In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, further understanding of its complications points towards dysregulated immune response as a major component. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is also a disease of immune dysregulation leading to multisystem compromise. We present a case of new-onset SLE concomitantly with COVID-19 and development of antiphospholipid antibodies. An 18-year-old female that presented with hemodynamic collapse and respiratory failure, progressed to cardiac arrest, and had a pericardial tamponade drained. She then progressed to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome, severe ventricular dysfunction, and worsening renal function with proteinuria and hematuria. Further studies showed bilateral pleural effusions, positive antinuclear and antidouble-stranded DNA antibodies, lupus anticoagulant, and anticardiolipin B. C3 and C4 levels were low. SARS-Cov-2 PCR was positive after 2 negative tests. She also developed multiple deep venous thrombosis, in the setting of positive antiphospholipid antibodies and lupus anticoagulant. In terms of pathophysiology, COVID-19 is believed to cause a dysregulated cytokine response which could potentially be exacerbated by the shift in Th1 to Th2 response seen in SLE. Also, it is well documented that viral infections are an environmental factor that contributes to the development of autoimmunity; however, COVID-19 is a new entity, and it is not known if it could trigger autoimmune conditions. Additionally, it is possible that SARS-CoV-2, as it happens with other viruses, might lead to the formation of antiphospholipid antibodies, potentially contributing to the increased rates of thrombosis seen in COVID-19.
Lung cancer continues to be the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Many studies show lung cancer is a histologically and molecularly heterogeneous group, even within the same histological subtype. Liquid biopsies are a new tool that can identify targetable genomic mutations and impact management. JAK2 p.V617F is a mutation commonly found in myeloproliferative neoplasms but rarely identified in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLCs). The significance of Janus Kinase (JAK2) mutation in lung cancer is not clearly understood. However, it is thought that it may have a role in treating solid tumors, such as lung cancer. We present two cases of patients diagnosed with NSCLC who were discovered to have JAK2 V617F mutation on liquid biopsy.
Background: Primary fallopian tube carcinoma (PFTC) is a rare gynecological malignancy though its prevalence may be underestimated given that most 'ovarian' serous cancers originate in the fallopian tube. Its diagnosis is challenging due to its vague signs and symptoms on presentation and it is frequently under-diagnosed pre-operatively. Case Presentation: We present a case of a pre-menopausal woman who presented with vaginal bleeding. Her laboratory testing and physical examination were grossly unremarkable. Gynecologic ultrasound demonstrated multiple uterine fibroids and a double layer endometrium measuring 4.5 mm. More importantly, the left ovary was seen with a complex cyst with mildly echogenic fluid and a solid excerscence. These findings were suspicious for malignancy. The clinical and radiological findings with elevated CA-125 were consistent with a malignant process. Patient subsequently underwent a diagnostic laparoscopy, which required conversion to exploratory laparotomy, supracervical hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, right ureteral lysis, right para-aortic and right pelvic lymph node debulking and omentectomy. Biopsy of left fallopian tube and ovary revealed invasive highgrade serous carcinoma of fallopian tube, with involvement of lymphovascular spaces and with surface involvement. Peritoneal washings were negative for malignancy.She was diagnosed with a high-grade serous carcinoma of the fallopian tube after undergoing an endometrial biopsy, multiple imaging tests and finally surgical intervention that yielded the diagnosis. She was started on chemotherapy with carboplatin and paclitaxel. Conclusion:Our aim is to highlight the importance of having PFTC among the differential diagnosis when women present with vaginal bleeding or abdominal pain, as the clinical presentation of PFTC tends to be non-specific, and is often under-diagnosed; reviewing the diagnosis and management, and characterizing the similarities and differences of PFTC with other gynecological malignancies such as ovarian cancer.
133 Background: Institutional data confirmed that despite Hispanics having a higher morbidity related to COVID19, mortality and outcomes were more favorable compared to other ethnic counterparts. We decided to study the role of the Barrio Advantage (BA), living in ethnically similar communities leading to health advantage, by taking into account acculturation in our patients in hopes of identifying potential avenues to educate our population and minimize healthcare delivery gaps. Methods: A 15-item IRB-approved questionnaire was administered to cancer patients receiving care at participating cancer centers in English and Spanish. Multivariable analysis was performed using Chi Square test to determine associations between examined variables which included socio-demographic information, fears and attitudes related to COVID19. Results: A total of 251 surveys were analyzed. 43.4% were Hispanic with 72% of them listing Spanish and 28% English as their preferred language. Similar amount of English Speaking Hispanics (ESH) and Spanish Speaking Hispanics (SSH) had no personal or family exposure to COVID19 (66.7% and 59.5%, respectively). SSH have a lower degree of education (33% with at least some college, vs 53.3%). More SSH depend on government issued insurance or have no insurance at all (78.5% vs 63.3%). COVID19 has disproportionately worsened fears in SSH (Table). The Barrio Advantage effect was evidenced by the fact that SSH rely more on faith-based institutions or family/friends for emotional support and healthcare inquiries (22.8% vs 13.3%) although more ESH would do so in the case of food security (53.3% vs 41.8%). Comparison of fears to financial, personal and community health based on English proficiency. Conclusions: Financial, personal and community health concerns are deepened in Hispanics, particularly for SSH, potentially due to the lack of acculturation process. Understanding Hispanics and other underrepresented populations are far from monolithic. Loco-regional social determinants of health must be studied in an attempt minimize health disparities including those related to COVID19. The BA, English proficiency and the acculturation process should be considered when developing interventions aimed at decreasing negative outcomes in this dynamic population.[Table: see text]
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.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.