Unusually high creatine kinase in a case of rhabdomyolysis without acute kidney injury: a case report.

Background: While rhabdomyolysis frequently leads to hospital admissions, typically following trauma, recurrent occurrences are relatively rare, accounting for just 10% of cases. For young patients experiencing repetitive episodes without an apparent cause, a comprehensive investigation into the possible etiologies is crucial. Recognizing the atypical nature of recurrent rhabdomyolysis is crucial and a thorough workup encompassing evaluations for potential endocrine, inflammatory, and metabolic etiologies is recommended. Additionally, acute kidney injury is a common complication with severe rhabdomyolysis, hence early recognition and intervention is crucial. Case Description: Herein we present a case of a 30-year-old young African American male patient with recurrent rhabdomyolysis with the highest ever reported creatine kinase (CK) to our knowledge. A notable aspect of this case is the surprising absence of acute kidney injury, despite the severity of CK elevation. We also delve into the extensive workup done for rhabdomyolysis of unclear etiology. Conclusions: Our case underscores the importance of looking into non-traumatic factors behind recurrent rhabdomyolysis, especially in young patients. We also stress the significance of early detection and intervention, showcasing the potential to prevent acute kidney injury even in the presence of markedly elevated CK levels. Timely recognition and appropriate management can prove instrumental in mitigating the severity of complications associated with rhabdomyolysis.

Cystic bronchiectasis in sarcoidosis.

Pulmonary sarcoidosis can manifest in different radiologic patterns. Typical manifestations in high-resolution computed tomography are bilateral perihilar lymphadenopathy, micronodules, and fibrotic changes. Atypical manifestations are mass-like or alveolar opacities, honeycomb-like cysts, miliary opacities, tracheobronchial involvement, and pleural disease. Cystic bronchiectasis in pulmonary sarcoidosis is rare, with only a few reported cases in the literature. We present another case of cystic bronchiectasis with a honeycomb-like pattern in pulmonary sarcoidosis and with cardiac involvement. This case was presented as an abstract poster at the American Thoracic Society conference in 2022.

COVID-19 Bullous Lung Disease Superinfection by Raoultella planticola.

Bullous lung lesions from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia, causing pneumothorax, are a rare complication, affecting up to 1% of infected patients. Raoultella planticola is an aerobic, gram-negative bacteria known to cause opportunistic infection. We present a rare case of spontaneous pneumothorax from rupture of lung bulla as a late sequela from COVID-19 pneumonia and superinfection of the bulla by R. planticola. Although superinfection of bullous lesions is known, this is the first reported case of R. planticola pneumonia in a patient with COVID-19 lung bullae. COVID-19 patients are at heightened risk for bullous lung lesions and superinfection by opportunistic organisms; thus, they should be followed up closely.

Heroin-Induced Acute Pancreatitis.

Heroin-induced pancreatitis (HIP) is rare with only a few cases reported previously in the literature and the pathophysiology mechanism is yet to be investigated. We present two cases of acute pancreatitis (AP) in the setting of acute heroin (diacetylmorphine) intoxication. Both patients presented with nausea, vomiting and severe abdominal pain after intranasal heroin use. On laboratory analysis were found to have elevated serum lipase, positive urine toxicology for opioids, without any other obvious causes for AP. Both patients had a full recovery with supportive treatment. As a general approach, drug-induced pancreatitis is a diagnosis of exclusion and a high index of suspicion is required when the most common etiologies are ruled out.

A Rare Case of an Abdominal Aortic Thrombus Secondary to Syphilitic Aortitis.

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted spirochete infection whose presentation depends on the stage of infection. Currently, due to antibiotic treatment, tertiary syphilis is a rare clinical entity. When present, it is characterized by neurosyphilis, gummas, and cardiovascular infection. We present a case of a 64-year-old male who came with abdominal pain due to allergic colitis and was incidentally found to have a mural thrombus of his abdominal aorta. Following a negative workup and no etiologic cause of the thrombus, the patient was diagnosed with syphilitic aortitis. Previous cases have been seen in patients who present with infarction due to aortic thrombosis secondary to syphilitic aortitis. Practitioners must be aware that patients with tertiary syphilis, such as this patient, could have aortic thrombosis without any signs of ischemia and are at risk for infarction.