ABSTRACT
Splenic abscess is a rare infection that may develop from a multitude of causes. There are several different microorganisms implicated in pathological formation including Staphylococci, Streptococci, Salmonella, and Escherichia coli. Antibiotics are the first line of therapy in treatment with eventual surgical intervention. It is imperative to have surgical intervention performed due to increased rates in mortality with only medical management. However, specific treatment guidelines in the management of splenic abscess have been unclear due to the low number of documented cases. We report the case of a splenic abscess in thirty-year-old female two months following an appendectomy. The goal of this case report is to help provide additional context into management and treatment options for splenic abscess using literature review.
ABSTRACT
The role of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus and associated autoimmune phenomenon behind pathology development has been a scientific mystery since the onset of the pandemic in 2020. Early on, scientific studies showed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) being linked to many pathological consequences including blood clots, neurocognitive dysfunction, and cardiomyopathy. We present a case of acute hypothyroidism in an 88-year-old female with no previous history of thyroid dysfunction or disease. The eventual workup revealed a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) of greater than 100,000 milli-international units per liter (mlU/L) and a thyroxine (free T4) level of less than 0.10 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dl). At the time of presentation, she was found to have a positive COVID-19 test despite being vaccinated. She was started on a levothyroxine injection, which led to eventual symptom resolution. Our aim of this case report is to highlight the possibility of her acute hypothyroidism being triggered by the onset of COVID-19.
ABSTRACT
Coexistent heterozygous factor V Leiden and homozygous prothrombin G20210A gene mutations is a rare and potentially life-threatening occurrence. This inherited thrombophilia often presents as non-specific venous thromboemboli and can mimic a variety of emergent medical conditions. The pathophysiology of the disease has been well documented; however, long-term treatment efficacy remains poorly understood. We report the case of a 25-year-old male presenting with acute chest pain. A comprehensive workup revealed bilateral pulmonary emboli arising in part from concomitant heterozygous factor V Leiden and homozygous prothrombin G20210A gene mutations. Immediate and continuous treatment with anticoagulants enoxaparin and apixaban significantly reduced the patient's symptoms and D-dimer within one week. This case provides insight into an effective treatment regimen for this rare and inherited thrombophilia.
