A painful red eye in an intravenous drug abuser: When not everything is what it seems

2021 ◽  
pp. 112067212110601
Author(s):  
Mariana Leuzinger-Dias ◽  
Gonçalo Godinho ◽  
Mário Lima-Fontes ◽  
Cláudia Oliveira-Ferreira ◽  
Elisa Camisa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vision Loss ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Human Leukocyte ◽  
Intravenous Drug ◽  
Endogenous Endophthalmitis ◽  
Ocular Infection ◽  
Injectable Drug ◽  
Red Eye ◽  
History Of

Introduction Endogenous endophthalmitis is a rare but devastating ocular infection, resulting from microbial seeding of the eye during bacteremia or fungemia. Among other sources of septicemia, intravenous drug abuse is a significant risk factor, and endogenous endophthalmitis should always be thought of in any patient with a history of injectable drug use, presenting with a painful vision loss and a red inflamed eye. Case Description We report the case of a 47-year-old male, with a history of injectable drug consumption, who presented to our emergency department complaining of a painful red eye and recent deterioration of visual acuity. After the first clinical hypothesis of endogenous endophthalmitis being considered, the final diagnosis of Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) B27-associated acute anterior uveitis was established. Conclusion Ocular inflammation is one of the most challenging fields in all ophthalmology. Several inflammatory disorders, ranging from a wide variety of infectious and non-infectious conditions, can present themselves with the same clinical signs and symptoms, making their diagnosis extremely defiant.

scholarly journals An Interprofessional Approach in Caring for a Patient on Maintenance Hemodialysis with COVID-19 in Toronto, Canada: An Educational Case Report

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 205435812095747
Author(s):  
Elizabeth M. Hendren ◽  
Nicola Matthews ◽  
Mathew Oliver ◽  
Julie Rice ◽  
Sheldon W. Tobe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Critical Care ◽  
Hemodialysis Patient ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Maintenance Hemodialysis ◽  
Hemodynamic Compromise ◽  
Hemodialysis Unit ◽  
History Of

Rationale: Hemodialysis patients are at significant risk from COVID-19 due to their frequent interaction with the health care system and medical comorbidities. We followed up the trajectory of the first COVID-19–positive maintenance hemodialysis patient at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto. We present the lessons learned and changes in practices that occurred to prevent an outbreak in our center. Presenting concerns of the patient: The patient, a 66-year-old woman on in-center hemodialysis, initially presented with a 2-day history of a productive cough. She subsequently developed a fever, was placed on contact and droplet isolation, and admitted to hospital. Diagnoses: On March 13, 2020, the patient tested positive for COVID-19. Within the next 48 hours, she developed hypoxia and acute respiratory distress syndrome as a complication of her illness requiring an extended critical care stay. This extended critical care stay resulted in critical illness–associated secondary sclerosing cholangitis. Interventions: An interprofessional team was established, performing rapid Plan-Do-Study-Act quality improvement cycles to improve screening practices and promote the safety of patients and staff in the hemodialysis unit. Outcomes: We present here the lessons learned, the changes to our screening protocols, and the clinical course of our first in-center hemodialysis patient with SARS-CoV-2. Teaching points: Regular review of the infection screening processes is paramount in preventing outbreaks of COVID-19, particularly in hemodialysis units. Hospital admission should be arranged if a patient exhibits any clinical signs of hemodynamic compromise or hypoxia. Early education for health care practitioners caring for patients with COVID-19 and refresher information regarding personal protective equipment helped promote the safety of staff and prevent health care–associated outbreaks.

