Azacitidine-induced pneumonitis and literature review

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. e236349
Author(s):  
Paul Nguyen ◽  
Jawarya Safdar ◽  
Abdelaziz Mohamed ◽  
Ayman Soubani
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Shortness Of Breath ◽  
Drug Reactions ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Injection Site Reactions ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Chest X Ray ◽  
Chemotherapy Agents ◽  
Acute Myeloid

We present a case of azacitidine-induced pneumonitis which is a rare adverse drug reaction and reported in less than 0.1% of cases. Common side effects of azacitidine are weakness, nausea, vomiting, constipation, injection site reactions, insomnia, among others. Our patient received azacitidine to treat her acute myeloid leukaemia and began to develop shortness of breath which progressed to dyspnoea at rest after completing a 7-day course of azacitidine and venetoclax. Initial chest X-ray revealed severe airspace disease for which the patient began receiving broad spectrum antibiotics, antifungals and antivirals therapy. Although infectious workup revealed invasive aspergillosis she did not clinically and radiologically improve despite being on isavuconazole until high-dose glucocorticoids were initiated. This case illustrates the importance of recognising and understanding the potential side effects of azacitidine and other chemotherapy agents as some adverse drug reactions can be life-threatening.

scholarly journals A Review of Adverse Cutaneous Drug Reactions Resulting from the Use of Interferon and Ribavirin

2009 ◽  
Vol 23 (10) ◽  
pp. 677-683 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nisha Mistry ◽  
Jonathan Shapero ◽  
Richard I Crawford
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Drug Reactions ◽  
Drug Induced ◽  
Common Cause ◽  
Injection Site Reactions ◽  
Drug Eruptions ◽  
Fixed Drug ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Cutaneous Drug Reactions ◽  
Systemic Drug

Drug-induced cutaneous eruptions are named among the most common side effects of many medications. Thus, cutaneous drug eruptions are a common cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in hospital settings. The present article reviews different presentations of drug-induced cutaneous eruptions, with a focus on eruptions reported secondary to the use of interferon and ribavirin. Presentations include injection site reactions, psoriasis, eczematous drug reactions, alopecia, sarcoidosis, lupus, fixed drug eruptions, pigmentary changes and lichenoid eruptions. Also reviewed are findings regarding life-threatening systemic drug reactions.

scholarly journals Diagnosing gastric volvulus in chest X-ray: report of three cases

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Narendra Pandit ◽  
Abhijeet Kumar ◽  
Tek Narayan Yadav ◽  
Qamar Alam Irfan ◽  
Sujan Gautam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Acute Abdomen ◽  
Gastric Volvulus ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Pain Abdomen ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Chest X Ray ◽  
High Index Of Suspicion ◽  
Specific Symptoms ◽  
Prompt Diagnosis

Abstract Gastric volvulus is a rare abnormal rotation of the stomach along its axis. It is a surgical emergency, hence requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent life-threatening gangrenous changes. Hence, a high index of suspicion is required in any patients presenting with an acute abdomen in emergency. The entity can present acutely with pain abdomen and vomiting, or as chronic with non-specific symptoms. Chest X-ray findings to diagnose it may be overlooked in patients with acute abdomen. Here, we report three patients with gastric volvulus, where the diagnosis was based on the chest X-ray findings, confirmed with computed tomography, and managed successfully with surgery.

