Publications by authors named "Donica L Baker"

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is an antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated necrotizing vasculitis of small to medium-sized blood vessels. The typical presentation is the classic triad of upper airway, pulmonary, and renal involvement. However, it can rarely present with the involvement of a single organ system known as limited granulomatosis with polyangiitis.

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Adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) is a systemic inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology that presents with high-grade fever, arthritis, evanescent rash, and multiorgan involvement. It is a rare disorder and is a diagnosis of exclusion. AOSD is often misdiagnosed initially as viral exanthems or upper respiratory tract infections leading to a delay in diagnosis.

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Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is characterized by myalgia and severe stiffness with decreased range of motion in the shoulder and pelvic girdles. The efficacy of the BNT 162b2 Pfizer vaccine has been proven and has been well-tolerated by patients; however, some instances of PMR have been reported after the COVID-19 vaccine. We are writing a case of a new-onset PMR in a 72-year-old woman with typical findings after receiving a booster dose of the BNT 162b2 Pfizer vaccine.

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Gout typically affects the peripheral joints but uncommonly can involve the axial skeleton and rarely the intervertebral discs. We present a rare case of gouty spondylodiscitis affecting the intervertebral disc in the lumbar spine. Our patient with a gout history not on any maintenance therapy presented intractable right-sided back pain radiating to the right lower extremity.

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Statins are well tolerated in general but can be associated with myopathies. Statin-induced myopathies can range widely from mild myalgias to necrotizing autoimmune myopathies. We present a case of an 81-year-old man on statins for five years with no complications, who developed progressive muscle weakness, rhabdomyolysis, and dysphagia.

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