scholarly journals Anemia That Presented with Desaturation: A Focus on Core Concepts

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Lakshmi Shobhavat ◽  
Antonio D’Costa ◽  
Karthik Shroff

Background. Methemoglobinemia is a potentially life-threatening condition which presents with cyanosis and characteristic “chocolate-coloured blood.” Although a co-oximetry would give a prompt diagnosis, there have been multiple reports of misdiagnosing this treatable condition—from being diagnosed as sepsis to asthma and even being operated for “ruptured ectopic pregnancy.” Here, we report a case which presented without the classical signs of poisoning and methemoglobinemia—without vomiting, cyanosis, or chocolate-coloured blood. We also discuss the common misconceptions regarding anemia physiology and the pitfalls in diagnosing this condition and warn the reader regarding the reflexive use of antidotes like methylene blue. Case Presentation. A well-grown 3-year old boy presented with an acute history of irritability, cola-coloured urine, and desaturation on examination. The child was pale, with tachypnoea and in failure. Blood smear was suggestive of severe hemolytic anemia. Methemoglobinemia was diagnosed on co-oximetry. By focussing on physiologic principles of management rather than a specific antidote, the child was discharged home, well and active within 3 days of intensive care admission.


2016 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-40
Author(s):  
A. Tascu ◽  
A. Spatariu ◽  
C. Pascal ◽  
St.M. Iencean

AbstractInfratentorial subdural empyema is a life-threatening condition, the common source being an ear infection. We present a 2-year old boy treated for bilateral mastoiditis, with infratentorial-left cerebellopontine angle subdural empyema. Clinical presentation encompassed a systemic febrile illness, headaches, and a stiff neck. Empyema was diagnosed with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. The patient was successfully treated with surgery and appropriate antibiotics. Empyema should be considered in patients with ENT infection associated with neurological signs that suggest a posterior fossa lesion.



FACE ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 273250162110050
Author(s):  
Samuel Ruiz ◽  
Rizal Lim

Introduction: Intraorbital abscess is a rare complication of rhinosinusitis that affects most commonly the pediatric population. It is thought to be caused by direct extension or venous spread of infections from contiguous sites and can lead to life-threatening complications, like permanent visual loss and cerebral abscesses. Objectives: Intraorbital abscess is a rare condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to avoid serious complications. Our objectives are to provide an overview of this rare disease process and its management including our successful treatment experience. Case Description: We present a 2 case report of a 13-year-old pediatric male and a 66-year-old male with history of chronic sinusitis who presented with a right intraorbital abscess successfully treated with external drainage with decompression of the orbit. Conclusion: When intraorbital abscess is encountered, a high index of suspicion is needed to allow prompt and accurate diagnosis for this infrequent condition. Timely surgical drainage of the abscess is needed to prevent the development of fatal complications.



2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Yuan ◽  
J. Chen ◽  
F. Liu ◽  
Y. C. Dang ◽  
Q. T. Kong ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Mucormycosis is a rare fungal infection occurring chiefly in the lung or the rhino-orbital-cerebral compartment, particularly in patients with immunodeficiency or diabetes mellitus. Among Mucorales fungi, Rhizopus spp. are the most common cause of mucormycosis. Case presentation We report a case of pulmonary mucormycosis caused by Rhizopus microsporus in a young patient with diabetes but no other apparent risk factors. The diagnosis mainly relied on clinical manifestation, positive pulmonary tissue biopsy, and fungal culture. The patient was successfully treated with posaconazole oral suspension and remains asymptomatic at one-year follow-up. Conclusions Pulmonary mucormycosis is a life-threatening condition and posaconazole is an effective treatment for pulmonary mucormycosis caused by Rhizopus microspores.



2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. e240759
Author(s):  
Jashan Mittal ◽  
Prawin Kumar ◽  
Jagdish Prasad Goyal ◽  
Abhishek Purohit

Brucellosis is a common zoonotic disease worldwide. It has protean clinical manifestation and sometimes may has a life-threatening complication. A 4-year-old boy presented with a history of fever, myalgia and appetite loss for 3 weeks. On examination, he had hepatosplenomegaly. The initial working diagnosis was an infection, autoimmune disease and malignancy. Investigations showed positive Brucella serology, and he was started on rifampicin and cotrimoxazole. He was further investigated because of persistent fever, which revealed evidence of haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). He continued treatment for brucellosis, except rifampicin which was replaced with doxycyclin due to a worsening liver function. The child showed complete clinical and biochemical improvement after 6 weeks of therapy. HLH is a life-threatening condition and should be suspected in children with brucellosis, who did not respond to appropriate antibiotics treatment. Secondary HLH does not always require specific therapy; it may improve with adequate treatment of the underlying condition.



