ABSTRACT
Introduction: Immune mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM) is a rare, but progressive disease that accounts for about 19% of all inflammatory myopathies. Dysphagia occurs in 20-30% of IMNM patients. It often follows proximal muscle weakness and ensues in the later stages of the disease. We report a rare case of IMNM, presenting with dysphagia as the initial symptom, followed by proximal muscle weakness. Case Description/Methods: A 74-year-old male with a past medical history of coronary artery disease, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia presented to the ED with 2-3 weeks of intractable nausea, vomiting, and dysphagia for solids and liquids. Vital signs were stable, and initial labs displayed an AST of 188 U/L and ALT of 64 U/L with a normal bilirubin. Computed tomogram of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis were negative. An esophagram showed moderate to severe tertiary contraction, no mass or stricture, and a 13 mm barium tablet passed without difficulty. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy exhibited a spastic lower esophageal sphincter. Botox injections provided no significant relief. He then developed symmetrical proximal motor weakness and repeat labs demonstrated an elevated creatine kinase (CK) level of 6,357 U/L and aldolase of 43.4 U/L. Serology revealed positive PL-7 autoxantibodies, but negative JO-1, PL-12, KU, MI-2, EJ, SRP, anti-smooth muscle, and anti-mitochondrial antibodies. Muscle biopsy did not unveil endomysial inflammation or MHC-1 sarcolemmal upregulation. The diagnosis of IMNM was suspected. A percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy feeding tube was placed as a mean of an alternative route of nutrition. He was started on steroids and recommended to follow up with outpatient rheumatology. He expired a month later after complications from an unrelated COVID-19 infection. Discussion(s): The typical presentation of IMNM includes painful proximal muscle weakness, elevated CK, presence of myositis-associated autoantibodies, and necrotic muscle fibers without mononuclear cell infiltrates on histology. Dysphagia occurs due to immune-mediated inflammation occurring in the skeletal muscle of the esophagus, resulting in incoordination of swallowing. Immunotherapy and intravenous immunoglobulin are often the mainstay of treatment. Our patient was unique in presentation with dysphagia as an initial presenting symptom of IMNM, as well as elevated enzymes from muscle breakdown. It is critical as clinicians to have a high degree of suspicion for IMNM due to the aggressive nature of the disease and refractoriness to treatment.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Syphilis is a multi-systemic disease caused by spirochete Treponema pallidum. Very rarely, it can affect the liver and cause hepatitis. Since most cases of hepatitis are caused by viral illnesses, syphilitic hepatitis can be missed. Here, we present a case of syphilitic hepatitis in a 35-year-old male. Case Description/Methods: Patient was a 35-year-old male who presented to the hospital for jaundice and mild intermittent right upper quadrant abdominal pain. His medical history was only significant for alcohol abuse. His last drink was 4 weeks ago. He was sexually active with men. On exam, hepatomegaly, mild tenderness in the right upper quadrant, jaundice, and fine macular rash on both hands and feet were noted. Lab tests revealed an ALT of 965 U/L, AST of 404 U/L, ALP of 1056 U/L, total bilirubin of 9.5 mg/dL, direct bilirubin of 6.5 mg/dL, INR of 0.96, and albumin of 2.0 g/dL. Right upper quadrant ultrasound showed an enlarged liver but was negative for gallstones and hepatic vein thrombosis. MRI of the abdomen showed periportal edema consistent with hepatitis without any gallstones, masses, or common bile duct dilation. HIV viral load and Hepatitis C viral RNA were undetectable. Hepatitis A & B serologies were indicative of prior immunization. Hepatitis E serology and SARS-CoV-2 PCR were negative. Ferritin level was 177 ng/mL. Alpha-1-antitrypsin levels and ceruloplasmin levels were normal. Anti-Smooth muscle antibody titers were slightly elevated at 1:80 (Normal < 1:20). Anti-Mitochondrial antibody levels were also slightly elevated at 47.9 units (Normal < 25 units). RPR titer was 1:32 and fluorescent treponemal antibody test was reactive which confirmed the diagnosis of syphilis. Liver biopsy was then performed which showed presence of mixed inflammatory cells without any granulomas which is consistent with other cases of syphilitic hepatitis. Immunohistochemical stain was negative for treponemes. Patient was treated with penicillin and did have Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction. ALT, AST, ALP, and total bilirubin down trended after treatment. Repeat tests drawn exactly 1 month post treatment showed normal levels of ALT, AST, ALP, and total bilirubin (Figure). Discussion(s): Liver damage can occur in syphilis and can easily be missed because of the non-specific nature of presenting symptoms. In our patient, the fine macular rash on both hands and feet along with history of sexual activity with men prompted us to test for syphilis which ultimately led to diagnosis and treatment in a timely manner. (Figure Presented).
