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Background: Basophils normally make up <2% of the white blood cells (WBC). There is no clear consensus for basophil identification by flow cytometry. The increased demand for basophil activation test (BAT) to identifying and monitoring allergic patients highlights the need for a standardized approach to identify basophils. Methods: Using flow cytometry we analyzed whole blood stained with antibodies against: IgE, CD123, CD193, CD203c, CD3, HLADR, FcɛRI, CRTH2 and CD45. We examined unstimulated blood as well as blood stimulated with Anti-IgE and fMLP. Finally, we compared the results to a complete blood count (CBC) from an FDA approved hematological analyzer. Results: Basophil identification relying on just one surface marker performed worse than approaches utilizing two identification markers. The percentage of basophils from WBC determined by flow cytometry results had a good correlation with the CBC results even though the CBC results were generally higher. Stimulating whole blood with the basophil activators did not interfere with the basophil identification markers. Conclusion: In flow cytometry assays, two surface markers should be used for identifying basophils and if a very pure basophil fraction is desired a third marker can be considered. In our hands the approaches that included CD123 in combination with either CD193, HLADRnegative or FcɛRI performed the best.

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Introduction: Epididymo-orchitis (EO) is a disease of both the epididymis and ipsilateral testis. Brucellar epididymo-orchitis (BEO) is an uncommon localized infection of the testis and epididymis which occurs in about 2-14 % of all patients with brucellosis as a result of urine Brucella removal or due to blood-borne septic metastasis. Methods: Between January 2018 and June 2021, 50 patients with fever, chills, swelling, and pain of the testicle (testicles) were referred to our center. Two approaches were used for the treatment of brucellarepididymo-orchitis among these individuals. Intravenous Gentamicin and Doxycycline were used in seven cases, while Rifampicin was added to this combination for the remaining 43 patients. Intravenous Gentamicin was administered for 7 days and the other drugs were used for 45 days. All patients were followed up for six months by monitoring the symptoms and signs of the disease. Results: None of the patients had been diagnosed with brucellosis before referral to our clinic. 43 patients were successfully treated by. Intravenous Gentamicin, Doxycycline and Rifampicin, whereas seven patients were fully treated using. Intravenous Gentamicin and Doxycycline. The two therapeutic groups were hospitalized for 7.56 ± 3.45 (3-23) and 10.14 ± 1.77 (8-13) days, respectively. Treatment failure, drug side effects, and disease complications were not observed in any of the cases over a 6-month follow-up period. Conclusions: Physicians should be alert regarding Brucellarepididymo-orchitis (BEO) within the differential diagnosis of nonspecific epididymo-orchitis, especially in regions where the disease is endemic. Delay in diagnosis or inappropriate management of BEO may result in complications.

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We present a 74-year-old woman with kyphosis and symptoms of pre/syncope. Heart catheterization revealed dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (DLVOTO) with Brockenbrough Braunwald response only when kyphotic posture was assumed. She had a positive response to metoprolol. DLVOTO is a challenging diagnosis in the absence of resting LVOTO. (Level of Difficulty: Beginner.).

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Background and aim: The most effective way to control severity and mortality rate of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is through sensitive diagnostic approaches and an appropriate treatment protocol. We aimed to identify the effect of adding corticosteroid and Tocilizumab to a standard treatment protocol in treating COVID-19 patients with chronic disease through hematological and lab biomarkers. Materials and methods: This study was performed retrospectively on 68 COVID-19 patients with chronic disease who were treated by different therapeutic protocols. The patients were categorized into four groups: control group represented the patients' lab results at admission before treatment protocols were applied; group 1 included patients treated with anticoagulants, Hydroxychloroquine, and antibiotics; group 2 comprised patients treated with Dexamethasone; and group 3 included patients treated with Dexamethasone and Tocilizumab. Results: The WBC and neutrophil counts were increased significantly in group 3 upon the treatment when they were compared with patients in group 1 (p = 0.004 and p = 0.001, respectively). The comparison of C-reactive Protein (CRP) level at admission was higher in group 3 than in group 1 with p = 0.030. After 10 days of treatment, CRP level was decreased in all groups, but in group 3 it was statistically significant (p = 0.002). Conclusion: The study paves the way into the effectiveness of combining Dexamethasone with Tocilizumab in treatment COVID-19 patients with chronic diseases.

