A Rare Cause of Empyema and Bacteremia Due to Shewanella Species in Alcoholic Cirrhosis Patients: A Case Report and Comprehensive Review of Literature.

BACKGROUND Shewanella spp. are gram-negative facultative anaerobic, oxidase-positive, motile bacilli that are ubiquitous but commonly occur in seawater and can cause opportunistic infection. Reports on the risk factors for Shewanella infection, its severity, antibiotic susceptibility, and prognosis are limited. This report is of a 78-year-old man with alcoholic cirrhosis presenting with bacteremia and empyema due to infection with Shewanella spp. CASE REPORT A 78-year-old man with alcoholic cirrhosis (Child-Pugh B) presented to our emergency room with a high fever. He had eaten raw fish one week prior to admission. Chest computed tomography showed a right unilateral pleural effusion, and he was hospitalized with suspected empyema. Shewanella spp. was detected in the pleural effusion and blood cultures. We initiated piperacillin/tazobactam and vancomycin empirically and switched to ceftriaxone; the effusion was successfully treated using antibiotics and pleural drainage. However, on hospitalization day 53, the patient died of aspiration pneumonia. In our literature review, we extracted 125 reported cases (including our case) and found that men were disproportionately affected (81%); median age was 61.6 (56-75) years; underlying diseases included hepatobiliary disease (33%), malignancy (25%), and cardiac disease (24%); Shewanella spp. infection sites were skin and soft tissue (35%), respiratory system (18%), and hepatobiliary system (11%); and management included antibiotics (100%), drainage (16%), and debridement (16%). The survival rate was 74% with antibiotics alone. CONCLUSIONS Our case highlights that clinicians should recognize Shewanella spp. as a cause of empyema and bacteremia in patients with liver cirrhosis, and that microbiological diagnosis with antibiotic sensitivity testing and treatment should be undertaken urgently to prevent fatal sepsis.

Clinical utility of the Oncomine Dx Target Test multi-CDx system and the possibility of utilizing those original sequence data.

BACKGROUND: Companion diagnostic tests play a crucial role in guiding treatment decisions for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The Oncomine Dx Target Test (ODxTT) Multi-CDx System has emerged as a prominent companion diagnostic method. However, its efficacy in detecting driver gene mutations, particularly rare mutations, warrants investigation. AIMS: This study aimed to assess the performance of the ODxTT in detecting driver gene mutations in NSCLC patients. Specifically, we aimed to evaluate its sensitivity in detecting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations, a key determinant of treatment selection in NSCLC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of NSCLC patients who underwent testing with the ODxTT at Keio University Hospital between May 2020 and March 2022. Patient samples were subjected to both DNA and RNA tests. Driver gene mutation status was assessed, and instances of missed mutations were meticulously examined. RESULTS: Of the 90 patients, five had nucleic acid quality problems, while 85 underwent both DNA and RNA tests. Driver gene mutations were detected in 56/90 (62.2%) patients. Of the 34 patient specimens, driver mutations were not detected using the ODxTT; however, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations were detected using polymerase chain reaction-based testing in two patients, and a KRAS mutation was detected by careful examination of the sequence data obtained using the ODxTT in one patient. For the above three cases, carefully examining the gene sequence information obtained using the ODxTT could identify driver mutations that were not mentioned in the returned test results. Additionally, we confirmed comparable instances of overlook results for EGFR mutations in the dataset from South Korea, implying that this type of oversight could occur in other countries using the ODxTT. EGFR mutation was missed in ODxTT in Japan (6.3%, 2/32), South Korea (2.0%, 1/49), and overall (3.7%, 3/81). CONCLUSION: Even if sufficient tumor samples are obtained, rare EGFR mutations (which are excluded from the ODxTT's genetic mutation list) might not be detected using the current ODxTT system due to the program used for sequence analysis. However, such rare EGFR mutations can still be accurately detected on ODxTT's sequence data using next-generation sequencing.

Blepharokeratoconjunctivitis Presumably Caused by Paederus fuscipes, a Beetle: A Case Report.

Toxicity of Paederus species to eyes has scarcely been reported. This report presents a case of chemical blepharokeratoconjunctivitis with delayed re-epithelialization caused by Paederus fuscipes in a patient with dry eye after laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). A 47-year-old woman who had undergone LASIK for myopia 10 years prior experienced visual disturbance and pain in her left eye after being hit by a P. fuscipes insect in her eye 1 day prior to evaluation. At the initial presentation, dermatitis around the patient's left eye, eyelid oedema, conjunctival chemosis, corneal epithelial defects, and a best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/200 were noted. No gram-positive/negative bacteria or indication of cellulitis/elevated inflammation was detected. Administration of topical steroids (betamethasone) and antibiotics (topical: cefmenoxime and levofloxacin; intravenous: ceftriaxone) improved the non-infectious chemical blepharokeratoconjunctivitis; however, the large corneal epithelial defect remained for 10 days. Switching from betamethasone to a preservative-free form facilitated re-epithelialization, and the patient's BCVA improved to 20/16 after 2 months. Ophthalmologists should consider the toxicity of the Paederus species on the ocular surface and eyelid.

