MyMedR

Fulltext Over-investigated and under-treated: children with febrile convulsion in a Malaysian district hospital

Lai NM, Tan ML, Quah SY, Tan EL, Foong KW

Singapore Med J, 2010 Sep;51(9):724-9.

PMID: 20938614

We conducted a retrospective audit on the inpatient assessment and care of children admitted with febrile convulsion to Hospital Batu Pahat, a district hospital in Malaysia, using the Malaysian national clinical practice guidelines and the American Academy of Paediatrics practice parameters on febrile convulsion as the reference standards.

Matched MeSH terms: Diagnostic Errors

Fulltext Occipital Falcine Anaplastic Hemangiopericytoma Mimicking Meningioma

Kanesen D, Kandasamy R, Idris Z

J Neurosci Rural Pract, 2016 Dec;7(Suppl 1):S95-S98.

PMID: 28163517 DOI: 10.4103/0976-3147.196463

The rarity of hemangiopericytoma (HPC) and its controversial histological classification result in its frequent misdiagnosis and thus make the treatment quite challenging. It is often difficult to distinguish these tumors from meningiomas based on clinical features and radiological findings. This is a case report of a man, diagnosed clinically and radiologically as meningioma, which turned out to be anaplastic HPC on histological examination. A 30-year-old man presented with 3 months of progressively worsening of headache and blurring of vision. Clinical examination revealed the right homonymous hemianopia with reduced visual acuity and papilledema bilaterally. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a multilobulated and heterogenous extraaxial lesion attached to the occipital falx. It measured 9.0 cm (AP) × 5.5 cm (W) × 5.8 cm (CC) and expands bilaterally with major bulk on the left. An occipital craniotomy followed by a subtotal tumor excision was only achieved due to profuse bleeding intraoperatively. Histopathology confirmed an anaplastic HPC (WHO Grade 3). The importance of differentiation between HPCs and meningiomas cannot be overemphasized. A preoperative correct diagnosis is difficult, but it is important that it should be made. Multilobulated (mushroom appearance), prominent internal signal voids, relatively narrow dural attachment, and lytic destruction without calcifications are useful findings to distinguish HPCs from meningiomas.

Matched MeSH terms: Diagnostic Errors

Fulltext Obstructive jaundice in small cell lung carcinoma

Mokhtar Pour A, Masir N, Isa MR

Malays J Pathol, 2015 Aug;37(2):149-52.

PMID: 26277673 MyJurnal

Small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) commonly metastasizes to distant organs. However, metastasis to the pancreas is not a common event. Moreover, obstructive jaundice as a first clinical presentation of SCLC is extremely unusual. This case reports a 51-year-old male with SCLC, manifesting with obstructive jaundice as the initial clinical presentation. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatograghy (ERCP) and abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan showed a mass at the head of the pancreas. The patient underwent pancreatoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure). Histopathology revealed a chromogranin- A-positive poorly-differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma of the pancreas. No imaging study of the lung was performed before surgery. A few months later, a follow-up CT revealed unilateral lung nodules with ipsilateral hilar nodes. A lung biopsy was done and histopathology reported a TTF- 1-positive, chromogranin A-positive, small cell carcinoma of the lung. On review, the pancreatic tumour was also TTF-1-positive. He was then treated with combination chemotherapy (cisplatin, etoposide). These findings highlight that presentation of a mass at the head of pancreas could be a manifestation of a metastatic tumour from elsewhere such as the lung, and thorough investigations should be performed before metastases can be ruled out.

Matched MeSH terms: Diagnostic Errors*

Now you see, now you don't - A radiopaque neck mass?

Shaiful Ehsan SM, Azwan Faiz AH, Mohd Radhwan A

Med J Malaysia, 2020 05;75(3):301-303.

PMID: 32467550

Chest X-ray is valuable in the primary care setting in helping clinicians to confirm the underlying findings of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. This view also includes the lower cervical vertebrae region which is helpful in elaborating the findings surrounding the neck. However, a single view of the film may sometimes cause confusion regarding the exact origin of the abnormal signs of the X-ray images. Thus, clinical correlation and application of 'rule of two' in X-ray imaging is definitely useful to clarify the findings and avoiding any misdiagnosis, medical errors and non-justifiable further investigations. Here we report a case of an 18-year-old female student with abnormal radiopaque neck mass seen from her chest the X-ray image. She was clinically well without any significant clinical findings. Surprisingly, the findings totally resolved after repeat the Xray at two different occasions within the same week. This strange abnormal finding was later confirmed to be her hair tier. She was saved from unnecessary investigations for tuberculosis and thyroid disorder by repeating the X-ray (rule of two occasions). Now you see, now you don't of X-ray findings is indeed illogical and technical error needs to be rule out.

