Transverse Myelitis: An Adverse Reaction to Abatacept.

Immunotherapies are powerful disease-modifying agents in treating autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, their unique mechanisms of action confer a broad spectrum of immune-related adverse events (irAEs), which tend to be rare but complex, with significant risk for morbidity and mortality. We report a case of transverse myelitis in a patient with RA whose joint disease had been well-controlled with long-term intravenous abatacept. Suspicion of an unusual irAE in this elderly patient, whose neurologic symptomatology was gradual and protracted, prompted the discontinuation of abatacept and the rapid initiation of corticosteroid therapy. These interventions yielded a favorable clinical outcome for the patient. We must draw clinicians' attention to this rare but potentially consequential adverse drug reaction.

Cocaine-Induced Acute Extremity Compartment Syndrome: A Rare Case Report.

There is a dearth of research connecting acute extremities compartment syndrome to cocaine. Here, we present a case of a forty-year-old guy who is actively using cocaine and comes to the emergency room with excruciating right leg pain and swelling. Physical examination revealed substantial tachycardia, lack of dorsalis pedis pulses, stiff and painful calf muscles, and absence of plantar reflexes in the right lower extremities after sleeping on his right leg. A positive urine drug screen for cocaine, severe rhabdomyolysis, and acute renal damage warranted further laboratory testing. A diagnosis of compartment syndrome was established based on the lack of dorsalis pedis pulses in the right lower extremity and radiographic evidence of oedematous alterations in the calf muscles with perimuscular edema. For this case, acute renal injury was done, and treatment with fluid, hemodialysis, and right lower extremity double-compartment fasciotomies have been used. After that, his clinical situation improved, and no other dialysis sessions were required. Cocaine usage has been linked to rhabdomyolysis; nevertheless, compartment syndrome is an extremely uncommon consequence, particularly in the absence of severe damage or extended immobility.

Unveiling a Critical Subacute Complication: Right Apical Septum Pacemaker Lead Dislodgement Leading to Right Ventricular Perforation and Minimal Pericardial Effusion.

The implantation of cardiac pacing devices, such as pacemakers and implanted cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), has significantly improved patient outcomes in the treatment of a range of cardiac arrhythmias. Right ventricular (RV) pacing lead perforation is an uncommon but potentially dangerous complication that can occur despite technical breakthroughs. RV lead perforation, which can result in right ventricular perforation as well as possible pulmonary or vascular harm, is caused by the pacing lead breaking through the myocardial wall. Despite being rare, this complication warrants attention because of the risks for morbidity and mortality that are involved. We present a case of right ventricular perforation caused by a pacemaker lead and examine the nuances of RV lead perforation in this instance, including its prevalence, clinical presentation, diagnostic difficulties, and treatment strategies, illuminating the many factors to be taken into account while properly managing this issue.

A Rare Occurrence of Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection in Elderly: Diagnostic Challenges and Clinical Implications.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is the ripping of the epicardial coronary artery wall without any trauma, coronary procedures, or rupture of atherosclerotic plaque. Intimal rip, intramural hematoma, and false lumen formation are the hallmarks of this disease, which may result in coronary blood flow obstruction and myocardial ischemia. The role of SCAD in acute coronary syndrome (ACS), and sudden death has come to light more and more, particularly in young females and those with few typical atherosclerotic risk factors. This study details a 65-year-old female with a history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, asthma, and chronic kidney disease who presented with severe chest pain and elevated troponin levels. Upon investigation, spontaneous dissection of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) involving its mid and distal segments was identified. The present case highlights a rare occurrence of spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) in a demographic typically unaffected by the condition - females aged 65 years and over. The atypical presentation underscores the importance of reporting such cases to prevent oversight. This patient's case is particularly noteworthy as it deviates from the typical predisposing factors associated with SCAD, such as youth, pregnancy, or stressors. Additionally, the case is unique in that it presented both SCAD and imaging findings consistent with takotsubo cardiomyopathy, suggesting a complex cardiac pathology deserving of further study and consideration.

Black Cohosh: An Uncommon Culprit of Bradycardia in Postmenopausal Women.

The use of herbal supplements has become increasingly prevalent, with black cohosh (BC) gaining popularity for managing menopausal symptoms. However, reports of adverse effects associated with BC are limited. We present a case of bradycardia linked to prolonged BC ingestion. A 76-year-old postmenopausal woman who has been taking BC for years has had syncopal attacks multiple times during the past years associated with bradycardia with the heart rate dropping to 30 beats/minute with no identifiable cause. Discontinuation of BC resulted in a gradual resolution of bradycardia, highlighting a plausible association. There were no additional pharmacological or invasive interventions required.

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 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.