The first case of fungal endogenous endophthalmitis caused by Aspergillus nidulans: Diagnostic and therapeutic challenge

2020 ◽  
pp. 112067212093208
Author(s):  
Lucia Mata-Moret ◽  
Clara Monferrer-Adsuara ◽  
Laura Hernández-Bel ◽  
Marisa Hernández-Garfella ◽  
Miriam Torrecillas-Muelas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vision Loss ◽  
Visual Outcome ◽  
Endogenous Endophthalmitis ◽  
Pcr Analysis ◽  
Causative Organism ◽  
Systemic Corticosteroids ◽  
First Case ◽  
Dismal Prognosis ◽  
History Of ◽  
High Index Of Suspicion

Significance: Fungal endogenous endophthalmitis is an uncommon and potentially blinding infection. Aspergillus is a causative organism in immunocompromized although is virulent enough to afflict immunocompetents. Their propensity to affect macula usually results in a dismal prognosis; thus, improving visual outcome has always been challenging to clinicians. A. nidulans has only rarely been implicated in exogenous endophthalmitis. Purpose: To report the first case of A. nidulans endogenous endophthalmitis. Case report: An asthmatic 42-year-old female presented with sudden unilateral vision loss due to a submacular abscess that progressively worsened in a matter of days. Vitreous PCR analysis after an urgent vitrectomy was positive for A. nidulans with no active systemic foci found. Oral and intravitreal Voriconazole was prescribed but multiple reactivations led to three vitrectomies in total alongside with subretinal Voriconazole, abscess aspiration, and endolaser. There was complete resolution of the infection and, although visual acuity was poor due to macular scar, enucleation was avoided. Conclusion: Although uncommon, we must consider Aspergillus as the causative organism in apparently immunocompetent patients with history of recent systemic corticosteroids treatment, especially if they suffer a broncopulmonary disorder. Aspergillus is an aggressive organism so a high index of suspicion along with early diagnosis and prompt treatment is the key for better outcomes. We highlight A. nidulans as the causative agent as there are no other reported cases.

scholarly journals Orthokeratology lens-related Acanthamoeba keratitis: case report and analytical review

2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
pp. 030006052110009
Author(s):  
Jinfang Wu ◽  
Huatao Xie
Keyword(s):  
Contact Lens ◽  
Vision Loss ◽  
Tap Water ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Acanthamoeba Keratitis ◽  
Ocular Infection ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Analytical Review ◽  
Relative Rarity ◽  
Common Risk Factors

Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a rare but severe ocular infection with a significant risk of vision loss. Contact lens use is the main risk factor for AK. The orthokeratology (OK) lens, a specially designed contact lens, has been used worldwide as an effective method of myopia control. However, the OK lens is associated with an increased risk of Acanthamoeba infection. Many primary practitioners are concerned about this infection because of its relative rarity, the lack of promising therapeutic medications, and the need for referral. We herein report two cases of AK associated with OK lenses, present a systematic review of such cases, and discuss the possible reasons for the higher incidence rate of this infection in patients who wear OK lenses. We combined the clinical knowledge and skills of corneal specialists and lens experts with the sole objective of addressing these OK lens-related AK cases. We found that the most common risk factors were rinsing the lenses or lens cases with tap water. Prompt and accurate diagnosis along with adequate amoebicidal treatment are essential to ensure desirable outcomes for OK lens wearers who develop AK. Appropriate OK lens parameters and regular checkups are also important.

Endogenous Endophthalmitis: Has the Opioid Crisis Impacted the Rates and Severity of Intravenous Drug-Related Cases?

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (5) ◽  
pp. 262-271 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan F. Russell ◽  
Nathan L. Scott ◽  
John W. Hinkle ◽  
Nicolas A. Yannuzzi ◽  
Darlene Miller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Outcomes ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Intravenous Drug ◽  
Endogenous Endophthalmitis ◽  
Intravenous Drug Use ◽  
Tertiary Referral Center ◽  
P 75 ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
History Of ◽  
Pars Plana

Purpose: Endogenous endophthalmitis is an intraocular infection associated with systemic illness and/or intravenous drug use (IVDU). Rising national rates of IVDU may have impacted rates and outcomes of endogenous endophthalmitis. The purpose of the current study is to compare rates and treatment outcomes in endogenous endophthalmitis with and without a history of IVDU. Methods: This is a single-center retrospective consecutive case series of 21 eyes of 17 patients with a diagnosis of endogenous endophthalmitis from May 2014 to December 2016. Clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes were compared between IVDU and non-IVDU groups. Results: A history of IVDU was present in 3 of 17 patients (18%), whereas the other 82% had systemic comorbidities. There was no statistically significant difference in presenting visual acuity (VA) between the IVDU and non-IVDU groups (20/630 vs 20/500, P = .75). Pars plana vitrectomy was performed at some point in the clinical course of 80% of eyes (4/5) in the IVDU group and 56% of eyes (9/16) in the non-IVDU group. Staphylococcus or Candida were the predominant causative organisms isolated in the IVDU and non-IVDU groups. Statistical analyses revealed trends towards worse last VA in the non-IVDU group compared with the IVDU group (20/1000 vs 20/110, P = .10). Conclusions: Compared with historical data from the same institution, there has not been an increase in the rates of IVDU-associated endogenous endophthalmitis at this tertiary referral center. VA outcomes are often poor in both groups, but there may be a better prognosis for IVDU-associated endogenous endophthalmitis.

