Proteinase 3 Antibody and Anti-Double-Stranded DNA in a Patient With Immunoglobin Light Chain Amyloidosis.

Proteinase 3 (PR3) anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) and anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibodies have been associated with a variety of nephritic diseases, most recognizably granulomatosis with polyangiitis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) glomerulonephritis, respectively. We report the first clinical case of positive PR3 and dsDNA in a patient with renal Immunoglobin light chain (AL) amyloidosis. A 75-year-old man presented to the hospital with chronic fatigue, weight loss, and a recent diagnosis of left ventricular infiltrative cardiomyopathy secondary to AL amyloidosis. Autoimmune serology was significant for PR3-ANCA and anti-dsDNA antibodies. A renal biopsy confirmed AL amyloidosis with diffuse Congo red stain. This case report is the first of its kind, showing atypical antibody presentation in the setting of amyloidosis.

Rapidly Progressive Emphysematous Pancreatitis With Massive Hemorrhage and Multi-Organ Failure: A Severe Sequela of COVID-19.

The COVID-19 global pandemic continues to wreak havoc on a number of affected patients and poses a significant burden on the healthcare system. Even though it has been over two years since the pandemic emerged, clinical presentations in affected patients continue to appall clinicians. Emphysematous pancreatitis is a rare, fatal complication of acute necrotizing pancreatitis presenting with a high mortality rate. This rare entity stems from superinfection of acute necrotizing pancreatitis with gram-negative bacteria, most commonly from Escherichia coli (E. coli), among others. Herein, we present a rare case of acute necrotizing pancreatitis complicated by emphysematous necrosis with hemorrhagic conversion and E. coli septicemia in a 60-year-old morbidly obese male patient without any underlying risk factors. He presented with respiratory failure in the setting of COVID-19 and was subsequently diagnosed with acute necrotizing pancreatitis complicated by emphysematous necrosis. To our knowledge, emphysematous pancreatitis in the setting of COVID-19 with no other attributable causes for pancreatitis was not previously reported in the literature. This article aims to report an unusual association between COVID-19 infection and acute emphysematous pancreatitis with evidence of hemorrhagic conversion. Furthermore, given the neoteric nature of this viral infection, we hope to promote sensitivity toward capturing additional clinical features associated with active COVID-19 infection, with the goal to keep clinicians abreast with its many possible sequelae.

Pneumopericardium, Epidural Pneumatosis, and Muscular Emphysema: Rare Complications of Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum Due to Refractory Hyperemesis Gravidarum.

Various complications of hyperemesis gravidarum and pneumomediastinum have been documented in the literature. Commonly, these cases resolve spontaneously or with the use of antiemetics and supportive care. In rare instances, these symptoms persist into the second trimester and are associated with an increased risk of complications. Herein, we present a case of a healthy 20-year-old female with a history of marijuana use who presented with intractable nausea and vomiting and was found to have multiple rare complications of spontaneous pneumomediastinum.