A Case of Postcoronavirus Disease 2019 Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-associated Vasculitis Successfully Treated with Rituximab.

We report a case of a 69-year-old Caucasian male with a history of hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, and Stage IIIa chronic kidney disease (CKD), who presented to the emergency department with positional dizziness, generalized weakness, weight loss, and suppressed appetite. Two months earlier, the patient was diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The patient had non-oliguric acute kidney injury alongside preexisting CKD. The urinalysis showed hematuria and significant non-nephrotic proteinuria. His serological markers were positive for antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies with high titers. A kidney biopsy showed focal crescentic glomerulonephritis of the pauci-immune type. Initially, treatment with immunosuppressive medication was deferred because the biopsy findings suggested a poor renal outcome, as the cortical sample showed tubular atrophy and interstitial fibrosis of more than 50%. The patient was discharged but was later readmitted with worsening renal function, deep venous thrombosis in the lower extremities, and patchy lung consolidation suggesting possible pneumonia, which was ruled out. He required dialysis and brief empiric antibiotics for pneumonia, and anticoagulation for deep venous thrombosis, and was treated with intravenous (IV) pulsed steroids, followed by gradually tapering oral steroids and rituximab induction therapy. He continued dialysis three times a week. Three months after discharge, his renal function improved to near-baseline level, and he no longer required hemodialysis. He continues to be on maintenance IV rituximab therapy and low-dose oral steroids and is followed closely by a rheumatologist. Our case reflects the evolving state of understanding how COVID-19 impacts the immune system, its varying manifestations, and its management.

COVID-19 Presenting as Banti's Syndrome.

COVID causing Banti's syndrome has not been reported in literature yet. Banti's syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by splenomegaly, ascites, and portal hypertension without coexisting cirrhosis of the liver. Here we report a case of a 32-year-old man who presented with hematemesis, and further workup revealed that the patient had bleeding varices, ascites, and splenomegaly, thus completing the picture of Banti's syndrome. Although this is a rare disorder, Banti's syndrome must be taken into account in a patient presenting with hematemesis and splenomegaly. The patient had flu-like symptoms for three weeks but did not seek any medical help and eventually presented with Banti's syndrome. His serology was positive for COVID-19. The coronavirus (COVID-19), discovered in 2019, has been creating havoc since it first emerged in China and is now spreading worldwide. Its presentation is somewhat similar to influenza.

A Case of a COVID-19-positive Patient.

The coronavirus (COVID-19), discovered in 2019, has been creating havoc since it first emerged in China and is now spreading worldwide. Its presentation is somewhat similar to influenza. We hereby discuss the salient features of the coronavirus and present the case of a 33-year-old male who was tested positive for COVID-19.

Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura Associated with Myelodysplastic Syndrome.

Myelodysplasia and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) are both rare diseases. TTP is a blood abnormality in which blood clots form in blood vessels leading to fatal outcomes. Myelodysplastic syndrome is a group of disorders caused by poorly formed blood cells or ones that do not work properly. We are hereby presenting the case of a 69-year-old female who presented with anemia, thrombocytopenia, changes in mental status and reduced kidney function, and further investigations revealed that the patient had underlying myelodysplasia.

Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura Associated with Dermatomyositis.

Dermatomyositis and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) are both rare diseases. TTP is a blood abnormality in which blood clots form in blood vessels leading to fatal outcomes. Dermatomyositis is an inflammatory myopathy which causes a distinctive skin rash and muscle weakness. We are hereby presenting the case of a 27-year-old female who presented with characteristic skin findings on the face pathognomic of dermatomyositis and further investigation revealed that she had underlying TTP.