Blastomycosis with rapid-onset acute respiratory distress syndrome in an urban setting

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. e239498
Author(s):  
Arnav Agarwal ◽  
Jennifer A Losie ◽  
Dylan Kain ◽  
Rupert Kaul
Keyword(s):  
Mediastinal Mass ◽  
Rapid Onset ◽  
Urban Setting ◽  
Greater Toronto Area ◽  
Northwestern Ontario ◽  
Eastern Usa ◽  
Bone Marrow Cultures ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Right ◽  
High Index Of Suspicion

While blastomycosis is endemic to eastern USA and northwestern Ontario, acquisition is an anomaly in urban settings. We present a 54-year-old immunocompetent man from the greater Toronto area with no travel, who presented with a 3-week history of chest pain and dyspnoea. Initial radiographic workup revealed a mass-like opacification in the right apical mediastinum. Extensive investigations including bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage, mediastinal mass biopsy with fungal and mycobacterial cultures and multiple stains, and CT were unrevealing. The patient progressed to respiratory failure over 4 months. Ultimately, sputum and bone marrow cultures confirmed a diagnosis of disseminated blastomycosis. The patient required prolonged extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and ongoing ventilation postdecannulation. Our case highlights diagnostic challenges with blastomycosis, particularly in immunocompetent individuals with no travel to recreational areas, and emphasises the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion and sending fungal cultures of appropriate specimens and/or cytopathology in clinically compatible cases.

Hepatic brucelloma: a rare complication of a common zoonotic disease

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. e237076
Author(s):  
George Vatidis ◽  
Eirini I Rigopoulou ◽  
Konstantinos Tepetes ◽  
George N Dalekos
Keyword(s):  
Rare Complication ◽  
Surgical Excision ◽  
Coombs Test ◽  
Inflammation Markers ◽  
Laboratory Findings ◽  
Ct Guided ◽  
Rare Manifestation ◽  
Bone Marrow Cultures ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Right

Hepatic brucelloma (HB), a rare manifestation of brucellosis, refers to liver involvement in the form of abscess. A 35-year-old woman stockbreeder was admitted due to 1-month history of evening fever, sweating and weight loss, while she was on 3-week course of rifampicin/doxycycline for suspected brucellosis. On admission, she had hepatosplenomegaly and a systolic murmur, while cholestasis, increased inflammation markers and a strong-positive Wright-Coombs test were the main laboratory findings. As blood and bone marrow cultures were unrevealing, further investigation with CT imaging showed a central liver calcification surrounded by heterogeneous hypodense area being compatible with HB. Material from CT-guided drainage tested negative for Brucella spp. After failure to improve on a 10-week triple regiment, surgical excision was decided and Brucella spp were identified by PCR. Our case highlights challenges in establishing HB diagnosis, which should be considered on the right epidemiological context and when serological and radiological evidence favour its diagnosis.

scholarly journals Pulmonary Tuberculosis mimicking a right Eventration on Radiography: The falsity of single view radiograph in the diagnosis of a precursor of pulmonary disease: A Case Report

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-37
Author(s):  
John Ogunkoya ◽  
Oluwatosin Yetunde Adesuyi
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Tuberculosis ◽  
Lower Lobe ◽  
Middle Lobe ◽  
The Body ◽  
Single View ◽  
Lymph Node Enlargement ◽  
History Of ◽  
Chest X Ray ◽  
The Right ◽  
High Index Of Suspicion

Background: The diaphragm is one of the most important muscles of respiration in the body separating the abdomen from the thorax. Abnormalities of the diaphragm could be congenital or acquired, morphological or functional while pulmonary infection e.g. pulmonary tuberculosis, is implicated in its etiology. Case presentation: A 63-year- old man with six weeks history of cough productive of yellowish sputum. Chest X-ray showed a uniform well-circumscribed opacity in the right lower lobe abutting on or in continuum with the right diaphragm consistent with a diaphragmatic hump. Sputum Gene Xpert was positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Chest CT scan revealed bilateral lymph node enlargement with hyperdense lesions in the anterior basal segment of the right lower lobe and medial bronchopulmonary segments of the right middle lobe. He was treated for 6 months with first-line anti-tuberculosis drugs. Discussion: The incidence of the diaphragmatic hump on chest radiograph worldwide and among Nigerians is unknown. The association of diaphragmatic hump with chest infection has been well document. The association of diaphragmatic hump with pulmonary tuberculosis is uncommon. Conclusion: A high index of suspicion is needed to diagnose pulmonary tuberculosis with atypical clinical and radiological presentations. Such prompt diagnosis will aid the treatment of the disease.

