by Ognyan Georgiev Milev
Case Report
Diverting jejunostomy is almost always a last ditch effort in a situation of abdominal catastrophe. Although it is life-saving, it may adversely affect the patient’s metabolic status and renal function. Consequentially an emergency jejunostomy should be a temporary measure and should be closed as early as possible. We present a unique case where the creation of а temporary loop jejunostomy was indicated. To prevent acute renal failure, we re-infused the stoma effluent into its distal limb through a Foley catheter. The latter was implanted subcutaneously which allowed us to re-feed the stoma without disturbing the appliance seal. The patient recovered on oral intake without the use of total parenteral nutrition.
American Journal of Medical Case Reports. 2021, 9(1), 88-91. DOI: 10.12691/ajmcr-9-1-22
Pub. Date: November 30, 2020
3781 Views140 Downloads
by Gil Hevroni, Zachary Mostel, Samara Skwiersky, Adam Osman, Moro O. Salifu and Isabel M. McFarlane
Case Report
The incidence of HIV-associated Hodgkin lymphoma has risen during the era of combined antiretroviral therapy (ART) despite the proven, protective effects of ART as treatment for HIV. The clinical presentation of Hodgkin Lymphoma may also resemble disseminated mycobacterial infection - in symptoms, laboratory findings, and even bone marrow biopsy. This is a case report of a patient with HIV who was suspected to have disseminated mycobacterial infection after a first bone marrow biopsy showed granulomatous inflammation and was later found to have HIV-associated Hodgkin lymphoma on a repeat biopsy.
American Journal of Medical Case Reports. 2021, 9(1), 83-87. DOI: 10.12691/ajmcr-9-1-21
Pub. Date: November 27, 2020
3926 Views184 Downloads
by Krunal H. Patel, Andrew V. Doodnauth, Julian C. Dunkley, Jennifer Abrams and Samy I. McFarlane
Case Report
Coronary artery vasospasms have been known to cause episodic angina pectoris, along with ST-T wave changes. In addition, vasospasm if prolonged can cause myocardial ischemia leading to malignant arrhythmias such as ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia resulting in sudden cardiac death (SCD). Treatment for this disorder can be challenging. Current data is lacking on the management of patients receiving appropriate vasodilator medications who present with Ventricular Fibrillation (VFib) as a consequence of coronary artery vasospasms. We present a case of a 71-year-old man who was hospitalized due to recurrent episodes of coronary vasospasms leading to acute decompensation and VFib with subsequent resuscitation while undergoing cardiac catheterization. We also provide review of the literature and updates on the current guidelines from the American Heart Association on this potentially life-threatening disorder.
American Journal of Medical Case Reports. 2021, 9(1), 78-82. DOI: 10.12691/ajmcr-9-1-20
Pub. Date: November 25, 2020
3918 Views188 Downloads
by Shrikant D Pande, Sherry H Y Young, Ramesh Wijaya, Seow Yen Tan, Aye Aye Khine and May Myat Win
Case Report
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a double-stranded DNA virus member of Herpesviridae family. Majority of the population is exposed to CMV, based on sero-prevalence. CMV establishes latent infection and may re-activate later and cause significant clinical manifestations, especially in immunocompromised patients, like those on immunosuppressant drugs and chemotherapy, post organ transplantation and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. The clinical manifestations of CMV in immunocompetent people are due to primary infection and vary from mild and self-limiting to severe and debilitating. CMV colitis in immune-competent people is uncommon. The complication of CMV infection leading to colonic perforation and recto-vaginal fistula is rare in immunocompetent subjects. We report case 67 year old female who was admitted with road traffic accident with tibia and T10 vertebral fracture without any abdominal injury. She underwent spinal fixation. She later developed diarrhea with abdominal pain. Whilst investigations were underway, she developed signs of intestinal obstruction. Urgent CT scan of abdomen and pelvis confirmed intestinal obstruction with rectal perforation. Urgent laparotomy was done which confirmed diagnosis of recto-vaginal iula. Adhesiolysis and Hartmann¡¯s procedure was performed. Intraoperative biopsy specimen of the rectum confirmed the diagnosis of CMV. She recovered after undergoing rehabilitation and treatment with Ganciclovir. She is awaiting reversal of colostomy.
