[Stress (Takotsubo) cardiomyopathy in a patient with anorexia nervosa]

We report the case of a woman with anorexia nervosa who developed takotsubo cardiomyopathy triggered by emotional stress and electrolyte disturbances. The patient improved with conservative management. Descriptions of stress-cardiomyopathy in association with eating disorders are often of higher severity and related to QT prolongation because of electrolyte abnormalities, ventricular arrhythmias and hypoglycemia. A review of cardiovascular compromise in patients with anorexia nervosa is performed.

[Lethargic encephalitis. Report of one case]

Lethargic encephalitis (LE) is a Central Nervous System disorder following an upper respiratory tract infection, characterized by sleep disturbances, clinical symptoms corresponding to basal ganglia involvement and in some cases, neuropsychiatric sequelae. We report a 18-year-old mole with a history of sinusitis treated with azithromycin, two weeks before, presenting with fever, headache, confusion and myoclonus. Urine analysis was positive for cannabis. Cerebro spinal fluid analysis showed mononuclear pleiocytosis (109xmm³) and an increase in protein concentration of l.6 g/dl. Forty eight hours after admission, the patient required mechanical ventilation and subsequently a status epilepticus appeared. Ten days later, fever, rigidity and resting tremor appeared. A magnetic resonance imaging showed hyperintensities in FLALR sequence in the right insular cortex. The patient continued with extreme rigidity, catatonia and mutism. Considering the possibility ofa LE, methyl prednisolone 1 g/day was administered for five consecutive days followed by prednisone 40 mg l day, observing a dramatic improvement of rigidity and tremors.

[Agranulocytosis induced by levamisole in association to cocaine]

Agranulocytosis in cocaine users is a worldwide recently recognized condition. It is due to the utilization as cutting agent of levamisole, an ancient antiparasitic and immunomodulator drug. We describe the case of a patient with agranulocytosis induced by levamisole in association to cocaine and we review clinical and biochemical characteristics of the clinical picture, as well as the management of these patients. We also analyze the reasons related to a more and more frequent practice, the addition of levamisole to cocaine. This is the first case described in our country, although it is probable that there are many not recognized or not described cases related to this pathology.

[Ergotism and HIV]

Ergotism is a complication of acute intoxication and/or chronic abuse of ergot derivatives. It expresses itself through a vasomotor syndrome with peripheral vascular disease which frequently involves extremities. We report four cases of HIV-1 infected patients treated with antiretroviral drugs including boosted-protease inhibitors who had self-treated themselves with ergotamine. They developed peripheral vascular disease symptoms and their pulses where diminished or absent in the physical examination. Arterial Doppler confirmed diffused arterial spasm in two of them. Ergotism following ergotamine-protease inhibitors association was diagnosed. Patients were treated through the discontinuity of involved drugs (protease inhibitors and ergotamine), calcium blockers; antithrombotic prophylaxis with enoxaparine, antiaggregant therapy with acetylsalicylic acid, and one of them received pentoxifylline and vasodilator prostaglandins infusion, with amelioration of the symptoms. We discuss the clinical presentation of this drug interaction, difficult to diagnose properly without a strong suspicion of its existence.

[William Osler (1849-1919): the man and his descriptions]

BACKGROUND

William Osler was generally regarded as the greatest and most respected physician of his time. This paper describes Osler's life, his philosophy and views. He was an outstanding clinician who emphasized bedside teaching and observation. He possessed an extraordinary charm that inspired many others. As Professor of Medicine at four institutions in three countries, he was a great influence on medical education. He was a prolific writer, and his textbook became the most popular and widely read treatise on medicine in the world. He also was a medical historian, a classical scholar, and an avid bibliophile. He emphasized the value of hard work and ongoing education. His compassion and concern for patients and colleagues reflected his personality. We summarize Osler's descriptions, and some of his aphorisms. His wisdom is as relevant now, as it was in his time. Osler blended the art and science of Medicine perhaps better than anyone else, and remains a valuable role model for students and physicians more than ninety two years after his death.

[The outstanding achievements of Adolf Kussmaul]

BACKGROUND

Adolf Kussmaul was born in Graben, close to Karlsruhe, Germany, on February 22,1822. He graduated at Heidelberg University in 1845 and he received his medical degree in 1855. He made original descriptions, such as the ophthalmoscope, the gastroscope or endoscope, and Kussmaul signs, besides the respiration named after him. He was the first to perform a thoracocenteses, peritoneal and gastric lavages. He rediscovered progressive bulbar paralysis (previously described by Guillaume Duchenne in 1861), polyarteritis nodosa (which was described by Karl von Rokitansky en 1852), dyslexia, (described by Thomas Willis in 1672) and pulsus paradoxus named after him, but that was reported by Richard Lower in 1669. During his 80 years of life, he wrote about different issues and topics (cardiology, rheumatology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, psychiatry, and neurology). Kussmaul was a student and professional without limits in his observation capacity. He preached with his own example in pursuit of science: observation, hypothesis, experimentation and analysis.

