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Background and Aim. Proximal sessile serrated adenomas (PSSA) leading to colorectal cancer (CRC) represent an alternate pathway for CRC development. In this study, we aim to determine the prevalence of PSSAs and the impact of patient, colonoscopy, and endoscopist-related factors on PSSA detection. Methods. Patients ≥ 50 years of age undergoing a screening colonoscopy between 2012 and 2014 were included. Detection rates based on patient gender, race, colonoscopy timing, fellow participation, bowel preparation quality, and specialty of the endoscopist were calculated. t-tests were used to compare detection rates and a multivariate-adjusted analysis was performed. Results. 140 PSSAs were detected from 4151 colonoscopies, with a prevalence of 3.4%. Detection rate was higher in Caucasians compared to African-Americans (AA) (3.7 ± 4.1 versus 0.96 ± 3.5; p<0.001). Gastroenterologists detected more PSSAs compared to nongastroenterologists (3.9 ± 3.5 versus 2.2 ± 3.0; p=0.028). These findings were still significant after adjusted multivariate analysis. The rest of the factors did not make significant difference in PSSA detection rate. Conclusions. PSSAs are more prevalent in Caucasians compared to AAs. Racial difference in prevalence of PSSAs is intriguing and warrants further investigation. Gastroenterologists have a significantly higher PSSADR compared to nongastroenterologists. Educational measures should be implemented in nongastroenterologists to improve their PSSA detection rates.

72 Background: Checkpoint inhibitors have demonstrated efficacy in many cancer types. Neurological side effects are not well studied with check point inhibitors therapy. We conducted systematic review and meta analysis to evaluate the incidence of neurological side effects among various check point inhibitors. Methods: Eligible studies were searched for in PubMed and Google scholar. We searched for randomized controlled trials with cancer patients treated with check point inhibitors with neurological adverse effects. A total of 26 randomized controlled trials involving 6110 patients met eligibility criteria for the study. Results: Incidence rate of all grade neurological side effects include 5.6%(95% confidence interval [CI], 5.4-6.7%). Most common side effects include Headache (4.6%) (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.7-4.7%) followed by peripheral neuropathy (0.3%) (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.1-0.5%). Ipilimumab plus Nivolumab is associated with higher risk of headache and serious neurological side effects including myasthenia gravis, encephalitis, toxic encephalopathy and seizures. Conclusions: The incidence of neurological side effects associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors is low but not negligable. Patients on combination immunotherapy need more close monitoring for serious neurological side effects.

Context: Microalbuminuria is a known indicator of atherosclerosis and its association with ischemic heart disease (IHD) has been extensively studied in the diabetic population. The significance of urine microalbumin in non-diabetics, however, is yet to be elucidated. Aim: To determine whether an independent association exists between microalbuminuria and IHD in non-diabetic Asian-Indians, and the level of microalbuminuria predictive of concomitant IHD. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional case-control study was conducted between July 2009 and June 2011. Non-diabetic patients undergoing evaluation for IHD were divided into cases and controls, based on the presence or absence of IHD, respectively. Fifty cases and 50 controls were included, and matched by age, sex, smoking habit, hypertension and body-mass index (BMI). Fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting lipid profile, and urine microalbumin were recorded for all patients. Results: Mean fasting glucose, mean low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol and mean urine microalbumin were all significantly higher in cases compared to controls. Urine microalbumin was independently associated with IHD, and microalbumin greater than 12.6 mg/g was predictive of IHD (OR: 13.5; 95% CI, 4.6-39.9; P < 0.001). Conclusion: Urine microalbumin is independently associated with IHD in non-diabetics and levels greater than 12.6 mg/g are predictive of IHD.

