MDCT Findings of Denim-Sandblasting-Induced Silicosis: a cross-sectional study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Denim sandblasting is as a novel cause of silicosis in Turkey, with reports of a recent increase in cases and fatal outcomes. We aimed to describe the radiological features of patients exposed to silica during denim sandblasting and define factors related to the development of silicosis.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Sixty consecutive men with a history of exposure to silica during denim sandblasting were recruited. All CT examinations were performed using a 64-row multi-detector CT (MDCT). The nodules were qualitatively and semi-quantitatively analyzed by grading nodular profusion (NP) on CT images.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Silicosis was diagnosed radiologically in 73.3% of patients (44 of 60). The latency period (the time between initial exposure and radiological imaging) and duration of silica exposure was longer in patients diagnosed with silicosis than in those without silicosis (p < 0.05). Nodules were present in all cases with centrilobular type as the commonest (63.6%). All cases of silicosis were clinically classified as accelerated and 11.4% had progressive massive fibrosis (PMF). Mild NP lesions were the most prevalent in all six zones of the lung. The NP score was significantly correlated with the duration of silica exposure, the latency period, presence of PMF, and pleural thickening. Enlarged lymphadenopathy was present in 45.5% of patients.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The duration of exposure and the latency period are important for development of silicosis in denim sandblasters. MDCT is a useful tool in detecting findings of silicosis in workers who has silica exposure.</p

Unusual presentation of eosinophilic fasciitis: two case reports and a review of the literature

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Eosinophilic fasciitis is an uncommon disorder with unknown etiology and a poorly understood pathogenesis. We present the cases of two patients with eosinophilic fasciitis with unusual presentation, and describe the clinical characteristics and laboratory findings related to them.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>The first case involves a 29-year-old Turkish man admitted with pain, edema and induration of his right-upper and left-lower limbs. Unilateral edema and stiffness with prominent pretibial edema was noted upon physical examination. A high eosinophil count was found on the peripheral smear. The second case involves a 63-year-old Turkish man who had pain, edema, erythema, and itching on his upper and lower extremities, which developed after strenuous physical activity. He had cervical lymphadenopathy and polyarthritis upon physical examination, and rheumatoid factor and antinuclear antibody upon laboratory examination.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Eosinophilic fasciitis can present with various symptoms. When patients exhibit eosinophilia, arthralgia and myalgia, eosinophilic fasciitis should be considered as a possible diagnosis.</p

Basaloid (Cloacogenic) Carcinoma Mimicking Intraabdominal Abscess: Report of a Case and Review of the Literature

Cloacogenic carcinoma (CC, basaloid carcinoma) generally occurs around the dentate line, rarely it can arise from the other sides of the colon. There are only 5 cases of CC located outside the anal canal in the literature. The first occurrence of a CC presents as intraabdominal abscess. We describe a 23-year-old male patient who was admitted with fever and severe abdominal pain. Computed tomography imaging showed diffuse wall thickening about 10–11 cm above the rectosigmoid junction, intraabdominal abscess and a soft tissue lession covering the pelvis with a size of 8 × 8.5 cm including cystic necrotic areas. We performed Hartman procedure since the mass was nonresectable. Histopathological examination showed CC. In total, three times radiotherapy and a concurrent three-drug regimen of irinotecan, fluorouracil and folinic acid chemotherapy were administered for 6 weeks. As a result, the patient was lost because of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome that developed 3 months after radio-chemotherapy

A case of idiopathic pulmonary alveolar proteinosis

AbstractIdiopathic pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a rare disease due to impaired alveolar macrophage function caused by neutralising anti-granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating autoantibodies. A nineteen years old male patient was admitted with the complaints of cough, sputum production, dyspnea and fever. There were bilaterally inspiratory fine crackles. The chest radiographs showed bilateral air-space consolidation. On thorax computed tomography; pre-carinal lymph nodes enlargement, ground glass opacities, septal thickening and crazy-paving appearance were determined. Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed and reported was PAP

An unusual cause of ileal perforation: Report of a case and literature review

An ileal perforation resulting from a migrated biliary stent is a rare complication of endoscopic stent placement for benign or malignant biliary tract disease. We describe the case of a 59-year-old woman with a history of abdominal surgery in which a migrated biliary stent resulted in an ileal perforation. Patients with comorbid abdominal pathologies, including colonic diverticuli, parastomal hernia, or abdominal hernia, may be at increased risk of perforation from migrated stents

Primary Antiphospholipid Syndrome Associated with Pneumonia: A Case Report of a 16-Year-Old Male Patient

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disease characterised by arterial and/or venous thrombosis and/or recurrent pregnancy loss in the presence of antiphospholipid (APL) antibodies. It is evaluated as APS when it develops associated with other systemic autoimmune diseases or primary APS if there is no concomitant disorder. In this study, we present a case of a 16-year-old male patient with primary APS. The patient was admitted with presumptive diagnosis of pneumonia, but multiple pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) was observed on computerized tomography (CT) pulmonary angiography. APL antibodies positivity and thrombocytopenia developed in our patient. The patient was evaluated as primary APS since another etiology that could explain PTE was not found. Primary APS is a rare disease in children along with adolescents, compared with APS associated with other systemic autoimmune diseases. We present here a young male patient with primary APS and PTE to contribute to the literature. The patient initially had pneumonia but later developed PTE and thrombocytopenia