Internal medicine
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Histoplasmosis is caused by Histoplasma capsulatum and is prevalent in areas of the world where H. capsulatum is endemic. We herein report a patient diagnosed with HIV-1 who developed histoplasmosis from a non-H. capsulatum endemic area who experienced severe hemophagocytic syndrome due to a delayed diagnosis. ⋯ The unrestricted administration of antifungal medication for oral candidiasis delayed the diagnosis because it improved the patient's condition. This case underscores the importance of prudent antifungal drug use in undiagnosed disseminated conditions and evaluating the travel history going back several years to facilitate a diagnosis.
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A 46-year-old woman with Turner syndrome (TS) (45,X/46,X,idic (X) (p11.4) mosaic) presented with a fever, unresponsiveness, hyperhidrosis, and rigidity approximately one month after episodes of confusion and suicide attempts, prompting a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) showed mild hypercellularity with oligoclonal bands. Brain and abdominal magnetic resonance imaging showed no abnormalities. ⋯ Intensive immunotherapy was initiated, and the symptoms improved. Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis was diagnosed based on the presence of anti-NMDAR antibodies in her spinal fluid. This case represents a rare presentation of anti-NMDAR encephalitis in TS, which is susceptible to autoimmune disease complications.
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Adult multisystem Langerhans cell histiocytosis (MS-LCH) is rare and has a poor prognosis. A 67-year-old man with MS-LCH presented with a hepatic tumor rupture and multiple masses in the lungs, liver, and pancreas. ⋯ A literature review revealed a distinct subset of MS-LCH that can be managed by smoking cessation and careful observation through follow-up imaging. This suggests that careful observation through follow-up imaging may be a reasonable alternative to chemotherapy in select adult cases of MS-LCH.
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Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis/mycosis (ABPA/ABPM) is characterized by increased serum levels of total and fungi-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) and eosinophilic mucus plugs in the airways. Its classification as either an allergic or eosinophilic disease remains controversial. ⋯ We also compared therapeutic responses to biologics targeting either IgE (omalizumab) or eosinophils (mepolizumab/benralizumab) to elucidate the role of these components in the pathogenesis of ABPA/ABPM. Based on these analyses, eosinophilic mucus plug formation in the airways is considered a cardinal feature of the development of ABPA/ABPM, whereas IgE responses to fungi are important factors that modulate disease manifestation.