Antecedentes y objetivo: La forma más eficaz de controlar la gravedad y la tasa de mortalidad de la enfermedad del nuevo coronavirus (COVID-19) es mediante enfoques de diagnóstico sensibles y un protocolo de tratamiento adecuado. Nuestro objetivo fue identificar el efecto de agregar corticosteroides y tocilizumab a un protocolo de tratamiento estándar en el tratamiento de pacientes con COVID-19 con enfermedad crónica a través de biomarcadores hematológicos y de laboratorio. Materiales y métodos: Este estudio se realizó de forma retrospectiva en 68 pacientes COVID-19 con enfermedad crónica que fueron tratados por diferentes protocolos terapéuticos. Los pacientes se clasificaron en cuatro grupos: el grupo de control representaba los resultados de laboratorio de los pacientes en el momento de la admisión antes de que se aplicaran los protocolos de tratamiento; el grupo 1 incluyó a pacientes tratados con anticoagulantes, hidroxicloroquina y antibióticos; el grupo 2 estaba compuesto por pacientes tratados con dexametasona; y el grupo 3 incluyó a pacientes tratados con dexametasona y tocilizumab. Resultados: Los recuentos de glóbulos blancos y neutrófilos aumentaron significativamente en el grupo 3 tras el tratamiento cuando se compararon con los pacientes del grupo 1 (p = 0,004 y p = 0,001, respectivamente). La comparación del nivel de proteína C reactiva (CRP) al ingreso fue mayor en el grupo 3 que en el grupo 1, con p = 0,030. Después de 10 días de tratamiento, el nivel de CRP disminuyó en todos los grupos, pero en el grupo 3 fue estadísticamente significativo (p = 0,002). Conclusión: El estudio allana el camino hacia la eficacia de la combinación de dexametasona con tocilizumab en el tratamiento de pacientes con COVID-19 con enfermedades crónicas.

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Interstitial pregnancy is a rare type of ectopic pregnancy that commonly results in uterine rupture and life-threatening haemorrhage. Interstitial ectopic pregnancies are associated with a 2-5% mortality rate and a high risk of uterine rupture before 12 weeks of gestation when compared to tubal pregnancy. Due to the thickness and distensibility of the interstitial segment of the Fallopian tube, ectopic pregnancy in this location attains a considerable size before complications arise. Unfortunately, this clinical entity may prove to be a diagnostic challenge, leading to delays in treatment and significant morbidity and mortality in women of reproductive age. Herein, we report a case of a ruptured interstitial ectopic pregnancy occurring at 17 weeks of gestation that was successfully managed with surgical intervention, after proving to be a diagnostic challenge.

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Introduction: Prosthetic valve infective endocarditis (PVE) is a diagnostic challenge even in the era of multimodality cardiovascular imaging. Case presentation: The patient was a 67-year-old male with a three-year history of bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement who presented with persistent fever and negative blood cultures. The initial transthoracic echocardiography revealed a thickened aortic root. An abscess formation was visualized upon subsequent three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography and positron emission tomography/computerized tomography (PET/CT). The patient underwent an urgent necrotic tissue debridement and a redo Bentall surgery. The real-time polymerase chain reaction of excised tissues was positive for Streptococcus. Clinical discussion: The diagnosis of PVE and its complications requires the integration of clinical, microbiological, and serial imaging data. Although advanced imaging modalities like PET/CT allow a timely diagnosis and management, their routine use in resource-limited scenarios is difficult. Conclusion: Multimodality cardiovascular imaging plays an important role in the diagnosis of PVE. Serial echocardiographic and clinical assessments are possible alternatives when the access to advanced cardiovascular imaging modalities is limited.

