Exacerbation of SUNCT and SUNA syndromes during intravenous dihydroergotamine treatment: A case series

Cephalalgia ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 35 (12) ◽  
pp. 1115-1124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giorgio Lambru ◽  
Paul Shanahan ◽  
Manjit Matharu

Background The management of short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT) and with short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with autonomic symptoms (SUNA) remains challenging in view of the limited understanding of their pathophysiological mechanisms. Methods An initial observation that patients with both chronic migraine (CM) or cluster headache (CH) and SUNCT/SUNA receiving intravenous dihydroergotamine (IV DHE) had complained of dramatic worsening of the latter led to review of the case notes of patients with CM or CH and co-existent SUNCT/SUNA seen between 2008 and 2013 and who had a trial of IV DHE. Results Twenty-four patients were identified. IV DHE was ineffective for SUNCT/SUNA in 16 patients, while one patient reported a marginal improvement. Five patients reported dramatic worsening of the SUNCT/SUNA. Moreover, two patients developed new-onset SUNA during their first IV DHE infusion. Out of these seven patients, those requiring repeated courses of IV DHE consistently experienced exacerbations of SUNCT/SUNA which were suppressed with IV lidocaine. Conclusions DHE is an ineffective treatment option for SUNCT and SUNA. Physicians who intend to offer IV DHE to CH or CM patients should warn them that IV DHE could exacerbate and possibly even lead to a de novo onset of SUNCT/SUNA. In view of the reported worsening or new onset of SUNCT/SUNA in patients using dopamine agonists for the treatment of pituitary prolactinomas, we speculate that DHE might worsen or induce SUNCT and SUNA, at least in a sub-group of patients, through a perturbation in the dopaminergic system.

Author(s):  
Luigi Francesco Iannone ◽  
Davide Fattori ◽  
Pierangelo Geppetti ◽  
Francesco De Cesaris

Cephalalgia ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 36 (10) ◽  
pp. 1002-1006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gonçalo Cação ◽  
Fernando Dias Correia ◽  
José Pereira-Monteiro

Background In this paper, we describe a cohort of patients with short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT), a rare trigeminal autonomic headache, managed in the outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital. Methods Patients were identified through review of individual records between January 1, 2008 and June 30, 2014. Results Fifteen patients were identified (eight males:seven females), with mean age at onset of 49.7 years, mean number of attacks per day of 7.5 and mean attack duration of 54.6 seconds. Pain was mostly orbital, periorbital or temporal. Cranial autonomic signs/symptoms were universally present; one patient reported ipsilateral epistaxis. Two symptomatic cases were identified and treated surgically. Most patients responded to lamotrigine, one to topiramate and another to eslicarbazepine. Conclusion Our case series is among the largest reported, with findings similar to others already published, but the first to report epistaxis during SUNCT attack and response to eslicarbazepine.


2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 295-299 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariam Al Hussona ◽  
Hugh Kearney ◽  
Arie Fisher ◽  
John Lynch ◽  
Seamus Looby ◽  
...  

Background and objectives: Epileptic seizures frequently occur in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and are thought to represent a manifestation of cortical pathology. However, at present, seizures are not considered to be a typical clinical presentation of demyelination. Methods and results: In this case series, we identified four people, who presented with seizures as a sole presenting feature, with demyelinating imaging abnormalities that satisfy current diagnostic criteria for a clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) or early MS. Conclusion: Based on this case series, we propose that people presenting with de novo seizures, with concurrent radiological abnormalities suggestive of demyelination could potentially be considered to have a CIS.


2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (03) ◽  
pp. 103-103
Author(s):  
Volker Aßfalg

Der Goldstandard der Immunsuppression nach Nierentransplantation gemäß aktuellen KDIGO-Empfehlungen 1 besteht nach wie vor aus einem Calcineurininhibitor (CNI), Mycophenolsäure und Steroiden – der sog. Tripel-Therapie. Der große Durchbruch in der Langzeitüberlebensrate von Nierentransplantaten gelang erst in den 1990er-Jahren mit dem Einsatz von Ciclosporin A. Mit Einführung des ähnlich wirkenden, aber potenteren Tacrolimus 2 wurde dieser CNI in die Empfehlungen der KDIGO als Erstlinienpräparat in der de novo Immunsuppression aufgenommen 1. Vonseiten des Nebenwirkungsprofils zeigen die CNI jedoch unerwünschte Nebenwirkungen wie z. B. Nephrotoxizität, die im Rahmen der sog. CNI-Toxizität die Transplantatlangzeitfunktion einschränken und limitieren kann. Darüber hinaus findet sich ein erhöhtes Risiko für Hypertonie, Fettstoffwechselstörungen und insbesondere für Tacrolimus die Auslösung eines Post-Transplantations-Diabetes (NODAT: New Onset Diabetes After Transplantation) oder Aggravierung eines bestehenden Diabetes mellitus.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth St. Laurent ◽  
Rebecca Fryer-Gordon ◽  
Tom McNeilis, ◽  
Leonard B. Goldstein