American Journal of Medical Case Reports. 2021, 9(1), 75-77. DOI: 10.12691/ajmcr-9-1-19
Pub. Date: November 20, 2020
2931 Views122 Downloads
by Simin Laiq, Jaragh M, Ginsberg H and David G Munoz
Case Report
Medulloblastoma with myogenic differentiation (MMD), previously termed medullomyoblastoma, is a distinctive subtype of medulloblastoma. It is an uncommon neoplasm in children and very rare in adults, with oldest reported case being 49-years of age. We present a case of large cell/anaplastic medulloblastoma with myogenic differentiation arising in the right cerebellar hemisphere of a 54-year-old man treated by surgical resection and radiotherapy. Despite C-MYC amplification in the tumor, he survived tumor-free for nearly 2 years (726 days), which greatly exceeded the expected total survival. His death was attributed to complications of treatment rather than recurrence.
American Journal of Medical Case Reports. 2021, 9(1), 71-74. DOI: 10.12691/ajmcr-9-1-18
Pub. Date: November 12, 2020
3204 Views121 Downloads1 Likes
by Huang Zhou, Xue Kuang, Xianbin Lan, Huaan Du, Wenjiang Chen, Zulong Xie and Yuehui Yin
Case Report
In some cases, Empty sella syndrome (ESS) is associated with pituitary deficiency. Although it is well known that pituitary hormones have effects on in many organs and systems, few studies have addressed the relationship between hypopituitarism and heart/arrhythmia. This unusual situation leads to discussion of the possible causes and management. We present a case of a 19-year-old male with an onset of cardiac arrhythmia was finally diagnosed as hypopituitarism. The patient recovered quickly by the means of hydrocortisone therapy. Most of pituitary hormones returned to normal, as well as no ventricular arrhythmia occurred any more. Good outcomes were observed that suggesting pituitary hormones may have effects on cardiac conduction system. However, the exact mechanisms need to be further studied.
American Journal of Medical Case Reports. 2021, 9(1), 67-70. DOI: 10.12691/ajmcr-9-1-17
Pub. Date: November 12, 2020
3512 Views146 Downloads
by Sayed Yousef Mojtahedi, Azadeh Afshin and Simin Khayatzadeh Kakhki
Case Report
Pancake or doughnut kidney is a very rare anatomical abnormality. It is subgroup of fusion anomaly. Most of the time, diagnosed incidentally because affected patients are asymptomatic. Here we repot Pancake kidney in Toddler boy with proteinuria and developmental delay.
American Journal of Medical Case Reports. 2021, 9(1), 65-66. DOI: 10.12691/ajmcr-9-1-16
Pub. Date: November 10, 2020
2703 Views153 Downloads
by Amandeep S. Saini and Jacob Schwartz
Case Report
During the coronavirus pandemic, patients admitted to emergency departments (ED) with constitutional symptoms, respiratory complaints, and/or history of sick contacts have high clinical suspicion for COVID-19 regardless of whether initial screening tests are negative. Although communities seek daily coronavirus infection rates of less than one percent, physicians can be highly focused on narrow differentials despite adequate history and physical exams. This case report focuses on an elderly patient with a past medical history of hypertension, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and gout who presented with three days of fevers, chills, body aches, and shortness of breath and reported a home oxygen saturation of 89%. The patient was a health care worker with high risk of contracting COVID-19, and on admission was febrile and found to have lymphopenia. Nevertheless, COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing returned negative on two separate occasions prompting the team to broaden their differential. Leukopenia, thrombocytopenia and mildly elevated transaminases can all be due to COVID-19, but should also lead medical teams to include tick-borne illnesses as a potential etiology. Parasite serology returned positive for Babesia microti via IgG antibodies (1:512) and Anaplasma phagocytophilum via PCR and the patient was discharged on appropriate antimicrobial therapy. It is important for providers to understand and recognize the following: 1) overlapping symptoms of tick-borne disease and COVID-19, 2) proper diagnosis and management of babesiosis and anaplasmosis, and 3) benefits of broad differentials for patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic.
