Case Report of a Transfusion-Associated Circulatory Overload Leading to Cardiac Arrest in a COVID-19 Positive Patient

Although case reports have been made regarding adverse transfusion reactions, few have been made regarding blood transfusions leading to cardiac arrest. Today, we present a case of a COVID-19 positive Bahraini male, triple vaccinated, transfused with packed red blood cell (pRBC) after finding out he has low haemoglobin levels (64 g/dl) after routine laboratory investigations. During the blood transfusion, he developed hypertension, tachycardia and tachypnoea. The patient went into cardiac arrest within a few minutes of this presentation. Return of spontaneous circulation was achieved, and the patient was managed as transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO) with a good overall outcome.Copyright © 2023, Bahrain Medical Bulletin. All rights reserved.

Respiratory support for adult patients with COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic is creating unique strains on the healthcare system. While only a small percentage of patients require mechanical ventilation and ICU care, the enormous size of the populations affected means that these critical resources may become limited. A number of non-invasive options exist to avert mechanical ventilation and ICU admission. This is a clinical review of these options and their applicability in adult COVID-19 patients. Summary recommendations include: (1) Avoid nebulized therapies. Consider metered dose inhaler alternatives. (2) Provide supplemental oxygen following usual treatment principles for hypoxic respiratory failure. Maintain awareness of the aerosol-generating potential of all devices, including nasal cannulas, simple face masks, and venturi masks. Use non-rebreather masks when possible. Be attentive to aerosol generation and the use of personal protective equipment. (3) High flow nasal oxygen is preferred for patients with higher oxygen support requirements. Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation may be associated with higher risk of nosocomial transmission. If used, measures special precautions should be used reduce aerosol formation. (4) Early intubation/mechanical ventilation may be prudent for patients deemed likely to progress to critical illness, multi-organ failure, or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).Copyright © 2020 The Authors. JACEP Open published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of the American College of Emergency Physicians.

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum, subcutaneous emphysema and pneumothorax in non-intubated patients with COVID-19 pneumonitis: a retrospective case note review of a single centre experience

Introduction: Emerging evidence suggests COVID-19 is associated with a higher incidence of pneumomediastinum (PM), subcutaneous emphysema (SCE) and pneumothorax (PTX). Aims and objectives: To determine whether the presence of concurrent SCE and PTX in addition to PM were associated with a higher risk of admission to ITU or death compared to PM alone. Method(s): Study period: September 2020 to June 2021. Patients identified through the Trust Operations Centre prospective records of all COVID-19 admissions. PACS radiology system used to further identify patients who had CT scans. Every CT scan reviewed for presence of PM, SCE and PTX. Case notes reviewed retrospectively. Statistical analyses: GraphPad Prism;group difference assessments: Kruskal-Wallis tests. Result(s): PM was confirmed on CT scans in 24 patients. Mean age was 63.29 years (SD+/-10.05). 66.7% were male. 83.3% required CPAP;12.5% venturi masks and 4.2% optiflow. In addition to PM, 11 patients had SCE, 8 had PTX and 4 pneumopericardium. There was no significant difference in admission SpO2, maximum FiO2 and maximum PEEP in PM patients who developed SCE or PTX (p=0.94 and 0.91) versus PM alone. ~40% of patients in each group developed pneumonia or sepsis. Higher percentages of SCE or PTX patients were admitted to ITU (81.7% and 87.5%) compared to PM alone (62.5%), however this was not statistically significant, nor associated with higher risk of death (p=0.10;p=0.89 respectively). Conclusion(s): PM patients with and without SCE and PTX had no significant differences in respiratory support mechanisms, PEEP, FiO2, ITU admission or risk of death.

DOES COVID-19 INCREASE THE RISK OF DEVELOPING CYSTIC LUNG DISEASE?