scholarly journals Atypical case of mucous membrane pemphigoid in a 26-year-old man

2018 ◽  
pp. bcr-2018-225872
Author(s):  
Deepak Sambhara ◽  
Ji Hyae Lee ◽  
Seth M Pantanelli
Keyword(s):  
Mucous Membrane ◽  
Previous History ◽  
Immunohistochemical Analysis ◽  
Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid ◽  
Epithelial Basement Membrane ◽  
The Face ◽  
History Of ◽  
The One ◽  
The Right ◽  
High Index Of Suspicion

A 26-year-old Caucasian man with no previous history of chemical injury presenting with an inability to open his right eye was investigated for mucous membrane pemphigoid and treated. Examination was notable for symblepharon of the right eye and impetigo-like lesions on the face and neck. A biopsy with immunohistochemical analysis was significant for linear deposits of C3 and immunoglobulin G at the level of the epithelial basement membrane, confirming the diagnosis of mucous membrane pemphigoid. Although mucous membrane pemphigoid classically presents bilaterally in women in the sixth and seventh decades of life, our patient was a young man with unilateral cicatrising conjunctivitis who may have been easily misdiagnosed without a high index of suspicion. A biopsy is required in cases of cicatrising conjunctivitis so that even atypical cases such as the one presented herein can be appropriately managed.

scholarly journals A Case of Anterior Spinal Artery Syndrome Caused by Streptococcus mitis Endocarditis

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aria Mahtabfar ◽  
Hamoon Eshraghi ◽  
Melroy D’Souza ◽  
William Berrigan ◽  
Kathleen Casey
Keyword(s):  
Heart Valves ◽  
Vital Signs ◽  
Anterior Spinal Artery ◽  
Prosthetic Heart Valves ◽  
Streptococcus Mitis ◽  
Anterior Spinal Artery Syndrome ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Right ◽  
High Index Of Suspicion ◽  
Spine Mri

Background. Infectious endocarditis (IE) typically occurs in the setting of intravenous drug use, prosthetic heart valves, or rheumatic heart disease. However, there are a few reports of IE occurring in the setting of immunosuppression secondary to cancer and/or chemotherapy. Here, we present a case of a cancer patient who developed anterior spinal artery (ASA) syndrome secondary to a septic embolus from IE. Case Presentation. A 78-year-old male with a history of gastroesophageal cancer treated with chemotherapy and radiation presented to the hospital after a fall at home. He reported experiencing dyspnea and orthopnea for two weeks prior to presentation. In the ED, his vital signs were stable, and his examination was significant for a flaccid paralysis of the right lower extremity. Diagnosis of septic emboli secondary to IE was made after the echocardiogram showed the presence of vegetations on the aortic valve, blood cultures were positive for Streptococcus mitis, and thoracic spine MRI was indicative of an infarction at T10. Discussion. This case highlights the presence of IE in the setting of cancer and chemotherapy. Although cancer is a rare cause of IE, clinicians must maintain a high index of suspicion in order to minimize the sequelae of IE.

scholarly journals A Young Woman with Ischemic Stroke: Should We Pay More Attention to Varicella Zoster Infection

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 145-150 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cláudia Borbinha ◽  
João Pedro Marto ◽  
Sofia Calado ◽  
Miguel Viana-Baptista
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Hemorrhagic Transformation ◽  
Vascular Events ◽  
Varicella Zoster ◽  
Fluid Analysis ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Right ◽  
High Index Of Suspicion ◽  
Varicella Zoster Infection

Ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke are recognized complications of Varicella zoster virus (VZV) infections, although uncommon and poorly documented. The authors report the case of a 31-year-old woman admitted with acute ischemic stroke of the right posterior cerebral artery and a history of a thoracic rash 1 month before. Aspirin and simvastatin were prescribed, but the patient suffered a stepwise deterioration the following days, with new areas of infarction on brain imaging. Despite no evidence of cardiac or large vessel embolic sources, anticoagulation was started empirically 6 days after stroke onset. One week later, symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation occurred. The diagnosis of VZV vasculopathy was then considered, and treatment with acyclovir and prednisolone was started with no further vascular events. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis and digital subtraction angiography findings corroborated the diagnosis. The patient was discharged to the rehabilitation center with a modified Rankin scale (mRS) score of 4. On the 6-month follow-up, she presented only a slight disability (mRS score 2). In conclusion, VZV vasculopathy needs to be considered in young adults with stroke. A high index of suspicion and early treatment seem to be important to minimize morbidity and mortality. Anticoagulation should probably be avoided in stroke associated with VZV vasculopathy.

