Cryptococcosis and Cryptococcal Meningitis: A Narrative Review and the Up-to-Date Management Approach.

Cryptococcosis is a fungal infectious disease that enormously impacts human health worldwide. Cryptococcal meningitis is the most severe disease caused by the fungus Cryptococcus, and can lead to death, if left untreated. Many patients develop resistance and progress to death even after treatment. It requires a prolonged treatment course in people with AIDS. This narrative review provides an evidence-based summary of the current treatment modalities and future trial options, including newer ones, namely, 18B7, T-2307, VT-1598, AR12, manogepix, and miltefosine. This review also evaluated the management and empiric treatment of cryptococcus meningitis. The disease can easily evade diagnosis with subacute presentation. Despite the severity of the disease, treatment options for cryptococcosis remain limited, and more research is needed.

Ceftriaxone-Induced Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura Treated Successfully With Plasmapheresis and Eculizumab: A Rare Case Report.

Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) is a subtype of thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) resulting in thrombocytopenia, anemia, fever, renal and neurological deficits. Although many drugs have been associated with drug-induced TTP, ceftriaxone has never been reported. Our case reports a patient who was started on ceftriaxone and developed TTP. Peripheral smear showed schistocytes and thrombocytopenia. Surprisingly, antibody formation against the metalloproteinase (ADAMTS13) levels were low-normal. The patient was treated with plasmapheresis and eczulimab, leading to platelet recovery and symptom resolution. TTP is a rare disorder and can be acquired or idiopathic. TTP can be diagnosed with normal ADAMTS13 as well. Further research is required to assess the mechanism by which ceftriaxone causes TTP. Physicians should consider the possibility of TTP in patients with similar presentations following ceftriaxone therapy and use it for timely diagnosis and treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment of ceftriaxone-induced TTP can prevent devastating consequences.

A Textbook Case of Human T-lymphotropic Virus-1 (HTLV-1)-Induced Adult T-cell Leukemia Treated With Cyclophosphamide, Hydroxydaunorubicin, Oncovin, and Prednisone/Prednisolone (CHOP).

Human T-lymphotropic virus-1 (HTLV-I) is an enveloped, single-stranded RNA virus of the Retroviridae family. The virus causes two well-recognized disease associations: adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) and HTLV-I-associated myelopathy (HAM), also known as tropical spastic paraparesis (TSP). We report a case of HTLV-1-induced adult T-cell lymphoma/leukemia in a 45-year-old female who presented with complaints of swelling on the right side of her neck and rash on her upper and lower extremities and abdomen. The patient also had a history of strongyloidiasis infection and Crohn's disease. She was found to have hypercalcemia and multiple lytic lesions of the bone found on the imaging. She also tested positive for HTLV-1 and T cell-positive for cluster of differentiation (CD) 2, CD3, partial CD5, and minimal CD56, later confirmed by the bone marrow (BM) and skin punch biopsies. ATL is characterized by the clonal proliferation of CD4+ T cells containing randomly integrated HTLV-I provirus, often associated with T-cell receptor gene rearrangements. ATL, in its aggressive forms, has one of the poorest prognoses of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It is essential to raise awareness of ATL, although further research and trials are needed to solidify the treatment options to prevent mortality.

Necrotizing Autoimmune Myopathy: A Case Report on Statin-Induced Rhabdomyolysis.

Statin-induced necrotizing myopathy (SINM) is an uncommon but severe complication associated with statin medication. SINM can develop at any point after a person starts taking steroids. It is now being acknowledged as a component of the broader category of "statin-induced myopathy." Like other immune-mediated necrotizing muscle diseases, statin-induced myositis is identified by weakness in proximal muscles, increased serum creatine kinase (CK) levels, and, in some cases, dysphagia and respiratory distress. In addition, there is evidence of muscle cell damage when examined under a microscope, occurring with minimal or no infiltration of inflammatory cells. Diagnosing SINM promptly is frequently challenging due to its unpredictable development over time, with symptoms sometimes emerging many years after the initial exposure to statins. One distinctive characteristic of SINM is the continued presence of muscle inflammation and elevated CK levels even after discontinuing statin treatment. Currently, no clinical trials are available to guide how to manage statin-induced immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM). Here, we present a case of a 42-year-old woman diagnosed with SINM and was found to have persistently elevated CPK despite discontinuation of statins. Our case also suggests that intravenous (IV) immunoglobins and steroids are an effective and well-tolerated alternative to immunosuppressants.

