Ronak Saeed Ahmed, Azad Star Hattam, Hiwa O. Abdullah, Bilal A. Mohammed, Karzan M. Hasan, Honar Othman Kareem, Sasan M. Ahmed, Hemin S. Mohammed and 2 more
Introduction Ticks frequently target wild, hairy mammals and can cause diverse complications when biting humans. This report highlights a case of scalp tick infestation in a child, leading to seeking unrelated medical consultation. Case presentation A 7-year-old female presented with a severe headache and neck…
Tick Infestation on the Scalp Leading to Misguided Medical Consultation: A Case Report
Ronak Saeed Ahmed, Azad Star Hattam, Hiwa O. Abdullah, Bilal A. Mohammed, Karzan M. Hasan, Honar Othman Kareem, Sasan M. Ahmed, Hemin S. Mohammed and 2 more
IntroductionTicks frequently target wild, hairy mammals and can cause diverse complications when biting humans. This report highlights a case of scalp tick infestation in a child, leading to seeking unrelated medical consultation.
Case presentationA 7-year-old female presented with a severe headache and neck stiffness for two days. The parents brought their child to a neurology clinic. Then, the patient was referred to a dermatology clinic due to a scalp tick infestation. The patient suffered from severe pain and irritability, making it difficult to tolerate any touch of the scalp. Physical examination revealed a few bleeding points, with a single grey tick (Ixodes species) firmly attached to the scalp. It was gently removed using blunt forceps and after 10 days of follow-up, there were no signs of scalp rash, fever, or lymphadenopathy.
ConclusionTick bites on the scalp can present with severe headaches and neck stiffness that may be disguised as other neurological conditions and cause seeking non-related medical consultation.
Wirya N. Sabr, Azad Star Hattam, Karzan M. Hasan, Honar Othman Kareem, Harem K. Ahmed, Suhaib H. Kakamad, Fahmi H. Kakamad, Berun A. Abdalla
Introduction Pulmonary hydatid cysts, resulting from the Echinococcus tapeworm larva, primarily affect the lungs. The global incidence is elevated in regions with prevalent livestock farming due to the ingestion of Echinococcus eggs. Bilateral involvement is an infrequent presentation, carrying inherent respiratory…
Bilateral Giant Pulmonary Hydatid Cysts in a Pediatric Patient: A Rare Case Report
Wirya N. Sabr, Azad Star Hattam, Karzan M. Hasan, Honar Othman Kareem, Harem K. Ahmed, Suhaib H. Kakamad, Fahmi H. Kakamad, Berun A. Abdalla
IntroductionPulmonary hydatid cysts, resulting from the Echinococcus tapeworm larva, primarily affect the lungs. The global incidence is elevated in regions with prevalent livestock farming due to the ingestion of Echinococcus eggs. Bilateral involvement is an infrequent presentation, carrying inherent respiratory risks. Accurate and prompt diagnosis necessitates a comprehensive approach involving imaging studies and serological tests to uncover this parasitic affliction.
Case presentationIn a 15-year-old male from an underprivileged rural background, bilateral giant hydatid cysts manifested. The patient's exposure to this parasitic infection was linked to his rural setting and contact with pets. The case unfolded with respiratory symptoms, prompting an investigation that revealed substantial bilateral cystic lesions. Successful surgical intervention and diligent postoperative care resulted in a smooth and uncomplicated recovery for the patient.
ConclusionWhile giant bilateral hydatid cyst cases are rare, their documentation provides invaluable insights into the understanding and management of this complex condition. The prognosis hinges on various factors, underlining the importance of a multidisciplinary post-surgical approach for optimal patient outcomes.
Abdullah A. Qadir, Ismael Y. Abdullah, Muhammed Bag A. Ali, Rebaz O. Mohammed, Hardi M. Dhair, Yadgar A. Saeed, Aso S. Muhialdeen, Honar Othman Kareem and 8 more
Introduction Hydatid cysts of the thyroid gland, though rare, pose a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. This systematic review summarizes current knowledge on the presentation, diagnosis, and management. Methods A systematic review of the published studies of thyroid hydatid cysts was conducted. The included…
Presentation and Management of Thyroid Hydatid Cyst: A Comprehensive Systematic Review of the Literature
Abdullah A. Qadir, Ismael Y. Abdullah, Muhammed Bag A. Ali, Rebaz O. Mohammed, Hardi M. Dhair, Yadgar A. Saeed, Aso S. Muhialdeen, Honar Othman Kareem and 8 more
IntroductionHydatid cysts of the thyroid gland, though rare, pose a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. This systematic review summarizes current knowledge on the presentation, diagnosis, and management.
MethodsA systematic review of the published studies of thyroid hydatid cysts was conducted. The included studies of thyroid hydatid cysts had the following properties: 1) The thyroid infection was confirmed by diagnostic modalities, surgical findings, or histopathology. 2) The case presentation was provided in the study. 3) The cyst(s) were originally located or adhered to the thyroid and did not rupture into it from the other adjacent structures or organs.
ResultsOverall, 39 studies were compatible with the inclusion criteria. Turkey had the highest case occurrence (36%). Female predominance (59%) and a mean age of 38.33 years were observed. Mass (79.5%) was the most common symptom, followed by hoarseness of voice (4%). Serology (18.75% positive) and ultrasound (77.5%) were primarily used for diagnosis. Surgery was the mainstay of treatment (96%), with total thyroidectomy (32.6%) and left hemithyroidectomy (16%) being the most common approaches. No recurrence was reported in the follow-up period (0%).
ConclusionThis review highlights the rarity, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and successful surgical management of thyroid hydatid cysts. Further research is needed to optimize diagnostic methods and explore alternative treatment options.
Ameer M. Salih, Bilal A. Mohammed, Karzan M. Hasan, Fattah H. Fattah, Zana B. Najmadden, Fahmi H. Kakamad, Soran M. Ahmed, Honar Othman Kareem and 3 more
Introduction ChatGPT and Bard are large language models, both are artificial intelligence designed to understand natural language and generate human-like responses to text-based inputs. The aim of this study is to assess the ChatGPT and Bard Recommendations for the general populations; general practitioners and…
Mitigating the Burden of Meningitis Outbreak; ChatGPT and Google Bard Recommendations for the General Populations: General Practitioners and Pediatricians
Ameer M. Salih, Bilal A. Mohammed, Karzan M. Hasan, Fattah H. Fattah, Zana B. Najmadden, Fahmi H. Kakamad, Soran M. Ahmed, Honar Othman Kareem and 3 more
IntroductionChatGPT and Bard are large language models, both are artificial intelligence designed to understand natural language and generate human-like responses to text-based inputs. The aim of this study is to assess the ChatGPT and Bard Recommendations for the general populations; general practitioners and pediatricians for reducing the burden of meningitis outbreaks.
MethodsWe asked ChatGPT PLUS and Bard, on 5 April 2023 for their advice and recommendations in controlling the meningitis outbreak, the same question was repeated three times, one for the general population, one for the general practitioners, and the last one for the pediatricians. The responses were recorded, compared assessed.
ResultsChatGPT and Bard replied to the three questions with general advice including early recognition of the disease, insisting on the vaccination, strict hygiene, infection control strategy, and staying up to date about the latest developments regarding the outbreak.
ConclusionChatGPT and Bard have the potential to be valuable tools for the general population during outbreaks of infectious diseases. However, advanced information for professionals might be impossible to be provided by ChatGPT PLUS and Google Bard at the time being.
