Internal medicine
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Objective Identifying patients at high risk of steatotic liver disease (SLD) is crucial. The liver fibrosis stage is the most reliable marker of liver-related mortality. However, noninvasive risk stratification methods remain controversial. ⋯ A multivariate analysis with significant factors other than NOS score revealed that the absence of obesity and/or diabetes complications, a high FIB-4 index, and a high total bilirubin level were independent factors for liver-related events. Conclusion A high NOS score, absence of obesity and/or diabetes complications, a high FIB-4 index, and high total bilirubin levels are risk factors for disease progression. Patients with lean phenotypes or non-diabetic SLD should also be assessed using noninvasive markers to determine their risks and potential outcomes.
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Anemia is not known to cause intermittent claudication. We herein present the case of a 74-year-old male patient with intermittent claudication, in whom the primary symptom was severe iron-deficiency anemia. ⋯ This case highlights the need to consider anemia in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with intermittent neurogenic claudication. A comprehensive evaluation, including tests to rule out anemia, is crucial for making an accurate diagnosis and carrying out the appropriate management of intermittent claudication.
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Cardiac amyloidosis (CA), predominantly caused by amyloid transthyretin (ATTR) or immunoglobulin light chain (AL), has a poor prognosis, and a precise diagnosis is crucial because the optimal treatments differ between the two conditions. However, diagnosing AL-CA is challenging because of the unavailability of effective AL-detecting antibodies, particularly in cases with coexisting AL- and ATTR-CA. This report presents a successfully diagnosed case of complicated AL- and ATTR-CA that was successfully treated with tafamidis for ATTR-CA and combination chemotherapy for AL-CA. This case highlights the importance of a precise diagnosis of CA and supports the efficacy and safety of concurrent treatment for coexisting amyloidosis.
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A 59-year-old man without risk factors for atherosclerosis was diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Four days later, he developed dysarthria and gait disturbance. Neurological examination revealed slurred speech, ataxia, and mild cognitive decline. ⋯ A skin biopsy supported the diagnosis. He was treated with cilostazol and after three months of rehabilitation, he regained an independent walking ability. COVID-19 increases the risk of ischemic stroke in CADASIL patients, with bilateral middle cerebellar peduncle infarctions being notable in the present case.
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A Case of Autoimmune Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein Astrocytopathy Caused by Influenza A Infection.
Autoimmune glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) astrocytopathy is a new spectrum of autoimmune inflammatory nervous system disorders associated with infection, neoplasm, or drug use. We present the first pediatric case of GFAP astrocytopathy caused by an influenza A infection. ⋯ Methylprednisolone pulse therapy led to a good prognosis. In cases of progressive atypical complications of influenza infection, immunotherapy-reactive GFAP astrocytopathy should be considered as a differential diagnosis for prompt treatment.