scispace - formally typeset
Search or ask a question

Showing papers in "American Journal of Case Reports in 2014"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In a patient with normal glycemic levels but a history of uncontrolled diabetes, C-H-BG syndrome should be on the top of the differential list when the characteristic MRI findings of a hyperintensity in the basal ganglia are observed.
Abstract: Patient: Female, 66 Final Diagnosis: Chorea • hyperglycemia • Basal Ganglia Syndrome (C-H-BG) Symptoms: Hemibalism • hemichorea Medication: — Clinical Procedure: — Specialty: Endocrinology and Metabolic Objective: Challenging differential diagnosis

43 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
Arda Isik1, Deniz Firat1, Kemal Peker1, Ilyas Sayar1, Oguz Idiz, Mehmet Soyturk1 
TL;DR: The anatomy of the upper gastrointestinal system should be understood by all healthcare professionals involved in the treatment of esophageal perforation and the consequences are potentially serious.
Abstract: Patient: Male, 70 Final Diagnosis: Esophageal perforation Symptoms: Abdominal pain • nausea • vomiting Medication: — Clinical Procedure: — Specialty: Surgery Objective: Unusual clinical course Background: Esophageal perforation is a well-defined and severe clinical condition. There are several etiologies of esophagus perforation. Case Report: We report the case of a 70-year-old Caucasian man who underwent an emergency cholecystectomy due to acute cholecystitis. Two days after surgery, his condition deteriorated. Thorax computerized tomography revealed an esophageal perforation. Conclusions: Esophageal perforation due to nasogastric application is relatively rare but the consequences are potentially serious. The anatomy of the upper gastrointestinal system should be understood by all healthcare professionals involved in the treatment.

37 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Treatment with Ibuprofen resulted in resolution of patient’s symptoms and ECG abnormalities and careful history taking in patients presenting with myopericarditis is crucial as it might be the causal link.
Abstract: Patient Male, 29 FINAL DIAGNOSIS: Myopericarditis Symptoms: Chest pain Medication: Ibuprofen Clinical Procedure: - Specialty: Cardiology. Objective Unusual clinical course. Background Cannabis is the most commonly used illegal substance worldwide and its consumption portends significant side effects. Nowadays, in order to increase its psychotropic effect, various substances are being added constantly to it to promote its potency that might hold toxic effects to different organs including the heart and might lead to other unreported complications such as myopericarditis. Herein, we are presenting a unique case of recurrent myopericarditis after the consumption of contaminated marijuana, an association that has not been reported in literature before. Case report A 29-year-old man presented to our institution with pressure-like left-sided chest pain that is aggravated by cough and deep inspiration and relieved by sitting and leaning forward. Examination revealed pericardial rub and workup showed elevated white blood cell count, C-reactive protein and troponin I level of 2.99 ng/ml. ECG upon admission showed ST-segment elevation in the inferior leads with PR-segment depression. Echocardiogram revealed only concentric hypertrophy. PATIENT was admitted to another institution with similar symptoms 2 months earlier. PATIENT admitted to using adulterated Marijuana on both occasions prior to hospitalization. Review of medical records from the outside hospital revealed similar ECG and laboratory findings. Treatment with Ibuprofen resulted in resolution of patient's symptoms and ECG abnormalities. Conclusions Recurrent myopericarditis in our patient is likely the result of consumption of contaminated Marijuana. Careful history taking in patients presenting with myopericarditis is crucial as it might be the causal link.

32 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The first case of PKS diagnosed at the authors' institution in a patient in the second trimester of pregnancy, where the infant showed frontal bossing, a flattened nasal bridge, mid-facial hypoplasia, low-set ears, and a right upper deciduous tooth.
Abstract: Patient: Male, 0 Final Diagnosis: Pallister-Killian syndrome Symptoms: Decidious tooth • flattened nasal bridge • frontal bossing • grooved palate • low-set ears • mid-facial hypoplasia • nuchal fold thickening • right inquinal testis • shortened upper extremities • undescended left intraabdominal testis • widely spaced nipples Medication: — Clinical Procedure: — Specialty: Pediatrics and Neonatology Objective: Congenital defects/diseases

29 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Physicians need to have a high index of suspicion for unknown hepatotoxins in substance abusers with Spice/K2 induced liver injury.
Abstract: Patient: Male, 45 Final Diagnosis: Spice/K2 induced liver injury Symptoms: Lethargy • somnolence • fatigue Medication: N-acetylcysteine Clinical Procedure: — Specialty: Gastroenterology Objective: Rare disease

