Using Diagnostic Radiological Imaging Modalities to Explore Neurological Dysfunction and Renal Failure in the Intersection of Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis, Macrophage Activation Syndrome, and Lupus.

This comprehensive case report and literature review explore the intricate intersection of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a 39-year-old patient, emphasizing the challenging diagnostic and therapeutic landscape. The patient's journey includes neurological dysfunction, renal failure, and clinical complexities, showcasing the rarity of these overlapping conditions. The report explains the diagnostic process, clinical and laboratory findings, specialty consultations, and treatment decisions leading to the diagnosis of SLE with features of MAS overlapping with HLH. By offering insights into the latest research and clinical perspectives, this case report contributes to a deeper understanding of these disorders, aiming to guide clinicians in recognizing and managing such intricate cases effectively.

Multiple Thrombotic, Infectious, and Cardiopulmonary Complications Following Laparoscopic Converted to Open Colectomy Procedure: A Case Report and Literature Review.

All surgeries, from minor procedures, such as sutures, to major surgeries, such as open abdominal surgery, carry with them risk for complications. Among the most frequently encountered complications are surgical site infections and thrombotic complications. Less frequently, cardiac complications such as atrial fibrillation are seen. In this case report, we discuss the various complications encountered during the hospital stay of a 61-year-old male following a laparoscopic converted to open colectomy procedure for the treatment of a colorectal mass. Following surgery, a surgical pathology report revealed a newly diagnosed stage 3b colorectal adenocarcinoma. Multiple abscesses in the abdominopelvic cavity were discovered on computed tomography (CT), revealing a major surgical site infectious process. These findings warranted emergent surgical intervention and placement of multiple Jackson-Pratt drains. Due to previously untreated carcinoma promoting a prothrombotic state, the patient developed numerous thrombotic complications such as segmental pulmonary embolism, superior mesenteric vein thrombosis, and superficial thrombophlebitis of the saphenous veins. He also developed new-onset paroxysmal atrial fibrillation secondary to postoperative pain, as well as bilateral pleural effusions. Here, we shed light on the mechanisms of development of such complications, as well as the management and methods for prevention.

Sternalis Syndrome Misidentified by Multiple Specialties Responding to Botox Treatment: A Case Report and Literature Review.

When a clinician, especially one who is specialized in primary care is faced with presenting complaints of deep, sharp, anterior chest pain, the most common differential diagnoses include cardiac and gastrointestinal pain. Musculoskeletal pain is thought of less frequently as a possible root cause. In this case report, we describe the clinical journey of a female athlete who presented with complaints of burning anterior chest pain. Her sternalis syndrome pain was first misdiagnosed as pain of cardiac origin, resulting in pacemaker placement into the patient's chest. The pain continued, and the same musculoskeletal pain was then presumed to be of gastrointestinal origin due to a previous history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). As a result of this misidentification, the patient underwent an unnecessary esophageal surgical procedure. Here, we identify the origins of sternalis syndrome pain, what other conditions the pain may be confused with, and how clinicians should not be quick to exclude musculoskeletal pain from a differential diagnosis of acute chest pain. We discuss effective treatments for sternalis syndrome and shed light on this less common cause of anterior chest pain to promote more accurate diagnosis and avoidance of unnecessary surgical interventions.

A Decade of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Following Orthopedic Wrist Surgery: A Case Report and a Literature Review.

Every day, people of all ages in the United States break bones, with traumatic injury being the most common way, and wrist injury being in the top five most common areas in which bones break. Traumatic fractures are managed with either surgical or nonsurgical approaches. The surgical approach utilizes ortho procedures such as internal fixation and reduction, while the nonsurgical approach consists of procedures like RICE, ace bandage, and so on. However, in rare cases, patients are left with a peculiar constellation of symptoms, which cause edema, pain, skin changes, and loss of function at the trauma site. This occurrence is termed complex regional pain syndrome. Here, we present the case of a 55-year-old female patient who suffered a traumatic wrist injury. The trauma was fixed by pinning ORIF orthopedic surgery, and the patient developed manifestations of complex regional pain syndrome around 10 days postoperatively. In this case report, we describe the variation and complexity of symptoms in the patient over the course of a decade after the original injury. The case report explains the pain management therapies that reduced the patient's symptoms and highlights the ones that were ineffective. We have included some less frequently used yet effective treatments and shed light on how this disease affected the patient's overall well-being.

Aesthetic Surgery Gone Wrong: A Case Report and Literature Review of Acute Kidney Injury Secondary to Hematoma After Liposuction.

Liposuction is a widely used cosmetic surgery that involves the removal of excess fatty tissue. Although it is generally considered a safe and effective procedure, complications can arise. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious complication, which can be caused by various factors. Extravasation of blood from vessels damaged by the cosmetic liposuction procedure cause hypovolemia and intravascular depletion, significant factors leading to pre-renal acute kidney injury. In this case report, we present the case of a 29-year-old female patient who developed AKI after undergoing a liposuction and "Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)" procedure. The patient experienced persistent nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain postoperatively and was admitted to the ICU. The patient's condition gradually worsened over the next few days, and imaging of the abdomen revealed a complex, clotted hematoma in abdominal and pelvic cavities that required surgical intervention. Her care involved a collaborative effort from critical care, plastic surgery, and nephrology specialists. This case highlights the potential complications of cosmetic surgery and the need for comprehensive postoperative care to manage these complications effectively. It also emphasizes the importance of identifying and managing risk factors for AKI during liposuction to minimize the risk of this serious complication.

Anesthetic Management of Suspected COVID-19 Vaccination Pericarditis/Myocarditis Scheduled for a Pericardial Window: A Case Report and Literature Review.

The unique challenges posed by the COVID vaccination continue to affect multiple healthcare specialties. Although short-term studies have shown that COVID-19 vaccines are both safe and effective, reports of side effects continue to emerge. Cardiovascular side effects such as myo-pericardial inflammation are of particular interest to the fields of cardiology, anesthesiology, and surgery. Myocarditis and pericarditis necessitate diagnostic and therapeutic procedures such as transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and pericardial window surgery. Intraoperative monitoring of clinical status and heart rhythm and careful adjustments to anesthetic management are required to ensure successful outcomes. This case report follows a 50-year-old male with a known history of pericardial effusion post-COVID vaccination who presented to the emergency department with shortness of breath and chest pain, necessitating further management. We examine the importance of TEE in preventing unnecessary pericardial window procedures and shed light on the importance of careful patient monitoring and management in promoting successful outcomes from an anesthesiology perspective.