Native Valve Aspergillus Endocarditis in a Non-Neutropenic Immunocompromised Patient on Anti-TNF α Blockers Therapy.

Invasive aspergillosis is a rare opportunistic infection mainly occurring in patients with a well-established risk such as neutropenia or conditions that lead to chronically impaired cellular immune responses. Systemic corticosteroids are a well-known risk factor for fungal infections. Recently, reports of invasive aspergillosis in patients treated with monoclonal biologic agents, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors, have been increasing.

Infective Aortic Valve Endocarditis in a Patient With Mixed Connective Tissue Disease.

Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) is a rare autoimmune disorder that is characterized by overlapping clinical features of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), scleroderma, and myositis. Both SLE and mixed connective tissue disease patients are more prone to have acute endocarditis, and immunosuppression is a risk factor for recurrence of infective endocarditis. We present the case of a 53-year-old female with mixed connective tissue disease presenting with interstitial lung disease and precapillary pulmonary hypertension.

Bone Marrow Granulomatosis in Acute Q Fever.

Reported cases of Q fever in people living in urban areas after occasional contact with farm animals or infected pets such as dogs and cats have been increasing. The diagnosis of Q fever is usually laborious due to unspecific and variable clinical manifestations. The most common clinical presentation is an influenza-like illness with varying degrees of pneumonia and hepatitis.