Hisham A Althobaiti, Bahjat F Alabou Houseen, Eyad M Alsaqqa, Abdulhameed Fouad Sarriyah, Khalid E Althobaiti, Abdullah O Al Sharif, Jehan F Sarriyah
{"title":"Acute Abdominal Crisis in Type A Hemophilia: Unraveling Retroperitoneal Hematoma: A Case Report.","authors":"Hisham A Althobaiti, Bahjat F Alabou Houseen, Eyad M Alsaqqa, Abdulhameed Fouad Sarriyah, Khalid E Althobaiti, Abdullah O Al Sharif, Jehan F Sarriyah","doi":"10.12659/AJCR.944694","DOIUrl":"10.12659/AJCR.944694","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND Classical hemophilia A, an X-linked recessive disorder, is characterized by an inability to produce factor VIII in normal quantities. This condition, also leading to factor IX deficiency, underpins the bleeding disorder known as hemophilia A. Among the complications of this illness, spontaneous retroperitoneal hematoma is rare but can be associated with congenital coagulopathies such as von Willebrand disease or hemophilia A. This type of spontaneous internal bleeding has been the subject of a limited number of studies. CASE REPORT A 38-year-old man with a known diagnosis of hemophilia A presented to the Emergency Department exhibiting acute pain in the right lower abdomen. A computed tomography scan of the abdomen identified a right-sided retroperitoneal mass, suspected to be a hematoma. Within 7 h after admission, the patient experienced significant drops in the hemoglobin level and platelet count. He was administered packed red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, and platelet transfusions prior to transfer to the Intensive Care Unit. There, he was treated with factor VIII and recombinant factor VIIa, coupled with stringent monitoring. Following clinical and laboratory findings and stabilization, he was discharged with specific medications, and a follow-up appointment was scheduled. CONCLUSIONS Spontaneous retroperitoneal hematoma in patients with hemophilia A is a rare and grave emergency. This case underscores the need for precise diagnostic approaches, tailored management strategies, and vigilant surveillance to prevent and mitigate the potentially life-threatening complications associated with spontaneous hemorrhage in this population.</p>","PeriodicalId":39064,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Case Reports","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11345792/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142005431","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}
Samuel Mensah, Maan Awad, Abdulrahman Al Halak, HangYu Watson, Seher Berzingi, Sara Ibrahim-Shaikh, Tahreem Ahmad
{"title":"Lyme Carditis: A Rare Case of Heart Failure in the Absence of Ischemic Heart Disease.","authors":"Samuel Mensah, Maan Awad, Abdulrahman Al Halak, HangYu Watson, Seher Berzingi, Sara Ibrahim-Shaikh, Tahreem Ahmad","doi":"10.12659/AJCR.944138","DOIUrl":"10.12659/AJCR.944138","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND Lyme carditis typically presents with atrio-ventricular block; however, other cardiac manifestations, including varying EKG changes, myopericarditis and new-onset heart failure, can occur. CASE REPORT We report a case of a 52-year-old woman with past medical history significant for hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and chronic back pain who presented with new-onset heart failure in the setting of Lyme carditis. She presented with exertional dyspnea requiring supplemental oxygen, subjective fever, chills, fatigue, and arthralgia of 2-week duration. Her vital signs were consistent with hypotension and persistent bradycardia. An EKG displayed T-wave flattening in the anterior pre-cordial leads. Further work-up was suggestive of bilateral pulmonary edema and interstitial infiltrates, which required antibiotics and diuretics. Echocardiography demonstrated new-onset mildly depressed LV systolic dysfunction. Interestingly, coronary CTA revealed coronary arteries with no evidence of stenosis or plaque. She was found to have positive Lyme IgM and lgG antibodies. A diagnosis of Lyme myocarditis was considered and her antibiotic course was extended following multidisciplinary consensus. CONCLUSIONS This case report seeks to create awareness of the varying and atypical presentations of Lyme carditis, including new-onset heart failure in a patient without prior history of ischemic heart disease and uncommon EKG changes.</p>","PeriodicalId":39064,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Case Reports","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11349055/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142000928","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}
