Dinh N Nguyen, Abid Qureshi, Michael A Salvian, Phillip Xiao, Cynthia Chen
{"title":"Amyloidosis Found in the Breast: A Case Report.","authors":"Dinh N Nguyen, Abid Qureshi, Michael A Salvian, Phillip Xiao, Cynthia Chen","doi":"10.12659/AJCR.944755","DOIUrl":"10.12659/AJCR.944755","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND Amyloidosis results in fibrillar sheets of beta-pleated amorphous congophilic protein deposition in the extracellular space. Breast amyloidosis is a rare entity, with the first case reported in 1973 and only 2 major case series published since. These deposits can have local or systemic manifestations and typically present unilaterally, although bilateral involvement has been described. Some reported cases of amyloidosis have been linked to breast cancer. CASE REPORT The patient was a 60-year-old woman who presented to the breast surgery clinic for evaluation after image-guided biopsy of a right breast lesion. Core needle biopsy under stereotactic guidance demonstrated pathology consistent with nodular deposition of amyloid, associated with calcifications. Microscopic examination revealed extracellular deposition of acellular eosinophilic material in fat, stoma, and blood vessels. Congo red special stain was positive. Amyloid with Congo red special stain showed apple green birefringence under polarized light. Surgical excision under needle localization was performed, with the final surgical pathology report confirming amyloid deposits. CONCLUSIONS Breast amyloidosis can have calcium affinity, create a foreign body-like reaction with giant cell infiltration, and distribute through periductal, perivascular, or intralobar patterns. Some factors that can contribute to an increased risk or are associated with breast amyloidosis are predisposing clinical conditions, including autoimmune disease, various breast cancers, and B-cell lymphomas. Amyloidosis of the breast should be treated either as primary or secondary, based on etiology. Further studies need to be conducted on whether there are specific genetic markers that predispose populations to the development of amyloidosis of the breast.</p>","PeriodicalId":39064,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Case Reports","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11416132/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142297646","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Daniel Paramythiotis, Eleni Karlafti, Krystallenia Siniosoglou, Dimitrios Tsavdaris, Ioanna Abba Deka, Georgia Raptou, Xanthippi G Mavropoulou, Elizabeth Psoma, Stavros Panidis, Antonios Michalopoulos
{"title":"Focal Autoimmune Pancreatitis Morphologically Mimicking Pancreatic Cancer: A Case Report and Literature Review.","authors":"Daniel Paramythiotis, Eleni Karlafti, Krystallenia Siniosoglou, Dimitrios Tsavdaris, Ioanna Abba Deka, Georgia Raptou, Xanthippi G Mavropoulou, Elizabeth Psoma, Stavros Panidis, Antonios Michalopoulos","doi":"10.12659/AJCR.944286","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12659/AJCR.944286","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is identified as an outlier in the clinical practice of chronic pancreatitis caused by autoimmune system dysfunction. AIP is classified into 3 subtypes: AIP type 1 and AIP type 2, which are both sensitive to corticosteroids, and the recently introduced AIP type 3. CASE REPORT We present a case of a patient who presented with painless obstructive jaundice. Computed tomography (CT) revealed hyperdense gallbladder material, further dilatation of intrahepatic bile ducts, and distention of the bile duct (15 mm). Based on the available clinical data, which were strongly compatible with pancreatic cancer, Whipple surgery was selected as the treatment for this case. The consequent histopathological report revealed areas of pancreatic parenchyma with fibrous connective tissue development and dense inflammatory cell infiltration with lymphocytes and plasmacytes, which showcased IgG4 positivity. The clinical results suggested a diagnosis of AIP type 1, and the patient was referred to his treating physician for further treatment of AIP. Preoperative histological examination of the pancreas, along with evaluation of the radiological and serological features, could have aided in determining the diagnosis of AIP type 1 pancreatitis despite the unique abnormality of this particular case. CONCLUSIONS Given the aforementioned conditions, AIP, even as a rare clinical entity, emerges as a canonical ailment and should be considered a viable possibility in clinical practice since it can exclude the patient from an unnecessary surgery.</p>","PeriodicalId":39064,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Case Reports","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11416134/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142297652","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abdulrahman Manaa Alamri, Hajar Hassan Ali AlWadai, Nadia Ali Ismael Isaway
