Medicine
-
Microsurgery is a treatment option for dural arteriovenous fistula (DAF), but its efficacy is still unclear. This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of microsurgery for the treatment of patients with DAF. ⋯ PROSPERO CRD42019144851.
-
Case Reports
Overground exoskeletons may boost neuroplasticity in myotonic dystrophy type 1 rehabilitation: A case report.
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a slowly progressive multisystem neuromuscular disease characterized by myotonia and muscle weakness and wasting of distal and axial muscles. People with DM1, due to the disease progression, are often concerned about their ability to carry out and participate in the activities of daily living. Rehabilitation approaches in DM1, including moderate-to-intense strength training, have shown not univocal efficacy to face such difficulties. Aim of this case-study was to demonstrate the effects of a combined approach by using conventional plus robotic training in rare neuromuscular diseases, such as DM1. ⋯ Rehabilitation approaches in DM1, including moderate-to-intense strength training, have shown not univocal efficacy. Emerging and advancing robotic technologies can enhance clinical therapeutic outcomes by allowing therapists to activate and/or modulate neural networks to maximize motor and functional recovery.
-
Rupture of an unscarred uterus after in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) in a primiparous woman is rare. Assisted reproductive technology (ART)-induced rupture of an unscarred uterus is usually attributable to increased dizygotic twinning rates. Salpingectomy can result in cornual scarring and increase the risk of uterine rupture as well as the mortality rate in a subsequent ectopic pregnancy. Here, we present the first reported case of a spontaneous, third-trimester, uterine rupture in a primiparous woman after IVF-ET due to a history of bilateral salpingectomy because of bilateral oviduct and ovarian cysts; the patient did not have an ectopic pregnancy or any cornual or other uterine scarring during this pregnancy after IVF-ET. ⋯ We conclude that the ART-associated increase in dizygotic twinning rates may be a neglected risk factor for spontaneous rupture of the unscarred uterus, especially in patients who have undergone salpingectomy. Uterine rupture should be considered in a patient with multiple pregnancy following IVF-ET who presents with acute abdominal pain and abnormal fetal heart rate. Timely exploratory laparotomy is the key to a good prognosis.
-
Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) is a frequent autosomal recessive disease. The pathogenesis of disease is excessive intestinal absorption of dietary iron, resulting in pathologically high iron storage in tissues and organs. As a systemic disease, it has several manifestations including cirrhosis, diabetes mellitus, cardiomyopathy, joint disease. However, a proportion of patients are asymptomatic. ⋯ When clinicians are confronted with unexplained liver dysfunction, the possibility of the HH should be considered. Liver biopsy and gene sequencing are helpful in diagnosis. Phlebotomy treatment is the most economical and practical treatment for HH at present, but it should vary from person to person.
-
Acute myocardial infarction is usually caused by coronary atherosclerotic plaque disruption (rupture or erosion), also including other uncommon etiologies. Pulmonary epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (PEH) is a rare low to intermediate malignant vascular tumor originating from vascular endothelial cells. Here, we report a rare case of acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) due to extrinsic compression of left coronary artery from PEH. ⋯ Acute STEMI could be caused by extrinsic compression of the coronary artery from the mass effects of PEH, and active therapy and close follow-up should be considered for patients with PEH.