Endogenous Endophthalmitis in an Urban University Setting: Characteristics, Treatment, and Outcomes

2020 ◽  
pp. 247412642095197
Author(s):  
Greg Budoff ◽  
Marco A. Zarbin ◽  
Neelakshi Bhagat
Keyword(s):  
Drug Use ◽  
Initial Treatment ◽  
Pars Plana Vitrectomy ◽  
Bacterial Infections ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Intravenous Drug ◽  
Endogenous Endophthalmitis ◽  
Intravenous Drug Use ◽  
History Of ◽  
Pars Plana

Purpose: This work describes the characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of endogenous endophthalmitis (EE) cases over 13 years at a tertiary care hospital. Methods: This retrospective case series included EE cases from 2006 to 2018. Eyes were categorized by cultured organism and initial treatment status. Results: Forty-five eyes of 38 patients were identified with EE. Mean age was 48 ± 12 years and approximately three-fourths were male. Mean visual acuity (VA) at presentation was logMAR 1.86 ± 0.83. More than 50% of patients had a history of intravenous drug use. In a quarter of patients, no systemic source of infection was identified; 90% of these patients had a history of intravenous drug use. Bilateral infections occurred in 18% of participants. Of positive cultures, 29%, 56%, and 13% were fungal, gram-positive, and gram-negative in etiology, respectively. Eyes with fungal infections had a better presenting VA and were more likely to have better than 20/100 final VA vs those with bacterial infections. All patients received IV antibiotics; additionally 29% of eyes underwent initial combined pars plana vitrectomy with intravitreal antibiotic injection while 51% of eyes initially received bedside intravitreal antibiotic injection. There was no significant difference in final VA with respect to initial mode of treatment. Conclusions: Initial treatment of intravitreal antibiotics with or without pars plana vitrectomy did not show any difference in the average final VA in eyes with EE. Eyes with fungal infections had more favorable visual outcomes than those with bacterial infections. Almost 1 in 5 EE eyes were enucleated.

Intraocular tuberculosis, a challenge in diagnosis and treatment

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 4
Author(s):  
Martina Larroude ◽  
Gustavo Ariel Budmann
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Steady Increase ◽  
Ocular Tuberculosis ◽  
Industrial Countries ◽  
Choroidal Granuloma ◽  
History Of ◽  
And Migration ◽  
Ocular Tb

Ocular tuberculosis (TB) is an extrapulmonary tuberculous condition and has variable manifestations. The incidence of TB is still high in developing countries, and a steady increase in new cases has been observed in industrial countries as a result of the growing number of immunodeficient patients and migration from developing countries. Choroidal granuloma is a rare and atypical location of TB. We present a case of a presumptive choroidal granuloma. This case exposes that diagnosis can be remarkably challenging when there is no history of pulmonary TB. The recognition of clinical signs of ocular TB is extremely important since it provides a clinical pathway toward tailored investigations and decision making for initiating anti-TB therapy and to ensure a close follow-up to detect the development of any complication.