Fracture Resistance of Different Post-Core Systems: An In vitro Study.

Reasons for the failed endodontic teeth which had an extensive restoration can be attributed to the multiple materials that were used in it. Various post-core materials that are commonly used are compared for fracture resistance in the current study. Fourty maxillary incisors that needed root canal therapy were allocated into four groups of 10 each. Using adhesive resin cement, teeth were repaired in three experimental groups with ceramic fiber post, glass post, and stainless steel post. All these posts with composite post and core. Samples that still had their coronal structure were considered as controls that were without any post-cores. Every sample was ready for the best abutment preparation. Using the universal testing machine, all the specimens were examined for the compressive strength at 130° until fracture was experienced. The data for the force levels at which the fracture occurred were noted and compared for significance using analysis of variance (ANOVA), keeping P < 0.05 as significant. The fracture resistance values were significantly variable among all the groups, with P < 0.05. The stainless steel post exhibited the highest strength before it succumbed to the fracture. The glass posts showed better restorability and were esthetically acceptable. The least fracture resistance was demonstrated by teeth that had no post-core, highlighting the necessity of strengthening the tooth. Among all the experimental groups, the one that demonstrated the highest fracture resistance was composite core and steel posts.

Air quality and mental health: evidence, challenges and future directions.

BACKGROUND: Poor air quality is associated with poor health. Little attention is given to the complex array of environmental exposures and air pollutants that affect mental health during the life course. AIMS: We gather interdisciplinary expertise and knowledge across the air pollution and mental health fields. We seek to propose future research priorities and how to address them. METHOD: Through a rapid narrative review, we summarise the key scientific findings, knowledge gaps and methodological challenges. RESULTS: There is emerging evidence of associations between poor air quality, both indoors and outdoors, and poor mental health more generally, as well as specific mental disorders. Furthermore, pre-existing long-term conditions appear to deteriorate, requiring more healthcare. Evidence of critical periods for exposure among children and adolescents highlights the need for more longitudinal data as the basis of early preventive actions and policies. Particulate matter, including bioaerosols, are implicated, but form part of a complex exposome influenced by geography, deprivation, socioeconomic conditions and biological and individual vulnerabilities. Critical knowledge gaps need to be addressed to design interventions for mitigation and prevention, reflecting ever-changing sources of air pollution. The evidence base can inform and motivate multi-sector and interdisciplinary efforts of researchers, practitioners, policy makers, industry, community groups and campaigners to take informed action. CONCLUSIONS: There are knowledge gaps and a need for more research, for example, around bioaerosols exposure, indoor and outdoor pollution, urban design and impact on mental health over the life course.

Clinical Conundrum of Acute Hepatitis B With Concurrent Hepatitis E Infection Leading to Severe Acute Liver Injury.

Acute liver injury in the setting of acute fulminant hepatitis caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) can occur both during primary infection and after chronic HBV reactivation. Guidelines recommend considering antiviral therapy in both cases. Antiviral therapy with a nucleoside analog may be beneficial in patients with acute liver failure from acute HBV infection, though not all studies have shown a benefit. This is a case of a 53-year-old woman with a past medical history of untreated hepatitis C with undetectable viral load and right breast cancer status post lumpectomy, who presented to the emergency department with complaints of yellowish skin and sclera discoloration with right upper quadrant pain for one week. She was a known intravenous drug abuser and binge alcohol user. Her labs were positive for hepatitis B, hepatitis E, and hepatitis C viruses. She also had elevated liver enzymes with hyperbilirubinemia showing severe acute liver injury. Computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis with contrast was normal, and the abdominal ultrasound showed homogenous echotexture of the liver without a focal lesion. The patient was diagnosed with acute fulminant hepatitis B. After initial hemodynamic stabilization, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and tenofovir were started, and transaminases were followed. Liver function tests showed a downtrend, and, in a few weeks, they came to baseline. Hepatitis B viral load became undetectable as well. Acute hepatitis B infection is seldom treated. The presented case depicts the use of tenofovir in the setting of severe acute liver injury due to hepatitis B. Starting antiviral therapy (especially tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) early in the disease course was shown to have very assuring results with complete resolution of symptoms and normalization of liver function tests. The treatment protocol for acute HBV deserves further investigation.

