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International Journal of Surgery Case... Jul 2024Purtscher retinopathy is the rare form of occlusive microvasculopathy, characterized by multiple retinal white areas around the optic nerve head and fovea with...
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE
Purtscher retinopathy is the rare form of occlusive microvasculopathy, characterized by multiple retinal white areas around the optic nerve head and fovea with paravascular clearing and may be related to intraretinal hemorrhages. Acute Pancreatitis (AP) is one of the most common gastrointestinal reasons for hospital admissions globally. The complications of Acute Pancreatitis may include Purtscher's-like retinopathy, which has a low incidence rate of less than 0.24 instances per million cases. This case report highlights the value of thorough medical history taking and examination, and it apprises the consideration of ophthalmological manifestation in patients of Acute Pancreatitis.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 34-year-old female came to the emergency room due to intense abdominal pain associated with nausea and vomiting, which worsened over the last 24 h. The pain was described as continuous, sharp, and cramping-like in the upper abdomen, radiating to the back. Lab tests revealed elevated serum amylase and lipase levels, indicating pancreatitis, along with slight leukocytosis. A contrast-enhanced CT scan confirmed acute pancreatitis with mild inflammation and enlargement of the pancreas. Two days after admission, the patient experienced a sudden and painless loss of central vision in both eyes. There was no history of trauma or any other significant relevant history, other than pancreatitis. The ophthalmologist's examination found reduced visual acuity (6/60 in the right eye, 3/60 in the left eye), normal corneas, and anterior chambers.
DISCUSSION
Inkeles and Walsh established the first link between acute pancreatitis and Purtscher-like retinopathy when they reported three cases of the distinctive retinal appearance in individuals with acute pancreatitis in 1975.
CONCLUSION
The recovery and prognosis in cases of Purtscher-like retinopathy is variable and further research is required to ascertain the usage of corticosteroids and pentoxifylline in improving the course of a patient's with Purtscher's-like retinopathy.
PubMed: 38875828
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109881 -
International Journal of Surgery Case... Jul 2024Paraneoplastic leukemoid reactions (PLRs) in the context of sarcomas represent a unique clinical entity that poses significant diagnostic challenges and adds valuable...
INTRODUCTION
Paraneoplastic leukemoid reactions (PLRs) in the context of sarcomas represent a unique clinical entity that poses significant diagnostic challenges and adds valuable insights to the surgical literature. Characterized by an abnormal elevation of white blood cell count, these reactions are often associated with aggressive tumor biology and poor prognosis, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness among clinicians.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 48-year-old male presented with a rapidly growing, ulcerated tumor on his thigh. Lab tests revealed an extreme leukocytosis with a white blood cell count of 92,860/mm3. Imaging and biopsy confirmed a high-grade spindle cell sarcoma.
CLINICAL DISCUSSION
After excluding other causes of leukocytosis, a PLR secondary to sarcoma was diagnosed. Despite initial antibiotic treatment, leukocytosis persisted, prompting a decision for surgical intervention. The patient underwent successful tumor resection, resulting in a significant decrease in leukocyte count and subsequent stable recovery, supported by adjuvant radiotherapy.
CONCLUSION
This case underscores the importance of recognizing PLRs in sarcoma patients as they can significantly impact clinical management and prognosis. It highlights the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. The case contributes to the surgical literature by detailing the diagnostic process and therapeutic interventions in managing such complex presentations, thereby providing key "take-away" lessons on the importance of considering PLRs in the differential diagnosis of leukocytosis in patients with malignancies.
PubMed: 38875823
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109819 -
PCN Reports : Psychiatry and Clinical... Jun 2024Mild encephalitis/encephalopathy with a reversible splenial lesion (MERS) is increasingly recognized as a clinicoradiological syndrome. Its etiology is diverse,...
BACKGROUND
Mild encephalitis/encephalopathy with a reversible splenial lesion (MERS) is increasingly recognized as a clinicoradiological syndrome. Its etiology is diverse, encompassing a variety of triggers, including infections and metabolic abnormalities. Uniquely, MERS may present with psychiatric symptoms, such as delirium, visual hallucinations, and catatonia, posing diagnostic challenges. The variability of these neuropsychiatric symptoms necessitates early diagnosis through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to avoid prolonged antipsychotic treatment.
