Systemic Conidiobolus incongruus infection and hypertrophic osteopathy in a white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus).
(33/59)
Postmortem examination of a free-range white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) revealed severe emaciation, bilateral firm proliferation of the metatarsal diaphyses, and a large intrathoracic mass associated with the accessory lung lobe. Smaller masses were evident in the abomasum, duodenum, omentum, and the capsular surface of the liver. Microscopically, the masses were similar and were diagnosed as eosinophilic granulomas with intralesional fungal hyphae characteristic of Zygomycetes spp. Fungal hyphae were identified as Conidiobolus incongruus by 18S ribosomal RNA sequencing on fresh lung tissue. Furthermore, the proliferative lesions of the metatarsal bones along with the intrathoracic mass were compatible with hypertrophic osteopathy. (+info)
Hybrid imaging systems in the diagnosis of osteomyelitis and prosthetic joint infection.
(34/59)
Early diagnosis of osteomyelitis and prosthetic bone infection is essential for successful therapy and prevention of complications. Nuclear medicine offers a variety of modalities for this aim, including both single photon emission tomography (SPET) and positron emission tomography (PET) radiopharmaceuticals. The main limitation of these functional images is the fact that they are lacking the structural delineation of the pathologic processes; this important drawback can sometimes render interpretation difficult and diminish the diagnostic capability. The recent availability of hybrid SPET/computed tomography (CT) and PET/CT devices that acquire both functional and anatomical data can solve these problems. In fact, the combination of SPET or PET with CT provides exact anatomical registration with bone and joint lesions and improves the accuracy of the nuclear medicine images. This article reviews the currently available literature and addresses the use of hybrid systems in the diagnosis of osteomyelitis and prosthetic bone infection. The first reports indicate that hybrid imaging is very useful in these indications, because it is able to provide further information of clinical value in several cases. The advantage of accurately localizing the areas of increased radiotracer uptake allows a precise differentiation between soft tissue and bone infection, that is crucial for the choice of therapy and patients' management. However, data are still very limited and further studies are needed to verify if hybrid imaging may really become clinically relevant in the near future for early diagnosis of osteomyelitis and prosthetic bone infection. (+info)
Case report: nitazoxanide for treatment of refractory bony hydatid disease.
(35/59)
Although nitazoxanide has been shown to have activity against Echinococcus multilocularis in animal studies and against E. granulosus in vitro, its use in treatment of human cystic echinococcosis has not been reported. We report a case of progressive bony hydatid disease treated with nitazoxanide that showed a clinical and radiologic response. The patient had a 40-year history of hydatid disease involving the left hip. Despite prolonged courses of albendazole and praziquantel, she had progressive disease with extensive involvement of the left hemipelvis and adjacent soft tissue cysts. She was treated with nitazoxanide, 500 mg twice a day for 3 months in combination with albendazole. The clinical response was supported by imaging showing marked improvement in the soft tissue cysts, with stable disease in the bony pelvis. Although further studies are required, this case suggests that nitazoxanide may be an effective treatment option in hydatid disease, particularly in patients with progressive disease who are receiving conventional therapy. (+info)
Melioidosis after brief exposure: a serologic survey in US Marines.
(36/59)
Melioidosis is endemic to Southeast Asia. The incidence of infection in visitors is not well known, especially for short visits. Thirteen (38%) of 34 previously unexposed US Marines had positive serology after 2 weeks in Thailand, and one developed acute disseminated disease. Asymptomatic infection with Burkholderia pseudomallei may be common, even from brief exposures. (+info)
Continuous clindamycin infusion, an innovative approach to treating bone and joint infections.
(37/59)