Raghad Tarcha’s research while affiliated with Damascus University and other places

Introduction Aphthae are common lesions that occur inside the mouth on the mucous membrane, often associated with various diseases. The causal pathogenesis generally depends on the accompanying condition, but there is usually no serious underlying cause. Case presentation This case report describes a 33-year-old male patient with a 10-year history of recurrent oral ulcers and impaired glucose tolerance. The patient had previously been treated with glucocorticoids, which provided temporary relief. Laboratory tests and immune profiles were normal. After 1 week of treatment with metformin at a dose of 500 mg twice daily, the lesions were relieved, and the patient required further metformin treatment for three years without any recurrence. Discussion Metformin has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects in preclinical studies, making it a potential treatment option for mucocutaneous manifestations. This case report highlights the clinical effectiveness of metformin in treating oral ulcers and suggests its potential as an alternative treatment option for this condition. Conclusion Further studies are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of metformin in treating mucocutaneous manifestations.

Introduction Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant plasma cell proliferation producing large numbers of monoclonal immunoglobulins. Typical MM symptoms include anemia, bone pain, hypercalcemia, and renal failure. Atypical presentations like joint involvement were rarely reported in the literature and may cause significant delays in treatment and adverse outcomes. Case presentation The authors report a case of a 54-year-old female who presented with symmetrical polyarthritis and was misdiagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. The diagnosis of MM was made after failing many treatments of rheumatoid arthritis and with further laboratory tests and procedures. Conclusion This rare manifestation of MM carries a diagnostic challenge and causes a significant delay in treating such patients. Here, the authors report this unusual initial presentation with a review of several cases in the literature describing similar presentations.