Rapid and Potent Antiarrhythmic Effect of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in a Patient with Advanced Dilated Cardiomyopathy and a Large Ventricular Arrhythmia Burden

We report a case demonstrating a rapid and potent antiarrhythmic effect of biventricular pacing. A 67-year-old male patient with dilated cardiomyopathy was admitted for heart failure. The initial surface electrocardiogram revealed a left bundle branch block with a QRS complex duration of 200 ms. Echocardiographic examination revealed a left ventricular ejection fraction of 16%, a left ventricular end-diastolic dimension of 91 mm, and marked interventricular dyssynchrony. Continuous rhythm monitoring revealed frequently-recurring non-sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT). Polymorphic VT, which persisted for 27 seconds, occurred on the third day after admission, and the R on T phenomenon recurred every two to three days thereafter. Optimal medical therapy for four weeks failed to suppress the recurrence of ventricular arrhythmias or ameliorate heart failure. Cardiac resynchronization therapy was initiated for an anticipated antiarrhythmic effect of biventricular pacing. Three days after the initiation of biventricular pacing, the ventricular arrhythmias disappeared almost completely.

A Case of Sorafenib-induced DRESS Syndrome in Hepatocelluar Carcinoma / 대한소화기학회지

Sorafenib is currently the only targeted therapy available for advanced stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Cutaneous adverse events associated with sorafenib treatment include hand-foot skin reaction, but there has been no report of drug reaction (or rash) with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome. Here, we report a case of 72-year-old man with HCC and alcoholic liver cirrhosis who developed skin eruptions, fever, eosinophilia, and deteriorated hepatic and renal function under sorafenib treatment. He has since successfully recovered with conservative care.

Right Coronary Artery to Left Ventricular Fistula with Giant Right Coronary Artery Aneurysm / 대한내과학회지

A 35-year-old male with exertional dyspnea was transferred to our hospital for evaluation of a diastolic murmur and cardiomegaly discovered by chest X-ray. Two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiographic studies revealed an aneurysmal dilation of the right coronary artery (RCA) and diastolic inflow from the RCA to the left ventricle (LV) through a myocardial defect 11 mm in diameter in the basal inferior LV wall. Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) confirmed the presence of a giant RCA to LV fistula. Due to the risks for developing overt left heart failure and spontaneous rupture of the giant RCA, the RCA was obliterated surgically. Coronary-cameral fistulas are a rare congenital coronary artery anomaly. A fistula between the coronary artery and LV, especially when combined with coronary artery aneurysm, is a rare occurrence in the literature. Here, we report a case of a giant RCA to LV fistula detected by echocardiography and CCTA.

Comparison of skin prick test and serum specific IgE measured by ImmunoCAP system for various inhalant allergens

PURPOSE: It appears that much of the discordance between skin prick test (SPT) and ImmunoCAP in clinical practice. We investigated the comparison and correlation between SPT and ImmunoCAP for inhalant allergens. METHODS: A total of 1,400 patients who were tested SPT and ImmunoCAP were recruited from June 2011 to May 2014 in Dong-A University Hospital, and the results of two assays were compared for 17 inhalant allergens. For SPT, mean wheal size> or =3 mm or allergen/histamine> or =1 at 15 minutes, and the result of ImmunoCAP of > or =0.35 kU/L was considered positive, respectively. RESULTS: Of the study subjects, bronchial asthma was 29.3%, rhinitis 36.8%, atopic dermatitis 0.6%, and chronic urticaria 4.3%. The agreement rate of between two assays was 77.4%. When ImmunoCAP was compared with SPT as the reference, the sensitivity, specificity was 75.5% and 80.0%, respectively. Significant correlation was observed (r=0.59), and birch, mugwort, Japanese hop, house dust mites, and cockroach showed very strong correlation (r>0.7). CONCLUSION: The agreement, sensitivity, and specificity between SPT and ImmunoCAP was various according to allergens. We should determine the clinical relevance of the allergen sensitization using both SPT and ImmunoCAP not alone with combination of clinical symptoms.

Serotonin syndrome associated with linezolid

Serotonin syndrome (SS) is a potentially life-threatening drug reaction characterized by mental status change, increased neuromuscular tone, and autonomic instability. Linezolid, an oxazolidinone antibacterial agent, is widely used in general hospitals; however, it interacts with some serotonin agonists and may cause SS. We report a case of SS caused by linezolid, without the concomitant use of serotonin agonist. A 72-year-old patient was admitted due to recurrent wound infection of his left ankle. He developed fever, skin rash, and renal function deterioration, and blood eosinophils and liver enzymes increased after administration of vancomycin. The antibiotic was changed to linezolid against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Four days later, he developed agitation, fever, increased blood pressure, and tachycardia. There were no abnormal findings in laboratory and image tests, including brain and chest computed tomography suggesting the cause of his symptoms. He had not taken any serotonin agonists, including serotonin uptake inhibitors and monoamineoxidase-inhibiting antidepressants. When administration of linezolid was stopped, his symptoms improved within 24 hours and fully recovered within 2 days without additional treatments.

Cefepime-induced encephalopathy without renal impairment

Cefepime is an extended-spectrum, fourth-generation cephalosporin that has been widely used for approved indications such as febrile neutropenia. Common adverse events of cefepime include headache, skin rash, gastrointestinal problems, and fever. However, encephalopathathy caused by cefepime has been sporadically reported worldwide over the last decade. We experienced a rare case of cefepime-induced encephalopathy. A 75-year-old man with a 30-year history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was admitted to the medical intensive care unit under a diagnosis of pneumonia. Initial antibiotic therapy was started with piperacillin/sulbactam and ciprofloxacin. His condition was improved with this treatment. About 2 months later, his condition was aggravated again, with mild fever and purulent sputum. Intravenous cefepime was selected on the basis of antibiotic susceptibility to Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from his sputum. However, his mentality became drowsy 48 hours after cefepime adminstration. He showed tremors and right facial paralysis. Neurologic examination for motor power and sensory function revealed normal findings. Laboratory tests, including serum electrolytes, glucose, osmolality, and ammonia, gave normal results. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed chronic ischemic and atropic changes, and an electroencephalography revealed triphasic waves. The administration of cefepime was stopped, and his symptoms started to improve within 48 hours. Electroencephalography results became normalized, and he completely recovered within 48 hours after discontinuation of cefepime.