Surgical management of choke through oesophagotomy in a buffalo: A case report

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Devasee Borakhatariya ◽  
A. B. Gadara
Keyword(s):  
Case Report ◽  
Surgical Management ◽  
Clinical Presentation ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Thoracic Inlet ◽  
Cervical Oesophagus ◽  
Foreign Objects ◽  
History Of ◽  
Oesophageal Obstruction ◽  
Large Animals

Oesophageal disorders are relatively uncommon in large animals. Oesophageal obstruction is the most frequently encountered clinical presentation in bovine and it may be intraluminal or extra luminal (Haven, 1990). Intraluminal obstruction or “choke” is the most common abnormality that usually occurs when foreign objects, large feedstuff, medicated boluses, trichobezoars, or oesophageal granuloma lodge in the lumen of the oesophagus. Oesophageal obstructions in bovine commonly occur at the pharynx, the cranial aspect of the cervical oesophagus, the thoracic inlet, or the base of the heart (Choudhary et al., 2010). Diagnosis of such problem depends on the history of eating particular foodstuff and clinical signs as bloat, tenesmus, retching, and salivation

scholarly journals L2HGDH Missense Variant in a Cat with L-2-Hydroxyglutaric Aciduria

Genes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 682
Author(s):  
Matthias Christen ◽  
Nils Janzen ◽  
Anne Fraser ◽  
Adrian C. Sewell ◽  
Vidhya Jagannathan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Genetic Defect ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Missense Variant ◽  
Microcytic Anemia ◽  
Abnormal Behavior ◽  
Functional Candidate Gene ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Hydroxyglutaric Acid

A 7-month-old, spayed female, domestic longhair cat with L-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria (L-2-HGA) was investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical signs, metabolic changes and underlying genetic defect. The owner of the cat reported a 4-month history of multiple paroxysmal seizure-like episodes, characterized by running around the house, often in circles, with abnormal behavior, bumping into obstacles, salivating and often urinating. The episodes were followed by a period of disorientation and inappetence. Neurological examination revealed an absent bilateral menace response. Routine blood work revealed mild microcytic anemia but biochemistry, ammonia, lactate and pre- and post-prandial bile acids were unremarkable. MRI of the brain identified multifocal, bilaterally symmetrical and T2-weighted hyperintensities within the prosencephalon, mesencephalon and metencephalon, primarily affecting the grey matter. Urinary organic acids identified highly increased levels of L-2-hydroxyglutaric acid. The cat was treated with the anticonvulsants levetiracetam and phenobarbitone and has been seizure-free for 16 months. We sequenced the genome of the affected cat and compared the data to 48 control genomes. L2HGDH, coding for L-2-hydroxyglutarate dehydrogenase, was investigated as the top functional candidate gene. This search revealed a single private protein-changing variant in the affected cat. The identified homozygous variant, XM_023255678.1:c.1301A>G, is predicted to result in an amino acid change in the L2HGDH protein, XP_023111446.1:p.His434Arg. The available clinical and biochemical data together with current knowledge about L2HGDH variants and their functional impact in humans and dogs allow us to classify the p.His434Arg variant as a causative variant for the observed neurological signs in this cat.

scholarly journals Mortality and Conversion Rate to Below Knee or Above Knee Amputation Following Transmetatarsal Amputation

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473011420S0011
Author(s):  
D. Anthony Barcel ◽  
Susan M. Odum ◽  
Taylor Rowe ◽  
Jefferson B. Sabatini ◽  
Samuel E. Ford ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Conversion Rate ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Administrative Database ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Knee Amputation ◽  
History Of ◽  
Transmetatarsal Amputation

