The American journal of the medical sciences
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Review Case Reports
Capnocytophaga canimorsus sepsis with associated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.
Capnocytophaga canimorsus, a bacterium commonly transmitted via dog bites, is known to cause sepsis in immunocompromised patients. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and hemolytic uremic syndrome are rare complications of infection. The authors present a case of C canimorsus sepsis and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in an asplenic patient and review the relevant literature.
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This study was performed to investigate the impact of a family history of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) on insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction in populations with varying glucose tolerance. ⋯ This study showed that the pathophysiological changes were different between individuals with and without a family history of T2DM during the glucose tolerance aggravation.
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Desmoid tumors are rare neoplasms. They occur mostly in females in their reproductive age and may present with pelvic pain and intestinal obstruction. These connective tissue neoplasms are because of uncontrolled proliferation of differentiated myofibroblasts. ⋯ We describe a case of a pelvic desmoid tumor simulating a uterine leiomyoma recurrence. We review the literature on the epidemiology and the treatment options for desmoid tumors and suggest a strong index of suspicion when a new pelvic mass arises in an adult with previous pelvic surgery. We advise a planned multidisciplinary treatment approach at the first hint of the diagnosis of desmoid tumor.
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Case Reports
Pseudomyocardial infarction caused by expansion of colonic tube used for esophageal reconstruction.
Electrocardiography (ECG) is a useful tool for detecting ischemic heart disease. However, it has been pointed out that those ECG abnormalities resembling myocardial ischemia may be induced by extracardiac factors. ⋯ Coronary angiography revealed no stenosis of arteries. Decompression of the colonic tube by the nasogastric tube resulted in normalization of the ECG.
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Prosthetic vascular graft infection (PVGI) is an infrequent and potentially fatal complication of abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery and occlusive vascular disease. The predictive value of blood cultures in accurately identifying the causative pathogen (or pathogens) has not been determined. ⋯ The yield of blood cultures in late-onset abdominal PVGIs is low. Presence of microorganisms in blood cultures does not necessarily indicate a causal relationship with graft infection. An empirical broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy is advised in all suspected cases until a definitive etiology has been made.