MyMedR

Fulltext Myxoid Neurofibromas of the External Ear Canal: A Case Report

Maryam YK, Mohd Khairi MD, Asmah Hanim H

Med J Malaysia, 2015 Apr;70(2):102-3.

Myxoid neurofibroma is benign tumours of perineural cell origin that arise from elements in the peripheral nervous system. We report a case of a 60-year-old female patient presented with history of right ear mass which was slowly growing. Her primary complaint was cosmetic deformity but hearing loss was also present. The mass was excised and histologically revealed a myxoid neurofibroma. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first time that a myxoid neurofibroma arising from external auditory canal is reported. It should be included in the differential diagnosis of a mass originating from this location.
Keywords: Kelantan, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia

Fulltext The Association Between Bullous Pemphigoid and Neurological Disorders in A Selected Malaysian Population

Kwan Z, Lai YN, Ch'ng CC, Tan AH, Tan LL, Robinson S, et al.

Med J Malaysia, 2015 Apr;70(2):81-5.

PMID: 26162382 MyJurnal

BACKGROUND: An association of bullous pemphigoid with neurological disorders has been reported. The objectives of this study were to review the clinical characteristics of patients with bullous pemphigoid and compare the association between bullous pemphigoid and various neurological disorders and comorbidities.

METHODS: This was a retrospective case-control study involving 43 patients with bullous pemphigoid and 43 age-, sex- and ethnicity-matched controls.

RESULTS: There was a statistically significant association between bullous pemphigoid and neurological disorders [Odds Ratio (OR) = 3.5, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.3 to 9.2, p=0.011 and adjusted OR=3.5, 95% CI 1.2-10.3, p=0.026], in particular for dementia (p=0.002). Although stroke was more common among patients with bullous pemphigoid, this association was not statistically significant with OR of 1.9 (95% CI 0.7 to 5.2) and adjusted OR of 2.1 (95% CI 0.6 to 7.2). Similarly both ischaemic stroke (OR 1.5, 95% CI 0.5 to 4.2) and haemorrhagic stroke (OR 1.5, 95% CI 0.2 to 9.7) were more common. Other neurological disorders more common among patients with bullous pemphigoid were Parkinson's disease and epilepsy. Dyslipidaemia was significantly less common among patients with bullous pemphigoid (OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.1 to 0.9, p=0.033).

CONCLUSION: A combination of an inflammatory process, prothrombotic state and endothelial activation leads to an increased frequency of neurological disorders among patients with bullous pemphigoid. Thus, a holistic approach to patient care, including screening for dementia and control of comorbidities, should be practised as bullous pemphigoid affects more than just the skin.

Fulltext Suboptimal Therapy for Dyslipidaemia in Coronary Bypass Surgical Patients with Premature Ischaemic Heart Disease

Yong Sheng Tan NH, Sachithanandan A

Med J Malaysia, 2015 Apr;70(2):114-5.

PMID: 26162393 MyJurnal

The incidence of premature multi-vessel coronary artery disease (CAD) is on the rise in Malaysia. The pathogenesis of coronary atherosclerosis is multi-factorial with dyslipidaemia being one such risk factor. Elevated total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglycerides (TG) levels are primarily responsible. We analysed the fasting pre-operative lipid profiles of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients with symptomatic severe premature CAD. A majority of patients had an elevated LDL cholesterol level despite being on a statin. Similarly, no patient with an elevated TG level was prescribed a fibrate. Pre-operative control of known dyslipidaemia was suboptimal in young adults with angiographially proven severe symptomatic CAD. This is either due to subtherapeutic dose prescribing or failure to commence appropriate anti-lipid drugs. Collectively, general practitioners, cardiologists and cardiac surgeons must be more diligent in monitoring lipid profiles in such patients and be more meticulous in prescribing therapeutic doses to achieve target control.

Fulltext Primary sinonasal clear cell carcinoma: case report

Davina ST, Linda L, Abdul Razak A, Vijayaprakas Rao R, Norkamaruzaman E

Med J Malaysia, 2015 Apr;70(2):112-3.

