Methemoglobinemia Following Indoxacarb Ingestion: A Unique Toxicological Presentation.

Indoxacarb, an oxadiazine insecticide, is known for its selective lethality by blocking neuronal voltage-dependent sodium channels. While primarily developed to target insect populations resistant to other pesticides, its toxicity in humans remains poorly understood. We present a case of methemoglobinemia resulting from indoxacarb ingestion, a rare manifestation of its toxic effects. A 38-year-old farmer attempted suicide by ingesting the insecticide, leading to cyanosis, hypoxemia, and characteristic arterial blood gas findings indicative of methemoglobinemia. Prompt diagnosis was challenging due to the absence of specific tests, necessitating clinical suspicion. Treatment with methylene blue and supportive therapy resulted in significant clinical improvement, highlighting the importance of early intervention in managing indoxacarb poisoning. This case underscores the need for increased awareness among healthcare providers regarding the potential toxic effects of indoxacarb. It emphasizes the importance of prompt recognition and treatment of methemoglobinemia in pesticide-related poisonings. Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying indoxacarb toxicity in humans and to optimize treatment strategies for affected individuals.

Navigating the Neurological Abyss: A Comprehensive Review of Organophosphate Poisoning Complications.

Organophosphate poisoning is a significant global health concern with implications for both occupational and environmental settings. This comprehensive review thoroughly explores the biochemical basis, clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, treatment strategies, and long-term effects of organophosphate exposure. The acute phase is characterized by cholinergic crisis, respiratory distress, and neurological manifestations, while delayed complications include the intermediate syndrome and organophosphate-induced delayed neuropathy. Diagnostic approaches involve clinical evaluation, cholinesterase-level assessments, and imaging studies. Treatment strategies encompass decontamination, antidotes such as atropine and pralidoxime, and supportive care. Long-term effects may include cognitive and neurological sequelae, necessitating rehabilitation approaches such as physical and occupational therapy. Prevention strategies include stringent occupational safety guidelines, sustainable agricultural practices, and public awareness initiatives. The implications for clinical practice underscore the importance of a multidisciplinary approach. At the same time, the call to action emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts in prevention and awareness to mitigate the impact of organophosphate poisoning on public health and the environment.

Acute Presentation of Extra-Pulmonary Tuberculosis in the Emergency Department: A Case Report.

Pericardial effusion is a rare manifestation of tuberculosis (TB) that can present as a life-threatening emergency. It poses a diagnostic challenge, as its clinical presentation may mimic other more common causes of acute cardiac emergencies. Emergency physicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for tuberculosis, particularly in regions where the prevalence of the disease is high. This case report is about a 17-year-old girl who presented to the emergency room with dyspnea, chest discomfort, and hemodynamic instability consistent with cardiac tamponade. Urgent diagnostic procedures, including point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) and pericardiocentesis, were crucial to the successful management of this patient.

Rare Ocular Phenomenon: A Case of Ping-Pong Gaze.

Ping-pong gaze, a rare neurological phenomenon characterized by pendular, rhythmic oscillations of the eyes, is explored in a unique clinical context. A 40-year-old male with a history of chronic pancreatitis, type two diabetes mellitus, and chronic alcoholism presented with hypoglycemic coma and synchronous horizontal eye movements indicative of ping-pong gaze. Radiological assessments hinted at cerebral infarction or posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES). Despite aggressive intensive care management, the patient's condition deteriorated, highlighting the intricate challenge of managing hypoglycemic coma amidst brain pathology, metabolic disorders, and chronic alcoholism. This exceptional case underscores the need for prompt recognition of ping-pong gaze, comprehensive care, and further investigation into its underlying medical conditions.

When Venom Meets the Heart: A Rare Case of Scorpion Sting-Induced Acute Myocardial Infarction.

Scorpion sting cases are everyday encounters in the Emergency Department (ED). However, scorpion sting-induced systemic manifestations are rarely seen. Signs and symptoms of envenomation involve the central nervous system, stimulation of the autonomic nervous system and rarely respiratory and heart failure leading to death. Cardiovascular manifestations are particularly prominent following stings by the Indian red scorpion. This case report is of an 18-year-old male patient who presented to ED with complaints of scorpion sting. Twelve lead electrocardiography (ECG) done was suggestive of acute inferior wall myocardial infarction with raised cardiac markers. He also had autonomic dysfunction in the form of hypertension, hypothermia and priapism. He was treated with an alpha-blocker, dual antiplatelets and analgesics. ECG changes reverted to normal the next day, and he was discharged. So, the anticipation of life-threatening complications of scorpion stings plays a vital role in the treatment and prognosis of patients presenting to ED.

