Ipilimumab and Nivolumab induced ventricular tachycardia in a patient with metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

The immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICIs) as Nivolumab and Ipilimumab is a novel class of medication used in the management of several metastatic malignancies. ICIs can cause immune-related adverse events due to autoreactive T cell activation. Cardiovascular complications comprised myocarditis, conduction abnormalities, ventricular storm, and cardiomyopathy. Cardiomyopathy is one of the significant side effects highlighted in some of the case reports. The physicians should include autoimmune toxicities as the potential differential diagnosis in patients presenting with an unusual presentation and receiving ICIs. We report a case of a 66-year-old female with advanced renal cell carcinoma who developed cardiomyopathy and ventricular tachycardia from nivolumab and ipilimumab therapy.

Gastric ischaemia: a rare cause of gastric ulcers.

Gastric ulcers secondary to gastric ischaemia is rare because of the rich blood supply of the stomach. We present a case where a patient with history of atherosclerotic vascular disease (ASCVD) presented with unintentional weight loss and failure to thrive for several months. Initial imaging studies ruled out any active malignancy. Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed multiple shallow gastric ulcers. CT angiography was performed in later course of the hospital stay, which demonstrated a high-grade stenosis at the origin of both the superior mesenteric artery and the coeliac trunk. This combination stenosis is a rare finding, which can lead to ischaemia of the stomach by blocking the stomach's dual blood supply. Although the patient underwent revascularisation attempt with stent placement, she expired due to critical postoperative condition. This case signifies the importance of keeping a low threshold for suspicion for gastric ischaemia in patients with ASCVD risk factors and unexplained weight loss.

Multi-gene mutation metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer.

Gene panel sequencing of metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) can assist in identifying appropriate targeted therapies. Although some studies have reported single DNA mutations, this is the first case of mCRPC with five different DNA mutations based on gene panel analysis. The patient, a 75-year-old man, initially presented with haematuria. Laboratory investigation revealed elevated prostate-specific antigen levels, and CT showed an enlarged prostate gland with metastatic lymph nodes. A 12-core biopsy revealed adenocarcinoma of the prostate. Gene panel sequencing demonstrated five different DNA mutations associated with sensitivities to olaparib and pembrolizumab. Treatment failure after hormonal therapy with leuprorelin and bicalutamide resulted in the initiation of chemotherapy with docetaxel. Over the past decade, development of genome sequencing analysis may guide us with more precise targeted therapy specific to mCRPC early on, especially with poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors may show survival benefits.

Primary soft tissue sarcoma: stage IV extranodal T-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) presenting as a soft tissue sarcoma is rare, occurring at a rate of 0.11%. Peripheral T-cell lymphomas comprise 4% of all NHLs. We report the case of a 49-year-old Caucasian man who presented with a mass in the medial aspect of the thigh. Ultrasound showed a complex subcutaneous mass. MRI demonstrated a superficial complex skeletal mass affecting the sartorius muscle with other lesions involving the femur and the gluteus maximus. Positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) showed diffuse pulmonary metastases with no involvement of nodes, liver, spleen with high suspicion of advanced sarcoma. Core biopsy revealed a T-cell NHL, and staining was positive for anaplastic lymphoma kinase. The patient received six cycles of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, etoposide and prednisone. Repeat PET-CT showed reduction in the mass, with no fluorodeoxyglucose-avid uptake. Latest MRI showed near-normal intensity. Further PET-CTs determine disease remission or progression.

Idiopathic bilateral ovarian vein thrombosis.

Ovarian vein thrombosis (OVT) is a condition most commonly associated with malignancy, hypercoagulable disorders, pelvic surgery, trauma, inflammatory bowel disease and the postpartum period. Idiopathic bilateral OVT is extremely rare. We report the case of a 30-year-old African-American woman who presented with bilateral lower pelvic pain and nausea. She had no recent pelvic infections nor a personal or family history of malignancy or thrombophilia. Workup results for a hypercoagulable state was negative. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis revealed bilateral OVT. Treatment included novel oral anticoagulants or warfarin, with comparison studies showing a similar risk-benefit ratio. Repeat imaging is recommended after 40-60 days to determine the necessity for further anticoagulation. Emphasis is placed on starting anticoagulation early in order to reduce the risk of extension of the thrombus into the inferior vena cava, conversion to pulmonary embolism or increase in the risk of infection.

Unusual presentation of superior mesenteric artery syndrome after trauma.

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is a rare but severe condition. SMA syndrome's association with trauma has been reported to present weeks to months after significant weight loss due to head or spinal cord injury. We present an unusual case of SMA syndrome presenting with obstructive symptoms, which developed immediately after clavicle fracture and was not associated with weight loss. CT of the abdomen showed small bowel obstruction in the third part of the duodenum. CT angiogram of the abdomen confirmed SMA syndrome. The patient was managed conservatively with enteral nutrition via jejunostomy tube. He was discharged after symptoms resolved, and repeat imaging revealed resolution of obstruction. This case emphasises the importance of having SMA syndrome as one of the differential diagnoses for patients presenting with obstructive symptoms after trauma because early diagnosis can be managed with conservative treatment.

Cyclophosphamide, bortezomib and dexamethasone (CyBorD): a promising regimen for renal light chain deposit disease.

Renal light chain deposit disease is a rare disease with rapid progression to renal failure when left untreated. There is no standard treatment available. We present a unique case of renal IgA kappa deposit disease who developed severe decline in renal function within a few months of diagnosis. She was started on a single regimen of cyclophosphamide, bortezomib and dexamethasone (CyBorD) followed by maintenance treatment with bortezomib and dexamethasone leading to rapid improvement of renal function. This is the first case to be reported on renal IgA kappa deposit disease who have responded dramatically to CyBorD without the need for any modification of the regimen or stem cell transplant.