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Close follow-up of patients with liver cirrhosis has led to increased detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at an early stage, especially with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) innovations. We report the case of a 70-year-old man, with a recent history of liver cirrhosis due to chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) complicated by hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and for whom trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE) was planned, as the patient was assigned Child B7 at admission. Angiography performed during the first TACE cycle shows not only the "tumor blush" corresponding to previously detected HCC but also an additional small foci of HCC uptake seen within a large dysplastic nodule giving the appearance of "nodule-within-nodule." Early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma improves prognosis. Hence, it is essential to be aware of all early aspects of HCC, including the nodule-within-nodule appearance on cross-sectional imaging, and also in angiography, as in this case.

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Background: Giant cell tumors (GCTs) are locally aggressive but rarely malignant bone neoplasms that uncommonly involve the skull. In this report, we describe a tumor of the sphenoid sinus. Case presentation: A 51-year-old female was presented with headache, and bilateral decreased visual acuity, CT scan, and brain MRI revealed an infra-sellar enhancing tumor expanding to the sellar and supra-sellar region which proved to be a GCT. the patient had received 03 months of preoperative denosumab-based treatment and imaging follow-up showed regression in size and morphology modifications of tumor tissue. Conclusion: This is one of few reports to describe the appearance of sphenoid bone GCT, and the first report to highlight the effects of short-term denosumab treatment in GCTb in such a location.

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Background: It is crucial to assess the levels of protection generated by natural infection or SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, mainly in individuals professionally exposed and in vulnerable groups. Measuring T-cell responses may complement antibody tests currently in use as correlates of protection. Our aim was to assess the feasibility of a validated assay of T-cell responses. Methods: Twenty health-care-workers (HCW) were included. Antibody test to SARS-CoV-2 N and S-proteins in parallel with a commercially available whole-blood-interferon-gamma-release-assay (IGRA) to S-peptides and two detection methods, CLIA and ELISA were determined. Results: IGRA test detected T-cell responses in naturally exposed and vaccinated HCW already after first vaccination dose. The correlation by the two detection methods was very high (R > 0.8) and sensitivity and specificity ranged between 100 and 86% and 100-73% respectively. Even though there was a very high concordance between specific antibody levels and the IGRA assay in the ability to detect immune response to SARS-CoV-2, there was a relatively low quantitative correlation. In the small group primed by natural infection, one vaccine dose was sufficient to reach immune response plateau. IGRA was positive in one, with Ig(S) antibody negative vaccinated immunosuppressed HCW illustrating another advantage of the IGRA-test. Conclusion: Whole-blood-IGRA-tests amenable to automation and constitutes a promising additional tool for measuring the state of the immune response to SARS-CoV-2; they are applicable to large number of samples and may become a valuable correlate of protection to COVID-19, particularly for vulnerable groups at risk of being re-exposed to infection, as are health-care-workers.

Introducción: Es fundamental evaluar los niveles de protección inmune en infectados o tras la vacunación frente a SARS-CoV-2. La cuantificación de la respuesta inmune celular T puede complementar la determinación de anticuerpos. Evaluamos la viabilidad de un ensayo comercial validado de respuesta celular T específica frente a SARS-CoV-2. Métodos: Se incluyeron veinte trabajadores sanitarios (TS). Medimos anticuerpos contra las proteínas N y S de SARS-CoV-2 y realizamos el ensayo de liberación de interferón-gamma (IFNγ) en sangre completa (IGRA) frente a péptidos de la proteína S. IFNγ se determinó mediante dos métodos de detección: CLIA y ELISA. Resultados: IGRA detectó respuesta celular T en TS tanto infectados como vacunados. La correlación de los dos métodos de detección de IFNγ fue muy alta (R >0,8) y la sensibilidad y la especificidad variaron entre 100 y 86% y 100-73% respectivamente. Hubo una concordancia muy alta entre los niveles de anticuerpos específicos y el ensayo IGRA aunque la correlación cuantitativa fue relativamente baja. En el grupo de infectados, una dosis de vacuna fue suficiente para alcanzar el «plateau¼ de respuesta inmune. IGRA fue claramente positivo en un profesional vacunado inmunosuprimido que presentaba anticuerpos contra la proteína S negativos. Conclusiones: IGRA frente a péptidos de la proteína-S es susceptible de automatización y constituye una herramienta prometedora para medir la respuesta inmune celular frente a SARS-CoV-2; es aplicable a un gran número de muestras y puede servir para valorar la protección, particularmente en los grupos vulnerables en riesgo de volver a exponerse a la infección, como los TS.

