Vascular Threads and Nephron Nests: Exploring the Association Between Takayasu Arteritis and Membranous Nephropathy.

Takayasu arteritis (TA) primarily causes ischaemic nephrosclerosis but can occasionally be associated with glomerulopathy. We report a case of a female in her twenties with PLA2-negative, THSD7A-positive membranous nephropathy (MN) refractory to rituximab, who presented with neck pain and new-onset hypertension. Blood work showed elevated inflammatory markers. Imaging of the head and neck revealed focal dilation and irregularity of the vertebral arteries, consistent with TA. The patient was started on treatment with steroids, followed by mycophenolate mofetil, which led to the resolution of symptoms and nephrotic syndrome. This case highlights an uncommon sequence of events, with MN presenting before TA, underscoring the need to consider TA in differentials for patients with MN. Notably, this is the first reported case in a young female, emphasising the need for further understanding of TA-associated glomerular diseases. Additionally, the presence of THSD7A in MN, despite negative malignancy workup, is also noteworthy. LEARNING POINTS: Membranous nephropathy (MN) and Takayasu arteritis (TA) have distinct clinical presentations; therefore, diagnosing coexisting MN and TA is challenging, which may lead to delayed diagnoses.A multidisciplinary approach with tailored treatments is essential for prompt diagnosis and optimal management.Comprehensive follow-up studies are vital to understand the pathogenesis of this rare amalgamation, refine targeted treatment strategies and potentially improve overall prognosis.

COVID-19 Infection and Clinical Outcomes in Hospitalized Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: Insights From the National Inpatient Sample.

Background: Coronavirus-19, primarily a respiratory virus, affects multiple organs and can lead to exacerbation of autoimmune or systemic conditions. Patients with autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid arthritis particularly, are susceptible to infection and complications from COVID-19. RA has become well-associated with COVID-19 infections, but large-scale studies evaluating outcomes among this vulnerable group are limited. Methods: For the retrospective analysis, we used the National Inpatient Sample database to compare COVID-19 patients with and without RA. A total of 1,050,040 adult hospitalizations were included in the study between January 1 to December 31, 2020: COVID-19 with RA (n = 21,545; 2.1%) and COVID-19 without RA (n = 1,028,495; 97.9%). The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included mechanical ventilation requirement, vasopressor use, cardiac arrest, cardiogenic shock, acute kidney injury, acute kidney injury requiring hemodialysis, gastrostomy, tracheostomy, length of stay, health care utilization costs, and disposition. A secondary analysis evaluating in-hospital mortality and mechanical ventilation with respect to age was conducted. Results: COVID-19 patients with RA had significantly increased in-hospital mortality compared to COVID-19 patients without RA (12.9% vs 11.1%, adjusted OR [aOR]: 1.2 [95% CI 1.1-1.3], p < 0.001). This cohort also had significantly increased rates of mechanical ventilation, pressor use, and cardiogenic shock. Conclusions: Given limited large evidence regarding COVID-19 with respect to RA, future research should be focused on this topic to improve outcomes for this subset of patients.

Systemic lupus erythematosus is associated with increased risk of mortality and acute kidney injury in patients with COVID-19 hospitalization: Insights from a National Inpatient Sample analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted global health, especially for patients with chronic diseases that may compromise the immune system. This study investigates the association between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and COVID-19 outcomes. METHODS: Data from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) were analyzed to create a retrospective cohort of COVID-19 hospitalizations, comparing patients with and without SLE. Propensity-score matched analysis was conducted to assess the association between SLE and clinical outcomes in COVID-19 hospitalizations. RESULTS: The study included over a million COVID-19 hospitalizations, with approximately 0.5% having a secondary diagnosis of SLE. The SLE-COVID hospitalizations were predominantly female and younger, with a median age of 57.2, while the non-SLE-COVID group had a median age of 64.8 years. Comorbidities such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, renal failure, liver disease, and others were more prevalent in the SLE-COVID group. Patients with SLE and COVID-19 had a significantly higher incidence of acute kidney injury requiring dialysis than those without SLE. In-hospital mortality was higher in the SLE group, particularly in the 18-44 year age group (6.15% vs 2.47%, p = .022). CONCLUSION: COVID-19 patients with SLE are at an increased mortality risk, especially in the younger age group, and a higher incidence of acute kidney injury requiring dialysis. The elevated risk of adverse outcomes underscores the vulnerability of SLE patients to COVID-19. These findings emphasize the importance of special precautions and patient education for individuals with SLE to mitigate the risks associated with COVID-19.