Matched MeSH terms: Diagnostic Errors*

Fulltext Neurological recovery in a patient with recurrent aggressive giant cell tumour of the axis--a case report

Razak MA, Fazir M

Med J Malaysia, 2000 Sep;55 Suppl C:97-100.

PMID: 11200052

A rare case of an aggressive recurrent giant cell tumour of axis is presented. The problems encountered in diagnosis and management are discussed. High dose dexamethasone was found to be useful managing this inoperable aggressive tumour which was compressing the cord. Early diagnosis would facilitate wide excision of the tumour with good prognosis.

Matched MeSH terms: Diagnostic Errors

Neglected laryngeal foreign body

Ambu VK, Narayanan P, Ratnasingam V

J Laryngol Otol, 2001 Sep;115(9):740-2.

PMID: 11564306

Laryngeal foreign bodies, especially in children, mostly present as an acute emergency. Few cases of long-standing laryngeal foreign bodies have been reported in the literature. This case illustrates one of the sequelae of a neglected laryngeal foreign body, resulting in significant granulation tissue formation in the larynx, and its management.

Matched MeSH terms: Diagnostic Errors

Myxoid liposarcoma of the breast in a 25-year-old female as a diagnostic pitfall in fine needle aspiration cytology: report of a rare case

Pant I, Kaur G, Joshi SC, Khalid IA

Diagn Cytopathol, 2008 Sep;36(9):674-7.

PMID: 18677756 DOI: 10.1002/dc.20913

Primary sarcomas of the breast are extremely rare comprising less than 1.0% of all malignant tumors of the breast. It is even rarer to be reported in a 25-year-old female. This can cause a diagnostic dilemma not only for the clinician but also for the cytopathologist. A 25-year-old woman presented with a well defined firm, mobile lump in her right breast. With fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and ultrasonography a diagnosis of fibroadenoma was made. The patient underwent lumpectomy. Histopathologically it was diagnosed as myxoid liposarcoma. This case is reported to highlight the fact that, even though rare in young females but the possibility of a breast lump being a myxoid liposarcoma does exist. This report discusses a primary myxoid liposarcoma of female breast, considers cytologic differential diagnoses with review of the relevant literature.

Matched MeSH terms: Diagnostic Errors*

Myocardial infarction false alarm: initial electrocardiogram and cardiac enzymes

Gupta ED, Sakthiswary R

Asian Cardiovasc Thorac Ann, 2014 May;22(4):397-401.

PMID: 24771726 DOI: 10.1177/0218492313484917

The objectives of this study were to determine the incidence of a myocardial infarction "false alarm" and evaluate the efficacy of the initial electrocardiogram and cardiac enzymes in diagnosing myocardial infarction in Malaysia.

Matched MeSH terms: Diagnostic Errors/prevention & control

Multiple rare opportunistic and pathogenic fungi in persistent foot skin infection

Chan GF, Sinniah S, Idris TI, Puad MS, Abd Rahman AZ

Pak J Biol Sci, 2013 Mar 01;16(5):208-18.

PMID: 24175430

Persistent superficial skin infection caused by multiple fungi is rarely reported. Recently, a number of fungi, both opportunistic and persistent in nature were isolated from the foot skin of a 24-year old male in Malaysia. The fungi were identified as Candida parapsilosis, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, Phoma spp., Debaryomyces hansenii, Acremonium spp., Aureobasidium pullulans and Aspergillus spp., This is the first report on these opportunistic strains were co-isolated from a healthy individual who suffered from persistent foot skin infection which was diagnosed as athlete's foot for more than 12 years. Among the isolated fungi, C. parapsilosis has been an increasingly common cause of skin infections. R. mucilaginosa and D. hansenii were rarely reported in cases of skin infection. A. pullulans, an emerging fungal pathogen was also being isolated in this case. Interestingly, it was noted that C. parapsilosis, R. mucilaginosa, D. hansenii and A. pullulans are among the common halophiles and this suggests the association of halotolerant fungi in causing persistent superficial skin infection. This discovery will shed light on future research to explore on effective treatment for inhibition of pathogenic halophiles as well as to understand the interaction of multiple fungi in the progress of skin infection.

Matched MeSH terms: Diagnostic Errors

Multiple myeloma masquerading as panuveitis in a middle-aged woman

Yew YC, Nurul-Fatin FS, Norazita AT

Med J Malaysia, 2017 12;72(6):376-377.

PMID: 29308780 MyJurnal

Panuveitis secondary to masquerade syndrome is uncommon. A middle-aged woman presented to the ophthalmology clinic with panuveitis associated with anaemia, joint pain, and renal impairment. An incidental finding of a lytic lesion over her left scapula following a chest x-ray prompted further skeletal survey and revealed further lytic lesions over the skull and pelvic bone. Bone marrow aspiration was performed and this confirmed the diagnosis of multiple myeloma. Her left eye vision and intraocular inflammation improved after commencement of chemotherapy. A detailed history is important to elucidate the aetiology of masquerade syndrome and to prevent any delayed diagnosis of underlying malignancy.