SESSION TITLE: Late Breaking Chest Infections Posters SESSION TYPE: Original Investigation Posters PRESENTED ON: 10/18/2022 01:30 pm - 02:30 pm PURPOSE: (1) Assess the characteristics of COVID-19 patients who developed pulmonary cysts, bullae, blebs, and pneumatoceles. (2) Investigate outcomes of patients who developed cystic lung disease from COVID-19. METHODS: A literature search using Pubmed, Cochrane, and Embase was performed for case reports from 2020 to 2022 describing COVID-19 patients who developed lung cysts, bullae, blebs and pneumatoceles. The following data were extracted: patient demographics, presence of underlying lung disease, history of smoking, maximum oxygen requirements during acute illness, imaging findings, complications, and patient mortality. RESULTS: 65 publications (11 case series and 54 case reports) with a total sample size of 76 patients were analyzed. The mean age of patients was 52.2 ± 15.8 years. A majority of the cases were males (n=67, 88.2%). Twelve (15.8%) cases had an underlying lung disease, such as COPD or asthma, and 16 (21.1%) cases had a history of smoking tobacco. We categorized severity of illness based on the levels of oxygen requirement defined as: (1) mild - 0 to 2 liters of oxygen, (2) moderate - greater than 2 liters of oxygen to face mask/venturi mask and (3) severe - high flow nasal cannula, non-invasive ventilation, or mechanical ventilation. The majority of patients (n=40, 52.6%) had severe illness while 7 (9.2%) and 17 (22.4%) presented with mild and moderate disease, respectively. Of the 25 (32.9%) patients who required invasive mechanical ventilation, duration of ventilator days was provided for 14 patients, with a median of 40 days (interquartile range=54). Twenty-one (27.6%) patients were found to have cysts on imaging, 26 (34.2%) were found to have bullae, 3 (3.9%) were found to have blebs, 15 (19.7%) were found to have pneumatoceles, and 11 (14.5%) were found to have more than one of the aforementioned findings. A total of 53 (69.7%) patients developed pneumothorax and 12 (15.8%) developed pneumomediastinum. Seventeen (22.4%) patients were on the mechanical ventilator while pulmonary complications occurred. Additionally, 41 (53.9%) required chest tube placement, 16 (21.1%) required surgical intervention including open thoracotomy or video assisted thoracoscopy. A total of 47 (61.8%) cases reported either resolution of symptoms and complications, or improved imaging findings following interventions. The rate of inpatient mortality was 11.8%. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with severe COVID-19 may have a higher risk for developing cystic lung disease, hence, increasing the risk for complications such as pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Patients who had severe COVID-19 may benefit from closer follow up and serial imaging for early detection of cystic lung disease. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Kavita Batra No relevant relationships by Rajany Dy No relevant relationships by Christina Fanous No relevant relationships by Wilbur Ji No relevant relationships by Max Nguyen No relevant relationships by Omar Sanyurah

