A Case of Hemophagocytic Syndrome due to Tuberculosis: Uncommon Manifestation of a Common Disease

Hemophagocytic syndrome, also known as hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), is the manifestation of immune dysregulation. It is associated with ineffective but exaggerated immune response and infiltration of active lymphocytes and histiocytes in various organs. This devastating clinical condition has myriad of clinical and biochemical manifestations such as fever, splenomegaly, pancytopenia, hypertrygliceridemia, and hyperferritinemia. It can be either primary or secondary. Primary HLH usually presents in childhood. Secondary HLH occurs due to infection mostly viruses but other aetiologies are also important as early detection and treatment may improve survival. Hemophagocytosis due to tuberculosis is uncommon. Only handful of cases have been reported mostly in immunocompromised patients. We report a case of hemophagocytic syndrome associated with disseminated tuberculosis in an immunocompetent women highlighting early diagnosis and treatment is a demanding need in this devastating disease

Irreversible Hemichorea–Hemiballism in a Case of Nonketotic Hyperglycemia Presenting as the Initial Manifestation of Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Hemichorea–hemiballism (HCHB) is a hyperkinetic movement disorder with features of both chorea and ballism occurring on the same side. Case report: We present a case of HCHB due to nonketotic hyperglycemia (NKH) that was the initial presentation of diabetes and was irreversible clinically even after 6 months of optimal blood sugar control. Discussion: Although HCHB due to hyperglycemia is a potentially reversible condition in the majority of patients, prolonged uncontrolled hyperglycemia may cause ischemic insult and persistent symptoms. Hyperglycemia should always be kept in the list of differentials while dealing with patients who are newly diagnosed with HCHB

Gastrointestinal, respiratory, and olfactory neurotropism of Sars-Cov2 as a possible trigger of Parkinson's Disease: Is a multi-hit multi-step process on the cards

Since the first emergence of COVID-19 on the global stage, there has been a wealth of evidence to suggest that SARS-Cov2 is not merely a pulmonary pathogen. This virus is unique in its ability to disrupt cellular pathways related to protein homeostasis, mitochondrial function, stress response, and aging. Such effects raise concerns about the long-term fate of survivors of COVID-19 infection, particularly regarding neurodegenerative diseases. The concept of interaction between environmental factors and alpha-synuclein formation in the olfactory bulb and vagal autonomic terminals with subsequent caudo-cranial migration has received much attention in the context of PD pathogenesis. Anosmia and gastrointestinal symptoms are two well-known symptoms of COVID-19, with evidence of an olfactory bulb and vagal infiltration by SARS-CoV2. This raises the possibility of the spread of the viral particles to the brain along multiple cranial nerve routes. Neurotropism, coupled with the ability of the SARS-Cov2 virion to induce abnormal protein folding and stress responses in the central nervous system, in presence of an inflammatory milieu, reinforced by hypoxia, coagulopathy, and endothelial dysfunction, reverberates the intriguing possibility of activation of a neurodegenerative cascade leading to the development of pathological alpha-synuclein aggregates and thus, triggering the development of PD in survivors of COVID19. This review attempts to summarize and critically appraise existing evidence from basic science research and clinical reports of links between COVID-19 and PD and explores the prospect of a multi-hit pathophysiological process, induced by SARS-Cov2 infection, ultimately converging on perturbed cellular protein homeostasis, which although is intriguing, presently lacks robust evidence for confirmation

Adult Presentation of Dyke-Davidoff-Masson Syndrome: A Case Report

Dyke-Davidoff-Masson syndrome (DDMS) is a rare disease which is clinically characterized by hemiparesis, seizures, facial asymmetry, and mental retardation. The classical radiological findings are cerebral hemiatrophy, calvarial thickening, and hyperpneumatization of the frontal sinuses. This disease is a rare entity, and it mainly presents in childhood. Adult presentation of DDMS is unusual and has been rarely reported in the medical literature. Key Messages: DDMS is a rare disease of childhood. However, it should be kept in mind as a diagnostic possibility in an adult who presents with a long duration of progressive hemiparesis with seizures and mental retardation. Cerebral hemiatrophy, calvarial thickening, and hyperpneumatization of the frontal sinuses are diagnostic for this illness on brain imaging