A case of a thoracic mass negative on thoracentesis diagnosed by cryobiopsy from the visceral pleura.

Thoracoscopy under local anaesthesia is recommended for malignant tumours with negative pleural effusion cytology. Cryobiopsy from the visceral pleura by thoracoscopy under local anaesthesia can provide more diagnostic options for patients with thoracentesis-negative malignant effusions. Here we present the first case in which this technique was used. The patient had a pleural metastasis that could not be diagnosed even with rapid cytology of the parietal pleura biopsy. Indications, technical pitfalls, and safety tips are discussed.

Pseudomembranous Conjunctivitis following Exposure to Arisaema ringens Sap: A Case Report.

Plants of the Araceae family exude a sap containing calcium oxalate, a toxic substance that causes dermatitis. However, ocular injury due to exposure to Araceae sap has rarely been reported. Herein, we present a case of severe pseudomembranous conjunctivitis following exposure to Arisaema ringens, an Araceae species and popular houseplant in Japan. A 67-year-old man presented with pain in his right eye after exposure to the sap of A. ringens. At presentation, the best corrected visual acuity and intraocular pressure in the right eye were 20/800 and 15 mm Hg. Slit-lamp examination showed strong hyperemia, conjunctival chemosis, and corneal edema with many pseudomembranes, and fluorescein staining revealed corneal epithelial defects in the central area of the cornea. We washed the ocular surface with saline and initiated treatment with topical instillations of 1.5% levofloxacin and 0.1% betamethasone, combined with ofloxacin eye ointment. After repeatedly removing the pseudomembranes and increasing the frequency of the topical instillations, pseudomembranous conjunctivitis and corneal erosion gradually improved. One week following the injury, the corneal epithelial defects were no longer detectable, and the patient's best corrected visual acuity recovered to 20/25. It is important for ophthalmologists and primary care physicians to be aware of the ocular toxicity of A. ringens and should counsel their patients accordingly. Moreover, preventative measures, such as the use of protective eyewear, should be taken when cutting this houseplant.

Use of PCR in the diagnosis of pericardial amebiasis: a case report and systematic review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica) is rarely identified as a cause of amebic pericarditis. We report a case of amebic pericarditis complicated by cardiac tamponade, in which the diagnosis was missed initially and was made retrospectively by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing of a stored sample of pericardial fluid. Furthermore, we performed a systematic review of the literature on amebic pericarditis. CASE PRESENTATION: A 71-year-old Japanese man who had a history of sexual intercourse with several commercial sex workers 4 months previously, presented to our hospital with left chest pain and cough. He was admitted on suspicion of pericarditis. On hospital day 7, he developed cardiac tamponade requiring urgent pericardiocentesis. The patient's symptoms temporarily improved, but 1 month later, he returned with fever and abdominal pain, and multiple liver lesions were found in the right lobe. Polymerase chain reaction of the aspiration fluid of the liver lesion and pericardial and pleural fluid stored from the previous hospitalization were all positive for E. histolytica. Together with the positive serum antibody for E. histolytica, a diagnosis of amebic pericarditis was made. Notably, the diagnosis was missed initially and was made retrospectively by performing PCR testing. The patient improved with metronidazole 750 mg thrice daily for 14 days, followed by paromomycin 500 mg thrice daily for 10 days. CONCLUSIONS: This case suggests that, although only 122 cases of amebic pericarditis have been reported, clinicians should be aware of E. histolytica as a potential causative pathogen. The polymerase chain reaction method was used to detect E. histolytica in the pericardial effusion and was found to be useful for the diagnosis of amebic pericarditis in addition to the positive results for the serum antibody testing for E. histolytica. Because of the high mortality associated with delayed treatment, prompt diagnosis should be made.

Comparison of corneal irregular astigmatism by the type of corneal regular astigmatism.