Life-threatening presentation of a parahiatal hernia after esophagectomy: a case report and review of the literature

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (6) ◽  
pp. e242158
Author(s):  
Camille Plourde ◽  
Émilie Comeau
Keyword(s):  
Small Bowel ◽  
Transverse Colon ◽  
Acute Abdominal Pain ◽  
Haemodynamic Instability ◽  
Acute Setting ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Left Diaphragm ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Chest X Ray ◽  
Obstructive Shock

A woman presented to our hospital with acute abdominal pain 7 months following an oesophagectomy. A chest X-ray revealed a new elevation of the left diaphragm. CT demonstrated a large left diaphragmatic hernia incarcerated with non-enhancing transverse colon and loops of small bowel. She deteriorated rapidly into obstructive shock and was urgently brought to the operating room for a laparotomy. The diaphragmatic orifice was identified in a left parahiatal position, consistent with a parahiatal hernia. Incarcerated necrotic transverse colon and ischaemic loops of small bowel were resected, and the diaphragmatic defect was closed primarily. Because of haemodynamic instability, the abdomen was temporarily closed, and a second look was performed 24 hours later, allowing anastomosis and definitive closure. Parahiatal hernias are rare complications following surgical procedures and can lead to devastating life-threatening complications, such as an obstructive shock. Expeditious diagnosis and management are required in the acute setting.

Acute Mitral Regurgitation: an important cause of respiratory distress

2016 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-32
Author(s):  
Legate Philip ◽  
◽  
Neil Andrews ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Mitral Valve ◽  
Mitral Regurgitation ◽  
Respiratory Distress ◽  
Severe Mitral Regurgitation ◽  
Shortness Of Breath ◽  
Valve Repair ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Clinical Presentations ◽  
Acute Mitral Regurgitation ◽  
Chest X Ray

Acute mitral regurgitation (acute MR) is a rare cause of acute respiratory distress, which can present diagnostic challenges. We present the case of a 57 year old man who developed acute shortness of breath subsequently associated with fever, raised white cells and elevated CRP. Chest x-ray revealed unilateral shadowing and he was treated for pneumonia, despite the finding of severe mitral regurgitation on echo. Failure to respond to antibiotic treatment following 3 weeks on ITU led to the consideration of acute MR as the cause of his symptoms and he responded well to diuretics. He subsequently underwent mitral valve repair. The causes and clinical presentations of this condition are discussed.

scholarly journals A dangerous pleural effusion

2010 ◽  
Vol 92 (5) ◽  
pp. e53-e54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Somprakas Basu ◽  
Shilpi Bhadani ◽  
Vijay K Shukla
Keyword(s):  
Rare Complication ◽  
Sudden Onset ◽  
Biliary Surgery ◽  
Biliary Leak ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Delay In Diagnosis ◽  
Aged Woman ◽  
Middle Aged Woman ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Chest X Ray

Bilothorax is a rare complication of biliary peritonitis and, if not treated promptly, can be life-threatening. We report a case of a middle-aged woman who had undergone a bilio-enteric bypass and subsequently a biliary leak developed, which finally led to intra-abdominal biliary collection and spontaneous bilothorax. The clinical course was rapid and mimicked venous thromboembolism, myocardial infarction and pulmonary oedema, which led to a delay in diagnosis and management and finally death. We high-light the fact that bilothorax, although a rare complication of biliary surgery, should always be considered as a probable cause of massive effusion and sudden-onset respiratory and cardiovascular collapse in the postoperative period. A chest X-ray and a diagnostic pleural tap can confirm the diagnosis. Once detected, an aggressive management should be instituted to prevent organ failure and death.

6081Efficacy and limitations of quinidine therapy in patients with Brugada Syndrome

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Mazzanti ◽  
E Tenuta ◽  
M Marino ◽  
E Pagan ◽  
M Morini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiac Arrest ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Brugada Syndrome ◽  
Low Dose ◽  
Clinical Course ◽  
High Risk Group ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Patients Experience

