Spontaneous Tumor Lysis Syndrome in Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma: Early Diagnosis and Management.

Spontaneous tumor lysis syndrome is a rare oncological emergency associated with multiorgan failure. It is characterized by an elevation of uric acid, hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia, hyperkalemia and renal failure in the setting of no active chemotherapy as a result of lysis of massive tumor burden. Early recognition of the disease and prompt management would affect morbidity and mortality. We present the case of an 80-year-old Caucasian male with a history of recently diagnosed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma who had worsening fatigue, weakness and decreased appetite for three days. On admission, laboratory investigations were significant for elevated creatinine, uric acid, and phosphorous. He was started on hemodialysis and rasburicase in view of hyperuricemia. Subsequently, chemotherapy was started. He tolerated chemotherapy initially but later developed multiorgan failure. His family then opted for comfort measures and the patient passed away soon after. In conclusion, spontaneous tumor lysis syndrome is a common association with hematological cancers. Prophylaxis with allopurinol and rasburicase is recommended in all patients who are at an increased risk for tumor lysis syndrome.

From the Breast to the Bowel: An Unconventional Metastatic Presentation.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. The common sites of metastasis include the lungs, liver, and, infrequently, the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. A 72-year-old Caucasian female presented to the hospital with nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, intermittent abdominal pain, and unintentional weight loss. She had had a past medical history of bilateral lobular breast carcinoma and severe iron-deficiency anemia treated with iron transfusions. On arrival, the examination was significant for hypotension and pallor. Laboratory investigations revealed abnormal liver enzymes and raised tumor markers Ca-125 and carcinoembryonic antigen. Imaging studies established a diagnosis of distal small bowel obstruction. The surgical intervention showed the presence of a small bowel tumor, the biopsy findings of which were consistent with metastatic breast cancer, with ER and PR positive but HER-2 negative. She was managed with a selective estrogen receptor degrader and CDK4/6 inhibitor and has been in remission since. Metastasis to the small bowel from the breast is a very rare occurrence. Clinicians should thus maintain a modest amount of suspicion when encountering an uncommon GI presentation of primary breast malignancy. We describe the case of metastatic breast cancer with an atypical GI presentation.

Follicular B Cell Lymphoma with Accompanying Ischemic Gastritis Completely Resolved by Rituximab.

BACKGROUND Follicular B cell lymphomas account for a significant portion of all newly diagnosed non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. While involvement can be varied, the most common extranodal presentation is within the gastrointestinal tract beyond the stomach. In addition, the stomach has a diffuse multivessel vascular supply, which decreases the likelihood of developing ischemic gastritis. CASE REPORT An 89-year-old woman with history of diabetes, deep venous thromboembolism, and hypertension was referred due to a newly diagnosed retroperitoneal mass. Biopsy of a left para-aortic node was consistent with low-grade follicular B cell lymphoma. Following mainstream treatment guidelines, rituximab was administered. Approximately 12 hours later, the patient presented to the Emergency Department with intractable vomiting and nausea. After admission, an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) revealed extensive ischemic gastritis. Due to recurrent ascites requiring frequent paracenteses, and the clinical aggressiveness of the patient's underlying lymphoma, a second dose of rituximab was administered with concurrent initiation of total parenteral nutrition. Approximately 1 week later, the patient underwent a repeat EGD for quality of life planning while in hospice. The repeat EGD revealed resolved ischemic gastritis. Her diet was advanced and she was subsequently discharged home. CONCLUSIONS Rituximab alone shows promise in treating extensive follicular B cell lymphoma complicated by ischemic gastritis, which has not been previously reported in the literature.

An unusual case of non-small-cell lung cancer presenting as spontaneous cardiac tamponade.

Hemorrhagic pericardial effusion with associated cardiac tamponade as a de novo sign of malignancy is seen in about 2% of patients.1 Consequently, cardiac tamponade is an oncologic emergency and considered a unique presentation of a malignancy.2 Cancer emergency is defined as an acute condition that is caused directly by the cancer itself or its treatment and requires intervention to avoid death or significant morbidity.3 The mechanism by which cardiac tamponade is classified as a life-threatening emergency stems from its impairment of right ventricular filling, resulting in ventricular diastolic collapse and decreased cardiac output, which can ultimately lead to death.4 We describe the case of a previously healthy woman in her late 40s who was a nonsmoker with no previous risk factors and who presented with a large pericardial effusion and bilateral pulmonary emboli. She was diagnosed with metastatic epidermal growth factor receptor-positive (EGFR-positive) adenocarcinoma of the lung. This case highlights an oncologic emergency as a de novo presentation of malignancy.