Fiebre prolongada, síndrome de Good y cáncer de colon: una asociación poco frecuente / Prolonged fever, Good syndrome and colon cancer: a rare association

Se define «síndrome febril prolongado¼ a todo cuadro de hipertermia que persiste al menos 10 días sin ser diagnosticado. El síndrome de Good es una inmunodeficiencia primaria del adulto que se caracteriza por presentar hipogammaglobulinemia, disminución de linfocitos B y anormalidades en los linfocitos T. Entre el 15 y el 20% de los casos de «fiebre de origen desconocido¼ ocurren debido a neoplasias, y el cáncer de colon representa menos del 1% de todos estos casos. Se presenta una paciente de 49 años admitida en el hospital por presentar síndrome febril con un mes de evolución, con antecedentes de síndrome de Good. Se le diagnostica cáncer de colon. (AU)

A prolonged febrile syndrome (PFS) is defined as any episode of hyperthermia that persists for at least 10 days without being diagnosed. Good's syndrome is a primary immunodeficiency in adults characterized by hypogammaglobulinemia, decreased B lymphocytes, and abnormalities in T lymphocytes. Between 15 to 20% of fever of unknown origin (FOD) cases are due to neoplasms, and colon cancer represents less than 1% of all these cases. A 49-year-old patient with a history of Good's syndrome was admitted to the hospital due to a febrile syndrome lasting for a month. She was diagnosed with colon cancer. (AU)

Fever of unknown origin - a literature review

SUMMARY Fever of undetermined origin (FUO) is a challenging entity with a striking presence in hospitals around the world and can be associated with a myriad of differential diagnoses. It is defined as axillary temperature ≥ 37.8 ° C on several occasions, lasting ≥ three weeks, in the absence of diagnosis after three days of hospital investigation or three outpatient visits. The main etiologies are: infectious, neoplastic, and rheumatic. The diagnosis is based on the detailed clinical history and physical examination of these patients, in order to direct the specific complementary tests to be performed in each case. Empirical therapy is not recommended (with few exceptions) in patients with prolonged fever, as it may disguise and delay the diagnosis and conduct to treat the specific etiology. The prognosis encompasses mortality of 12% - 35%, varying according to the underlying etiology. In this sense, the objective of this study is to review the main topics about fever of undetermined origin, bringing historical and scientific aspects, national and international.

RESUMO Febre de origem indeterminada (FOI) é uma entidade desafiadora com presença marcante nos hospitais de todo o mundo, à qual uma miríade de diagnósticos diferenciais podem estar associados. É definida como temperatura axilar ≥37,8 0 C em várias ocasiões, com duração ≥ três semanas, na ausência de diagnóstico após três dias de investigação hospitalar ou três consultas ambulatoriais. As principais etiologias são de ordem infecciosa, neoplásica e reumatológica. O diagnóstico é baseado na história clínica e no exame físico minuciosos desses pacientes, com a finalidade de direcionar os exames complementares específicos a serem realizados em cada caso. A terapia empírica não é recomendada (com poucas exceções) em pacientes com febre prolongada, uma vez que ela pode camuflar e retardar o diagnóstico e a conduta para tratar a etiologia específica. O prognóstico engloba uma mortalidade de 12-35%, variando de acordo com a etiologia de base. O objetivo deste estudo é revisar os principais tópicos acerca da febre de origem indeterminada, trazendo aspectos históricos e científicos, nacionais e internacionais.

Human brucellosis in a non-susceptible host: a case report

Clinical human brucellosis is quite rare in India, that too in an non susceptible host. This report describes a case of clinical human brucellosis in India. This case involved a 36 years old male, a professor in an Engineering college. He presented with complaints of fever for 4 months with myalgia, generalized tiredness, loss of weight and loss of appetite. On evaluation, total counts and ESR was elevated and all other investigations were normal. Based on history, common causes like occult tuberculosis or autoimmune diseases were considered. But, blood cultures grew Brucella melitensis in all 2 samples and a diagnosis of brucellosis was made. He was treated with Rifampicin and Doxycycline. Suspicion of brucellosis in this patient is low because the patient has no history of contact with animals, consumption of unpasteurized milk or occupational exposure. So, the health care practitioners should be aware of this possibility of this zoonotic infection as a differential diagnosis in patients with nonspecific symptoms and unexplained prolonged fever.

