RESUMEN
Sphingomonas paucimobilis usually exhibits low virulence likely secondary to its lack of lipopolysaccharide A. Infections caused by S. paucimobilis more commonly afflict immunocompromised patients. Some case reports document pneumonia, osteomyelitis, pyomyoma, and septic arthritis secondary to S. paucimobilis in immunocompetent patients. S. paucimobilis bacteremia is associated with underlying conditions, including malignancy, diabetes mellitus, end-stage renal disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Bacteremia has the potential to lead to septic shock. Antimicrobial effectiveness varies, and the mechanism that leads to resistance has not yet been elucidated. This underscores the importance of antimicrobial susceptibility testing. We present a unique case of community-acquired S. paucimobilis bacteremia and resultant septic shock in an immunocompetent patient. A 90-year-old female with a history of chronic kidney disease, acute colonic infarction status post colostomy, gastroesophageal reflux disease, hypertension, supraventricular tachycardia, and schizoaffective disorder presented to the emergency department with hypotension and altered mental status. Urinalysis and chest X-ray were unremarkable. Antibiotic therapy with cefepime was initiated following gram stain, which showed gram-negative rods. The blood culture revealed S. paucimobilis. The patient was discharged with the plan to enter hospice care.
RESUMEN
We present a case of a rare cause of gastric perforation and pneumoperitoneum, associated with Sarcina ventriculi. An 88-year-old male presented to the emergency room with significant abdominal pain as his chief complaint. Abdominal radiograph showed extensive free intraperitoneal gas under the diaphragms. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen and pelvis showed pneumatosis, portal venous gas, and extensive free intraperitoneal gas with free fluid. Immediate surgical intervention ensued. The gastric biopsies obtained proved valuable for confirming the diagnosis of S. ventriculi. In conjunction with surgery, the patient received a course of antibiotics for a cure.
RESUMEN
Drug-induced aseptic meningitis is a rare entity. Diagnosis of drug-induced aseptic meningitis can be challenging due to the difficulty in distinguishing clinical presentation from bacterial or viral meningitis. We present a case of a 52-year-old Caucasian female patient who presented to the emergency room on two different occasions with severe headache, neck pain, and confusion. Initial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis showed lymphocytic pleocytosis, and empirical intravenous acyclovir was initiated. Bacterial and viral CSF analysis and cultures were negative. The patient completely recovered. Several days later, the patient returned to the emergency room with similar symptoms. Second CSF analysis revealed neutrophilic pleocytosis, and empirical intravenous antibiotic and antiviral therapy were started. Bacterial, fungal, and viral CSF analysis and cultures were negative. Imaging studies of the brain were unremarkable on both occasions. The patient reported taking trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) for right foot infection before and after the initial presentation. The patient's symptoms resolved without neurological sequelae after discontinuation of TMP-SMX. This case report highlights the importance of taking a detailed history to diagnose drug-induced aseptic meningitis.
RESUMEN
Transverse colon volvulus is an extremely rare cause of bowel obstruction with approximately 100 cases reported in literature. Transverse colon volvulus presents with signs and symptoms of large bowel obstruction, but it can become a surgical emergency due to bowel infarction or peritonitis. We present a rare case of transverse colon volvulus in a 36-year-old male patient with severe autism. We hope this case report will raise awareness of this disease.
RESUMEN
Invasive lobular carcinoma is often challenging to diagnose due to the lack of physical examination findings and macrocalcifications on mammography. The cells of invasive lobular carcinoma form a distinct single file pattern that can be identified on histology slides. Often, when patients present, there is metastasis to the bones, lymph nodes, and gastrointestinal tract. Tumor markers are a valuable tool in identification, especially the loss of E-cadherin protein. However, if E-cadherin protein is not available, epidermal membrane antigen, which inhibits E-cadherin, can prove to be a significant diagnostic tool. Epidermal membrane antigen was the key tumor marker in our patient case. Other tumor markers and histology stains can drive treatment plans and help predict prognosis.