A Rare Phenomenon of Pulseless Body Movements Induced During Prolonged Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.

Patients receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) may rarely experience cardiopulmonary resuscitation-induced consciousness (CPRIC), manifesting as body movements, eye-opening, or even awareness. We present a case report of a 55-year-old male patient who experienced CPRIC but did not survive despite resuscitative measures. The patient suffered a sudden cardiac arrest and received early initiation of CPR. However, CPRIC posed a treatment dilemma for our resuscitation team as the patient displayed body movements, requiring careful management to avoid interruptions in CPR. The challenge of differentiating CPRIC from the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) highlights the need for further research and evidence-based guidelines. Effective management strategies for CPRIC are necessary to guide resuscitation teams in making informed decisions. Understanding and addressing CPRIC can improve the quality of CPR and post-resuscitation care, supporting the well-being of both patients and healthcare providers. Further investigation is essential to developing comprehensive approaches to managing CPRIC and improving patient outcomes.

Deltamethrin Poisoning Mimicking Organophosphate Poisoning: A Case Report.

Deltamethrin is a newer class of insecticide used on crops, pets, and livestock, in home pest control, and malaria vector control belonging to the synthetic pyrethroid group, which is being promoted in the place of organophosphate compounds due to the harmful and persistent effects of the latter. Unfortunately, as its usage increased, so has the number of poisoning cases associated with deltamethrin. Fortunately, the mortality in deltamethrin poisoning cases is low. However, deltamethrin poisoning causes signs and symptoms similar to the clinical features of organophosphate poisoning. This case report is of a 20-year-old man who consumed an unknown substance in a suicidal attempt and presented with clinical signs of organophosphate toxicity. Later the compound was identified as deltamethrin. This case report adds to the medical literature on deltamethrin poisoning. It showed that apart from the similarity in their clinical features in toxicity, deltamethrin can even give a positive result on atropine challenge tests like organophosphate and that the fasciculations induced by deltamethrin may be temporary. This case report will also benefit the clinician in unknown compound poisoning cases as it shows that the clinician can suspect deltamethrin toxicity alongside organophosphate toxicity in the differential diagnosis when the atropine challenge test gives a positive result.

T-Wave Inversion After Escitalopram Overdose: A Case Report.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most common antidepressants used due to their comparatively less cardiotoxic effects than tricyclic antidepressants. Corrected QT interval (QTc) prolongation is the most common electrocardiography (ECG) change that has been encountered with SSRI overdose. This case report is about a 22-year-old woman who was brought to the emergency department (ED) with an alleged history of consumption of 200 mg of escitalopram. Her ECG showed T-wave inversions in anterior leads one to five, which reverted (in leads four and five) the next day with supportive management. After 24 hours, she developed dystonia, which resolved with mild doses of benzodiazepine. Hence, ECG changes like T-wave inversions may occur even with a small overdose of an SSRI without any significant adverse effects.

Posterior Circulation Stroke Secondary to Basilar Artery Thrombosis With a Fatal Outcome.

Stroke is a regularly encountered emergency by emergency physicians, categorized based on the culprit artery and diagnosed based on non-contrast computerized tomography (CT) brain, which is supported by clinical examination that can be treated intravenously by thrombolytic agents or mechanical thrombectomy. Here we present one such case, which was brought to the emergency room with symptoms of posterior circulation stroke within 8 hours and underwent mechanical thrombectomy.

Surprising Diagnosis of Myxedema Crisis In-Patient Who Presented With Altered Sensorium.

