Serological autoimmune profile of systemic lupus erythematosus in deep and non-deep endometriosis patients

Several studies have reported a high prevalence of autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in endometriosis patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the SLE autoimmune antibody profile in patients with deep (DE) and non-deep endometriosis (Non-DE).Four groups of premenopausal patients were evaluated: patients with DE (n = 50); patients with ovarian endometriomas (Non-DE; n = 50); healthy patients without endometriosis (C group; n = 45); and SLE patients without endometriosis (SLE group; N = 46). Blood samples were obtained and the standard SLE autoimmune profile was evaluated in all patients. Pain symptoms related to endometriosis and clinical SLE manifestations were also recorded.The DE group presented a statistically significant higher proportion of patients with antinuclear antibodies (ANA) (20%) compared to the Non-DE group (4%) and C group (2.2%). Levels of complement were more frequently lower among DE and Non-DE patients although differences did not reach statistical significance. Similarly, anti-dsDNA antibodies and anticoagulant lupus were positive in more patients of the DE group but did not reach statistical significance. The DE group complained of more arthralgia and asthenia compared to the Non-DE and C groups.The results of this study showed higher positivity of ANA and greater arthralgia and asthenia in patients with DE compared with Non-DE patients and healthy controls, suggesting that they may have a higher susceptibility to autoimmune diseases and present more generalized pain.Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier B.V

Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Classic Cardiovascular and New Genetic Risk Factors

&lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Background:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; The main causative process in idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (iSSNHL) has yet to be explained or demonstrated. The clinical picture supports vascular involvement, but obvious limitations of inner ear study make this difficult to corroborate. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Objectives:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; To determine the role of thrombophilic genetic variants that may affect platelet function and to assess the cardiovascular risk profile in a cohort of patients with iSSNHL. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Patients and Methods:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; 118 Caucasian patients with iSSNHL were recruited from the same geographical area and enrolled prospectively in this study. Clinical data were obtained for each patient. Polymorphisms of the platelet glycoprotein subunit IIIa gene, ITGB3 (PLA1/A2, rs5918), and of the platelet glycoprotein subunit Ia gene, ITGA2 (C807T, rs1126643) were analyzed. A control group of 161 age- and gender-matched healthy individuals from the same geographical area was recruited for genetic comparisons. In order to determine the cardiovascular risk profile of each patient and of our cohort, a cross-sectional assessment was performed by means of a calibrated Framingham coronary heart disease risk scale. Risk factor proportions were compared to those recommended in European guidelines for coronary prevention, which are also based on the Framingham function. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Results:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; A significantly high prevalence of the 807T allele of platelet glycoprotein subunit Ia was found in patients compared to controls. There was a significant correlation between the 807TT homozygous genotype and a low probability of recovery. The PLA1/A2 polymorphism of platelet glycoprotein subunit IIIa was not associated with recovery, with a similar genotype prevalence being found in patients and controls. In terms of cardiovascular risk profile, patients did not present an excess of baseline coronary risk factors compared to the general population in the same geographical area. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; Patients with iSSNHL had a higher prevalence of the 807T thrombophilic polymorphism of platelet glycoprotein Ia/IIa. Patients homozygous for this polymorphism are less likely to recover from iSSNHL. Classical cardiovascular risk factors were not related to iSSNHL.</jats:p

Cardiac hemangioma with papillary endothelial hyperplasia: Report of a resected case and review of the literature

A case of left atrial hemangioma with papillary endothelial hyperplasia in a 42-year-old man is reported. With the aid of cardiopulmonary bypass, the tumor was resected, and the patient is well 22 months after operation. The clinical symptoms at initial examination, operative procedure, and pathological findings are reported, and the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to cardiac tumors are described briefly. A review of surgically treated hemangiomas is also given.3083054SCI