Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is a critical oncologic emergency characterized by metabolic disturbances resulting from rapid cancer cell lysis. Rasburicase, a recombinant urate oxidase, is the primary treatment for hyperuricemia in TLS but poses a risk for methemoglobinemia in patients with glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. We present the case of a 59-year-old male with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) who developed spontaneous TLS.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThis case report explores the intricate challenges of diagnosing and managing empyema caused by , particularly in patients with predisposing factors such as alcohol abuse and underlying respiratory conditions. We present a 34-year-old male patient with a medical history of hypertension, peripheral neuropathy, and alcohol abuse who developed empyema. Despite an initial presentation at another facility with symptoms mimicking a myocardial infarction and unremarkable chest X-ray results, his condition worsened, leading to a subsequent emergency department visit.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFLichen myxedematosus (LM) is characterized by dermal mucin buildup, fibroblast proliferation, and variable presentation. The diffuse variant, known as scleromyxedema, is identified by monoclonal paraprotein presence and lack of thyroid issues, with considerations for infections and underlying conditions. Despite lacking FDA-approved treatment, intravenous immunoglobulin stands as effective, although resource-intensive, while targeting the clonal source of pathogenic immunoglobulin offers an alternate therapeutic route.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFUndifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD) poses a significant diagnostic challenge due to its wide array of clinical presentations and the absence of specific diagnostic criteria. We present the case of a 22-year-old female who initially exhibited symptoms resembling the common flu, including recurrent fever, headaches, and constitutional symptoms. Despite initial tests showing no abnormalities and negative autoimmune serology, her symptoms persisted, prompting further investigation.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPurpose Of Review: Myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) burdens the lives of those affected. MPN patients endure significant impacts on their physical, psychological, and social well-being. While pharmacological interventions offer some disease and symptom control, they often have unfavorable side effects.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFType A aortic dissection (AD) is a devastating cardiovascular emergency requiring emergent surgical intervention. Most patients with AD have several risk factors for the disease including longstanding hypertension, smoking history, atherosclerosis, and old age. Younger patients may also present with AD if a genetic disorder affecting the integrity of the aorta is present.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFHypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetic disorder caused by pathogenic variants in sarcomeric genes, leading to left ventricular hypertrophy and complex phenotypic heterogeneity. While HCM is the most common inherited cardiomyopathy, pharmacological treatment options have previously been limited and were predominantly directed towards symptom control owing to left ventricular outflow obstruction. These therapies, including beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and disopyramide, have not been shown to affect the natural history of the disease, which is of particular concern for younger patients who have an increased lifetime risk of experiencing arrhythmias, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFChimeric Antigen Receptor-T (CAR-T) cell immunotherapy has produced dramatic responses in hematologic malignancies. One of the challenges in the field is the lack of a simple assay for the detection of CARs on the surface of immune effector cells. In this study, we describe a novel luciferase-based assay, termed Topanga Assay, for the detection of CAR expression.
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