28 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A 42-year-old male admitted after heroin use with heroin-related peripheral nervous system complication preceded by an acute gluteal compartment syndrome and severe rhabdomyolysis is presented.
Abstract: Patient: Male, 42 Final Diagnosis: Gluteal compartment syndrome • acute peripheral nauropathy Symptoms: — Medication: — Clinical Procedure: — Specialty: Critical Care Medicine Objective: Management of emergency care

27 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Uremic pericarditis is a treatable, but not always a preventable, condition and timely recognition of its presence and its efficient management are essential elements of successful treatment.
Abstract: Case series Patient: Male, 71 • Male, 69 • Female, 49 Final Diagnosis: Uremic pericarditis Symptoms: — Medication: — Clinical Procedure: Hemodialysis Specialty: Nephrology Objective: Rare disease

24 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A 9-year-old boy suffering from DMD was treated with serial autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell transplantations followed by multidisciplinary rehabilitation and electromyography findings showed development of new normal motor unit potentials of the vastus medialis muscle.
Abstract: Patient: Male, 9 Final Diagnosis: Duchenne muscular dystrophy Symptoms: Hyporeflexia • hypotonia • weaknes of lower limbs Medication: — Clinical Procedure: — Specialty: Neurology Objective: Congenital defects/diseases

22 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Mucocele of the appendix is a rare disease, usually diagnosed on histopathologic examination of appendectomized specimens and due to the existing potential for malignant transformation and pseudomyxoma peritonei caused by rupture of the mucocele, extensive preoperative evaluation and thorough intraoperative gastrointestinal and peritoneal examination is required.
Abstract: Patient: Male, 70 • Male, 84 Final Diagnosis: Appendiceal mucocele and pseudomyxoma peritonei Symptoms: — Medication: — Clinical Procedure: — Specialty: Surgery Objective: Rare disease

22 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A 20-year-old woman presenting with history of vomiting and weight loss since childhood is diagnosed with annular pancreas, a congenital anomaly that consists of a ring of pancreatic tissue partially or completely encircling the descending portion of the duodenum.
Abstract: Background Annular pancreas is a congenital anomaly that consists of a ring of pancreatic tissue partially or completely encircling the descending portion of the duodenum. It is formed due to the failure of the ventral bud to rotate, thus it elongates and encircles the upper part of the duodenum. It can present in a wide range of clinical severities, and can affect neonates to the elderly, making it difficult to diagnosis. Although diagnosis of annular pancreas can be made pre-operatively by upper GI series, upper GI endoscopy, or CT scan, 40% of diagnoses require surgery for confirmation. Case report We report the case of a 20-year-old woman presenting with history of vomiting and weight loss since childhood. We present the clinical characteristics, surgical management in the form of bypass procedure done through a duodenojujenostomy, and follow-up of the patient. Conclusions Annular pancreas occasionally presents in adults. Variable presentations have been described in the literature, including pancreatic neoplasm, pancreatitis, obstructive jaundice, duodenal obstruction, and peptic ulcer diseases. Most studies of these lesions are single case reports or small series, which do not allow a surgeon to accumulate extensive experience; therefore, reliance on the combined experience of others in recognition and appropriate management has been the norm.

