A Novel Case of Metformin-Induced Pancreatitis in an Individual With Normal Dosing and No Underlying Chronic Kidney Disease.

It is well known that most medications have side effects, and many of them have gone through years of testing with thousands of test subjects before entering the market. However, as physicians it is important to assess how patients react to the initiation of new medications not only looking for known side effects but also rare ones. Our case highlights a rare presentation of metformin-induced pancreatitis in the setting of normal renal function and appropriate dosing. We are hoping our case will create more awareness and inspire future research in exploring the pathophysiology and causes of metformin-induced pancreatitis. Moreover, we aim to make healthcare professionals mindful so that they may recognize acute pancreatitis as a side effect of metformin even in a healthy patient.

Diagnosis and Management of Gastrointestinal Neuroendocrine Tumors: A Comprehensive Literature Review.

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are epithelial neoplasms with predominant neuroendocrine differentiation and the ability to synthesize and secrete variable hormones and monoamines. They are relatively rare, accounting for 2% of all malignancy cases in the United States. The most common system affected by NETs is the gastrointestinal tract. Clinical presentation depends on the organ being involved and the hormone being secreted. It can be variable from asymptomatic incidental findings on imaging to intestinal obstruction, or carcinoid syndrome (CS). Several biochemical testings are developed to help with the diagnosis of NETs including 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) and chromogranin A (CgA). Computerized tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are the most commonly used modalities to localize the primary tumor and evaluate for metastasis. However, radionuclide imaging using somatostatin receptor-based imaging techniques has improved accuracy to detect smaller neoplasm. Surgical removal is the mainstay of treatment for locoregional tumors. Several medical managements are available for non-respectable NETs which include SSAs, peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT), and platinum-based chemotherapy agents.

Post-PCI outcomes in STEMI patients with coronary ectasia: meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Coronary ectasia (CE) is defined as dilation of the coronary artery, 1.5 times that of the surrounding vessel. Outcomes of percutaneous intervention (PCI) in patients with CE presenting as ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) remain a topic of debate. METHODS: Studies comparing outcomes of PCI in CE versus no-ectasia (NE) STEMI patients were identified. Baseline angiographic characteristics include thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) 0-1 flow, right coronary artery (RCA) involvement, and primary outcomes including thrombus aspiration, no-reflow, mortality, and TIMI-3 post-PCI. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. RESULTS: Six studies (n = 5746, CE-340 and NE-5406) qualified for the analysis. RCA involvement was more common in CE than NE, OR-1.39 (95%CI1.06-1.82, p-0.02). Pre-procedure TIMI-0-1 was of comparable results between the groups (p-1.13). Higher thrombus aspiration for CE (OR 2.18, 95%CI1.44-3.32;p-<0.001). CE had higher incidence of no-reflow (OR 4.07, 95%CI2.42-6.84;p-<0.001). TIMI-3 flow post-PCI was achieved less commonly in the CE group (OR-0.64, 95%CI-0.48-0.86;p-<0.001). Mortality on follow-up was comparable (0.83, 95%CI0.39-1.78;p-0.63). Metaregression analysis did not show confounding effects from comorbidities. CONCLUSION: Coronary ectasia patients with STEMI had higher rates of PCI failure and no-reflow than NE; however, mortality during follow-up was comparable.

Use of Anticoagulants in Patients With Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation Who Are at Risk of Falls.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a relatively common clinical entity with significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in the elderly. Stroke is one of the most significant complications of AF, which can be prevented with the use of anticoagulation. Elder population are at an increased risk of falls and the use of anticoagulation in this group can lead to intracranial hemorrhage. Therefore, it is unclear whether patients at high risk of falls should be anticoagulated. This review article discusses the epidemiology of AF and falls in the elder population, and whether the benefit of anticoagulation outweighs the risks in this group.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis Complicated by a Brain Death.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). Cerebral edema (CE) can complicate DKA management. We report a patient with no significant medical history who presented with DKA and a new-onset DM; she received the standard management with regular insulin and IV fluids, the management resulted in a rapid drop in serum osmolality, the patient`s mental status deteriorated and became nonresponsive, brain imaging confirmed CE, a few days later the patient was declared brain dead by neurology. This case highlights the importance of gradual correction of hyperosmolar conditions including hyperglycemia and urges all healthcare providers to closely trend glucose levels in the management of DKA.

