Herbal, vitamin, and mineral supplement use is common among cancer survivors, but little is known about patterns among men with prostate cancer (PCa) in Ireland. This study aimed to examine prevalence, symptom burden, and associations between supplement use and PCa-related symptoms. Between May and June 2025, a national cross-sectional online survey was conducted among men with a PCa diagnosis. Information collected included demographics, clinical history, symptoms, supplement use, reasons for use, sources of information, and whether use was discussed with healthcare providers. Of 74 responses, 46% (n=34) were eligible. Among these, 62% (n=21) were over 60 years and 94% (n=32) were overweight or obese; 47% (n=16) were 3-5 years post-diagnosis. Erectile dysfunction and reduced libido were the most common symptoms 85% (n=29). Supplement use was reported by 85% (n=29): 82% (n=28) used vitamins/minerals and 32% (n=11) used herbal products. Vitamin D was the most frequent vitamin 50% (n=17) and turmeric the leading herbal 18% (n=6). Over half 53% (n=18) had not discussed supplement use with healthcare providers. Herbal and vitamin and mineral supplement is highly prevalent among Irish men with prostate cancer, particularly vitamin and mineral products, with vitamin D most common. Improved communication and clinical guidance are needed in survivorship care.

The patient presented with acute urinary retention, fever (39°C), and rapidly progressive bilateral lower limb weakness progressing to flaccid paraplegia (0/5 MRC) with a T6 sensory level. MRI spine demonstrated longitudinally extensive T2-hyperintense intramedullary lesions from T6 to the conus. CSF analysis showed lymphocytic pleocytosis and elevated protein; autoimmune serology confirmed active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). SLE-associated longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM) was diagnosed following exclusion of other differential diagnoses. High-dose intravenous methylprednisolone, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), and rituximab were administered. Corticosteroids precipitated psychosis, managed with antipsychotics. Maintenance therapy with mycophenolate mofetil and hydroxychloroquine was continued. Despite aggressive immunotherapy, there was no neurological recovery, and the patient remained paraplegic with neurogenic bowel and bladder dysfunction. This case underscores LETM as a rare, aggressive manifestation of SLE that can occur even in patients of European ancestry. Despite prompt multimodal immunotherapy, neurological recovery was absent, reflecting the poor prognosis of extensive cord involvement. Early recognition, exclusion of mimics, and coordinated multidisciplinary care are vital to optimise outcomes and quality of life.

Interventional Radiology (IR) is a rapidly evolving specialty with increasing global demand. While surveys of UK and international trainees report high satisfaction, gaps in training exposure, research support, and gender diversity persist. No national data exists for IR training in Ireland. This survey evaluates trainee satisfaction, identifies training deficiencies, and explores improvement strategies. A 13-item electronic survey was distributed to radiology trainees in the Republic of Ireland, assessing demographics, IR exposure, involvement in clinical services, preparedness for fellowships, and views on a diagnostic/interventional radiology (DR/IR) split. Free-text questions explored departmental strengths, areas for improvement, and contributors to gender imbalance. Thirty-one trainees responded (68% male, 21/31), with a response rate of 22%. 71% (22/31) intended to incorporate IR in future practice. Overall, 48% (15/31) were satisfied with IR training, 36% (11/31) dissatisfied, and 16% (5/31) neutral. Rostering for IR training varied with only 23% (7/31) having a fixed IR day weekly. 16/31 (52%) did not support a DR/IR split, and 55% (17/31) felt prepared for fellowships abroad. Key areas for improvement included enhancing trainee autonomy, teaching, vascular and oncology case exposure, and infrastructure. Lifestyle concerns, radiation exposure, and lack of female mentors were identified as drivers of gender imbalance. While IR training satisfaction in Ireland is moderate, several actionable improvements have been identified to optimise training nationwide.

A rare case of pancreaticopleural fistula in a 53-year-old female patient who presented with unsteady gait and shortness of breath on the background of chronic pancreatitis. Diagnosis was confirmed through MRI, MRCP, and analysis of pleural fluid obtained via thoracentesis. Diagnosis was confirmed through MRI, MRCP, and analysis of pleural fluid obtained via thoracentesis. This case highlights a rare complication of acute pancreatitis that requires a high index of clinical suspicion for timely diagnosis. Pancreaticopleural fistulas should be considered an important differential diagnosis for pleural effusions, particularly in patients with chronic pancreatitis. Optimal management involves a multidisciplinary team, including gastroenterologists, surgeons, radiologists, and dieticians.

Radiofrequency pulmonary vein isolation is an established treatment for atrial fibrillation. Patients are administered either conscious sedation or general anaesthesia. The purpose of this study was to compare patient experiences of conscious sedation versus general anaesthesia during pulmonary vein isolation. A retrospective, observational, single-centre, single-operator study was performed, comparing patient experiences of pulmonary vein isolation performed under general anaesthesia versus conscious sedation. A Likert scale questionnaire was used to compare satisfaction with the different modes of anaesthesia, with score of 1 denoted for very dissatisfied and score of 5 for very satisfied. 41 patients were included - 20 (48.8%) in conscious sedation group, and 21 (51.2%) in general anaesthesia group. Groups were well-matched as regards age (mean 56.3 +/-13.7yrs), gender (71.4% male), percentage with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (76.2%), and percentage re-do cases (28.6%). Patients in the general anaesthesia group experienced lower levels of pain/discomfort (mean score 2.90 +/- 1.77 vs 1.33+/-0.80) (p<0.001) and were more likely to recommend the mode of anaesthesia (mean score 4.90 +/- 0.44 vs. 3.40 +/- 1.70) (p<0.001), compared with those in conscious sedation group. There was no significant difference in anxiety/depression post-procedure (p= 0.057), satisfaction with recovery time post-procedure (p=0.175), likelihood to recommend the procedure (p= 0.103), and overall satisfaction with the ablation experience (p=0.089). Patients who had general anaesthesia for radiofrequency pulmonary vein isolation experienced less peri-procedural pain than patients who had conscious sedation and were more likely to recommend general anaesthesia as a mode of anaesthesia.

Lack of transport has been shown to be a key barrier to accessing healthcare, with poorer associated health outcomes in those experiencing transport poverty. Our health survey aimed to assess the transportation needs of a population attending a geriatric ambulatory care unit and the role of transport as a barrier to healthcare attainment. Data collection was via survey; the survey used was adapted from the Irish Translational Study on Aging (TILDA) and the questionnaire devised by Locatelli, Sharp, Syed, Bhansari, and Gerber in their research on urban transport barriers to healthcare. Results were compiled and analysed using descriptive statistics. In total 52 participants with a mean age of 81 years were included, of which 48 (92%) were accompanied to clinic by a caregiver. The most common mode of transport was being driven by an accompanying driver (43 [83%]), with the majority of these (43 [94%]) being driven by family members. Public transport was deemed unfeasible/highly unfeasible for attending clinic by 38 (73%) respondents. Only ten of the respondents were still currently driving (19%). Common indications for attending clinic included Alzheimer's dementia, Parkinson's disease, and orthostatic hypotension. Patients were largely reliant on family for transport to ambulatory care appointments, and public transport was seen as inaccessible for the majority; overall transport was cited as a cause of stress in attending clinic. Facilitating transport that maintains patient autonomy and dignity is an area of public interest requiring further study.