A Rare Case of Diffuse Idiopathic Pulmonary Neuroendocrine Cell Hyperplasia: A Case Report.

Diffuse idiopathic pulmonary neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia (DIPNECH) is a rare pulmonary disease characterized by the diffuse proliferation of neuroendocrine cells in the bronchial epithelium. It is considered a preinvasive precursor to carcinoid tumors and usually presents with obstructive symptoms. We present the case of a 71-year-old female, non-smoker, with a past medical history of asthma, osteoarthritis, allergic rhinitis, and hyperlipidemia who was referred to the pulmonology clinic in view of incidental chest CT findings of multiple pulmonary nodules. Physical examination and labs were unremarkable. CT of the chest showed scattered multiple noncalcified pulmonary nodules with a 10 mm dominant nodule in the inferior right middle lobe and several subcentimeter hypodensities in the left and right lobes of the lung. A PET scan confirmed the CT findings along with no abnormal hypermetabolic activity to suggest malignancy. The patient was followed up in the pulmonology clinic at six months, 12 months, and then 18 months. At 18 months owing to a slight increase in the size of the largest lung nodule, a CT-guided biopsy done was conclusive of a carcinoid. The tumor cells were positive for synaptophysin, chromogranin, insulinoma-associated protein 1 (INSM-1), and thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF-1). The Ki-67 (Keil) index was <1%. A video-assisted thoracic surgery with right middle lobectomy along with mediastinal lymph node dissection was then done, and the patient was found to have stage pT1aN0 typical carcinoid tumor (1.0 cm), with multiple carcinoid tumors and neuroendocrine hyperplasia, consistent with DIPNECH. She has been under clinical follow-up for over three years at present and continues to be asymptomatic with complete remission following surgery. DIPNECH primarily affects middle-aged, non-smoking females who present with cough and dyspnea, and diagnosis is often delayed due to clinical features overlapping with those of obstructive lung disease. Imaging shows lung nodules, ground-glass opacities, and/or mosaic attenuation. Due to the rarity of the conditions, there are no established clinical trials, and therefore, there is a need to establish guidelines.

A Rare Case of Pseudomonas luteola Bacteremia Complicated by Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis.

Pseudomonas luteola (P. luteola), or Chryseomonas luteola, is an organism rarely reported as a human pathogen of concern. Commonly missed due to its rarity, emerging literature has shown its potential for pathogenicity; therefore, increased vigilance must always be observed in dealing with these bacteria, especially in immunocompromised patients and those with indwelling catheters, foreign bodies, and prosthetic implants. We present a case of a patient who came in for a persistent headache, found to have meningitis, and ended up with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CSVT) on further investigation. Interestingly, the patient did not have any other medical conditions, nor did he have any indwelling catheters or foreign bodies. After an extensive literature review, we report the first case of CSVT caused by P. luteola meningitis in an immunocompetent patient, and we aim to shed light on the diagnosis and treatment approach in this unusual case.

Assay Interference Causing Persistently Elevated Vancomycin Levels Leading to Treatment Failure and Fatal Outcome.

In patients receiving vancomycin therapy, serum drug levels are routinely monitored to ensure therapeutic dosing and minimize toxicity. In rare cases, vancomycin levels may be falsely or persistently elevated without any apparent cause. In this case report, we explore a rare case of persistently elevated vancomycin levels despite discontinuation of the drug for days.  This is a case of a 69-year-old female admitted for altered mental status secondary to sepsis from leg cellulitis. Antibiotic therapy included vancomycin. To ensure proper dosing, vancomycin trough levels were collected before the fourth dose, and the result showed a high value of 39 ug/ml. Vancomycin doses were adjusted as per the Bayesian dosing software, and the same remained to be in supratherapeutic levels. The patient eventually deteriorated, and due to persistently high vancomycin levels, the antibiotic regimen was switched to a different antibiotic. Despite normal renal functions, the vancomycin levels remained high, between 27 ug/ml and 32 ug/ml, even in the absence of any further doses. Subsequently, vancomycin serum concentration was determined by another method using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Blood cultures grew both coagulase-negative Staphylococcus aureus and Achromobacter xylosoxidans. Vancomycin levels remained high a week after discontinuation of the drug. Vancomycin by HPLC assay eventually showed that vancomycin was undetectable in the blood, but, unfortunately, the results came at a time when the patient had already expired. In conclusion, clinicians should maintain a high level of suspicion if persistently higher vancomycin levels cannot be accounted for by renal function or other causes. In patients with persistently high vancomycin levels who continue to clinically deteriorate, it is crucial to consider that assay interference can result in inaccurately elevated vancomycin levels.