We investigated the relation between corneal regular and irregular astigmatism in normal human eyes. In 951 eyes of 951 patients, corneal irregular astigmatism, such as asymmetry and higher-order irregularity components, was calculated using the Fourier harmonic analysis of corneal topography data within the central 3-mm zone of the anterior corneal surface. The eyes were classified by the type of corneal regular astigmatism into four groups; minimum (< 0.75 diopters), with-the-rule (WTR), against-the-rule (ATR), and oblique astigmatism. The mean age was significantly different among the four groups (P < 0.001); patients with WTR astigmatism were the youngest, followed by those with minimum, oblique, and ATR astigmatism. Significant inter-group differences were found among the four groups in asymmetry (P = 0.005) and higher-order irregularity components (P < 0.001); the largest was in eyes with oblique astigmatism, followed by ATR, WTR, and minimum astigmatism. The stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that corneal regular astigmatism pattern significantly influenced the amount of corneal irregular astigmatism after controlling for confounding factors (P < 0.001). Corneal irregular astigmatism, such as asymmetry and higher order irregularity components, was the largest in eyes with oblique astigmatism, followed by those with ATR, WTR, and minimum astigmatism, even after adjustment for age of subjects.

Surface light scattering from 1-piece hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lenses with hydroxyethyl methacrylate: contralateral observation for 7 years.

PURPOSE: To quantitatively and intraindividually compare surface light scattering for 7 years after implantation of Clareon and AcrySof intraocular lenses (IOLs). SETTING: Miyata Eye Hospital, Miyazaki, Japan. DESIGN: Retrospective comparative case series. METHODS: Clinical records of eyes that had contralateral implantation of SN60WF and SY60WF IOLs were reviewed. Light scattering on the anterior surface of IOLs, corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), and mesopic and photopic contrast sensitivities were examined at 1 year, 3 years, and 7 years postoperatively, and they were intraindividually compared. RESULTS: 34, 19, and 16 patients visited at 1 year, 3 years, and 7 years postoperatively, respectively. Surface light scattering in eyes with SY60WF IOL was significantly reduced, and the rate of increase was 2.74 computer compatible tapes per year. Although there were prominent increases in eyes with SN60WF IOL, no statistically significant difference was found in their CDVA and contrast sensitivities. CONCLUSIONS: In eyes with Clareon IOLs, the development of surface light scattering was suppressed up to 7 years. The increase rate demonstrated that the visual acuity would be least deteriorated up to 12 years postoperatively, whereas the influence of straylight induced should be investigated.

Inverted Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy Associated With the Consumption of a Weight Management Supplement.

Inverted takotsubo cardiomyopathy (ITC) is a rare disease that has a strong association with pheochromocytoma and intracranial hemorrhage. We describe the case of a patient who developed ITC after an extra dose, along with chronic exposure, of a weight management supplement containing caffeine and amphetamine-like stimulants, a combination that could potentially raise the local sympathetic tone of the myocardium. The patient was managed conservatively and recovered in 2 months. This report emphasizes the importance of the awareness of the potential association between ITC and the consumption of caffeine and amphetamine-like stimulants.

La cardiomyopathie de Takotsubo inversée (CTI) est une maladie rare fortement associée au phéochromocytome et à l'hémorragie intracrânienne. Nous décrivons le cas d'un patient ayant souffert d'une CTI après avoir pris une dose excédentaire, dans le contexte d'une exposition prolongée, d'un supplément de gestion du poids contenant de la caféine et des stimulants s'apparentant aux amphétamines, une combinaison susceptible d'accroître le tonus sympathique local du myocarde. Le patient a été pris en charge de manière conservatrice et s'est rétabli en l'espace de deux mois. Cet exposé fait ressortir l'importance de la sensibilisation à l'association possible entre la CTI et la consommation de caféine et de stimulants analogues des amphétamines.

Clinical Courses Of Corneal Endothelial Dysfunction Due To Gomphocarpus physocarpus Milky Latex-Induced Injury: A Case Series.

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical courses of patients with corneal endothelial dysfunction due to Gomphocarpus physocarpus milky latex-induced injury. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this retrospective case series, we included consecutive patients who visited Miyata Eye Hospital or Kagoshima Miyata Eye Clinic between October 2010 and August 2017 and had corneal edema caused by G. physocarpus milky latex-induced injury. Patient information and data on central corneal thickness (CCT), corneal endothelial cell density (ECD), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and treatment were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Five eyes of four patients were included. The mean age was 79.0 ± 7.1 years. All patients complaining of symptoms visited the hospital 1 or 2 days after the injury. All patients had corneal edema; two of the five eyes showed hyperemia, whereas none showed corneal epithelial defect or blepharitis. The mean CCT was 699.8 ± 95.9 µm at the first visit and decreased to 563.2 ± 74.0 µm 1 week after the injury with treatment with topical steroids and antibiotics. The mean ECD and BCVA were 2695.8 ± 191.3 cells/mm2 and 0.22 ± 0.19 at the first visit and 2826.0 ± 132.9 cells/mm2 and 0.10 ± 0.09 one week after the injury, respectively. CONCLUSION: G. physocarpus caused transient dysfunction of the corneal endothelium and thereby, corneal edema. Accurate diagnosis with history taking is important to ascertain the types of plants the patient has touched and to exclude other possible diagnoses.