PMID: 26162392 MyJurnal

Primary sinonasal clear cell carcinoma is a rare neoplasm classified under malignant epithelial tumours of salivary gland - type carcinomas under World Health Organization (WHO) classification. We report a case which occurred on a 69 year old gentleman presented with epistaxis and nasal endoscopy examination showed tumour arising from the right ethmoid cells. Endoscopic excision of the tumour was done and histopathological examination revealed clear cell carcinoma. In addition, other secondary or primary sites of the lesion were excluded by clinical, immunohistochemical and radiological examinations. 10 months into the postoperative period, patient remains well without recurrence of the tumour.

IN CONCLUSION: We report a rare case of primary sinonasal clear cell carcinoma in addition to the limited literature available and emphasize the differentials with other probable tumour through meticulous microscopic examination and use of special immunostains.
Keywords: Melaka

Fulltext Chest Radiograph Findings In Novel Swine-Origin Influenza A (H1N1) Virus (S-OIV) Infection: A UKMMC Experience

Norzailin AB, Norhafizah E

Med J Malaysia, 2015 Apr;70(2):93-7.

PMID: 26162384 MyJurnal

OBJECTIVE: 1.To evaluates and recognizes findings in chest radiograph in patients with laboratory-confirmed S-OIV (H1N1) infection treated at UKMMC. 2. To evaluate whether the findings on initial chest radiographs of influenza A (H1N1) patients can help to predict the prognosis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Total of 109 adult patients presenting to the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC) with flu-like symptoms who were positive for influenza A and these patients had underwent chest radiographs (CXR). The initial CXRs were evaluated for the pattern (consolidation, ground-glass, and reticulation), distribution, and extend of abnormality. The disease is classifies by the clinical severity (mild, moderate or severe illness) and adverse outcome (ventilated, death or recovered well).

RESULTS: The initial CXRs were normal in 56% of cases. The predominant radiographic finding was consolidation, most commonly involving the middle and lower zones (35% of cases). There is no significant association between initial CXR findings with the patient clinical outcome either fully recovered or death/ ventilated.

CONCLUSION: Normal chest radiographs is the most common radiographic finding in S-OIV (H1N1) infection and the most common abnormal lung finding is consolidation. Initial chest radiographs did not determine the patient clinical outcome and a normal initial radiograph could not exclude adverse outcome.

Fulltext Traditional and Complementary Medicine (TCM) among Study Population with Cardiovascular Risk; use and Substitution for Conventional Medicine in Pahang, Malaysia

Kew Y, Chia YL, Lai SM, Chong KY, Ho XL, Liew DW, et al.

Med J Malaysia, 2015 Apr;70(2):86-92.

PMID: 26162383 MyJurnal

INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of morbidity and mortality in Malaysia. There is evidence of high traditional and complementary medicine (TCM) use among population with cardiovascular risk and there have been anecdotal reports about substitution of conventional medicines with TCM. We investigated the prevalence of TCM use, treatment preference and substitution of conventional medicines in study population with cardiovascular risk factors in Pahang, Malaysia.

METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using an interviewer-administered questionnaire in five districts of Pahang. A total of 1250 households were chosen through proportionate and systematic sampling. Respondents aged 18 years and above were selected.

RESULTS: The study population with cardiovascular risk factors who used TCM was higher than the general population (31.7% versus 25.9%). There were no clear preferences in using TCM by gender, age groups, educational level and income even though other bumiputeras showed a slight inclination towards TCM use. Among the study population with cardiovascular risk factors who consumed TCM, 20-30% of them were using TCM as a substitute for their conventional medications. Respondents from the younger age group (18-40 years) (57.1%), highest educational level (43.2%), other bumiputeras (38.4%) and highest income group (31.4%) preferred the combination of both conventional and traditional medicine.

CONCLUSION: TCM use among population with cardiovascular risk factors is high. The high preference for combination therapy of TCM and conventional medications among young adults and the use of TCM to substitute conventional medications show that much research is needed to provide proven TCM therapies to avoid self-mismanagement of cardiovascular risk in Malaysia.

Fulltext A case of nasopharyngeal carcinoma with paraneoplastic leukemoid reaction: a case report

Lee DW, Teoh DC, Chong FL

Med J Malaysia, 2015 Apr;70(2):110-1.

