The Development of Myxedema Coma in the Setting of Euthyroid Sick Syndrome: A Diagnostic Dilemma and Review of Management Strategies.

Euthyroid sick syndrome (ESS), also referred to as nonthyroidal illness syndrome, is an intriguing condition characterized by dysregulation of thyroid hormones despite normal thyroid gland function. It is diagnosed by low serum triiodothyronine levels, and, in some cases, other thyroid hormones such as thyroxine and thyroid-stimulating hormone may be affected. This condition arises via various physiologic mechanisms and is associated with intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, caloric deprivation, and severe illness. Myxedema coma (MC) is a rare medical emergency with a high mortality rate. It is caused by severe hypothyroidism, resulting in multiorgan failure with features including adrenal insufficiency, thermal dysregulation, and altered mentation. Generally, it is observed in untreated and poorly managed cases of hypothyroidism. However, stress from infections, surgical procedures, and medical comorbidities may precipitate this condition. It is particularly uncommon to see MC arise in the setting of ESS, especially in a patient with no history of thyroid disease, which makes this diagnosis easy to miss. In our case, a 36-year-old female presented with septic shock and was admitted to the ICU, where she subsequently developed ESS and features of MC. This case report aims to explore the risk factors, features, and diagnostic and therapeutic management of these conditions, as well as the diagnostic challenges that arise when these diseases present simultaneously.

The Use of Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) and Elevated Liver Enzymes as Predictive Factors of Gangrenous Cholecystitis: A Case Report.

Gangrenous cholecystitis is a severe complication of acute cholecystitis. It is often found incidentally during laparoscopic cholecystectomy or during conversion to open surgery and diagnosed with subsequent pathological analysis. While intraoperative diagnosis is typically through direct visualization of the gallbladder, specific diagnostic modalities may guide physicians toward an earlier diagnosis. Surgical intervention and a more aggressive approach are often needed to prevent the advancement of the disease and its catastrophic complications. This case report illustrates the distinct risk factors predisposing a patient to develop gangrenous cholecystitis. Comorbidities such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, age, the relevance of the SIRS criteria, and elevated liver enzymes are explored as predictive factors in a patient with gangrenous cholecystitis.

A Rare Case of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Presenting as a Massive Abdominal Hematoma and Shock: A Case Report.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has an affluent blood supply stemming from the hepatic artery. Subsequent spontaneous tumor rupture can lead to massive abdominal hematoma and shock, a rare fatal gastrointestinal incident. The diagnosis of rupture is complicated, with most patients presenting with abdominal pain and shock. Prompt correction of hypovolemic shock is the primary goal of treatment. This rare case presents a 75-year-old male who presented to the emergency department because of abrupt and increasing abdominal pain after a meal. Laboratory data revealed elevated alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alpha-fetoprotein levels. Immediate computed tomography demonstrated a defect in the right ventral abdominal wall. The patient underwent an emergency exploratory laparotomy. Despite massive intra-abdominal adhesions, the identified source of bleeding was from the left lobe of the liver at the base of the lesser sac above the pancreas. There was a maximum effort to cease bleeding and minimize blood loss. An ensuing biopsy of the liver revealed HCC. After improving, the patient received instructions to follow up on an outpatient basis. Two months after surgery, the patient endorses no complications. The success outlined in this case highlights the essence of prompt action in an emergency, which delineates the significance of surgical experience in handling unorthodox patient presentations.