21 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This is the first case report of RS3PE associated with insulin therapy in a patient with no evidence of underlying malignancy and Physicians should look at the introduction of drugs as possible triggers for the development ofRS3PE.
Abstract: Patient: Male, 67 Final Diagnosis: Remitting seronegative symmetrical synovitis with pitting edema (RS3PE) syndrome Symptoms: Bilateral wrist swelling Medication: — Clinical Procedure: — Specialty: Rheumatology Objective: Unusual or unexpected effect of treatment Background: Remitting seronegative symmetrical synovitis with pitting edema (RS3PE) syndrome is a rare clinical entity characterized by the sudden onset of inflammatory arthritis and marked pitting edema on upper and lower extremities. RS3PE is considered a rheumatic process distinct from rheumatoid arthritis, which may occasionally represent a paraneoplastic syndrome. Case Report: Herein, we describe a rare case of RS3PE associated with insulin therapy in a patient with no evidence of underlying malignancy. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of RS3PE associated with insulin therapy. Physicians should look at the introduction of drugs as possible triggers for the development of RS3PE.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A 59-year-old man on chronic hemodialysis with multiple medical problems, who had clotted his access several times before, presented with another episode of access clotting and developed massive pulmonary embolism and died.
Abstract: PATIENT Male, 59 FINAL DIAGNOSIS: Pulmonary embolism Symptoms: Cardiac arrest • chest pain • dyspnea MEDICATION - Clinical Procedure: Angioplasty Specialty: Nephrology. OBJECTIVE Rare disease. BACKGROUND Vascular access is the lifeline of hemodialysis patients and access problems are a major source of morbidity and mortality for these patients. Access stenosis and thrombosis are common problems in dialysis patients and require prompt intervention. Every year thousands of these procedures are performed in the United States by radiologists, surgeons, and interventional nephrologists. CASE REPORT A 59-year-old man on chronic hemodialysis with multiple medical problems, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, chronic obstructive lung disease, hepatitis C infection, and end-stage renal disease, who had clotted his access several times before ,presented with another episode of access clotting. He underwent declotting successfully but upon angioplasty of the access feeding artery, he developed massive pulmonary embolism and died. Postmortem examination showed multiple pulmonary emboli, including cholesterol crystals in his lungs. CONCLUSIONS Hemodialysis access declotting and angioplasty are usually benign and do not cause a major problem. However, occasionally they become complicated. In difficult cases and in people with multiple comorbidities, it is preferable to forego the existing dialysis access and either plan for creation of a new vascular access or place a central vein catheter.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A 44-year-old female with past medical history of chronic pancreatitis, back pain, and major depression was brought to the emergency room with altered mental status, jerky movements in extremities, generalized weakness, and vomiting, highlighting the value of awareness of the early and subtle signs of serotonin syndrome.
Abstract: BACKGROUND Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening adverse drug reaction that most commonly results from adverse interactions between drugs. Because serotonin syndrome can be fatal and is often difficult to diagnose, it is vital for health professionals to know about this reaction. We report a typical case of transient serotonin syndrome secondary to tramadol-Citalopram combination. This case report highlights the value of awareness of the early and subtle signs of serotonin syndrome. CASE REPORT A 44-year-old female with past medical history of chronic pancreatitis, back pain, and major depression was brought to the emergency room (ER) with altered mental status, jerky movements in extremities, generalized weakness, and vomiting. CONCLUSIONS Most physicians are aware of serotonin syndrome secondary to antidepressants but do not think about other classes of medications such as analgesics. Clinicians should also be aware of the possibility of serotonin syndrome when encountering a patient taking serotonergic drugs who presents with characteristic symptoms of serotonin syndrome.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Nasal teeth result from the ectopic eruption of supernumerary teeth and may cause a variety of symptoms including recurrent epistaxis, and their clinical and radiologic presentation is so characteristic that their diagnosis is not difficult.
Abstract: Patient: Male, 27 Final Diagnosis: Recurrent epistaxis Symptoms: Nasal bleeding Medication: — Clinical Procedure: — Specialty: Pediatrics and Neonatology Objective: Congenital defects/diseases Background: Recurrent epistaxis is a common disorder among children and young adults. We report an unusual cause, intranasal supernumerary tooth causing friction with Little’s area of the nasal septum. Case Report: A 22-year-old male presented with recurrent, mild, unilateral left-sided epistaxis once to twice per month for 3 years. This usually occurred after minor nasal trauma or rubbing his nose. The patient also suffered from recurrent tonsillitis. There was neither history of blood transfusion or nasal packing, nor a history suggestive of bleeding diathesis. Anterior rhinoscopy revealed ivory white nasal mass antero-inferiorly in the left nasal cavity touching Little’s area. There was no bleeding. Nasal endoscopy showed a white cylindrical bony mass 1 cm long arising from the floor of the nose, with no attachment to the nasal septum or the lateral wall of the nose. Examination of the right nasal cavity was unremarkable. Conclusions: Nasal teeth result from the ectopic eruption of supernumerary teeth and may cause a variety of symptoms including recurrent epistaxis. Their clinical and radiologic presentation is so characteristic that their diagnosis is not difficult. CT scan is helpful in planning management. Early extraction prevents further complications and prevents further attacks of epistaxis.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This case highlights the importance of considering the impact of prior intensive therapies, including radiation and chemotherapy, on predisposing to future PNET/EWS and establishing the proper diagnosis of this “small blue cell tumor” is critical.
Abstract: Patient: Female, 51 Final Diagnosis: Ewing sarcoma Symptoms: Visual disturbances Medication: — Clinical Procedure: — Specialty: Oncology Objective: Rare disease

