Case Report: A Case of COVID Vaccine-Induced Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia Manifested as Pulmonary Embolism and Hemorrhagia. A First Reported Case From Slovakia

COVID-19 vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) is a rare complication of adenoviral vector (ChAdOx1 nCoV-19) vaccine administration. It is presented as thrombocytopenia and thrombotic manifestations in various sites, especially in cerebral veins. Pulmonary emboli have been reported rarely. We present a case of a young male patient who developed severe thrombocytopenia and pulmonary embolism 12 days after the first dose of the vaccine. Severe thrombocytopenia, skin hematomas, and segmental pulmonary emboli were detected. Anti-platelet factor 4 (aPF-4) antibody was highly positive supporting the diagnosis of VITT. Prompt treatment with fondaparinux, intravenous immunoglobulin, and prednisone led to a marked improvement of clinical condition and thrombocytes count. We report the first known case of VITT in Slovakia.

Ecthyma gangrenosum in a patient with febrile pancytopenia

Ecthyma gangrenosum (EG) is a cutaneous infection most commonly associated with Pseudomonas bacteremia and usually occurring in immunocompromised patients [1]. The infection progresses sequentially from a maculopapular rash to hemorrhagic bullae, then to necrotic ulcerations with surrounding erythema [2]. Herein, we report a case of ecthyma gangrenosum in an immunologically compromised patient. A 65-year-old female was admitted to the oncohematology department for febrile pancytopenia. Blood work revealed severe thrombocytopenia at 15,000/mm³), an absolute neutrophil count of 180 cells/mm³, and anemia. A sternal bone marrow puncture found 15% of plasma cells. Four days after the admission, the patient had a painful, quickly extending lesion on the abdomen. She described erythema that progressed to pustules, then ulcerations. On general clinical evaluation, the patient was feverish at 40°C. A dermatological examination revealed the presence of a 6 cm purpuric patch on the left flank with a central necrotic eschar (Fig. 1). The diagnosis of ecthyma gangrenosum was reached and the patient was treated with ceftazidime and vancomycin. Unfortunately, having gone into septic shock, the patient died one week later.

Partial Splenic Embolization for the Management of Severe Refractory Thrombocytopenia in Antiphospholipid Syndrome: A Case Report and Literature Review

Antiphospholipid syndrome is an autoimmune condition characterized by arteriovenous thromboembolic events. Thrombocytopenia is a common finding among these patients and is typically of mild severity not requiring any treatment. However, severe cases of thrombocytopenia should be treated. Steroids, intravenous immune globulin (IVIG), and immunomodulatory agents are the first-line treatment options, and surgical splenectomy is usually reserved for more severe and refractory cases of thrombocytopenia. Herein, we report the case of a 30-year-old man with primary antiphospholipid syndrome and severe thrombocytopenia. The patient’s thrombocytopenia had been refractory to almost all the medical managements, and surgical splenectomy could not be an option due to the patient’s high-risk condition for surgery. The patient was successfully managed by partial splenic embolization (PSE) which was a unique application of this technique.

An Unusual Cause of Secondary ITP in a 34-Year-Old Hispanic Male

Secondary immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) associated with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection has been described in the literature. It appears to have a geographic distribution; mostly encountered in countries with a higher prevalence for H. pylori such as Italy or Japan. H. pylori eradication has been recommended in the management of ITP with studies showing improvement in the platelet count in some patients. Substantial platelet count increases in patients with severe thrombocytopenia (platelet counts <30 × 103 microliter), however, are uncommon with H. pylori treatment alone. Here, we present a 34-year-old Hispanic male with worsening chronic thrombocytopenia that resolved following eradication of his H. pylori infection. Herein, we highlight a rare and reversible cause of secondary ITP. With this case report, we hope to encourage physicians to include H. pylori testing in the evaluation of thrombocytopenia.