American Journal of Medical Case Reports. 2021, 9(1), 62-64. DOI: 10.12691/ajmcr-9-1-15
Pub. Date: November 08, 2020
2530 Views134 Downloads
by Yotam Kolben, Yuval Ishay, Henny Azmanov, Matan Fischer, Nir Pillar and Simona Grozinsky-Glasberg
Case Report
We present the case of a young male patient who arrived at the emergency room due to headache, constitutional and gastrointestinal symptoms. Upon presentation and during hospitalization, a complex clinical and chemical picture unfolded, and several diagnoses were considered. Eventually, it was concluded that panhypopituitarism secondary to craniopharyngioma was the cause of his symptoms. This long-standing condition was unmasked by an acute infection with Parvovirus. Treatment with hormone replacement therapy brought prompt improvement in both laboratory values and clinical condition.
American Journal of Medical Case Reports. 2021, 9(1), 57-61. DOI: 10.12691/ajmcr-9-1-14
Pub. Date: November 05, 2020
2995 Views169 Downloads1 Likes
by Stella Onyi, Chukwuemeka A. Umeh and John Yasmer
Original Research
Background: Neurogenic pulmonary edema (NPE) is a rare pulmonary edema that develops rapidly after an acute central nervous system injury. The mechanism by which neurological insult leads to pulmonary edema is not well understood. The clinical presentation of NPE varies widely and ranges from asymptomatic cases to fulminant cases. Clinical signs in pure NPE are usually those of acute pulmonary edema, without signs of left ventricular failure. Case Report: The author presents a case of NPE is a young female patient with a brief epileptic seizure in which NPE resolved within 48 hours. Patient had no respiratory symptoms but was initially placed on antibiotics because her chest x-ray showed bilateral lung patchy opacifications in a perihilar distribution suggestive of pulmonary edema and/or multifocal pneumonia. Antibiotics was discontinued when the pulmonary edema resolved. Conclusion: There is need for physicians to be aware of NPE to avoid unnecessary antibiotics in asymptomatic patients who present with bilateral pulmonary infiltrates following an epileptic seizure.
American Journal of Medical Case Reports. 2021, 9(1), 53-56. DOI: 10.12691/ajmcr-9-1-13
Pub. Date: November 04, 2020
3935 Views182 Downloads
by Javier H. Ticona, Victoria M. Zaccone and Isabel M. McFarlane
Original Research
Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a common cause for admission to the hospital and contributes significantly to patient morbidity and healthcare cost. We present a review of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, presentations, risk-stratification, markers, and management of CAP in the United States (US). The overall incidence of CAP is 16 to 23 cases per 1000 persons per year, and the rate increases with age. Some of the risk factors for CAP include comorbidities such as, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and heart failure. CAP symptoms vary, and typically include productive cough, dyspnea, pleuritic pain, abnormal vital signs (e.g., fever, tachycardia), and abnormal lung examination findings. A diagnosis can be made by radiography, which has the additional benefit of helping to identify patterns associated with typical and atypical CAP. There are risk-stratification calculators that can be used routinely by physicians to triage patients, and to determine adequate management. The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and the American Thoracic Society (ATS) developed the Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI) which incorporates 20 risk factors to place patients into 5 classes correlated with mortality risk. In addition, the British Thoracic Society (BTS) established the original severity score CURB (confusion, uremia, respiratory rate, low blood pressure) to identify patients with CAP who may be candidates for outpatient vs. inpatient treatment. Inflammatory markers, such as procalcitonin (PCT), can be used to guide management throughout hospital stay. Antibiotic coverage will vary depending on whether outpatient vs. inpatient management is required.
American Journal of Medical Case Reports. 2021, 9(1), 45-52. DOI: 10.12691/ajmcr-9-1-12
Pub. Date: November 04, 2020
4311 Views141 Downloads
by Abhilash Haridas, Midhun Ramesh, Padmavathy Ramadoss and Ravi Sreekumaran Nair
Case Report
Esophageal perforation is a rare complication of foreign body ingestion. The most common foreign bodies causing esophageal perforation in adults are fish and chicken bones. We present the case of an octogenarian man with mild cognitive impairment presenting with respiratory complaints of dyspnoea and orthopnoea in the emergency room. He had hyponatremia induced confusion in addition to his mild cognitive impairment. The diagnosis for his clinical condition was not evident. Evaluation by imaging detected the "missing link" chicken bone as the cause of esophageal double perforation with mediastinitis and bilateral pleural effusion. Following multidisciplinary discussion, the minimally invasive endoscopic approach was decided as the definitive therapy. After medical stabilization in ICU, he underwent endoscopic retrieval of the foreign body followed by fully covered self-expandable metallic stenting. He recovered well and the stent removed after three weeks. Six months down the lane he is doing well and under neurology follow up for mild cognitive impairment. This clinical case shows the atypical, delayed perplexing presentation of esophageal foreign body in the elderly and the need for individualized treatment decision making for a successful outcome.
