ABSTRACT
This case report revolves around a 73-year-old male patient who initially sought medical attention due to left lower extremity weakness. Suspicions of a potential vascular etiology arose during the initial clinical examination, prompting further investigation. Unexpectedly, computed tomography (CT) imaging of the abdomen and pelvis revealed the presence of three giant aneurysms. Concurrently, positive syphilis titers were identified. The patient's presentation, marked by focal neurological deficits, unveiled the incidental discovery of a triad of aneurysms involving the distal abdominal aorta, right common iliac, and left common iliac. The neurological symptoms observed in the patient were attributed to the compression within the left common iliac artery, leading to compromised blood flow to the lower extremity. Alternatively, the neurological deficits could be linked to neurosyphilis or a combination of both factors. This case underscores the critical role of considering syphilis in patients presenting with neurological symptoms. The unique discovery of extensive aortic abnormalities through imaging studies, specifically CT angiography, emphasized the importance of such diagnostic tools in unraveling complex and potentially life-threatening vascular pathologies. Recognizing the diverse manifestations of syphilis in patients with vast neurological symptoms is crucial for timely diagnosis and multidisciplinary management. This case emphasizes the need to keep a high index of suspicion for syphilis in individuals who have widespread aortic anomalies together with neurological symptoms, to sum up. The triad of aneurysms discovered incidentally in this 73-year-old patient underscores the intricate interplay between vascular and neurological manifestations. The timely diagnosis and multidisciplinary management of both the neurological and vascular aspects of this unique presentation are essential for ensuring optimal patient outcomes.
ABSTRACT
Hyponatremia, a common electrolyte disorder, usually has a benign clinical course. However, patients with the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) can suffer unfavorable outcomes, including mortality. Atypical antipsychotics, which are among the drugs associated with SIADH, also cause tardive dyskinesia, a condition that physicians can now effectively manage with the recently approved agent - valbenazine. We herein report a case of severe hyponatremia due to SIADH in a 58-year-old man who developed hyponatremia-induced generalized seizures six weeks after valbenazine was added to his regimen to mitigate olanzapine-associated tardive dyskinesia. His electrolyte derangement and clinical course improved following prompt recognition and treatment of SIADH. The temporal association between the commencement of valbenazine and the onset of SIADH suggests a possible but previously unreported link between valbenazine and the development of SIADH. Awareness of this uncommon association is relevant to patient safety.
ABSTRACT
Immunotherapies are powerful disease-modifying agents in treating autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, their unique mechanisms of action confer a broad spectrum of immune-related adverse events (irAEs), which tend to be rare but complex, with significant risk for morbidity and mortality. We report a case of transverse myelitis in a patient with RA whose joint disease had been well-controlled with long-term intravenous abatacept. Suspicion of an unusual irAE in this elderly patient, whose neurologic symptomatology was gradual and protracted, prompted the discontinuation of abatacept and the rapid initiation of corticosteroid therapy. These interventions yielded a favorable clinical outcome for the patient. We must draw clinicians' attention to this rare but potentially consequential adverse drug reaction.