RESUMEN
Hemorrhagic cholecystitis is a rare presentation of acute calculous cholecystitis which presents with abdominal pain, jaundice, and gastrointestinal bleeding. It is a challenging diagnosis to make because it present similar to other common disorders such as calculous cholecystitis. We present a unique case of hemorrhagic cholecystitis in a patient with cirrhosis and rectal cancer. A 66-year-old male with a history of rectal cancer, alcohol-induced cirrhosis, esophageal varices, stroke, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, and hypertension presented to the emergency department with complaints of abdominal pain. Patient's computed tomography (CT) scan revealed bleeding from the gallbladder with hemoperitoneum and thickening of the ascending colon. The patient underwent emergent surgery for hemorrhagic cholecystitis. Hemorrhagic cholecystitis is associated with risk factors, including trauma, malignancy, renal failure, cirrhosis, and anticoagulation therapy. Imaging is not always reliable, but ultrasound and CT scan are the preferred options. Treatment options are surgical or nonsurgical approach depending on patient's hemodynamic stability.
RESUMEN
Rhodococcus equi (R. equi) is a rare zoonotic organism that is found in the feces of grazing animals and in farm soil. It typically causes pulmonary disease, but it can also cause extrapulmonary disease. Immunocompromised patients are at a higher risk of developing the infection, but it has been reported in individuals with competent immune system as well. We present a unique case of infectious endocarditis (IE) due to a R. equi infection in an immunocompetent patient. A 77-year-old male with a history of coronary artery disease, prior myocardial infarction, systolic heart failure, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, aortic stenosis, and benign prostatic hypertrophy was evaluated by cardiothoracic surgery for coronary and valvular heart disease. His transesophageal echocardiogram and cardiac catheterization demonstrated severe aortic stenosis and multivessel coronary artery disease. The patient underwent coronary artery bypass grafting and simultaneous aortic valve replacement. Intraoperatively, there was exudative material covering his aortic valve, which was sent for tissue culture. Tissue culture was positive for R. equi and Enterococcus faecium. R. equi endocarditis is a rare presentation of this organism. R. equi endocarditis is a very challenging diagnosis due to its varying presentation compared to typical IE. Detailed history taking and physical exam are extremely important to determine if further evaluation is needed. Prolonged oral and intravenous antibiotics are recommended for effective treatment.
RESUMEN
Histoplasmosis is one of the most prevalent endemic mycosis in the United States. Patients with a previous history of histoplasmosis have a risk of reinfection in the future. Individuals with impaired immunity and those who have massive re-exposure to H. capsulatum, their defenses against this organism can be overwhelmed and diseases can recur. We present a unique case of reactivation disseminated histoplasmosis in an immunocompetent patient. We present a case of a 75-year-old male who presented to the ER on two separate occasions for stroke-like symptoms with progressive falls, impaired speech, hand tremor, confusion and generalized weakness. CT of the head without contrast on both occasions showed chronic atrophy and microvascular changes but no acute abnormalities. MRI could not be performed due to pacemaker incompatibility. EKG showed paced rhythm. The only abnormal lab was a creatinine level of 1.6. Neurology was consulted and they ordered an EEG and lumbar puncture during his second hospitalization. EEG showed generalized slowing, suggestive of diffuse brain dysfunction. Lumbar puncture showed WBC: 103, protein: 172, lymphocytes: 88%, neutrophils: 11%, monocytes: 1%. Following the lumbar puncture, Infectious Disease was consulted. On further investigation, it was discovered that the patient was previously treated for oral histoplasmosis with itraconazole for three months. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was positive for histoplasmosis antigen titer 1:64. Serology was positive for histoplasmosis antibody complement fixation titer of 1:32. The patient was treated with liposomal amphotericin B for six weeks. With treatment, his serology titers continued to improve. The patient was discharged home on itraconazole 200 mg for lifetime, due to his previous history of oral histoplasmosis. On his three-month follow-up, his serology titer was <1:8. Histoplasmosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients who present with chronic meningitis, cerebral vascular accident, focal brain or spinal cord lesions, and encephalitis.