BMJ case reports
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Review Case Reports
Spontaneous pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax and subcutaneous emphysema in COVID-19 pneumonia: a rare case and literature review.
Spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) and pneumothorax (PNX) unrelated to positive pressure ventilation has been recently reported as an unusual complication in cases of severe COVID-19 pneumonia. The presumed pathophysiological mechanism is diffuse alveolar injury leading to alveolar rupture and air leak. We present a case of COVID-19 pneumonia complicated on day 13 post admission by SPM, PNX and subcutaneous emphysema in a patient with no identifiable risk factors for such complication. ⋯ Moreover, he is a non-smoker with no lung comorbidities and never reported a cough. He was eventually discharged home in stable condition. A comprehensive literature review revealed 15 cases of SPM developing in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.
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We report the first case of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in Japan. A 54-year-old woman developed neurological symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection. We tested for various antiganglioside antibodies, that had not been investigated in previous cases. ⋯ In previous reports, most patients with SARS-CoV-2-infection-related GBS had lower limb predominant symptoms, and antiganglioside antibody tests were negative. Our findings support the notion that non-immune abnormalities such as hyperinflammation following cytokine storms and microvascular disorders due to vascular endothelial damage may lead to neurological symptoms in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our case further highlights the need for careful diagnosis in suspected cases of GBS associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Review Case Reports
Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma originating from the coumadin ridge and review of literature.
Papillary fibroelastomas represent the second most common benign cardiac tumour, secondary only to cardiac myxoma. A majority of patients are asymptomatic on presentation. The most common clinical manifestations include stroke, transient ischaemic attack, myocardial infarction and angina. ⋯ Surgical resection and MAZE procedures were performed. The gross specimen and histopathology findings were consistent with papillary fibroelastoma. This case reports the seventh documented case of fibroelastoma originating from the CR.
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Review Case Reports
Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome in pregnancy: a life-threatening condition.
Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS) is a rare and potentially life-threatening variant of the antiphospholipid syndrome which is characterised by multiple small vessel thrombosis which can lead to multiorgan failure. CAPS is a clinical emergency which all clinicians need to be aware of because early diagnosis and treatment may improve maternal and fetal outcome. Here, we report a case of CAPS in pregnancy in a 31-year-old female patient who presented at 28 weeks of gestation. A literature review of CAPS in pregnancy and the puerperium is also included.
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Review Case Reports
Lactation ketoacidosis: case presentation and literature review.
A 35-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with a 2 days history of malaise and headache. She was breastfeeding her 5-month old infant and had recently started an altered diet based on reducing carbohydrate amount. Moreover, she had also started exercising 2 weeks prior to her illness. ⋯ She was discharged home and remained well with a balanced diet. After excluding all other the causes of hypoglycaemia and ketoacidosis, the diagnosis of lactation ketoacidosis was made and it was considered triggered by altered diet, exercise and skipping meals. All 11 cases of lactation ketoacidosis which has previously been published are reviewed as well.