Effect of Serum Deprivation Stress on Signal Induction Regulatory Protein-Alpha (SIRP-Alpha)-Mediated Erythrophagocytosis by Macrophages.

BACKGROUND Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare syndrome that involves loss of macrophages' self-cells recognition resulting in auto-phagocytosis of erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets and leading to multi-system effects. The pathogenesis of HLH is unclear but can be explained by malfunction of the physiologic inhibitory pathway through interaction between macrophage SIRP-alpha and erythrocyte CD 47. The goal of the present study was to evaluate if erythrocytes phagocytosis occurs as a result of altered macrophage SIRP-alpha expression during inflammatory/stressful conditions as seen in HLH.

The Effect of Perioperative Bevacizumab on Disease-Free and Overall Survival in Locally Advanced HER-2 Negative Breast Cancer: A Meta-Analysis.

Introduction: Multiple trials demonstrated that adding Bevacizumab to the standard neoadjuvant chemotherapy in HER-2 negative breast cancer increases pathological complete response. We conducted this meta-analysis to evaluate that effect on survival.

Methods: We performed a systematic search for randomized trials measuring the effect of adding either neoadjuvant or adjuvant Bevacizumab to the standard chemotherapy on disease-free and overall survival in breast cancer surgical candidates.

The role of hydroxychloroquine in catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome case: Series of two case reports and review of literature.

Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome is a rare disorder that remains under-recognized causing a high mortality rate even with treatment. Factors such as infections and systemic lupus erythematosus flare play as an inciting event in the thrombotic crisis which underlies catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome. The use of plasmapheresis has improved the outcome of such cases with a reduction in mortality rate from over 50% to less than 30%, according to some studies.

A Rare Case of Complete Heart Block in a Young Patient.

Introduction: Complete heart block (CHB) is considered as one of the dangerous rhythms since it can progress to lethal arrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia. It can be congenital or acquired. Patients may present with frequent palpitations, presyncope, dyspnea, or chest pain but also may remain asymptomatic.

Superior mesenteric venous thrombosis complicating acute appendicitis: A case report.

Rationale: Superior mesenteric venous thrombosis (SMVT) is a rare condition that carries high mortality. Very few cases have been reported of SMVT, complicating acute appendicitis. Early recognition requires a high index of suspicion and is crucial in successful treatment of such a life-threatening condition.

Segmental arterial mediolysis presenting as spontaneous bilateral renal artery dissection.

The commonest site of primary dissection involving the visceral vessels is renal arteries; however, spontaneous bilateral renal artery dissection is an extremely rare entity. Spontaneous renal artery dissection (SRAD) is rarely a cause of renovascular hypertension. Segmental arterial mediolysis is a rare arteriopathy of unknown etiology which is a nonatherosclerotic and noninflammatory condition.

Metformin-associated lactic acidosis mimicking ischaemic bowel.

Metformin-associated lactic acidosis (MALA) is a rare complication among patients who are diabetic, commonly presenting with non-specific findings, and developing mostly among those with other risk factors for lactic acidosis. We report the development of MALA in a 67-year-old man with diabetes who presented with progressive abdominal pain and bloody diarrhoea. On presentation the patient was in shock, with signs suggestive of peritonitis, and with severe lactic acidosis, renal failure and non-specific findings on abdominal CT.

Hemophagocytic syndrome masquerading as septic shock: An approach to such dilemma.

Introduction: Hemophagocytic syndrome or hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis is a rare condition characterized by excessive inflammation that is thought to be caused by the absence of normal downregulation of activated macrophages and lymphocytes. The treatment of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis can depend on whether it is primary or secondary. In secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, the treatment can be directed according to the cause.

Vertebral Artery Thrombosis in Chronic Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura.

Introduction: Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune hematological disorder that causes decreased production and destruction of platelets leading to thrombocytopenia. Although thrombocytopenia usually causes hemorrhagic problems, thrombotic events like strokes, although rare, can still occur. Management of thrombotic events in patients with ITP differs from that of patients with normal platelet count function and count.

Rare Purulent Cardiac Tamponade Caused by Streptococcus Constellatus in a Young Immunocompetent Patient: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND Purulent pericardial tamponade is a very rare occurrence in the current era of widespread antibiotic use. It is even rarer when caused by Streptococcus constellatus: a microorganism usually classified among the normal flora of the human body. It is occasionally diagnosed with certain predisposing factors.

Idiopathic Bilateral External Jugular Vein Thrombosis.

Background: Vein thrombosis is mainly determined by 3 factors, which constitute a triad called Virchow's triad: hypercoagulability, stasis, and endothelial injury. Venous thrombosis commonly occurs in the lower extremities since most of the blood resides there and flows against gravity. The veins of the lower extremities are dependent on intact valves and fully functional leg muscles.