Kaposi Sarcoma: A Rare Presentation of Elephantiasis Nostras Verrucosa.

Although a low-grade vascular tumor, Kaposi sarcoma (KS) can have mucosal, and visceral involvement. Additionally, disfiguring disseminated lesions can be seen in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). KS may cause lymphatic obstruction leading to chronic lymphedema that further contributes to progressive cutaneous hypertrophy and severe disfigurement in the form of non-filarial elephantiasis nostras verrucosa (ENV). This report highlights a case of a 33-year-old male with AIDS who presented in acute respiratory distress with bilateral lower extremity nodular lesions. We confirmed a diagnosis of KS with overlying ENV via a multi-disciplinary approach. Collaboratively, we optimized our patient and observed adequate treatment response and overall improvement in clinical status. Our report emphasizes the importance of a multi-disciplinary approach in recognizing a rare presentation of ENV. Recognition of the disease and understanding the extent of the disease are crucial in preventing irreversible disease progression and allowing for maximum response.

Embolic ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction in Atrial Fibrillation: Report of Two Cases and Review of Literature.

Coronary artery plaque rupture, erosion, thrombosis, and dissection account for nearly all acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, coronary artery embolism remains a significant cause of AMI that is essentially unaccounted for. In this report, we present two cases of acute coronary syndrome caused by coronary embolism. Both cases illustrate that patients with atrial fibrillation are at an increased risk of thromboembolic events of the coronary circulation. We highlight the clinical characteristics of atrial fibrillation associated with coronary embolism and present the therapeutic interventions based on our experience and a review of the literature. Given that AMI is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among adults worldwide, it is imperative that practicing clinicians be aware of coronary embolism as a cause of AMI, particularly in high-risk populations such as those with atrial fibrillation.

Acute Saddle Embolus With Thrombus in Transit: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Pulmonary embolism is a life-threatening medical emergency associated with right ventricular failure. Rarely, it impacts the left ventricle to the point of compromising the left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction. We present a case of a 73-year-old African American male with a medical history pertinent for intravascular large B-cell lymphoma who developed an acute saddle embolus with a "clot-in-transit" and profound LV systolic dysfunction. Our report illustrates how an acute saddle embolus may be associated with LV systolic dysfunction via the "reverse Bernheim effect." Additionally, the report highlights the significance of a "clot-in-transit" and LV systolic dysfunction, as they both directly correlate with increased risk of mortality.

The Abnormal Sinus Rhythm: Myxedema Coma Complicated by Subacute Cardiac Tamponade.

Subacute cardiac tamponade (SCT) is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. Combining careful history taking, focused physical exam, and the use of point of care ultrasound (POCUS) for early diagnosis with aggressive management can minimize potential complications. In patients with severe hypothyroidism and myxedema coma, clinical signs of cardiac tamponade may be masked and lead to delayed diagnosis. We present a case of a 67-year-old female with SCT secondary to myxedema coma, necessitating emergent pericardiocentesis following the identification of a large pericardial effusion with tamponade physiology. This case highlights the importance of thorough history taking with focused diagnostic workup, including POCUS in patients with an insidious presentation of SCT.

Poppers-Induced Methemoglobinemia: A Curious Case of the Blues.

Methemoglobinemia (MetHb) can be a deadly condition at certain levels, presenting in a fulminant form of cyanosis or disguising itself with vague symptoms. Methemoglobinemia is an altered state of the body's hemoglobin, which can be congenital or acquired. We report a case of a 62-year-old male who presented with altered mental status and hypoxia after consuming "Jungle Juice", raising concern for methemoglobinemia. A diagnosis of methemoglobinemia was confirmed with arterial blood gas and guidance from New York State poison control. The patient was adequately treated with the antidote methylene blue with a resolution of symptoms. We highlight that methemoglobinemia can present itself in various forms and that early recognition and treatment can prevent fatal outcomes.

Metachronous Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Rare Presentation of Adrenal Crisis.

