Der Internist
-
Review Case Reports
[Severe secondary sclerosing cholangitis as manifestation of a very rare underlying disease].
Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a very rare cause of secondary sclerosing cholangitis. We report the case of a 42-year-old male patient with sclerosing cholangitis and histological evidence of LCH from a bile duct biopsy. Due to rapid disease progression and exhaustion of conservative therapeutic approaches the patient received a liver transplantation. Nearly 2 years after transplantation the patient has a good graft function and no signs of recurrence of the underlying LCH.
-
In the last 20 years the clarification of monogenic periodic febrile diseases has led to the independent concept of autoinflammation. In this heterogeneous group polygenic complex diseases are also now included. The spectrum of symptoms is continuously growing. ⋯ These include adult-onset Still's disease (AoSD), Adamantiades-Behçet disease, the PFAPA syndrome (periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and cervical adenitis) and gouty arthritis. All autoinflammatory fever syndromes are accompanied by a long-term risk of development of amyloid A amyloidosis, depending on the individual severity and treatment success. In some diseases severe complications can sometimes occur.
-
Periodic fever syndromes (PFS) are a group of rare autoinflammatory diseases, which are characterized by disorders of the innate immune reaction and life-long recurrent episodes of inflammatory symptoms. This article describes the diagnostic approach. ⋯ The panel diagnostics using high throughput sequencing or next generation sequencing (NGS) is the method of choice for the detection of a genetic cause of PFS. This article discusses the diagnostic decision support systems (DDSS) that can play a future role in the diagnosis of rare diseases, especially those with complex patterns of symptoms.
-
The cystic transformation of the kidneys and liver are the most common symptoms of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (prevalence 1:400-1:1000). A set of other manifestations can be observed less frequently, such as intracranial aneurysms. End-stage renal disease affects 50% of patients by the age of 70 years. ⋯ Currently, preclinical and clinical trials are testing numerous agents for the establishment of targeted treatment against the cystic degeneration of the kidneys and liver. This also includes dietary approaches. So far, in contrast to other genetic diseases, there are currently no gene therapy approaches for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.
-
The prevalence of the chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (CIBD) Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) is on the rise worldwide. In Germany CIBDs are also a significant healthcare problem. The pathogenesis is complex and involves genetic factors, environmental aspects and changes in the immunological constitution. ⋯ Clinical scores, endoscopy, ultrasound, laboratory parameters and calprotectin determination in stool are employed to evaluate treatment response (treat to target approach). Ultimately, the long-term goal is mucosal healing. Despite advances in the pharmaceutical treatment, a significant number of patients with CIBD still suffer from treatment refractory courses and need surgery at some time during the disease.