PMID: 26162391 MyJurnal

We present a case of nasopharyngeal carcinoma complicated with hyperleucocytosis. After ruling our other causes we concluded that the hyperleucocytosis was due to paraneoplastic leukemoid reaction (PLR). The overall survival was 15 months which is rare among patients with PLR.
Keywords: Sabah

Fulltext Combined laparoscopic and thoracoscopic repair of a large traumatic diaphragmatic hernia: a case report

Zubaidah NH, Azuawarie A, Ong KW, Gee T

Med J Malaysia, 2015 Feb;70(1):57-8.

PMID: 26032535 MyJurnal

Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia is a well known complication of blunt trauma to the abdomen and thorax. In the acute setting, laparotomy is mandatory. In this current era, this condition can be managed with minimally invasive surgery. We hereby report a case of delayed large left diaphragmatic hernia that was repaired with a combination of laparoscopic and thoracoscopic approach.

Outcomes from the Malaysian Arm of The International Survey Informing Greater Insights in Opioid Dependence Treatment (INSIGHT) Project

George P

Med J Malaysia, 2015 Apr;70(2):117-24.

PMID: 26162395 MyJurnal

BACKGROUND: Opioid dependence (OD) is a chronic, relapsing condition representing a significant societal burden in Asia. Opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) in combination with psychosocial treatment is considered to be the most effective strategy to treat opioid dependence. In Malaysia, about 52,000 patients reported receiving OMT in December 2012.

OBJECTIVE: The International Survey Informing Greater Insights in Opioid Dependence Treatment (INSIGHT) project aimed to assess aspects of OMT access and quality of care by surveying patients and users with opioid dependence, and healthcare professionals treating opioid-dependent patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using a structured questionnaire, 50 patients who were currently receiving OMT (or had received OMT in the past 3 months) and 77 physicians were surveyed in Malaysia regarding the provision and quality of OMT.

RESULTS: Patients were predominately male and in their thirties. Nearly all patients (98%) reported currently receiving methadone liquid; almost half (48%) reported ever having received psychosocial counselling and only 14% had ever received buprenorphine-naloxone in the past. Most physicians reported they were treating their patients with OMT (77% on methadone and 15% on buprenorphine-naloxone), and 3% used psychosocial counselling alone. Although methadone maintenance doses were close to levels recommended by WHO guidelines, induction doses of methadone, and both induction and maintenance doses of buprenorphine were well below these levels in Malaysia.

CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that OMT implementation in Malaysia can be improved by providing patients with more education on treatment options, better access to available treatments, including abuse-deterrent formulations, and psychosocial support.

Towards Mainstream Adoption of Tenecteplase for the Treatment of Acute Myocardial Infarction

Yew KL

Med J Malaysia, 2015 Apr;70(2):116.

PMID: 26162394

No abstract available.

Fulltext Degenerated retained product of conception misdiagnosed as invasive trophoblastic disease

Tan AP

Med J Malaysia, 2015 Apr;70(2):100-1.

PMID: 26162386

Retained products of conception (POC) complicates nearly 1% of all pregnancies, occurring with greater frequency after termination of pregnancy than after vaginal or caesarean delivery. The presenting symptoms of retained products of conception are similar to those of gestational trophoblastic disease and hence accurate differentiation is difficult based on clinical history and physical examination alone. The distinction between these two entities is extremely important as the treatment differs dramatically. These patients often need to be further evaluated with either ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pelvis. Hence, radiologists play a vital role in clinching the diagnosis although at times it may be challenging to differentiate between these two entities. Herein, we discuss a case of degenerated retained products of conception which was initially misdiagnosed as invasive trophoblastic disease in a 41-year-old woman whom last known pregnancy was 10 years ago.

Fulltext A rare case of retropharyngeal hibernoma

Nazli Z, Norizal MN, Noor Kaslina MK, Abdul Fattah AW

Med J Malaysia, 2015 Apr;70(2):98-9.

