Carpal Tunnel Syndrome as an Atypical Presentation of Chikungunya: A Case Report.

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an arbovirus endemic to tropical and subtropical regions, primarily known for causing fever and severe joint pain. However, its capacity to induce neurological complications is less frequently documented. This case report highlights a rare presentation of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) following CHIKV infection, expanding the spectrum of CHIKV manifestations beyond its common arthropathic effects. We detail the case of a 45-year-old male who developed acute CTS symptoms, including pain, numbness, and motor dysfunction in the right thumb, six weeks after experiencing typical CHIKV symptoms of high-grade fever and arthralgia. Despite an initial treatment regimen of corticosteroids aimed at reducing inflammation, the patient's symptoms showed minimal improvement, prompting surgical intervention. Following carpal tunnel release surgery, the patient experienced significant relief and functional recovery. This case underscores the importance of considering CHIKV in the differential diagnosis of CTS in endemic areas, particularly when preceded by typical viral infection symptoms. It also supports surgical intervention as a viable treatment option for CTS associated with CHIKV when conservative management is ineffective, highlighting the need for an interdisciplinary approach in treating atypical manifestations of CHIKV infections.

Cyclical Exacerbation of Asthma Symptoms in Relation to the Menstrual Cycle: A Case Report on Catamenial Asthma.

Catamenial asthma, marked by cyclical exacerbations of symptoms linked to the menstrual cycle, poses distinctive diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. This report discusses a 34-year-old woman who experienced significant asthma flare-ups 3-5 days before menstruation, as confirmed by spirometry (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) dropped from 2.5 to 1.75 liters). Despite adhering to standard asthma treatments, her symptoms remained poorly controlled during these periods. A comprehensive management plan encompassing inhaled corticosteroids, short-acting beta-agonists, montelukast, and oral contraceptives, along with lifestyle modifications and patient education, led to a significant improvement in FEV1 and reduced symptom severity. This case underscores the need for personalized treatment strategies that take hormonal influences into account, suggesting that integrating hormonal therapies with conventional asthma management can yield significant benefits.

Schnitzler-Like Syndrome Presenting With IgG Kappa Monoclonal Gammopathy: A Case Report and Review of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges.

Schnitzler syndrome (SS) is a rare autoinflammatory disorder characterized by a constellation of symptoms that include chronic urticarial rash, recurrent fever, arthralgias/arthritis, and monoclonal gammopathy, typically involving immunoglobulin M (IgM). However, cases with overlapping clinical features but lacking specific criteria fall under the umbrella of Schnitzler-like syndromes. This case report describes a 40-year-old male with Schnitzer-like syndrome and underscores the diagnostic complexities and therapeutic challenges of Schnitzer-like syndrome with IgG kappa monoclonal gammopathy, highlighting the need for a comprehensive diagnostic approach and targeted therapy.

Cutaneous Anaplastic T-Cell Lymphoma Mimicking a Small Abscess: A Case Report.

Non-healing ulcers display a noteworthy demonstrative challenge for clinicians. While often attributed to common causes like infections, these persistent wounds can occasionally mask a more sinister underlying condition: malignancy. This case report presents a 39-year-old Indian man with a non-healing ulcer on his right gluteal region. Despite initial treatments for a presumed bacterial infection, the ulcer persisted. Biopsy ultimately revealed a malignant neoplasm of possible hematopoietic origin, positive for CD30 and focally positive for CD45. Further investigations, including MRI, FNAC, and X-rays, were indicative of lymphoma. Non-healing ulcers present a challenge due to diverse etiologies. A thorough understanding of potential causes, including infectious, vascular, autoimmune, and malignant etiologies, is crucial for navigating the diagnostic process. This case highlights the critical role of maintaining a broad differential diagnosis for non-healing ulcers and the importance of a biopsy in reaching a definitive diagnosis. Early recognition of malignancy in such cases is essential for optimal patient management. This case underscores the importance of considering malignancy in patients with persistent ulcers and performing biopsies for a definitive diagnosis. While the initial presentation mimicked an infectious process, the biopsy revealed a possible cutaneous anaplastic T-cell lymphoma. Further investigations are necessary to definitively classify the specific lymphoma subtype and guide further treatment decisions.

A Diagnostic Dilemma: A Case of Complicated Pneumonia With Pyelonephritis and Subclinical Myocarditis.

A 41-year-old woman presented with a 3.5-month history of fever, weakness, productive cough, and burning micturition along with generalized weakness and significant weight loss. Chest X-ray revealed bilateral infiltrates and bilateral pleural effusion, and the workup suggested community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). However, the course was complicated by persistent fevers, elevated inflammatory markers, elevated N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and pelvic fluid collection. Extensive investigations, including bronchoscopy and lung biopsy, failed to identify a specific pathogen. Pulmonary vasculitis and lymphoma were ruled out. Antibiotic and corticosteroid therapy resulted in clinical improvement. While the cause remains unknown, brucellosis and aspergillosis were considered but ruled out with advanced testing. The underlying etiology remains elusive, highlighting the diagnostic challenges in CAP with atypical presentations.

A Rare Presentation of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) With Hemoptysis and Hematuria: A Case Report.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by type II and type III hypersensitivity reactions that affect multiple organs, including the joints, heart, lungs, brain, skin, and kidneys. Patients with SLE can experience a range of symptoms, ranging from fever and joint pain to a distinctive butterfly facial rash. Severe complications may encompass conditions such as diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH), pulmonary hypertension, and lupus nephritis, among others. Among them, DAH, a critical pulmonary complication in SLE, involves bleeding from interstitial capillaries and alveoli due to immune complex damage. This case report describes a patient who was initially misdiagnosed but later confirmed to have SLE. The patient presented with persistent symptoms, including cough, dyspnea, and fever, over two weeks and subsequently developed hematuria and hemoptysis within the last two days. The progression of symptoms led to an acute exacerbation, resulting in her admission to the emergency department. Subsequent evaluations confirmed the diagnosis of lupus nephritis and DAH. This case highlights the importance of considering SLE in the differential diagnosis of unexplained systemic symptoms and underscores the urgent need for medical intervention in DAH to substantially reduce mortality.