Role of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in Managing Clostridium Difficile Infection and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Narrative Review.

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been emerging as an alternate treatment modality in the management of patients with dysbiosis by restoring abnormal gut microbiota composition through the transplantation of normal fecal microbiota from healthy donors. This technique has lately gained a lot of attention in the treatment of recurrent or refractory Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) owing to its high success rates combined with its favorable safety profile. FMT has also been attracting the interest of clinicians as a new treatment option for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Here, we reviewed most of the recent advancements in the use of FMT for CDI as well as its use in the treatment of IBD.

A Case Report of Wernicke's Encephalopathy Disguised As Limbic Encephalitis: A Clinical Puzzle.

Wernicke's encephalopathy (WE) is the presence of neurological symptoms in the central nervous system caused by thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiency. It is an acute clinical condition characterized by confusion, ataxia, and ophthalmoplegia triad. WE is most commonly observed in chronic alcohol users, while it can also present in non-alcoholics. We present a 33-year-old man with alcohol-induced WE who presented with altered mental status and fever. His initial diagnosis was skewed towards bacterial meningitis and limbic encephalitis, but MRI findings were consistent with WE. The patient responded promptly to intravenous (IV) thiamine infusion, and his mental status changed significantly. Repeat EEG in 15 days shows complete recovery with normal brain wave activity. Untreated WE is a significant cause of permanent neurological morbidity and mortality, easily preventable. High suspicion of WE should always be entertained, especially when patients have a known history of alcohol use. Early initiation of IV thiamine could prevent the consequences. Hence, it is essential to raise awareness of WE to take measures without delay and reduce mortality and morbidity with an improved prognosis.

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Encephalopathy Induced by COVID-19 Infection.

Various factors can lead to thyroiditis, including any acute inflammatory process, especially viral illness. While coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been linked to disorders of various systems, there is a lack of literature showing an association of coronavirus with the cause of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Several possible mechanisms for this outcome have been proposed; chief among them is molecular mimicry. Here, we are reporting a case of Hashimoto's thyroiditis incited by COVID-19 in a 34-year-old obese female who presented with anxiety, behavioral changes, and repeated head movements. The patient had an elevated thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level, a low thyroxine (T4) level, and a positive anti-microsomal antibody screen. The patient also tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA. Ultrasound of the patient's neck showed an enlarged heterogeneous thyroid gland. Thyroid replacement therapy with intravenous levothyroxine was started with the subsequent oral transition. Concurrently, she received antibiotics, steroids, and low-molecular-weight heparin for COVID-19. The patient exhibited significant improvement in her mental status, with an eventual return to baseline. The results of the thyroid panel obtained at the outpatient follow-up were normal. Although there is a paucity of data to show COVID-19 as a cause of this painless thyroiditis, this case demonstrates such causality between these two.

A Preemptive Living Donor Renal Transplant in an HIV Positive Patient from an HIV Positive Donor.

With recent advances in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), renal transplantation is no longer considered a contraindication in properly selected HIV-positive patients. Several studies have demonstrated comparable patient and graft outcomes between HIV-negative and HIV-positive renal transplant recipients. Most of the information on outcomes of HIV-positive to HIV-positive transplantation is based on data from deceased donors. There are only a handful of case reports about living donor renal transplantation in an HIV-positive patient from an HIV-positive donor. Furthermore, there is no report in the world of preemptive living donor renal transplantation in this setting. Here, we report a case of successful preemptive renal transplantation in an HIV-positive recipient from an HIV-positive living donor performed at our center.

