BMJ case reports
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Brain abscess is an unusual complication of uncontrolled diabetes. A solitary thalamic abscess is an uncommon type of brain abscess. We report a case of thalamic abscess, whereupon diabetes mellitus and periodontitis were diagnosed. ⋯ Radiological resolution of the thalamic abscess occurred within 2 months. Diabetes improved with 7 weeks of insulin, and maintained on metformin, HbA1c 6.9% (51 mmol/mol). There was no residual neurological disability.
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Case Reports
A 33-year-old Haitian immigrant with 7 months of abdominal pain and progressive distension.
We report a case of a 33-year-old previously healthy Haitian immigrant with a 7-month history of abdominal pain, fever and ascites. He had a history of positive tuberculin skin test but never underwent treatment for latent tuberculosis (TB) infection. Initial examination showed abdominal distension. ⋯ The omental mass was biopsied under ultrasound guidance, and histopathology revealed non-necrotising granulomas. Sputum cultures and omental biopsy cultures subsequently grew Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and a diagnosis was made of pulmonary TB with TB peritonitis. The patient responded well to the initiation of anti-TB treatment.
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Review Case Reports
Closing the cleft over a throbbing heart: neonatal sternal cleft.
Sternal cleft is a rare anomaly comprising 0.5% of chest wall malformations. We present a case of a neonate with a 'V'-shaped upper partial sternal cleft at birth. ⋯ Primary approximation and closure of the defect was performed at 1 week of life. We discuss the presentation and management, and review the literature.