scholarly journals Sacral Tuberculosis: An Atypical Manifestation

2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Faisal Amir Si Mirah ◽  
Ahmad Faizal Roslan ◽  
Ed Simor Khan Mor Japar Khan ◽  
Rajandra Kumar Karupiah ◽  
Zamzuri Zakaria @ Mohamad
Keyword(s):  
Correct Diagnosis ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Mantoux Test ◽  
Ct Guided ◽  
Walking Aids ◽  
Grade 5 ◽  
History Of ◽  
Prolapsed Intervertebral Disc ◽  
The Right ◽  
High Index Of Suspicion

Sacral tuberculosis (TB) is extremely rare and its unusual entity might delay the diagnosis and treatment of this treatable disease. A 38-year-old lady presented with a 1 year history of lower back pain with radiculopathy more to right lower limb. The patient was initially treated as Prolapsed Intervertebral Disc (PID), but showed no improvement despite regular physiotherapy and medication. Subsequently, the pain was confined to the right gluteal area and became more severe. Quality of life was impaired in which patient started using walking aids and stopped working. There was a weight loss of 20kg. No other symptom of TB infection or history of contact with TB patient. Bowel and urinary functions were normal. Examination showed localized tenderness at the right gluteal area. Neurological assessment of both lower limbs were MRC grade 5. Blood investigations were normal including the ESR level (17mm/hour). Mantoux test was positive with 18mm induration. MRI revealed a large rim enhancing paravertebral collection at pre-sacral space which extended into bilateral piriformis and gluteal muscles. The patient underwent CT-guided drainage of both gluteals and specimens taken to confirm the diagnosis of TB. Patient showed significant improvement clinically within 1 week after the drainage procedure and initiation of antituberculous chemotherapy. The initial presentation of this patient mimics PID due to irritation of sciatic nerve at piriformis level. However a change in the presentation and failure of conservative treatment should raise a high index of suspicion and necessitates further investigation to establish correct diagnosis hence proper treatment can be initiated.

scholarly journals Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Metastasis to the Tongue

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Kurren S. Gill ◽  
Mark A. Frattali
Keyword(s):  
Oral Cavity ◽  
World Literature ◽  
Colorectal Adenocarcinoma ◽  
Radical Neck Dissection ◽  
Rectal Adenocarcinoma ◽  
Stage Iv ◽  
Uncommon Disease ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Right ◽  
High Index Of Suspicion

This case presentation examines a rare clinical entity: colorectal adenocarcinoma (CRC) metastasis to the tongue. CRC is among the least common tumors to metastasize to the oral cavity. Objectives for this case report are to (1) maintain a high index of suspicion for oral cavity tumors representing metastatic disease, (2) consider appropriate surgical and adjunctive interventions, and (3) recognize the significance of identifying the primary tumor via immunohistochemical staining. We present a case of a 57-year-old male with a history of stage IV rectal adenocarcinoma metastatic to the lung who presented to our clinic with a painful mass of the right lateral tongue that he noticed one month before. MRI of the neck revealed a mass involving the anterior two-thirds of the right tongue with irregular margins and an ipsilateral enlarged right jugulodigastric lymph node. The patient underwent right partial glossectomy with primary reconstruction and right modified radical neck dissection. Pathology confirmed poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma consistent with a colorectal primary with lymphovascular and perineural invasion. The tumor was staged as T2N1, and the patient was referred for chemoradiation. In this report, we discuss the presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of this uncommon disease, with a thorough review of the world literature.

scholarly journals Multidetector Computed Tomography Evaluation of Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 38-41
Author(s):  
Nayana R Somayaji ◽  
Rahul Talwade ◽  
Anil K Shukla ◽  
V Seetha Pramila ◽  
R Nagesh
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Multidetector Computed Tomography ◽  
Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma ◽  
Severe Morbidity ◽  
Neck Tumors ◽  
History Of ◽  
Aggressive Tumor ◽  
The Right ◽  
High Index Of Suspicion

