Acute Myeloid Leukemia Presenting as Common Colds: An Uncommon Consideration.

Acute myeloid leukemia is the most common form of leukemia and can present with a wide variety of signs and symptoms. This article presents a case of a middle-aged male who presented with ongoing upper respiratory cold-like symptoms and was then found to be severely pancytopenic. A diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia was made after a bone marrow biopsy, and the patient underwent induction chemotherapy. This article brings to light the uncommon diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia, from a common presentation, a common cold. Additionally, it discusses the initial workup and diagnostic process of acute myeloid leukemia, risk stratification, and a basic treatment algorithm.

Beta-2 Glycoprotein I IgA Isotype: An Important Consideration in Secondary Hypertension.

Anti-beta-2 glycoprotein I antibodies are an important player in hypercoagulable states, including those that lead to antiphospholipid syndrome. Traditionally, assays have only detected IgG and IgM isotypes of this antibody. However, newer assays also detect the IgA isotype. The problem lies in the largely unknown significance of this IgA isotype. This paper describes a middle-aged male who presented with hypertensive emergency and was later found to have IgA anti-beta-2 glycoprotein I antibodies. He was treated with multiple anti-hypertensives, aspirin, and statin therapy. In addition to the case, we discuss the implications of this IgA isotype and how it may relate to antiphospholipid syndrome, despite not currently being included in the laboratory diagnostic criteria for the disease.

Bilateral Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Heads Secondary to Familial Hyperlipidemia.

Avascular necrosis (AVN) is a progressive disease characterized by bone death secondary to an interruption of the relevant vascular supply. While it is most common in pediatrics and later adulthood, it can occur at any age. This case describes a previously healthy man in his mid-twenties who presented with worsening hip pain. Imaging, including X-ray and magnetic resonance, revealed severe marrow edema and early collapse of the femoral head. The patient was also found to have a severely elevated low-density lipoprotein level, leading to the diagnosis of AVN due to familial hyperlipidemia. He received a total hip arthroplasty and was started on high-intensity statin therapy. This case highlights the importance of considering AVN in the young adult population with hip pain as well as the appropriate workup and treatment.