Hypothyroidism, a disorder of decreased thyroid hormone secretion diagnosed by increased thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and low free triiodothyronine (FT3) and free thyroxine (FT4) levels, is classified as primary and secondary hypothyroidism, depending on the pathology. Raised TSH levels are associated with primary hypothyroidism, while decreased levels of TSH are seen in secondary hypothyroidism. With the easy availability of diagnostic tests, hypothyroidism can be detected and managed early but can be life-threatening if not treated within time. Manifestations of hypothyroidism are dry skin, hoarseness of voice, weight gain, constipation, cold intolerance, fatigue, and lethargy; however, the clinical presentation can differ as per age and sex and person to person. Here, we present one such case, which was brought to the emergency room with a history of altered sensorium, hypotension, and swelling over the bilateral lower limbs and face, with a surprise diagnosis of myxedema crisis. The uniqueness of this case is the omnipresent availability of early diagnosis and treatment in this era. still got a female patient with altered sensorium who was diagnosed to be a myxedema crisis which was given a lesser thought in our provisional diagnosis.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis and COVID-19: A Retrospective Observational Study.

Background Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), mainly type 1 DM. DM is one of the comorbidities recognized as the predictor of the severity in COVID-19-positive patients. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) illness (COVID-19) has a bidirectional association with DM. DM is a state of chronic inflammatory condition and hyperglycemia that predisposes one to acquire an exaggerated form of COVID-19 infection. Moreover, in recent literature, it has been established that SARS-CoV-2 is capable of directly damaging beta cells of the pancreas, thereby inducing new-onset diabetes in previously non-diabetics. Hence, new-onset diabetes and severe metabolic consequences of pre-existing diabetes, such as DKA, are seen in COVID-19-positive patients. DKA in patients with COVID-19 may increase the risk of mortality and lead to poor prognosis. Methods This retrospective observational study includes 25 patients who presented to our hospital with DKA secondary to COVID-19 infection as a triggering factor. Demographic parameters, medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests including reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction test (RT-PCR), chest X-ray, treatment administered, clinical course, and outcomes were recorded. All data were computed and analyzed using SPSS Version 22.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results Of the 25 cases, 14 were females, and a statistically significant difference was seen in the values of blood sugar (367 mg/dL), D-dimer, ferritin, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and anion gap among males and females (p < 0.050). The males had higher mean values of blood sugar (367 mg/dL), BUN (60.63 mg/dL), D-dimer (1.09 mcg/mL), and ferritin (821.23 mcg/mL) than females, whereas females had a higher anion gap (20.85) than males. A negative correlation was seen between D-dimer and the following biochemical investigations in COVID-19 patients: serum bicarbonate, anion gap, chloride, BUN, creatinine, sodium, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorous. COVID-19 can present with atypical symptoms in patients with high blood sugar levels. Diabetics are more likely to experience effects on multiple organs compared to non-diabetic patients who mainly have lung involvement. Hence, a high degree of suspicion is essential to diagnose DKA early in COVID-19 patients. Conclusion These cases show that DKA can be precipitated by COVID-19 in a significant number of patients and that the presence of diabetes can also exaggerate the underlying COVID-19 infection, a bidirectional relationship. All cases were COVID-19-positive presenting with features characteristic of DKA. SARS-CoV-2 was precipitating factor of DKA. Patients with newly diagnosed diabetes or pre-existing diabetes were equally susceptible to DKA. Due to the high prevalence of both illnesses (DM and COVID-19) in our country, a high level of suspicion is required to detect DKA early and improve the outcome of COVID-19-related life-threatening hyperglycemic consequences.

Acute Proptosis: A Sign of Venous Hemorrhagic Infarct.

Acute proptosis is a very rare condition presenting to the emergency department. As there are very few case reports of patients with acute onset proptosis, it is important to report each new case. This case report is of a 38-year-old lady who presented to our emergency department with a headache for three days, altered sensorium for eight hours, and acute proptosis of the left eye for 40 minutes. She was diagnosed to have a venous hemorrhagic infarct in the left parietal-occipital-temporal region with thrombosis of the left transverse and sigmoid sinuses. To the best of our knowledge, there is no documented case report or study which featured acute proptosis as a clinical sign in a patient with venous hemorrhagic infarct or where acute proptosis was associated with thrombosis of a cerebral venous sinus other than cavernous sinus. This study shows that acute proptosis can be a presenting sign even in venous hemorrhagic infarct and acute proptosis can be associated with cerebral sinus venous thrombosis even without the involvement of cavernous sinus. So although rare, venous hemorrhagic infarct and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis irrespective of the venous sinus involved should be considered in any patient presenting to the emergency department with acute onset proptosis.

COVID-19 Vaccination a Cause of Guillain-Barré Syndrome? A Case Series.