Thanos Vassilopoulos, Christos Tsitsipanis, Anastasios Stavrakakis, Konstantinos Ntotsikas, Nikolaos Moustakis, Athanasios K Theofanopoulos, Sofia Lazarioti, Christos Bartsokas, Konstantina M Raouzaiou, Andronikos Trikkos, Georgia Kritikou, Efstratios Konidis, Miltiadis K Tsilimbaris, Andreas Yannopoulos
{"title":"A 52-Year-Old Man with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Associated with Delayed-Onset Vitreous Hemorrhage (Terson's Syndrome) Successfully Treated with Balloon-Assisted Coiling and Delayed Vitrectomy.","authors":"Thanos Vassilopoulos, Christos Tsitsipanis, Anastasios Stavrakakis, Konstantinos Ntotsikas, Nikolaos Moustakis, Athanasios K Theofanopoulos, Sofia Lazarioti, Christos Bartsokas, Konstantina M Raouzaiou, Andronikos Trikkos, Georgia Kritikou, Efstratios Konidis, Miltiadis K Tsilimbaris, Andreas Yannopoulos","doi":"10.12659/AJCR.943567","DOIUrl":"10.12659/AJCR.943567","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND Terson's syndrome (TS) is a medical condition characterized by intraocular bleeding that can lead to visual impairment and is associated to subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The pathophysiology and natural history are not well established in the current literature. This report describes successful treatment of a 52-year-old man with aneurysmal SAH who developed late-onset TS using balloon-assisted coiling and vitrectomy to raise awareness of this important complication of aneurysmal SAH. CASE REPORT A 52-year-old smoker with no known past medical history presented to the emergency department with a sudden, severe headache that worsened with photophobia and phonophobia. The patient had a diffuse SAH and underwent an embolization procedure. After 48 hours of close Intensive Care Unit monitoring, the patient's vital signs were stable, and the GCS score was consistently 15/15. However, after 3 weeks in the hospital, the patient experienced blurred vision and a right upper quadrantanopia. Further examination revealed TS and the patient underwent a vitrectomy in 1 eye. The surgery was successful and the eye recovered to 20/20 with no complications. However, the other eye showed slow absorption of the hemorrhage, and a vitrectomy was scheduled for that eye as well. CONCLUSIONS TS is a complication of aneurysmal SAH that can lead to vision loss and increased morbidity. It often goes undiagnosed, and ophthalmologists are not regularly consulted. Late manifestation of the condition is exemplified by the present case. Early detection and intervention are crucial for better patient outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":39064,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Case Reports","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11330943/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141861173","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}
Po-Lu Li, Siou-Ting Lee, Chun-Gu Cheng, Yen-Yue Lin
{"title":"Life-Saving Management of Traumatic Coronary Artery Dissection and Acute Myocardial Infarction in a 21-Year-Old Motorcyclist: A Case Report.","authors":"Po-Lu Li, Siou-Ting Lee, Chun-Gu Cheng, Yen-Yue Lin","doi":"10.12659/AJCR.944431","DOIUrl":"10.12659/AJCR.944431","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND A traumatic coronary artery dissection is a rare but severe complication of chest trauma that can result in blockage of the coronary artery. The clinical symptoms can vary considerably, from asymptomatic arrhythmia to acute myocardial infarction and sudden death. This report describes a young man with coronary artery dissection following blunt chest trauma from a motorcycle accident presenting with ventricular fibrillation due to acute myocardial infarction, which was treated with percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. CASE REPORT We present a 21-year-old man with chest contusion from a motorcycle accident who experienced sudden collapse due to ventricular fibrillation and acute myocardial infarction. The patient was resuscitated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and 12-lead electrocardiogram showed sinus tachycardia with a hyperacute T-wave and ST elevation in leads V2-V6. Percutaneous coronary intervention revealed dissection from the ostial to proximal portion of the left anterior descending artery, and traumatic coronary artery dissection was confirmed. He was successfully treated with percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, in which a drug-eluting stent was inserted to enhance blood flow in the left anterior descending artery, resulting in TIMI 2 flow restoration. After 16 days of intensive care, he was discharged and was well at a 3-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS This report describes