COVID-19-Associated Portal Vein Thrombosis Post-Cholecystitis.

This case study describes a 45-year-old Caucasian male with a past medical history of obesity, hypertension, and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, who in the setting of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia, developed portal vein thrombosis (PVT) presenting as an acute abdomen after hospital discharge from a cholecystitis episode. PVT is a very infrequent thromboembolic condition, classically occurring in patients with systemic conditions such as cirrhosis, malignancy, pancreatitis, diverticulitis, autoimmunity, and thrombophilia. PVT can cause serious complications, such as intestinal infarction, or even death, if not promptly treated. Due to the limited number of reports in the literature describing PVT in the COVID-19 setting, its prevalence, natural history, mechanism, and precise clinical features remain unknown. Therefore, clinical suspicion should be high for PVT, in any COVID-19 patient who presents with abdominal pain or associated signs and symptoms. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of COVID-19-associated PVT causing extensive thrombosis in the portal vein and its right branch, occurring in the setting of early-stage cirrhosis after a preceding episode of cholecystitis.

Hematologic Conditions: Leukopenia.

Leukopenia is a common finding in the outpatient setting. It typically occurs because of a significant reduction in neutrophils, which comprise 50% to 70% of circulating leukocytes. Neutropenia is defined as an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of less than 1,500/mcL. Neutropenia is classified by whether it is transient or chronic. Chronic neutropenia can be further described as extrinsic or intrinsic. Extrinsic causes are varied. Intrinsic causes can include impaired proliferation and maturation of myeloid progenitor cells in the bone marrow. Assessment of patients with neutropenia should be guided by the severity on presentation. The duration of leukopenia and the clinical status of the patient also should be considered. Some patients with neutropenia can develop life-threatening bacterial infections. In neutropenic patients, the risk of febrile neutropenia should be assessed systematically. Patients with febrile neutropenia should undergo treatment with antibiotics. Other treatments are aimed at management of the underlying cause of neutropenia.

Hematologic Conditions: Leukocytosis and Leukemia.

Leukocytosis is defined as a white blood cell count greater than 11,000/mcL in nonpregnant adults. It is a common finding, and the differential diagnosis can be broadly divided into primary malignant diseases and secondary causes that are expected physiologic responses of the bone marrow. Infections and chronic inflammatory conditions are common causes of secondary leukocytosis. A thorough history, physical examination, and peripheral blood smear are the basis of the initial evaluation. Constitutional symptoms along with an abnormal peripheral blood smear result indicate the need for evaluation for malignancy. Patients with chronic leukemias usually present with less severe symptoms than patients with acute leukemias. Symptoms generally are gradual in onset. Acute leukemias should be recognized quickly because they may be associated with life-threatening complications. Urgent referral to a hematology subspecialist is indicated in cases of suspected acute leukemia.

Hematologic Conditions: Common Hemoglobinopathies.

Hemoglobinopathies are genetic disorders that lead to abnormal structure of the hemoglobin molecule. Genetic mutation results in major changes in the hemoglobin structure, with dysfunctions related to changes in shape, oxygen-carrying capacity, or ability to clump together, causing obstruction of the vascular system. Sickle cell disease and beta thalassemia major are two common hemoglobinopathies worldwide. However, they occur infrequently in the United States, with approximately 101,000 individuals affected. Sickle cell disease phenotypically is exhibited in patients with two hemoglobin S genes but the disease broadly includes many other hemoglobin abnormalities. Complications vary according to genotype and include acute pain crisis, vasoocclusive events, and acute chest syndrome. Blood transfusions are a mainstay of therapy. The two main categories of thalassemias are beta thalassemias and alpha thalassemias. Symptoms range from severe to none. The severity depends on how many genes are affected. Patients with the most severe form of beta thalassemia (ie, two affected genes) are categorized as having thalassemia major or transfusion-dependent disease. The primary treatment for beta thalassemia major currently is transfusions, although stem cell transplantation is a potentially curative option.

Hematologic Conditions: Platelet Disorders.

Platelets have an important role in hemostasis. Platelet disorders occur when too few or too many platelets are present, or when platelet functions are abnormal. Thrombocytopenia, defined as a platelet count less than 150,000/mcL, can be acute or chronic and congenital or acquired. Severe thrombocytopenia is associated with life-threatening bleeding and thrombotic complications. A comprehensive history and physical examination are central to the diagnostic approach. These elements should focus on identification of concurrent conditions associated with thrombocytopenia and differentiation among three mechanisms: decreased platelet production, increased platelet consumption, and platelet sequestration. Although previously thought to be the result of a single process, thrombocytopenia often is due to a combination of factors. Thrombocytosis is present when the platelet count is elevated. The principal types are essential (primary) thrombocythemia and reactive (secondary) thrombocytosis. Essential thrombocythemia is a myeloproliferative neoplasm associated with mutations of genes that regulate thrombopoiesis (eg, JAK2). It can lead to thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications. Reactive thrombocytosis frequently is encountered in the family medicine setting. It rarely causes vascular complications or requires management beyond that required for the underlying condition. Written permission from the American Academy of Family Physicians is required for reproduction of this material in whole or in part in any form or medium.

Diabetes in the elderly: Matching meds to needs.

Elderly patients, whose insulin resistance is complicated by age-related loss of beta-cell function and concomitant diseases, require personalized Tx considerations.