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Small bowel obstruction due to a phytobezoar is not a common diagnosis and for bezoars, prevention is considered preferable to treatment.
Abstract: PATIENT Female, 30 FINAL DIAGNOSIS: Phytobezoar Symptoms: Nausea • vomiting MEDICATION - Clinical Procedure: - Specialty: - OBJECTIVE Rare disease. BACKGROUND Phytobezoars are a common type of bezoar known to accumulate in the gastrointestinal system. CASE REPORT A 30-year-old mentally retarded woman was operated on due to small bowel obstruction. A piece of tree root was extracted from the ileum. The patient was discharged from the hospital on postoperative day 7. CONCLUSIONS Due to difficulties in determining the nature of the bezoar preoperatively, small bowel obstruction due to a phytobezoar is not a common diagnosis. For bezoars, prevention is considered preferable to treatment.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This case presents a new understanding of IHS in a patient without any splenic injury, and focused on the differences in echo patterns of the tumor capsule between HCC and IHS, which can be used to efficiently diagnose IHS.
Abstract: Patient: Male, 58 Final Diagnosis: Intrahepatic splenosis Symptoms: — Medication: — Clinical Procedure: Hepatectomy Specialty: Gastroenterology and Hepatology Objective: Rare disease Background: Intrahepatic splenosis (IHS) is the autotransplantation of splenic tissue that mostly develops after abdominal injury and is often misdiagnosed as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) because of similarities in radiological features. We had an opportunity to treat an extremely rare case of intrahepatic splenosis, which were found in a patient without any history of splenic injury. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first such case report in the world. Case Report: A 58-year-old man with chronic hepatitis C was referred to our hospital for further examination of liver function abnormality. Abdominal ultrasonography incidentally revealed a low echoic tumor in the posterior segment of the liver, with high echoic capsule, which is possibly different from tumor capsule of HCC, known as halo. Abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography and gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging showed that the tumor had an inhomogeneous enhancement in the arterial phase and diminished enhancement in the equilibrium phase, diagnosed as HCC. The patient underwent right lateral segmentectomy of the liver, and histopathological study confirmed a diagnosis of intrahepatic splenosis. Conclusions: This case presents a new understanding of IHS in a patient without any splenic injury. We also focused on the differences in echo patterns of the tumor capsule between HCC and IHS, which can be used to efficiently diagnose IHS.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The management of maxillo-facial abnormalities in patients affected by HFTC is very difficult and, requires a combined therapeutic approach.
Abstract: Patient: Male, 9 Final Diagnosis: Hyperphosphatemic familial tumoral calcinosis Symptoms: — Medication: — Clinical Procedure: Ortopantomography Specialty: Dentistry Objective: Rare disease Background: Hyperphosphatemic familial tumoral calcinosis (HFTC) is to a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by cutaneous and sub-cutaneous calcified masses, usually adjacent to large joints. The aim of the current study was to report on the clinico-pathological features of a patient with HFCT, with emphasis on alterations in the jawbones and teeth and the subsequent therapeutic interventions. Case Report: A 13-year-old male patient with HFTC diagnosis came to our attention for dental anomalies and maxillary and mandibular hypoplasia. OPT highlighted multiple impacted teeth, short and bulbous teeth, and pulp chamber and canal obliterations. Lateral cephalometric radiograms pointed out retrusion of both jaws, skeletal class II malocclusion, and deep-bite. He underwent orthopedic, orthodontic, conservative, and surgical treatments, allowing the correction of maxillo-facial and dental abnormalities and dysmorphisms without adverse effects. The surgical samples were sent for conventional and confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) histopathological examination, which highlighted several metaplastic micro- and macro-calcifications in the soft tissues, and typical islands of homogenous, non-tubular, dentino-osteoid calcified structures in dentinal tissues. Conclusions: The management of maxillo-facial abnormalities in patients affected by HFTC is very difficult and, requires a combined therapeutic approach. To date, very few indications have been published in the literature.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Clinical suspicion should be high in previously healthy young adults presenting with fever and neck pain following oropharyngeal infection following Lemierre’s disease, a rare and perplexing medical entity.
Abstract: Patient: Male, 25 Final Diagnosis: Lemierre’s disease Symptoms: Back pain • fever • headache • tachycardia • tachypnoe Medication: — Clinical Procedure: — Specialty: Infectious Diseases Objective: Rare disease Background: Lemierre’s disease, also known as the forgotten disease, postanginal sepsis, or necrobacillosis, was first reported in 1890 by Courmont and Cade, but it was Dr. Andre Lemierre, a professor of microbiology, who described this disease in 1936. The typical causative agent is Fusobacterium necrophorum, although other organisms may be involved. The pathogenesis of Lemierre’s disease is not well understood. It is characterized by a primary oropharyngeal infection associated with septicemia, internal jugular vein thrombosis, and metastatic septic emboli. Case Report: We report a case of Lemierre’s disease with bilateral internal jugular vein (IJV) thrombosis and metastatic septic emboli to the lungs and brain, associated with epidural abscess and mycotic aneurysm of the vertebral artery, which is quite rare in Lemierre’s disease. This is the first report of a case of Lemierre’s disease associated with mycotic aneurysm of the vertebral artery. Conclusions: Lemierre’s disease is a rare and perplexing medical entity. Clinical suspicion should be high in previously healthy young adults presenting with fever and neck pain following oropharyngeal infection. Dr. Lemierre stated that ‘symptoms and signs of Lemierre’s disease are so characteristic that it permits diagnosis before bacteriological examination’. The prognosis of patients with Lemierre’s disease is generally good, provided prompt recognition and appropriate treatment.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A patient with extensive skin necrosis on the infusion site of the right forearm and hand is reported, which developed after the use terlipressin used to treat bleeding oesophageal varices in a 65-year-old man with cirrhosis.
Abstract: Patient: Male, 65 Final Diagnosis: Drug-iduced skin necrosis Symptoms: — Medication: — Clinical Procedure: Skin graft Specialty: Surgery Objective: Adverse events of drug therapy

