Rare Case of Disseminated Histoplasmosis Mitral Valve Endocarditis in Florida.

BACKGROUND Histoplasma capsulatum is prevalent in the mid-eastern United States and is an environmental fungus that causes human infection by the inhalation of its spores. It is commonly associated with areas containing large amounts of bird excrement and can survive for years in the soil. Only 1% of infected individuals develop disseminated histoplasmosis or Histoplasma endocarditis. CASE REPORT A 61-year-old man with atrial fibrillation had 8 months of fatigue, low-grade fevers, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss presented to the Emergency Department. He worked and lived in Central Florida and although he raised cattle, he denied exposure to birds or bats with regularity. A transesophageal echocardiogram confirmed a sessile echo density on the atrial surface of the mitral valve. His microbial Karius cell-free DNA test from his blood sample was positive for Histoplasma capsulatum, and he was immediately given intravenous liposomal amphotericin for 2 weeks. A tissue valve was used to successfully replace his mitral valve along with a coronary artery bypass and a maze procedure for his persistent atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. The diagnosis of mitral valve endocarditis from disseminated histoplasmosis was confirmed by pathological analysis, and he was sent home on long-term itraconazole maintenance treatment. CONCLUSIONS Surgical intervention in combination with anti-fungal medication can be a lifesaving intervention for disseminated histoplasmosis. A thorough history is particularly important when evaluating a patient with an unknown infectious source, especially assessing for risk factors, including exposure to environmental factors, workplace, and animals.

Left anterior descending artery disease in a 27-year-old with multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 2A: A case report.

Multiple endocrine neoplasia 2A is an autosomal dominant disease characterized by medullary thyroid cancer, pheochromocytoma, and primary hyperparathyroidism. Coronary artery disease is associated with the disorder, but the mechanism is unclear. A 27-year-old female presented with chest pain and palpitations. A left heart catheterization was performed and showed 80% stenosis of the left anterior descending artery. Imaging and workup also revealed primary hyperparathyroidism associated with a parathyroid adenoma and elevated serum and urine metanephrines and norepinephrines. A computed tomography of the abdomen revealed a large heterogeneous right adrenal mass measuring 7.9 cm × 6.8 cm × 8 cm consistent with a pheochromocytoma. The patient subsequently underwent adrenal mass resection and a complete thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy. Early recognition and treatment of multiple endocrine neoplasia 2A can possibly reduce the risk of lethal heart disease in addition to the other associated endocrine disturbances.

A Case of Near-Fatal Bradycardia Caused by Accidental Cannabis Intoxication.

The recreational and medicinal uses of cannabis are increasing worldwide. Given the recent legalization of marijuana in some regions of the United States, the use of edible formulations has become increasingly popular, especially among the elderly. These new formulations can be up to 10 times more potent than previously available preparations and have been associated with a variety of cardiovascular adverse effects. Here, we present a case of an elderly male who presented with dizziness and altered mental status. He was found to be severely bradycardic and emergently required atropine. Further investigation revealed that he accidentally ingested large amounts of oral cannabis. An extensive cardiac workup revealed no other etiology for his arrhythmia. Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the most commonly studied cannabis compounds. With the increased access to and popularity of edible cannabis formulations, this case demonstrates the need for further research regarding the safety of oral cannabis.