Background: Ankle edema is a common adverse effect of amlodipine, an L-type calcium channel blocker (CCB). Cilnidipine is a newer L/N-type CCB, approved for treatment of essential hypertension. Aim: This study was designed to determine whether cilnidipine can produce resolution of amlodipine-induced edema while maintaining adequate control of hypertension. Materials and Methods: A prospective study was performed on 27 patients with essential hypertension with amlodipine-induced edema. Concomitant nephropathy, cardiac failure, hepatic cirrhosis, or other causes of edema, and secondary hypertension were excluded by appropriate tests. Amlodipine therapy was substituted in all the cases with an efficacy-equivalent dose of cilnidipine. Clinical assessment of ankle edema and measurement of bilateral ankle circumference, body weight, blood pressure, and pulse rate were performed at onset of the study and after 4 weeks of cilnidipine therapy. Results: At completion of the study, edema had resolved in all the patients. There was a significant decrease in bilateral ankle circumference and body weight ( P < 0.001). There was no significant change in mean arterial blood pressure and pulse rate. Conclusions: Therapy with cilnidipine resulted in complete resolution of amlodipine-induced edema in all the cases without significant worsening of hypertension or tachycardia. Cilnidipine is an acceptable alternative antihypertensive for patients with amlodipine-induced edema.

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/m 2 (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.

A 32-year-old diabetic male, with a past history of head injury and seizures, presented with a painful swelling over his forehead present for the past three months. Cranial MRI demonstrated the presence of a scalp collection with extradural extension through a bony defect. Biopsy from the area showed caseating necrosis suggestive of tuberculosis. Although the patient failed to return for initiation of anti-tubercular therapy for the next 11 months, the swelling did not progress, and there were no constitutional symptoms. The indolent nature of the swelling prompted re-evaluation and delayed cultures of pus from the collection grew Burkholderia pseudomallei.

To determine the range and incidence of complications associated with Plasmodium vivax (P. vivax) malaria.A retrospective analysis was performed of all patients of P. vivax malaria admitted in Kasturba Medical College, Manipal between January and December, 2010. Patients with mixed malarial infection were excluded by appropriate tests. Clinical presentation and laboratory parameters were studied.Medical records of 213 individuals who satisfied the inclusion criteria were reviewed. Anaemia was seen in 65 (30.5%), leucopenia in 38 (17.8%) and thrombocytopenia in 184 (86.4%) patients. Aspartate and alanine aminotransferases were elevated in 86 (40.4%), and 89 (41.9%) patients respectively. Hypoalbuminemia was observed in 157 (73.6%) cases. Elevated serum creatinine was noted in in 59 (27.5%) patients. Creatine kinase was elevated in 30 out of 59 patients (50.8%). Overall, 107 (50.2%) patients fulfilled WHO criteria for severe malaria. None of the patients succumbed to the disease.P. vivax malaria is a potentially severe disease, and the term "benign" tertian malaria is a misnomer. Despite significant morbidity, with timely and appropriate treatment P. vivax malaria has an excellent outcome.

Lipoid proteinosis is a rare congenital disorder that can present with a variety of symptoms. A nineteen year old Indian male with dysmorphic features was admitted with a twelve year history of recurrent ulcerations over the upper limbs and oral cavity. Although the initial presentation was strongly suggestive of a congenital immune-deficiency syndrome, all investigations for immunodeficiency disorders were negative. Subsequent evaluation yielded a diagnosis of lipoid proteinosis.

A 19-year-old Asian Indian female presented with productive cough since the past one month and low grade fever since the past two weeks. She was diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis and treated with antitubercular drugs. Subsequently, delayed cultures of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid grew Burkholderia pseudomallei (B. pseudomallei). On follow up the patient reported significant subjective improvement and ESR progressively returned to normal. In summary, this case report raises two distinct and equally intriguing roles for B. pseudomallei, i.e. respiratory colonization and spontaneously resolving pulmonary infection. The pathogenic potential of B. pseudomallei, the etiologic agent of melioidosis, is well known. Confirmation of either colonization or spontaneous resolution, would potentially spare many patients unnecessary and expensive therapy with broad-spectrum antibiotics, and contribute to more rational usage of antibiotics, especially in co-infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and B. pseudomallei-two bacterial diseases with closely similar clinical, radiologic and histopathologic features.