CASE PRESENTATION
This report details a case of MERS in a 39-year-old male. The patient initially presented with headache, sore throat, and abnormal laboratory results: leukocytosis, neutrophilia with a left shift, elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and hyponatremia. On the fourth day of admission, he developed severe anxiety and restlessness, exhibited thoughts of death, and reported experiencing vivid hallucinations upon closing his eyes. MRI revealed a hyperintense lesion in the corpus callosum. A lumbar puncture showed no increase in cell count or protein. The patient showed a positive response to treatment with antibiotics and olanzapine, demonstrating rapid symptomatic improvement. A follow-up MRI on the 11th day showed complete resolution of the brain lesions. Six months later, no neurological or psychiatric sequelae were noted. The patient's clinical progression and imaging findings led to a definitive diagnosis of MERS.
CONCLUSION
The early presentation of symptoms such as restlessness, hallucinations, and death ideation played a critical role in diagnosing MERS, with early MRI examination being instrumental in both diagnosis and preventing prolonged antipsychotic medication use.
PubMed: 38868082
DOI: 10.1002/pcn5.191 -
Journal of Infection in Developing... May 2024Tuberculous lymphadenitis (TBLN) is the most common infectious etiology of peripheral lymphadenopathy in adults, in Turkiye. This study aimed to identify the...
INTRODUCTION
Tuberculous lymphadenitis (TBLN) is the most common infectious etiology of peripheral lymphadenopathy in adults, in Turkiye. This study aimed to identify the demographic, clinical, and laboratory variables that differentiate TBLN from non-tuberculous lymphadenitis (NTBLN), as well as the etiology of lymphadenopathy in adults.
METHODOLOGY
Patients who were over 18 years old and were referred to the infectious disease outpatient clinics with complaints of swollen peripheral lymph nodes, and who underwent lymph node biopsy between 1 January 2010 and 1 March 2021, were included in this multicenter, nested case-control study.
RESULTS
A total of 812 patients at 17 tertiary teaching and research hospitals in Turkiye were included in the study. TBLN was the most frequent diagnosis (53.69%). The proportion of patients diagnosed with TBLN was higher among females; and among those who had a higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate, positive purified protein derivative test, and positive interferon-gamma release test result (p < 0.05). However, TBLN was less frequent among patients with generalized lymphadenopathy, bilateral lymphadenopathy, axillary lymphadenopathy, inguinal lymphadenopathy, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, leukocytosis, and moderately increased C reactive protein levels (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Identifying the variables that predict TBLN or discriminate TBLN from NTBLN will help clinicians establish optimal clinical strategies for the diagnosis of adult lymphadenopathy.
Topics: Humans; Tuberculosis, Lymph Node; Female; Male; Adult; Case-Control Studies; Middle Aged; Young Adult; Turkey; Lymph Nodes; Adolescent; Lymphadenopathy; Aged; Interferon-gamma Release Tests
PubMed: 38865395
DOI: 10.3855/jidc.19502 -
International Journal of Surgery Case... Jul 2024Spigelian hernias are rare, constituting about 1-2 % of all abdominal wall hernias. They present clinically significant challenges due to their potential for...
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE
Spigelian hernias are rare, constituting about 1-2 % of all abdominal wall hernias. They present clinically significant challenges due to their potential for incarceration and strangulation. This case report highlights a unique presentation of a Spigelian hernia involving sigmoid colon strangulation, emphasizing the critical need for awareness and timely intervention.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 60-year-old female with hypertension and diabetes presented with severe left abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Examination revealed leukocytosis, neutrophilia, and signs of acute abdomen. CT imaging showed a complicated left lateral abdominal wall hernia containing the sigmoid colon. Surgical intervention included sigmoidectomy with colorectal anastomosis and hernia repair. Postoperative recovery was successful with subsequent elective ileostomy reversal.
CLINICAL DISCUSSION
The rarity of Spigelian hernias and their atypical presentations can complicate diagnosis and management. This case was particularly challenging due to the strangulation of the sigmoid colon within the hernial sac. Surgical management was necessary to address the incarcerated bowel segment and prevent further complications. This case underscores the utility of CT scans in diagnosing complex cases and guiding surgical strategy.
CONCLUSION
Despite their rarity, Spigelian hernias carry significant risks of strangulation. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to avoid severe complications. This case highlights the importance of including Spigelian hernia in the differential diagnosis for acute abdominal symptoms, especially when they are nonspecific.