Enfermedad por arañazo sistémica (infección por Bartonella henselae): una causa de fiebre prolongada que no debemos olvidar, reporte de caso / Systemic cat scratch disease ( Bartonella henselae infection): A cause of prolonged fever that should not be overlooked

La enfermedad por arañazo de gato es una enfermedad común con manifestaciones diversas, algunas de ellas poco frecuentes relacionadas con morbimortalidad significativa. Entre estas últimas se encuentra la presentación sistémica, que puede incluir fiebre prolongada, síntomas constitucionales, compromiso óseo, muscular, ocular y hepatoesplénico, entre otras manifestaciones. Dada su presentación subaguda, es una causa que se debe descartar en pacientes con fiebre prolongada y contacto con gatos, principalmente en aquellos menores de un año de edad. Presentamos un caso de fiebre prolongada secundaria a enfermedad por arañazo de gato sistémica.

Cat scratch disease is a common disease with various manifestations. Some of these symptoms are related to significant morbidity and mortality, including systemic presentation, which may include prolonged fever, constitutional symptoms, bone, muscle, ocular and hepatosplenic involvement, among others. The disease has a subacute presentation and it's important to rule it out in patients with prolonged fever and contact with cats, especially those under one year of age. We report a case of prolonged fever secondary to systemic cat scratch disease.

Osteomielitis vertebral por Bartonella henselae: a propósito de un caso / Bartonella henselae vertebral osteomyelitis: report of a case

Resumen: La enfermedad por arañazo de gato (EAG) causada por Bartonella henselae tiene prevalencia e incidencia desconocida en la población pediátrica chilena. La presentación como linfoadenopatía regional es la más frecuente, y sus formas atípicas constituyen un reto diagnóstico. Objetivo: Comunicar un caso de EAG con osteomielitis vertebral y entregar posibles lineamientos respecto al tratamiento. Cuadro clínico: Escolar de 8 años con síndrome febril prolongado y dolor dorsal con rigidez cervical. En estudio destaca IgG para Bartonella henselae positiva, ecotomografía abdominal con microabscesos esplénicos y resonancia magnética con lesiones vertebrales sugerentes de osteomielitis. Discusión: El diagnóstico de las formas atípicas requiere de un alto índice de sospecha, como en este caso, en que el paciente con síndrome febril manifiesta sintomatología musculoesquelética, lo que nos lleva a estudiar posibles complicaciones de la enfermedad. El conocimiento actual del tratamiento de EAG atípica o complicada se deriva de la observación de estudios de casos y no de ensayos aleatorios; se sugiere analizar de manera individual la terapia antimicrobiana y con ayuda de especialistas. Conclusión: Se discute y enfatiza la importancia de la alta sospecha clínica y se exponen algunas alternativas de tratamiento en función de la evidencia de la literatura actual.

Abstract: Cat scratch disease (CSD) is caused by Bartonella henselae, with unknown prevalence and incidence in the Chilean paediatric population. Regional lymphadenopathy is the most common presentation, while atypical forms constitute a diagnostic challenge. Objective: To report a case of CSD with osteomyelitis and present guidelines regarding treatment. Clinical case: An eight year-old patient, with prolonged febrile illness, back pain and neck stiffness. Laboratory studies highlight positive IgG for Bartonella henselae. The abdominal ultrasound showed splenic micro-abscesses, and the MRI showing vertebral lesions suggestive of osteomyelitis. Discussion: The diagnosis of atypical forms requires a high rate of suspicion, as in this case, in which the patient manifested the musculoskeletal symptoms simultaneously with the febrile syndrome, which led us to study possible complications of the disease. Current knowledge of the treatment of atypical or complicated CSD is derived from the observation of case studies, rather than randomized trials. It is suggested that antibiotic therapy is analysed individually, with the help of a specialist. Conclusion: The importance of high clinical suspicion are emphasised and discussed, as well presenting some treatment options based on the evidence from the current literature.

