A Rare Case of Argatroban-Induced Anaphylaxis in a Patient With Intermediate-High Risk Pulmonary Embolism.

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is a rare and potentially devastating complication of heparin therapy. Patients with an absolute indication for anticoagulation, such as those with significant pulmonary embolism, must be switched to a different anticoagulant, such as argatroban, a direct thrombin inhibitor. We report a case of anaphylaxis to argatroban in a patient who was initially on heparin for intermediate-high risk pulmonary embolism but developed suspected type II heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. This case highlights the significance of recognizing and treating anaphylactic reactions and the diagnostic challenges associated with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.

Unexpected Presentations of Bradycardia, Renal Failure, Atrioventricular Nodal Blockade, Shock, and Hyperkalemia (BRASH) Syndrome: A Report of Two Cases.

Bradycardia, renal failure, atrioventricular nodal blockade, shock, and hyperkalemia syndrome is an underrecognized phenomenon in which renal injury leads to hyperkalemia and inadequate clearance of atrioventricular nodal-blocking agents. The compounding effect of both insults can lead to a bradyarrhythmia that, in severe cases, can rapidly progress to cardiogenic shock. The degree of resulting pathology is usually out of proportion to either insulting agent given that there is a synergistic effect. Treatment strategies for this condition are not entirely clear, but it appears as if these patients often do not warrant aggressive interventions and can be managed medically. We report two cases with early recognition and simple medical management with resulting favorable outcomes.

Nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis with underlying ovarian carcinoma resolving with oncologic treatment.

The treatment of nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis consists of anticoagulation, surgical consideration and treatment of the underlying disease, most commonly lupus or malignancy. We report a case of nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis presumably caused by underlying ovarian carcinoma that was controlled with anticoagulation and resolved with chemotherapy and surgical resection of the malignancy.

Coronary Artery Tortuosity Found in a Marathon Runner.

Coronary artery tortuosity (CAT) is an anatomical anomaly in which the coronary arteries contain kinks or coils. It is usually found incidentally in elderly patients with long-standing uncontrolled hypertension. This case illustrates a 58-year-old female marathon runner who was found to have CAT, originally presenting with chest pain, hypotension, presyncope, and a severe cramping sensation in her legs.