a case with the rare association between blunt chest trauma and coronary artery dissection and highlights that coronary artery dissection can result in ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation can protect the patient's circulation for coronary angioplasty. Therefore, early detection and intensive resuscitation can prevent disastrous outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":39064,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Case Reports","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11318712/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141861186","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":"Distinct Imaging Markers of Leigh's Disease Linked to SURF1 Mutation: A Pediatric Case Study.","authors":"Rama Krishna Narra, Reshma Vemuri","doi":"10.12659/AJCR.944514","DOIUrl":"10.12659/AJCR.944514","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND Leigh disease (LD) is a rare progressive mitochondrial neurodegenerative disorder characterized by subacute necrotizing encephalopathy and symmetrical spongiform lesions in the brain. Cytochrome C oxidase deficiencies due to SURF1 Cytochrome C Oxidase Assembly Factor (SURF1) gene mutations are seen only in 15% of LD cases. Consideration of these genetic mutations in young patients is crucial for early diagnosis, intervention, and further genetic counseling. Although only a few cases of the SURF1 mutation have been reported, there are anecdotal case reports describing imaging features. CASE REPORT We report a case of a 2-year-old boy with developmental delay, hypotonia, involuntary movements, shortness of breath, and reduced activity since age 6 months. On blood examination there was mildly elevated lactate levels and increased lactate to pyruvate ratio and cerebrospinal fluid lactate levels. Magnetic resonance imaging findings showed symmetrical lesions in the dentate nucleus, subthalamic nucleus, midbrain (substantia nigra, periaqueductal gray matter), posterolateral pons, and olivary nucleus of the medulla extending into the cervical spinal cord, with mild elevation of the lactate peak on magnetic resonance spectroscopy. CONCLUSIONS These findings prompted further genetic analysis, which indicated a mitochondrial type IV deficiency with the SURF1 gene defect, an intranuclear type 1 mutation (MC4DN1) (OMIM 220110). Treatment is usually supportive with vitamins supplementation and physiotherapy, and genetic counseling of the parents is mandatory.</p>","PeriodicalId":39064,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Case Reports","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11318735/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141856720","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}
Angeline C Rivkin, Adil H Khan, Anders F Mellgren, Alejandra M Perez-Tamayo, Vivek Chaudhry, Elisa M Bianchi, Mohamad A Abdulhai
{"title":"Pelvic Necrosis with Formation of a Pelvic \"Cloaca\" and Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection After Radiation for Anal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.","authors":"Angeline C Rivkin, Adil H Khan, Anders F Mellgren, Alejandra M Perez-Tamayo, Vivek Chaudhry, Elisa M Bianchi, Mohamad A Abdulhai","doi":"10.12659/AJCR.943599","DOIUrl":"10.12659/AJCR.943599","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND Anal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a rare cancer commonly treated with the Nigro protocol, which combines chemotherapy and radiation. Patients who received radiation therapy prior to modern advances, such as computer-based tumor targeting, volumetric planning, and intensity-modulated radiation therapy, experience more acute and chronic adverse effects. Though exceedingly rare, radiation necrosis is of particular concern, as it can result in significant morbidity and mortality, including complex pelvic fistula formation and predisposition to potentially life-threatening necrotizing soft-tissue infections. CASE REPORT Here, we present a case of a 66-year-old woman with a prior history of anal SCC stage T3N×M0 who was treated with the Nigro protocol. Her treatment course was complicated by radiation proctitis, necessitating fecal diversion and ureteral strictures, requiring frequent stent exchanges. She presented 18 years after her cancer treatment, with widespread necrosis of her pelvic organs and surrounding soft tissue, resulting in formation of a large pelvic \"cloaca\", with a superimposed necrotizing soft-tissue infection. She was successfully treated by expedited resuscitation, septic source control, using multiple extensive debridements, and complete urinary diversion, utilizing a multidisciplinary team. CONCLUSIONS This case highlights the importance of monitoring patients for signs of radiation toxicity, particularly in patients who received radiation prior to the latest technological advancements, as they are at increased risk of developing severe, late adverse effects decades after treatment. When these complications are recognized, early and aggressive intervention is required to spare the patient significant morbidity and mortality.</p>","PeriodicalId":39064,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Case Reports","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11299884/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141856721","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}
