RESUMEN
Being introduced in 2010, fingolimod was among the first oral therapies for relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). Since that time, postmarketing surveillance has noted several case reports of various cryptococcal infections associated with fingolimod use. To date, approximately 15 such case reports have been published. We present the first and unique case of cryptococcal chest wall mass and rib osteomyelitis associated with fingolimod use. The patient presented with left-side chest pain and was found to have a lower left chest wall mass. Computerized tomography (CT) showed chest wall mass with the destruction of left 7th rib. Aspirate from the mass grew Cryptococcus neoformans. The isolate was serotype A. Fingolimod was stopped. The patient received liposomal amphotericin B for 2 weeks and started on fluconazole with a plan to continue for 6-12 months. The follow-up CT in 6 weeks showed a marked decrease in the size of the chest wall mass. In conclusion, our case highlights the atypical and aggressive form of cryptococcal infection possibly related to immunosuppression from fingolimod use.
RESUMEN
With the increasing prevalence of syphilis in different parts of the world, it is important to be cognizant of serious forms of syphilis. Otosyphilis is a rare form of syphilis with an extremely high rate of complications. Early diagnosis is essential to prevent a complete loss of hearing and decrease mortality. We present a unique case of otosyphilis who presented with left hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo, with audiometric findings confirming the hearing loss. An MRI brain showed asymmetric enhancement of the left cochlea and vestibular apparatus. She initially received oral steroids and trans-tympanic steroid injections with transient improvement of symptoms. She was diagnosed with syphilis through contact tracing after her ex-boyfriend tested positive. She received three weekly doses of intramuscular penicillin. Interestingly, her symptoms, rapid plasma regain (RPR) titer, and audiometry findings markedly improved. Once a diagnosis of otosyphilis was established, she received 14 days of intravenous penicillin.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Pasteurella multocida is a well-known gram-negative facultative anaerobe well known for its ability to cause soft tissue infections following animal bite or scratch. Here we present a case with mycotic aneurysm of the superficial femoral artery due to P. multocida infection. CASE PRESENTATION: A 62 year old male patient presented with worsening right leg pain and swelling. On examination, he was found to have profound swelling and erythema of the right medial thigh and tenderness to palpation. Computerized tomography showed findings suggestive of right femoral pseudoaneurysm with a large right medial thigh hematoma. Blood cultures grew P. multocida. Patient underwent emergent open resection of the mycotic aneurysm and vascular bypass surgery. Intraoperatively, the site was noted to be grossly infected with multiple pockets of pus which were drained and pus cultures grew P. multocida. The diagnosis of P. multocida bacteremia with right femoral mycotic aneurysm and thigh abscess was made. Patient received 6 weeks of intravenous ceftriaxone and recovered. CONCLUSION: Our case is the first report on infection of peripheral vessel with Pasteurella and highlights the importance of prompt surgical intervention and effective antibiotic treatment.