Clinical Medicine Insights. Case Reports最新文献

Introduction: Scabies is a parasitic skin condition, with crusted scabies (CS) being a severe and highly contagious variant characterized by thickened skin lesions and a high mite count. CS is typically associated with immunocompromised individuals but can also develop in those suffering from malnutrition, as malnutrition weakens immune responses and impairs skin integrity.

Case presentation: We report a case of CS in a 50-year-old malnourished male with no history of scabies or systemic disease, recently incarcerated. He presented with widespread itching, hyperkeratotic papules on the palms and soles, and secondary impetigo. The patient showed signs of malnutrition, with a BMI of 15.6 kg/m² and muscle wasting. Sarcoptes scabiei mites, eggs, and scybala were identified microscopically. The case was classified as Grade 3 CS. Treatment included two doses of ivermectin (8 mg) one week apart, 10% sulfur ointment, and benzyl benzoate soap. Follow-up was incomplete, highlighting challenges in managing socially vulnerable patients.

Discussion: This case emphasizes the importance of early recognition, accurate diagnosis, and effective treatment of CS, especially in settings with poor sanitation and overcrowding. The patient's malnutrition likely contributed to the severity of the condition, as compromised immunity can facilitate mite proliferation.

Conclusion: A holistic approach addressing malnutrition, sanitation, and patient education is crucial in managing CS in resource-limited settings.

Introduction: During the COVID-19 pandemic, incidence of brain abscesses is difficult to assess. Numerous studies reported benign and severe post SARS-CoV-2 vaccine side effects, including rare cases of brain abscesses associated with COVID-19 or Anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Here in, we report what we believe to be, up to date, the fourth known case in the medical literature of a streptococcus salivarius brain abscess, the first intra parenchymatous or supra-tentorial streptococcus salivarius brain abscess and also the first that occurs following an anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccine.

Case presentation: We describe the case of a north african 63-year-old man with an unremarkable medical history except for recent anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations. Following the administration of a third anti-SARS-CoV-2 booster vaccine, the patient developed neurological symptoms, including left hemiparesis, facial palsy, vertigo, and balance issues. Imaging studies revealed a right temporo-parietal lesion consistent with intracranial suppuration. Stereotaxic cerebral biopsy confirmed the presence of purulent content, indicating a brain abscess caused by multi-sensitive streptococcus salivarius.

Conclusion: Sepsis-induced immunodepression appears to be a consequence of severe inflammatory state, as it dysregulates leukocytes population and results in serious infections. A plausible hypothesis is that a previous stress such as anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination could lead to the development of a streptococcus salivarius septicemia. In light of the available evidence and research findings, no definitive conclusion can be drawn regarding any potential link between anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and the physiopathology of sepsis-induced immunodepression.

Biliary tract carcinomas (BTC) are malignant epithelial neoplasms subdivided anatomically into: gallbladder carcinomas and carcinomas of the bile duct or cholangiocarcinomas (CCA); including intrahepatic, hilar/perihilar, and distal CCA. Adenocarcinoma accounts for the most common BTC (over 90% of all carcinomas), while other histological subtypes represent rarer forms including: poorly cohesive/signet ring cell carcinoma, which has a greater malignant potential than conventional BTC and a poorer prognosis. Only few cases have been reported in the literature to date. The positive diagnosis remains on histology. Herein, we describe a new case of poorly cohesive carcinoma of bile duct extending to the gallbladder in a 60 years old women with a fatal outcome, to raise awareness of this rare entity and to provide data for larger series.

In this paper, we present 2 patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction in the course of Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection. The first patient, a female admitted with STEMI, was diagnosed with SCAD with intravascular imaging and treated with IVUS-guided PCI. In the second patient, a young male hospitalized due to angina and STEMI, SCAD was not identified initially, and the patient was treated conservatively. Based on these cases, we show different faces of the same disease that imply different diagnostics and management strategies. We draw attention to the fact that the disease affects not only young women without atherosclerotic risk factors and that it is not always possible to avoid generally not recommended invasive treatment and anticoagulant therapy. The paper also discusses the disease's pathophysiology and its diagnosis methods.

Introduction: Fever of unknown origin is one of the challenging medical conditions with a wide differential diagnosis.

Case presentation: We present a case of 16-year-old patient with Ewing sarcoma diagnosed with neoplastic fever.

Discussion: Neoplastic fever, which is caused by the tumor itself, is diagnosed when all other causes of fever have been ruled out. It occurs more frequently in hepatic, renal, and hematological cancers. After history and physical examination, a thorough individualized diagnostic approach is required. Removing the underlying cause of fever when feasible and symptomatic relief with NSAIDS are the primary therapeutic approaches.

Conclusion: Fever is common in patients with cancer and it can be due to infectious and non-infectious causes. After excluding all potential causes, neoplastic fever is diagnosed.

