ABSTRACT
Strongyloidiasis is a parasitic disease caused by Strongyloides stercoralis, a nematode predominately endemic to tropical and subtropical regions, such as Southeast Asia. Autoinfection enables the organism to infect the host for extended periods. Symptoms, when present, are non-specific and may initially lead to misdiagnosis, particularly if the patient has additional co-morbid conditions. Immunosuppressive states place patients at risk for the Strongyloides hyperinfection syndrome (SHS), whereby the organism rapidly proliferates and disseminates within the host. Left untreated, SHS is commonly fatal. Unfortunately, the non-specific presentation of strongyloidiasis and the hyperinfection syndrome may lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment. We describe an unusual case of SHS in a 30-year-old man with a long-standing history of systemic lupus erythematosus who underwent a partial colectomy. The diagnosis was rendered on identification of numerous organisms during histologic examination of the colectomy specimen.
Subject(s)
Immunosuppressive Agents/adverse effects , Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/complications , Strongyloides stercoralis/isolation & purification , Strongyloidiasis/complications , Adult , Animals , Cytomegalovirus Infections/complications , Cytomegalovirus Infections/diagnosis , Cytomegalovirus Infections/immunology , Humans , Immunocompromised Host , Lung/parasitology , Lung/pathology , Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/diagnosis , Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/immunology , Male , Pneumonia, Viral/complications , Pneumonia, Viral/diagnosis , Pneumonia, Viral/immunology , Strongyloidiasis/diagnosis , Strongyloidiasis/immunology , Tomography, X-Ray ComputedABSTRACT
â¢Toe metastasis is a rare pattern of cervical cancer spread.â¢Enlarged erythematous toe is an important sign suggesting bone metastasis.â¢Toe metastasis represents a grave prognostic indicator of cervical cancer.
ABSTRACT
Phlegmonous gastritis is a rare acute bacterial infection of the gastric wall with an extremely high mortality rate. Early diagnosis is crucial for immediate treatment that could improve the outcomes. Here we report a case in which a patient with underlying chronic myelomonocytic leukemia was diagnosed with phlegmonous gastritis on biopsy. This 57-year-old man presented with shortness of breath and intermittent upper quadrant abdominal pain for 4 days. Laboratory tests showed markedly increased white blood cell. A diagnosis of chronic myelomonocytic leukemia was made based on a peripheral blood smear and flow cytometry. Gastric biopsy showed suppurative inflammation in the submucosal region, prompting the diagnosis of phlegmonous gastritis. The patient was given empirical antibiotic treatment, and the white blood cell decreased dramatically. Surgical intervention was discussed but deferred. Despite continued antibiotics treatment, the patient died. The limited autopsy confirmed the diagnosis of phlegmonous gastritis. Immunohistochemical studies further revealed the occurrence of myeloid sarcoma that involved the gastrointestinal tract.
