Demoralization predicts suicidality in patients with cluster headache.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of suicidal ideation and assess suicide risk in cluster headache (CH) patients compared to matched controls without CH in this observational case-control study. BACKGROUND: CH is characterized by recurrent intolerable attacks of unilateral retro-orbital pain, which can cause disability, depression, and desperation. CH has been linked to suicide since its early descriptions by B.T. Horton; however, there is relatively little empiric data showing the association between suicidality and CH, especially in the context of other psychological phenomena, such as depression and demoralization. METHODS: CH and control participants were recruited through community and CH patient group advertisements. CH diagnosis was confirmed using the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition diagnostic criteria for CH. Lifetime suicidal ideation and suicide risk were assessed using the Suicidal Behavior Questionnaire-revised and the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale. The Brief Lifetime Depression Scale evaluated lifetime depression. Demoralization was assessed using the Diagnostic Criteria for use in Psychosomatic Research - Demoralization and the Kissane Demoralization Scale. Forward stepwise logistic regression determined the odds of suicidal ideation. RESULTS: One hundred CH and 135 control participants were comparable for age, sex, race, income, and marital status. Significantly more CH than control participants had lifetime active suicidal ideation (47.0% vs. 26.7%; p = 0.001), high suicide risk (38.0% vs. 18.5%; p = 0.0009), lifetime depression history (67.0%% vs. 32.6%; p < 0.00001), and demoralization (28.0% vs. 15.6%; p = 0.02). The odds of lifetime suicidal ideation were higher in those with CH (odds [95% confidence interval]; 2.04 [1.08,3.85]), even after accounting for depression and demoralization. In CH, suicidal ideation was associated with demoralization (6.66 [1.56,28.49]) but not depression (1.89 [0.66,5.46]). CONCLUSIONS: Lifetime suicidal ideation and high suicide risk are prevalent in CH sufferers, and its likelihood is dependent on the presence of demoralization.

Fatal Itching and Failing Liver: A Case Report and Literature Review of Rare, Atypical DRESS (Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms) Syndrome.

DRESS (Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms) syndrome is a rare, life-threatening, hypersensitivity reaction. The prolonged course and non-specific symptoms of the condition make diagnosis challenging. We present a case of DRESS syndrome that was misdiagnosed as urticaria. Investigations revealed deranged liver and kidney functions and abnormal blood count. The presented case emphasizes the need to have a high suspicion for DRESS syndrome in patients who present with jaundice, generalized rash, acute renal failure, and acute liver failure.

Peritoneal Carcinoma Unveiling a Hidden Threat: A Case of Malignant Pericardial Effusion.

Malignant pericardial effusion (MPE) is a slowly progressive and potentially clinically silent condition. Pericardial effusion can arise in oncology patients due to several factors, including disease spreading directly or metastatically, anticancer therapy side effects, or both. Solid and hematological malignancy metastasis more frequently involves the pericardium than primary tumors, with lung cancer being the most common metastatic tumor to involve the pericardium. While 5%-20% of all patients with metastatic neoplasms have pericardial involvement, MPE rarely appears with hemodynamic instability. Occasionally, MPE constitutes the initial manifestation of an underlying malignancy. Diagnosis and treatment require a multidisciplinary approach and a high degree of clinical suspicion. We present a case of a 59-year-old female with a history of peritoneal carcinoma who presented with persistent dyspnea on exertion following an episode of pneumonia that was treated with antibiotics. Physical examination and bedside point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) revealed fluid in the pericardial sac. The cytological examination of the fluid revealed it to be of malignant origin, resulting from metastasis from gynecologic adenocarcinoma. Pericardiocentesis was done, and symptoms improved after fluid drainage.

Altered Mental Status on Top of Anaplasmosis-Induced Severe Rhabdomyolysis: A Rare Clinical Presentation.

Human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) is a disease caused by tick-borne infection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum. The typical symptoms are fever, malaise, and body aches accompanied by abnormal blood tests such as leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and transaminitis. Some rare complications may occur, especially in patients living in heavily wooded areas, with a mean age of 70 years. We present a case of a 67-year-old male who was admitted for lower abdominal pain, fever, and diarrhea with derangement of his blood tests. Despite treatment, his condition deteriorated and complicated rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney dysfunction. Empiric treatment including doxycycline was initiated while waiting for the infection blood work results. PCR came back positive for HGA. Empiric therapy was narrowed down to doxycycline for 14 days, and the patient's condition began to improve gradually and steadily. Aggressive hydration markedly improved rhabdomyolysis and, in turn, kidney function. Our case underscores the importance of considering HGA in ambiguous clinical scenarios and highlights the value of early diagnosis, empiric treatment, and intravenous hydration, especially in the presence of rhabdomyolysis.

Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding Secondary to Duodenal Wall Perforation by Inferior Vena Cava Filter: A Rare Clinical Presentation.

Patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) frequently employ inferior vena cava (IVC) filters to keep them from getting pulmonary embolisms. Even though they are usually thought to be safe, there can be complications during or after their placement. IVC filter perforation into adjacent structures, such as the duodenum, is an uncommon but potentially serious complication. We present a case of a 62-year-old female with a past medical history of recurrent deep vein thrombosis (DVTs) and pulmonary embolism who presented with dizziness and dyspnea due to gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, resulting in anemia. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) was done and revealed a metallic object extending into the duodenum, identified as the IVC filter.