CHLORINE GAS EXPOSURE AND OBSTRUCTIVE AIRWAY DISEASE: A CASE REPORT AND CASE-BASED DISCUSSION

SESSION TITLE: Occupational and Environmental Lung Disease Cases SESSION TYPE: Rapid Fire Case Reports PRESENTED ON: 10/18/2022 12:25 pm - 01:25 pm INTRODUCTION: Chlorine gas is a pulmonary irritant with pungent odor that damages the respiratory tract. Chlorine gas exposure occurs in industrial or household exposures,Chlorine gas has two forms either a liquid or gas, toxicity of chlorine gas depends on the dose and duration of exposure. Chlorine gas used in manufacturing products like paper, insecticides, Chlorine is used to treat bottled and swiming pool water. CASE PRESENTATION: A 37 Y.O Male, no PMH presents with progressive dyspnea for three days worse with activity,decreases with rest, denied cough fever or chest pain he is vaccinated for COVID,no smoking history. The patient worked at a chlorine gas factory in the Dominican Republic for 15 years. Exam: Vitals: BP 124/72 mmHg. HR 100 BPM. RR 21 BPM. SpO2 84%. General: acute distress. Heart: normal S1, S2. RRR. Lung: wheeze bilaterally. Abdomen: Soft. Musculoskeletal: no pitting edema. he was placed on 6 LPM NC saturation improved to 90%. CBC and Chemistry were unremarkable, he was started on steroid, breathing treatment with antibiotics. ABG showed hypoxemia. he was placed on Venturi mask and his saturation improved to 95%.CTA was negative for PE. EKG, troponin were unremarkable. A proBNP normal. The antibiotics were discontinued because of a negative workup. A TTE study was normal. HRCT scan of the chest, showed atelectasis and infiltrates of lower lobes. No interstitial fibrosis.A PFT showed obstructive airway disease. He was discharged on oral and inhaled steroids.Hi new onset obstructive airway could be due to chlorine gas exposure. DISCUSSION: Chlorine gas causes cellular injury through oxidative damage but further damage results from activation and recruitment of inflammatory cells with subsequent release of oxidants and proteolytic enzymes. Humans can detect chlorine gas odor at a concentration between 0.1-0.3 ppm. At 1-3 ppm,it causes irritation of oral,eye mucosal membranes. At 30-40 ppm causes cough, chest pain, and SOB. At 40-60 ppm, toxic pneumonitis and pulmonary edema and can be fatal at 430 ppm concentration or higher within thirty minutes. Chronic exposure to chlorine gas lead to chest pain, cough, sore throat, hemoptysis, recurrent asthma. Physical exam findings include tachypnea cyanosis, wheezing, intercostal retractions, decreased breath sounds. Pulmonary function tests may reveal obstructive lung function disease. Chronic exposure to a low level was found to be associated with an increased risk of asthma in swimmers. CONCLUSIONS: Chlorine exposure results in direct chemical toxicity to the airways with acute airways obstruction or airways hyperreactivity, presentation varies from acute overwhelming intoxication with acute lung injury and or death, occupational exposure increase the likelihood of chronic bronchitis or isolated wheezing attacks. Treatment for chlorine exposure is largely supportive. Reference #1: 1- Center of disease control and prevention website/emergency preparedness and response/ https://emergency.cdc.gov/agent/chlorine/basics/facts.asp Reference #2: 2- C- Morim A, Guldner GT. Chlorine Gas Toxicity. [Updated 2021 Jul 25]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing;2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537213/. Reference #3: A- Gummin DD, Mowry JB, Beuhler MC, et al. 2020 Annual Report of the American Association of Poison Control Centers’ National Poison Data System (NPDS): 38th Annual Report. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2021;59(12):1282-1501. doi:10.1080/15563650.2021.1989785 DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Abdallah Khashan No relevant relationships by Samer Talib no disclosure on file for Matthew Yotsuya;

Fatal Interstitial lung disease induced by Osimertinib: a case report

Introduction: Osimertinib is a selective third-generation EGFR-TKI inhibitor with an inhibitory effect on the T790M mutation. Interstitial lung disease (ILD) occurred in 3.9% of the Osimertinib-treated patients (with 0.4% fatal cases). Methods: Case report of fatal ILD induced by Osimertinib in a patient with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma. Results: We present the case of an 81-year-old female patient diagnosed with stage IVB lung adenocarcinoma (May 2020) with pulmonary, adrenal, and brain metastasis. Genetic sequencing showed an exon 19 deletion. She started erlotinib until documentation of disease progression in January 2021. In this context, she performed a liquid biopsy with the detection of a T790M resistance mutation. She started Osimertinib in February 2021. Her past medical history showed diabetes and dyslipidemia. Two months after starting Osimertinib, she went to the emergency department (ER) with a one-week evolution with progressive dyspnea, cough, and fever. Upon admission to the ER, she was conscious and cooperative, with respiratory distress signs, normal blood pressure, and hypoxemia. She had decreased breath sounds, and coarse crackles were audible bilaterally. In the blood sampling, Haemoglobin was 7.7 mmol/L, creatinine 0.08 mmol/L, platelets 257000x10ˆ9/L, C-reactive protein 28.6 nmol/L, and NT-proBNP 98 pmol/L. Rt-PCR for sars-CoV-2 detection was negative. X-ray showed bilateral diffuse infiltrates. She started oxygen therapy via nasal cannula at 3l/min and IV antibiotics. ABG values were pH 7.44, pCO2 37 mmHg, pO2 69 mmHg, HCO3 26 mEq/L, sO2 94%. On reassessment after 3 hours, she presented worsening dyspnea and dizziness, with higher oxygen needs (venturi mask, 60%). Chest CT angiography showed extensive bilateral diffuse ground-glass densification with crazy-paving areas. It also showed no signs of pulmonary embolism. We admitted her to a level 2 ICU unit for surveillance. Due to suspected drug toxicity, she started Methylprednisolone pulses (1000mg/3days). Six hours after admission, due to hypoxemia worsening, non-invasive ventilation was started with the need to escalate oxygen therapy to 100% FiO2. At 24h, she showed clinical and blood analysis improvement. Nonetheless, she still needed 100% fiO2 to maintain >92% oxygen saturation. On the 4th day of hospitalization, she was hypotensive, prostrated, and with little reaction to painful stimulation. She started palliative treatment and died on the same day. Conclusions: ILD is a rare adverse effect of the treatment with Osimertinib, and fatal ILD is even rarer. The time from starting Osimertinib to this side effect is variable between patients. Awareness is necessary for a rapid diagnosis and early treatment. [Formula presented] Keywords: Osimertinib, Intersticial Lung Disease, Adverse effect