PubMed: 38861816
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109833 -
Cureus Jun 2024Sweet syndrome is an uncommon inflammatory disorder characterized by the abrupt appearance of painful, erythematous papules, plaques, or nodules on the skin. Fever and...
Sweet syndrome is an uncommon inflammatory disorder characterized by the abrupt appearance of painful, erythematous papules, plaques, or nodules on the skin. Fever and leukocytosis frequently accompany the cutaneous lesions. In addition, involvement of the eyes, musculoskeletal system, and internal organs may occur. Sweet syndrome has been associated with a broad range of disorders. There are three subtypes: classical Sweet syndrome, malignancy-associated Sweet syndrome, and drug-induced Sweet syndrome. Classical Sweet syndrome is not associated with malignancy or drugs. It is essentially associated with an upper respiratory infection, gastrointestinal infection, inflammatory bowel disease, and pregnancy. Malignancy-associated Sweet syndrome is associated with hematologic malignancy more than solid malignancy, most commonly with acute myeloid leukemia. Drug-induced Sweet syndrome usually develops approximately two weeks after drug exposure, in patients who lack a prior history of exposure to the inciting drug. Here we are discussing our patient, a 68-year-old male who presented eight weeks after starting chemotherapy with pemetrexed, carboplatin, and pembrolizumab for left lung adenocarcinoma with macular rash. On further investigation with biopsy was found to have neutrophilic dermatitis, hence being diagnosed with drug-induced Sweet syndrome. Histopathology revealed a dermis with infiltration of neutrophils with lekocytoclasia.
PubMed: 38859947
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.62027 -
Chinese Clinical Oncology Jun 2024Neutrophilia is an increase in the number of neutrophils over 7.5×103 /μL. An increase in leukocytes over 50×103 /μL is called a leukemoid reaction; and when it is...
BACKGROUND
Neutrophilia is an increase in the number of neutrophils over 7.5×103 /μL. An increase in leukocytes over 50×103 /μL is called a leukemoid reaction; and when it is associated with a solid tumor, it is considered a paraneoplastic syndrome called paraneoplastic leukemoid reaction (PLR). It is a very rare clinical condition and it is very unusual for it to be associated with carcinosarcoma. We present two cases of a leukemoid reaction observed in the Medical Oncology Department of the University Hospital of Salamanca between May and September 2023. The main objectives of our article are to describe the unusual appearance of paraneoplastic leukocytosis at the diagnosis of carcinosarcoma carcinosarcoma, explain in a detailed way its diagnostic procedure and to show the poor prognosis to which it is associated.
CASE DESCRIPTION
In our presentation, we describe two similar cases: first of all, a 60-year-old woman without relevant medical history. She was referred by her primary physician to the Department of Internal Medicine in August 2023 with asthenia, lumbar pain, and weight loss of 12 kg of 3 months of evolution. The physical examination revealed a palpable hypogastric mass. An abdominal, pelvic, and thoracic computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a heterogenous solid mass with necrotic areas originating in the uterus. The anatomopathological diagnosis was carcinosarcoma. The patient showed a progressive worsening in her renal function associated with hyperviscosity secondary to hyperleukocytosis caused by 170×103 /μL neutrophils. In the second case we describe the diagnosis of a PLR secondary to a kidney carcinosarcoma. When the patient started chemotherapy, he presented 55.08×103 /μL leukocytes, 53.16×103 /μL neutrophils. Eight days after receiving chemotherapy, the patient was admitted as an emergency with oligoanuria and decreased consciousness. He presented creatinine 6.25 mg/dL, phosphate 12.4 mg/dL, leukocytes 1.05×103 /μL, and neutrophils 0.71×103 /μL. The clinical diagnosis was acute exacerbation of multifactorial mixed (renal and prerenal) chronic kidney disease associated with tumor lysis syndrome and grade 3 neutropenia. The patient presented a poor evolution, dying after 2 months.
CONCLUSIONS
PLR is a severe paraneoplastic syndrome associated with different types of solid tumors. Its appearance at the time of diagnosis of a tumor implies a poor vital prognosis.
PubMed: 38859609
DOI: 10.21037/cco-23-146 -
NPJ Vaccines Jun 2024Acellular multivalent vaccines for pertussis (DTaP and Tdap) prevent symptomatic disease and infant mortality, but immunity to Bordetella pertussis infection wanes...
