Haemophilus Influenzae Epididymo-Orchitis and Bacteraemia in an Immunocompetent Patient.

Background: Epididymitis is a common cause of scrotal pain in adults, with coliform bacteria being the most common isolated organisms in patients older than 35. Case presentation: A 51-year-old healthy patient presented with scrotal pain and swelling, and was found to have epididymo-orchitis and bacteraemia caused by Haemophilus influenzae, which has not previously been reported as a cause of epididymo-orchitis and bacteraemia in immunocompetent patients. Discussion: Diagnostic studies can help confirm the diagnosis and detect the causative pathogen. In all suspected cases, a urinalysis, urine culture and a urine or urethral swab for nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) for Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis should be performed. Colour Doppler ultrasonography often shows an enlarged thickened epididymis with increased Doppler wave pulsation in epididymitis. H. influenzae are pleomorphic gram-negative rods that commonly colonise the human respiratory tract and are associated with a number of clinical conditions. H. influenzae has been reported as a cause of epididymo-orchitis in prepubertal boys, and in few cases were associated with positive blood cultures. In adults, H. influenzae has been isolated before from urine samples or urethral swabs in patients with epididymitis or epididymo-orchitis. Conclusion: This case highlights the possibility of H. influenzae causing epididymo-orchitis and bacteraemia in immunocompetent patients. Healthcare providers should consider H. influenzae in the differential diagnosis of epididymitis and epididymo-orchitis in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. LEARNING POINTS: H. influenzae can cause epididymo-orchitis and bacteraemia in immunocompetent patients. This has not been previously reported.H. influenzae should be considered in the differential diagnosis of epididymitis and epididymo-orchitis in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients.Healthcare providers should be aware of the increasing incidence of epididymitis and epididymo-orchitis caused by non-coliform bacteria in patients older than 35 years, especially in immunocompromised patients.

A Unique Case of the Syndrome of Irreversible Lithium-Effectuated Neurotoxicity (SILENT) Presenting With Multiple Neurological Sequelae.

Lithium can have toxic effects on the central nervous system (CNS) that can be both acute and chronic. The syndrome of irreversible lithium-effectuated neurotoxicity (SILENT) was suggested in the 1980s to describe lithium intoxication-induced persistent neurological sequelae. In this article, we report a 61-year-old patient with bipolar disorder who had developed expressive aphasia, ataxia, cogwheel rigidity, and fine tremors after acute on chronic lithium toxicity. These neurological symptoms remained for four months after discontinuation of lithium, confirming the persistence of CNS signs and symptoms, which makes this case meets the SILENT syndrome criteria. Although rare, our report - which shows a severe and disabling form of SILENT syndrome - highlights the need for additional caution when treating patients with lithium and the need to perform strict control of the putative risk factors argued to be associated with the development of this syndrome.

A 27-Year-Old Woman with an Exacerbation of Chronic Asthma Due to Influenza A Presenting with Pneumomediastinum, Retropharyngeal Emphysema, and Subcutaneous Emphysema.

BACKGROUND Influenza infection can trigger an asthma exacerbation, which can lead to spontaneous pneumomediastinum. This is a rare condition that typically occurs after a sudden increase in intra-alveolar pressure. Pneumomediastinum is usually a benign condition that can be treated with supportive care, and it can be accompanied by subcutaneous emphysema. However, it can progress to retropharyngeal emphysema, as reported in this case. This report is of a 27-year-old patient with past medical history of well-controlled asthma presenting for acute exacerbation of asthma secondary to influenza A infection who developed pneumomediastinum, subcutaneous emphysema, and retropharyngeal emphysema. To the best of our knowledge, there is only one case in literature that has reported a similar presentation secondary to influenza A infection. CASE REPORT We report a 27-year-old woman with well-controlled asthma who presented with chest pain, shortness of breath, throat pressure, dry cough, and expiratory wheezing as an acute exacerbation of asthma secondary to influenza A infection. On chest imaging, she was found to have spontaneous pneumomediastinum, subcutaneous emphysema, and retropharyngeal emphysema. Her symptoms were resolved with supportive measures and control of asthma symptoms. CONCLUSIONS This case highlights these atypical complications of asthma exacerbations. Although these complications are typically benign and can resolve with supportive measures, severe cases can lead to acute airway compromise, pneumothorax, tension pneumomediastinum, or tension pneumopericardium. This case also shows how important it is to consider chest radiographs in any young patient with an asthma exacerbation who has symptoms or signs suggestive of extra-alveolar air.

Unusual Presentation of Post-coital Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a grave medical condition that is defined as a separation of the coronary artery wall layer. This presentation is rare in males and can be triggered by cardio-circulatory stress, such as exercise and emotional stress. Sexual intercourse is considered potent cardiovascular stress that can be strenuous and cause rapid and significant changes in the heart rate and blood pressure which can predispose SCAD. Herein, we are reporting a very rare case of a 41-year-old male gentleman who presented with SCAD after vigorous sexual intercourse. We are reporting this case to encourage physicians to educate their patients on the topic.