Asna Mohammed, Bo Tang, Sean Sadikot, Guido Barmaimon
{"title":"Retracted: Acute Eosinophilic Pneumonia Induced by Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor and Anti-TIGIT Therapy.","authors":"Asna Mohammed, Bo Tang, Sean Sadikot, Guido Barmaimon","doi":"10.12659/AJCR.945973","DOIUrl":"10.12659/AJCR.945973","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Retraction Notice: Retracted for use of material or data without authorization from third party. Reference: Asna Mohammed, Bo Tang, Sean Sadikot, Guido Barmaimon: Acute Eosinophilic Pneumonia Induced by Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor and Anti-TIGIT Therapy. Am J Case Rep 2024; 25: e943740; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.943740.</p>","PeriodicalId":39064,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Case Reports","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11299888/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141793691","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":"Late-Onset Mesh Infection Manifesting as Preperitoneal Abscess and Cutaneous Fistula Post-TEP Inguinal Hernia Repair: A Case Report.","authors":"Angel Chao, Hao-Chien Hung","doi":"10.12659/AJCR.944843","DOIUrl":"10.12659/AJCR.944843","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND Endoscopic inguinal hernia repair has become the preferred technique currently. The use of mesh to facilitate a tension-free reinforcement has become the standard of care during endoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP), laparoscopic transabdominal pre-peritoneal, and open inguinal hernia repair. Although uncommon, late-developing mesh infections, defined as those occurring in the surgical site months or years after the procedure, can lead to severe complications. To achieve the best possible outcome for the patient, prompt imaging and a multidisciplinary approach to management, including complete surgical removal of the contaminated mesh and proper antibiotic therapy, are crucial. CASE REPORT A 39-year-old woman presented with a 1-month history of intermittent fever, progressive lower abdominal pain and fullness, and purulent discharge from the abdominal wall. Her medical history was significant for an endoscopic right TEP inguinal hernia repair performed 3 years earlier, which involved the use of an anatomic mesh and titanium screws. Physical examination and ultrasound findings revealed a large preperitoneal abscess with cutaneous fistulization, secondary to a deep-seated mesh infection. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was identified as the causative pathogen. She underwent a 2-step surgical procedure, including an initial fistulectomy followed by endoscopic abscess drainage and surgical excision of the infected mesh, combined with antimicrobial therapy, resulting in an excellent clinical response and complete resolution. This strategy also allowed for an effective assessment of the abdominal wall integrity. CONCLUSIONS This case underscores the importance of considering late-developing mesh infections in patients presenting with abdominal symptoms who have previously undergone TEP hernia repair, even years after the initial surgery.</p>","PeriodicalId":39064,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Case Reports","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11299870/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141793690","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}
Reza Golchin Vafa, Nazanin Hosseini, Mohammad Montaseri, Javad Kojuri