American Journal of Medical Case Reports. 2021, 9(1), 40-44. DOI: 10.12691/ajmcr-9-1-11
Pub. Date: November 04, 2020
4161 Views144 Downloads
by Rohan Madhu Prasad, Fazal Raziq, Tyler Kemnic and Ahmed Abubaker
Case Report
This case report illustrates the rare occurrence of an implantable port becoming infected, forming septic pulmonary emboli (SPE), and eventually a secondary spontaneous pneumothorax (SSP). A 43-year-old male presented to the emergency department for a five-day duration of fevers, generalized malaise, difficulty in breathing, non-productive cough, and left chest pain. Past history revealed right carotid body paraganglioma that required resection, adjuvant chemotherapy via a port in the left subclavian vein, and radiation. The cancer was in remission for one year prior to this admission and the port had not been used in six months, but had not been removed. Chest computed tomography demonstrated bilateral pleural cavitations and parenchymal ground-glass opacities. Blood cultures and subsequent sensitivities grew methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA). We initiated empiric broad spectrum coverage and later switched to cefazolin. A left shoulder ultrasound illustrated a subclavian vein thrombus, so the port was removed. Culture of the catheter tip also grew MSSA. Four days later the patient developed acute dyspnea. Repeat imaging showed a new right-sided spontaneous hydropneumothorax with loculated pleural effusions along with progression of the bilateral opacities and cavitations. Therefore, chest tubes were placed with pleural fluid cultures growing MSSA. Additionally, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery with decortication was performed. The patient was discharged home on six weeks of intravenous cefazolin via a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC). This case demonstrates that the physicians should be aware of the lethal complications of a port and should attempt to remove them once they are no longer required.
American Journal of Medical Case Reports. 2021, 9(1), 35-39. DOI: 10.12691/ajmcr-9-1-10
Pub. Date: November 04, 2020
3578 Views147 Downloads
by Kevin M. Woog and Elizabeth M. Sabatella
Original Research
This study builds upon a 9 year daily case study of a 71-80 year old Caucasian woman who documented at least 6 daily blood pressure readings per day, with a focus on the early morning malignant blood pressure spikes and the variety of blood pressure medications given to her by various physicians in several states. The documentation included time of day, duration of spike, and her perseverance in finding a prophylactic that ended these spikes. The pathophysiology of early morning malignant blood pressure spikes is not completely understood, but the primary cause of malignant blood pressure spikes in the morning may be a misdirected activation of the sympathetic nervous system due to a genetic mutation or deterioration due to age. There are contradictory opinions on the percentage of the elderly experiencing these spikes. Some research reports that these spikes are rare and usually found in men, African Americans and the poor. Other reports contradict these findings and state that malignant early morning spikes are common, but patients are not aware of them. All agree, however, that these early morning malignant spikes had a significant increased risk of cardio vascular event, stroke, heart attacks and death. This study was conducted because the older woman researched was knowledgeable about the human body [studied science, anatomy and physiology, and was a competitive athlete in her youth]. She was trained to know her body and could easily identify when the spikes began in early morning, timed the amount of time blood pressure went from normal to very high [2 minutes], and measured time it took for blood pressure to return to normal. Her way of coping with the 9 years of these stressful spikes was to conduct a research project and hopefully be able to help other senior citizens prolong their own lives.
American Journal of Medical Case Reports. 2021, 9(1), 32-34. DOI: 10.12691/ajmcr-9-1-9
Pub. Date: October 29, 2020
296 Views185 Downloads
by Abhilash Haridas and Payal Mukker
Review Article
Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are not uncommon in COVID-19 infection. The varied symptomatology and severity of GI symptoms are related to the difference in host viral interaction. We have reviewed the GI manifestations of these patients and noted that three subgroups exist.A group with self-limited GI disease, a group with predominant GI manifestations and group with severe GI disease. A review of the immune response in the different groups with GI manifestations has been done and illustrated by a cat and mouse game theory. In self-limited GI disease, there is early active innate immunity with type I interferon response and followed by an efficient adaptive immune response causing viral clearance. In patients with predominant GI symptoms, viral factors override innate immune mechanisms and cause delayed and weak innate antiviral response. The subsequential adaptive response is a "mishit" response with mucosal injury and GI symptoms. In the later part of this infection, a resurgent adaptive immunity induction can occur, causing persistent fecal shedding followed by viral clearance. In severe disease, there is heightened dysregulation of the adaptive immune response leading to cytokine storm and severe complications like pyroptosis, endothelitis, and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.