Journal ArticleDOI
Ling Long1, Xiaodong Cai1, Jian Bao1, Aimin Wu1, Qing Tian1, Zhengqi Lu1 
TL;DR: The case of Wernicke’s encephalopathy in a patient who received parenteral nutrition without complement of thiamine highlights the need forThiamine supplementation in prolonged total parenTERal nutrition, and also highlights the awareness of THE AUTHORS in persons with parentersal nutrition lacking thiamines.
Abstract: Patient: Female, 17 Final Diagnosis: Wernicke’s encephalopathy Symptoms: Blurred vision • dizziness • nystygmus • tachycardia Medication: — Clinical Procedure: — Specialty: Neurology Objective: Mistake in diagnosis Background: Wernicke’s encephalopathy (WE) is an acute and life-threatening illness which is not only seen in alcoholics, but also in persons with poor nutrition lacking thiamine (vitamin B1). Case Report: Here, we presented a case of WE in a patient who received parenteral nutrition without complement of thiamine. Besides neuropsychiatric problems, she also manifested prominent cardiovascular abnormalities, which were consistent with wet beriberi. Conclusions: This case emphasizes the need for thiamine supplementation in prolonged total parenteral nutrition, and also highlights the awareness of WE in persons with parenteral nutrition lacking thiamine. More importantly, we call for attention to wet beriberi in such persons.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: When patients taking albuterol present with acute chest pain in the absence of other etiologies, beta-agonist-induced Takotsubo cardiomyopathy should be considered.
Abstract: Patient: Female, 78 Final Diagnosis: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy Symptoms: Chest discomfort, chest pain, dyspnea, short of breath Medication: — Clinical Procedure: — Specialty: Cardiology Objective: Unusual or unexpected effect of treatment

