COVID-19, Brachytherapy, and Gynecologic Cancers: a Moroccan Experience
5
Citation
22
Reference
10
Related Paper
Citation Trend
Abstract:
The treatment of gynecological cancers is the main activity of brachytherapy units. However, during COVID-19 pandemic, precautions should be done in order to reduce the spread of the virus while maintaining all chances to recovery for all patients (Radiother Oncol 148, 227-228, 2020). Despite the extent of the pandemic in our country, limited data are available to establish recommendations with a sufficient level of evidence (Radiother Oncol 148, 227-228, 2020). More recently, the American Brachytherapy Society published some clarifications in this regard and international expert consensus recommendations of radiation therapy for gynecologic malignancies during the COVID-19 pandemic were published (https://www.americanbrachytherapy.org/about-abs/abs-news/abs-statement-on-coronavirus/, Gynecol Oncol 15, 2020). In this commentary, we sought to share the procedures adopted for the management of gynecological cancer patients during COVID-19 pandemic in our brachytherapy unit.Keywords:
Pandemic
2019-20 coronavirus outbreak
Gynecologic cancer
2019-20 coronavirus outbreak
Betacoronavirus
Coronavirus
Coronavirus Infections
Pandemic
Sars virus
Viral therapy
Cite
Citations (0)
Alles auf einen Blick: Auf der Webseite der DRG erhalten Sie aktuelle Informationen der Radiologie zur SARS-CoV-2-Pandemie. Dort finden Sie beispielsweise Empfehlungen für die radiologische Versorgung oder zur unterstützenden Diagnostik durch die CT.
2019-20 coronavirus outbreak
Betacoronavirus
Coronavirus Infections
Cite
Citations (0)
Combination Casirivimab and Imdevimab and Development of Symptomatic COVID-19 in SARS-CoV-2 Infection
2019-20 coronavirus outbreak
Betacoronavirus
Sars virus
Coronavirus Infections
Cite
Citations (21)
2019-20 coronavirus outbreak
Sars virus
Betacoronavirus
Coronavirus Infections
Pandemic
Cite
Citations (4)
Gynecologic cancer
Vaginal cancer
Cite
Citations (2)
2019-20 coronavirus outbreak
Betacoronavirus
Sars virus
Coronavirus Infections
Pandemic
Cite
Citations (6)
Several skin manifestations have been described in association with the COVID-19 pandemic since March 2020. Acral chilblain-like lesions (CBLL), usually referred to as 'COVID toes', are among the most common and characteristic ones, even though the direct causative role of SARS-CoV-2 has been debated. Indeed, although some authors have reported the detection of SARS-CoV-2 within the lesions with immunohistochemistry and electron-microscopy,1, 2 the majority of patients with CBLL have had negative tests for SARS-CoV-2 (including serological tests and nasopharyngeal and in situ-skin PCR).3 A more likely hypothesis for the causation of CBLL in the setting of the COVID-19 pandemic is the development of a high interferon response to the virus, leading to a very efficient antiviral response and the development of CBLL, similar to the scenario observed in type 1 interferonopathies.4, 5 The recent observations of CBLL following anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in patients with no COVID-19 infection6, 7 support this hypothesis. We present a new case of CBLL that developed shortly after vaccination with the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine and discuss the significance of this and similar observations from the literature. An 82-year-old non-smoker woman had a history of psoriasis and had been treated with methotrexate for more than 10 years. She had no history of chilblains or Raynaud's syndrome. She denied any symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic and had not been in contact with patients suffering from COVID-19. She consulted urgently in our department for slightly painful lesions on both hands and feet that occurred 24 h after the first injection of the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine. Physical examination revealed macular violaceous and erythematous lesions of the fingers and toes, suggestive of CBLL (Fig. 1). The patient reported neither general symptoms nor unusual exposure to cold. Laboratory workup yielded normal results, concerning namely markers of inflammation, renal and hepatic function and tests for autoimmunity (antinuclear antibodies, cryoglobulinaemia, complement levels, D-dimers). Histological examination of a skin biopsy taken from a lesion of the hand showed a characteristic aspect of CBLL,8 including namely a partly necrotic epidermis overlying a dense dermal lymphocytic infiltrate forming rather well-circumscribed aggregates around blood vessels, eccrine sweat glands and occasionally nerves (Fig. 2). The endothelial cells of the blood vessels of the mid dermis were occasionally prominent. Direct immunofluorescence performed on a frozen skin biopsy was negative. Serological test carried out early on day 19 after the 1st vaccination dose was negative, ruling out SARS-CoV-2 infection. A specific serological test for vaccinal anti-S antibodies was also realized and proved positive (6.38 U/mL, N < 1). The interferon signature in blood was positive (10.5, N < 2.3). Skin reactions following administration of mRNA-based anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines have been very recently reported. They include mainly delayed large local reactions,9 reactions at the injection site and urticarial and morbilliform rashes.5 No severe reactions were associated with these skin signs. Interestingly, some cases of CBLL have also been reported within days following mRNA vaccination.6, 7 In our patient, the clinical and histological features of the lesions were indistinguishable from the CBLL observed during the first pandemic wave in 2020. The absence of prior history of chilblains and exposure to cold argue against common chilblains. The development of CBLL after mRNA vaccination in our patient and some patients reported in the literature supports the hypothesis that these lesions are triggered by the immune response to the virus and not to a direct cytopathogenic viral effect. The presence of a positive interferon signature also supports this contention. The patient in this manuscript has given written informed consent to the publication of her case details. The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest. None.
2019-20 coronavirus outbreak
Betacoronavirus
Coronavirus Infections
Cite
Citations (23)
2019-20 coronavirus outbreak
Betacoronavirus
Coronavirus Infections
Pandemic
Cite
Citations (28)
2019-20 coronavirus outbreak
Betacoronavirus
Coronavirus
Coronavirus Infections
Pandemic
Cite
Citations (61)
2019-20 coronavirus outbreak
Betacoronavirus
Coronavirus
Coronavirus Infections
Pandemic
Cite
Citations (29)