Abstract Background Quinidine at high-dose is used in patients with Brugada Syndrome (BrS), but its efficacy to prevent life-threatening arrhythmic events (LAE) in BrS is unproven and its use is limited by side effects. Objective We assessed whether low-dose quinidine in BrS patients reduces: 1) the occurrence of a first LAE; 2) the arrhythmic burden in the high-risk group of cardiac arrest survivors. Methods We first compared the clinical course of 53 BrS patients treated with quinidine to that of 441 untreated controls, matched by sex, age, and symptoms. Furthermore, we calculated the annual incidence of LAEs off- and on-quinidine in 123 BrS patients who had survived a cardiac arrest. Results First, we compared the clinical course of 53 BrS patients treated with quinidine (i.e. “cases”: 89% males, median age 40 years) to that of 441 untreated, clinically-matched BrS patients (i.e. “controls”: 91% males, median age 41 years) present in our database of patients with inherited arrhythmias. Cases received quinidine (median dose of 450 mg per day) for 5.0±3.7 years. Quinidine was interrupted in only 3/53 cases (6%) for side effects and it conferred a nonsignificant reduction of the risk of a first LAE in cases versus controls (HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.22–2.48, P=0.62). Secondly, we calculated the annual recurrence of LAE off- and on-quinidine in 123 BrS cardiac arrest survivors, 27 of whom were treated with quinidine for 7.0±3.5 years. The annual rate of recurrent LAEs decreased significantly from 14.7% while off-quinidine to 3.9% while on-quinidine (P=0.03). Notably, recurrent life-threatening arrhythmic events were recorded in 4/27 (15%) symptomatic patients while on-quinidine. Conclusion We demonstrated for the first time in the long-term that low-dose quinidine reduces the recurrence of life-threatening arrhythmias in symptomatic BrS patients, with few side effects. Remarkably, about one-fifth of symptomatic patients experience life-threatening arrhythmias while on-treatment, suggesting that quinidine cannot replace implantable defibrillators in high-risk subjects.

scholarly journals Roflumilast succeeds where traditional therapy fails: a case report

2015 ◽  
Vol 79 (3-4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriella Guarnieri
Keyword(s):  
Inhaled Corticosteroids ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Welding Fumes ◽  
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Once Daily ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Clinical Control ◽  
History Of ◽  
Chest X Ray

The case of a 72-year-old man with a long history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, patient D according to Guidelines GOLD 2013) in a subject professionally exposed to welding fumes is presented. Diagnosis was based on symptoms and spirometry and confirmed by chest X-ray examination. Since 1997 the patient has been under different therapies, including high-dose inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators, with poor clinical control and frequent exacerbations. Roflumilast 500 μg once daily was started in January 2012 and patient’s respiratory symptoms, number of exacerbations and spirometry values have gradually improved since then. Roflumilast was an effective treatment in this case of difficult to treat severe COPD.

Woman in her 50s with shortness of breath on exertion

Heart ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 105 (2) ◽  
pp. 110-110
Author(s):  
Takao Konishi ◽  
Hironori Murakami ◽  
Shinya Tanaka
Keyword(s):  
Tricuspid Regurgitation ◽  
Vena Cava ◽  
List Type ◽  
Shortness Of Breath ◽  
Supplementary Data ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Doppler Image ◽  
Chest X Ray ◽  
Supplementary Material ◽  
Axis View

Clinical introductionA 59-year-old woman visited an outpatient cardiology clinic due to shortness of breath on exertion. Physical examination showed no significant abnormality of vital signs. A III/VI systolic murmur was heard on the fourth intercostal space at the right sternal border. The majority of laboratory tests were normal. Chest X-ray showed a curved vessel shadow (figure 1A). Initial transthoracic echocardiography showed abnormal blood flow into the inferior vena cava (IVC) in the subxiphoid long axis view (figure 1B) and mild right heart dilatation (online supplementary figure 1). Transoesophageal echocardiography showed severe tricuspid regurgitation (online supplementary figure 2).Figure 1(A) Chest X-ray. (B) Colour Doppler image in the subxiphoid long axis view.Supplementary dataSupplementary dataQuestionWhat is the most likely underlying disease for the patient’s shortness of breath on exertion?Pulmonary arteriovenous fistula.Pulmonary arterial hypertension.Lung cancer.Partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection.Isolated tricuspid regurgitation.