{"title":"Critical Chest Wall Necrotizing Fasciitis Triggered by Herpes Zoster: A Case Report.","authors":"Abdulrahman Manaa Alamri, Hajar Hassan Ali AlWadai, Nadia Ali Ismael Isaway","doi":"10.12659/AJCR.944186","DOIUrl":"10.12659/AJCR.944186","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND Necrotizing fasciitis is an aggressive type of skin and soft tissue infection that results in necrosis of subcutaneous tissues, including muscle and fascia. Mixed bacteria, including gas-forming organisms, are usually identified. This report describes a 55-year-old male diabetic patient with herpes zoster involving the thoracic dermatomes complicated by skin infection, necrotizing fasciitis, chest wall abscess, and sepsis. CASE REPORT A 55-year-old man with diabetes mellitus presented with thoracic herpes zoster, initially treated with acyclovir and topical agents. He developed swelling, pain, and fever over the left chest, which was unresponsive to topical treatment. Investigations revealed elevated white blood cells and gas on chest X-ray. Computed tomography confirmed a 13×6×11-cm abscess with gas between the latissimus dorsi and serratus anterior muscles, suggesting necrosis. He received intravenous amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and metronidazole and underwent urgent surgical drainage, yielding 200 mL of pus. Cultures identified antibiotic-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus and Clostridium perfringens. Histopathology confirmed necrotizing tissue with acute bacterial inflammation. He was treated postoperatively with dressings and vacuum-assisted closure, followed by sutures, and was discharged in good condition after 16 days. CONCLUSIONS This case underscores the aggressive nature and potential complications of necrotizing soft tissue infections in patients with diabetes mellitus and herpes zoster. Prompt recognition, early intervention with appropriate antibiotics, and surgical drainage are crucial in managing such infections effectively. The successful use of vacuum-assisted closure therapy underscores its role in facilitating wound healing after debridement. Clinicians should maintain vigilance for necrotizing infections in similar high-risk patients to ensure early intervention and improve clinical outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":39064,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Case Reports","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11409826/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142297651","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mohamad El Labban, Roba El Zibaoui, Alpha C Amadi, Tashfia Zareen, Syed Anjum Khan
{"title":"Life-Threatening tPA-Associated Angioedema: A Rare Case Report and Critical Review.","authors":"Mohamad El Labban, Roba El Zibaoui, Alpha C Amadi, Tashfia Zareen, Syed Anjum Khan","doi":"10.12659/AJCR.944221","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12659/AJCR.944221","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND Angioedema is characterized by localized self-limiting edema of the deep dermis, subcutaneous, and submucosal tissues. Acute episodes often involve the skin of the face, lips, tongue, limbs, and genitals, as well as internal areas of the body and respiratory and gastrointestinal mucosa, which could be life-threatening. Histamine and bradykinin are the most recognized vasoactive mediators in the pathophysiology of angioedema. Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is a fibrinolytic that is commonly used for the treatment of cerebrovascular accidents. Angioedema is a rare adverse effect of tPA, with an estimated incidence of 0.02% in patients with myocardial infarction or pulmonary embolism and 0.2% to 5.1% in patients with stroke. We report a unique case of tPA-associated angioedema with 24-h management. CASE REPORT A 79-year-old male patient presented to the Emergency Department with acute onset right-sided weakness, right-sided facial droop, and speech difficulties. Following the initial evaluation, it was determined that he was a candidate for receiving tPA therapy. On arrival at the Intensive Care Unit, he was noted to have right upper and then lower lip swelling. The patient was asymptomatic and did not show any signs concerning airway compromise. Treatment included systemic corticosteroids and antihistamines. The progression of the angioedema was further described with sequential images. The angioedema was completely resolved with treatment. CONCLUSIONS Angioedema is a rare but potentially life-threatening adverse effect of tPA. Although it generally has a mild self-limiting course, it can cause life-threatening airway compromise.