Toxic-Induced Encephalopathy Following Chemsex in a Young HIV-Positive Male: A Complex Case of Acute Cognitive Impairment with Anterograde Amnesia and Behavioral Alterations.

BACKGROUND: A broadened clinical spectrum of concomitant complications emerges among the escalating incidence of substance use, particularly within the 'chemsex' context. This case exemplifies the profound neurotoxic repercussions and neurological risk of chemsex in a young HIV-positive male and addresses the multifaceted challenges of such evolving paradigms in substance utilization. CLINICAL FINDING: After consuming cannabis, poppers, methamphetamine, and cocaine, a 28-year-old HIV-positive male exhibited significant neurological and cognitive impairment. The initial presentation included dysarthria and profound anterograde amnesia. Laboratory findings showed leukocytosis with a PCR of 3 mg/dl - elevated cerebrospinal fluid protein levels with no cells. Urine toxicology returned positive for cannabis and amphetamines. A brain CT scan revealed bilateral and symmetrical hippocampi and pale globes hypodensity, indicative of toxic-metabolic encephalopathy. MRI further identified lesions in the globus pallidus, cerebellum, and hippocampi. Following the detection of toxic encephalopathy, Initial neuropsychological was performed screening using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), which highlighted immediate memory deficits. An in-depth neuropsychological assessment conducted 3 weeks later included the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV), the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), and tests for visuospatial skills, motor functions, and memory recall. The evaluations revealed pronounced anterograde amnesia, persistent long-term memory inconsistencies, and notable executive function challenges, detailed in Table 1. CONCLUSIONS: The detailed analysis of this case underpins the severe neurological consequences that can manifest from heavy substance use. Comprehensive diagnostic evaluations, including neuroimaging and neuropsychological assessments, are crucial in elucidating the full spectrum of substance-induced cognitive impairments. There is an urgent need for enhanced public awareness and preventative measures, especially in the context of chemsex, to bring forth multifaceted health, social, and government implications that modern society must adeptly navigate.

[Colonic perforation and sepsis associated with Clostridium septicum as clinical presentation of colon cancer]. / Perforación colónica y sepsis fulminante asociada a Clostridium septicum como presentación de un cáncer de colon.

The association between some bacterial infections and colon cancer is well documented. The most described is Streptococcus bovis infection. Another bacteria related to intestinal neoplasms is Clostridium septicum. We present the case of a 62-year-old man who consulted for abdominal pain associated with diarrhea and fever. A computed tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis was performed, which revealed thickening of the cecum walls with an apparent break in continuity at its free edge. An exploratory laparotomy was performed which confirmed the presence of peritonitis and cecal perforation. A right hemicolectomy and terminal ileostomy were performed. The histopathological study revealed the presence of signet ring cell type adenocarcinoma associated with ischemia. The blood cultures results demonstrated the presence of C. septicum. The patient died due to fulminant sepsis.

Perforación colónica y sepsis fulminante asociada a Clostridium septicum como presentación de un cáncer de colon / Colonic perforation and sepsis associated with Clostridium septicum as clinical presentation of colon cancer

Resumen La asociación entre algunas infecciones bacterianas y cáncer de colon está bien documentada. La más descrita es la infección por Streptococcus bovis. Otra bacteria relacionada a neoplasias intestinales es Clostridium septicum. Presentamos el caso clínico de un varón de 62 años que consultó por dolor abdominal, diarrea y fiebre. Se realizó una tomografía computada de abdomen y pelvis que evidenció un engrosamiento de las paredes del ciego con una aparente solución de continuidad en su borde libre. En una laparotomía exploradora se confirmó la presencia de peritonitis y perforación cecal, siendo sometido a una hemicolectomía derecha e ileostomía terminal. El estudio histopatológico reveló la presencia de un adenocarcinoma de tipo células en anillo de sello asociado a isquemia. Los hemocultivos fueron positivos a C. septicum. El paciente falleció por una sepsis fulminante.

Abstract The association between some bacterial infections and colon cancer is well documented. The most described is Streptococcus bovis infection. Another bacteria related to intestinal neoplasms is Clostridium septicum. We present the case of a 62-year-old man who consulted for abdominal pain associated with diarrhea and fever. A computed tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis was performed, which revealed thickening of the cecum walls with an apparent break in continuity at its free edge. An exploratory laparotomy was performed which confirmed the presence of peritonitis and cecal perforation. A right hemicolectomy and terminal ileostomy were performed. The histopathological study revealed the presence of signet ring cell type adenocarcinoma associated with ischemia. The blood cultures results demonstrated the presence of C. septicum. The patient died due to fulminant sepsis.