ABSTRACT
Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia. While there have been reports of atrial fibrillation caused by the compression of pulmonary veins, we have not found reports of atrial fibrillation caused by the compression of the pulmonary artery. This report highlights the possible pathophysiology and management of atrial fibrillation in a patient with small cell lung cancer. The patient was admitted for hyponatremia secondary to syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) but subsequently developed tachycardia which progressed to atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation. Antiarrhythmics were ineffective until the patient received his first palliative chemotherapy for his small cell lung cancer. Subsequently, rate control was achieved with sotalol, with eventual conversion back to sinus rhythm. Management of atrial fibrillation is complex and sometimes depends on the underlying etiology. Early chemotherapy, in addition to antiarrhythmic drugs, may be beneficial in the management of patients with small cell lung cancer and atrial fibrillation. The CHA2DS2-VASc score does not take active malignancy into account and anti-coagulation should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in this patient population.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is a rare exanthem characterized by the abrupt onset of numerous small, non-follicular, sterile pustules arising on an erythematous base. AGEP is often associated with medications; however, it has also been connected to various viral infections including cytomegalovirus, parvovirus B19, and Epstein-Barr virus. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been associated with a variety of skin findings, including erythematous or patchy rash, urticaria, hives, blisters, petechiae, livedo reticularis, and even AGEP in a patient undergoing treatment with hydroxychloroquine. CASE REPORT A 78-year-old man with a past medical history of benign prostatic hyperplasia, coronary artery disease, and atrial fibrillation presented with septic shock secondary to a urinary tract infection. On day 7 of treatment with cefepime, he became febrile and developed a pustular rash and persistent hypotension without any respiratory symptoms. Subsequently, he was diagnosed with COVID-19. Skin biopsy of the rash revealed AGEP. CONCLUSIONS AGEP is an uncommon cutaneous eruption often triggered by medications and viruses. AGEP is thought to be mediated by pro-inflammatory cells and cytokines. This report describes an unusual presentation of AGEP following treatment with cefepime for a urinary tract infection in a 78-year-old man who was found to be positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection, but was not treated with hydroxychloroquine. Although AGEP has been described in association with some viral infections, it is more commonly a drug-associated dermatosis, commonly seen during treatment with antibiotics. As in this case, AGEP usually resolves after discontinuation of the offending antibiotic.