Application of Artificial Intelligence in Neuroendocrine Lung Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment: A Systematic Review.

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) represent a heterogeneous group of neoplasms with diverse clinical presentations and prognoses. Accurate and timely diagnosis of these tumors is crucial for appropriate management and improved patient outcomes. In recent years, exciting advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) technologies have been revolutionizing medical diagnostics, particularly in the realm of detecting and characterizing pulmonary NETs, offering promising avenues for improved patient care. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the role of AI in diagnosing lung NETs. We discuss the current challenges associated with conventional diagnostic approaches, including histopathological examination and imaging modalities. Despite advancements in these techniques, accurate diagnosis remains challenging due to the overlapping features with other pulmonary lesions and the subjective interpretation of imaging findings. AI-based approaches, including machine learning and deep learning algorithms, have demonstrated remarkable potential in addressing these challenges. By leveraging large datasets of radiological images, histopathological samples, and clinical data, AI models can extract complex patterns and features that may not be readily discernible to human observers. Moreover, AI algorithms can continuously learn and improve from new data, leading to enhanced diagnostic accuracy and efficiency over time. Specific AI applications in the diagnosis of lung NETs include computer-aided detection and classification of pulmonary nodules on CT scans, quantitative analysis of PET imaging for tumor characterization, and integration of multi-modal data for comprehensive diagnostic assessments. These AI-driven tools hold promise for facilitating early detection, risk stratification, and personalized treatment planning in patients with lung NETs.

Four-Year Follow-Up of a Case of Yellow Nail Syndrome With IgM Deficiency.

Yellow nail syndrome is a rare condition occurring sporadically, with an extremely low prevalence rate. This syndrome classically presents with a triad of lower extremity edema, yellow nails, and mucosal issues such as pleural effusion and/or chronic sinusitis. Two out of the three features are deemed sufficient to diagnose a person with yellow nail syndrome. We present a rare case of yellow nail syndrome that began with chronic leg swelling and later progressed to the development of an asymptomatic pleural effusion and finally discoloration of nails. In our case, the patient did have a significant recent history of a total knee replacement with a titanium implant. Of note was the chronology of events including leg edema and asymptomatic pleural effusion which were present even before the titanium knee implant. The third feature of the hardening and yellow discoloration of the nails was found to have developed following the knee replacement. Interestingly, on further evaluation, he was found to have IgM deficiency.

Bradycardia, Renal Failure, Atrioventricular Block, Shock, and Hyperkalemia (BRASH) Syndrome Emergence in a Unique Intersection of COVID-19 and End-Stage Renal Disease: A Case Report.

Bradycardia, renal failure, atrioventricular (AV) block, shock, and hyperkalemia (BRASH) syndrome is a rare clinical entity that poses challenges for healthcare practitioners. It is characterized by bradycardia, renal failure, atrioventricular (AV) obstruction, shock, and hyperkalemia. This case is an interesting instance of BRASH syndrome in the setting of COVID-19 infection and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Initial laboratory results revealed macrocytic anemia, renal dysfunction, acidosis, and mild hyponatremia, along with hyperkalemia. An electrocardiogram (EKG) and telemonitoring showed dopamine-resistant persistent bradycardia until transvenous temporary pacemaker placement was done, which resolved the bradycardia. Anti-hyperkalemic therapy, avoiding AV nodal-blocking medication, and temporary pacemaker placement were all part of the management. After receiving hemodialysis, the patient gradually recovered. Bradycardia improved and potassium normalized. The intricate interaction between hyperkalemia and AV nodal obstruction that causes BRASH syndrome results in severe bradycardia and shock. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of BRASH syndrome in a patient with an active COVID-19 infection in a previously vaccinated patient. Even though case reports make up the majority of the material currently in publication, to fully comprehend the mechanisms underlying this illness, more research is required, as early detection of this syndrome is crucial for better patient outcomes.

