ABSTRACT
Hyper-reactive malarial splenomegaly (HMS), or tropical splenomegaly syndrome, is a severe complication of chronic and recurrent infections caused by Plasmodium spp. This condition typically results in splenomegaly greater than or equal to 10 cm and a constellation of laboratory findings, including the absence of identifiable parasites in peripheral blood smears. However, patients with HMS demonstrate serological or molecular evidence of infection. Despite being a familiar entity in malaria holoendemic countries in Africa, and regions of Papua New Guinea, the pathophysiology, natural history, and treatment of the syndrome remains to be fully elucidated. Herein, we describe a highly suggestive case of HMS in a Senegalese patient migrating northbound to reach the U.S.-Mexico border and for whom we provided medical care during his crossing of the Darien Gap in Panama. We also reviewed the literature on diagnosing and treating HMS in-depth.
ABSTRACT
Necrotizing infections of deep neck spaces are a group of life-threatening infectious diseases acquired through trauma or as a descending infection from an odontogenic source. The isolation of pathogens is unusual because of the anaerobic nature of the infection; however, one way to achieve this is through the use of automated microbiological methods like matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization and time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) following standard microbiology protocols for analyzing samples from potential anaerobic infections. We present a case of a patient without risk factors for descending necrotizing mediastinitis with isolation of Streptococcus anginosus and Prevotellaâââââââ buccae managed at the intensive care unit with a multidisciplinary team. We present our approach and how we successfully treat this complicated infection.
ABSTRACT
Caterpillar venom has the potential to cause acute pain and systemic symptoms in individuals seeking medical attention in the jungles of Panama. Although this is not an obligatory notifiable disease, the hazards associated with exposure to this animal are widely recognized within the local community. Here, we present a case of a patient who sought medical attention after being rescued from a river in a Panamanian jungle after feeling acute pain in an upper extremity associated with shortness of breath and how tropical medicine teleconsult allowed for quick identification of the cause and assisted in the management. About his case, we examine the phenomenon of caterpillar envenomation and suggest that further research is needed to assess the potential impact of climate change on this disease. Of particular concern is the likelihood of an increase in contact accidents. We recommend that scientists and public health officials work together to understand the mechanisms of this disease better and to develop effective strategies for prevention and treatment. Our analysis underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and surveillance to ensure we are prepared for future outbreaks.
ABSTRACT
Surgical site infections are a common complication in the management of patients with solid cancer tumors in cytotoxic chemotherapy. The antibiotic combination chosen depends on the neoadjuvant therapy used and the anatomical site and extent of the surgery. In this brief report, we describe a surgical site infection caused by an unusual microorganism and a succinct review of the pathogen's behavior.
ABSTRACT
Rapid rise of population migration is a defining feature of the 21st century due to the impact of climate change, political instability, and socioeconomic downturn. Over the last decade, an increasing number of migrant peoples travel across the Americas to reach the United States seeking asylum or cross the border undocumented in search of economic opportunities. In this journey, migrant people experience violations of their human rights, hunger, illness, violence and have limited access to medical care. In the 'Divine Comedy', the Italian poet Dante Alighieri depicts his allegorical pilgrimage across Hell and Purgatory to reach Paradise. More than 700 years after its publication, Dante's poem speaks to the present time and the perilious journey of migrant peoples to reach safehavens. By exploring the depths and heights of the human condition, Dante's struggles resonate with the multiple barriers and the unfathomable experiences faced by migrant peoples in transit across South, Central, and North America to reach the United States. Ensuring the safety of migrant peoples across the Americas and elsewhere, and attending to their health needs during their migratory paths represent modern priorities to reduce social injustices and achieving health equity.
Subject(s)
Transients and Migrants , Americas , Developing Countries , Humans , Italy , Population Dynamics , United StatesABSTRACT
Se presenta un caso de síndrome de Takotsubo posterior a status epilepticus y muerte repentina. El síndrome de Takotsubo aparece en situaciones de intenso estrés físico y emocional, muchas comunes en condiciones médico legales de trauma o enfermedad aguda, por lo cual es muy posible que exista un subregistro del síndrome en casos forenses
A case is presented of Takotsubo syndrome after Status Epilepticus and sudden death. Takotsubo syndrome appears in situations of intense physical and emotional stress, very common in medico legal conditions from trauma or acute illness, so it is quite possible that the syndrome is relatively common in forensic cases
