Systemic lupus erythematosus associated with erythema multiforme: A rare case report of Rowell's syndrome.

Key Clinical Message: Although it is very uncommon, SLE may initially present with recurrent episodes of EM-like rash. Despite the various possibilities underlying their association, prompt identification, and treatment of SLE in patients presenting with EM is important to prevent death or serious organ damage. Abstract: Rowell's syndrome (RS) is an uncommon presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with erythema multiforme (EM)-like lesions associated with specific serological changes, including positive rheumatoid factor (RF), speckled antinuclear antibody (ANA), positive rheumatoid factor, or anti-La antibodies in the serum. Our case, a 41-year-old male, presented with features of EM. Upon investigation, we identified underlying systemic lupus erythematosus, marking a rare instance of SLE presenting for the first time as EM. Classical or true EM is precipitated by trigger factors such as infective agents like the herpes simplex virus, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, drugs like anticonvulsants, antibiotics, and non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, any underlying malignancy, or connective tissue disorders, and is not associated with any specific serological abnormalities. EM cases associated with LE lesions where an EM trigger factor is missing are considered an RS diagnostic criterion. In this case report, the importance of considering SLE in patients presenting initially with recurrent episodes of EM-like rash is emphasized. RS should be considered, especially when there is no evidence of triggering factors. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of SLE are crucial to preventing death and irreversible organ damage.

Bronchopleural fistula associated persistent pneumothorax in a patient recovering from COVID-19 pneumonia: A case report.

Key Clinical Message: Pneumothorax and bronchopleural fistula (BPF) are potentially fatal complications that can occur in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. Early detection, appropriate treatment, and consideration of surgical intervention are necessary for optimum outcomes. Introduction: Healthcare professionals face complex challenges as a result of the rare emergence of pneumothorax among the variety of COVID-19 complications, including severe viral pneumonia. Case History: A 57-year-old male with multiple comorbidities diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia was admitted to our center and exhibited bilateral crepitations. During hospitalization, the patient developed right-sided pneumothorax that persisted despite chest tube insertion was linked to the presence of BPF. Discussion: The occurrence of pneumothorax in COVID-19 patients is relatively rare risk factors for which are not yet fully understood, although smoking history may play a role. Conservative management is recommended for asymptomatic cases, while intercostal drainage is necessary for symptomatic patients. Surgical intervention may be required to manage the BPF in some instances. Conclusion: Pneumothorax and BPF are rare but potentially life-threatening complications in patients recovering from COVID-19 pneumonia. Early recognition, appropriate treatment, and consideration of surgical intervention are crucial for optimizing patient outcomes.

Vitamin B12 deficiency in an infant with neurological and hematological findings: A case report.

Key Clinical Message: It is important for pregnant and breastfeeding women who adhere to a strict vegetarian diet to take appropriate steps to avoid vitamin B12 deficiency in their infants. Abstract: Vitamin B12 deficiency is rare during infancy. The initial symptoms of this deficiency are subtle and may include irritability, failure to thrive with a decline in growth rate, apathy, anorexia, refusal of solid foods, megaloblastic anemia, and developmental regression. The case presented here involves an 8-month-old male infant who showed neurological symptoms such as decreased activity, increased drowsiness, and reduced interaction with parents, which were ultimately linked to a deficiency of cobalamin (vitamin B12). Early recognition of this condition is critical because it is reversible. Therefore, pregnant and lactating women who follow a strict vegetarian diet should take necessary measures to prevent vitamin B12 deficiency in infants.

Intestinal tuberculosis can masquerade as Crohn's disease: A teachable moment.

Intestinal tuberculosis and Crohn's disease are chronic granulomatous diseases with similar clinical presentations and can mimic one another. Their treatment modalities are completely different; however, sometimes it is challenging to differentiate them. We report a case of a 51-year-old female presenting with abdominal pain and on-and-off diarrhea for 4 years with weight loss. Clinical symptoms along with multiple aphthous ulcers in the terminal ileum and negative tuberculin test favored the diagnosis of Crohn's disease. The patient did not respond to steroids. A repeat colonoscopy with acid-fast bacilli stain showed Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This case highlights that acid-fast bacilli culture and tuberculosis polymerase chain reaction to confirm or rule out the diagnosis of intestinal tuberculosis in all patients suspected of Crohn's disease.

Coexistence of cerebral venous thrombosis and dural arteriovenous fistula in an adolescent: A case report.

Key Clinical Message: Clinicians should consider central venous thrombosis (CVT) as a differential diagnosis in young adolescents with persistent headaches. It is essential to assess for concurrent CVT and dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF), particularly in those with a history of CVT. Abstract: Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) and dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) are uncommon vascular disorders with diverse clinical presentations. The coexistence of CVT and DAVF is a rare but important association that may impact the management and prognosis of affected patients. Prothrombotic conditions generally ranging from acquired to genetic, oral contraceptives, malignancy, puerperium, infection, and head injury are the common risk factors for cerebral venous thrombosis. Here, we present a case of 18 years males who developed recurrent cerebral thrombosis on the background of the presence of an arteriovenous fistula.

Dolutegravir-induced acquired sideroblastic anemia in a HIV positive patient: A challenging hematologic complication.

Dolutegravir, the most recent antiretroviral drug with high efficacy, good tolerability, infrequent drug-drug interactions, and a favorable safety profile has not been reported in current literature as a cause of acquired sideroblastic anemia. Here, we present a 35-year-old male patient who was diagnosed with acquired sideroblastic anemia to Dolutegravir therapy.

Lyonia ovalifolia (Angeri) poisoning: A case report.

Lyonia ovalifolia (angeri) is a deciduous tree whose shoot and leaves are toxic. Its chemical constituents include grayanane diterpenoids, lyoniol A, and other toxic compounds. Young children might consume it intentionally or unintentionally, with subsequent adverse health outcomes and even mortality depending on the amount ingested. We present a case of an adolescent girl who developed poisoning on ingestion of angeri leaves.