Matched MeSH terms: Diagnostic Errors/prevention & control

Fulltext Multifocal nodal and extranodal Rosai-Dorfman disease initially diagnosed as histiocytic lymphoma

Shiran MS, Tan GC, Kenali MS, Sabariah AR, Pathmanathan R

Malays J Pathol, 2008 Jun;30(1):63-5.

PMID: 19108414 MyJurnal

Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD), also known as sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy (SHML), is a systemic disease involving nodal and extranodal tissues. We report a 48-year-old female with recurrent nasal obstruction due to polypoidal masses involving the nasal sinuses, turbinates and septum bilaterally, and lumps in the right infra-orbital region and region of the right lacrimal sac. A 4 cm right upper neck mass was also noted, which was initially diagnosed as histiocytic lymphoma. Histopathology of the nasal and infraorbital lesions revealed fibro-inflammatory masses containing histiocytic cells with large vesicular nuclei and abundant foamy cytoplasm exhibiting emperipolesis and lymphophagocytosis, admixed with scattered plasma cells and lymphocytes. These histiocytes revealed immunohistochemical positivity for S-100 protein and CD68, but were negative for CDla. The findings supported a diagnosis of RDD. This report serves to remind pathologists and clinicians of the extranodal manifestations of RDD and its potential confusion with lymphomas.

Matched MeSH terms: Diagnostic Errors

Fulltext More than meets the naked eye: an unusual psoriatic arthritis mimicry and the important role of dermoscopic examination

Anne LJ, Rahim MJC, Ghazali WSW, Ahmed WAW, Isa SAM

BMC Rheumatol, 2021 Apr 12;5(1):10.

PMID: 33840385 DOI: 10.1186/s41927-021-00182-7

BACKGROUND: Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) can manifest in various forms. This includes mimicry of other diseases. We describe an unusual mimicry of PsA.

CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a middle-aged lady who presented with severe pain and morning stiffness over the small joints of the left hand for 3 months and painless deformity of the affected joints 1 year before. She was under treatment for pruritic rash over her ankles and knees for the past 1 year as well. Physical examination revealed a fixed flexion deformity, swelling and tenderness of the left ring and little fingers' distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints. Left hand radiograph showed sclerotic joint margin, narrowed joint space and marginal osteophytes of the affected DIP joints. Dermoscopic examination showed red- violaceous, flat-topped papules and plaques with minimal scales on both ankles; hyperpigmented scaly plaques over both knees and vertical fingernail ridges. Serum autoimmune screening and inflammatory markers were unremarkable. Left ankle skin biopsy showed features consistent of psoriasis. PsA was diagnosed. Weekly titrated oral methotrexate and topical steroid were started. The patient showed significant improvement after 1 month of treatment.

CONCLUSION: PsA is a great mimicker. Dermoscopy is an accessible and valuable tool to assess skin lesions in greater detail. Clinicians should be aware of coexisting diseases or misdiagnosis when patients do not respond to treatment.

Matched MeSH terms: Diagnostic Errors

Fulltext Mistaken diagnosis of optic neuritis and the possible role of phosphodiasterase-5 inhibitors (Sildenafil/Viagra)

Cullen JF, Chung HW

Med J Malaysia, 2010 Dec;65(4):315-6.

PMID: 21901956

The diagnosis of optic neuritis and particularly retrobulbar optic neuritis when atypical and not responsive to corticosteroid treatment may need to be revised. This is now especially so in male patients who should be questioned regarding their taking a phosphodiasterase-5 inhibitor in particular Viagra. The case history of such a patient is presented who sustained posterior ischaemic optic neuropathy mistaken for retrobulbar neuritis resulting in bilateral severe visual loss.

Matched MeSH terms: Diagnostic Errors*

Fulltext Missing an osteoporotic vertebral fracture

Cheong AT, Khoo EM

Malays Fam Physician, 2009;4(1):33-6.

PMID: 25606157 MyJurnal

This case illustrates an 80-year-old lady who presented with acute low back pain and finally succumbed from complications of osteoporotic vertebral fracture. Among the contributing factors are delayed diagnosis and a lack of continuity of care. It reminds the practitioners of the importance to look out for red flag symptoms and to have a high index of suspicion for vertebral fracture in high risk patients presenting with low back pain.
Study site: Accident and Emergency Unit, University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Matched MeSH terms: Diagnostic Errors

Missed subdiaphragmatic mass in medial left epigastrium: tumour or foreign body?

Maurer HJ

J R Soc Med, 1993 Aug;86(8):481.