We report the case of an 18-year-old girl presenting with shock following ingestion of 85 mg of amlodipine and 850 mg of atenolol with suicidal intent. Subsequently, the patient developed severe metabolic acidosis, acute kidney injury, and acute respiratory distress syndrome, which were managed conservatively. The patient ultimately made a full recovery. Given the popularity of amlodipine and atenolol as antihypertensive drugs in this part of the world, it is likely that more such cases will be encountered in the future. Physicians should be aware of the severe complications that can develop with amlodipine overdose.

Steven Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a rare drug induced mucocutaneous reaction. Here, we present an elaborate report of a 28-year-old female patient who developed Phenytoin induced SJS, which was exacerbated by cefepime.

Carotid artery stenosis is a disabling disease in all age groups. Elderly people are more prone to recurrent strokes due to advancing age and multiple co-morbidities. Treatment options for symptomatic carotid stenosis in the very elderly are the same as in younger patients although with a higher operative risk. We describe a successful case of carotid artery stenting in a nonagenarian with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis, a subgroup for whom treatment options are rarely discussed in guidelines.

A 25-year-old housewife presented with a burning sensation over both legs for the past 15 months, and fever with weight loss for the past six months. She had noticed a lump in her left breast one month ago. Examination revealed hyperaesthesia and allodynia over the lower limbs. Nerve conduction studies confirmed the presence of sensory neuropathy. Nerve biopsy was suggestive of a chronic axonopathy. Subsequently sputum as well as aspirate from the breast lump tested positive for acid fast bacilli. Treatment with anti-tubercular therapy resulted in full recovery. Peripheral neuropathy is a unique and unusual presentation of tuberculosis.

A 43-year-old male with chronic kidney disease on maintenance hemodialysis presented with breathlessness, cough and right-sided abdominal pain. Examination revealed a large right-sided pleural effusion and subsequent thoracocentesis yielded an exudate. Although the fluid culture was sterile, sputum culture produced Moraxella catarrhalis. Tuberculosis was ruled out by pleural fluid analysis and pleural biopsy. Antibiotics were administered and subsequent radiograms indicated resolution of the effusion. This is a rare case of a large unilateral pleural effusion secondary to M. catarrhalis infection in a nonsmoker with no pre-existing pulmonary pathology.

A 68-year-old farmer presented with progressively worsening pain in multiple joints associated with stiffening for 9 months. Locomotor examination revealed grossly restricted movement of the axial skeleton. There were no neurological deficits. Radiological evaluation demonstrated diffuse bone densification and extraspinal calcification with bony ankylosis reminiscent of ankylosing spondylitis. Laboratory tests subsequently yielded the true diagnosis. The patient was counselled accordingly and started on appropriate therapy.

Background: Strict glycemic control is critical in preventing adverse maternal and fetal outcomes with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), but frequently results in recurrent maternal hypoglycemia and is often impracticable. This study was done to determine whether a more lenient strategy might provide satisfactory outcomes and to formulate a glycemic score for prognostication of fetal outcomes. Methods: A prospective non-interventional study was conducted on consecutive patients admitted with GDM between May 2007 and August 2009. Patients with pre-gestational diabetes were excluded. All patients received treatment at the discretion of treating consultants. Glycemic control was estimated by recording mean values of all glucose profiles performed. Fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels below 95 mg/dl and 120 mg/dl, respectively, were considered controlled. A glycemic score was calculated based on the number of mean blood glucose values controlled. Fetal outcomes were noted. Results: Ninety-four patients with GDM were included. The glycemic score was significantly predictive of adverse fetal outcomes (p < 0.001). Analysis by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed good sensitivity and specificity for macrosomia (78.3% and 81.8%, respectively) and congenital anomalies (73.9% and 66.7%, respectively) with a glycemic score of 2 or less [area under curve (AUC) 0.768; odds ratio (OR), 11.17; 95% Confidence Interval (CI), 2.58-48.35; p < 0.001; and AUC 0.765; OR, 2.22; 95% CI, 0.71-6.92; p = 0.055, respectively]. Binomial logistic regression confirmed the glycemic score to be independently predictive of fetal outcome (p = 0.015). Conclusion: The glycemic score is a sensitive and specific prognostic marker. Tight control of three of four values of blood glucose within the glucose profile appears sufficient to prevent adverse fetal outcomes.