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A 42-year-old virgin woman with a history of leiomyoma who presented to the emergency department with complaints of dyspnea and pleuritic chest pain with transient spotting was completely cured and was well at 1 year after thrombolysis.
Abstract: PATIENT Female, 42. FINAL DIAGNOSIS Acute pulmonary embolism. SYMPTOMS Chest pain • dyspnea. MEDICATION Streptokinase • Warfarin. CLINICAL PROCEDURE .- SPECIALTY Cardiology and Neoplasm. OBJECTIVE Management of emergency care. BACKGROUND Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and subsequent pulmonary embolism (PE) caused by pelvic vein compression are rare and life-threatening complications of leiomyoma of the uterus. CASE REPORT We report a 42-year-old virgin woman with a history of leiomyoma who presented to the emergency department with complaints of dyspnea and pleuritic chest pain with transient spotting. On physical examination, she had a non-tender abdomen with a 20-week size uterus. Imaging investigations revealed an acute DVT in her left leg and a huge uterine-derived mass compressing the common iliac veins. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) demonstrated an echogenic mass in her right pulmonary artery consistent with thrombosis. The patient was completely cured using thrombolytic therapy and myomectomy, and was well at 1 year after thrombolysis. CONCLUSIONS PE caused by pelvic vein compression is a rare complication of leiomyoma, which should be considered. Thrombolytic therapy associated with myomectomy can be implemented for treating such cases, and TEE can be used for diagnosing suspected high-risk PE.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This case series documents the possibility of familial spreading of sarcoidosis, and points to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) as a potential etiological factor.
Abstract: Patient: Male, 26 Final Diagnosis: Sarcoidosis Symptoms: Disseminated lung parenchymal changes Medication: — Clinical Procedure: — Specialty: Pulmonology Objective: Rare disease Background: Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous inflammatory disease that is induced by unknown antigen(s) in a genetically susceptible host. Although the direct link between Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infection and sarcoidosis can be excluded on the basis of a current knowledge, the non-infectious mechanisms may explain the causative role of mycobacterial antigens. The co-incidence of tuberculosis (TB) and sarcoidosis, and higher incidence of mycobacterial DNA in biological samples of sarcoid patients, have been reported by many authors. Case Report: We present a case in which MTB infection in 1 family member triggered a sarcoid reaction in the infected subject and 2 other non-infected family members. We discuss different aspects of diagnosis and differentiation, as well as up-to-date hypotheses on the possible mechanisms leading to sarcoid inflammation in patients exposed to MTB. Conclusions: This case series documents the possibility of familial spreading of sarcoidosis, and points to MTB as a potential etiological factor.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This case demonstrates the life-threatening adverse effects that can be seen with the newer targeted biological therapies, and it is therefore crucial to maintain a high index of suspicion when patients on this combination therapy present with new neurologic symptoms.
Abstract: Patient: Male, 50 Final Diagnosis: Intracranial hemorrhage Symptoms: — Medication: — Clinical Procedure: Craniotomy Specialty: Oncology Objective: Adverse events of drug therapy Background: Combination therapy with BRAF V600E inhibitor dabrafenib and MEK inhibitor trametinib significantly improves progression-free survival of patients with BRAF V600-positive metastatic melanoma, but their use can be associated with life-threatening toxicities. We report the case of a patient receiving dabrafenib and trametinib for metastatic melanoma who developed intracranial hemorrhage while on therapy. Combination therapy with dabrafenib and trametinib improves progression-free survival of patients with BRAF V600-positive metastatic melanoma. Nevertheless, it is associated with an increased incidence and severity of any hemorrhagic event. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of intracranial hemorrhage with pathological confirmation. Case Report: We present the case of a 48-year-old man with metastatic melanoma of unknown primary site. He had metastases to the right clavicle, brain, liver, adrenal gland, and the right lower quadrant of the abdomen. He progressed on treatment with alpha-interferon. He was found to have a 4.5-cm mass in the left frontotemporal lobe and underwent gross total resection followed by adjuvant CyberKnife stereotactic irradiation. He was subsequently started on ipilimumab. Treatment was stopped due to kidney injury. He was then placed on dabrafenib and trametinib. He returned for follow-up complaining of severe headache and developed an episode of seizure. MRI showed a large area of edema at the left frontal lobe with midline shift. Emergency craniotomy was performed. Intracranial hemorrhage was found intra-operatively. Pathology from surgery did not find tumor cells, reported as organizing hemorrhage and necrosis with surrounding gliosis; immunohistochemistry for S100 and HMB45 were negative. Conclusions: This case demonstrates the life-threatening adverse effects that can be seen with the newer targeted biological therapies. It is therefore crucial to maintain a high index of suspicion when patients on this combination therapy present with new neurologic symptoms.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The case of a 69-year-old man with an acute pulmonary embolism and a massive growth occupying the abdomen and attached to the previous ileocolic anastomosis underlines the potential of imaging investigations of abdomen and vena cava if pulmonary emblism is suspected, especially when there is no evidence of peripheral venous thrombosis or other predisposing factors.
Abstract: Patient: Male, 69 Final Diagnosis: Mesenteric desmoid tumor Symptoms: — Medication: — Clinical Procedure: — Specialty: Surgery Objective: Rare disease