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Postpancreatectomy hemorrhage (PPH) is a severe complication of pancreatic surgery. This condition often develops on the background of pancreatic fistula. In our report, we demonstrate an unusual case of spontaneous cessation of severe postpancreatectomy common hepatic artery (СHA) hemorrhage after distal pancreatectomy in a patient with celiac artery stenosis (CAS). A 64-year-old male diagnosed with pancreatic tail tumor underwent extended distal pancreatectomy. He developed pancreatic fistula and was discharged with an abdominal drain, and was readmitted with severe postpancreatectomy hemorrhage from a pseudoaneurysm of the CHA. The bleeding stopped spontaneously due to CHA thrombosis. The patient developed no ischemic symptoms. Spontaneous severe postpancreatectomy hemorrhage cessation is an extremely rare phenomenon. Vascular anomalies must be considered when attempting interventional radiology treatment. CHA probably may be sacrificed with no ischemic consequences in case of severe hemorrhage in patients with CAS.

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Background: Toll-like receptors are implicated in the pathophysiology of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and the Middle East respiratory disease (MERS), according to several studies. The whole-genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 revealed that the TLR7 gene could be implicated in the virus's pathogenesis since the virus includes ssRNA patterns that could bind to TLR7. Aim: The purpose of this study was to look into the function of the TLR7 (rs3853839) C/G polymorphism and the expression of TLR7 mRNA transcript in the development, severity and progression of COVID-19. Subjects and methods: A case-control study included 285 participants who were divided into two groups: 150 middle-aged people with COVID 19 who had no previous co-morbidities and 135 healthy volunteers who served as controls. TaqMan test was used to genotype the TLR7 (rs3853839) C/G polymorphism, and real-time PCR was used to determine the relative expression of its mRNA transcript. The level of IL-6 in serum was determined using the ELISA method as an indicator of cytokine storm and COVID-19 severity. Results: The GG genotype was shown to be much more common in COVID-19 patients (38.7%) than controls (4.4%), with an OR of 19.86 (95% CI: 7.85; 50.22) and was linked to disease severity and poor clinical outcomes (hospitalization, respiratory failure, cardiac complications, ICU admission and mechanical ventilation).As a result, the G allele was considerably higher in cases (57.0%), while the C allele was significantly higher in controls (p = 0.001). The GG genotype was found to be substantially more common in patients who were severely/critically unwell. TLR7 mRNA expression levels were significantly higher in COVID-19 patients (2.44 ± 0.89) than in controls (1.06 ± 0.46) (p = 0.001). TLR7 mRNA levels were highest in COVID 19 patients with the GG genotype (rs3853839). Patients with the GG genotype had considerably lower WBC counts, but significantly higher serum ferritin, CRP, IL-6 and D dimer levels (P = 0.045, 0.001, 0.023, 0.033, 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: The GG form of the TLR7 SNP (rs3853839) could be a genetic risk factor for COVID-19 infection, severe illness and poor clinical outcome. TLR7 mRNA expression was also elevated in COVID-19 patients who were severely/critically unwell and had a bad outcome, suggesting that they could be used as COVID-19 prognostic biomarkers.