scholarly journals Automated segmentation and diagnosis of pneumothorax on chest X-rays with fully convolutional multi-scale ScSE-DenseNet: a retrospective study

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (S14) ◽  
Author(s):  
Qingfeng Wang ◽  
Qiyu Liu ◽  
Guoting Luo ◽  
Zhiqin Liu ◽  
Jun Huang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Retrospective Study ◽  
Automatic Segmentation ◽  
Medical Emergency ◽  
Dice Similarity Coefficient ◽  
X Rays ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Learning Framework ◽  
Multi Scale ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Chest X Ray

Abstract Background Pneumothorax (PTX) may cause a life-threatening medical emergency with cardio-respiratory collapse that requires immediate intervention and rapid treatment. The screening and diagnosis of pneumothorax usually rely on chest radiographs. However, the pneumothoraces in chest X-rays may be very subtle with highly variable in shape and overlapped with the ribs or clavicles, which are often difficult to identify. Our objective was to create a large chest X-ray dataset for pneumothorax with pixel-level annotation and to train an automatic segmentation and diagnosis framework to assist radiologists to identify pneumothorax accurately and timely. Methods In this study, an end-to-end deep learning framework is proposed for the segmentation and diagnosis of pneumothorax on chest X-rays, which incorporates a fully convolutional DenseNet (FC-DenseNet) with multi-scale module and spatial and channel squeezes and excitation (scSE) modules. To further improve the precision of boundary segmentation, we propose a spatial weighted cross-entropy loss function to penalize the target, background and contour pixels with different weights. Results This retrospective study are conducted on a total of eligible 11,051 front-view chest X-ray images (5566 cases of PTX and 5485 cases of Non-PTX). The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm outperforms the five state-of-the-art segmentation algorithms in terms of mean pixel-wise accuracy (MPA) with $$0.93\pm 0.13$$ 0.93 ± 0.13 and dice similarity coefficient (DSC) with $$0.92\pm 0.14$$ 0.92 ± 0.14 , and achieves competitive performance on diagnostic accuracy with 93.45% and $$F_1$$ F 1 -score with 92.97%. Conclusion This framework provides substantial improvements for the automatic segmentation and diagnosis of pneumothorax and is expected to become a clinical application tool to help radiologists to identify pneumothorax on chest X-rays.

scholarly journals Amiodarone and its Pulmonal Toxicity

2014 ◽  
pp. 113-25
Author(s):  
Kemalasari Nas Darisan ◽  
Jamal Zaini ◽  
Yoga Yuniadi
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Toxicity ◽  
Ventricular Arrhythmias ◽  
Treatment Guidelines ◽  
High Resolution Computed Tomography ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Risk Patients ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Amiodarone Treatment ◽  
Chest X Ray ◽  
Modest Reduction

Amiodarone is an antiarrhythmic agent commonly used to treat supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias. The drug prevents the recurrence of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias and produces a modest reduction of sudden deaths in high-risk patients. This drug is an iodine-containing compound that tends to accumulate in several organs, including the lungs. It has been associated with a variety of adverse events. Of these events, the most serious is amiodarone pulmonary toxicity. Although the incidence of this complication has decreased with the use of lower doses of amiodarone, it can occur with any dose. Because amiodarone is widely used, all clinicians should be vigilant of this possibility. Pulmonary toxicity usually manifests as an acute or subacute pneumonitis, typically with diffuse infiltrates on chest x-ray and high-resolution computed tomography. Other, more localized, forms of pulmonary toxicity may occur, including pleural disease, migratory infiltrates, and single or multiple nodules. With early detection, the prognosis is good. Most patients diagnosed promptly respond well to the withdrawal of amiodarone and the administration of corticosteroids, which are usually given for four to 12 months. It is important that physicians be familiar with amiodarone treatment guidelines and follow published recommendations for the monitoring of pulmonary as well as extrapulmonary adverse effects.

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