The American journal of the medical sciences
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Review Case Reports
Phlegmonous gastritis: review of the pathophysiology.
Phlegmonous gastritis is a rare infection of the gastric wall. Clinical presentation of phlegmonous gastritis is generally non-specific and includes epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting and fever. ⋯ The possibility that swallowing Streptococcus-containing secretion is also mentioned. We present a case of phlegmonous gastritis following a pharyngitis and discuss the routes of phlegmonous gastritis, the possible link to pharyngitis and review the diagnosis and treatment of this condition.
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Review Case Reports
Type I acquired cutis laxa: report of a unique progressive case. A short review.
Cutis laxa is a rare connective tissue disorder, characterized by a reduced number and abnormal properties of elastic fibers throughout the dermis, creating a clinical appearance of premature aging. It can be subdivided into inherited and acquired, the latter rarer than the former, and skin involvement may be localized or generalized. The etiology of acquired cutis laxa (ACL) remains unknown and there is no definitive treatment. ⋯ Histological analysis of the skin revealed reduction and fragmentation of elastic fibers. Immunosuppressive treatment was started with prednisone, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab, with which a complete response to proteinuria was achieved and the progression of lung damage was limited. Autoimmune, infectious, and neoplastic diseases were ruled out.
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Massive gastrointestinal bleeding is a life-threatening condition without a well-established definition. We aimed to analyze the characteristics, risk factors, and outcomes of patients with massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding. ⋯ Inpatient status and comorbidities, especially systemic diseases, and malignancies, were associated with a higher risk of massive bleeding. Mortality was linked to chronic kidney disease, cirrhosis, severe comorbidities, and alcohol consumption. We observed increased 6-months mortality, probably related to a health status in which gastrointestinal bleeding heralded poor outcomes, some of them potentially preventable. Innovative healthcare interventions, such as Emergency Department-based intermediate care areas or Intensive Care Units, and multidisciplinary follow-up, could potentially improve survival.