PMID: 26162385 MyJurnal

Hibernoma is a slow growing, rare benign tumour, which derived from brown adipose tissue. This tumour is usually found in the area where foetal fat persists such as back, axilla, retro peritoneum and thorax. Hibernoma rarely occurs in the retro pharynx. We report a case of retropharyngeal hibernoma in a 44-year-old male. He presented with obstructive symptoms for six months and a retropharyngeal mass upon examination. His CT scan findings showed a mass in the prevertebral region from level of C2 until C5 causing narrowing of upper aero digestive tract. Histopathological examination reported as hibernoma.

Fulltext Brain and spinal tumour

Goh CH, Lu YY, Lau BL, Oy J, Lee HK, Liew D, et al.

Med J Malaysia, 2014 Dec;69(6):261-7.

PMID: 25934956 MyJurnal

This study reviewed the epidemiology of brain and spinal tumours in Sarawak from January 2009 till December 2012. The crude incidence of brain tumour in Sarawak was 4.6 per 100,000 population/year with cumulative rate 0.5%. Meningioma was the most common brain tumour (32.3%) and followed by astrocytoma (19.4%). Only brain metastases showed a rising trend and cases were doubled in 4 years. This accounted for 15.4% and lung carcinoma was the commonest primary. Others tumour load were consistent. Primitive neuroectodermal tumour (PNET) and astrocytoma were common in paediatrics (60%). We encountered more primary spinal tumour rather than spinal metastases. Intradural schwannoma was the commonest and frequently located at thoracic level. The current healthcare system in Sarawak enables a more consolidate data collection to reflect accurate brain tumours incidence. This advantage allows subsequent future survival outcome research and benchmarking for healthcare resource planning.

Fulltext Urogenital melioidosis: a review of clinical presentations, characteristic and outcomes

Chong Vh VH, Sharif F, Bickle I

Med J Malaysia, 2014 Dec;69(6):257-60.

PMID: 25934955 MyJurnal

INTRODUCTION: Melioidosis is endemic to the tropical regions, in particular Thailand and Northern Australia. Any organ can be affected by melioidosis. Involvement of the urogenital system is common in Northern Australia, but is less common in other regions. This study assesses the characteristics of melioidosis affecting the urogenital system treated in a tertiary referral centre in Brunei Darussalam.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: All patients treated for melioidosis of the urogenital system were identified and retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS: There were 9 patients with 11 episodes of urogenital infections treated over 13 years. The median age at diagnosis was 38 years old (range 29 - 63) with men predominantly affected. The major risk factor was underlying diabetes mellitus (n=9), including three patients diagnosed at the time of diagnosis of melioidosis. The median glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) was 12.8% (range 6.4 to 16.6%). One patient's risk factor was only moderate alcohol consumption. Common symptoms included; fever, lethargy, rigor and anorexia. Dysuria was reported by two patients. The median duration of symptoms before presentation was 7 days (range 2 to 21 days) and the median number of sites involved were 3 (range of 2 to 6). Urogenital involvement included prostate (n=6), kidney (n=8), seminal vesicles (n=1) and testis (n=1). Radiological imaging showed that large prostate abscesses (>4.5cm) were common, and in some patients, the kidney abscess had the 'honeycomb' previously described as typical for melioidosis liver abscess. All patients were successfully treated for melioidosis and at a median follow up of 34 months (range 1 - 97), there was one death from complications of diabetes mellitus.

CONCLUSION: Urogenital melioidosis only accounted for a small proportion of all melioidosis involvement, with prostate and kidney most commonly affected. Concomitant involvement of other sites were common. The major risk factor was poorly controlled diabetes mellitus.

Fulltext Ectopic inferior vena cava thrombus secondary to a tubo-ovarian abscess

Koh KS, Abdullah NA, Chong VH

Med J Malaysia, 2014 Dec;69(6):293-5.

PMID: 25934966

Inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombosis typically arises distally from a thrombophlebitic extension in the pelvis or the lower extremities. It may also occur from propagation of an ovarian vein thrombosis as a result of gynaecological disorders such as pelvic inflammatory disease, endometritis or from pelvic surgeries. In this report, we present an interesting case of a tubo-ovarian abscess with an ectopic IVC thrombus. The approach to management in such cases is also highlighted.