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare autoimmune neuropathic disorder of peripheral nerves usually following an infection or on rarer occasions following vaccinations, but the exact underlying pathophysiology is still unclear. The most common etiology of GBS is a bacterial infection caused by Campylobacter jejuni. Viral infections like Zika virus, Epstein-Barr virus, and Cytomegalovirus also add to the list of GBS etiology. COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) has also been reported to cause GBS. Vaccines like the rabies vaccine, influenza vaccine, and poliovirus vaccine account for a very small fraction of Guillain-Barré syndrome. GBS as an adverse effect of COVID-19 vaccination was not reported by the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), but an update was later released in the course of the pandemic from FDA news, reporting several patients developing GBS after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. In this case series, we discuss five cases that developed the GBS post-COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine, along with its pathophysiology, management, and outcome.

Adult Onset Vanishing White Matter Disease: A Rare Case Report.

Vanishing white matter disease (VWMD) is the most common childhood-onset inheritable progressive leukodystrophy disorder, which exclusively affects the white matter of the brain. It shows mutations in one of the five eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2B1-5 genes following an autosomal recessive pattern, of which eIF2B5 mutation is the most frequent. These genes play a vital role in the translation and regulation of protein synthesis and mutation in them leads to a dysregulation of the cellular stress response, which in particular disrupts myelination and affects oligodendrocytes and astrocytes while sparing the neurons. Stressful situations, for example, head trauma, sudden fright, acute psychological stress, or infection, provoke severe and rapid neurological deterioration. Although it is more common in childhood, we report a case of an adult presenting with signs and symptoms of VWMD, such as abusive behavior, emotional liability, and motor incoordination. To our knowledge, this is the first case of adult-onset VWMD in Maharashtra, India, confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain.

A Sporadic Case of a 22-Year-Old Female With Spinal Cord Infarction (SCI) Complicated by SS Pattern Sickle Cell Disease (SCD): A Rare Case Report.

A stroke that occurs either in arteries that supply the spinal cord or the spinal cord itself is called spinal cord infarction (SCI). The lower thoracic area is the most typical site for spinal cord infarcts. Spinal infarcts are rare even among people without sickle cell disease, making up only a very less amount of all infarcts to the central nervous system. A 22-year-old female with a known case of SS pattern sickle cell anaemia was brought by her parents to the emergency medicine department with a complaint of pain in the bilateral upper and right lower limbs. The pain progressed to weakness within 15 minutes, which was sudden in onset and associated with faecal and urine incontinence. On physical examination of the client, her Glasgow coma scale (GCS) was E3 VT M5, pupils were bilateral and equally reactive to light, in both upper limbs, the power was 0/5 and 2/5 in the left lower limb, and hypotonia in the upper and right lower limb was noted. Still, the tone was expected in the left lower limb. MRI showed myelopathy extending over three segments from c2 to c4 involving predominantly anterior aspect, most likely cord ischemia. The patient was treated in the neurocritical care unit with tab Ecosprine 150 mg, multivitamins, and rehabilitative therapy. After two months, she showed gradual but consistent improvement in restoring some motor function in her affected limbs. SCIs are uncommon. Although ischemic stroke can be treated with anticoagulants and antiplatelet medicines, viable therapies for SCI have not yet been identified.

Clinical Profile of Patients Presenting With Sepsis to the Emergency Department of a Tertiary Care Hospital in Wardha During the COVID Pandemic (June 2020-June 2021).

Background Sepsis is defined as life-threatening organ dysfunction due to a dysregulated host response to infection. Septic shock, multi-organ dysfunction, and death occur in severe cases with reduced blood flow to vital organs. Sepsis contributes to 15-20% of all global deaths. Through this study, we intend to evaluate the clinical profile and study the common blood investigatory panels along with organisms causing sepsis in patients presenting with sepsis in the emergency department during the COVID pandemic. In addition, the study was also done to estimate the prevalence of sepsis and compare patients having sepsis with serum lactate, sepsis with Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) criteria, and sepsis with quick Sepsis Related Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) score. Method Observational retrospective study to evaluate patients presenting with sepsis diagnosed by the Third International Consensus Definitions for Sepsis and Septic Shock" criteria presenting to the emergency department of Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital (AVBRH) affiliated to Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC), Wardha during COVID pandemic (June 2020-June 2021). Results The majority of the patients presented with fever (42%), and very few presented with altered mental status (8%). Seventy-four percent of the study population did not show any bacterial growth on blood culture, but out of the remaining 26%, blood culture, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pnemoniae were the significant microbes. Amongst qSOFA, SIRS criteria, and serum lactate as a screening tool for sepsis, SIRS is the most sensitive for screening sepsis patients. Conclusion Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aerugenosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the major contributors in the development of sepsis in COVID-19-associated infection. The presence of raised leukocyte counts and serum lactate should alarm clinicians of possible sources of infection. The timely initiation, rapid de-escalation of empirical antibiotics, and strict compliance with infection control practices should be accomplished to reduce the occurrence of multidrug resistance organisms.