2019 ◽  
Vol 64 (3) ◽  
pp. 116-118
Author(s):  
Özant Helvacı ◽  
Seyma Yıldız ◽  
Berfu Korucu ◽  
Ulver Derici ◽  
Turgay Arinsoy

Background Coeliac crisis is a life-threatening presentation of coeliac disease. Severe diarrhoea, weight loss, electrolyte imbalances and malnutrition are prominent features. Although mainly a disease of childhood, it can on the rare occasion be diagnosed in adults. Case presentation A 25-year-old female with severe generalised oedema, lower extremity weakness, hypokalemia and profound hypoalbuminemia was referred with an initial diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome. Three months previously she had given birth to a healthy child following an uneventful pregnancy. She did not have proteinuria. She had a history of diarrhoea with gluten-containing food since childhood but lacked a formal diagnosis of coeliac disease. A duodenal biopsy confirmed the suspected diagnosis. Coeliac crisis was diagnosed with life-threatening multisystem involvement. Introduction of a gluten-free diet abolished all disease symptoms and ameliorated laboratory parameters at six months’ follow-up. Conclusion Coeliac crisis is a rare, yet dangerous presentation of coeliac disease in adults. As this case suggests, it can present with generalised oedema and hypoalbuminemia mimicking nephrotic syndrome. Rapid diagnosis is the key to successful treatment.



BMC Surgery ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi Zhao ◽  
Zhichao Lai ◽  
Xiaojun Song ◽  
Rong Zeng ◽  
Changwei Liu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Neck hematoma is a complication of carotid endarterectomy, usually occurring in the comparatively early stage postoperatively. Case presentation We described a patient developing life-threatening hemorrhage and non-clotting hematoma at a comparatively later stage after CEA. DIC was diagnosed according to the lab results, and the patient underwent re-operation and was supported with blood products until the coagulopathy was corrected. The patient had a history of prostatic hyperplasia and experienced malaise during the hospitalization. Prostate cancer with bone metastases was diagnosed. Conclusions This case report describes a rare underlying cause of hematoma after CEA, which reminds us to pay attention to prostate symptoms or related medical history, especially malignancy, in surgical patients, which may result in severe complications.



2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
J. Ribeiras Cabral ◽  
R. Henriques ◽  
J. Arvela Matoso ◽  
S. Martins ◽  
M. Sarmento

Introduction.Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the capitellum is a localized disorder of the subchondral bone, in a region with limited healing capacity. Although its aetiology is still unknown, it has been associated with repetitive microtrauma. The natural history of this disease involves the evolution for degenerative joint disease in approximately half of the patients, with early identification and treatment being critical to optimizing the outcome.Case Presentation.We present a rare case in our practice, illustrating a capitellar OCD in a fifteen-year-old White male without an identified cause of repetitive microtrauma.Conclusion.In this case prompt diagnosis and arthroscopic-assisted treatment led to a successful result.



2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. e229703
Author(s):  
Takashi Sakamoto ◽  
Alan Kawarai Lefor ◽  
Tadao Kubota

Non-occlusive mesenteric ischaemia (NOMI) is a life-threatening condition that requires emergent intervention and anorexia nervosa is a chronic eating disorder that requires careful medical and nutritional management. A 54-year-old woman with a history of anorexia nervosa and undergoing chronic haemodialysis developed abdominal pain and called an ambulance. On arrival, she was in shock and abdominal examination was consistent with diffuse peritonitis. Computed tomography scan suggested ischaemia from the distal ileum to the ascending colon. Emergency laparotomy revealed NOMI from the distal ileum to the transverse colon. The treatment strategy included staged operations and careful medical management to optimise nutritional support and electrolyte management with survival of the patient. NOMI and anorexia nervosa are both difficult to manage. Meticulous interdisciplinary management can result in a good outcome.



1997 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 66-78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luke Yip ◽  
Michael S. Jastremski ◽  
Richard C. Dart

Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) is one of the most widely used over-the-counter medications. Because of its availability and widespread use, aspirin has a long history of human toxicity from accidental or intentional overdosing. According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers aspirin was implicated in 19083 exposures in 1995, with 11800 cases treated in a health care facility, and 52 associated deaths. Aspirin toxicity may be a life-threatening condition that produces multiple system organ failure requiring treatment in an intensive care unit. Managing a patient with salicylism will challenge the skills of the critical care team, especially in the areas of life support, fluid and electrolyte balance, and acid-base management. This article reviews the physiology, pathophysiology, acute and chronic salicylism in children and adults, and management of salicylate intoxication.



2011 ◽  
Vol 96 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-89 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ugo Grossi ◽  
Antonio Crucitti ◽  
Gerardo D'Amato ◽  
Andrea Mazzari ◽  
Pasquina M. C. Tomaiuolo ◽  
...  

Abstract Atraumatic splenic rupture (ASR) is a rare clinical entity. Several underlying benign and malignant conditions have been described as a leading cause. We report on a case of ASR in a 41-year-old man treated with laparoscopic splenectomy. Considering ASR as a life-threatening condition, a prompt diagnosis can be life saving.



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