Síndrome de activación macrofágica idiopática en una mujer jóven / Idiopathic macrophage activation syndrome in a young woman

RESUMEN Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 27 años, con datos clínicos de síndrome de activación macrofágica (SAM), de etiología desconocida, con evolución tórpida y desfavorable que llega al fallecimiento. Se revisan los principales conceptos y características del SAM, haciendo énfasis en las actuales normas de consenso y en las variaciones en el tratamiento de acuerdo con las guías internacionales.

ABSTRACT We report the case of a 27 year old woman with clinical evidence of macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) of unknown etiology and unfavorable torpid comes to death. We review the main concepts and features of the SAM, the current emphasis on consensus standards and changes in treatment according to international guidelines.

Leptospirosis, a propósito de un caso / Leptospirosis, a case report

Presentamos el caso clínico de una adolescente que fue atendida el Hospital Materno Infantil de Trinidad, por un síndrome febril prolongado secundario a leptospirosis. Aprovechamos el caso para hacer una revisión del tema.

We describe the clinical case of a female teenager seen at "Hospital Materno Infantil of Trinidad, because a prolonged fever syndrome secondary to leptospirosis. We used this case to revise the subject.

Febre crônica associada a abscesso esplênico causado por Staphylococcus epidermidis / Chronic fever associated with splenic abscess due to Staphylococcus epidermidis

Abscessos ocultos são causa freqüente de febre crônica. Os abscessos esplênicos são entidades raras, usualmente associadas a quadros subjacentes de cirurgia abdominal, endocardite ou imunodepressão. Apresenta-se um caso de paciente com febre prolongada causada por um abscesso esplênico, cujo principal diagnóstico diferencial era leishmaniose visceral, que provavelmente esteve associado a traumatismo abdominal. O tratamento consistiu em antibioticoterapia seguida de esplenectomia.

Occult abscesses are frequent causes of chronic fever. Splenic abscesses are rare entities that are usually associated with underlying conditions such as abdominal surgery, endocarditis or immunodepression. We report on the case of a patient with prolonged fever caused by a splenic abscess, whose main differential diagnosis was visceral leishmaniasis. However, this condition was probably related to abdominal trauma. The treatment consisted of antibiotics followed by splenectomy.

Diagnostic approach to the fever of unknown origin in children: Emphasis on the infectious diseases / 소아과

Fever of unknown origin (FUO) has been a convenient term used to classify patients who warrant a particular systemic approach to diagnostic evaluation and management. The greatest clinical concern in evaluating FUO is identifying patients whose fever has a serious or life-threatening cause when a delay in diagnosis could jeopardize successful intervention. Thorough history and complete physical examination are critical to uncover the etiologic diagnosis. Most cases of FUO in children are caused by atypical presentations of common diseases rather than by typical manifestations of rare disorders. Selection of diagnostic tests and speed of investigation should be guided by a knowledge of the disease severity, patient age, epidemiologic and geographic information, and any positive findings from a detailed history and physical examination. The three most common causes of FUO in children are infectious diseases, connective tissue diseases, and malignancy. In general, the prognosis of FUO in children is better than that of adults. Although the outcome is dependent on the primary disease process, fever abates spontaneously in most cases in whom the cause of fever remains unclear.