</p>","PeriodicalId":39064,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Case Reports","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11409825/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142297654","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Management of Infected Tibial Nonunion: Combining Synthetic Bone Grafting with Continuous Local Antibiotic Perfusion (CLAP).","authors":"Kenichi Sawauchi, Tomoaki Fukui, Keisuke Oe, Ryosuke Kuroda, Takahiro Niikura, Hirotsugu Muratsu, Akihiro Maruo","doi":"10.12659/AJCR.945023","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12659/AJCR.945023","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND Infection control and reconstruction of bone and soft tissue are essential for treating infected nonunion. Continuous local antibiotic perfusion (CLAP) is a drug delivery system that continuously delivers antibiotics at the required concentration, area, and duration. This case report describes the instance of infected nonunion in which infection eradication and bone union were achieved using CLAP and synthetic bone grafting while retaining the implant. CASE REPORT The case was a 31-year-old woman with an infected nonunion. After she underwent osteosynthesis using nail for open fractures of tibia and fibula, bone union remained unachieved, and she exhibited skin defects and draining of pus. Following the removal of the infected granulation tissue from the bone defects, 2 bone marrow needles, serving as intramedullary antibiotic perfusion (iMAP) pins, were inserted into the medullary cavity tibia. A double-lumen tube was placed in the subcutaneous pocket as the intra-soft tissue antibiotic perfusion (iSAP) tube. No bone mobility was observed around the bone defect and nail, and replacement of the implant was not necessary. Beta-tricalcium phosphate was transplanted to the bone defect, and negative pressure wound therapy was applied. Gentamicin was injected continuously through iMAP and iSAP. Finally, the infection was eradicated, and cortical bone bridging was observed without additional surgery or adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS CLAP emerges as a viable treatment option for infected nonunion, as it enables the delivery of antibiotics at a concentration sufficient for infection control while providing the surgeon with flexibility to design the area, dosage, and duration of antibiotic delivery.</p>","PeriodicalId":39064,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Case Reports","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11404704/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142297655","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Noor Shazwani Haji Paiman, Nafiza Mat Nasir, Hayatul Najaa Miptah, Norashikin Saidon, Madyhah Abdul Monir
{"title":"Challenges in Diagnosing Polycythemia Vera in Primary Care: A 55-Year-Old Malaysian Woman with Atypical Presentation.","authors":"Noor Shazwani Haji Paiman, Nafiza Mat Nasir, Hayatul Najaa Miptah, Norashikin Saidon, Madyhah Abdul Monir","doi":"10.12659/AJCR.944202","DOIUrl":"10.12659/AJCR.944202","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND Polycythemia vera (PV) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPNs) marked by elevated hemoglobin and hematocrit, which can lead to thromboembolic events and progress to myelofibrosis or acute myeloid leukemia (AML). MPNs, including PV, are relatively rare in Malaysia, and there is currently no recent published data reporting the demographics and outcomes of PV patients in the country. In Western countries, routine annual blood tests are standard, whereas this practice is less common in Malaysia, underscoring the need for improved awareness and accessibility to ensure timely diagnosis of PV. CASE REPORT This report presents a case of a 55-year-old Malaysian woman in a primary care setting, initially misdiagnosed with benign conditions due to atypical presentations of recurrent bilateral eye redness and dizziness. Persistent symptoms led to further evaluation by primary care and hematologist, which revealed elevated hemoglobin, hematocrit, leukocytosis, JAK2 V617F mutation, and low serum erythropoietin levels, confirming PV, even without proceeding with a bone marrow biopsy. Treatment with phlebotomy, hydroxyurea, and aspirin resulted in significant improvements in ocular symptoms and hematological parameters within 60 days. CONCLUSIONS This case underscores the critical role of primary care in the early detection of polycythemia vera. Timely identification and appropriate referral from primary care settings are essential to avoid diagnostic delays and ensure effective management, improving patient outcomes and preventing complications.