T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Crisis: Hyperleukocytosis, Tumor Lysis Syndrome, and Innovative Approaches.

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a rare hematologic malignancy with a unique set of clinical challenges when it occurs in adults. This case report presents the complex management of a 32-year-old male with T-ALL who developed symptomatic hyperleukocytosis and tumor lysis syndrome. Upon presentation, the patient exhibited a constellation of critical clinical and laboratory findings, including leukocytosis, anemia, thrombocytopenia, hyperkalemia, high-anion gap metabolic acidosis, and acute kidney injury. Despite an initial diagnosis of an allergic reaction, the subsequent course of the disease necessitated rapid medical intervention and consultation with multiple specialties, including hematology-oncology and nephrology. The challenges encountered in managing this patient's condition, particularly in an intensive care unit setting, underscored the need for a tailored and multidisciplinary approach. Treatment modalities included leukapheresis, continuous renal replacement therapy, aggressive fluid resuscitation, and chemotherapy. The case highlights the intricate decision-making processes and adaptability required when addressing T-ALL with hyperleukocytosis and tumor lysis syndrome, particularly in cases where conventional chemotherapy is contraindicated. This report underscores the importance of ongoing research and the need for standardized treatment protocols for such complex clinical scenarios.

Bilateral Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion: A Successful Case of Bilateral Thrombectomy.

Single-vessel occlusions often cause an acute ischemic stroke (AIS) but can rarely be caused by multi-vessel occlusions. Although bilateral AIS is rare, these patients often undergo mechanical thrombectomy as long as they are within the 24-hour window since symptom presentation. We present a case of a female in her 70s who presented to an outside facility with right-sided weakness in her upper and lower extremities, drooping of the right lower face, and aphasia. The patient developed bilateral symptoms on transfer to a tertiary center with neuro-interventional capabilities. Due to concern for a possible bilateral stroke, magnetic resonance imaging was ordered and was remarkable for bilateral middle cerebral artery occlusion. The patient underwent a successful bilateral mechanical thrombectomy within 24 hours of the last known normal. This case demonstrates that mechanical thrombectomy is an excellent treatment option for patients with bilateral occlusions that present within the recommended 24 hours from the last known normal.

Interobserver agreement in determining non-small cell lung cancer subtype in specimens acquired by EBUS-TBNA.

Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) may diagnose suspected lung cancer. Determination of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) subtype may guide therapy in select patients. Small-volume biopsies may be subject to significant interobserver variability in subtype determination. Three pathologists independently reviewed specimens from 60 patients who underwent EBUS-TBNA for diagnosis/staging of suspected/known NSCLC. Smear, haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) specimens were reviewed without reference to other specimen types obtained from the same patient. Final diagnoses, and degree of confidence in the diagnosis, were recorded for each specimen. Almost perfect agreement was seen for distinguishing between small cell lung cancer and NSCLC for all specimen types. Agreement in determination of NSCLC subtype for smear, H&E and IHC specimens was slight (κ=0.095, 95% CI -0.164-0.355), fair (κ=0.278, 95% CI 0.075-0.481) and moderate (κ=0.564, 95% CI 0.338-0.740), respectively. Perfect agreement was seen when all three observers were confident of diagnoses made on IHC specimens. Interobserver agreement in interpretation of EBUS-TBNA specimens is moderate for determination of NSCLC subtype. Agreement is highest following examination of IHC specimens. Clinicians should be aware of the degree of pathologist confidence in the tissue diagnosis prior to commencement of subtype-specific therapy for NSCLC.