Fulltext Abdominal stab wound with inferior vena cava injury: a case report

Narasimman S, Tan WJ

Med J Malaysia, 2014 Dec;69(6):291-2.

PMID: 25934965 MyJurnal

Fulltext Congenital mastoid cholesteatoma presenting as a mass obstructing external auditory canal

Khairunnisak M, Mohd Khairi MD

Med J Malaysia, 2014 Dec;69(6):277-8.

PMID: 25934960 MyJurnal

We describe the clinical presentation, investigation and management of an eventually fatal case of hypercalcemic crisis due to primary hyperparathyridism (PHPT). A 60 year-old lady with history of urolithiasis presented with worsening generalized bone pain, spinal scoliosis and a limp. Laboratory data showed hypercalcemia and raised alkaline phosphatase. Left hip x-ray revealed a subcapital femoral neck fracture. Intact parathyroid hormone was elevated, 187.6 pmol/L (1.6 - 6.9) and ultrasound showed an enlarged right parathyroid gland. Despite initial reduction of serum calcium with saline infusion and multiple doses of intravenous pamidronate, her calcium increased to 4.14 mmol/L a week following application of Buck's traction for persistent left hip pain. She succumbed eventually with serum calcium peaking at 6.28 mmol/L despite multiple therapeutic interventions.

Fulltext A Testicular Cancer that was Thought to be an Inguino-Scrotal Hernia

Norly S, Sivanes C, Ros'aini P

Med J Malaysia, 2014 Dec;69(6):275-6.

PMID: 25934959

We present a case of a young man with a 5-year history of testicular swelling which was initially thought to be inguinoscrotal hernia. Intra-operatively it was found to be a testicular tumour and histopathological examination confirmed a mixed germ cell tumour. He had an orchidectomy and later underwent chemotherapy. It is interesting to note that the patient had kept the tumour for 5 years with no evidence of distant metastasis at diagnosis. This is probably the longest presentation of a testicular tumour.

Fulltext Giant lipomatous lesion of the thigh with retroperitoneal extension: case series

Khang NC, Ahmad Rafizi H, Zainal Ariffin A, Chye PC

Med J Malaysia, 2014 Dec;69(6):273-4.

PMID: 25934958 MyJurnal

Giant lipomatous lesions of the thigh swelling with extension into retroperitoneum are rare. Lesions can be malignant or benign and can have similar clinical presentation. Treatments options differ and their prognosis varies with histology. We present two cases of liposarcoma and lipoma with the same clinical presentations that underwent surgical resection.

Fulltext A snapshot of stroke from Miri Hospital

Grover CS, Thiagarajah S

Med J Malaysia, 2014 Dec;69(6):268-72.

PMID: 25934957 MyJurnal

Our objective was to study the profile of cerebrovascular accidents and proportion of cerebral haemorrhage (CH) among stroke patients. This project was designed after we observed higher incidence of CH in Miri hospital as compared to conventionally reported data.

METHODS: This was a prospective observational study conducted from 1st June 2008 to 31st May 2009. All patients admitted in both male and female wards of the Medical Unit with the first incidence of a stroke were recruited for analysis. CT scan brain was done in all patients.

RESULTS: Total admissions in one year in the medical department were 3204 patients, both male and female together, out of which 215 were due to a first incidence of stroke; Stroke accounted for 6.7% of admissions and 16.8% of deaths in medical unit. 139 (64.7%) were ischaemic strokes and 76 (35.3%) were cerebral haemorrhages. The incidence of CH (35.3%) was high compared to regional data. 71.7% (154) patients had preexisting hypertension. Higher incidence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus and aspirin intake was noted in the ischaemic group. Also compliance to treatment for hypertension was better in the Ischaemic group with more defaults in CH category (P<0.01). Significantly more deaths were noted in patients with higher systolic blood pressure on presentation, poor Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and those with dysphagia.

CONCLUSION: Every third stroke was due to cerebral hemorrhage; CH patients were largely unaware of their hypertension or were altogether treatment naïve or defaulters while compliance was far better in ischaemic stroke category.

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