Hepatitis C Virus-Associated Acalculous Cholecystitis and Review of the Literature.

Acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) is an infrequently encountered clinical condition associated with high morbidity and mortality. Viral infection associated AAC is rare, but it is most commonly associated with Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, dengue virus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, human immunodeficiency virus, disseminated visceral varicella-zoster virus infection, Zika virus, and hepatitis C. We report on a patient who was first diagnosed with a chronic hepatic C infection and subsequently with acalculous cholecystitis.

Yokenella regensburgei necrotizing fasciitis in an immunocompromised host.

We report a case of necrotizing skin infection caused by Yokenella regensburgei in an immunosuppressed patient with orthotopic liver transplantation. Initial bacterial culture identification was suggestive of Hafnia alvei. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) confirmed identification of Y. regensburgei. Necrotizing fasciitis is potentially fatal and requires aggressive management, including early diagnosis, appropriate antibiotic selection, and operative debridement.

Viral (aseptic) meningitis: A review.

Viral meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges associated with acute onset of meningeal symptoms and fever, pleocytosis of the cerebrospinal fluid, and no growth on routine bacterial culture. It is sometimes associated with viral encephalitis and meningoencephalitis. Viruses reach the central nervous system (CNS) hematogenously or in a retrograde manner from nerve endings. The viral etiology varies according to age and country. Molecular diagnostics technology has helped improve the rate of pathogen detection reducing unnecessary antibiotic use and length of hospitalization. Most of the viral infections detailed in this article have no specific treatment other than supportive care. Many of the viruses discussed are preventable by vaccination and proper skin protection against transmitting vectors.

Atypical Presentation of Pregnancy-Related Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome.

The cause of acute kidney injury during pregnancy and in the postpartum period can be particularly challenging to diagnose, especially when it is necessary to differentiate among preeclampsia; eclampsia; hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome; and thrombotic microangiopathies (TMAs). All these disease entities can present with kidney failure, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, and thrombocytopenia. We present a teaching case of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome in the postpartum period in a young woman who was found to have mutations of uncertain clinical significance in the complement cascade, including in C3, CFH, and CFI. We use this as an opportunity to review the clinical presentation and pathophysiology of preeclampsia, eclampsia, and the TMAs. We focus on diagnostic challenges, especially because many patients with TMA do not present with thrombocytopenia, which can delay diagnosis. We additionally review the clinical settings in which administration of eculizumab, a C5 membrane attack complex inhibitor, is appropriate.