Fatal vanishing bile duct syndrome in Iranian patient with Hodgkin's lymphoma

Key Clinical Message Vanishing bile duct syndrome (VBDS) has been postulated that may be related to Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL). In the present study, we present a 75‐year‐old male patient with HL who received chemotherapy but has not received any radiotherapy. The patient's condition worsened in further days, and he died with the diagnosis of cirrhosis and hepatic failure

Clinical symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of COVID-19-associated encephalitis: A systematic review of case reports and case series

INTRODUCTION: Since COVID‐19 outbreak, various studies mentioned the occurrence of neurological disorders. Of these, encephalitis is known as a critical neurological complication in COVID‐19 patients. Numerous case reports and case series have found encephalitis in relation to COVID‐19, which have not been systematically reviewed. This study aims to evaluate the clinical symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of COVID‐19‐associated encephalitis. METHODS: We used the Pubmed/Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases to search for reports on COVID‐19‐associated encephalitis from January 1, 2019, to March 7, 2021. The irrelevant studies were excluded based on screening and further evaluation. Then, the information relating diagnosis, treatment, clinical manifestations, comorbidities, and outcome was extracted and evaluated. RESULTS: From 4455 initial studies, 45 articles met our criteria and were selected for further evaluation. Included publications reported an overall number of 53 COVID‐19‐related encephalitis cases. MRI showed hyperintensity of brain regions including white matter (44.68%), temporal lobe (17.02%), and thalamus (12.76%). Also, brain CT scan revealed the hypodensity of the white matter (17.14%) and cerebral hemorrhages/hemorrhagic foci (11.42%) as the most frequent findings. The IV methylprednisolone/oral prednisone (36.11%), IV immunoglobulin (27.77%), and acyclovir (16.66%) were more preferred for COVID‐19 patients with encephalitis. From the 46 patients, 13 (28.26%) patients were died in the hospital. CONCLUSION: In this systematic review, characteristics of COVID‐19‐associated encephalitis including clinical symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome were described. COVID‐19‐associated encephalitis can accompany with other neurological symptoms and involve different brain. Although majority of encephalitis condition are reversible, but it can lead to life‐threatening status. Therefore, further investigation of COVID‐19‐associated encephalitis is required

The potential role of telemedicine in the infectious disease pandemic with an emphasis on COVID‐19: A narrative review

Abstract Background and Aims Due of its low cost, rapid speed, data record, and vast communication coverage, information and communication technology might be useful for health‐related fields in times of crisis. By providing medical or hygienic services to a patient who lives elsewhere using communication methods like email, fax, cellphones, applications, and wireless gadgets, telemedicine can aid in the better management of diseases. Reviewing the potential role of telemedicine in the pandemic of infectious diseases with a focus on the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) epidemic was the main goal of this study. Methods “Google Scholar,” “PubMed,” “Science Direct,” and “Scopus” databases were searched to collect the papers that identify the advantages and disadvantages of telemedicine in the disease pandemic. Searched keywords include: telepharmacy, telemedicine, remote communication, pandemic(s), epidemic, distant care, distant communication, phone consulation, video conference communication and patient education. Results Information and communication technology are crucial, especially when dealing with pandemics of infectious diseases like COVID‐19. Less “in‐person” patient visits to hospitals as a result of telemedicine eventually means less labor for the medical staff, less viral exposure for patients, and ultimately less disease spread. By establishing a bidirectional reciprocal relationship between patients and healthcare providers although they are in separate geographical areas, it can improve patient health status. Conclusion Governments are currently facing a significant budgetary burden because to the COVID‐19 pandemic. Since patients are not sent to medical facilities in person, which could be a source of infection, telemedicine reduces disease spread while saving money