IMPACT of COVID-19 TREATMENTS on PERIPHERAL CAPILLARY DENSITY EVALUATED by NAILFOLD VIDEOCAPILLAROSCOPY

Background: Human SARS-CoV-2 infection can induce a wide spectrum of organ dysfunctions, including microvascular impairment [1]. S1 subunit of viral receptor-binding domain binds to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor on endothelium and S2 subunit allows the virus to enter endothelial cells. The resulting breakdown of barrier integrity drives a cascade of infammatory and thrombotic events, that aggravate the course of COVID-19 together with other risk factors [2-4]. Up to date, a lower capillary density has been reported in several distinct body districts, using sublingual video microscopy, ocular optical coherence tomography angiography, skin functional laser Doppler perfusion imaging and nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) [5-8]. NVC examination has been performed in adult COVID-19 patients, however, without a control group [8]. Objectives: To confrm the statistical signifcance of the reduction in capillary density per linear millimeter evaluated by NVC in comparison with primary Ray-naud's phenomenon (PRP) patients and control subjects (CNT) and to evaluate the impact of an aggressive therapy against COVID-19 on the sparing in the number of capillaries. Methods: Sixty-one COVID-19 survivors, thirty-one PRP patients and thirty CNT age and sex-matched underwent NVC analysis. Demographic and clinical data of COVID-19 survivors were collected with special regard to concomitant therapies, that included antivirals, antibiotics, anticoagulants and anti-infamma-tory/immunomodulant drugs (glucocorticoids, hydroxychloroquine, IL-6 receptor antagonist). COVID-19 survivors were divided in two subgroups according to the severity of the active infection: thirty-four survivors with past mild-moderate disease (either unneedy for oxygen supplementation or need for Venturi mask) and twenty-seven survivors with past severe disease (need for Continuous Positive Airways Pressure and/or mechanical ventilation). The same Rheumatologist performed NVC evaluations in all patients and controls, using an optical probe, equipped with a 200x magnifcation lens and connected to a picture analysis software (Videocap, DS Medica, Milan, Italy). Absolute capillary number per linear millimeter was counted. Results: COVID-19 survivors underwent NVC examination after a mean period of 126±53 days from the disease onset. Multivariate analysis showed differences in absolute capillary number per linear millimeter (p<0.001) after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, comorbidities and concomitant drugs. The mean (± standard deviation) absolute nailfold capillary number per linear millimeter was signifcantly lower in severe (8.2±1.15) and mild-moderate (8.4±0.75) COVID-19 survivors than in both PRP (8.7±0.68) and CNT subjects (9.3±0.53) (p<0.001). The analysis of the impact of treatments on capillary density in the severe COVID-19 patients showed a positive trend (preservation of the capillary number) with antivirals (no: 7.8±1.53;yes: 8.5±0.64;p=0.35) and anti-IL-6 receptor antagonist administration (no: 7.8±1.36;yes: 8.6±0.74;p=0.16), while none of the other drugs was shown to be effective (glucocorticoids p = 0.46;antibiotics = 0.52;anticoagulants not evaluable as they were used in all COVID-19 patients). Conclusion: SARS-CoV-2 infection seems associated to a signifcant capillary loss as distinctive NVC feature and data concerning the comparison of capillary density pre COVID-19 and post COVID-19 are desirable to reinforce this observation. The positive trend in saving the number of capillaries induced by aggressive anti-infammatory therapies in COVID-19 survivors needs larger cohorts of patients.

