Blastocystis sp. Infection Mimicking Clostridium Difficile Colitis

We report an unusual case of severe diarrhea related to Blastocystis sp. infection in a patient with end stage renal disease on hemodialysis. The patient was admitted due to profuse diarrhea associated with fever and leukocytosis. Pertinent stool work-up such as leukocytes in stool, stool culture, clostridium difficile toxin B PCR, and serology for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C and cytomegalovirus screening were all negative. Ova and parasite stool examination revealed Blastocystis sp. The patient was given intravenous metronidazole with clinical improvement by day three and total resolution of symptoms by day ten

Case Report Blastocystis sp. Infection Mimicking Clostridium Difficile Colitis

We report an unusual case of severe diarrhea related to Blastocystis sp. infection in a patient with end stage renal disease on hemodialysis. The patient was admitted due to profuse diarrhea associated with fever and leukocytosis. Pertinent stool work-up such as leukocytes in stool, stool culture, clostridium difficile toxin B PCR, and serology for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C and cytomegalovirus screening were all negative. Ova and parasite stool examination revealed Blastocystis sp. The patient was given intravenous metronidazole with clinical improvement by day three and total resolution of symptoms by day ten

Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Glomerulonephritis in a Case of Scleroderma After Recent Diagnosis With COVID-19

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) is a rare occurrence in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients. AAV is an inflammatory disease that can lead to kidney failure due to the infiltration of mononuclear cells and the destruction of blood vessels. Also, crescentic glomerulonephritis (GN) has rarely been reported with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and acute tubular injury is the most common renal pathology lesion in these patients. We present a rare case of a 46-year-old woman with SSc with new onset of renal failure after a recent diagnosis of COVID-19. Her serology was positive for p-ANCA and myeloperoxidase antibodies. Kidney biopsy was done and showed crescentic GN. We suggest during this pandemic, patients with an immunological disorder that are infected with COVID-19 be closely monitored for any organ involvement

Left Bundle Branch Block: A Reversible Pernicious Effect of Lacosamide

A 95-year-old male with a medical history of focal epilepsy presented with transient ischemic attack (TIA)/pre-syncope like symptoms. He was on lacosamide (LCM) and levetiracetam. On evaluation, he was found to have left bundle branch block (LBBB), sinus pause of three seconds, and 1st degree atrioventricular (AV) block. After holding LCM, electrocardiogram changes were reversed to baseline (before commencing LCM). In conclusion, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of reversible LBBB along with sinoatrial (SA) node and AV node dysfunction in an elderly male on LCM therapy

Infective Endocarditis and Intravenous Drug Users: Never Was and Never Will Be Taken Lightly

Infective endocarditis (IE) is the infection of the endocardial surface (innermost layer - valves, chordae tendineae, and papillary muscles) of the heart. It usually refers to infection of one or more of the heart valves which may be native or prosthetic. The definition also includes infection on indwelling cardiac devices. Over time, the etiology, as well as causes of IE, have evolved and doubled in numbers because of a greater number of patients with indwelling cardiac devices and central lines. Some characteristic features have remained the same, including intravenous drug users (IVDU) and right-sided IE, fever, or peripheral signs of IE. However, there are instances where the clinical presentation is unique. Here we describe an unusual case of an IVDU patient developing acute decompensated heart failure following acute aortic regurgitation (AR) from IE without fever and right-sided heart or tricuspid valve involvement

The threat of weight-loss over the counter supplements: A case of camellia sinensis autoimmune hepatitis

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) arises as a result of environmental and immunological interactions. Herbal and dietary supplements (HDS) are known triggers, and approximately half of the U.S. adult population consumes them, even though they are restricted. Therefore, the importance of recognizing potential triggers of AIH is considered relevant. The mechanism behind HDS Camellia Sinensis inducing AIH is related to its compounds, catechins, which induce reactive oxygen species leading to a liver immune-mediated response. We present here a challenging case of a middle-aged woman with AIH following the consumption of a weight-loss Mexican green tea containing Camellia Sinensis

Hypernatremia in Diabetic Ketoacidosis: Rare Presentation and a Cautionary Tale

Hyponatremia in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is common and can be due to several reasons. However, hypernatremia in DKA is rare and can be life-threatening. Its exact etiology is not clear and several mechanisms related to water deficit from inadequate oral intake and free water loss that supersedes the electrolyte loss through diarrhea or vomiting have been proposed. Treating the DKA more aggressively than the hypernatremia itself, choosing a hypoosmolar fluid, and switching to D5-0.45% saline, when glucose has decreased, are some of the vital considerations for the management of hypernatremia in DKA. We present a 44-year-old male patient with an unclear history of DKA with unusually severe hypernatremia that gradually responded to aggressive management of DKA with rigorous IV hydration and the above-mentioned strategies