Thrombotic diseases like ischemic stroke are common complications of essential thrombocythemia (ET) due to abnormal megakaryopoiesis and platelet dysfunction. Ischemic stroke in ET can occur as a result of both cerebral arterial and venous thrombosis. Management of ET is aimed at preventing vascular complications including thrombosis. Acute management of ischemic stroke in ET is the same as that in the general population without myeloproliferative disorder. However, an ET patient with ischemic stroke is at high risk for re-thrombosis and therefore additionally managed with cytoreductive therapy and antithrombotic agents. Given abnormal platelet production in ET, there is suboptimal suppression of platelets with the usual recommended dose of Aspirin for cardiovascular (CV) prevention. Hence, for optimal CV protection in ET, low dose Aspirin is recommended twice daily in an arterial thrombotic disease like atherothrombotic ischemic stroke in presence of the following risk factors: age > 60 years, Janus kinase2V617F gene mutation, presence of CV risk factors. In presence of the same risk factors, concurrent antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy is suggested for venous thrombosis. However, increased risk of bleeding with dual anti-thrombotic agents poses a significant challenge in their use in cerebral venous thromboembolism or, atrial fibrillation in presence of the above-mentioned risk factors. We discuss these dilemmas about antithrombotic management in ischemic stroke in ET in this cased based review of literature in the light of current evidence.

Nasal schistosomiasis is caused by the blood fluke Schistosoma nasale (S. nasalis) adversely affects the health and production of domestic livestock in various parts of India. The present report describes the occurrence of S. nasale infection in two Hallikar breed bullocks of Union Territory of Puducherry. Eggs of S. nasale were noticed in nasal washings/scrapings of animals and identified as per the standard taxonomical keys.

Most cases of post-traumatic meningitis (PTM) occur following immediate head trauma or neurosurgical procedures. Hence, internists do not often come across these patients. However, closed-head trauma can be associated with community-acquired meningitis (CAM), and this history can often be missed especially if it is remote or trivial in nature. Therefore, meticulous clinical assessment is necessary to identify cases of community-acquired PTM. Knowledge about pathophysiological, anatomical, and microbiological context of community-acquired PTM is required in order to manage these patients. The role of internist is to provide holistic management in these patients which includes not only antimicrobial treatment but also timely referral to surgical specialties if required as well as vaccination to prevent further episodes. Here, we present a case of CAM with remote history of close head trauma and cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea for years who was found to have base of skull (BOS) defect on imaging of skull. He was treated with antibiotics and referred to surgical specialties for repair of BOS defect as well as given pneumococcal vaccine to prevent further episodes of meningitis.

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