Remote Recurrent Primary Hyperparathyroidism in Auto-Transplanted Tissue.

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (MEN2A) is a rare hereditary condition characterized by medullary thyroid cancer, pheochromocytoma, and primary hyperparathyroidism. The current standard of treatment of hyperparathyroidism involves surgical removal of visibly enlarged glands, and auto-transplantation of remnant tissue is often considered to minimize the risk of iatrogenic post-surgical hypocalcemia if multiple glands are enlarged. Rarely, hyperparathyroidism may recur due to hyperplasia or adenoma formation in the auto-transplanted tissue. The following case portrays a 51-year-old male, with a history of MEN2A status post total parathyroidectomy with cryopreservation and subsequent auto-transplantation of remnant parathyroid tissue to the left arm 18 years prior, who presented to establish care due to the insidious development of asymptomatic hypercalcemia. Workup included a laboratory examination showing elevated intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) and left arm ultrasound revealing three areas of enlarged parathyroid tissue at the transplant site, raising suspicion for the development of recurrent primary hyperparathyroidism in auto-transplanted tissue. The patient ultimately underwent a re-do subtotal parathyroidectomy of auto-transplanted tissue with surgical pathology confirming hyperplastic parathyroid tissue. This case highlights the significance of indefinite vigilant surveillance in this patient population, as a recurrence of hyperparathyroidism may occur even after decades of remission.

Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy Associated with Acute COVID-19 Pneumonia.

Cardiogenic shock carries a high burden of morbidity and mortality because of inadequate tissue perfusion leading to end-stage multi-organ damage. The initial work-up includes a pertinent and thorough history and physical examination to identify possible cardiac and noncardiac etiologies. The following case describes a patient presenting with symptomatic acute COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) pneumonia with initial findings consistent with cardiogenic shock. SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia has been associated with multiple cardiac manifestations including myocarditis, heart failure, myocardial infarction, and Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. This patient was treated with conservative medical management and had complete clinical recovery and normal cardiac angiography weeks after their initial presentation. This clinical scenario highlights the significance of a broad differential and extensive work-up when faced with a patient presenting with cardiogenic shock.

An Unexpected Cause of Syncope.

Syncope is a common chief complaint among patients presenting to the emergency department, the etiology of which can often be discerned with a thorough history and physical examination. Inversely, liposarcomas are rare tumors that frequently pose a diagnostic challenge as the clinical presentation is highly nonspecific and varies greatly depending on the anatomic location and size of the tumor. Here we present a case of retroperitoneal liposarcomas (RLS) presenting to the emergency department (ED) with a sole complaint of syncope, resulting in a diagnostic dilemma. This clinical scenario highlights the significance of thorough physical examination regardless of the presenting chief complaint, as unexpected physical examination findings prompted an extended work-up and thus facilitated the diagnosis, providing the opportunity for early intervention and resection of the tumor.