Publications by authors named "Emhemmid Karem"

In the era of immune checkpoint inhibitors, pulmonary and critical care physicians frequently encounter patients taking these medications, usually after being admitted to the intensive care unit with life-threatening complications. These complications are rare, present with nonspecific and vague symptoms, which may delay the treatment and have high mortality. We report a very rare complication, with only two previously reported cases of a severe and potentially fatal side effect associated with anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) immunotherapy with nivolumab.

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Solitary fibrous tumors of the pleura (SFTPs) are rare neoplasms of mesenchymal origin most commonly arising in the pleura and have a benign biological behavior in the majority of cases. Most patients with SFTPs are asymptomatic; however, symptoms are mostly related to the mass effect within the thoracic cavity. Chest computed tomography (CT) scanning is the radiographic test of choice, but findings lack specificity.

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Of the 200 spp. known to exist, approximately 30 have been associated with human disease. Commonly found in soil, marine sediment and mammalian intestinal tracts, these gram-positive bacilli are known to cause infections ranging from cellulitis to septicemia.

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Pneumomediastinum is a rare, potentially life-threatening complication of PCP that occurs in HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients. We are presenting a rare case pneumomediastinum caused by pneumonia in a HIV-negative patient with history of diffuse B-cell lymphoma on R CHOP chemotherapy. What is unique about our case is that the patient developed pneumomediastinum while in the hospital, on atovaquone that improved when switched to clindamycin and primaquine with improvement in her respiratory status.

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Scleroderma associated Pulmonary-Renal Syndrome is a rare but severe complication with a poor prognosis and high mortality. A high index of suspicion is needed for early recognition of this potential complication in patients with systemic sclerosis and institution of appropriate treatment. With more data showing an increased association between scleroderma and malignancy, a heightened vigilance should also be exercised in patients with malignancy and scleroderma-like presentation.

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Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-dependent Cushing syndrome is rarely caused by a pheochromocytoma. We present a case of a 46-year-old woman who developed severe hypertension, hypokalemia, and typical Cushingoid features. Investigations revealed extremely high metanephrine, cortisol, and ACTH levels.

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