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Introduction: Hepcidin is a hormone that regulates systemic iron homeostasis. Serum hepcidin levels are under the influence of various stimuli, particularly inflammation and renal dysfunction. The measurement of hepcidin in circulation is a potentially useful clinical tool in the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of iron metabolism disorder, although clinical interpretation of hepcidin level remains difficult. We evaluated he diagnostic potential and limitations of hepcidin-25 by investigating its relationship with iron and hematological indices, inflammation, and renal dysfunction. Methods: This retrospective study included 220 adult patients not requiring dialysis. Variations of biologically active hepcidin-25 were examined using a mass spectrometry-based assay in various inflammatory and renal states. The log[hepcidin]:log[ferritin] ratio was calculated as an hepcidin index. Results: In 220 adult patients not requiring dialysis, variation in hepcidin-25 level was significantly larger once CRP exceeded 10 mg/l (p < 0.001). Inflammation was not a determinant of hepcidin-25 in the setting of renal dysfunction. Hepcidin-25 median (7.37 nM) and variance were significantly higher (p < 0.001), once estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) dropped below 30 ml/min/1.73 m2. The log[hepcidin]:log[ferritin] index normalized hepcidin levels. Patients with iron deficiency have a notably lower index when compared to controls (-0.66 vs 0.3). Conclusion: Severe renal dysfunction (eGFR < 30) affected hepcidin-25 expression and clearance to variable degree between individuals. Although, hepcidin-25 testing is not warranted in patients with infection, inflammatory autoimmune conditions (CRP > 10 mg/l) and/or severe renal dysfunction (eGFR < 30), the hepcidin index may serve as a potential biomarker for iron deficiency in complex cases.

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INTRODUCTION: Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction is a rare disease caused by sphincter of Oddi functional or mechanical abnormality. Misdiagnosis of familial Mediterranean fever is very high due to overlapping symptoms with many diseases. Our case is the first case report in the medical literature which describes the misdiagnosis of Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction as familial Mediterranean fever. CASE PRESENTATION: A 46-year-old woman presented with recurrent episodes of abdominal pain and arthralgia. The patient had familial Mediterranean fever for ten years which was diagnosed clinically without performing genetic tests. Analysis of the mutation in the MEFV gene was performed and was negative. Thereby, the diagnosis of familial Mediterranean fever was eliminated and colchisine was discontinued. Afterward, laboratory and radiological tests were performed, and the diagnosis of sphincter of Oddi disfunction was confirmed. The patient underwent biliary sphincterotomy and take sulpiride daily. DISCUSSION: The most common diseases were misdiagnosed with familial Mediterranean fever are appendicitis, acute rheumatic fever, gastrointestinal diseases and inflammatory arthritis. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with Manometry of the Sphincter of Oddi is the gold-standard test. CONCLUSION: Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction may interfere with many other disorders and should be considered as a differential diagnosis for any recurrent abdominal pain. Misdiagnosis of familial Mediterranean fever is common in endemic countries due to the reliance on clinical symptoms without analysis of the mutations in the MEFV genes particularly, before 1997.

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BACKGROUND: At the early stage of the pandemic, severe COVID-19 was thought to be rare among pregnant women. However, cumulating data showed that gestational state is a risk factor for severe pneumonia, particularly due to the hyperinflammatory state. Recent reports suggested the efficacy of pulse corticosteroids in stopping the cytokine storm in people infected with SARS-CoV-2, but limited data exists regarding its use in pregnant women. Moreover, pregnancy termination is a treatment option in this population, but it has been reported mainly in the third trimester and rarely in the second trimester. CASE PRESENTATION: A 37-year-old woman infected with SARS-CoV-2 at 23 weeks of gestation presented with fatigue and dyspnea but soon deteriorated to severely acute respiratory failure and cytokine storm requiring mechanical ventilation combined with hemodialysis just one day after hospitalization. Low-dose corticosteroids and antibiotics were initiated, followed by antiviral therapy, anticoagulant and high-dose corticosteroid therapy. On hospital day 3, a decision to terminate her pregnancy was made; termination led to significant improvement in her clinical condition and a gradual decrease in demand for oxygen supplementation as well as the corticosteroid dose. She was discharged two weeks after admission. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the specific immune response, pregnant women with COVID-19 may differ from others in their clinical presentation, especially the probability of classic acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This report provides evidence related to the efficacy of pulse corticosteroids on this group and the influence of the mid-trimester termination on recovery.

