Plasma cell dyscrasias are a wide range of severe monoclonal gammopathies caused by pre-malignant or malignant plasma cells that over-secrete an abnormal monoclonal antibody. These disorders are associated with various systemic findings, including ophthalmological disorders. A search of PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus and Cochrane databases was performed in March 2021 to examine evidence pertaining to ocular complications in patients diagnosed with plasma cell dyscrasias. This review outlines the ocular complications associated with smoldering multiple myeloma and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, plasmacytomas, multiple myeloma, Waldenström's macroglobulinemia, systemic amyloidosis, Polyneuropathy, Organomegaly, Endocrinopathy, Monoclonal gammopathy and Skin changes (POEMS) syndrome, and cryoglobulinemia. Although, the pathological mechanisms are not completely elucidated yet, wide-ranging ocular presentations have been identified over the years, evolving both the anterior and posterior segments of the eye. Moreover, the presenting symptoms also help in early diagnosis in asymptomatic patients. Therefore, it is imperative for the treating ophthalmologist and oncologist to maintain a high clinical suspicion for identifying the ophthalmological signs and diagnosing the underlying disease, preventing its progression through efficacious treatment strategies.
23 February 2023 in European Journal of Psychotraumatology
India has been a part of 5 major wars since its independence in 1947 and hosts over 212,413 refugees from Sri Lanka, Tibet and Bangladesh. So, a wide spectrum of trauma survivors, both civilian and military, live in this country and require mental healthcare. We discuss the psychological impact of armed conflict and how the country and culture tint it uniquely. We not only explore the current scene but the resources available and what can be done to make such vulnerable parts of the Indian population feel safer.
Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) of the spine is one of the rare secondary manifestations of the disease, while isolated TB of the sacrum is an even rarer finding of the disease. Case: The authors present the case of a male patient in their late 20s who was suffering from lower back pain radiating to the leg, on and off fever for 5 months, and stiffness of the lower back. X-ray and MRI showed a sacral mass-like lesion, which led to the suspicion of spinal TB. This diagnosis was later confirmed through adequate microbiological testing. Methods and Materials: A review of literature by a thorough search of the PubMed and Google Scholar databases was carried out, and a total of 42 patients with isolated TB of the sacrum were studied. Results and Conclusions: Sacrum in isolation is a rare location for spinal TB, often overlooked by primary physicians. A prompt diagnosis and early treatment of the disease will mitigate the risk of developing complications.
20 March 2025 in International Journal of Systemic Therapy
India, also dubbed as the "rape capital of world," has a notorious history with violence against women, both physical and sexual. We discuss the existing statistics and psychological impact of sexual violence in India and how our culture tints it in a unique way. We review the comorbid mental health disorders, behavioral effects, and vulnerable demographics associated with sexual violence in this country. Existing stigma and secondary victimization in Indian community results in high psychiatric burden and complex trauma in victims of sexual violence. Existing reforms and available resources are lacking, and recommendations are provided for safeguarding this vulnerable population. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).
Vascular anomalies are disorders of arteries or veins which are further sub-classified as vascular malformations or vascular tumors. Vascular malformations are attributed to disorderly vascular morphogenesis, trauma, or hormonal imbalances. We present a rare case of a patient in their 30s who presented to the outpatient department with a localized post-traumatic soft tissue swelling in the temporalis region, which was soft and non-pulsatile with occurrences in periods of acute emotional stress, followed by spontaneous resolution when the same was negated by the patient. The diagnosis was established on the basis of magnetic resonance imaging and contrast enhanced computed tomography. We add to the existing limited literature on intramuscular vascular malformations of the temporalis muscle and highlight the effect of emotional stress and anxiety on vascular anomalies.