Penile Calciphylaxis: A Successfully Treated Case.

Penile calciphylaxis is a rare presentation of calcific uremic arteriolopathy and can be a life-threatening condition usually seen in patients with end-stage renal failure with hemodialysis. The clear etiopathogenesis of calciphylaxis is not fully understood, but it is postulated to be characterized by the accumulation of calcium in the microvessels of adipose tissue and skin, which leads to ischemia and necrosis, causing painful ulcerations, and could potentially be complicated by sepsis and mortality. End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is one of the major risk factors for penile calciphylaxis. In this report, we describe a case of a 53-year-old Hispanic male patient with ESRD and diabetes on hemodialysis, who presented with a five-day history of acute, severe, burning, non-radiating pain to the head of his penis associated with black discoloration. He was diagnosed with penile calciphylaxis and received a combination of conservative and surgical interventions, resulting in a highly positive outcome marked by complete healing of the scar without any reported complications.

A Rare Association of Autoimmune Hypophysitis With Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Case Report.

Autoimmune hypophysitis (AH) is an uncommon condition where there is inflammation of the pituitary gland which leads to hormonal imbalances. It is often associated with autoimmune diseases; however, a case is yet to be reported with an association of AH with seronegative rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We present a case of a 45-year-old female who complained of polyuria/polydipsia and rapid weight gain. An MRI of the head revealed enlargement of the pituitary gland, concerning for AH. Although she was initially treated for diabetes insipidus, she began reporting new complaints of joint pains and morning stiffness. She was clinically diagnosed with seronegative RA and improved with a trial of hydroxychloroquine. A repeat MRI showed improvement in the abnormal pituitary findings, and the patient was closely monitored with a multidisciplinary approach. Diagnosing and managing patients with AH are topics that are still being explored and researched as it is a relatively rare pathology. Consequently, we found the need to discuss the relationship of AH with seronegative RA and delve into the various diagnostic and treatment approaches.