Warfarin induced spontaneous gastric intramural haematoma presenting with palpitations.

Spontaneous gastric intramural haematoma is an uncommon complication associated with anticoagulant therapy. A patient receiving chronic warfarin for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation was admitted due to atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response (RVR). An incidental intra-abdominal mass was detected on a CT scan. Following the initiation of the amiodarone infusion, the patient experienced bleeding attributed to warfarin-amiodarone-induced coagulopathy, with no identifiable bleeding source. Subsequent CT scans revealed an enlargement of the intra-abdominal mass, suggesting gastric intramural haematoma. After coagulopathy reversal, the haematoma is managed conservatively. Our case underscores the potential for incidental bleeding even when the international normalised ratio is within the normal range in patients on chronic warfarin therapy. When managing such patients with atrial fibrillation with RVR, physicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for bleeding, emphasising the importance of prompt coagulopathy reversal.

A Rare Presentation of Systemic Sclerosis.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a persistent autoimmune disorder. While it commonly impacts the cardiac valves, particularly the mitral valve, involvement of the aortic valve has been seldom documented. We report a case of a 47-year-old male with a history of progressive SSc who displayed complications related to cardiac issues, which were verified through a left atrial appendage biopsy revealing thickening due to fibrosis. This cardiac involvement led to a condition necessitating the replacement of the aortic valve due to aortic regurgitation. This instance underscores the importance of identifying this uncommon association, enabling the delivery of appropriate patient treatment, and reducing complications linked to the underlying condition.

Unusual case of propofol-related infusion syndrome complicating severe COVID-19 ARDS.

An elderly man presenting with shortness of breath and hypoxaemia was admitted with acute hypoxic respiratory failure secondary to COVID-19 pneumonia. Due to worsening hypoxaemia, he was transferred to the intensive care unit and required mechanical ventilation. Propofol was infused at 1.5-4 mg/kg/hour. Within 48 hours of initiation, we noticed worsening metabolic acidosis, acute kidney injury, hyperkalaemia, hyperphosphataemia, hypertriglyceridaemia, elevated creatine kinase and elevated myoglobin levels. Suspecting propofol-related infusion syndrome (PRIS), we discontinued his propofol infusion immediately and initiated supportive measures. In 48 hours, there was a significant improvement in metabolic acidosis, hypertriglyceridaemia, rhabdomyolysis and renal function. The propofol infusion rate and cumulative propofol dosage (under 140 mg/kg) were well below levels associated with PRIS. COVID-19's pathogenesis, still under investigation, may have contributed to this presentation. It is imperative for clinicians to maintain a high degree of suspicion once propofol is initiated, regardless of the cumulative dose or rate of infusion.

Double Valve Infective Endocarditis Complicated by Systemic Arterial Embolization.

A 26-year-old male with a past medical history of intravenous opioid abuse was admitted with the diagnosis of double valve infective endocarditis and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia. Imaging, excluding the head, was indicative of systemic arterial embolization, as abscesses had developed in the retroperitoneum and prostate. There was evidence of splenic infarct, and the presence of extensive pulmonary infiltrates indicative of showering septic foci from the heart. Antibiotic therapy was started and a transesophageal echocardiogram demonstrated mitral and tricuspid valve vegetations with a preserved ejection fraction. Fortunately, the valvular repair was successful and artificial valves were not needed. The patient had an uncomplicated postoperative course in the intensive care unit and was transferred back to the ward in stable condition. He remained on the ward for six weeks due to his unfunded status until his antibiotic course and physical rehabilitation were completed.

Características clínicas de un grupo de pacientes que persisten con síntomas respiratorios después de la fase aguda de COVID-19 / Clinical characteristics of a group of patients who persist with respiratory symptoms after the acute phase of COVID-19

