COVID-19 pandemic and the risk of infection in multiple sclerosis patients on disease modifying therapies: "what the bleep do we know?".

The novel coronavirus which emerged in Wuhan province of China has taken world by surprise. Since been diagnosed in December 2019, it has been termed a "Pandemic" and there is a growing concern in physicians across the globe. As new evidence is emerging, there are various preventative strategies which are being deployed.

Dual Monoclonal Antibody Therapy in Patients With Systemic AL Amyloidosis and Cardiac Involvement.

Background: Systemic AL amyloidosis (AL) is a rare disease in which clonal immunoglobulin light chains produced by monoclonal plasma cells circulate and misfold, resulting in direct toxicity and fibrillar deposition of amyloid in numerous tissues. Early mortality from cardiac damage remains high. As depth of organ response carries a prognostic significance, combining anti-plasma cell and anti-amyloid therapies might hold the key to achieving long lasting responses.

Nephropleural Fistula Effectively Managed with Serial Thoracentesis: A Case Report.

Nephropleural fistulae are rare but serious thoracic complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Herein, we present the management of a 54-year-old female with a delayed presentation of nephropleural fistula. The role of serial thoracentesis as a safe, less invasive, less painful alternative to tube thoracostomy is highlighted.

Evaluation and enhancement of medical knowledge competency by monthly tests: a single institution experience.

Background: In-training examination (ITE) has been used as a predictor of performance at the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) certifying examination. ITE however may not be an ideal modality as it is held once a year and represents snapshots of performance as compared with a trend. We instituted monthly tests (MTs) to continually assess the performance of trainees throughout their residency.

Emergent echocardiography and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: Lifesaving in massive pulmonary embolism.

Massive pulmonary embolism is a life-threatening emergency that results in circulatory failure. The main challenges in management are early diagnosis and maintenance of hemodynamic stability. We present a case of a 63-year-old male who was in cardiac arrest.

Diffuse Autoimmune Enteropathy and Colopathy in an Adult Patient Successfully Treated With Adalimumab and a Review of the Literature.

Autoimmune enteropathy (AIE) is a rare disease that causes intractable diarrhea not responsive to a gluten free diet and must be distinguished from refractory sprue. It is associated with circulating autoantibodies against goblet cells and enterocytes. AIE mainly involves the small intestines, with very few cases reported in adults.

Non-secretory myeloma: a rare variant of multiple myeloma.

The spectrum of plasma cell neoplasm represents indolent conditions like Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS) to more aggressive multiple myeloma and plasma cell leukemia. Non-secretory myeloma comprises less than 01% of this spectrum where serum protein electrophoresis and quantitative immunoglobulins remain essentially normal. We are presenting a case report of this rare variant involving the sternum of an adult male.

Imatinib-related bone marrow aplasia after complete cytogenetic response in chronic myeloid leukemia.

Imatinib mesylate is a BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitor used in the management of chronic myeloid leukemia. It is a safe and well-tolerated agent with a few manageable side effects. We are reporting a case of imatinib-related fatal bone marrow aplasia after complete cytogenetic response.