We described a 45-year-old previously healthy man presenting with progressively worsening breathlessness for 10 days. Physical examination was suggestive of a left-sided pleural effusion. A chest X-ray was confirmatory. Analysis of aspirated fluid showed a lymphocytic exudate with grossly elevated amylase and lipase levels. CT revealed chronic calcific pancreatitis as the underlying cause of effusion. Retrospective questioning failed to identify classical symptoms of chronic pancreatitis including abdominal pain and steatorrhoea. The patient was managed with intercostal drainage and supportive care. Although unusual, chronic pancreatitis should be kept as a differential diagnosis in patients with unilateral exudative pleural effusion. Elevated fluid levels of amylase and lipase are useful clues to this uncommon diagnosis.

We report the case of a 27-year-old man, presenting with one episode of massive haematemesis and a history of persistent eosinophilia for the past 8 months. An evaluation revealed hepatic cirrhosis with portal hypertension, secondary to chronic Budd-Chiari syndrome. Further investigations confirmed a diagnosis of hypereosinophilic syndrome. Molecular genetic analysis was negative for FIP1L1-PDGFRA gene rearrangement, but positive for JAK2V617F mutation.

A 60-year-old lady with type 2 diabetes was diagnosed with tuberculous pericardial effusion, and initiated on antitubercular therapy with isoniazid (300 mg oral), rifampicin (600 mg oral), pyrazinamide (1250 mg oral) and ethambutol (800 mg oral) along with prednisolone (60 mg oral). On follow-up, transthoracic echocardiography confirmed resolution of pericardial effusion. A submitral aneurysm measuring 2.2×1.8 cm was visualised just below the posterior mitral leaflet, and confirmed by transesophageal echocardiography. As the patient was asymptomatic and there was no evidence of mitral regurgitation, it was …

We report the case of a 58-year-old lady who presented with abdominal pain and backache. Although initial evaluation was strongly suggestive of abdominal aortic dissection, she was ultimately found to have multiple arterial aneurysms. Work-up for underlying vasculitis was negative. Surgical repair was planned and the patient was referred to a cardiovascular surgeon. This case highlights the importance of careful radiological assessment in patients with suspected aortic dissection.

We report a 47-year-old man with diabetics presenting with massive haemoptysis. Physical examination showed moderate pallor, but was otherwise normal. Evaluation showed normal bleeding and clotting parameters. Aerobic cultures of sputum samples and acid-fast staining were negative. CT showed fusiform aneurysmal dilation of the descending thoracic aorta compressing the left main bronchus with secondary collapse of the left lower and lingular lobes. Massive haemoptysis was attributed to probable erosion of the aneurysm into the left main bronchus. Retrospective questioning failed to elicit pathognomic symptoms of aortic aneurysm including chest pain. While in the hospital, the patient had another bout of massive haemoptysis, requiring endotracheal intubation for airway protection. Chest x-ray revealed homogeneous opacification of the left hemithorax. The patient was treated with antitussives and blood transfusions and referred to a higher centre for endovascular stent grafting of the aneurysm and simultaneous surgical repair of the left main bronchus. Aortic aneurysm is a rare but deadly cause for haemoptysis, as rapid exsanguination can lead to cardiovascular collapse and death.

We describe the case of a 70-year-old woman who presented with symptoms of cardiac failure, and was found on clinical examination to have a purpuric rash over her lower extremities. Further evaluation of cardiac failure revealed tricuspid regurgitation with two large tricuspid valve vegetations. Blood cultures yielded a growth of Streptococcus viridans. She was treated with an intravenous ceftriaxone and gentamicin and made a complete recovery with resolution of the rash.

We describe a case of leucocytoclastic vasculitis manifested as exanthematous rash in a 57-year-old woman on long-term therapy with clopidogrel. The diagnosis was confirmed by skin biopsy. The patient was managed symptomatically with oral antihistaminics and topical steroids in consultation with dermatologists. Clopidogrel therapy was discontinued on suspicion of drug-induced vasculitis. The rash resolved completely within 2 weeks of withdrawal of clopidogrel, satisfying criteria for a probable adverse drug reaction. Leucocytoclastic vasculitis is an unusual adverse effect of clopidogrel therapy and even rarer as a late complication.