Hypernatremia and Its Rate of Correction: The Evidence So Far.

Hypernatremia or high serum sodium levels can have many different causes, including insufficient free water intake, or excess free water losses. The management of hypernatremia focuses on resolving the underlying cause, replenishing free water deficit, and preventing further losses while closely monitoring serum sodium concentration. This systematic review was carried out using medical databases such as PubMed, PubMed Central, and Google Scholar for relevant medical literature. The identified articles were reviewed, eligibility criteria were applied, and seven research articles were identified. The effect of the rate of hypernatremia correction on both short- and long-term outcomes in volume-resuscitated patients was the focus of our search for randomized or observational studies. Based on our analysis of the clinical evidence, we concluded that the present recommendations for treating acute and chronic hypernatremia in resuscitated patients do not stem from high-quality research.

Metastatic Colon Cancer Presenting as Gallbladder Perforation: Highlighting the Diagnostic Challenges and Clinical Implications.

Gallbladder perforation is an uncommon occurrence that demands prompt surgical intervention, typically observed in the context of acute cholecystitis. In this article, we present an extraordinary case of gallbladder gangrene and perforation, originating from metastasis of colon cancer. The patient's presentation included an incidental discovery of colon cancer, which was indicated by histopathology of the gall bladder. This case report aims to shed light on the intricate relationship between gallbladder pathology and metastatic colon cancer, emphasizing the need for vigilant evaluation and comprehensive management strategies.

Intracranial Hemorrhage Induced Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy: A Case Report.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, also known as stress-induced cardiomyopathy or "broken heart syndrome," is a reversible cardiac disorder characterized by left ventricular dysfunction without significant obstructive coronary artery disease. It is classically secondary to emotional stress in postmenopausal women but can also be secondary to physical stress. This report presents a unique case of takotsubo cardiomyopathy induced by intracranial hemorrhage in an 80-year-old female who presented with syncope.

The Role of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy (DAPT) vs Surgery in a Case of Moyamoya Disease: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a rare cerebrovascular disease characterized by non-atherosclerotic and non-inflammatory progressive narrowing of the intracranial part of the carotid artery and its proximal branches. The disease process is commonly associated with the development of weak, dilated collateral blood vessels at the base of the brain. This gives it a classic smoky appearance on cerebral angiograms and hence the name "Moyamoya" which means "puff of smoke" in Japanese. When a patient has similar vasculopathy in the setting of another disease then it is known as Moyamoya syndrome (MMS). The associated diseases are sickle cell anemia, neurofibromatosis, long-standing diabetes, uncontrolled hypertension, or chemotherapy. Despite being known as a disease of the East Asian population, the disease is no longer exclusive to Asians, as evidenced by the rising incidence among non-Asian groups such as Caucasians, Hispanics, and African Americans. Patients can remain asymptomatic or present with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, headache, seizures, or recurrent transient ischemic attacks. Conventional cerebral angiography is considered the gold standard for diagnosing MMD. Treatment may be supportive, medical, or surgical. We present the case of a 42-year-old African American woman with several comorbidities who presented with sudden onset of ischemic stroke and upon further workup was found to have MMD. Equally important is to identify the most effective therapeutic approaches based on individual patients to achieve better clinical outcomes. Our case report highlights the importance of surgery in symptomatic MMD with a lack of supporting evidence indicating the benefits of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT).

