Oxford Medical Case Reports最新文献

Melatonin, a pineal gland hormone closely associated with the circadian rhythm, has been trending over the past years as an over-the-counter medication to aid with sleep disturbances. Although generally believed to be safe, recent studies show negative inotropic and chronotropic effects on the heart rate and blood pressure in humans. Several studies suggested that melatonin induces cardiac vagal tone and affects heart rate and mean arterial pressure. Limited literature is currently available on the effects of melatonin beyond its sleep function. We present a case of a healthy 22-year-old male who visited the emergency department reporting palpitations and dizziness following the ingestion of 20 mg of melatonin. Subsequent examinations revealed marked bradycardia. Fortunately, the patient experienced spontaneous resolution of the bradycardia without necessitating intervention after a few hours of observation, and he was observed and discharged.

Thromboembolism-in-transit, specifically impending paradoxical embolism (IPDE), is a rare and life-threatening condition with limited reported cases. We present a case of a 51-year-old male with obstructive sleep apnea, initially diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Further evaluation revealed a saddle pulmonary embolus extending into the right atrium, straddling a patent foramen ovale (PFO), confirmed by transesophageal echocardiogram. Despite a critical left anterior descending coronary artery stenosis, surgical thrombectomy, PFO closure, and coronary artery bypass grafting were successfully performed. Thromboembolism-in-transit poses diagnostic challenges, and there is a lack of consensus on the optimal treatment strategy. Surgical interventions, including embolectomy and PFO closure, have shown promise, while thrombolytic therapy remains controversial. This case underscores the importance of tailored management in the absence of standardized guidelines, emphasizing the need for further research to establish evidence-based protocols for this uncommon but potentially fatal condition.

A 37-year-old previously healthy male presented to the Emergency Department with a two-week history of intermittent fevers, joint pain, sore throat, and a diffuse salmon-colored rash. Examination revealed a pruritic rash with joint swelling and red spots in the oropharynx. Initial sepsis management was instituted, but subsequent investigations, including infectious, hematologic, and autoimmune workups, were inconclusive. Notably, elevated ferritin levels prompted consideration of life-threatening conditions like Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis, which was ultimately ruled out. Adult-onset Still's Disease (AOSD) emerged as the leading diagnosis following the exclusion of other potential causes. A skin biopsy was performed with non-specific findings and corticosteroid treatment led to significant improvement. This case illustrates the clinical decision-making process of diagnosing AOSD and highlights the potential utility of novel AI technology in dermatologic assessments.

Hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer (HLRCC) is a rare autosomal-dominant disorder caused by a heterozygous germline mutation in the fumarate hydratase (FH) gene. HLRCC is clinically characterized by the development of three tumors: uterine leiomyomata, cutaneous leiomyomata, and renal cell carcinoma (RCC). HLRCC-associated RCC is aggressive and diagnosed at a much earlier age than sporadic RCC. It is essential for carriers of HLRCC to undergo annual renal screening by magnetic resonance imaging to detect early stage RCCs. Metastatic HLRCC-associated RCC must be treated by systemic therapy; however, it is unclear which medicines are most effective in treating this cancer owing to its low incidence rate. Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) combinations or ICIs plus tyrosine kinase inhibitors are administered as systemic therapy for clear cell RCC. Here, we report a patient with HLRCC-associated RCC treated with sequential therapy, including ipilimumab plus nivolumab combination and cabozantinib, after diagnosis of HLRCC-associated RCC using FoundationOne Liquid CDx and single-site analysis. We also investigated familial FH mutations and describe a new family pedigree for HLRCC.

Hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm (HAP) is a serious rare life-threatening complication of Gastrointestinal surgeries that is often overlooked in diagnostic evaluation due to its rarity. We present a case of 71 years female, with a surgical history of gastric sleeve surgery, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and cholecystectomy, presenting with features of upper GI bleeding. Multiple diagnostic modalities were used and finally Magnetic Resonance Mesenteric Angiogram was able to pinpoint the location of the GI bleed as a hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm. Primary surgical repair used to be the mainstay treatment option for managing visceral aneurysms. However, due to advances in technology, embolization as well as implantation of covered stent grafts have become the preferred treatment for such lesions.

Background: High doses of glucocorticoids and severe weight loss can cause osteoporosis. We present a case of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis and cachexia in an 18-year-old woman who experienced severe appetite loss leading to weight loss, amenorrhea, and multiple thoracolumbar compression fractures.

Case presentation: The patient had been receiving high-dose glucocorticoid treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus since the age of 13 and developed unexplained appetite loss since the age of 16. She subsequently developed thoracolumbar compression fractures, which necessitated repeated hospitalization. Gradual glucocorticoid tapering using belimumab and weight regain were achieved through high-calorie nutrition administration via the central vein, which helped the patient overcome her cachexic state. Romosozumab administration increased bone mineral density.

Conclusion: Long-term administration of glucocorticoids may lead to osteoporosis and cachexia, resulting in amenorrhea, especially in young adults. Approaches that taper glucocorticoids and promote weight regain may be helpful in the management of such patients.

Foreign bodies are a rare cause of obstructive jaundice. In this case report, we present the case of a 59-year-old male who presented with abdominal pain and obstructive jaundice, which was later found out to be caused by an impacted shrapnel splinter in the common bile duct 7 years after a combat injury. To our knowledge, this is the first documented case from Syria. This case report is a reminder that impacted foreign bodies should be considered as a potential cause of obstructive jaundice in patients with previous combat injury.

A delayed presentation of traumatic spinal epidural hematoma (SEH) is a rare disease in which most patients are asymptomatic for days to weeks after the injury, followed by pain and then a neurological deficit. A 66-year-old woman who suffered a fractured right clavicle due to a bicycle accident 42 days previously, presented with left shoulder pain and left hemiplegia. The manual muscle test (MMT) scores of the left upper and lower limbs were all 1. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed no cervical fracture but showed cervical epidural hematoma. She underwent surgery for the removal of the SEH. Her MMT score improved to 4 at 10 days after surgery. Even in cases with a delayed presentation, suspecting SEH can help clinicians make an early diagnosis. Additionally, the prompt surgical evacuation of the SEH can lead to favorable neurological outcomes in symptomatic cases.