We report the case of a 62-year-old diabetic man, who was incidentally detected to have extensive calcification in his upper limb arteries, consistent with Monckeberg's sclerosis. The condition was identified when routine radial puncture attempted in the course of coronary angiography was repeatedly unsuccessful. Coronary angiography and angioplasty was subsequently performed through the femoral route. Monckeberg's sclerosis is a poorly understood condition associated with generalised atherosclerosis and chronic kidney disease. The pathogenesis and natural history of Monckeberg's sclerosis are briefly discussed.

A 41-year-old Asian-Indian male presented with recurrent episodes of jaundice over the past six months. Physical examination was normal, barring mild icterus. Laboratory parameters revealed indirect hyperbilirubinemia. Further evaluation yielded a diagnosis of severe nutritional vitamin B12 deficiency. Indirect hyperbilirubinemia was ascribed to ineffective erythropoiesis. Underlying Gilbert’s syndrome was ruled out by provocative testing with lipid-restricted diet. Presentation of severe vitamin B12 deficiency with isolated hyperbilirubinemia without concomitant major haematologic or neurologic dysfunction is unusual and potentially underdiagnosed. Awareness of this possibility can permit early diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency and forestall development of severe haematologic and neurologic sequelae.

A 32-year-old diabetic male, with a past history of head injury and seizures, presented with a painful swelling over his forehead present for the past three months. Cranial MRI demonstrated the presence of a scalp collection with extradural extension through a bony defect. Biopsy from the area showed caseating necrosis suggestive of tuberculosis. Although the patient failed to return for initiation of anti-tubercular therapy for the next 11 months, the swelling did not progress, and there were no constitutional symptoms. The indolent nature of the swelling prompted re-evaluation and delayed cultures of pus from the collection grew Burkholderia pseudomallei.

Brucellosis is a chronic infection produced by members of the Brucella family. Diagnosis of this condition requires either isolation of the organism in culture or positive serological tests.We describe a 27-year-old male admitted as a case of pyrexia of unknown origin (PUO), who tested negative for Brucella IgM ELISA test on preliminary evaluation but was subsequently diagnosed on the strength of positive blood and bone marrow cultures to be a case of brucellosis secondary to Brucella suis infection. In addition to highlighting the pathogenic potential of an unusual organism, this case demonstrates the unreliability of standard serological tests based on the Brucella melitensis antigen for infection with other species of Brucella.

Coronary arteriovenous fistulae are a rare but potentially curable cause of ischaemic heart disease and should be considered as a differential diagnosis especially in patients lacking classical risk factors for coronary artery disease. We discuss one such case of cardiac ischaemia resulting from a coronary arteriovenous fistula. While there are sporadic case reports of similar patients in medical literature, our patient is the first reported case of ST-elevation myocardial infarction secondary to the fistulous connection.

Copper sulphate poisoning, while unusual in the West, is not rare in the Indian subcontinent, and mostly suicidal in intent. Unfortunately, data available on copper sulphate poisoning is limited. This study was planned to identify common presentations and complications of copper sulphate poisoning, and biochemical parameters that predict outcomes in these patients.A retrospective analysis of 35 patients presenting with copper sulphate poisoning over a period of 10 years (2001-2010) was performed, based on review of their medical records. Paediatric cases and patients with concomitant poisoning with other substances were excluded. Clinical presentation, laboratory parameters, complications and treatment modalities were studied.Of the 35 cases, 23 were females (65.71%). Mean age was 29.18 ± 10.77 years. Vomiting was the commonest symptom (85.71%) followed by diarrhoea (45.71%), epigastric pain (42.86%) and rectal passage of blood (31.43%). Fourteen (40%) patients had pre-existing psychiatric disease. Medical signs included pallor (37.14%) and icterus (37.14%). Major complications included hemolysis (68.57%), renal failure (51.43%), acute hepatitis (45.71%) and upper gastrointestinal bleed (40%). Mean serum copper at presentation was 104.53 ± 56.67 μg/dL; mean methemoglobin level was 9.59 ± 8.28%. Twenty-seven patients survived yielding a mortality rate of 22.9%. Peak serum aspartate and alanine aminotransferases were significantly lower (223.8 ± 247.3 U/L, 66.3 ± 92.2 U/L) in survivors compared to non-survivors (489.6 ± 374.0 U/L, 192.9 ± 168.7 U/L; p = 0.03, p 0.01, respectively). Analysis by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed sensitivities of 100% and 85.7%, and specificities of 73.1% and 69.2%, respectively for peak serum alanine aminotransferase levels greater than 55 U/L, and peak serum aspartate aminotransferase levels greater than 234 U/L in predicting mortality.Copper sulphate is a potent poison that can involve multiple organ systems. Elevated levels of serum aspartate and alanine aminotransferases beyond the aforementioned values can identify patients at greater risk of mortality, allowing for institution of aggressive treatment.