ABSTRACT Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma is relatively uncommon accounting for 0.5% of all head and neck tumors occurring exclusively in adolescent males. It is a microscopically benign, yet locally aggressive tumor with high rates of recurrence and results in severe morbidity. Diagnosis requires high index of suspicion as it mimics other sinonasal conditions, like sinonasal polyp, neurofibroma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, etc. A case of 14-year-old boy with history of swelling in the right cheek, bilateral nasal obstruction, epistaxis, and watering from right eye referred for multidetector computed tomography is reported in this study. How to cite this article Somayaji NR, Talwade R, Shukla AK, Pramila VS, Nagesh R, Pravin GU. Multidetector Computed Tomography Evaluation of Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma. J Med Sci 2016;2(2):38-41.

scholarly journals Arteriovenous malformation presenting as traumatic subdural hematoma: A case report

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 203
Author(s):  
Matthew Parr ◽  
Nitesh Patel ◽  
John Kauffmann ◽  
Fawaz Al-Mufti ◽  
Sudipta Roychowdhury ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Subdural Hematoma ◽  
Emergency Services ◽  
Vascular Lesion ◽  
Initial Presentation ◽  
Vascular Lesions ◽  
Hematoma Expansion ◽  
Preoperative Embolization ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Right ◽  
High Index Of Suspicion

Background: Brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are congenital aberrant connections between afferent arteries and draining veins with no intervening capillary bed or neural parenchyma. Other than seizures, the most common initial presentation of AVM is hemorrhage, which is typically intraparenchymal, subarachnoid, or intraventricular, and very rarely subdural. Case Description: This patient is a 66-year-old male with a history of atrial fibrillation, chronically anticoagulated with apixaban, who presented through emergency services after a fall. On presentation, computed tomography (CT) of the head showed a small, 6 mm right subdural hematoma, and the patient was neurologically intact. The hematoma was evacuated by burr hole craniotomy and placement of a subdural drain 12 days after the initial presentation due to worsening headaches and further hematoma expansion. Two weeks postevacuation, the patient was readmitted for seizures, and at this time, CT angiography showed no intracranial vascular lesion. Approximately 1 month later, the patient was readmitted for decreased responsiveness, and CT head at this time found right frontal intraparenchymal hemorrhage. On subsequent catheter angiography, the right frontal AVM was discovered. It was treated with preoperative embolization followed by surgical resection. Postoperatively, the patient followed commands and tracked with his eyes. There was spontaneous antigravity movement of the right upper extremity, but still no movement of the left upper or bilateral lower extremities. Conclusion: This case emphasizes the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for underlying vascular lesions when evaluating intracranial bleeding, even in the setting of traumatic history, particularly in cases of hematoma expansion.

scholarly journals A Rare Case of Pericardial Tuberculoma with Impending Tamponade in a 52-Year Old Woman: A Case Report

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clement `C Kabakama ◽  
Zahra Daudi Khan ◽  
Pilly Chillo ◽  
Amos Rodger Mwakigonja
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Ct Scan ◽  
Rare Case ◽  
Mediastinal Mass ◽  
Rare Complication ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Extra Pulmonary Tuberculosis ◽  
History Of ◽  
Extra Pulmonary ◽  
The Right

Pericardial tuberculoma is a rare complication of tuberculous pericarditis. It may mimic a compressive mediastinal mass, often misinterpreted as a mediastinal tumour. Since, it arises from the pericardium, pericardial tuberculoma invariably compresses structures of the heart and may present with features of either-sided heart failure depending on the side of the compression. Hereby, the authors present a case of a 52-year-old woman with progressive difficulty in breathing and symptoms of right-sided heart failure as well as clinical signs of impending cardiac tamponade following a history of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis. Echocardiogram examination revealed a mass compressing the right side of the heart but was inconclusive of the mass origin. CT Scan of the chest showed a mass arising from the pericardium. The mass was later surgically excised. Histopathology confirmed pericardial tuberculosis and a diagnosis of a pericardial tuberculoma was reached. Patient’s heart failure symptoms regressed after surgery and she was discharged to continue with anti-tuberculosis regime. This report discusses the inclusion of pericardial tuberculoma in the differential diagnoses of cardiac compressing masses, particularly in tuberculosis endemic areas and emphasise on prompt CT Scan imaging when echocardiogram is inconclusive.

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