PMID: 8078052

Matched MeSH terms: Diagnostic Errors

Missed proximal radioulnar joint translocation with ulnar nerve entrapment: an unusual injury in a child

Najid H, Abdul Rashid AH, Ibrahim S

J Pediatr Orthop B, 2019 Jan;28(1):79-84.

PMID: 30252793 DOI: 10.1097/BPB.0000000000000556

Traumatic elbow dislocation in a child is rare, and it is usually associated with fractures. Simultaneous proximal radioulnar joint (PRUJ) translocation with ulnar nerve palsy is even rarer. We report an unusual case of a missed PRUJ translocation with ulnar nerve entrapment in a 10-year-old child. The key to diagnosing the translocation is the position of the proximal radius, which lies medial to the ulna. This was treated by open reduction and release of the entrapped nerve. The ulnar nerve palsy recovered fully at the 1-year follow-up. Although PRUJ translocation with ulnar nerve entrapment is a rare injury, a successful outcome is possible with timely open reduction and release of the ulnar nerve.

Matched MeSH terms: Diagnostic Errors

Mismanagement of cat bite wound: lessons to learn

Muthupalaniappen L, Siti Aishah MA, Wong YP, Jamil A

Clin Ter, 2013 May-Jun;164(3):225-7.

PMID: 23868624 DOI: 10.7417/CT.2013.1553

Animal inflicted wounds, left untreated may result in chronic bacterial or fungal infection. Clinical features of these infections may overlap leading to a delay in diagnosis and treatment. We report a case of chronic non-healing cat bite wound treated with several antibiotics without improvement. Later patient developed the classical "sporotrichoid spread" and a presumptive diagnosis of sporotrichosis was made. Laboratory investigation for fungal culture and skin biopsy failed to identify the underlying pathogen. A trial of oral antifungal agent resulted in complete recovery of the lesions implicating fungus as the causative pathogen. Physicians should have a high index of suspicion for fungal infections when managing animal inflicted wounds.

Matched MeSH terms: Diagnostic Errors

Misidentification of toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae as a Corynebacterium species with low virulence in a child with endocarditis

Pennie RA, Malik AS, Wilcox L

J Clin Microbiol, 1996 May;34(5):1275-6.

PMID: 8727917

A 6-year-old boy presented to a university hospital in Malaysia with infective endocarditis complicating cyanotic congenital heart disease. Blood cultures showed a gram-positive, aerobic, coryneform-like bacillus identified by the hospital laboratory as Corynebacterium xerosis, but a reference laboratory identified the organism as a toxigenic strain of Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The two laboratories concurred on all biochemical test results except for sucrose fermentation.

Matched MeSH terms: Diagnostic Errors

Misdiagnosis leads to Iatrogenesis

Chin AV

Med J Malaysia, 2019 08;74(4):359-362.

PMID: 31424053

No abstract provided.

Matched MeSH terms: Diagnostic Errors*

Fulltext Melioidosis: misdiagnosed in Nepal

Shrestha N, Adhikari M, Pant V, Baral S, Shrestha A, Basnyat B, et al.

BMC Infect Dis, 2019 Feb 19;19(1):176.

PMID: 30782129 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-019-3793-x

BACKGROUND: Melioidosis is a life-threatening infectious disease that is caused by gram negative bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei. This bacteria occurs as an environmental saprophyte typically in endemic regions of south-east Asia and northern Australia. Therefore, patients with melioidosis are at high risk of being misdiagnosed and/or under-diagnosed in South Asia.

CASE PRESENTATION: Here, we report two cases of melioidosis from Nepal. Both of them were diabetic male who presented themselves with fever, multiple abscesses and developed sepsis. They were treated with multiple antimicrobial agents including antitubercular drugs before being correctly diagnosed as melioidosis. Consistent with this, both patients were farmer by occupation and also reported travelling to Malaysia in the past. The diagnosis was made consequent to the isolation of B. pseudomallei from pus samples. Accordingly, they were managed with intravenous meropenem followed by oral doxycycline and cotrimoxazole.

CONCLUSION: The case reports raise serious concern over the existing unawareness of melioidosis in Nepal. Both of the cases were left undiagnosed for a long time. Therefore, clinicians need to keep a high index of suspicion while encountering similar cases. Especially diabetic-farmers who present with fever and sepsis and do not respond to antibiotics easily may turn out to be yet another case of melioidosis. Ascertaining the travel history and occupational history is of utmost significance. In addition, the microbiologist should be trained to correctly identify B. pseudomallei as it is often confused for other Burkholderia species. The organism responds only to specific antibiotics; therefore, correct and timely diagnosis becomes crucial for better outcomes.

Matched MeSH terms: Diagnostic Errors*

Displaying publications 41 - 60 of 137 in total