Acellular multivalent vaccines for pertussis (DTaP and Tdap) prevent symptomatic disease and infant mortality, but immunity to Bordetella pertussis infection wanes significantly over time resulting in cyclic epidemics of pertussis. The messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine platform provides an opportunity to address complex bacterial infections with an adaptable approach providing Th1-biased responses. In this study, immunogenicity and challenge models were used to evaluate the mRNA platform with multivalent vaccine formulations targeting both B. pertussis antigens and diphtheria and tetanus toxoids. Immunization with mRNA formulations were immunogenetic, induced antigen specific antibodies, as well as Th1 T cell responses. Upon challenge with either historical or contemporary B. pertussis strains, 6 and 10 valent mRNA DTP vaccine provided protection equal to that of 1/20th human doses of either DTaP or whole cell pertussis vaccines. mRNA DTP immunized mice were also protected from pertussis toxin challenge as measured by prevention of lymphocytosis and leukocytosis. Collectively these pre-clinical mouse studies illustrate the potential of the mRNA platform for multivalent bacterial pathogen vaccines.
PubMed: 38858423
DOI: 10.1038/s41541-024-00890-4 -
Journal of Medical Cases Jun 2024Eosinophilic enteritis (EoN) poses a distinctive challenge, affecting individuals with various clinical presentations depending on the layer and extent of the bowel...
Eosinophilic enteritis (EoN) poses a distinctive challenge, affecting individuals with various clinical presentations depending on the layer and extent of the bowel wall. We present a case of a 19-year-old female with abdominal pain, vomiting, and loose stools for 1 month. Labs were significant for persistent leukocytosis with peripheral eosinophilia. A computed tomography of the abdomen/pelvis demonstrated moderate abdominal ascites and moderately diffuse mucosal thickening of jejunal loops. A diagnostic paracentesis unveiled low serum ascites albumin gradient and 92% eosinophils. Push enteroscopy resulted in no significant biopsy findings, though a laparoscopic full-thickness jejunal biopsy exhibited increased eosinophils in the bowel wall. Intravenous steroid, proton pump inhibitor, and dietary changes resolved the symptoms and normalized the labs within a week. Our case report highlights a variable presentation of eosinophilic jejunitis uncommon in this disease population. EoN is an easily missed diagnosis and mandates frequent follow-up to prompt relevant investigations. Atopic clinical features are not prevalent in each case. While rare, EoN requires a strong clinical suspicion, even if endoscopic biopsies are unremarkable, prompting timely laparoscopic full-thickness biopsy. Per protocol, physicians must do the infectious and eosinophilia workup to rule out other etiologies. Our case also highlights that worsening clinical condition in EoN warrants early intravenous steroids with a favorable prognosis and considers a psychosocial aspect of the disease on the patient's health.
PubMed: 38855296
DOI: 10.14740/jmc4196 -
Cureus May 2024subspecies () is a zoonotic pathogen that primarily infects horses, pigs, and dogs. Although rare, it has also been shown to infect humans who consume unpasteurized...
subspecies () is a zoonotic pathogen that primarily infects horses, pigs, and dogs. Although rare, it has also been shown to infect humans who consume unpasteurized dairy food or have direct contact with horses. Here, we present a case of bacteremia in a patient without a clear mode of transmission. An 86-year-old male with a past medical history of coronary artery disease, heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, complete heart block status post pacemaker, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and type 2 diabetes mellitus presented to the Emergency Department with fever and chills. He had fevers and rigors for three days but denied weight loss, cough, sore throat, or rashes. In the Emergency Department, vital signs revealed a fever of 101.2 degrees Fahrenheit and a heart rate of 110 with other stable vital signs. The physical exam was unremarkable except for tachycardia, and laboratory work revealed no leukocytosis but elevated inflammatory markers and elevated lactate. Computed tomography of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis did not reveal any source of infection. Blood cultures grew and the Infectious Diseases team was consulted, who started the patient on Penicillin G. Due to concern for pacer-lead infective endocarditis, transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiograms were performed, which did not show valvular vegetations. Repeat blood cultures showed clearance of the infection, and the patient was ultimately discharged on amoxicillin. While our patient denied consuming unpasteurized dairy products or having direct contact with horses, upon further questioning, he did endorse family members who occasionally interacted with horses. This case is valuable as it adds to the sparse literature on infections specifically in humans. Extensive history taking is of utmost importance when a clear source of infection is not easily identifiable. Further research is also needed to better understand the various modes of transmission of this bacterium to better target and caution those at an increased risk of infection.
PubMed: 38854287
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.59911