Lancefield group G streptococci (GGS) are a relatively less common cause of streptococcal infections but the incidence of which has been reported to increase in the recent years. Similar to group A streptococci, GGS produce localised and invasive infections. Streptococcal myositis is a very rare but highly fatal infection of muscles generally caused by group A streptococci. We report a case of sepsis, migrating septic arthritis and diffuse myositis caused by β-haemolytic GGS. It is an unusual case of diffuse β-haemolytic GGS myositis involving multiple muscle groups in a patient who demonstrated no skin lesions or sign of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. The patient responded well to intravenous antibiotics without surgical intervention and experienced full recovery.
SUMMARYHypoxic hepatitis (HH) most commonly results from haemodynamic instability and disruption of hepatic flow. The vast majority of cases are caused by cardiac failure, respiratory failure and septic shock. We report a case of HH, acute liver failure, acute kidney failure and progressive thrombocytopenia that developed following a hypotensive episode in a patient treated with intravenous diltiazem for a newly developed atrial fibrillation (A-fib). The pre-existing liver diseases, including chronic alcohol use and liver congestion secondary to right heart dysfunction, might have predisposed the patient to the development of HH. The patient was given supportive treatment and experienced full recovery of both liver and kidney function. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of HH that occurred following ventricular rate control for acute A-fib. For patients with underlying liver diseases, closer blood pressure monitoring is warranted during diltiazem infusion.
BACKGROUND
Colorectal carcinoma in the population aged less than 20 years of age is rare but associated with poor prognosis, which is attributable to advanced disease at presentation and higher incidence of the unfavourable mucinous histology. Colorectal carcinoma commonly presents with non-specific gastrointestinal symptoms in conjunction with iron deficiency anaemia. Many of these symptoms can mimic eating disorders, which are common in adolescent women. We present the case of a 20-year-old woman with previously undiagnosed familial adenomatous polyposis and colorectal carcinoma who experienced a significant delay in diagnosis, given a coexisting eating disorder mimicking her symptoms. After confirmation of the diagnosis by colonoscopy and genetic testing, the patient underwent a successful proctocolectomy and experienced full recovery. This case is a reminder that underlying organic pathology should always be excluded prior to a diagnosis of an eating disorder.
West Nile Virus (WNV), an RNA arbovirus and member of the Japanese encephalitis virus antigenic complex, causes a wide range of clinical symptoms, from asymptomatic to encephalitis and meningitis. Nearly all human infections of WNV are due to mosquito bites with birds being the primary amplifying hosts. Advanced age is the most important risk factor for neurological disease leading most often to poor prognosis in those afflicted. We report a case of WNV meningoencephalitis in a 93-year-old Caucasian male who presented with fever of unknown origin (FUO) and nuchal rigidity that rapidly decompensated within 24 h to a persistent altered mental state during inpatient stay. The patient's ELISA antibody titers confirmed pathogenesis of disease by WNV; he given supportive measures and advanced to an excellent recovery. In regard to the approach of FUO, it is important to remain impartial yet insightful to all elements when determining pathogenesis in atypical presentation.
SUMMARYNecrotising fasciitis (NF) is a soft tissue bacterial-derived infection characterised clinically by fulminant tissue destruction of the poorly blood-supplied muscle fascia and overlying subcutaneous fat. Although these infections first appear as minor superficial manifestations, they are capricious in nature and often lead to sepsis, organ failure and high mortality. We report a case of type II necrotising fasciitis in a 39-yearold Caucasian female patient who presented to the emergency department with cellulitis of her right foot and lower leg that rapidly developed into tissue necrosis. The patient course is of unique interest due to progressive history over a 104 days time frame with complications following surgical treatments and outpatient follow-up. We highlight the importance of early detection and pertinent clinical awareness from a wide range of medical specialties that were involved in this case, and how this process is critical, in order to properly diagnose and treat NF-derived tissue infections.
BACKGROUND
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