No abstract

Cefepime-induced neurotoxicity is well-known, but an under-recognized event that can present with a myriad of neurological findings ranging from myoclonus to seizures to comatose state. It is more prevalent in patients with impaired renal clearance as it is mainly cleared by the kidneys. We present a case of a 52-year-old female who was managed in the intensive care unit with severe encephalopathy following empiric antibiotic therapy with cefepime. Although we encountered some unforeseen difficulties executing our initial plan of renal replacement therapy, our patient was successfully treated with fluids and intravenous diuresis with furosemide and was ultimately discharged home with full recovery.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has led to the emergence of a wide range of complications, including those affecting the cardiovascular system. In this case series, we present four patients who developed complete atrioventricular block, a serious and potentially lifethreatening heart rhythm disorder, during the course of their coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) illness. The mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 may lead to arrhythmias are not fully understood but may involve direct infection and damage to heart tissue, as well as inflammation and cytokine storms. The extent and duration of complete heart block varied among these cases, highlighting the need for further research to understand the spectrum of disease and to improve mortality and morbidity in future waves of SARS-CoV-2 infections. We hope that this case series will draw attention to this serious complication of COVID-19 and inspire further research to improve management and outcomes for affected patients.

Chylothorax refers to the presence of chyle in the paraaortic space. This entity most commonly occurs from injury to the thoracic duct, which carries chyle from the gastrointestinal tract to the bloodstream. Common etiologies around traumatic chylothorax include iatrogenic causes, such as surgical procedures near the thoracic duct and penetrating and blunt injuries to the chest. We present a case of a 49-year-old female who initially presented to the hospital with progressively worsening dyspnea leading to acute hypoxic respiratory failure requiring intubation and admission to the ICU. The patient's presentation was initially thought to be due to and managed as an infectious process with empyema and septic shock until a diagnosis of nontraumatic chylothorax was established. In this article, we report a complicated case of chylothorax, initially masquerading as an infectious pulmonary process. We hope to raise this entity high on the differential when clinicians are confronted with the task of managing patients with similar presentations, which will, in turn, prevent delayed diagnosis and the unnecessary use of antibiotics.