A Clinical Study of Renal Abscesses in Children

PURPOSE: Renal abscess is very rare in children and its diagnosis is difficult because symptoms are often nonspecific. In previous studies, only 15% to 25% of patients were reported to be diagnosed at the time of admission. Early diagnosis and treatment are important because mortality rate correlates positively with the time of diagnosis. The purpose of this study is to clarify the clinical features of children with renal abscess and to investigate the possible indicators of this disease for early diagnosis and proper treatment. METHODS: Twelve children diagnosed with renal abscess from Jan. 1996 to Jul. 2004 were included. The age of patients ranged from 5 months to 15 years. We retrospectively analyzed the demographics of patients, their symptoms, predisposing factors, diagnostic methods and causative organisms and the treatment modalities. RESULTS: Fever was the most common manifestation. Five children(42%) had vesicoureteral reflux. Renal ultrasonography and computerized tomography were the most frequently used imaging tools to detect renal abscess. Gram negative bacteria were isolated in 7 patients and Staphylococcus aureus grew in 2 patients. All patients received intravenous antibiotics and 4 patients underwent aspiration or drainage of renal abscess. The average admission duration was 30 days. CONCLUSION: Renal abscess should be included in the differential diagnosis of prolonged fever in children, especially when flank pain is combined. For early diagnosis and a better prognosis, patients should be promptly investigated with ultrasonography or computerized tomography.

Clinical characteristics of pulmonary tuberculosis presenting prolonged fever despite primary short-course anti-tuberculosis treatment / 결핵

BACKGROUND: Usually fever subsides within one week in over 90% of pulmonary tuberculosis (TBp) patients after the start of short-course anti-tuberculosis therapy, but occasionally it persists over two weeks after treatment. When the fever persists, drug resistance, combined infection, or drug fever, and so on, are considered as an etiology and, in some cases, drugs are changed. But inadvertent discontinuation of a short-course regimen inevitably will extend the duration of treatment, and the treatment completion may be delayed. This study was performed to investigate the causes of prolonged fever (PF) and to identify the predictors of PF in drug-susceptible TBp patients in Korea. METHOD: five hundred-ninety-eight patients, who were admitted to Asan Medical Center from January 1996 to March 1999, diagnosed with TBp and prescribed short-course, anti-tuberculosis treatment, were reviewed. PF was difined as having fever over two weeks despite treatment. The causes of PF were ansalyzed. Drug-susceptible TBp patients who presented no caussp es for PF, except turberculosis itself, were selected(n=22), and they were compared with those who had no fever at diagnosis(n=22) and those who had fever at diagnosis, which had subsided within two weeks after treatment(n=22). Clinical, laboratory, and radiological parameters were compared among the three groups. RESULTS: Twenty-eight(4.8%) of 598 patients showed PF over two weeks despite short-course treatment. the causes of PF were drug fever (n=2), multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (n=3), disseminated Mycobacterium Kansasii infection (n=1), and drug-susceptible tuberculosis itself (n=22). The patients with PF had more risk factors for tuberculosis, long duration of symptoms before treatment, night sweats, weight loss, numerous acid fast bacilli on sputum smear, anemia, hyponatremia, hypoalbuminemia, over three lung cavity numbers and extensive infiltratoion, indicating that they had prolonged and extensive lung diseases. CONCLUSION: The main cause of PF in TBp despite short-course regimen seems to be drug-susceptible but extensive disease in Korea. Any changes to the drug regiment provided for TBp patients with prolonged fever despite treatment should be carefully considered.

Elevated serum transcobalamin II levels in patients with prolonged fever.

Serum transcobalamin II levels were determined in 70 patients with prolonged fever. Twelve patients were found to have elevated serum TCII levels, i.e., 8 patients with salmonellosis, 3 patients with scrub typhus and 1 patient with pyrexia of unknown origin. There were no relationships between serum TCII levels and white blood cells, lymphocytes or monocytes. The possible mechanism producing increased serum TCIII levels in patients with salmonellosis and scrub typhus is the increased synthesis and release of TCII by the proliferative mononuclear phagocytic cells of the reticuloendothlial tissues such as spleen, liver, bone marrow and lymph nodes. This study gives the additional data that elevated serum TCII may occur not only in inflammatory disorders, autoimmune diseases, lymphoproliferative disorders, malignant histiocytosis and neoplasms, but also in infection with salmonellosis and scrub typhus.