Clinical and radiological profile of cavernous sinus syndrome: a study from eastern part of India

Abstract Background Cavernous sinus syndrome (CSS) consists of a variable combination of involvement of the 3rd-to-6th cranial nerves. The etiologies vary across studies, and it has a significant impact on the outcome. This study was done to delineate the etiology, clinico-radiological profile and outcome of CSS. In this prospective study, patients were recruited consecutively over 2 years, and were followed up for at least 6 months. MRI of the brain and orbit with contrast was done, and other relevant investigations were performed to arrive at a specific etiology. Tolosa-Hunt Syndrome (THS) was defined in accordance with the second edition of the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-II). Results Of the 92 patients studied, THS was the predominant diagnosis, followed by Tuberculosis, fungal infection, aneurysm, neoplastic and Sjögren’s syndrome. Cranial nerves commonly involved were 3rd, 4th, 6th and 5th. The optic nerve was affected in 54.3% of patients. The non-THS patients showed the greater occurrence of proptosis, complete ophthalmoplegia, involvement of optic nerve and cranial nerves 7th–10th. Nasal blockage was present in fungal infection. MRI revealed more frequent involvement of orbit in non-THS cases. Bony erosions, ICA narrowing, intracranial extension and involvement of paranasal sinus were seen in fungal infection and neoplasm. THS patients improved with corticosteroid therapy, although, there was recurrence in 8 patients. Conclusions THS and tuberculosis were the most common cause of CSS. Clinical and radiological features were useful in distinguishing among the etiologies. Most of the patients responded to treatment, although, recurrence was seen in THS

Metronidazole Induced Neurotoxicity: A clinico-radiological diagnosis

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Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia: Correlates and Impact on Caregiver Distress

Aims: To evaluate the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), to determine their correlation with types and stages of dementia and patient demographics, and to assess the impact on caregiver distress. Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited consecutive dementia patients and caregivers who attended our cognitive clinic. Standard criteria were used to classify types of dementia. BPSD were assessed with the Neuropsychiatric Inventory, and its distress scale was used for caregiver distress. Results: Of a total 107 patients, nearly all (99.1%) had at least one BPSD; 71% had ≥4 symptoms. Most frequent were apathy and agitation, followed by irritability, sleep and appetite disorders, and mood disorders; disinhibition and euphoria were least frequent. BPSD were less prominent with increasing age; males showed more agitation. Apathy and eating disorders were more prevalent in the rural community. BPSD were highest in frontotemporal dementia (FTD), followed by dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and least in vascular dementia. Hallucinations were more common in DLB, aberrant motor behaviour in FTD. All domains of BPSD, except for anxiety and euphoria, were more prominent with increasing severity of dementia. Increasing BPSD (except for euphoria) caused higher caregiver distress. Conclusion: BPSD are universally present, bear correlates with dementia type and severity, and cause significant caregiver distress

Reply #2 to: Glycemic Choreoballism

This Author Reply Letter was written in response to a Letter to the Editor:Lee D, Ahn T. Glycemic choreoballism.&nbsp;Tremor Other Hyperkinet Mov. 2016; 6. doi:&nbsp;10.7916/D8QJ7HNFThe Letter to the Editor, above, was written in response to these two Case Reports:Roy U, Das SK, Mukherjee A, et al. Irreversible hemichoreahemiballism in a case of nonketotic hyperglycemia presenting as the initial manifestation of diabetes mellitus.&nbsp;Tremor Other Hyperkinet Mov. 2016; 6. doi:&nbsp;10.7916/D8QZ2B3FCosentino C, Torres L, Nu&ntilde;ez Y, et al. Hemichorea/hemiballism associated with hyperglycemia: report of twenty cases.&nbsp;Tremor Other Hyperkinet Mov. 2016; 6. doi:&nbsp;10.7916/D8DN454P&nbsp;</p