MyMedR

Fulltext Neurosyphilis presenting as acute ischemic stroke

Krishnan D, Zaini SS, Latif KA, Joseph JP

Clin Med (Lond), 2020 01;20(1):95-97.

PMID: 31941739 DOI: 10.7861/clinmed.2019-0368

Neurosyphilis is a broad term used to describe an infection caused by Treponema pallidum in the central nervous system. While this was a common cause of stroke in the 19th century, it saw a decline after the introduction of penicillin. However, in the recent past, there has been an increase in the incidence of syphilis, especially with HIV coinfection. Neurosyphilis results from an untreated primary syphilis. Neuropsychiatric disorder appears to be the commonest manifestation followed cerebrovascular accident, myelopathy, ocular disease and seizure. Known as the 'great imitator', this entity, however, may be easily missed if not for a high index of suspicion. This is especially so because of its similar presentation to other more common clinical conditions. We describe the case of a 39-year-old man displaying acute global aphasia and right-sided facial weakness in keeping with a left middle cerebral artery infarct. This was confirmed with computed tomography of the brain, and subsequently, further investigations revealed a diagnosis of neurosyphilis. The patient was treated with intravenous benzylpenicillin and recovered well with treatment.

Fulltext Malaysian Consensus Statement for the Diagnosis and Management of Acromegaly

Hussein Z, Bidin ML, Alias A, Thiagarajan M, Latif KA, Ratnasingam J, et al.

J ASEAN Fed Endocr Soc, 2019;34(1):8-14.

PMID: 33442131 DOI: 10.15605/jafes.034.01.03

In Malaysia, acromegaly is under-recognised with only 10-15% of the expected number of cases from prevalence estimates, having been diagnosed and managed in established endocrine centres with access to multidisciplinary care. This is mainly due to lack of awareness and standardised approach in diagnosing this disease resulting in delay in diagnosis and management with suboptimal treatment outcomes. This first Malaysian consensus statement on the diagnosis and management of acromegaly addresses these issues and is based on current best practices and latest available evidence so as to reduce the disease burden on acromegaly patients managed in the Malaysian healthcare system.

Fulltext Hand grenade blast injuries: an experience in hospital universiti sains malaysia

Kamauzaman TH, Ahmad R, Latif KA, Hamzah MS, Kheng CP

Malays J Med Sci, 2007 Jul;14(2):58-61.

PMID: 22993493 MyJurnal

Hand grenade explosion is a rare occasion in our local community. Most of us have seen or heard about the injuries only from the TV news or newspaper. We report two cases of bomb blast injury that occurred in an army camp in September 2000. These case studies illustrate the clinical presentations of hand grenade blast injures that present with multiple organ involvement. We would like to share our experience in managing such cases in a busy emergency department and highlight the outcome of those two cases. Certain issues pertaining to the complexity of the injuries and mass casualty management are also highlighted.

Fulltext Xanthomatous Hypophysitis Presenting in an Adolescent Girl: A Long-Term Follow-Up of a Rare Case and Review of the Literature

Wong JSL, Nasruddin AB, Selveindran NM, Latif KA, Kassim F, Nair SB, et al.

AACE Clin Case Rep, 2021 02 01;7(3):220-225.

PMID: 34095493 DOI: 10.1016/j.aace.2021.01.008

Objective: Primary hypophysitis refers to the isolated inflammation of the pituitary gland not associated with other secondary causes. Among its histopathologic subtypes, xanthomatous is the rarest.

Methods: We describe a 22-year-old woman with xanthomatous hypophysitis (XH), its clinical progression over 8 years as well as the treatment effects of prednisolone and azathioprine. Our patient was first referred for severe short stature and delayed puberty at the age of 14 years.

Results: Investigations revealed multiple pituitary deficiencies. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a pituitary mass whereby a partial resection was performed. A full resection was not feasible due to the location of the mass. The histopathologic analysis of the tissue was consistent with XH. The results of secondary workout for neoplasm, infection, autoimmune, and inflammatory disorders were negative. After surgery, a progressive enlargement of the mass was observed. Two courses of prednisolone were administered with a significant reduction in the mass size. Azathioprine was added due to the unsustained effects of prednisolone when tapered off and the concern of steroid toxicity with continued use. No further increase in the mass size was noted after 6 months on azathioprine.

Conclusion: Glucocorticoid and immunotherapy are treatment options for XH; however, more cases are needed to better understand its pathogenesis and clinical progression.

Fulltext DARS-associated leukoencephalopathy can mimic a steroid-responsive neuroinflammatory disorder

Wolf NI, Toro C, Kister I, Latif KA, Leventer R, Pizzino A, et al.

Neurology, 2015 Jan 20;84(3):226-30.

PMID: 25527264 DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000001157

To describe the expanding clinical spectrum of a recently described hereditary leukoencephalopathy, hypomyelination with brainstem and spinal cord involvement and leg spasticity, which is caused by mutations in the aspartyl tRNA-synthetase encoding gene DARS, including patients with an adolescent onset.

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