Preeclampsia, eclampsia, and HELLP syndrome, are a continuum of a dangerous disease process that can occur in pregnancy. Preeclampsia is defined by new onset hypertension and proteinuria. In more severe cases, preeclampsia can be associated with pulmonary edema, oliguria, persistent headaches, and impaired liver function. These symptoms reveal maternal end organ damage which may result in danger to the fetus such as oligohydramnios, decreased fetal growth, and placental abruption. The defining difference between preeclampsia and eclampsia is the presence of new onset seizure activity. HELLP syndrome occurs when the mother experiences hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets. This syndrome is seen in about 0.6% of pregnancies. Each of these conditions (preeclampsia, eclampsia, and HELLP) increase both the fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality rates with the most definitive cure being delivery of child and placenta.A 28 year-old Caucasian, G1P0 female at 26w4d presented to OB triage on the recommendation of her physician due to elevated uric acid levels and a recorded blood pressure of 180/110. The patient reported rapid onset of weight gain, facial edema, diminished fetal movements, and frequent headaches. Although the patient denied labor symptoms, she complained of back pain and was admitted to the hospital at 26w4d for observation due to elevated blood pressures. The patient was diagnosed with preeclampsia with severe features. As her presentation progressed, the patient developed massive ascites and pulmonary edema along with decreasing platelet counts and increasing liver enzyme values. Due to decreasing biophysical profile (BPP) scores of the fetus and decompensating lab values of the mother, an emergency cesarean was performed for the safety of mother and baby.This case presentation demonstrates the progression of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy with a rare and severe presentation of early-onset preeclampsia with severe features, pulmonary edema, and massive ascites that ultimately led to class III HELLP syndrome and extreme prematurity of the infant.


2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 156-160
Author(s):  
Jacqueline Watchmaker ◽  
Sean Legler ◽  
Dianne De Leon ◽  
Vanessa Pascoe ◽  
Robert Stavert

Background: Although considered a tropical disease, strongyloidiasis may be encountered in non-endemic regions, primarily amongst immigrants and travelers from endemic areas.  Chronic strongyloides infection may be under-detected owing to its non-specific cutaneous presentation and the low sensitivity of commonly used screening tools. Methods: 18 consecutive patients with serologic evidence of strongyloides infestation who presented to a single urban, academic dermatology clinic between September 2013 and October 2016 were retrospectively included.  Patient age, sex, country of origin, strongyloides serology titer, absolute eosinophil count, presenting cutaneous manifestations, and patient reported subjective outcome of pruritus after treatment were obtained via chart review.  Results: Of the 18 patients, all had non-specific pruritic dermatoses, 36% had documented eosinophila and none were originally from the United States. A majority reported subjective improvement in their symptoms after treatment. Conclusion:  Strongyloides infection and serologic testing should be considered in patients living in non-endemic regions presenting with pruritic dermatoses and with a history of exposure to an endemic area.Key Points:Chronic strongyloidiasis can be encountered in non-endemic areas and clinical manifestations are variableEosinophilia was not a reliable indicator of chronic infection in this case series Dermatologists should consider serologic testing for strongyloidiasis in patients with a history of exposure and unexplained pruritus


Author(s):  
Kira Pfeiffer ◽  
Thaqif El Khassawna ◽  
Deeksha Malhan ◽  
Christine Langer ◽  
Barbara Sommer ◽  
...  

Biofeedback was reported as an effective concept for bruxism treatment, through increasing patient’s awareness of the habit. During bruxing both ear canals become tighter, therefore, an in-ear device can provide biofeedback. The in-ear device is fitted to the ear canal in physiological status, during bruxing the ear-canal tightens resulting in stress on the canal walls and unpleasant feeling. Subsequently, patients stop their bruxing habit. The aim of this study is to provide first clinical evidence that in-ear devices have a positive impact on relieving bruxism in patients. Despite the low number of patients, this early study was designed as a controlled prospective study. The trial included seven female patients with a median age of 47.3 years (23–64 years). Only two patients implemented their devices for eight and seven months, respectively. One patient reported a relief in her symptoms, like headaches and pain intensity during the night, by 50% after three month and 80% after six months. Despite the limited number of participants, the study reflects a potential of Intra-aural devices as effective biofeedback devices in treating bruxism.


2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_N) ◽  
pp. N135-N137
Author(s):  
Teresa Fedele ◽  
Silvia Orefice ◽  
Ludovica Fiorillo ◽  
Vittoria Cuomo ◽  
Valentina Capone ◽  
...  

Abstract Aims The inability to carry office visits was collateral damage caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Tele-health is a relatively new, and yet fundamental amid the current crisis, resource to bridge the gap between phisicians and patients. Methods and results We report our experience with telemedicine and describe the major events occured in our patients. 121 consecutive adult patients with arterial hypertension (F/M: 56/65; mean age: 66.8 years) were enrolled. 33 patients (27%) had also diabetes, 94 (78%) were also affected from dyslipidemia and 11 (9%) had CAD. They all referred to our ambulatory of hypertension, in most of case for several years. Given the impossibility to continue routine outpatient visits during lockdown, they were all phone called by three residents in order to detect their state of health or any events they could have experienced over this period. They were all asked about their own blood pressure values, the occurrence of new symptoms and of new-onset both cardiovascular and non cardiovascular events. We also followed a self-made preset form. 31 of them (26%) experienced cardiovascular symptoms/events during this period: 11 had hypertensive peaks, in one case associated with nausea and vomiting while 2 of them had hypotensive episodes; 10 had typical angina and/or dyspnoea while 4 had atypical angina; 6 had palpitations; 1 of them developed new onset atrial fibrillation resolved with pharmacologic cardioversion during hospitalization; 1 had syncope; 1 patient reported new onset peripheral oedema; 2 patients died during lockdown for non cardiovascular causes. 17 of them also developed non cardiovascular symptoms, 7 of whom were severe anxiety and/or panic attacks. Almost all patients had important lifestyle changes, in 15 cases (12.3%) associated with weight increase. Conclusion The impossibility to access to routine outpatient visits during lockdown due to global pandemic of SARS-CoV2, has brought out the risk of underestimating consequences of chronic disease, in absence of appropriate Follow-up. Nevertheless, the two deaths we report were not related to cardiovascular disease. The risk is that both the missing of cardiovascular control visit and the extension of the waiting list, could provoke serious complications in patients suffering from chronic cardiovascular disease.


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