A 36-year-old housewife, previously diagnosed with Sheehan’s syndrome on glucocorticoid and thyroxine replacement therapy, presented with unprovoked diabetic ketoacidosis. Ketoacidosis was corrected with intravenous fluids and insulin therapy. Further evaluation was suggestive of type 2 diabetes mellitus. On follow-up, she experienced repeated episodes of hypoglycaemia and insulin was tapered and stopped. Adequate glycaemic control was maintained with metformin monotherapy.

Community-acquired pneumonia due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa typically occurs in patients with pre-existing lung disease and immunocompromised individuals. We report the case of a previously healthy young adult who presented with recurrent episodes of pneumonia due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa complicated by pleural effusion. Careful and extensive evaluation ultimately revealed the unusual reason behind the patient’s illness.

Pantoe agglomerans (P. agglomerans) is an unusual cause for sepsis in immunocompetent individuals, especially in the absence of characteristic risk factors. We report one such case occurring in a farmer, manifesting with severe illness. The severe nature of illness and the apparently spontaneous origin of septicemia underline the pathogenic potential of this organism. When coupled with the ubiquity of the organism, there is a definite possibility that this disease may become increasingly frequent in the near future, especially in agronomic countries like India. Further studies on the epidemiology and natural history of this disease are required.

A 22-year-old male presented with severe myalgias and backache of acute onset, as well as one episode of opisthotonus. On repeated questioning, he admitted to having consumed leaves of Strychnos nux-vomica with suicidal intent. He was treated conservatively with intravenous diazepam and analgesia and made a complete recovery. Strychnine poisoning is rarely encountered and poisoning by consumption of leaves is even rarer. This case demonstrates the potent toxicity of strychnine as well as the effectiveness of therapy when initiated early.

We describe two cases of bacterial endocarditis secondary to multidrug-resistant Gram-negative organisms. In both cases, the diagnosis was made in accordance with the modified Duke's criteria and confirmed by histopathological analysis. Furthermore, in both instances there were no identifiable sources of bacteraemia and no history of contact with hospital or other medical services prior to the onset of symptoms. The patients were managed in similar fashion with prolonged broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy and surgical intervention and made complete recoveries. These cases highlight Gram-negative organisms as potential agents for endocarditis, as well as expose the dissemination of such multidrug-resistant bacteria into the community. The application of an integrated medical and surgical approach and therapeutic dilemmas encountered in managing these cases are described.

We present a case of a 24-year-old woman with abnormal behaviour of recent onset. She had been diagnosed previously with epilepsy and had been started on antiepileptic medication. Clinical examination confirmed features of psychosis including paranoid delusions and auditory hallucination. Neurological examination showed nystagmus and dysmetria. Further evaluation revealed the underlying cause for her symptoms. She responded promptly to appropriate therapy with complete resolution of psychosis.