A Case of Severe Epstein-Barr Virus-Associated Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Successfully Treated With High Dose Steroids and Ganciclovir.

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a life-threatening hematological disorder characterized by immune dysregulation with multiple organ involvement and carries a poor prognosis. The occurrence of HLH can be familial or sporadic, which is triggered by causes like infection or malignancy. This case report is about a 47-year-old male who presented to the hospital with a fever, chills, night sweats, and unintentional weight loss. He was found to have severely elevated ferritin, and computed tomography showed cirrhosis, a normal sized spleen, and retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy. He underwent an extensive battery of tests to identify the etiology. Meanwhile, he had recurrent fevers with worsening transaminitis and septic shock, requiring admission to the ICU. Blood tests for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) were positive. Due to high suspicion of HLH, he was started on intravenous methylprednisone 1000 mg daily for three days with clinical improvement. A bone marrow biopsy showed hemophagocytosis and he was diagnosed with EBV-associated HLH. He was continued on steroids with oral prednisone and continued to clinically improve. He was later tapered off steroids over the course of five months. HLH is a rapidly progressive and fatal condition that requires prompt treatment, and thus a high index of suspicion is needed to make a timely diagnosis.

Furosemide-Induced Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura: A Report of a Rare Case.

Drug-induced immune thrombocytopenia (DITP) refers to drug-dependent, antibody-mediated platelet destruction. Although several drugs have been implicated as the cause of DITP, the most commonly encountered are heparin, sulfonamides, quinine, vancomycin, and beta-lactam antibiotics. However, furosemide has been rarely reported as the cause of thrombocytopenia. We present a unique case of furosemide-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia in a 64-year-old female referred by her primary care provider for low platelets, rash, and bleeding. She was recently started on oral furosemide for diastolic heart failure two weeks before this presentation. She was admitted to the intensive care unit and was worked up for new-onset thrombocytopenia. Labs revealed anemia, thrombocytopenia, elevated lactate dehydrogenase, and low haptoglobin with normal serum creatinine. Peripheral smear showed schistocytes, low platelets, and ADAMTS13 level was 0.03. The patient was diagnosed with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and treated with steroids, rituximab, and plasmapheresis, which led to rapid recovery of the platelet count to normal. Based on this case report, clinicians should consider furosemide as one of the drugs potentially causing thrombotic thrombocytopenia. Early detection and prompt management can be lifesaving.

Ophthalmoparesis and Bilateral Ptosis as a Rare Manifestation of Todd's Phenomenon: Case Report and Review.

Todd's paresis or phenomenon (TP) is a focal weakness in a part of the body after a seizure. Seizure is an abrupt change in behavior caused by the cerebral cortex's electrical hyper-synchronization of neuronal networks. After the seizure, there is usually a transition period from the ictal state to the pre-seizure baseline level of awareness and function, referred to as the postictal period. Postictal symptoms include many systems, including sensory, motor, and psychosis. This phenomenon is named after Robert Bentley Todd, who first described it. Todd's paresis can be confused with other conditions, most commonly a stroke. Postictal ocular manifestation may be accompanied by aphasia or hemiplegia, but isolated gaze palsy is rarely reported. We are reporting a rare and first known isolated ophthalmoparesis and ptosis as postictal findings with no structural abnormalities present in imaging studies and complete resolution over three weeks on its own as an atypical postictal phenomenon. Patients with an underlying structural abnormality of the brain are more susceptible to Todd's phenomenon. Unusual manifestations of Todd's phenomenon are rare but clinically relevant and are decisive in therapeutic decision-making. Our patient presents a rare manifestation of Todd's phenomenon as ptosis and ophthalmoparesis in an elderly male with no underlying structural brain abnormalities that resolved within three weeks. Further research into the causes is needed to distinguish it from a stroke.

