Atypical Presentation of Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma with Pericardial Effusion.

BACKGROUND Small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) is a low-grade B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma and is the solid tumor equivalent of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) that is found in the peripheral blood. SLL typically presents with lymphadenopathy and is rarely associated with cardiac involvement. This report is of a case of lymphomatous pericardial effusion in a 61-year-old woman who presented with dyspnea. CASE REPORT A 61-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with a three-month history of worsening shortness of breath on exertion. Her symptoms progressed to shortness of breath at rest, with night sweats and chills. She had no weight loss. She was found to have a pericardial effusion, and an urgent pericardiocentesis was performed to prevent cardiac tamponade. Analysis of the pericardial fluid was consistent with a diagnosis of SLL. A bone marrow biopsy and a biopsy of a renal mass were consistent with a diagnosis of SLL. She was treated with rituximab and bendamustine with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) support and was discharged home. CONCLUSIONS A case is presented of a rare association between SLL and pericardial effusion with a favorable outcome following urgent pericardiocentesis to prevent cardiac tamponade followed by chemotherapy.

Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in a Gravid Patient with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), also known as extracorporeal life support (ECLS), is a technique used to provide prolonged cardiac and respiratory support to persons whose heart and lungs are unable to deliver adequate perfusion or gas exchange to sustain life. It is indicated in patients with severe ARDS, severe hypothermia, and cardiac and respiratory failure when other conventional methods fail. CASE REPORT We report the case of a 22-year-old gravid 2 Para 1 woman who presented to the Emergency Department with pyelonephritis, who subsequently developed sepsis that progressed to ARDS. She was managed successfully with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation [ECMO] for 5 days, with heparin used as an anticoagulant. After significant improvement, she was successfully de-cannulated and extubated. CONCLUSIONS The use of ECMO in pregnancy and post-partum can be associated with several complications to both mother and fetus. With appropriate patient selection, good knowledge of the procedure, and early initiation, successful outcomes can be attained.