</p>","PeriodicalId":39064,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Case Reports","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11404705/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142297648","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"An Uncommon Presentation of Eagle Syndrome in a Primary Care Patient with Chronic Neck Pain: A Case Report and Literature Review.","authors":"Nursakinahsharifah Abdul Halim, Mazapuspavina Md Yassin, Norliana Dalila Mohamad Ali, Hayatul Najaa Miptah","doi":"10.12659/AJCR.944399","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12659/AJCR.944399","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND Eagle syndrome is an uncommon medical illness that can manifest as neck pain in primary care. It results from an abnormally unilateral or bilateral long styloid process that may compress and affect adjacent structures, which leads to the symptoms. Classical Eagle syndrome has been commonly reported, but this case highlights the uncommon involvement of autonomic nerve dysfunction. CASE REPORT This case report details a 43-year-old woman with chronic neck pain for 5 years who saw numerous medical professionals and underwent 8 physiotherapy sessions. Marginal improvement of her neck pain and recent development of imbalance and a floating sensation prompted escalation of radiological imaging that eventually led to the diagnosis of Eagle syndrome. She was subsequently subjected to tonsillectomy and styloidectomy to address the sources of her neck pain. CONCLUSIONS Neck pain is a common complaint in primary care, but Eagle syndrome is often overlooked due to its complex symptoms, which mimic other conditions resulting in missed diagnoses and prolonged diagnostic evaluations. To improve patient care and outcomes, primary care physicians should consider Eagle syndrome when evaluating neck pain. This involves taking a detailed clinical history, conducting a thorough physical examination, using appropriate imaging techniques, and knowing the treatment options. By considering this potential diagnosis, primary care physicians, other healthcare professionals, and physical therapists play an important role in referring these patients to an otorhinolaryngologist or a maxillofacial surgeon for a comprehensive evaluation and management.</p>","PeriodicalId":39064,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Case Reports","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11404703/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142297647","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sultan Abdulwadoud Alshoabi, Saba'a Abdulmalik Amer, Abdulaziz A Qurashi, Fahad H Alhazmi, Eman Abdullah Al-Salami, Abdullgabbar M Hamid, Tareef S Daqqaq
{"title":"Intramuscular Venous Malformation Associated with Muscle Herniation of the Left Masseter Muscle in a 12-Year-Old Boy.","authors":"Sultan Abdulwadoud Alshoabi, Saba'a Abdulmalik Amer, Abdulaziz A Qurashi, Fahad H Alhazmi, Eman Abdullah Al-Salami, Abdullgabbar M Hamid, Tareef S Daqqaq","doi":"10.12659/AJCR.944519","DOIUrl":"10.12659/AJCR.944519","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND Muscle hernias are an uncommon condition typically found in the extremities; masseter muscle hernia is even rarer. However, it is important for clinicians and radiologists to be aware of this possibility. Intramuscular venous malformation (IMVM) is also uncommon and mostly found in the head, neck, and extremities. The simultaneous presence of both conditions is extraordinary uncommon, and, to our knowledge, this has not been reported before in the masseter muscle. Due to their rarity, vague presentation, and inaccurate clinical diagnosis, radiological evaluation is needed to avoid inappropriate surgical planning. CASE REPORT A 12-year-old boy had a long-standing focal left cheek swelling exacerbated by teeth clenching. Lateral X-ray revealed a round calcification over the left mandibular region. Ultrasonography indicated a bulky left masseter muscle with focal heterogeneous structure and 2 rounded calcified foci. During teeth clenching, ultrasonography detected focal muscular herniation through the left masseter muscle facia that reduced with rest. The patient was diagnosed with left masseteric muscle hernia coexistent with IMVM. Surgical excision of the IMVM was performed, and the hernia defect was repaired. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis, and the patient was discharged without postoperative complications on short-term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Despite their rarity, masseter hernias and IMVMs should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any masseter lesion, especially in children. We reported a very rare coexistence of both pathologies. Comprehensive diagnosis can be achieved through a combination of clinical examination, X-ray, and ultrasound assessments.</p>","PeriodicalId":39064,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Case Reports","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11393607/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142297653","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mads Lamm Larsen, Morten Kelder Skouboe, Trine Hyrup Mogensen, Alex Lund Laursen, Bent Deleuran, Anne Troldborg, Mads Nyhuus Bendix Rasch