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare multisystemic neurocutaneous syndrome with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations. We present a case of a 14-year-old adolescent female who presented with a history of facial angiofibromas since the age of 8 months. Physical examination was remarkable for multiple angiofibromas on the face, and other multiple cutaneous manifestations of TSC. MRI of the head, and abdomen revealed cortical tubers, multiple bilateral periventricular and subependymal nodular lesions, calcifications, and bilateral kidney enlargement with multiple bilateral renal angiomyolipomas of varying sizes in a background of bilateral polycystic kidneys, MRI of the chest was unremarkable. A diagnosis of TSC was made using the clinical diagnostic criteria which consist of major and minor features. A diagnosis using genetic studies could not be made due to a lack of resources. Management was multidisciplinary and regular monitoring every 6 months will be required to monitor disease progression and manage complications as they arise. This case illustrates the multidisciplinary approach needed to address the diverse clinical manifestations of TSC and the diagnostic challenges, treatment limitations, and psychological impact of TSC in low-resource settings like Zambia where access to advanced therapies is limited.

Background: Chronic exfoliative cheilitis is an inflammatory condition of the lips that involves exfoliation of the superficial layers of the lip with continuous peeling, ulceration, and exfoliation. Chronic exfoliative cheilitis can lead to social and psychosocial problems.

Case presentation: A 73-year-old diabetic male presented with a lip lesion showing continuous ulceration, crusting, and peeling of the lower lip. It was a spontaneous complaint that had its onset 6 months ago and has constantly evolved. The medical history revealed controlled diabetes mellitus while the social and family histories showed no marked findings. After a careful history, clinical examination, and laboratory investigations with the exclusion of the possible etiologic factors of cheilitis, the patient was diagnosed with chronic exfoliative cheilitis with unknown etiology. Then, the patient was prescribed topical steroids, and he was advised for continuous follow-up visits.

Conclusion: Diagnosing chronic cheilitis is challenging and requires careful history, clinical examination, and laboratory investigation, with continuous follow-up to improve the patient's quality of life. Further research is needed to better understand and treat these cases.

Vitamin D deficiency is a significant public health concern that affects bone health and muscle function in children, especially in developing countries. The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified this issue because lockdowns have reduced sunlight exposure. We report a rare case of a 13-year-old Indian boy who developed severe proximal myopathy induced by vitamin D deficiency during the pandemic. The patient presented with generalized body aches, progressive lower limb weakness, difficulty walking, waddling gait, and a positive Gower's sign. Laboratory tests revealed severe hypovitaminosis D (25[OH]D level, 3.8 ng/ml), hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, elevated parathyroid hormone, and elevated alkaline phosphatase levels. Electromyography and nerve conduction study results were normal. The patient was diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency-induced proximal myopathy and osteomalacia, likely due to reduced sunlight exposure, inadequate dietary intake, and obesity. The treatment involved high-dose vitamin D supplementation, oral calcium, lifestyle modifications, and a structured physiotherapy program focusing on resistance training and functional mobility exercises. Despite biochemical normalization after 2 months, significant symptomatic improvement was achieved only after intensifying physiotherapy. By 7 months, the patient had fully recovered muscle strength, achieved normal gait, and maintained normal follow-up laboratory values. This case emphasizes the importance of considering vitamin D deficiency in children with muscle weakness during periods of limited sunlight exposure, and highlights the need for a multidisciplinary approach for effective management and full functional recovery.

Introduction: Ascaris lumbricoides is a common helminthic infection characterized by fecal-oral route of transmission. Commonly, it affects the gastrointestinal tract. However, in significantly rare cases, it can affect unexpected body regions, such as biliary tree, pancreas, and the lung.

Case presentation: A 68-year-old female patient underwent PleurX tube insertion due to malignant pleural effusion. On the third week of insertion, she complained of itching and pain at the site of insertion, a grayish-white worm was visualized at the insertion site. Ascaris lumbricoides was identified by microbiological examination. She received 400 mg of albendazole.

Conclusion: Our case describes a rare clinical situation of pleural ascariasis, emphasizing the importance of remaining aware of this rare complication of ascariasis.

Background: Drug-induced acute pancreatitis is a rare condition occurs at an incidence rate of 0.1-1.4% and represents a diagnostic challenge. TNFα inhibitors specially adalimumab is very rarely reported in the literature, primarily through case reports, as a potential cause of acute pancreatitis.

Case presentation: Our case report presents a case of a 23-year-old patient followed for Crohn disease in whom a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis induced by adalimumab was made. This diagnosis was confirmed after the elimination of other possible etiologies, and notably by the recurrence of pancreatitis after Adalimumab rechallenge. The occurrence of acute pancreatitis induced by TNFα inhibitors exposes to the risk of pancreatitis with other drugs in this class, hence the need to switch to another therapeutic class, which was Ustekinumab in our case.

Conclusion: Acute pancreatitis is an unusual complication of treatment with Adalimumab. Through our experience, based on solid scientific data, we want to draw the attention of clinicians to the reality of this complication. It should be considered in any patient on TNFα inhibitors who presents with acute pancreatitis without an obvious cause.