Lupus Erythematosus Tumidus Misdiagnosed as Erythema Nodosum from Coccidioidomycosis

Introduction: Lupus erythematosus tumidus (LET) is a rare photosensitive dermatosis that is categorized as intermittent cutaneous lupus erythematosus. It shares clinical similarities and histopathological features with other skin disorders, such as erythema nodosum, lymphocytic infiltrate of Jessner, and reticular erythematous mucinosis, thus making diagnosis quite challenging. We present a patient with LET whose diagnosis was confirmed after seeing several doctors. Case Presentation: A 52-year-old Hispanic female presented with tender erythematous nodules on her thighs for approximately 1 month. She was suspected of having erythema nodosum secondary to coccidioidomycosis and was prescribed fluconazole 200 mg for 30 days but showed no improvement. However, histopathological and direct immunofluorescence tests later confirmed a diagnosis of LET. The patient was treated with hydroxychloroquine, and the lesions improved remarkably after 2 weeks. Conclusion: LET is a rare dermatosis that closely resembles other dermatologic conditions such as erythema nodosum, lymphocytic infiltrate of Jessner, and reticular erythematous mucinosis. Diagnosis based on clinical features alone should be avoided, and ideally, treatment should only be initiated after confirmatory histopathological testing

Reliability testing of a modified MISTELS score using a low-cost trainer box

Abstract Background Training programs such as the fundamentals of laparoscopic surgery (FLS) that are based on simulation are being currently used in several western countries. FLS allows skill acquisition and evaluation of competency in laparoscopic surgery. On the practical side, evaluation is determined by the MISTELS metrics (MISTELS is the acronym for the McGill inanimate system for training and evaluation of laparoscopic skills). This training program may be modified so that it can be implemented in countries with limited resources using a low-cost trainer box. Would the use of a low-cost trainer box alter the reliability of the MISTELS score? Objective of study The aim of the study was to evaluate the reliability of a modified MISTELS using a low-cost trainer box. Methods It was a prospective study carried out at Habib Thameur hospital in Tunis (Tunisia), between April 2016 and August 2016. The study involved residents from different surgical specialties in the departments of general surgery and paediatric surgery of the hospital during 2015 and 2016. This study assessed the reliability of a modified MISTELS system (Only three tasks were performed out of the five tasks used in the original MISTELS system). Evaluation was based on Cronbach’s alpha and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). A low-cost trainer box was designed and constructed. The residents included in the study performed three series of three tasks using this trainer box. The first series was scored by two trained raters to evaluate inter-rater reliability. The two-other series were successively performed to evaluate test-retest reliability. Results The internal consistency, assessed by Cronbach’s alpha, was at 0.929 which is an acceptable score. As for inter-rater and test-retest reliabilities that were assessed by ICCs, they yielded excellent scores that were at 1 and 0.95 (95% CI, 0.891–0.978) respectively. Conclusions The reliability of a modified MISTELS is not altered by the use of a low-cost trainer box. The score of the modified MISTELS is a reliable score for evaluating technical skills of surgical residents using a low-cost trainer box

Gastric leiomyosarcoma and diagnostic pitfalls: a case report

Abstract Background Since the advent of immunohistochemistry for the diagnosis of stromal tumours, the incidence of leiomyosarcomas has significantly decreased. Nowadays, gastric leiomyosarcoma is an exceptionally rare tumour. We report the second case in the English literature of gastric leiomyosarcoma revealed with massive bleeding and hemodynamic instability and diagnostic pitfalls that we encountered. Case presentation A 63-year-old woman, with 2 years’ history of dizziness and weakness probably related to an anaemic syndrome, presented to the emergency room with hematemesis, melena and hemodynamic instability. On examination, she had conjunctival pallor with reduced general condition, blood pressure of 90/45 mmHg and a pulse between 110 and 120 beats per minute. On digital rectal examination, she had melena. Laboratory blood tests revealed a haemoglobin level at 38 g/L. The patient was admitted to the intensive care department. After initial resuscitation, transfusion and intravenous Omeprazole continuous infusion, her condition was stabilized. She underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showing a tumour of the cardia, protruding in the lumen with mucosal ulceration and clots in the stomach. Biopsies were taken. Histological examination showed interlacing bundles of spindle cells, ill-defined cell borders, elongated hyperchromatic nuclei with marked pleomorphism and paranuclear vacuolization. Immunohistochemistry showed positivity for Vimentine, a strong and diffuse immunoreactivity for smooth muscle actin (SMA). Immunoreactivities for KIT and DOG1 were doubtful. Computed tomography scan revealed a seven-cm tumour of the cardia, without adenopathy or liver metastasis. The patient underwent laparotomy. A total gastrectomy was performed without lymphadenectomy. Post-operative course was uneventful. Histological examination of the tumour specimen found the same features as preoperative biopsies with negative margins. We solicited a second opinion of an expert in a reference centre for sarcomas in France, who confirmed the diagnosis of a high grade gastric leiomyosarcoma. Conclusion Gastric leiomyosarcoma is a rare tumour. Diagnosis is based on histological examination with immunohistochemistry, which could be sometimes confusing like in our case. The validation of a pathological expert is recommended

Can Digital Technologies Be Useful for Weight Loss in Individuals with Overweight or Obesity? A Systematic Review

Digital technologies have greatly developed and impacted several aspects of life, including health and lifestyle. Activity tracking, mobile applications, and devices may also provide messages and goals to motivate adopting healthy behaviors, namely physical activity and dietary changes. This review aimed to assess the effectiveness of digital resources in supporting behavior changes, and thus influencing weight loss, in people with overweight or obesity. A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023403364). Randomized Controlled Trials published from the database’s inception to 8 November 2023 and focused on digital-based technologies aimed at increasing physical activity for the purpose of weight loss, with or without changes in diet, were considered eligible. In total, 1762 studies were retrieved and 31 met the inclusion criteria. Although they differed in the type of technology used and in their design, two-thirds of the studies reported significantly greater weight loss among electronic device users than controls. Many of these studies reported tailored or specialist-guided interventions. The use of digital technologies may be useful to support weight-loss interventions for people with overweight or obesity. Personalized feedback can increase the effectiveness of new technologies in motivating behavior changes