We describe a case of a 49-year-old diabetic man with a history of myocardial infarction, presenting with deafness for 2 weeks. Initial assessment by otorhinolaryngologists was suggestive of sensorineural hearing loss. Subsequently, the cardiac evaluation showed an apical clot in the left ventricle. Careful neurological reassessment and a cranial MRI yielded a diagnosis of cortical deafness with auditory agnosia secondary to bilateral temporal infarcts. Doppler and MRI ruled out carotid artery thrombosis. The temporal infarcts were therefore considered to be cardioembolic in origin. Cardioembolic stroke is an important differential diagnosis for patients presenting with neurological symptoms on a background of cardiac disease.

A 55-year-old previously healthy Asian Indian man was brought to our hospital with alleged near drowning. He had been found prone in a shallow pool of water in the grounds near his home by his neighbours. The actual circumstances of the event had not been witnessed. At presentation, he was deeply comatose with a Glasgow Coma Scale of 3/15. He was haemodynamically stable, but hypoxic (arterial oxygen saturation: 65% on room air) and gasping. Systemic examination revealed bilateral ocular bobbing (video 1). Oculocephalic reflex was absent. The pupils were bilaterally miotic and responded sluggishly to light. Deep tendon reflexes were normal and symmetrical. Plantar response was bilaterally absent. There were no other focal neurological signs. …

We report the case of a 65-year-old woman presenting with recurrent vomiting for 3 days. She had been previously diagnosed with an atrial septal defect and was on treatment with diuretics and digoxin for paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. The clinical examination was consistent with an atrial septal defect with severe pulmonary hypertension. Electrocardiography showed complete heart block with ST-segment changes suggestive of digitalis toxicity. Transthoracic echocardiography confirmed Eisenmengerisation. Serum digoxin levels were elevated. Following hospitalisation, she was diagnosed with photophobia when she persistently asked for ambient lighting to be switched off. Most interestingly, the patient kept reporting seeing little yellow men, which was how she perceived the attending doctors. Cessation of digoxin therapy led to progressive abatement of her symptoms.

We report the case of a 24-year-old man, presenting with fever, headache, vomiting and seizures, subsequently diagnosed with cyanotic congenital heart disease. Evaluation revealed non-obstructive supracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) as the underlying disorder. Surprisingly, the patient denied any past cardiac symptoms. Presentation in adulthood is infrequent for TAPVC, and primary manifestation with cerebral abscesses is still more unusual.

A 71-year-old Asian-Indian male agriculturist presented with fever since 3 months. Clinical examination revealed hepatosplenomegaly and an early diastolic murmur in the aortic area. Echocardiography confirmed aortic regurgitation with large vegetations on the aortic valve leaflets, and also showed mild left ventricular dilatation with systolic dysfunction. Although blood cultures were persistently sterile, serology for Brucella was strongly positive. On retrospective questioning, the patient confirmed frequent occupational exposure to cattle. Surgical intervention was offered, but refused by the patient on financial grounds. Medical therapy for brucellosis with rifampicin, doxycycline and streptomycin resulted in complete and durable recovery.

We describe a 34-year-old man with an ostium secundum atrial septal defect, Ebstein's anomaly of the tricuspid valve with severe tricuspid regurgitation, congenital valvular pulmonary stenosis, rheumatic mitral stenosis and regurgitation with aortic regurgitation, who presented with decompensated heart failure after developing atrial fibrillation. The complex haemodynamic interplay of these lesions is also discussed.

We report the case of a 40-year-old housewife, who presented with vomiting since past 5 days and weakness of all four limbs since 1 day. Clinical examination confirmed the presence of flaccid quadriparesis with preserved tendon reflexes. Routine laboratory parameters showed severe hypokalaemia. On further evaluation she was diagnosed to have type 1 renal tubular acidosis secondary to Sjogren's syndrome. Sicca symptoms were conspicuous by their absence.

Absent pulmonary valve syndrome (APVS) is a rare congenital cardiac anomaly. This syndrome is comprised of subtotal or total absence of pulmonary valve leaflets, stenosis of the pulmonary artery orifice, aneurysmal dilation of the main pulmonary artery and ventricular septal defect. We report a case of APVS with neural tube defect detected prenatally at 22 weeks of gestation by echocardiography, and subsequently confirmed by autopsy of the still born fetus. The common presentations, means of diagnosis and variants of APVS are discussed in brief.