Resumen En la convalecencia de la infección por coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 un elevado número de pacientes requiere consulta médica por persistir sintomáticos. Objetivo: Describir las características clínicas de pacientes que, luego del alta epidemiológica de COVID-19, concurren a un servicio de neumonología por persistir con síntomas respiratorios o torácicos, y valorar su etiología mediante la aplicación de un protocolo de seguimiento. Materiales y métodos: Ingresaron al estudio pacientes con diagnóstico previo de COVID-19, mediante PCR o combinación de síntomas y criterios epidemiológicos, que se presentaron con derivación o en forma espontánea al servicio de neumonología. Se realizó examen clínico, radiografía de tórax, espirometría, análisis de laboratorio y los cuestionarios de calidad de vida EQ-5D y de depresión PHQ-9. Según los hallazgos se complementó la evaluación con dímero D, prueba de marcha de 6 minutos (PM6M), tomo grafía computada (TC) y evaluación cardiológica, siguiendo un algoritmo predeterminado. Se les ofreció consulta con salud mental a los pacientes con resultado igual o mayor de 10 en el cuestionario PHQ-9. Resultados: Se incorporaron 95 pacientes: edad 48 ± 11 años, IMC = 28,4 ± 4,9 kg/m2, 57 (60%) mujeres y 64 (67,5%) de nacionalidad argentina. Entre los extranjeros: 19 (20%) eran de nacionalidad boliviana, 8 (8,5%) peruana y 4 (4%) paraguaya. Tenían diagnóstico confirmado mediante PCR 91 pacientes, entre los restantes: dos tenían serología positiva y dos criterios clínicos y epidemiológicos. Las comorbilidades más frecuentes fueron tabaquismo (34%), hipertensión arterial (21%), diabetes (16%), asma (11%) y tubercu losis (5%); el 38% no refirió ninguna. Provenían de la internación 45 pacientes, de los cuales 8 requirieron terapia intensiva (UTI). El tiempo de consulta desde el alta epidemiológica fue de 46 ± 34 días (mediana = 38 días), y los síntomas más frecuentes fueron disnea (60%), tos (32%), dolor torácico (26%), lumbalgia (22%) y astenia (10.5%); 50 pacientes requirieron antiinflamatorios no esteroideos (AINEs) para el manejo del dolor. Respecto del cuestionario de depresión: el 79% presentó PHQ-9 > 4 (depresión leve) y el 36% ≥ 10 (depresión moderada y severa), en este último grupo encontramos mayor prevalencia en mujeres: 44 vs 24%, p = 0,03. No encontramos relación entre depresión valorada con PHQ-9 y edad, nacionalidad o lugar de aislamiento; 13 pacientes aceptaron realizar una consulta con el equipo de salud mental (PHQ-9 14,9 ± 4; EQ-5D 39 ± 10). En 6 pacientes la espirometría mostró valores de volumen espiratorio forzado en el primer segundo (VEF1) y/o capacidad vital forzada (CVF) < 80%, los cuales tenían antecedentes de neumoconiosis (n = 1), asma (n = 1) y obesidad (n = 1), dos presentaban alteraciones en la radiografía de tórax y el restante provenía de la unidad de terapia intensiva (UTI). En 24 pacientes se realizaron estudios adicio nales (PM6M:3, TC:6, ecocardiograma: 2, dímero D: 21). Se encontró persistencia de densidades en vidrio esmerilado en 5 de las 6 tomografías. Ninguno de los pacientes requirió conductas médicas adicionales durante el seguimiento. Conclusión: En pacientes post COVID-19, los síntomas más frecuentes de consulta fueron disnea, tos y dolor torácico o lumbar, como también el hallazgo de depresión valorada por cuestionario. Los resultados favorecen el enfoque holístico en la evaluación y seguimiento de estos casos.

Clinical characteristics of a group of patients who persist with respiratory symptoms after the acute phase of COVID-19

Abstract In convalescence from the SARS-CoV-2 infection, a high number of patients require medical consultation due to persisting symptoms. Objective: To describe the clinical characteristics of patients who attend the Department of Respiratory Medicine due to persisting respiratory or thoracic symptoms after COVID-19 epidemiological discharge, and to assess their etiology by applying a follow-up protocol. Materials and Methods: we included patients previously diagnosed with COVID-19 through PCR or with a combination of symp toms and epidemiological criteria who attended the Department of Respiratory Medicine spontaneously or referred by another health professional. Clinical examination, chest X-ray, spirometry, laboratory analysis, and the EQ-5D quality of life and PHQ-9 depression questionnaires were performed. According to the findings, the evaluation was complemented with D-dimer, six-minute walk test (6MWT), computed tomography (CT) and cardiac evaluation, following a predetermined algorithm. Mental health consultation was offered to patients with a result ≥ 10 in the PHQ-9 questionnaire. Results: 95 patients were included: age 48 ± 11 years, BMI (Body Mass Index) = 28.4 ± 4.9 kg/m2, 57 (60%) women and 64 (67.5%) Argentinians. Among foreigners: 19 (20%) were Bolivian, 8 (8.5%) Peruvian and 4 (4%) Paraguayan. 91 patients had a PCR-confirmed diagnosis; and from the remaining patients, two had positive serology and two clinical and epidemiological criteria. The most frequent comorbidities were: smoking (34%), arterial hypertension (21%), diabetes (16%), asthma (11%) and tuberculosis (5%); 38% did not refer any. 45 patients had been hospitalized, and 8 of them required treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU). The consultation time from epidemiological discharge was 46 ± 34 days (median = 38 days), and the most frequent symptoms were dyspnea (60%), cough (32%), chest pain (26%), low back pain (22%) and asthenia (10.5%); 50 patients required non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain management. Regarding the depression questionnaire: 79% presented PHQ-9 > 4 (mild depression) and 36% ≥ 10 (moderate and severe depression); in the latter group we found higher prevalence in women: 44 vs. 24%, p= 0.03. We didn't find a relationship between depression assessed with PHQ-9 and age, nationality or isolation location; 13 patients agreed to consult with the Department of Mental Health (PHQ-9 14.9 ± 4; EQ-5D 39 ± 10). In 6 patients, the spirometry showed values of forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and/or forced vital capacity (FVC) < 80%; they had history of pneumoconiosis (n = 1), asthma (n = 1) and obesity (n = 1), two presented an abnormal chest X-ray and the other one had been treated in the intensive care unit (ICU). Additional studies were performed in 24 patients (six-minute walk test [6MWT]: 3, CT: 6, echocardiogram: 2, D-dimer: 21). Persistence of ground-glass densities was found in 5 of the 6 tomographies. None of the patients required an additional medical approach during follow-up. Conclusion: In post-COVID-19 patients, the most frequent symptoms for consultation were dyspnea, cough and chest or lumbar pain, as well as the finding of depression assessed by a questionnaire. The results favor the holistic approach in the evaluation and follow-up of these cases.