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AIM: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 outbreak resulted in severe health impact with the loss of many lives across the world. Pulmonary parenchyma suffers the most from the brunt of the infection. However, evidence suggested a systemic involvement during the course of illness. Information on morphological changes of the liver is sparse in the literature. We aimed to evaluate the pathological findings in the liver by minimally invasive autopsies. METHODS: Postmortem core biopsies of the liver obtained from patients who succumbed to coronavirus disease 2019 disease were studied. Demographic findings, comorbidities, and relevant laboratory tests were collected. Detailed histopathological changes were assessed. RESULTS: Liver function tests were available in 40 cases, and it was deranged in 80% cases. A spectrum of histological changes was observed. Macrovesicular steatosis and nonspecific portal inflammation of mild degree were the common morphological changes. Features suggestive of vascular alteration were noted in more than half of the cases. These included increased portal vein branches, irregular luminal dilation, and herniation of portal veins into the periportal hepatocytes. In addition, we observed morphological changes attributed to terminal shock-related changes. CONCLUSION: The present study results highlight that liver parenchyma changes may be related to multiple pathogenic mechanisms. The presence of vascular alteration in portal tracts suggests derangement of hepatic vasculature related to systemic hypercoagulable state induced by the viral infection. It remains to be established if the histological changes are related to direct viral insult or to the systemic response caused by the viral attack.

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BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study aimed to study the outcome and survival of patients with large hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) receiving drug-eluting beads (DEBs) transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). In addition, tumor morphologies were correlated with the response and survival to analyze the association of morphology with the outcome. METHODS: Patients with large HCC (>5 cm) who underwent DEB-TACE for palliation were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were assessed for objective response (OR) and overall survival (OS), which was calculated from the first session of DEB-TACE to the last follow-up/death. OR and OS were calculated for the entire study group and were compared among the subgroups consisting of solitary versus multifocal HCC, unilobar versus bilobar disease, well-defined versus ill-defined HCC, and HCC with homogeneous enhancement versus HCC with heterogeneous enhancement. RESULTS: Sixty-seven DEB-TACE procedures were performed in 25 patients (average: 2.7 ± 1.4 sessions per patient). The mean lesion size was 9.9 ± 4.5 cm. Of 25 patients, 13 (52%) had multifocal HCC. Unilobar disease was seen in 15 patients (60%). The mean duration of follow-up was 24.4 months. OR at 6 and 12 months were 56% and 48%, respectively, with well-defined lesions showing better OR. The median OS was 28 months (95% confidence interval, 12.3-43.6). OS rate at 12 and 24 months was 92% and 57%, respectively. OS was seen to be superior in well-defined HCC and unilobar disease. CONCLUSION: In this study, DEB-TACE has shown to have a good response in patients having large/multifocal HCC with preserved liver functions. Well-defined HCC and unilobar disease have a better response and survival.

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Manganese is an essential element that is ubiquitously present in our diet and water supply. It is a cofactor for several critical physiological processes. Elevated blood levels of Manganese secondary to SLC30A10 gene mutation presents distinctly with dystonia, polycythemia, chronic liver disease and a characteristic high T1 signal in basal ganglia on brain MRI. The primary treatment for this condition is chelation along with iron therapy. We report a previously healthy boy with compound heterozygous SLC30A10 gene mutations who had a unique clinical presentation with prominent seizures, polycythemia, and characteristic T1 hyperintensity in basal ganglia. Seizures have not been previously reported to be associated with this specific mutation.