Daptomycin-Induced Eosinophilic Pneumonia

Introduction: The known etiologies of acute eosinophilic pneumonia (AEP) have grown recently, culminating in the creation of the term drug-induced AEP 3. One of the newer causes of druginduced AEP is Daptomycin, which has grown in popularity for its use in treating methicillin-resistant staph aureus (MRSA) infections. As a result, the Food Drug Administration created the following criteria to diagnosis Daptomycin-induced AEP: 1) concurrent exposure to Daptomycin, 2) fever, 3) dyspnea with increased oxygen requirement or requiring mechanical ventilation, 4) new infiltrates on imaging, 5) bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) with >25% eosinophils and 6) clinical improvement following Daptomycin withdrawal. Given this statement, we present a case of Daptomycin-induced AEP. Case Presentation: A 45-year old female presented to the ER with a complaint of shortness of breath for four days. She had recently been diagnosed with Covid-19 with concomitant globicatella bacteremia and discharged 17 days ago with home oxygen (requiring 3L) and to complete 2 weeks of IV Daptomycin. In the ER, a CT Angio Chest was obtained showing bilateral airspace opacities with no evidence of thromboembolism. She was also noted to be saturating at 92% while on 15L Venturi-mask. The patient was started on broad-spectrum antibiotics and cultures were obtained. Her condition worsened and a bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed, however there was inadequate specimen to run cytology. Due to worsening status despite antibiotics, the patient was started on methylprednisolone 80 mg three times a day. After initiation of steroids, the patient's respiratory status returned to baseline and repeat imaging showed improvements of opacities. Complete infectious and autoimmune workups were complete ruling out other etiologies. The patient was discharged with a steroid taper and repeat CT imaging ordered, but never done. Discussion: Though we were unable to obtain a BAL specimen, we are confident of our diagnosis. Our patient not only had a known inciting factor, but also had resolution of symptoms with withdrawal of Daptomycin and initiation of steroids. Our case study highlights two important points about the disease. First, AEP should be on the differential for patients with a complaint of shortness of breath with a known inciting factor. Secondly, it should be noted that while our patient was unable to meet all criteria created by the FDA, this should not rule out the diagnosis. It is important to be proactive in treatment if clinical suspicion is high.

COVID-19 and pneumomediastinum in a young man

Background: The pathophysiologic mechanisms leading to spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SP) in SARS-CoV-2 patients with severe pneumonia, during mechanical ventilation, are yet not fully elucidated. Case description: We report the case of a 21 years old man with positivity for COVID-19 infection. At admission in our department the patient had oxygen saturation of 95% in Venturi mask with FiO2 40%. Chest Computed Tomography (CT) showed extensive areas of increased density of “ground-glass” type with evolution towards crazy paving, involving of 50% of lung parenchyma. On day after admission, the condition of the patient worsened to required mechanical ventilation. Control CT highlighted severe pneumomediastinum and extensive subcutaneous emphysema. The patient was managed with conservative treatments and with high flow nasal cannula (HFNC). A week later chest CT showed almost complete resolution of subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum. The improvement of the blood gas parameters allowed weaning from the HFNC and suspension of oxygen therapy. Conclusions: Although the mechanism of the SP still remains unknown, the presumed cause is the combination of diffuse alveolar injuries due to SARS-CoV-2 and an increase intra-alveolar pressure with barotrauma due to coughing, Valsalva maneuvers or mechanical ventilation. Presumably in SARS-CoV-2 related SP lung frailty, due to crazy paving pattern, impairs compliance e reduces lung tolerance to pressure variations. HFNC could be a safe ventilatory support for critical COVID-19 pneumonia together antitussive and sedatives drugs.