Immune Thrombocytopenia: A Rare Presentation of Pulmonary Sarcoidosis

Thrombocytopenia may be the initial presentation of sarcoidosis, which is a systemic granulomatous disorder. Various pathophysiological mechanisms have been identified. Immune thrombocytopenia often has a severe presentation but may respond favourably to immunosuppressive therapy. There are no guidelines for the treatment of thrombocytopenia in sarcoidosis. However, in emergency situations with major bleeding, it seems reasonable to apply the current guidelines recommended for immune thrombocytopenia. The authors report a case of sarcoidosis presenting with severe thrombocytopenia, petechial rash, and nasal and gingival bleeding.

A case of Vaccine-Induced Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia (VITT) with thrombosis of the superior mesenteric artery after ChAdOx1 nCov-19 COVID-19 Vaccine

We describe the case of a 64 years-old woman admitted to the Emergency Department of the ASST-Spedali Civili of Brescia with fever and gastrointestinal symptoms 10 days after the first dose of ChAdOx1 nCov-19 vaccine. Laboratory investigations showed severe thrombocytopenia and high D-dimer, while an abdominal CT scan reported a partially occluding thrombosis of the superior mesenteric artery. Following treatment with fondaparinux, immunoglobulins and high dosage steroid therapy, we observed a rapid improvement of patient’s conditions. An ELISA assay showed the presence of antibodies against heparin PF4-complex. Subsequent abdominal CT-scan showed the superior mesenteric artery thrombosis resolution, and the patient was finally discharged after 12 days of hospitalization. Several reports pointed to the venous system as the main district affected by Vaccine-Induced Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia (VITT), while a peculiar feature of this report is the involvement of the mesenteric arterial system. Further investigation of VITT’s pathophysiological mechanisms is mandatory to develop preventive strategies and effective treatments.

A rare case of Acute Motor and Sensory Axonal Neuropathy (AMSAN) and Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) related to Hemophilus influenzae

We describe a rare case presenting with both signs of acute motor and sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN) and immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) possibly triggered by Hemophilus influenzae. Guillain-Barre is an autoimmune disorder purported to be due to molecular mimicry, often with a preceding infection, leading to myelin sheath or even axonal damage, AMSAN, in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Rarely, there have been case reports of concurrent acute autoimmune disorders leading to a more complex presentation and additional comorbidities. A 42-year-old man presented with 2 days of progressive lower and upper extremity paresthesia’s, ataxia preceded by an upper respiratory infection. Examination showed areflexia and purpura, recent oral mucosal hemorrhage. Lab results showed severe thrombocytopenia suspicious for ITP. Over the ensuing weeks while inpatient, his condition quickly deteriorated to requiring an intubation for respiratory failure and not immediately responsive to IVIG. Recovery, both for AMSAN confirmed by EMG and ITP, was eventually achieved with time and five treatments of plasmapheresis and eventually was discharged to a rehabilitation facility. A thorough infectious workup revealed a possible trigger being Haemophilus influenzae. There have been rare occasions of concurrent GBS and ITP, but even more rare is the presence of both AMSAN and ITP which requires quick recognition and evaluation. This case highlights the need for a thorough initial history taking and a general physical exam, in addition to unique management decisions and strategies in patients with suspected GBS as there may be signs of other associated disorders that require immediate attention.

Oral Manifestations of Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Introduction: Hemorrhagic lesions of the oral mucosa are the most common clinical manifestations of Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Case Report: A 41-year-old female patient consulted the oral surgery department of the dental consultation and treatment center in Rabat for spontaneous gingivorrhagia. Clinical examination and further examination showed severe thrombocytopenia associated with an anemic syndrome. The diagnosis of ITP was made. Treatment was based on oral corticosteroids and immunoglobulin in the hospital. Conclusion: These manifestations sometimes lead the patient to consult his dental surgeon in the first intention, hence the need to make the diagnosis based on a thorough global examination and to refer the patient to an adapted structure.