American Journal of Medical Case Reports. 2021, 9(1), 24-31. DOI: 10.12691/ajmcr-9-1-8
Pub. Date: October 27, 2020
4174 Views217 Downloads
by China Goto, Aito Watanabe and Youichi Yanagawa
Case Report
Traumatic acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) patients are generally positive for fibrin/fibrinogen degradation product (FDP) or d-dimer. We herein report a patient with negative FDP findings who had ASDH on computed tomography (CT). A 71-year-old woman was hit by a light truck while riding on a motorcycle. She suffered recent memory disturbance. The FDP level after arrival at the hospital was negative; however, she had right, thin ASDH on CT. The post-admission course was uneventful. The takeaway from the present case is that physicians cannot deny the possibility of ASDH even when the FDP level in the acute phase is within the normal limits.
American Journal of Medical Case Reports. 2021, 9(1), 22-23. DOI: 10.12691/ajmcr-9-1-7
Pub. Date: October 26, 2020
3149 Views241 Downloads1 Likes
by Rohan Madhu Prasad, Fazal Raziq, Tyler Kemnic, Muhammad Nabeel and Madeeha Ghaffar
Original Research
Legionella lung abscess (LLA) is known to develop from pneumonia and Legionnaires’ disease in immunocompromised patients and aspiration. Literature review showed reports of aspiration pneumonia in immunocompetent patients; however, no such was found between LLA and immunocompetency. A 53-year-old male with history of depression and paraumbilical hernia presented for chest pain, which was right sided, started acutely, constant, radiated to the back, and exaggerated with taking deep breaths. The patient denied all other symptoms. Social history was only pertinent for being an active 35 pack-year smoker. The patient was recently admitted one month ago for viral meningitis from Echovirus. On physical exam, the patient was vitally stable, had absent breath sounds in the right middle lobe, and was significantly tender at the right anterior chest. Labs revealed elevated sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein. Imaging demonstrated a right middle lobe lung abscess. Throughout the hospital course, Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 (LPS1) was found to be positive on urine antigen, sputum polymerase chain reaction, and sputum cultures. The patient was switched to intravenous levofloxacin and ampicillin-sulbactam. Upon symptomatic resolution, the patient was discharged home with recommendations for a follow-up chest computed tomography and diagnostic bronchoscopy. We hypothesize that smoking causes neutrophilic stasis within the lung and the development of the LLA. Treatment includes intravenous long term antibiotics and possibly drainage.
American Journal of Medical Case Reports. 2021, 9(1), 18-21. DOI: 10.12691/ajmcr-9-1-6
Pub. Date: October 25, 2020
3305 Views255 Downloads
by Carina Rôlo Silvestre, André Nunes, Ricardo Cordeiro, João Eusébio, Teresa Falcão and António Domingos
Case Report
The authors present the case of a 36-year-old woman with disseminated tuberculosis shown by pulmonary nodules and urogenital involvement. Positive cultures for Mycobacterium tuberculosis in urine and bronchial secretions made the diagnosis. After three months of multidrug treatment, there was a clinical and radiologic improvement. This case highlights an uncommon case of an immunocompetent patient with disseminated tuberculosis. A delay in the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis can result in serious public health problems with disease spread.