Silent Migration of a Left Common Iliac Venous Stent to the Right Atrium: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

In the past decade, percutaneous endovenous stenting has emerged as the primary procedure for treating symptomatic venous outflow obstruction. Stent migration is a rare but serious and well-recognized complication of venous stenting. Cardiopulmonary complications following stent migration can manifest in a number of ways, including damage to the valves, arrhythmias, endocarditis, tamponade, and acute heart failure. Both extracardiac and intracardiac dislodgement of stents may be treated with catheter-directed extraction, stent redeployment, or surgical extraction. The decision on the type of procedure depends on multiple factors including the location of the stent, the size and accessibility of the stent, the symptoms, the extent of damage to the vital structures, and the overall health of the patient. We present the case of a 68-year-old male who presented with tachycardia. On further evaluation and workup, he was found to have an iliac venous stent that had migrated to the right atrium.

An Incidental Finding of Eagle Syndrome Post-Losartan-Induced Angioedema.

Eagle syndrome is a condition that can present with a wide range of clinical manifestations, including orofacial pain, altered sensation, dysphagia, tinnitus, and ear pain, and is caused by the abnormal elongation of the styloid process or the mineralization of the stylohyoid ligament. We present a case of an incidental finding of Eagle syndrome in a 48-year-old African American patient with losartan-induced angioedema. The patient complained of a foreign body sensation in his throat and mild dysphagia, and a computed tomography scan of his neck showed ossification of bilateral stylohyoid ligaments. This case report highlights the importance of being on the lookout for other pathologies when ordering imaging for primary diagnoses.

Workup and Management of Recurrent Attacks of Post-bariatric Hypoglycemia in a Patient With Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis.

Bariatric surgery is an established treatment option for patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) as well as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and is said to effectively reduce hepatic inflammation as well as steatosis in these patients. However, bariatric surgery is associated with multiple complications, including nutritional deficiencies, malnutrition, post-bariatric hypoglycemia (PBH), anastomotic leaks, and bowel strictures. This case report describes a rare but significant complication of post-bariatric surgery hypoglycemia in a patient with NASH, which started almost six months after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery. This 55-year-old male patient presented with recurrent episodes of severe hypoglycemia, which, on further work-up, were found to be predominantly nocturnal as well as occurring two to three hours after meals. We report the successful treatment of the patient with an unconventional approach using nifedipine and acarbose. Our findings emphasize the importance of careful evaluation of patients who have undergone bariatric surgery, as this complication can occur as early as six months following the bariatric surgery as well as several years after the surgery. Our case report highlights the need for early recognition, relevant workup, and appropriate management of resistant hypoglycemic events using calcium channel blockers and acarbose, thus adding to the existing literature on this topic.

Sarcoidosis Presenting as a Lung Mass in a Patient With COVID-19 Infection: A Case Report.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a viral infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) which is known to be associated with immune dysregulation and can cause multiorgan dysfunction. Sarcoidosis is another disease associated with increased inflammatory responses due to immune dysregulation which can also affect multiple organs. Although sarcoidosis, like COVID-19 infection, can affect virtually any organ, the lungs are the most commonly affected organs. Sarcoidosis most commonly presents as lung nodules and bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy. Rarely, multiple granulomatous lesions can coalesce and manifest as lung masses, and these often mimic lung cancer. We present a case of a 64-year-old male who presented with shortness of breath and pneumonia-like symptoms for one week and a nasopharyngeal swab for SARS-CoV-2 was positive. Workup revealed a large 6.3×4.7 cm lung mass in the right upper lobe along with enlarged bilateral lymph nodes. A CT-guided lung biopsy was done which revealed non-caseating granulomas containing epithelioid cells. Other causes of granuloma like tuberculosis and fungal infections were ruled out. The patient was managed with low-dose steroids and a follow-up CT scan done after eight months revealed complete resolution of lung mass with minimal mediastinal lymphadenopathy. This is, as far as we are aware, the first case of COVID-19 infection manifesting as a lung mass that was ultimately diagnosed as sarcoidosis.