Henoch-Schonlein Purpura, an Unusual Presentation of Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a hematologic malignancy that accounts for most annual deaths from leukemias in the United States. Although rare, cutaneous manifestations may be the first clinical sign of AML. Henoch Schonlein Purpura (HSP), as a manifestation of AML, has an unknown incidence. Here, we present a case of HSP as the presenting manifestation of AML. CASE REPORT: A 58-year-old woman presented to the Emergency Department with a rash and itching of all her extremities. The rash began on her thighs and arms a month prior and gradually spread distally. On presentation, she appeared alert and was hemodynamically stable. Skin examination revealed palpable purpura and plaques, with petechiae involving all extremities. Admission labs revealed a hemoglobin and hematocrit of 8 g/dl and 24% respectively. The white blood cell count was 1.23 k/mcl, absolute neutrophil count was 0.31 k/mcl, and platelets were 172,000 k/mcl. A broad work-up was carried out. Subsequently, skin and bone marrow biopsies were performed. Skin biopsy was positive for vascular immune reactivity with IgA, consistent with HSP. The bone marrow biopsy revealed hypocellular marrow with atypical blast infiltrates constituting 10-15% of cellularity, indicating AML. The patient was transferred to malignant hematology service where and started on induction chemotherapy for AML. CONCLUSION: Prompt diagnosis and treatment of AML is crucial for better clinical outcomes. Our case suggests that HSP can be a rare presenting manifestation of AML. It is important to consider hematologic malignancy in patients presenting with HSP in the right clinical context as part of differential diagnosis.

Massive Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage Secondary to Typhoid Fever.

Typhoid fever is caused by Salmonella typhi, a gram-negative organism. The disease usually presents with high-grade fever, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Gastrointestinal hemorrhage is a frequent complication of the disease. However, adequate treatment with antibiotics has lowered the rate of complications. We present the case of a 21-year-old male who was admitted to the hospital with high-grade fever and per rectal bleeding. A few hours after admission, the patient had episodes of massive per rectal bleeding which resulted in hemodynamic instability. The bleeding was then successfully controlled with endoscopic hemoclipping. Concurrently, his blood culture results showed growth of Salmonella typhi for which antibiotic therapy was initiated, and the patient's condition improved thereafter. This report highlights the rare occurrence of massive lower gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with typhoid fever. It also signifies the use of endoscopic therapy with endoclips for the management of massive lower gastrointestinal bleeding.

Giardiasis: An Overlooked Cause of Recurrent Abdominal Pain.

Recurrent abdominal pain is defined as at least three episodes of abdominal pain, lasting for three months or more and affecting the daily activities of an individual. Giardiasis is one of the causes of recurrent abdominal pain but is often overlooked. We report the case of an 11-year-old girl who presented with complaints of severe abdominal pain and two episodes of fresh blood in stool in one day. She had recurrent episodes of abdominal pain, occasional bloating, and diarrhea over the past two years. Workup for differentials like appendicitis and ovarian torsion was done. She was initially treated for an ovarian cyst with oral contraceptives, but her symptoms showed no improvement. Therefore, a laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy and appendectomy were attempted. Despite surgical intervention, the abdominal pain failed to resolve. A duodenal biopsy was performed, which showed vegetative growths of Giardia lamblia (G. lamblia). This report highlights the unusual presentation of giardiasis as an acute abdomen, making it a diagnostic challenge.

Abdominal Cocoon Syndrome: A Laparoscopic Approach.

Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis, or abdominal cocoon syndrome (ACS), is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction in which the small bowel is encapsulated by a fibro-collagenous membrane. We present the case of a 29-year-old male who presented to us with acute intestinal obstruction. The imaging performed suggested the presence of ACS. The patient underwent laparoscopic adhesiolysis and the small bowel was released. In cases of recurrent small bowel obstruction, a high index of suspicion is required for the diagnosis of ACS. Computed tomography can be a useful imaging modality, and surgery remains the mainstay of treatment.

Co-Occurrence of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Autoimmune Polyendocrine Syndrome II: Is There a Pathologic Link?

Autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type II (APS II) is a rare endocrine disorder that involves the adrenal gland (Addison's disease), thyroid (autoimmune thyroiditis), pancreas (type 1 diabetes), and other non-endocrine organs. Herein, we report a case of a 58-year-old woman with a past medical history of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Addison's disease, who initially presented with nocturia, polyuria, abnormal sweating, fatigue, hair thinning, heat and cold intolerance, and progressive darkening of the skin for the last few months. After a thorough evaluation, she was diagnosed with autoimmune thyroiditis, and thus, she met the criteria for APS II. This report highlights the unusual presentation of APS II in a patient with SLE. We also discuss common pathophysiological mechanisms that can explain the concurrence of SLE and APS II in this patient.