Mitomycin-Induced Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura Treated Successfully With Plasmapheresis and Steroid: A Case Report.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) caused by severely reduced ADAMTS13 or the von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease (VWFCP) enzyme resulting in low platelet and red blood cell counts along with severe renal, cardiac, and neurological dysfunction. Plasmapheresis is the treatment of choice. Mitomycin, a widely used chemotherapeutic agent for gastrointestinal (GI) cancers anal and breast cancers, has been reported to occasionally cause severe TTP and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) cases. Here, we present a case of a 57-year-old African American transgender patient who presented with worsening kidney function, thrombocytopenia, and anemia following mitomycin therapy for her anal squamous cell carcinoma. Peripheral smear showed numerous schistocytes, and the patient was diagnosed with TTP because of low ADAMTS13 levels. The patient was started on plasmapheresis and steroid with ultimate improvement in condition. TTP is a rare condition that can be idiopathic or acquired. Further research is required to assess the complexity of the underlying mechanism. Early diagnosis and aggressive management often lead to a favorable outcome.

Percutaneous Tracheostomy: A Bedside Procedure.

Percutaneous tracheostomy is a bedside surgical procedure that creates an opening in the anterior tracheal wall. Tracheostomy is performed in patients expected to require mechanical ventilation for longer than seven to 10 days. This bedside percutaneous tracheostomy has been used since the late 1990s. Tracheotomy tubes are of various kinds like cuffed vs. uncuffed, fenestrated vs. unfenestrated, single lumen vs. double lumen, and metal vs. plastic. Its indications are categorized into emergency vs. elective. The most common emergency indication is acute airway obstruction, and the elective indication is prolonged intubation. There is no absolute contraindication, but a physician should consider severe hypoxia requiring high oxygen and coagulopathy. Percutaneous tracheostomy is a new technique requiring different skills. Advantages of percutaneous tracheostomy are as follows - it is performed at the bedside, procedural time is less, the cost is less, does not need operating schedule time. Percutaneous tracheostomy is generally performed by otolaryngologists, general surgeons, interventional pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, or intensivists.

Impact of COVID-19 on the Gastrointestinal Tract: A Clinical Review.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread rapidly throughout the world, causing a pandemic that has resulted in more than 5 million deaths globally. The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is known to have high expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors in the human body, making it prone to direct damage from the cellular invasion of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Numerous GI symptoms have been reported among patients with COVID-19. This systemic review details the mechanism and effects of COVID-19 on the GI tract along with the hepatobiliary and pancreatic systems.

An Atypical Presentation of a Severe Case of Anaplasma Phagocytophilum.

We report a case of a 79-year-old male presenting to a South Bronx hospital with complaints of fever, shortness of breath, severe thrombocytopenia, hematuria, elevated liver enzymes, and acute renal failure. The patient rapidly progressed to acute hypoxic respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation. Treatment was delayed for six days because the tick-borne disease was not considered in the differential. Empirical treatment of tick-borne illnesses should be considered in the proper clinical setting, and travel history should be relevant in any patient presenting with fever. Delay in appropriate treatment results in the onset of more severe illness.

An Unusual Presentation of Multiple Myeloma.

Multiple myeloma commonly presents as anemia, renal failure, bone pain, and infections. Presentation with epistaxis is extremely rare, and hence myeloma as the etiologic factor is seldom considered. We report the case of a patient who initially presented with recurrent epistaxis and then with myasthenia. It was only when he developed acute kidney injury 4 months after the initial presentation with epistaxis that a diagnosis of multiple myeloma was made.

Retrospective Diagnosis of Nail-patella Syndrome.

A 37 years old female presented with asymptomatic nephrotic range proteinuria due to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). She was treated with steroids and mycophenolate mofetil to which there was no response and progressed to advanced chronic kidney disease. When her brother who was being evaluated as a potential donor, for renal transplant, was found to have proteinuria and a genetic study for the steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome was done. This revealed mutation in the LMX1B gene. It is then that a diagnosis of nail-patella syndrome (NPS) was made. She underwent a successful renal transplant with her father as a donor and is doing well.