Category: Midfoot/Forefoot; Diabetes; Other Introduction/Purpose: Non-traumatic lower extremity amputations (LEA), especially those performed in dysvascular and diabetic patients, are known to have poor long-term prognosis. Perioperative mortality has been reported at between 4 and 10%, and the 1 and 5 year mortality rates range between 22-33% and 39-69%, respectively. While poor outcomes in these patients have been described, there is no consensus as to the predictors of mortality. The purpose of the study is to determine the percentage of patients who had a complication following transmetatarsal amputation (TMA) and identify associated risk factors for complications and mortality. Methods: We queried our institution’s administrative database to identify 247 TMA procedures performed in 229 patients between January, 2002 and December, 2016. Electronic health records were reviewed to document complications defined as reoperation, amputation and mortality. Mortality was also verified using the National Death Index. Additionally, we recorded risk factors including diabetes, A1c level, end stage renal disease (ESRD), cardiovascular disease (CVD), peripheral vascular disease (PVD), history of revascularization, contralateral amputation, and neuropathy. The majority of the study patients were males (157, 69%) and the average age was 57 years (range 24-91). The median BMI was 28 (range 16-58) and 29% of the study patients were obese with a BMI ≥ 30. Fishers Exact tests were used to compare categorical variables. Kruskal-Wallis and Independent T-tests were used to compare numeric data. All data were analyzed using SAS/STAT software version 9.4 (Carey, NC) and a 0.05 level of significance was defined apriori. Results: The conversion rate to below (BKA) or above knee amputation (AKA) was 26% (64 of 247). Males (p=.0274), diabetics (p=.0139), patients in ESRD (p=.019), and patients with a history of CVD (p=.0247) or perioperative revascularization (p=.022) were more likely to undergo further amputation following an index TMA. BMI was significantly higher in patients requiring BKA/AKA (p=.0305). There were no significant differences in age (p=.2723) or A1c levels (p=.4219). The overall mortality rate was 35% (84 of 229). Diabetes (p=.0272), ESRD (p=.0031), history of CVD (p<.0001) or PVD (p=.0179) were all significantly associated with mortality. Patients who died were significantly older (p=.0006) and had significantly higher A1c levels (p=.0373). BMI was not significantly associated with mortality. Twenty-two patients who had 23 further amputations subsequently died. Conclusion: In our series of patients undergoing TMA, 26% underwent further amputation and 35% of patients died. Conversion rate to BKA or AKA occurred at a high rate regardless of preoperative revascularization or the use of tendo-achilles or gastrocnemius lengthening procedures. Male sex, diabetes, ESRD, history of CVD or revascularization are significant risk factors for further amputation. ESRD, diabetes, history of CVD or PVD, older age and higher A1c levels are significant risk factors for mortality. These data provide useful insight into risk factors to be emphasized when counseling patients and their families to establish realistic postoperative expectations.

scholarly journals The application of a new laminitis scoring method to model the rate and pattern of improvement from equine endocrinopathic laminitis in a clinical setting

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Meier ◽  
J. McGree ◽  
R. Klee ◽  
J. Preuß ◽  
D. Reiche ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Best Practice ◽  
Clinical Status ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Scoring Method ◽  
Pain Medications ◽  
Exponential Decay Model ◽  
History Of ◽  
Consistent Method ◽  
Foot Disease ◽  
New Treatments

Abstract Background Endocrinopathic, or hyperinsulinaemia-associated laminitis (HAL) is a common and debilitating equine foot disease, and although no pharmacological treatments are registered, several are under development. To evaluate the effect of such treatments, an accurate and consistent method is needed to track the clinical signs of laminitis over time, and the natural history of the disease, in terms of a ‘normal’ pattern of improvement, needs to be understood. This study examined the improvement pattern in clinical cases of naturally-occurring HAL subjected to a range of best-practice interventions, using two different scoring methods. Eighty horses and ponies with suspected HAL were enrolled in a study conducted at 16 veterinary practices across Germany. The severity of laminitis was assessed by independent veterinarians using both the traditional Obel method and a modified Obel method developed by Meier and colleagues. Assessments were made on the day of diagnosis (d 0), then on days 4, 9, 14, 25 and 42 during the intervention period. Pain medications were withheld for 24 h prior to clinical examination in all cases. Results Time to marked improvement from laminitis varied between individuals, but was difficult to monitor accurately using the Obel method, with the median grade being 2/4 on days 0 and 4, then 0/4 from d 9 onwards. More subtle changes could be identified using the Meier method, however, and the median scores were seen to follow the form of an exponential decay model in most horses, improving from 8/12 on d 0, to 0/12 on d 25. Within this composite scoring method, considerable variation was observed in the rate of improvement of individual clinical signs, with the average time taken for each sign to reach a median score of 0 ranging from 4 days (foot lift and weight shifting) to 25 days (gait when turned in a circle) across all 80 horses. Conclusions The Meier method provides a reliable and consistent method for monitoring the clinical status of horses with HAL, and despite the variability, the pattern of improvement described here should provide a useful benchmark against which individual cases and new treatments can be assessed.

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