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Gastric manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection are not uncommon and may even precede respiratory symptoms. Common gastrointestinal symptoms include loss of appetite, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Here, we describe a case of a 74 year old-old male with acute COVID-19 infection with acute gastroparesis and hypomotility in the large intestine, which to our knowledge has not been previously described. Case Description/Methods: A 74 year-old male with a past medical history of Dementia, Parkinson's Disease, Controlled Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus was admitted with worsening dyspnea found to be COVID-19 positive. Vitals on presentation: 84 beats/min heart rate, 151/95 mmHg blood arterial pressure, 98.1 F temperature, 18 breaths/min, and 89% O2 saturation. On examination, he was oriented to person, place, but not time. Breath sounds were coarse bilaterally, and the abdomen was soft, mildly distended, active bowel sounds. Initial lab work was unremarkable. He was admitted and started on dexamethasone, remdesevir, and supplemental oxygen via nasal cannula. The following day, the patient had increasing abdominal distention and nausea. An abdominal film was obtained which revealed a gas-distended stomach with concern for gastric outlet obstruction. CT showed similar gastric distention, progression of oral contrast, and dilated sigmoid colon. The patient was made NPO and nasogastric (NG) tube was placed with removal of 1L of bilious content, a bedside rectal tube was placed, and IV metoclopramide was started. Over the next several days, the patient had a gradual improvement in NG output and abdominal distention with close monitoring. Follow up abdominal plain films showed complete resolution of gastric and colonic distention, tubes were removed, and diet was advanced. Diet was advanced and oxygen was weaned off, and he was discharged in stable condition. Discussion: Our case describes an uncommon manifestation of acute gastroparesis and colonic dysmotility in the setting of acute COVID-19 as opposed to the classic diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain. It remains unclear whether his symptoms were a direct result of the COVID-19 infection or a manifestation of his acute illness or undiagnosed condition. Nevertheless, bringing awareness to this transient manifestations of COVID-19 is clinically relevant and highlights our management strategy. Our patient improved gradually with supportive care including gastric and colonic decompression, electrolyte optimization, bowel rest, and time..
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Higher comorbidity and older age have been reported as correlates of poor outcomes in COVID-19 patients worldwide; however, US data are scarce. We evaluated mortality predictors of COVID-19 in a large cohort of hospitalized patients in the United States. DESIGN: Retrospective, multicenter cohort of inpatients diagnosed with COVID-19 by RT-PCR from 1 March to 17 April 2020 was performed, and outcome data evaluated from 1 March to 17 April 2020. Measures included demographics, comorbidities, clinical presentation, laboratory values and imaging on admission. Primary outcome was mortality. Secondary outcomes included length of stay, time to death and development of acute kidney injury in the first 48-h. RESULTS: The 1305 patients were hospitalized during the evaluation period. Mean age was 61.0 ± 16.3, 53.8% were male and 66.1% African American. Mean BMI was 33.2 ± 8.8 kg m-2 . Median Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) was 2 (1-4), and 72.6% of patients had at least one comorbidity, with hypertension (56.2%) and diabetes mellitus (30.1%) being the most prevalent. ACE-I/ARB use and NSAIDs use were widely prevalent (43.3% and 35.7%, respectively). Mortality occurred in 200 (15.3%) of patients with median time of 10 (6-14) days. Age > 60 (aOR: 1.93, 95% CI: 1.26-2.94) and CCI > 3 (aOR: 2.71, 95% CI: 1.85-3.97) were independently associated with mortality by multivariate analyses. NSAIDs and ACE-I/ARB use had no significant effects on renal failure in the first 48 h. CONCLUSION: Advanced age and an increasing number of comorbidities are independent predictors of in-hospital mortality for COVID-19 patients. NSAIDs and ACE-I/ARB use prior to admission is not associated with renal failure or increased mortality.