{"title":"Dangers of Herpesvirus Infection in SLE Patients Under Anifrolumab Treatment: Case Reports and Clinical Implications.","authors":"Mads Lamm Larsen, Morten Kelder Skouboe, Trine Hyrup Mogensen, Alex Lund Laursen, Bent Deleuran, Anne Troldborg, Mads Nyhuus Bendix Rasch","doi":"10.12659/AJCR.944505","DOIUrl":"10.12659/AJCR.944505","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND Anifrolumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting the type 1 interferon (IFN-I) signaling pathway, holds promise as a therapeutic intervention for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, its use is associated with an increased risk of infections, particularly viral infections like herpes zoster (HZ). Results from the clinical trials on anifrolumab show yearly rates of upper respiratory tract infections of 34% and HZ of 6.1%. An increased frequency of other specific viral infections, including herpes simplex virus (HSV), was not reported. CASE REPORT Here, we present 2 cases of patients with SLE treated with anifrolumab, both experiencing severe adverse reactions in the form of disseminated herpesvirus infections, specifically disseminated HSV-2 and varicella zoster virus (VZV, HZ encephalitis). To the best of our knowledge, no previous reports of severe disseminated HSV-2 or HZ have been published in anifrolumab-treated patients. The patient in case 1 experienced a primary HSV-2 infection following anifrolumab treatment, potentially explaining the severity of the infection. The patient in case 2 had a history of previous HZ skin infections, which may have increased her risk of disseminated infection. Both patients recovered from the infections with minor sequelae, but they still require prophylactic antiviral treatment. These cases highlight the critical role of IFN-I immunity in protecting against herpesvirus infections. CONCLUSIONS Thorough risk assessment before anifrolumab initiation, considering the patient's viral infection history, vaccination status, and potential exposure risks, is essential. Administration of recombinant zoster vaccine before anifrolumab therapy may benefit susceptible individuals.</p>","PeriodicalId":39064,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Case Reports","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11393608/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142156208","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Complex Presentation of Pheochromocytoma: Hypertensive Encephalopathy and Takotsubo-Like Cardiomyopathy in a Young Female.","authors":"Nidhi Garg, Lekhya Raavi, Surabhi Maheshwari, Nafiye Busra Celik, Ashu Rastogi, Pankaj Garg","doi":"10.12659/AJCR.944024","DOIUrl":"10.12659/AJCR.944024","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND Pheochromocytoma, a rare catecholamine-secreting tumor, often presents with paroxysmal or sustained hypertension, tachycardia, headache, and diaphoresis. Timely diagnosis is essential to prevent adverse complications. Less common presentations include pheochromocytoma crisis, with severe neurological and cardiac complications. CASE REPORT We report a unique case of a 25-year-old woman who initially presented with pheochromocytoma-induced hypertensive encephalopathy and acute coronary syndrome. Echocardiography revealed takotsubo-like cardiomyopathy, and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. Initial treatment focused on controlling her blood pressure and supporting cardiac function. Due to her recovering from immediate crisis and absence of further symptoms, the patient refused further follow-up. However, she eventually experienced another episode of hypertensive crisis 2 years later. Subsequent investigations with 24-h urine tests revealed elevated vanillylmandelic acid levels (7.93 mg/24 h), normetanephrine (2638.72 µg/24 h), and nor-metanephrine to creatinine ratio (3546.67) and normal urine metanephrine levels (195.92 µg/24 h) and metanephrine to creatinine ratio (263.33). Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the abdomen revealed a 4.3×3.1×4-cm mass in the right adrenal gland. A DOTATATE positron emission tomography scan revealed a 3.9×4.3×2.7-cm localized right adrenal pheochromocytoma. Biochemical testing and adrenal imaging revealed a previously undiagnosed pheochromocytoma. Following targeted medical therapy and right adrenalectomy, the patient achieved complete resolution of her hypertension and associated symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Our case is a unique simultaneous presentation of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome and takotsubo-like cardiomyopathy, highlighting the importance to consider pheochromocytoma in acute neurological and cardiac presentations, even in the absence of typical symptoms.</p>","PeriodicalId":39064,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Case Reports","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11393609/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142156190","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}