x 3 cm soft, ill-defined, slightly movable, nontender, left infraauricular mass. Gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 5 cm heterogeneouslyenhancing lobulated mass centered within the deep lobe of the left parotid gland extending to the left mastoid, with facial nerve involvement. A diagnosis of a facial nerve tumor, probably a schwannoma, was entertained. Pure tone audiometry revealed normal hearing thresholds for both ears with dips at 6-8 KHz on the left. The patient underwent total parotidectomy with facial nerve tumor resection via transmastoid approach, with simultaneous facial – hypoglossal nerve anastomosis reconstruction. Histopathologic findings confirmed the diagnosis of a schwannoma. Postoperative facial function was Grade VI. Hearing and hypoglossal nerve function were preserved. Conclusion A progressive hemifacial paralysis of chronic duration with or without the presence of an infra-auricular mass should raise the suspicion of a facial nerve tumor. Gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging is valuable since intraparotid facial nerve schwannomas are mostly diagnosed intraoperatively when the neoplasm and the nerve are exposed and determined to be contiguous. The clinician should be aware that not all parotid masses are salivary gland in origin.
Human ; Female ; Middle Aged ; NEURILEMMOMA ; PARALYSIS ; NEUROLOGIC MANIFESTATIONS ; FACIAL PARALYSIS ; MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING ; DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING ; PHYSICAL EXAMINATION ; DIAGNOSIS ; THERAPEUTICS ; THERAPY

Objective: We compared the efficacy, safety, refractive and visual outcomes, and aberrometry results of wavefront-guided aspheric treatment (WTA) versus wavefront-guided treatment (WT). Methods: This prospective, contralateral, comparative study included 60 eyes of 30 patients who underwent myopic LASIK. One eye of each patient was randomized to either WTA or WT. Patients were followed up for 3 months postoperatively. Two-tailed paired t-test was used to determine statistical significance. Results: At 3 months, 93% of eyes in the WTA group and 83% in the WT group had high-contrast uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) of 20/20, while 87% in both groups achieved low-contrast UDVA of 20/40 or better. Sixty-four percent in the WTA gained 1 or more lines of low-contrast corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) compared to 50% in the WT group. The mean sphere was 0.17D in the WTA and 0.14D in the WT (p = 0.63). The mean spherical equivalent was –0.04D for WTA and –0.03D for WT (p = 0.88). All eyes in both groups were within ±1.00D of the target emmetropia. The mean change in total higher-order aberration (HOA) was 0.07 μm in the WTA compared to 0.15 μm in the WT group (p = 0.04). The mean change in spherical aberration was –0.01 μm in the WTA and 0.18 μm in the WT group (p < 0.001). The mean change in Q value was significantly lower in the WTA (0.31) than in the WT group (0.63) (p < 0.001). Conclusion Wavefront aspheric LASIK (WTA) is a safe and effective treatment for myopic astigmatism. Refractive and visual outcomes were similar for both groups. WTA had less induction of higher-order aberration, lower spherical aberration, and better preservation of corneal asphericity (Q value). This translated to more lines of low-contrast vision gained compared to WT. Keywords: LASIK, Wavefront-guided, Aspheric, Spherical aberration, higher-order aberration, Corneal curvature
Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ

OBJECTIVES

This quality improvement study aimed to explore the viability of a learning pedagogy for medical students, the interactive journal club (IJC), in stimulating active learning and engagement among learners. The study intends to explore the benefits provided by the IJC when compared to traditional learning methods (e.g., traditional journal clubs). It attempts to highlight the importance of didactics which focus on active learning and interactive engagement between learners.

METHODS

The IJC was implemented as a course requirement in HI 201: Health Informatics, a midyear elective course at the College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila. A class of MD-PhD (Molecular Medicine) students was divided into two separate groups: the designated leaders who presented the article and moderated the discussion, and the audience who did not read the article beforehand yet were involved in its critical analysis. The IJC was conducted twice in two different sections of MD-PhD (Molecular Medicine) students, across two different midyear terms, Midyear Term 2021, and Midyear Term 2022. Reflection papers were collected and the responses through this requirement were collated before the primary takeaways were extrapolated. A survey was also sent out to the students of each class to itemize the consolidated feedback of students on the proposed didactic.

RESULTS

The overall process of IJC was deemed both exciting and stimulating. The learning pedagogy provided an alternative platform for active learning, fostering a student-centered approach that placed a heavy emphasis on critical thinking. One major challenge identified in the implementation of the educational design was the heavy reliance on student participation which was identified to, at times, be a difficult factor to overcome. In order to improve its implementation, expectations may be set at the beginning and assessed at the end of the session. In addition, a pre- and post-questionnaire may be given to assess the perceived usefulness of this new method for qualitative comparison.

CONCLUSION

Interactive and student-centered modes of learning are empirical for the improvement of literature appraisal, journal presentation, and evidence-based critical thinking among medical students. IJCs may be utilized as an alternative and effective learning strategy in teaching pertinent skills expected of a proper physician. When compared to traditional pedagogies, IJCs provide a platform for deeper learning and enable the achievement of learning outcomes, with learner engagement as the focal point. Future attempts at executing IJCs may consider the implementation of learning outcomes setting, and the use of pre- and post-IJC surveys to assess the effectiveness of the modality.

Education ; Active Learning ; Critical Thinking

This clinical pathway for the diagnosis and risk stratification of patients presenting with acute chest pain, including acute coronary syndromes, provides recommendations and algorithms for clinicians to diagnose, risk stratify, and manage acute chest pain in adult patients. The writing committee reviewed existing international and local guidelines. Modifications to the algorithm following face-to-face and virtual meetings resulted in expert decisions written as recommendations and presented in a flow diagram format. The USTH Chest Pain Pathway provides guidance based on current guidelines and recommendations on assessing and evaluating acute chest pain, tailored to local needs and institution-specific facilities. We recommend its use to ensure quality patient care in the hospital.
Acute Coronary Syndrome|critical Pathways