{"title":"Porcelain Aorta and Quadruple Extracranial Vessel Occlusion: A Case of Minimal Neurological Deficits Despite Severe Vascular Blockages.","authors":"Reza Golchin Vafa, Nazanin Hosseini, Mohammad Montaseri, Javad Kojuri","doi":"10.12659/AJCR.944099","DOIUrl":"10.12659/AJCR.944099","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND Cerebrovascular occlusion is a critical health concern associated with strokes, a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Large vessel occlusion, constituting a significant portion of acute ischemic strokes, presents serious patient outcomes. Occlusions involving multiple extracranial vessels are rare but pose challenges in early detection due to potential absence of overt symptoms. CASE REPORT A 65-year-old man with a significant smoking history and no prior history of hypertension or cardiovascular disease presented with recurrent generalized tonic seizures occurring 4 to 5 times daily. Despite normal neurological examinations, neck sonography indicated potential obstruction in the carotid and vertebral arteries. Conventional angiography revealed mild coronary artery plaques but complete occlusion of all cranial branches originating from the aorta, alongside porcelain aorta. Neck CT angiography confirmed complete occlusion of the supra-aortic branches of the aorta and absence of the right internal carotid artery, with evidence of proximal occlusion of the left internal carotid artery. Medical management without surgical intervention was pursued due to the patient's stable condition. He was discharged with a medication regimen including antiplatelet therapy and statins. Four-month follow-up showed significant symptom improvement, with minimal changes in brain blood flow circulation noted on CT. CONCLUSIONS This case underscores the brain's remarkable adaptive capacity in withstanding severe vascular challenges. The rarity of multiple extracranial vessel occlusions and presence of porcelain aorta further complicated the case. Utilizing advanced imaging techniques and personalized treatment approaches are crucial in managing complex vascular conditions. Ongoing research and careful monitoring are essential to advance understanding and management in such cases.</p>","PeriodicalId":39064,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Case Reports","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11299871/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141789354","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}
Jing Yuan, Adriel Guang Wei Goh, Mohammad Taufik Bin Mohamed Shah
{"title":"Bilateral Facet Joint Septic Arthritis Induced by Acupuncture: A Case Report Highlighting Diagnostic Challenges and the Importance of Early Intervention.","authors":"Jing Yuan, Adriel Guang Wei Goh, Mohammad Taufik Bin Mohamed Shah","doi":"10.12659/AJCR.944596","DOIUrl":"10.12659/AJCR.944596","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND Facet joint septic arthritis (SAFJ) is a rare clinical entity that is extremely challenging to diagnose, often presenting unilaterally and with nonspecific clinical symptoms. However, SAFJ has significant morbidity and mortality, especially with delayed diagnosis. It becomes all the more important for the clinician to recognize that SAFJ can present bilaterally and be associated with direct inoculation, such as in acupuncture. CASE REPORT A 53-year-old woman with chronic alcoholism and well-controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus was initially admitted for progressively worsening atraumatic lower back pain. Initial non-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbar spine revealed bilateral L4-L5 and L5-S1 nonspecific facet joint effusions. Clinical examination was unremarkable. Biochemically, the patient had mildly elevated inflammatory markers. She was treated conservatively with close outpatient follow-up. However, her back pain progressively worsened, with new-onset lower limb weakness and numbness. Repeat MRI showed L4-L5 bilateral facet joint fluid collection with adjacent bony destruction, as well as posterior paraspinal and epidural fluid collections compatible with L4-L5 bilateral SAFJ with paraspinal and epidural abscesses. Urgent surgical drainage and bilateral lateral facet decompression was performed. Intraoperative cultures revealed methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus as the causative organism. Postoperatively, 6 weeks of intravenous and oral antibiotics were given with good recovery. CONCLUSIONS We describe a case of bilateral SAFJ following acupuncture that was initially missed. With the increasing prevalence of acupuncture treatment for lower back pain, bilateral SAFJ should be a diagnostic consideration. Detailed clinical history is key; this, as well as a high index of suspicion, early evaluation and treatment, are essential to obtain a favorable outcome.</p>","PeriodicalId":39064,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Case Reports","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11299879/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141793689","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}