Insight Into Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Unveiling Central Retinal Artery Occlusion as an Initial Indicator.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disorder with diverse clinical manifestations. Among these, ocular complications are notably prevalent, affecting up to one-third of patients. One rare but serious ocular complication of SLE is central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO), which can result in significant vision loss. We report a case of a young woman with sudden, painless vision loss in her right eye over two days. Fundoscopy confirmed CRAO, with no light perception in the affected eye and normal vision in the left eye. Physical examination revealed symptoms suggestive of a connective tissue disorder, including malar rash and Raynaud's phenomenon. Laboratory tests confirmed SLE. Despite treatment with methylprednisolone, hydroxychloroquine, aspirin, and nifedipine, the patient's vision did not improve. CRAO in SLE indicates severe retinal vasculopathy and has a poor prognosis. This case highlights the importance of considering SLE in patients with sudden vision loss and systemic symptoms, emphasizing early diagnosis and comprehensive management to prevent severe complications.

Dengue and Hypokalemic Paralysis: A Rare Association.

Dengue is one of the most common mosquito-borne viral illnesses in tropical areas, including Pakistan. Presentation varies from a self-limiting flu-like illness to life-threatening conditions like hemorrhagic shock and multi-organ dysfunction leading to death. In the absence of vomiting and diarrhea, electrolyte abnormalities are rare findings. Though Guillain-Barré syndrome is a known association of viral illnesses presenting with flaccid paralysis, there is a possibility for dengue to cause hypokalemia without apparent gut or renal losses. Dengue-associated hypokalemic paralysis is an underrecognized entity but has a favorable outcome. The clinician should suspect this in patients presenting with motor weakness in dengue-endemic areas. Neurological complications of dengue are reported frequently now, so early recognition of these neurological manifestations is needed for the successful recovery of patients. Here, we discuss a case of dengue-induced hypokalemia presenting with acute flaccid paralysis.

Inferior Vena Cava Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism in a Patient With Behcet Disease: A Rare Presentation.

Behcet syndrome is a systemic vasculitic syndrome. Vascular involvement in Behcet syndrome affects both arterial and venous vascular systems, contributing to significant morbidity and mortality. However, diagnosing vascular lesions can be challenging due to their resemblance to common vascular diseases, leading to potential misdiagnoses. This case report emphasizes the importance of recognizing atypical manifestations of this disease to ensure a prompt and accurate diagnosis. This case report describes a unique presentation of Behcet syndrome in a 23-year-old male patient who presented with per rectal bleeding, abdominal distension, right quadrant abdominal pain, pleuritic chest pain, and fever. The patient also reported a history of recurrent oral and genital ulcers, skin lesions, and a previous episode of dural venous sinus thrombosis. Extensive investigations revealed the involvement of the inferior vena cava and right hepatic vein, representing an atypical vascular manifestation of Behcet syndrome. Prompt diagnosis by a multidisciplinary team led to appropriate treatment with cyclophosphamide and steroids, resulting in the resolution of vascular thrombosis. In this particular case, the patient presented with involvement of the inferior vena cava and right hepatic vein, a rare and unusual manifestation of the disease. This case highlights the diverse nature of vascular complications in Behcet syndrome and underscores the importance of considering this diagnosis in patients with unexplained vascular abnormalities. Overall, this case report highlights the importance of considering Behcet syndrome in the differential diagnosis of patients with unexplained vascular manifestations. It also emphasizes the need for a comprehensive clinical evaluation and collaborative approach to ensure timely and effective management.