BMJ case reports
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ECG is still the first diagnostic tool for coronary artery disease. It is possible to predict the localisation of affected vessel(s) through ST and T changes on ECG. Sometimes, reciprocal changes may be the only marker of acute myocardial ischaemia, as single T-wave inversion in lead aVL may represent a coronary artery lesion in the left anterior descending (LAD). ⋯ Coronary angiography showed 90% mid-LAD occlusion. The importance of this case is that patients with ischaemic chest pain should be followed with serial ECG. Also, emergency physicians should be alert to identify new changes on ECG, as isolated T-wave inversion in lead aVL can be the only finding to take the patient into the catheterisation laboratory.
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Methemoglobinaemia is a rare cause of cyanosis in newborns. Congenital methemoglobinaemias due to M haemoglobin or deficiency of cytochrome b5 reductase are even rarer. We present a case of congenital methemoglobinaemia presenting at birth in a preterm infant. ⋯ Genetic testing showed a γ globin gene mutation resulting in the M haemoglobin, called Hb F-M-Fort Ripley. The baby had no apparent cyanosis at a corrected gestational age of 42 weeks. Although rare, congenital methaemoglobin aemia should be considered in the differential in a preterm with central cyanosis and investigated with genetic testing for γ globin chain mutations if other laboratory tests are non-conclusive.
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We report a case of a 19-year-old immunocompetent Malay woman who presented with a worsening psychotic disorder of 1-year duration. She initially presented with social isolation with subsequent mutism and stupor. Physical examination revealed a stuporous, emaciated, dehydrated woman with Glasgow Coma Scale of 11/15 (E4V2M5). ⋯ The patient was treated with empirical antituberculosis drugs and steroids. On follow-up visit 1 month later, her psychotic symptoms had fully resolved. She was able to ambulate and care for herself; she was unable to recall the symptoms she had experienced before and during admission.
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E-cigarettes have become very popular among adult smokers, and many users carry e-cigarette devices and their components on their person. We present a case of a 35-year-old man who was admitted to our regional burns unit after his clothing was set-alight following the self-combustion of an e-cigarette lithium battery that was in his pocket. ⋯ Ward debridement under local anaesthetic was performed to remove clothing residue and reduce the risk of tattooing. Following conservative management with outpatient dressings, the burn wound healed by day 56.