ABSTRACT
Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi (B. burgdorferi), which is a spirochete transmitted by ticks of the genus Ixodes. Complications related to the cardiovascular system usually occur in the early phase of infection, and the most common cardiovascular complication of Lyme disease is atrioventricular block, especially third-degree heart block. We report a case of a young Caucasian male patient who presented to the emergency department (ED) with complaints of chest pain and shortness of breath. Initial investigations, including chest X-ray, were negative. An EKG revealed ST elevation and PR depression with troponin elevation. The echocardiogram showed a normal ejection fraction with no pericardial effusion. Skin examination was positive for erythema migrans concerning Lyme. Initial Lyme testing was negative in the patient and it should be repeated after four to six weeks, according to the guidelines. This case report highlights the importance of keeping the differentials broad in these patients even if the initial testing is negative, especially since misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis can cause cardiac complications.
ABSTRACT
Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a complex metabolic disease primarily associated with elevated blood glucose levels in the body. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is the most feared acute presentation of diabetes mellitus (DM) in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Furthermore, euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis (EDKA) is a relatively rare complication of DM in which the blood glucose levels are usually less than 250 mg/dl with an elevated anion gap metabolic acidosis. It can be a diagnostic challenge due to normal blood glucose levels and often can be overlooked. Physicians should be aware of EDKA; prompt diagnosis and treatment are critical in the timely management of the condition to prevent complications. We present a case of EDKA in a 74-year-old female precipitated by a urinary tract infection which was identified and treated promptly with insulin and dextrose infusion. In addition to that, an important difference between British and American guidelines has been highlighted.
ABSTRACT
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease with multisystem involvement. It is multifactorial and involves epigenetic, genetic, ecological, and environmental factors. Primarily it leads to activation of both innate and adaptive immunity, which consequently leads to autoreactive B cell activation by T cells and leads to immune complexes deposition in tissues leading to an autoimmune cascade that may be limited to the single organ or can cause a widespread systemic involvement. SLE is heterogeneous in presentation, with a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations ranging from clinically mild self-resolving symptoms to severe life-threatening organ involvement. Clinical and serological heterogeneity are critical features in SLE, posing a significant challenge in its diagnosis. Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) are the telltale serological marker in more than 95% of SLE patients. The improved set of European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) classification enabled accurate diagnosis of SLE. The treatment focuses on remission, preventing organ damage, and improving the overall quality of life.
