ABSTRACT
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a rare progressive inflammatory process temporally associated with exposure to SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) in patients 20 years of age and younger. At this time, much of MIS-C is not well understood, including the pathogenesis, long-term implications, and how each variant of the COVID-19 virus affects the progression and severity. We present the unusual case of a 19-year-old man with a history of homozygous sickle cell disease who developed a vaso-occlusive pain crisis and cerebral fat embolism syndrome as a complication of MIS-C secondary to the Omicron variant of COVID-19.
ABSTRACT
Fat embolism syndrome (FES) is a rare life-threatening condition that is particularly seen in milder forms of sickle cell disease (SCD). Widespread systemic fat emboli are generated in the context of extensive bone marrow necrosis. Multi-organ failure with a high morbidity and mortality may quickly develop. Infection with Parvovirus B19 is a common precipitant. Here, the authors report the case of a 35-year-old Afro-Caribbean man with HbSC disease who presented with FES having tested positive for SARS-COV-2. He rapidly became critically ill and required admission to the intensive care unit for organ support. He was treated with red cell exchange and plasma exchange and made a good recovery to leave hospital at week 7.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Bone marrow necrosis is a rare entity that can develop in context of a sickle cell disease vaso-occlusive crisis. Its physiopathology is related to an endothelial dysfunction taking place in bone marrow microvasculature. Case Presentation: A 30-year-old patient with history of compound heterozygous sickle cell disease was admitted following SARS-CoV-2 infection with fever and diarrhea. After initial favorable evolution, he developed a severe vaso-occlusive crisis with intense hemolysis and multi-organ ischemic complications. Patient then developed high fever and hypoxemia. With the suspicion of acute thoracic syndrome, a red blood cell exchange was performed. Respiratory symptoms ceased but patient persisted febrile with very high levels of acute phase reactants, persistent pancytopenia, and leucoerythroblastic reaction. An infectious cause was ruled out. Afterward, bone marrow aspiration and bone marrow biopsy showed a picture of bone marrow necrosis, which is an extremely rare complication of vaso-occlusive crisis but, paradoxically, more frequent in milder heterozygote cases of sickle cell disease. Ultimately, large deposits of complement membrane attack complex (particles C5b-9) were demonstrated after incubation of laboratory endothelial cells with activated plasma from the patient. Discussion: The clinical presentation and findings are consistent with a case of bone marrow necrosis. In this setting, the demonstration of complement as a potential cause of the endothelial dysfunction mimics the pattern of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome and other microangiopathic anemias. This dysregulation may be a potential therapeutic target for new complement activation blockers. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Transfusion Medicine & Hemotherapy is the property of Karger AG and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)
ABSTRACT
Fat embolism is a well-known and life-threatening condition that can develop after long bone fractures and lower limb orthopedic surgery. It presents in a wide range of respiratory, hematological, neurological, and cutaneous symptoms and signs of varying severity, resulting from embolic showering. It is important for clinicians to have a high index of suspicion for fat embolism in patients with respiratory compromise postoperatively. Rapid recognition and supportive treatment are key in improving the outcome of these patients. The prognosis is usually good, except in fulminant fat embolism syndrome.
ABSTRACT
The novel coronavirus, named SARS-CoV-2, responsible of the COVID-19 is now causing a pandemic. Detecting all possible cases and eliminating differential diagnoses in front of any acute respiratory distress has become a daily challenge for doctors around the world. We believe that non-COVID patients are the hidden victims of the actual health problematic. We report from this manuscript the case of a patient with fat embolism syndrome that has been suspected as COVID-19.