Pyrexia of unknown origin associated with a non-infected vaginal shelf pessary.

An 82-year-old female was admitted with pyrexia and rigors. Bloods showed a raised C-reactive protein and she was commenced on empirical intravenous antibiotics. Chest X-ray, urine microscopy and computed tomography scan of the patient's abdomen and pelvis did not demonstrate a source of infection, and blood cultures did not grow a microorganism. A collateral history was taken from the patient's husband who raised concerns regarding her vaginal shelf pessary and it was therefore removed. Subsequently the patient's fever subsided, her inflammatory markers improved and she was discharged 2 days later. We believe this is the first reported case of pyrexia secondary to a non-infected vaginal pessary, and may provide clinicians with an additional line of enquiry when presented with patients with pyrexia of unknown origin.

Fatal acute haemopericardium associated with rivaroxaban in a patient with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.

An 82-year-old female was admitted with chest pain and non-specific T wave changes on her ECG. After 72 hours of conservative management she deteriorated with non-specific symptoms including nausea and a single episode of vomiting. Abdominal and Chest X-rays were unremarkable, blood tests showed worsening Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) on Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD); and raised C-Reactive Protein (CRP) with no obvious symptoms or focus of infection. She rapidly deteriorated going into asystole cardiac arrest and attempts at resuscitation failed. Post-mortem examination suggested the most likely cause of death was acute spontaneous Haemopericardium due to Rivaroxaban therapy which she was on for non-valvular Atrial Fibrillation (AF). We believe that this might be the first reported mortality with Rivaroxaban-associated spontaneous haemopericardium in the UK.

Urinary incontinence a first presentation of central pontine myelinolysis: a case report.

An 84-year-old lady was treated for hyperosmolar hyperglycaemia with IV insulin, fluids and catheterisation for fluid balance monitoring. Trial without catheter failed as the patient complained of new-onset urinary incontinence and lack of awareness of bladder filling. In light of her breast cancer history, we excluded cauda equina. Ultrasound KUB showed an enlarged bladder. Whole-body MRI revealed a lesion in the pons which was highly suggestive of central pontine myelinolysis (CPM). Her electrolytes were normal throughout her admission; thus, the rapid fluctuation in osmolality, secondary to her hyperglycaemic state, was the likely cause of CPM. CPM has been reported secondary to hyperglycaemia; however, this is the first reported case of CPM presenting as urinary incontinence and loss of bladder sensation.