Effect of glycemic control on mortality and infections in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting: a Genesee County experience.

Background: We report post-coronary artery bypass outcomes and factors affecting the outcomes from the Genesee County, MI, where the population is distinctly characterized by a higher prevalence of renal failure (RF), diabetes, obesity and smoking than the national average. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study on 1133 patients undergoing isolated CABG at our hospital from June 2012 to July 2017. Primary outcome was the association between preoperative hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and all-cause postoperative mortality after CABG, secondary outcomes included the association between HbA1c and a composite of postoperative infections including sternal-wound infections, leg harvest-site infections, pneumonia or sepsis. Logistic Regression analyses were also performed. Results: There was no difference in the mortality rate (OR 1.0, 95% CI 0.4-2.3) and composite of all infections (OR 1.0, 95% CI 0.7-1.6) between the controlled (HbA1c ≤7%) and uncontrolled (HbA1c >7%) groups. However, RF (OR 5.9, 95% CI 1.5-22.9), smoking (OR 3.7, 95% CI 1.3-11.2) and ejection fraction <35% (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.4-8.3) were independently associated with increased mortality after CABG. Additionally, low EF (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.4-4.1) and smoking (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.2-4.1) were associated with an increased rate of composite of all infections after CABG. Conclusion: Although not different in controlled and uncontrolled diabetic groups, mortality, in our population was associated with comorbidities like RF, smoking and congestive heart failure that are highly prevalent, emphasizing the need for interventions at primary care level to improve the postoperative outcomes after CABG.

Dysphagia unveiling systemic immunoglobulin light-chain amyloidosis with multiple myeloma.

Dysphagia is an uncommon presentation of systemic immunoglobulin light-chain (AL) amyloidosis with multiple myeloma (MM). Gastrointestinal (GI) involvement usually manifests with altered motility, malabsorption or bleeding. Furthermore, patients identified with GI amyloidosis, without previous diagnosis of a plasma cell disorder, are extremely rare. We report an elderly woman who presented with acute on chronic cardiac dysfunction, sick sinus syndrome and acute renal failure. While admitted, she developed intermittent dysphagia to both solids and liquids. Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy showed ulcerations of oesophagus and duodenum. Biopsies revealed focal amyloid deposition, stained with Congo red. Renal biopsy revealed amyloid deposition in renal arterioles. She underwent a bone marrow biopsy confirming MM, represented by more than 15% plasma cell population. She was started on treatment for heart failure, induction chemotherapy for MM and percutaneous gastrostomy tube for feeding. However, she continued to deteriorate, eventually opting for hospice, and ultimately died 2 days after discharge from hospital.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy in a patient with an ascending colon mass.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) is a syndrome characterized by transient regional systolic dysfunction of the left ventricle in the absence of angiographic evidence of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). A variety of stress-related triggers, including malignancies, have been reported in patients with TTC. However, to our knowledge, a recent diagnosis of a colon mass preceding the development of TTC has not been reported. We report on a female patient who was recently diagnosed with a colon mass by colonoscopy who was then scheduled to undergo robotic hemicolectomy, but was subsequently admitted to our hospital for intractable nausea and abdominal pain. While admitted, she developed transient ventricular tachycardia with elevated cardiac markers. The echocardiogram revealed markedly decreased ejection fraction and mid to distal apical akinesis with regional wall motion abnormalities. Coronary angiogram demonstrated no significant CAD, consistent with the diagnosis of TTC. The recently diagnosed colon mass was the most likely stress trigger in the development of TTC.

Type B lactic acidosis, an uncommon paraneoplastic syndrome.

A 67-year-old male presented with anasarca and persistent non-pruritic rash of lower extremities. Physical examination was positive for subcutaneous edema with a non-blanching rash of abdomen and lower extremities. Labs showed leukocytosis, lymphocytosis, anemia and thrombocytopenia. He also had acute kidney injury and high anion gap (AG) metabolic acidosis with elevated lactic acid (11.3 mg/dL). Computerized tomography (CT) of abdomen and pelvis showed hepatosplenomegaly, ascites and abdominal lymphadenopathy. Peripheral blood (PB) smear showed blastiod appearing lymphocytes. He was started on bicarbonate infusion due to persistent lactic acidosis (LA), however showed no significant improvement. He was started on IV dexamethasone on 3rd day of hospitalization based on preliminary result of peripheral picture which led to some improvement in LA. Following the confirmation of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) on bone marrow (BM) biopsy and immunophenotyping, the patient started receiving VR-CAP regimen (bortezomib, rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone) which led to significant improvement in LA and leukocytosis. After discharge, he received further chemotherapy with resolution of the LA and normalization of blood counts. Restaging tests confirmed a complete remission with resolution of the skin rash, resolution of the pathological lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly on imaging, and absence of lymphoma on a repeat BM biopsy.

Sequential occurrence of small cell and non-small lung cancer in a male patient: Is it a transformation?

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality and is categorized into small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We present a patient with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutant-NSCLC who developed metastatic SCLC after initial therapy with second-generation EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor, afatinib. A 65-year-old male non-smoker was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the right lung, stage IVA (M1a). Due to tumor positivity for EGFR-Exon 19 deletion, the patient was started on oral afatinib, which resulted in a partial response. After ten months of treatment, he presented in the office with abdominal pain, distension, weight loss and jaundice. He had diffuse skeletal and hepatic metastases on PET/CT scan with interval progression of his cancer. Although the recurrence of lung adenocarcinoma was suspected, the patient was diagnosed with SCLC on liver biopsy. He received two cycles of chemotherapy and died due to pneumonia and sepsis.