The American journal of the medical sciences
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This study retrospectively analyzed the laboratory data and chest images of patients with amyopathic dermatomyositis associated with interstitial lung disease (ADM-ILD) and patients with other connective tissue disease-related ILDs (CTD-ILDs) to find a characteristic index for the early recognition of ADM-ILD and help clinicians consider the possibility of ADM-ILD as soon as possible. ⋯ ADM-ILD patients have higher serum LDH, AST and CK-MB levels, especially serum LDH levels, and are more prone to organizing pneumonia radiologic patterns on chest HRCT scans than other CTD-ILD patients. A high level of serum LDH with ILD may be a useful characteristic index for recognizing ADM-ILD.
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Mid-aortic syndrome (MAS), characterized by segmental stricture of the distal thoracic and abdominal aorta, is a heterogeneous clinical syndrome with multiple etiologies. ⋯ Takayasu arteritis and atherosclerosis were the most-common causes of MAS among these adults. Imaging tests provided evidence of involved segments and luminal and mural changes, aiding conclusive diagnoses and etiological differentiation of MAS.
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Hypothyroidism, a commonly encountered thyroid disorder, usually manifests with readily recognizable typical features. However, an unusual presentation of a classic thyroid disorder may hinder accurate diagnosis in certain instances. One such rare initial presentation of hypothyroidism is recurrent hypokalemic paralysis, and existing reports in the literature are sparse. ⋯ Biochemical findings revealed hypokalemia in both cases (1.4 and 1.9 mEq/L, respectively) with elevated levels of thyroid‑stimulating hormone and thyroid‑related antibodies in both individuals, thus, confirming the diagnosis of autoimmune hypothyroidism. Immediate treatment with intravenous and oral potassium correction helped in the recovery. Thyroxine supplementation was considered a follow-up treatment, and for a one-year follow-up period there were no complaints of limb weakness reported in both individual.
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Review Case Reports
Daptomycin-induced rhabdomyolysis complicated with acute gouty arthritis.
Rhabdomyolysis is a well-documented side effect of daptomycin and is associated with hyperuricemia. However, the occurrence of acute gouty arthritis secondary to rhabdomyolysis-induced hyperuricemia has not been reported. ⋯ Treatment consisted of fluid management with the addition of prednisone for gouty arthritis treatment given his poor kidney function. This report indicates the importance of early monitoring of creatine kinase levels in patients on daptomycin to prevent complications from rhabdomyolysis.