Responsible for 2% of global cancer diagnoses, renal cell carcinoma (RCC) can metastasize to almost every organ system; however, metastasis to the contralateral adrenal gland is extremely rare. We report the case of a 59-year-old male who presented with atypical chest pain and altered mental status. The patient developed hypotension, with hyponatremia raising concern for adrenal insufficiency (AI). We confirmed a diagnosis of AI secondary to adrenal metastasis in the setting of radical nephrectomy with ipsilateral adrenalectomy, and the patient's symptoms resolved with adequate treatment. This report emphasizes the importance of complications caused by metastatic disease to the remaining adrenal gland in patients with RCC who have undergone ipsilateral radical nephrectomy.

A Rare Presentation of Checkpoint Inhibitor Induced Distal RTA.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have opened a new era in treating advanced malignancies, resulting in a rapid increase in utilization, given the remarkable clinical outcomes. The incidence of immune-related adverse events increased due to the immunologic effects of these therapeutic agents. However, immune-related renal adverse events remain low, representing only a small incidence of reported cases. Common renal toxicity described includes acute interstitial nephritis, minimal change disease, and immune complex glomerulonephritis. Renal tubular acidosis has occasionally been reported but is highly uncommon. This report presents a case of a 68-year-old woman with a known history of metastatic melanoma undergoing treatment with ipilimumab+nivolumab, who developed distal renal tubular acidosis requiring stress dose steroids and sodium bicarbonate for treatment. We describe the clinical characteristics, potential mechanisms, and management of this case, highlighting the need among clinicians utilizing immune check inhibitors to be aware of this immune-related disease entity.

The Role of the Automated Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (AICD) for Secondary Prevention in the COVID-19 Era.

Life-threatening arrhythmias have been variably reported among patients hospitalized for COVID-19 infection. Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in COVID-19 patients is an alarming concern for clinicians. Multiple factors play an important role in the development of SCA in patients with severe systemic illness. We describe a case of COVID-19 in a New York City hospital in Spring 2020 that rapidly developed SCA and, before discharge, received a single lead transvenous implantable cardioverter defibrillator for secondary prevention. This case highlights the use of an automated implantable cardioverter-defibrillator as a secondary preventive measure irrespective of left ventricular function as a means of preventing recurrence of SCA as a sequela of COVID-19.

Pembrolizumab-Induced Hypophysitis With Isolated Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) Deficiency: A Rare Immune-Mediated Adverse Event.

Pembrolizumab is an immune checkpoint inhibitor that targets the programmed cell death protein 1 antigen to stimulate an immune response against tumor cells. It has successfully induced remission in patients with severe metastatic disease, including those refractory to other chemotherapeutic regimens. Immune checkpoint inhibitors may result in immune-related adverse events affecting multiple organs, including endocrine organs, leading to thyroiditis and hypophysitis, among others. Isolated adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiency and hypophysitis have been reported in patients treated with nivolumab, another programmed cell death protein 1 inhibitor. However, clinical characteristics of these side effects associated with pembrolizumab have yet to be described in detail. We describe a case of an 85-year-old Caucasian male undergoing treatment of metastatic urothelial carcinoma with pembrolizumab, who abruptly developed hypophysitis requiring emergent intervention.

Electrical Storm With Incessant Ventricular Tachycardia in a COVID-19 Patient: Review of Current Evidence.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with various cardiovascular manifestations, including myocarditis, myocardial infarction, and arrhythmias. A prothrombotic state is the primary underlying pathogenic mechanism. While cardiac arrhythmias manifest more commonly amongst critically ill COVID-19 populations, ventricular arrhythmias have been reported only in few cases. This report describes a case of a 95-year-old African American man with COVID-19, who developed sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia, which progressed to an electrical storm. The case highlights the importance of high clinical suspicion, early recognition of electrical abnormalities in patients with active COVID-19 infection, and its ability to precipitate fatal ventricular arrhythmia. Also, we provide a literature review on the electrical storm in COVID-19 patients, highlighting the pathophysiologic mechanisms and the management of this deadly arrhythmia.