ABSTRACT
Focal necrotizing encephalitis due to Toxoplasma gondii infection represents one of the most common opportunistic infection in patients with the acquired inmunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), and the treatment is commonly with a combination sulphadiazine, and pyrimethamine. A major side effect of sulfadiazine therapy is the occurrence of crystallization in the urinary collecting system. We report a patient with AIDS and Toxoplasmic encephalitis treated with sulfadiazine who developed acute renal failure. Renal ultrasound demonstrated echogenic areas within the renal parenchyma, presumed to be sulfa crystals. Renal failure and ultrasound findings resolved rapidly with hydratation and administration of alkali. Patients infected with AIDS frequently have characteristic that increase intratubular crystal precipitation and they require treatment with one or more of the drugs that are associated with crystal-induced renal failure. Controlled alkalinization of the urine and high fluid intake are recommended for prophylaxis of crystalluria. The literature concerning crystalluria and renal failure due to sulfadiazine is reviewed.
Subject(s)
Acute Kidney Injury/chemically induced , Antiprotozoal Agents/adverse effects , Sulfadiazine/adverse effects , AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections/drug therapy , Acute Kidney Injury/diagnostic imaging , Acute Kidney Injury/therapy , Adult , Alkalies/administration & dosage , Animals , Crystallization , Encephalitis/drug therapy , Female , Fluid Therapy , Humans , Toxoplasma , Toxoplasmosis, Cerebral/drug therapy , UltrasonographyABSTRACT
Schönlein-Henoch purpura is a systemic vasculitic disorder involving both arterioles and capillaries. Although it is mainly a disease of early chilhood, it can occur at any age. The disease may be more severe in the few adults who develop this disorder. The clinical manifestations include a classic tetrad: rash, arthralgias, abdominal pain and renal disease. However it may affect almost every other bodily organ such us myocardium, lungs, ureter and nervous system. Pulmonary hemorrhage, a rare complication of Schönlein-Henoch purpura, has been found mainly in adolescents and adults, and it is associated with significant mortality. We present a case of 76-year-old men with Schönlein-Henoch purpura, pulmonary haemorrhage and severe renal involvement. Therapy with intravenous prednisolone resulted in resolution of the pulmonary lesions and renal failure.
Subject(s)
Hemorrhage/etiology , IgA Vasculitis/complications , Kidney Diseases/etiology , Lung Diseases/etiology , Aged , Humans , Male , SyndromeABSTRACT
The cholesterol embolism syndrome is a multisystemic disease resulting from cholesterol crystal emboli deriving from ulcerous atherosclerotic plaques of the aorta or large arteries. Cholesterol crystal embolization can affect multiple organ, including the skin, kidney, brain, eyes, gastrointestinal tract and extremities, and mimic other systemic diseases like vasculitis. Cholesterol crystal embolization of lungs has been described and should be included in the differential diagnostic of pulmonary-renal syndromes. The diagnosis of cholesterol embolism should be considered in elderly patients with pre-existing atherosclerotic disease who develop renal failure and clinical features of peripheral cholesterol crystal embolization in association with precipitating event, without the need for histological demonstration of cholesterol clefts. This syndrome is associated with high morbidity and mortality but recent reports suggest that an aggressive therapeutic management with patient-tailored supportive measures, avoids precipitating factors, and the use of corticosteroids may be associated with a favorable clinical outcome.
