Fasciotomy is the definitive treatment for most cases of compartment syndrome. However, this surgical intervention does not come without risk.
Pleural aspergillosis is a rare form of invasive bronchopulmonary aspergillosis that is most often seen in immunocompromised hosts. It appears because of the coagulative necrosis of lung tissue induced by the Aspergillus species, which promotes the formation of a fungal pleural effusion. We present the case of a 51-year-old liver transplant patient on chronic immunosuppression therapy who presented with respiratory failure and was found to have a large left-sided pleural effusion from invasive aspergillosis. After thoracentesis, he started antifungal therapy with isavuconazole. This newer, second-generation broad-spectrum triazole is non-inferior to voriconazole but with less hepatotoxicity and was noted to have an improvement in his symptoms. In the differential diagnosis of pulmonary effusions in immunocompromised patients, it is crucial to consider invasive aspergillosis, as demonstrated by our case. This case study highlights the importance of quick diagnosis and treatment to enhance outcomes in this vulnerable population.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a complex disease pathology of the lungs that has a significant impact on global health. It has been a major contributor to global mortality and morbidity, with COPD exacerbations posing a substantial economic burden on the healthcare systems. Appropriate triaging of patients with COPD exacerbation is crucial to reduce the burden of hospitalization, especially in the intensive care unit (ICU). Understanding the significance of exacerbation scores in triage decision-making is essential for improving outcomes and optimizing patient care. To aid this triage decision-making, several scoring systems have been developed. This review article aims to discuss the different scores, including assessment of Confusion, Urea, Respiratory rate, Blood pressure, and Age (≥65 years) (CURB-65); Dyspnoea, Eosinopenia, Consolidation, Acidaemia and atrial Fibrillation (DECAF), Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR); Platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR); Pneumonia severity index/Pneumonia Patient Outcomes Research Team (PSI/PORT); and elevated BUN, Altered mental status, Pulse, Age (>65 years) (BAP-65), and their role in triaging COPD exacerbations. Proper triaging allows for the appropriate allocation of resources and timely interventions based on severity. Further research and validation are needed to establish the optimal use and integration of these scores in clinical practice, particularly in ICU settings.
Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by aquaporin-4 (AQP4) IgG autoantibodies. These autoantibodies induce chronic neuroinflammatory damage to the spinal cord and optic nerve. NMO clinically manifests as relapsing and overlapping neurodegenerative episodes of optic neuritis (ON) and transverse myelitis (TM). Contrasting from other autoimmune neurodegenerative disorders, NMO has a poor prognostic profile often involving permanent neurological disability. We present a case of a 65-year-old male who presented with a progressive weakening in his left upper and lower extremities with reduced sensation and was found to have an acute flare of NMO. We explore the broad symptomatology involved in the disorder along with relevant crucial imaging findings pointing toward the diagnosis of NMO. Finally, we discuss treatment modalities in the context of our patient's clinical course and prognostic factors. Early intervention and suppression of relapse in this neuroinflammatory neurodegenerative disorder can help decrease the duration of acute flares and improve long-term outcomes for patients affected by NMO.
Stauffer's syndrome is a paraneoplastic syndrome that has historically been associated with renal cell carcinoma. It is defined by the anicteric elevation of liver enzymes in the absence of liver metastasis, and the reversibility of clinical and biochemical changes upon treatment of the primary pathology. Here, we discuss the rare presentation of Stauffer's syndrome in a patient with advanced metastatic prostate cancer. A 72-year-old male presented with generalized weakness, dizziness, weight loss, and icterus who was incidentally found to have a prostatic enlargement on physical examination. The laboratory investigations and radiographic imaging confirmed the diagnosis of metastatic prostatic cancer without any evidence of mechanical biliary obstruction as confirmed by biopsy and imaging. The cancer had metastasized to pelvic sidewalls, pelvic bones, ribs, urinary bladder, and local lymph nodes. Our case signifies that a high index of suspicion for underlying cancer should be maintained in patients presenting with cholestatic liver dysfunction, with or without jaundice, especially in the absence of a recognizable mechanical etiology of cholestasis.
