Clostridium tertium bacteremia is a rare condition that predominantly occurs in neutropenic patients. Clostridium tertium bacteremia, although extremely rare in non-neutropenic patients, represents the second-most common cause of bacteremia among Clostridium species. Infection with this bacteria can present variably and is usually managed with broad-spectrum antibiotics.
BACKGROUND Plasma cell leukemia (PCL) is diagnosed by the presence of an absolute plasma cell count of > 2 × 10 9 /L or 20% plasma cells in the peripheral blood. Because the incidence of PCL is relatively low, our case report study presents a rare opportunity to describe the clinical and pathological characteristics of this leukemia, as well as different modalities of treatment and outcomes of primary PCL (pPCL). CASE SUMMARY A 56-year-old male with a history of hypertension complained of pain in the left flank area which started four months prior to admission. On admission, his vital signs were stable, and physical examination was completely benign. Laboratory evaluation showed hemoglobin of 5.1 g/dL, white blood cell count of 6.6 cells per cubic millimeter with 16% atypical lymphocytes, and platelet count of 51000 per microliter. Peripheral smear showed more than 10%-15% of plasma cells (Figure 1), and flow cytometry of peripheral blood confirmed PCL with 24% plasma cells CD138+. Bone marrow biopsy demonstrated 80% plasma cells (38+, 138+, 117+, 10-, 19-, 20-, 56-) with 90% cellularity. The Oncology team was consulted, and VCD therapy was started. After completing therapy at 1, 4, 8, and 11 d, the patient was discharged home. The patient was being considered for a bone marrow transplant evaluation within two months of discharge. CONCLUSION PCL is a rare and aggressive form of leukemia with a poor prognosis. Multi-center studies and clinical trials should be conducted to develop accurate criteria for the initial diagnosis and prompt treatment of this disease.
Rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common soft tissue malignancy in adolescents. It is extremely rare for sarcomas to occur in patients more than 18 years of age. We present a case of rhabdomyosarcoma originating in skeletal muscles on the right side of the neck. Our case demonstrates the importance of considering an extensive differential diagnosis for a neck mass in adults. Our patient was diagnosed with alveolar variant of rhabdomyosarcoma and underwent chemotherapy and radiation therapy, but eventually due to recurrence opted for palliative therapy.
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is characterized by excessive production of abnormal lymphocytes in the bone marrow. It usually presents as hepatosplenomegaly and lymphadenopathy along with constitutional symptoms of fever, tiredness, and weight loss. Pseudohyperkalemia may occur in patients with extreme leukocytosis. High serum and plasma potassium levels have been seen in pseudohyperkalemia. Whole blood potassium determination will usually help lead to a correct diagnosis. It is important to diagnose this condition early so that the patients are not inappropriately treated. We aim to highlight that hyperkalemia in CLL patients should only be treated if the patient is symptomatic or if the patient shows cardiac effects of hyperkalemia on electrocardiogram.
Streptococcus thoraltensis, Genus Streptococcus sensu stricto, is a rare species of streptococci that has been very rarely reported to cause infection in humans. It is isolated from the sows and is found in the intestinal tract of pigs. We describe here a case of S. thoraltensis bacteremia in a postpartum patient with pneumonia.
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