American Journal of Medical Case Reports. 2021, 9(1), 15-17. DOI: 10.12691/ajmcr-9-1-5
Pub. Date: October 20, 2020
3322 Views261 Downloads1 Likes
by Neeraj Salhotra, Simin Laiq, Livingston C., Mahmood Al Hattali, Zahra Al Hajri and Kauthar Al Zakwani
Case Report
Cystic meningioma refers to meningothelial neoplasms or meningiomas associated with cyst formation. Clinical features depend on the tumors’ size and location, and include symptoms of increased intracranial pressure, seizures, and focal neurological deficit. Four types of cystic meningiomas are described in the literature, suggested by Nauta et al., based on radiologic findings: Type I: Intratumoral cysts in which the tumor, macroscopically visible on all sides of the cyst, surrounds the cavity; Type II: Intratumoral cysts, lying at the periphery of the tumor and surrounded by a row of neoplastic cells, detectable microscopically; Type III: Peritumoral cysts, whose walls consisted partly of adjacent parenchyma and partly of the tumor; and Type IV: Peritumoral cysts, whose walls are formed by the arachnoid (arachnoid cyst), separated from the tumor by a distinct capsule. Theories proposed to explain cyst formation include degeneration or necrosis, direct secretion by meningioma, and reactive changes (peripheral arachnoid cysts). The tumor itself has features similar to non-cystic meningiomas. The cysts are usually of variable size and can be entirely surrounded by tumor (types I or II), clearly between the tumor and the brain (type IV), or within the adjacent brain (type III). On imaging, it is sometimes difficult to distinguish between these types. We herewith present two cases of cystic meningiomas.
American Journal of Medical Case Reports. 2021, 9(1), 12-14. DOI: 10.12691/ajmcr-9-1-4
Pub. Date: October 20, 2020
415 Views208 Downloads
by Mousa Suhail Abu Ghoush, Fozeya Alzaabi and Thamer Samha
Case Report
Acute epiploic appendagitis is a relatively rare cause of lower abdominal pain it clinically mimics other causes of acute abdomen that require surgical intervention such as acute diverticulitis or appendicitis. Here, we report a case of a 33-year-old male who presented with an acute left lower abdominal pain. Awareness of such a clinical condition with its characteristic imaging findings is important to avoid unnecessary surgical intervention.
American Journal of Medical Case Reports. 2021, 9(1), 9-11. DOI: 10.12691/ajmcr-9-1-3
Pub. Date: October 15, 2020
3249 Views273 Downloads
by Shaidaton Nisha, Syeda Saima Alam, Md. Nahian Rahman and Khaleda Islam
Original Research
Thalassemia is an autosomal recessive disease. According to the WHO data, there are 269 million carriers of thalassemia worldwide, out of which 40 million are in South East Asia. This study was conducted with the primary objective to assess physiological and mental health condition of patients with thalassemia at a tertiary care hospital. It has been noticed by the study that there are frequent chances of diseases among thalassemia patients as the assessment found 20% of study patients jaundice manifested at least one time on their lifetime, 19% cardio-vascular disease, 18% hepatic diseases, 15% fever, 12% respiratory problems, 10% kidney disease and 6% diarrhoea. According to age category our study found that 18 to 25 years age category had 15.4% chances of having diseases, 26 to 30 years age category had 14.3% chances, 31 to 35 and 36 to 40 years age category had 24.6% and 42% chances of having diseases. It clearly indicates that increase in age increases the chances of disease occurrence. In our study, 57.5% patients with thalassemia manifested depression comprising 19.5% chronic depression, 20.3% minimal depressed, 8.5% mild and 9.1% moderately depressed. This study found that patients with thalassemia face mental health problems which requires planning of authorities and experience consultants to educate the life skill and to survive in a healthful manner.
American Journal of Medical Case Reports. 2021, 9(1), 4-8. DOI: 10.12691/ajmcr-9-1-2
Pub. Date: October 14, 2020
3248 Views274 Downloads
by Bailey Christie and Chukwuemeka A. Umeh
Case Report
Background: Lung cancer can be present with lung abscess in up to a third of lung abscess cases. However, lung cancer is often overlooked as an underlying condition while making a diagnosis of lung abscess. Case report: The authors present a case of a 69-year-old male that experienced a syncopal episode, accompanied by productive cough and shortness of breath. Lung abscess was diagnosed, and the patient was placed on antibiotics with no improvement in the cough after a week. Additional tests were performed, and latent squamous cell carcinoma was discovered. Conclusion: Since lung cancer can masquerade as lung abscess, physicians should have a high suspicion for lung cancer whenever there is a radiographic diagnosis of lung abscess, especially in patients with risk factors for lung cancer.
American Journal of Medical Case Reports. 2021, 9(1), 1-3. DOI: 10.12691/ajmcr-9-1-1
Pub. Date: October 14, 2020
4132 Views280 Downloads