Paraneoplastic Leukocytosis: A Poor Prognostic Marker in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma.

Hyperleukocytosis is a rare form of paraneoplastic syndrome that has been reported in adenocarcinomas, particularly pancreatic cancer. We present an elderly man with chronic abdominal pain and weight loss for six months. On examination, he had diffuse tenderness and marked ascites. A workup with a CT scan revealed a pancreatic mass, which was confirmed to be pancreatic adenocarcinoma on biopsy. His lab work showed a significant leukocytosis. An extensive infectious workup was negative. He was not on any medications known to cause a leukocytosis; therefore, his leukocytosis was attributed to his cancer. Unfortunately, he died just a few days later. This case highlights hyperleukocytosis as a paraneoplastic syndrome that is a poor prognostic sign, and can be used as a marker for disease progression.

A Complete Guide to Identify and Manage Malnutrition in Hospitalized Patients.

Malnutrition is extremely common in hospitalized patients. It can lead to various complications and increase mortality. However, it remains poorly recognized and many health care systems do not require nutritional assessment during the hospital stay. This most likely due to lack of awareness and inadequate coordination between health care workers. Physicians can utilize many different methods when performing malnutrition screening, and there is also a lack of global clear-cut recommendations on criteria used to diagnose malnutrition. This article aims to increase malnutrition awareness among health care providers, and provide a guide on screening, diagnosis, and management of malnutrition.

Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A "Head to Toe" Examination.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a hematologic malignancy that can affect all blood cell lineages, the presentation varies, and infection is a common complication. This case involves a patient initially presenting with a necrotic foot ulcer and leukocytosis, ultimately leading to a diagnosis of osteomyelitis. After establishing adequate source control with serial debridements and intravenous antibiotics, the patient developed some knee swelling. On repeat assessment, he was discovered to have lymphadenopathy, and workup revealed AML. As indicated by this case, though it appeared a clear-cut diagnosis of osteomyelitis, there was an underlying malignancy that would have potentially gone unnoticed due to incomplete clinical examination.

Familial Adenomatous Polyposis Complicated by Acute Myelogenous Leukemia.

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by the appearance of multiple colorectal adenomatous polyps and propensity for evolving into adenocarcinoma, typically in early adulthood. We present a case of a 38-year-old man with a one-year history of bloody stool, found to have innumerable polyps throughout the colon and therefore diagnosed with FAP. Completed blood count with differential revealed blasts, a finding confirmed via a peripheral blood smear; a follow-up bone marrow biopsy also showed blasts and he was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). To our knowledge, FAP and AML occurring in the same patient were reported only once in the literature. In our patient and the previously reported case, it is assumed that FAP occurred first and AML developed later; no family history of FAP was noted in either patient. This case raises the question of whether a sporadic FAP is more likely to lead to AML compared to the classic FAP.

Coronary Artery Fistula Ligation Using Selective Coronary Artery Angiography.

A 55-year-old male presented with worsening shortness of breath and was found to have multiple coronary artery fistulas on coronary angiogram with coronary steal. He subsequently underwent successful ligation of three of the fistulas using intraoperative coronary angiography in the hybrid suite to assist with the identification and confirmation of closure. There are currently no formal recommendations for the use of intraoperative imaging in such cases, but the results of our case contribute to the sparse body of literature supporting the utilization of intraoperative angiography in ligating multiple coronary artery fistulas.

Venous Thromboembolism in Patients With Brain Cancer: Focus on Prophylaxis and Management.