Ischemic colitis, a potentially reversible pathology of the colon, can masquerade in its presentation as colonic carcinoma. It typically presents with cramping abdominal pain, diarrhea, and per-rectal bleeding. Colonoscopy remains the diagnostic modality of choice that typically shows friable, edematous, or erythematous mucosa with scattered hemorrhagic erosions or ulcerations. Although rare, the colonoscopic findings can sometimes reveal a tumor mass that confounds the diagnosis of ischemic colitis as colonic carcinoma. Our patient was a 78-year-old female with no previous colon cancer screening who presented with a mass-forming variant of ischemic colitis. Due to the overlap in presentations, radiographic findings, and colonoscopic findings, the diagnostic challenge was evident. Ultimately, colon cancer was ruled out through thorough colonoscopic follow-up and biopsy-guided pathological analysis. This case signifies the importance of considering colonic mass as a guise of underlying ischemic colitis to ensure an accurate diagnosis and the best possible outcome for the patient.
Pulmonary embolism (PE) poses a significant threat as the third leading cause of cardiovascular death, prompting the widespread use of CT pulmonary angiogram for rapid detection. Despite its prevalence, diagnostic accuracy remains variable among radiologists. The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI), notably through convolutional neural networks and deep learning reconstruction, offers a promising avenue to enhance PE detection. AI demonstrates superior sensitivity and negative predictive values, reducing the risk of missed diagnoses. Implementation of AI-based worklist prioritization substantially shortens detection and notification times, streamlining radiological workflows. However, it is crucial to underscore that AI acts as a complement, not a replacement, for radiologists, synergizing with human expertise. As AI integration progresses, it holds the potential to significantly improve diagnostic accuracy and efficiency in pulmonary embolism detection while maintaining the essential role of human judgment in medical decision-making.
Antipsychotic medications have been well-established to potentially cause extrapyramidal side effects (EPS) including hyperkinesia, tremor, dyskinesia, dystonia, and parkinsonism. Rhabdomyolysis secondary to extrapyramidal symptoms in patients under antipsychotics is a relatively rare presentation to be observed in patients. In this report, we present a 64-year-old female with rhabdomyolysis following a once-monthly injection of long-acting injectable (LAI) paliperidone palmitate (Invega Sustenna). The patient developed extrapyramidal symptoms one day after the paliperidone injection. She presented with acute dystonia in the form of antecollis, without any evidence of generalized myalgia or kidney involvement. Laboratory investigations demonstrated a creatine kinase (CK) level of 3239 unit/L on admission. The patient's symptoms were resolved after the administration of benztropine and cyclobenzaprine and CK levels improved after IV hydration. A high index of suspicion in the investigation of rhabdomyolysis for patients presenting with extrapyramidal symptoms being treated with long-acting injectable antipsychotics leads to prompt diagnosis, early treatment, and reduction in renal and cardiac toxicities in the aforementioned population.
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a life-threatening hematological disorder characterized by immune dysregulation with multiple organ involvement and carries a poor prognosis. The occurrence of HLH can be familial or sporadic, which is triggered by causes like infection or malignancy. This case report is about a 47-year-old male who presented to the hospital with a fever, chills, night sweats, and unintentional weight loss. He was found to have severely elevated ferritin, and computed tomography showed cirrhosis, a normal sized spleen, and retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy. He underwent an extensive battery of tests to identify the etiology. Meanwhile, he had recurrent fevers with worsening transaminitis and septic shock, requiring admission to the ICU. Blood tests for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) were positive. Due to high suspicion of HLH, he was started on intravenous methylprednisone 1000 mg daily for three days with clinical improvement. A bone marrow biopsy showed hemophagocytosis and he was diagnosed with EBV-associated HLH. He was continued on steroids with oral prednisone and continued to clinically improve. He was later tapered off steroids over the course of five months. HLH is a rapidly progressive and fatal condition that requires prompt treatment, and thus a high index of suspicion is needed to make a timely diagnosis.
Migraine is a very common disorder of the nervous system. It shares similar physiological processes with stroke. Migrainous infarction is a rare complication of migraine with aura. The neuro-logical symptoms of migraine aura correspond to the cortical spreading depression and this depression can lead to a migrainous infarction. It is pertinent to state that the investigation and detection of the cortical depression might have a great clinical significance. Blood vessels in the cranium play an important role in the pathophysiology of migraine. In the case of injured states of brain, the cortical spreading depression causes extreme vasoconstriction rather than vasodilation. The endothelial damage caused by the cortical spreading depression can result in hypercoagulability, leading to an increased risk of stroke. There are many genetic disorders in which migraine and stroke are the major symptoms and an insight into these disorders can help us in the understanding of complex mechanisms of migrainous infarction. It is pertinent to state that some derangements in the vascular function accompany migraine which may also serve as targets for research and treatment. This article will describe the hemodynamic and genetic relationship between migraine induced stroke and how it relates to the cortical spreading depression.