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The case of a 46-year-old male patient with ochronosis, who underwent an arthroplasty of the right hip due to osteoarthritis, and the problems encountered during surgery are reported and discussed.
Abstract: Patient: Male, 46 Final Diagnosis: Akkaptonuria Symptoms: Hip pain Medication: — Clinical Procedure: Total hip replacement Specialty: Orthopedics and Traumatology Objective: Unusual or unexpected effect of treatment Background: Ochronosis is an inherited metabolic disease in which there is an accumulation of excessive amounts of homogentisic acid in the connective tissue. As the disease progresses, the chronic inflammation in the damaged tissue can cause degeneration and osteoarthritis. There is no specific treatment for ochronosis because it is a rare disease and arthroplasty is seldom performed. Case Report: We report the case of a 46-year-old male patient with ochronosis, who underwent an arthroplasty of the right hip due to osteoarthritis. The problems encountered during surgery are reported and discussed. Conclusions: Arthroplasty is a highly effective procedure for ochronotic patients. Particular attention to the surgical step is highly advised.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Clinical suspicion and long-term HC monitoring are important in the diagnosis of slit ventricle syndrome and secondary craniosynostosis after shunt surgery, even in infants and young children.
Abstract: th percentile for her age group after shunt surgery. Seven months later, she developed increased ICP symptoms and underwent a shunt revision with a diagnosis of shunt malfunction. Her symptoms were temporarily relieved, but she repeatedly visited the emergency room (ER) for the same symp- toms and finally collapsed, with an abrupt increase in ICP, 3 months later. Further evaluation revealed the emer - gence of sagittal synostosis at 7 months after initial shunt surgery. After reviewing all clinical data, slit ventri- cle syndrome combined with secondary craniosynostosis was diagnosed. Emergent cranial expansion surgery with shunt revision was performed, and the increased ICP signs subsided in the following days. Conclusions: Clinical suspicion and long-term HC monitoring are important in the diagnosis of slit ventricle syndrome and secondary craniosynostosis after shunt surgery, even in infants and young children.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: An 81-year-old African American male with metastatic prostate neoplasm presented with nonspecific symptoms along with jaundice of 1-day duration and bicalutamide was discontinued and he showed improvement of clinical and laboratory abnormalities within days.
Abstract: PATIENT Male, 81 FINAL DIAGNOSIS: Prostate cancer Symptoms: Anorexia • dark urine • joundice • letargy MEDICATION Casodex Clinical Procedure: - Specialty: Oncology. OBJECTIVE Adverse events of drug therapy. BACKGROUND Bicalutamide is a nonsteroidal anti-androgen used extensively during the initiation of androgen deprivation therapy with a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist to reduce the symptoms of tumor flare in patients with metastatic prostate neoplasm. It can cause gynecomastia, hot flashes, fatigue, and decreased libido through competitive androgen receptor blockade. Although not as common, acute drug-induced liver injury is also possible with bicalutamide therapy. Typically, this results in transient derangement of liver function and patients remain asymptomatic. We share our experience with a case of symptomatic acute hepatotoxicity secondary to the use of bicalutamide and use this opportunity to present a brief review of existing literature. CASE REPORT An 81-year-old African American male with metastatic prostate neoplasm presented with nonspecific symptoms along with jaundice of 1-day duration. He was started on a trial of bicalutamide 3 weeks prior to presentation. On physical examination, scleral icterus was noted. Workup revealed acutely elevated liver transaminases (>5 times the upper limit of normal), alkaline phosphatase, conjugated hyperbilirubinemia, and coagulopathy. Other etiologies, including viruses, common toxins, drugs, autoimmune, and copper-induced hepatitis, were considered. Bicalutamide was discontinued and the patient was managed with supportive care. He showed improvement of clinical and laboratory abnormalities within days. CONCLUSIONS While rare, clinically significant and potentially life-threatening liver injury can result from use of bicalutamide. Prompt recognition and discontinuation of bicalutamide is necessary to avoid serious complications from this adverse reaction.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This case indicates that surgical intervention with postoperative chemoradiotherapy improves patient prognosis and should be considered as the standard therapeutic modality.
Abstract: Patient: Male, 52 Final Diagnosis: Spindle-cell carcinoma of the maxillary sinus Symptoms: — Medication:— Clinical Procedure: Functional endoscopic sinus surgery • total maxillectomy Specialty: Otolaryngology Objective: Rare disease