Some Important Points in Oxygen Therapy: An Update for the Clinicians in the Covid Era

The use of oxygen has gained much prominence in the Covid era. However, there are still lacunae in the practical knowledge of health workers regarding proper use of this medical gas. Daily clinical experience still reveals instances of over-and under-use of oxygen. There are various aspects of oxygen use, including choosing the proper source, the proper delivery device, and the proper duration, which must be decided appropriately for maximum benefit of the patient. This article aims to present certain practical aspects of oxygen use for the clinician. While this is an essential knowledge for the Covid era, the learning will be useful for the future too.

Small hospitals in battle against COVID-19: A single-center cohort study

INTRODUCTION In Greece, higher morbidity and mortality due to COVID-19 pandemic were recorded during the third pandemic wave. Only a small percentage of the population was fully vaccinated at the beginning of the third pandemic wave. Our effort was multi-level, from the emergency room department to the ward. The aim of this article is to communicate a single secondary center’s experience during the third pandemic wave in Greece. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted at the regional Agios Andreas General Hospital of Patra, Greece, including 360 hospitalized COVID-19 patients. A standard of care protocol was applied in all cases and its outcomes are examined. RESULTS The median age of the patients was 64.2 years (IQR: 18–100) and the median duration of hospitalization was 8 days. The overall case fatality rate was 8.1%. Of the 360 patients, 12 (3.3%) needed to be intubated. Most of the hospitalized patients (n=316;87.8%) were treated with nasal canula or Venturi mask. Twenty-six patients (7.2%) were supported with HFNC and 18 (5%) received any available type of non-invasive mechanical ventilation. CONCLUSIONS An articulate protocol and coordinated collaboration among specialists were the cornerstone of proper, immediate, and individualized treatment. The international recommendations in force at that time proved to be efficient in reducing progress to SRF and intubation. Full vaccination of the medical staff ensured long and dedicated presence in the patients’ rooms.

Platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome years after acute pulmonary embolism: Two consecutive cases

Platypnea-Orthodeoxia syndrome (POS) is a rare condition in which dyspnoea and arterial oxygen desaturation are present in the upright position, while in the supine position, they are alleviated. It is observed in the presence of an anatomical (intra-or extracardiac) communication between the right and left heart causing a right-to-left shunt. POS is most frequently caused by a patent foramen ovale (PFO) and usually, the clinical assessment and a transthoracic echocardiograms with bubble study are enough to reach the diagnosis. The only possible treatment of POS is the percutaneous closure of the defect. We describe two cases of POS due to a PFO which manifested itself years after an episode of acute pulmonary embolism (PE), a finding never reported to date in the literature. Few cases describe the relationship between PE and POS, but these conditions may be more closely related than we currently think.

A complex case of CoViD-19

Background: SARS-CoV-2 can determine pneumonia and multiorgan damage due to systemic inflammation. Description of the case: A 51-year-old man was admitted to our CoViD-19 ward for diabetic acidosis and positive SARS-CoV-2 test. The patient had type 1 diabetes mellitus and he was taking insulin. Three days before this admission, he had presented nausea. The first day, after that acidosis was managed with intravenous infusion of insulin and bicarbonate, the patient referred dyspnea while he was breathing ambient air and a chest CT scan was performed with evidence of interstitial pneumonia and multiple bilateral consolidation areas. Supplemental oxygen and antibiotic plus antiviral therapy (remdesivir) were started. During the hospitalization, the patient faced progressive anemia and blood transfusions were administered. For deterioration of respiratory function, noninvasive ventilation was applied. Laboratory exams showed leukocytosis, renal insufficiency, PCR and D-dimer increased. Also cardiac troponin showed a sharp rise;therefore ECG, echocardiography and coronarography were performed with diagnosis of critical stenosis of left anterior descending artery. Cardiac stent was placed, obtaining troponin reduction and cardiac kinesis recovery. In the following days, patient showed progressive improvement of lung inflammation, allowing us shifting to low flow Venturi mask oxygenation. Conclusions: This case shows how complex can be a CoViD-19 patient with metabolic alterations and severe damage to vital organs (as lung, heart and kidney) that request a multidisciplinary approach.