Unresolved Chronic Diarrhea: A Case of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor-Induced Mesenteric Angioedema.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) are frequently prescribed for cardiovascular and renal diseases. However, ACEI-induced visceral angioedema is a rare occurrence that often goes unnoticed and poses a diagnostic challenge due to its non-specific and diverse symptoms. Key diagnostic indicators on a CT scan include the 'target' sign, elongation of bowel loops, enlarged mesenteric vessels, mesenteric edema with or without ascites, thickened omentum, and the absence of vascular compromise or adenopathy. Discontinuation of ACEI usually results in symptom resolution within 48 hours. While this phenomenon is more commonly observed in females and African Americans, we present a case of a Caucasian male who underwent an extensive diagnostic evaluation, including exploratory surgery, before ACEI-induced angioedema was considered. LEARNING POINTS: The occurrence of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI)-induced visceral angioedema is infrequent, frequently overlooked, and presents a diagnostic challenge due to its wide range of non-specific symptoms.While ACEI-induced visceral angioedema is more frequently observed in females and African Americans, it is crucial not to overlook the possibility of this phenomenon in other demographic groups as well.Its rarity emphasizes the importance of including it in the list of potential conditions to be considered, thus preventing unnecessary tests and procedures.

The Silent Threat: A Case of Iatrogenic Asymptomatic Aortic Dissection Post Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

Asymptomatic aortic dissection (AD) is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication that can occur following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. While CABG is a well-established surgical procedure for managing multivessel coronary artery disease, it can inadvertently predispose patients to the development of AD, especially in those with pre-existing aortic pathology. The pathophysiology underlying AD after CABG is multifactorial, with factors, such as atherosclerosis, manipulation of the aorta during surgery, and hemodynamic stress, playing significant roles. Notably, the absence of symptoms poses a diagnostic challenge, as patients may remain unaware of the underlying condition until a catastrophic event occurs. Therefore, a high index of suspicion and vigilant postoperative monitoring are crucial in identifying asymptomatic AD. Diagnostic modalities including imaging techniques, such as computed tomography angiography (CTA), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and echocardiography, play pivotal roles in confirming the diagnosis and determining the extent of the dissection. Prompt surgical intervention is generally recommended in symptomatic patients or those with evidence of impending complications. We hereby present a case report of a patient who presented with asymptomatic AD post CABG surgery and discuss the pathophysiology, presentation, diagnostic workup, and treatment options.

A Journey From Cardiology to Oncology Reveals a Rare Case of Primary Intimal Sarcoma in a Patient With Dyspnea: A Case Report.

Primary intimal sarcoma of the pulmonary artery is a rare and aggressive malignancy that arises from the intimal layer of the pulmonary artery. It typically presents with nonspecific symptoms such as dyspnea, chest pain, and hemoptysis, making early diagnosis challenging. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are useful in identifying the tumor's location and extent. A definitive diagnosis is established by biopsy, either via surgical resection or percutaneous needle biopsy. However, diagnosis can be difficult due to the rarity of the disease and the need for specialized expertise in interpreting pathology specimens. Treatment of primary intimal sarcoma of the pulmonary artery involves surgical resection, followed by adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Despite aggressive treatment, the prognosis remains poor, with a median survival of approximately two years. However, early detection and aggressive multimodal therapy can improve outcomes. We hereby report a rare case of primary intimal sarcoma of the pulmonary artery and discuss its pathophysiology, presentation, diagnostic approach, and treatment options.

Acute Colonic Pseudo-Obstruction in a Patient With COVID-19 Pneumonia: A Case Report.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is primarily a respiratory illness caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. However, the disease is also known to cause a range of extrapulmonary manifestations, including gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The exact mechanisms by which the virus causes extrapulmonary manifestations are not fully understood, but it is theorized that the virus can enter cells in other organs including the GI tract, through the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. This can result in inflammation and damage to the affected organs. In rare cases, COVID-19 can also cause acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (ACPO), a condition characterized by symptoms of bowel obstruction but without a physical obstruction present. Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication of COVID-19 that requires prompt recognition and treatment to prevent further complications such as bowel ischemia and perforation. We hereby present a case report of a patient with COVID-19 pneumonia developing ACPO and discuss the suggested pathophysiology, diagnostic approach, and treatment options.

Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Inhibits Dendritic Cell Activation and Attenuates Nephritis in a Mouse Model of Lupus.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder with a worldwide distribution and considerable mortality and morbidity. Although the pathogenesis of this disease remains elusive, over-reactive dendritic cells (DCs) play a critical role in the disease development. It has been shown that human alpha-1 antitrypsin (hAAT) has protective effects in type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis mouse models. In the present study, we tested the effect of AAT on DC differentiation and functions, as well as its protective effect in a lupus-prone mouse model. We showed that hAAT treatment significantly inhibited LPS (TLR4 agonist) and CpG (TLR9 agonist) -induced bone-marrow (BM)-derived conventional and plasmacytoid DC (cDC and pDC) activation and reduced the production of inflammatory cytokines including IFN-I, TNF-α and IL-1ß. In MRL/lpr mice, hAAT treatment significantly reduced BM-derived DC differentiation, serum autoantibody levels, and importantly attenuated renal pathology. Our results for the first time demonstrate that hAAT inhibits DC activation and function, and it also attenuates autoimmunity and renal damage in the MRL/lpr lupus model. These results imply that hAAT has a therapeutic potential for the treatment of SLE in humans.