Mycobacterium genavense-induced spindle cell pseudotumor in a pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipient: Case report and review of the literature.

We describe the first reported pediatric patient to our knowledge with a spindle cell pseudotumor caused by Mycobacterium genavense in a hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipient, and review the literature of such an entity in the transplant population.

Outcomes in obese and overweight acute myeloid leukemia patients receiving chemotherapy dosed according to actual body weight.

Cytotoxic chemotherapy dosages are traditionally calculated according to body surface area (BSA). No guidelines exist for chemotherapy dosing of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients at extremes of weight. We investigated the efficacy and safety of chemotherapy dosed according to BSA based on actual body weight (ABW) among under/normal weight, overweight, and obese AML patients. AML patients (excluding acute promyelocytic leukemia) treated with anthracycline and cytarabine-based remission induction chemotherapy from 2002 to 2009 at Cleveland Clinic were divided into three body mass index (BMI) groups: under/normal weight (BMI ≤ 24.9), overweight (BMI 25.0-29.9), and obese (BMI ≥ 30.0). Among 247 AML patients, 81 (33%) were under/normal weight, 81 (33%) were overweight, and 85 (34%) were obese. Complete remission (CR) rates were similar among these groups (69.1, 79.0, and 76.5%, respectively; P = 0.321), as was median survival (10.7, 16.7, and 14.2 months, respectively, P = 0.352) and 30-day mortality (3.7, 2.5, 7.1%, respectively, P = 0.331). There was no difference among groups in days to neutrophil or platelet recovery, hospitalization days for induction chemotherapy, and bacteremia. After adjustment for confounders (age, sex, BMI, white blood cells, cytogenetic risk, etiology, and bacteremia), overall survival was significantly shorter for normal weight compared to overweight (P = 0.006) and obese (0.038) patients. Response rates and adverse events were not significantly different among AML patients of all weight classes when induction chemotherapy was dosed according to ABW. Induction chemotherapy in these patients can be safely dosed using ABW.

Invasive Aspergillus infection requiring lobectomy in a CYP2C19 rapid metabolizer with subtherapeutic voriconazole concentrations.

Individuals who carry the CYP2C19*17 gain-of-function allele have lower voriconazole exposure and are therefore at risk of failing therapy. Utilizing CYP2C19 genotype to optimize voriconazole dosage may be a cost-effective method of improving treatment outcomes. However, there are limited data describing what initial voriconazole dosage should be used in those with increased CYP2C19 metabolic capacity. Herein, we present a case report of a pediatric CYP2C19 rapid metabolizer (i.e., CYP2C19*1/*17) requiring a voriconazole dosage of 14 mg/kg twice daily (usual pediatric dosage ranges from 7 to 9 mg/kg twice daily). This case report supports the clinical utility of using CYP2C19 genotype to guide voriconazole dosing, and provides data for establishing an initial voriconazole dose in pediatric CYP2C19 rapid metabolizers.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

PURPOSE: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is discussed as an alternative diagnosis to acute coronary syndrome (ACS) for emotionally and physically stressed patients with transient apical akinesis or dyskinesis of the left ventricle (LV) in the absence of coronary artery disease (CAD). SUMMARY: The name takotsubo cardiomyopathy refers to the hallmark shape of the LV during initial presentation. The apical portion of the heart balloons out, while the base of the heart has preserved systolic function. It is estimated that 0.5-2% of all patients with ACS symptoms may have takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Symptoms mimic those of a myocardial infarction (MI), and the evaluation of cardiac biomarkers, including troponin, may show a mild increase. Clinical symptoms are generally similar to ACS symptoms. While chest pain and dyspnea are most common, other features, such as cardiogenic shock, are rarer. A case example is described in which a 52-year-old white woman presented herself with complaints of chest pain and shortness of breath. She explained that the chest pain started after an argument with her supervisor. An electrocardiogram showed ST-segment elevation, and the patient was treated for ST-segment elevation MI. A left ventriculogram showed severe apical hypokinesis as well as anterolateral akinesis with a normal anterobasal segment, which led to the diagnosis of takotsubo cardiomyopathy. For patients with complications such as congestive heart failure, standard supportive care for takotsubo cardiomyopathy may include diuretics and vasodilators. In general, vasopressors and inotropes should be avoided because of the association of this syndrome with massive catecholamine release. CONCLUSION: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy may be an alternative diagnosis to ACS for emotionally and physically stressed patients with transient-apical akinesis or dyskinesis of the LV in the absence of CAD. Because the exact pathophysiology has not been fully elucidated, the optimal management continues to evolve.