RESUMEN
Establishing a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in a patient presenting with acute respiratory failure is rare. Here, we present a case of AML initially appearing as hypoxemic respiratory failure linked to presumed community-acquired pneumonia. This case report unravels the intricate diagnostic odyssey of an atypical AML presentation masquerading as an acute respiratory failure, accentuating the multifaceted challenges clinicians encounter in discerning the actual underlying pathology amidst the haze of mimicry. Upon meticulous diagnostic expedition, infection was ruled out as a cause of respiratory failure, and the patient underwent a malignancy workup, ultimately culminating in the diagnosis. This case underscores the importance of broader diagnostic vigilance. Comprehensive assessments, combined with interdisciplinary collaboration, emerged as crucial for accurate diagnosis, emphasizing the need to consider hematologic pathologies despite seemingly unrelated clinical presentations.
RESUMEN
Supplemental oxygen administration is a delicate balance in managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), where the risk of exacerbating hypercapnia must be carefully considered. This case report describes a 69-year-old male with COPD who, after self-medicating with commercially available portable oxygen bottles, experienced hypercapnic respiratory failure and severe respiratory acidosis, leading to intensive care unit (ICU) admission and non-invasive ventilation. The patient's unsupervised use of commercially available portable oxygen bottles emphasizes the risks associated with unregulated supplemental oxygen in COPD. This case highlights the critical importance of cautious oxygen supplementation in COPD, urging high-risk patients to seek medical guidance, even with over-the-counter products. This case emphasizes the need for expert medical opinion to ensure safe oxygen use in vulnerable populations.
