SUMMARYLithium is used as an antimanic and mood-stabilising drug. It can cause various adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, polyuria, fine tremors, myocarditis and arrhythmias. We are describing a case of lithium induced sinus-node dysfunction in a patient with serum lithium levels in therapeutic range.
BACKGROUND
We report a 27-year-old previously healthy man, who presented with fever and painful swelling of both ankles for 6 months, and who had been jaundiced for 1 week. Clinical examination revealed diffuse macular rash, severe pallor, deep icterus, generalised lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly. Detailed evaluation revealed granulomata in bone marrow aspirate, and numerous acid fast bacilli in lymph node biopsy. Bone marrow PCR was also positive forMycobacterium tuberculosis. A diagnosis of disseminated tuberculosis was made and antitubercular therapy was initiated. Investigation also showed features of haemophagocytosis within the bone marrow. Results of further tests satisfied the criteria for haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, probably secondary to tuberculosis. However, rapid deterioration in his clinical condition led to his death within 5 days of diagnosis, before appropriate therapy for haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis could be instituted. This case report highlights an unusual and deadly presentation of tuberculosis in an immunocompetent individual.
SummaryA 21-year-old male presented to us in status epilepticus. On investigation, he was found to have an extremely rare disorder called 'hemihydranencephaly'. Review of literature revealed that hemihydranencephaly was not always incompatible with life and that research into this disorder would help in understanding the development, functioning, untapped potential and reorganisation capacity of the brain.
BACKGROUND: It is increasingly evident that visceral adipose tissue plays a leading role in the pathogenesis of the metabolic syndrome. Unfortunately, accurate quantification of intra-abdominal visceral fat is cumbersome and expensive. Epicardial fat represents the component of visceral fat distributed around the heart, and is readily and non-invasively assessed by echocardiography.AIMS: To determine the correlation of epicardial fat with anthropometric parameters in a healthy population of Asian-Indians.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted as part of a community outreach program from December to March 2011. Individuals over 18 years of age were included in the study. Anthropometric data was collected for all patients. Epicardial fat was assessed in parasternal long and short axes.RESULTS: 350 healthy individuals were included in the study. Of them, 66.7% were males. Mean age was 42.7 ± 15.3 years (range 18-84). Mean body-mass index (BMI) and waist circumference were 23.3 ± 4.5 kg/m2 (range 15.2-34.3) and 80.2 ± 13.3 cm (range 43-115) respectively. Mean epicardial fat in both axes was 2.6 ± 1.3 mm (range 0.3-7.0). Epicardial fat measured in both axes correlated well with weight (r = 0.399, P < 0.001), waist circumference (r = 0.522, P < 0.001) and BMI (r = 0.471, P < 0.001). Epicardial fat also correlated with age (r = 0.559, P < 0.001).CONCLUSIONS: There is an excellent correlation between epicardial fat measured by echocardiography and anthropometric parameters of metabolic syndrome.
SummaryA young farmer presented with cardiogenic shock 5 days after a scorpion sting. He was managed with norepinephrine, atropine and supportive measures and made a complete recovery. The role of atropine in treating scorpion sting has to be defined better.
BACKGROUND
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.