Moyamoya Disease From an Otolaryngologist's Perspective: A Rare Case.

Moyamoya disease is characterized by narrowing of cerebral blood vessels and is progressive in nature. We present the case of a 21-year-old female patient who was a known case of Down's syndrome and presented with right-sided facial muscle weakness and was initially suspected of having cholesteatoma, but no evidence for the same was found after extensive radiological investigations. The suspicion of a central nervous system pathology was raised due to the clinical findings of dysphasia and supranuclear facial palsy. Magnetic-resonance angiography (MRA) was suggestive of findings of early Moyamoya disease. After a Neurologist consultation, the patient was started on conservative management with anti-platelet drugs and Statins and had symptomatic improvement. The patient was advised regular follow-up and had no fresh episodes of similar complaints.

Wellen's Syndrome: A Rare Case.

Wellen's syndrome is associated with critical stenosis of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Based on the electrocardiography (ECG) pattern, Wellen's syndrome can be classified into type 1 (deeply inverted T-waves, mainly in lead V2 and V3) or type 2 (biphasic T-waves). T-wave abnormalities are often also found in V1 and V4 and rarely in V5 and V6. The pattern of ECG changes correlates with proximal left anterior descending artery stenosis. This characteristic ECG pattern is a sign of impending myocardial infarction and is equivalent to ST-elevated myocardial infarction. Often, these subtle findings in ECG get misinterpreted or the severity associated with this goes unrecognized. Hence, for emergency physicians, it is important to recognize such uncharacteristic ECG changes for better and timely management of patients. We present this case of Wellen's pattern in which the coronary lesion was in the left circumflex coronary artery, right coronary artery, and diagonal-1.

Simulation-based ventilatory training for the caregivers at primary and rural health care workers in Central India for dealing with COVID-19 pandemic: recommendations.

In 2020 COVID-19 made a major burden on health care system. The capacity of the healthcare system particularly emergency departments, ICU, hospital beds are insufficient to manage the increasing number of patients in cities and rural areas too. The primary health care centers and rural hospitals need preparedness for such disasters conditions. Novel and future oriented solutions are needed to effectively address the unprecedented pressure on the healthcare systems created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Considering the lacunae in healthcare system at primary level, various challenges encountered during pandemic has been identified and training session in consortia with simulation based training program for the training of the doctors, nurses, attendants and other related healthcare staff of Primary Health Center and Rural Hospitals intending to prepare them for future challenges in ventilatory care of COVID-19 has been carried out. After these training session certain conclusions and recommendations were drawn which could be able our health care system to be prepared for more critical situations and we can take our primary health care system at new horizon.

Dysphonia: Epidemiology, Diagnosis and Risk Factors at Tertiary Health Care Center.

The physical, mental, financial, social and emotional constraints encountered by an individual having voice disorder can be easily anticipated as communication is the utmost need in day to day life and some professions. To study the clinical epidemiology of voice disorders in surrounding population and identify the risk factors. It also intended to make people aware of vocal hygiene programme. This observational, prospective, cross sectional study was conducted in Chirayu medical college and hospital, Bhopal from September 2016 to August 2017. All the patients were subjected to diagnostic flexible video laryngoscopy and stroboscopy and in some patients Chest X-ray PA view, USG Neck, Computerized tomography and Magnetic resonance imaging were advised for the confirmation. Amongst 45 patients who formed this study group, male preponderance was seen with male to female ratio of 2.2:1. Laryngeal malignancy (13 cases) was the commonest pathology, followed by vocal polyp (7 cases) and vocal cord palsy (6 cases). Rare cases of tubercular laryngitis and hemorrhage were also diagnosed. The largest group of patients belonged to labor/farming occupation suggesting the rural referral to this tertiary care center followed by housewives.