Patients with primary and metastatic brain tumors are predisposed to thromboembolism. This review of the literature explores the high prevalence of venous thromboembolism and its negative impact on patients with brain cancer. It outlines the recommended prophylactic strategies to prevent venous thrombosis and analyzes the benefit versus risk of anticoagulation in this population, with a focus on the risk of intracranial bleeding associated with it. Additionally, it explores the exceedingly high prevalence of venous thromboembolism in the setting of brain cancer surgeries and provides guidance on the best methods used for prophylaxis in this setting and discusses the safety of each method perioperatively. Lastly, this review article provides guidance on how to manage venous thromboembolism in patients with brain cancer and discusses the use of vena cava filters in this population.

Multi-Organ Failure in a Patient With Diabetes due to COVID-19 With Clear Lungs.

The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 has emerged in late 2019 infecting millions of people worldwide. Diabetes mellitus (DM) has been associated with severe illness and mortality mainly due to acute respiratory distress syndrome. We report a case of a middle-aged man with DM and COVID-19 who developed seizure and altered mental status, found to have diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), acute kidney injury, hypovolemic shock, and hyperammonemia all contributing to metabolic encephalopathy. He was admitted to the ICU and subsequently intubated for airway protection; with appropriate management his condition improved and was successfully extubated. The patient had no lung involvement throughout the illness. We report this case to highlight that COVID-19 can lead to multi-organ failure in patients with DM even in the absence of lung involvement which all physicians should be mindful of.

A Comprehensive Literature Review on the Management of Distal Deep Vein Thrombosis.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a relatively common clinical entity with significant morbidity and mortality. Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is the most significant complication of DVT and warrants immediate attention. The location of the DVT has a substantial impact on its ability to break off and travel to the pulmonary vasculature, causing a PE. Proximal DVT is more likely to cause a PE than a distal DVT. The widely accepted management for proximal DVT is anticoagulation. However, the management of distal DVT is unclear. This review article discusses factors that increase the risk of PE in patients with distal DVT, guidance on how to categorize patients into high and low-risk categories, and the recommended management for each category.

Pneumonia Caused by Three Separate Microorganisms Simultaneously in a Patient Infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is usually caused by a single microorganism. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common organism associated with CAP. However, in immunocompromised patients, especially those infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), pneumonia may be caused by multiple organisms simultaneously. This report describes a previously healthy 29-year-old man who presented with acute CAP. Blood tests showed that he was positive for HIV antigen/antibody, and urinalysis showed that he was initially positive for pneumococcal antigen. Although blood cultures showed growth of Streptococcus pneumoniae, he did not respond to invasive anti-pneumococcal treatment with ceftriaxone and vancomycin. Rather, his pneumonia worsened, and he was intubated for hypoxic respiratory failure. His bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was positive for Pneumocystis pneumonia and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. These findings indicate that pneumonia in immunocompromised patients may be caused by multiple organisms. Patients who fail to respond to treatment for a single identified organism should be suspected of being infected with other pathogenic organisms.

Successful Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in a Patient With Uncontrolled Scleromyxedema.

Scleromyxedema is a rare disorder characterized by diffuse cutaneous and systemic mucinosis with paraproteinemia. Affected patients usually develop numerous waxy, firm papules and plaques as a result of subcutaneous mucin deposition and fibrosis. Systemic manifestations may involve the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, pulmonary, musculoskeletal, renal, or nervous systems and are known to lead to significant morbidity and mortality if left untreated. As the skin of these patients can be heavily infiltrated with mucin and fibrosis, it is unknown if scleromyxedema affects wound healing. Additionally, owing to the rarity of the disorder, there is very little data regarding surgical outcomes in these patients and their optimal management in the pre- and post-surgical setting. Herein, we report a case of a patient who underwent elective coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) while in active relapse of his scleromyxedema; he suffered no pre- or post-operative complications and his surgical incision site healed well without any intervention.

Proctocolitis From Coffee Enema.

Coffee enemas are often used by naturopathic practitioners to treat a number of diseases, including cancer. However, there is no supportive evidence, and its use comes with major risks. We report a case of proctocolitis in a healthy patient after coffee enema treatment. To our knowledge, only 3 other cases of this adverse effect exist in the literature.