[Chronic peripheral arterial disease induced by cocaine]

Cocaine induced acute peripheral thrombosis, though a rare complication, has been described in the literature. Although there are reports describing the chronic effects of cocaine on the peripheral arterial system, there are no published cases of this complication when other risk factors are lacking. We report on a 22 year old female patient, with intranasal consumption of 3 grams of cocaine per week for a year, who consulted for intermittent claudication at 200 meters, associated to left lower limb pain and paresthesiae for the last two months. Arterial Doppler ultrasonography showed a stenosis greater than 70% in the superficial left femoral artery. Other probable etiologies were excluded. Treatment was initiated with acetylsalicylic acid, cilostazol and graded physical exercise, associated to support therapy in order to maintain cocaine consumption avoidance, with good response. This case emphasizes the relevance of patients information, as most people ignore the cardiovascular complication of this addiction. It is also essential to inquire about cocaine consumption in young patients with peripheral arteriopathy and no apparent risk factors.

[Bacteremia in patients hospitalized with cellulitis]

Cellulitis is an acute inflammation of dermis and subcutaneous tissue, usually complicating wounds, ulcers, or dermatosis. Even though in these cases it is recommended to perform culture from skin and soft tissue samples, the utility of blood cultures remains controversial due to the low frequency of positive results. Here we report the prevalence of bacteremia in patients with cellulitis admitted in our Hospital, and evaluate the presence of risk factors associated with the occurrence of this event. Clinical records of patients with diagnosis of cellulitis admitted between June 2007 and March 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients without skin and soft tissue culture and/or blood cultures were excluded. Demographic data, presence of comorbidities, and culture results were analyzed. In this period, 140 patients were admitted with this diagnosis. Fifty six (40%) of them had positive skin and soft tissue cultures; where methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was the most frequently isolated bacterium species (35.7%). Bacteremia was detected in 8.6% of these cases, where the most frequently isolated bacteria were Group G Beta haemolytic Streptococcus (33%). Bacteremia was significantly associated with longer hospital stay (10.5 ± 8.98 vs. 4.9 ± 6, p = 0.004). The following variables were significantly associated with the occurrence of positive blood cultures: diabetes (41.7% vs. 14.1%; p = 0.02; OR 4.4), positive skin and soft tissue culture (75% vs. 35.2%; p = 0.01; OR 5.5), alcoholism (16.7% vs. 3.9%; p = 0.01; OR 4.9), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (16.7% vs. 0.78%; p = 0.01; OR 25.4).

[Septic arthritis of the pubic symphysis in two athletes]

Septic arthritis of the pubic symphysis, so called osteomyelitis pubis is the infection which involves pubic symphysis and its joint. It is a rare condition, representing less than one percent of all cases of osteomyelitis. It affects most frequently young athletes and women undergoing gynecologic or urologic surgery. It presents itself with fever and pubic pain which irradiates to the genitals and increases when hip is mobilized, and this fact produces gait claudication. Differential diagnosis should be made with pubic osteitis, which is a sterile inflammatory condition. Diagnosis is based on clinic supported by microbiologic culture results, image methods, and proteins augment during acute phase. Image guided puncture is often necessary for the differential diagnosis with pubic osteitis. The etiologic agents most commonly found are Staphylococcus aureus, followed by gram-negative bacilli, and polymicrobial infection in recent pelvis surgery. The antibiotic treatment is adjusted depending on the microbiological diagnosis, adding NSAIDs, and bed rest. Surgical debridement is required up to 55% of the cases. Two cases of osteomyelitis of the pubis by S. aureus, with good outcome to treatment with antibiotics, NSAIDs and rest are here described. Both patients were healthy relevant athletes.

[Hemophagocytic syndrome. Report of four cases]

Hemophagocytic syndrome (HS) is a severe hyper inflammatory condition whose cardinal symptoms are prolonged fever, cytopenia, hepatosplenomegaly, and hemophagocytosis by activated, morphologically benign macrophages. The clinical course resembles sepsis, sharing similar physiopathological features. We report four patients with the syndrome. A 61-year-old female presenting with fever and pleuritic pain. During the course of the disease, a pancytopenia was detected and a bone marrow aspiration was suggestive of HS. The patient was treated with cyclosporine and steroids with a good response. A 61-year-old male with fever and pancytopenia and a bone marrow aspirate suggestive of HS. The patient did not respond to treatment and died. A 23-year-old male with fever, pancytopenia and positive Hanta virus antibodies. A bone marrow aspirate was suggestive of HS. The patient recovered without any treatment. A 72-year-old male admitted with the diagnosis of pneumonia, that developed a progressive pancytopenia and bone marrow aspirate was suggestive of HS. A bronchoalveolar lavage showed the presence of Acinetobacter baumanii. Despite treatment with methylprednisolone and gammaglobulin, the patient died. Awareness of the clinical symptoms and of the diagnostic criteria of HS is important to start life-saving therapy in time.

["Malnutrition-inflammation complex syndrome" in chronic hemodialysis]

Protein-energy wasting (PEW) and inflammation are usually common and concurrent conditions in maintenance dialysis patients and associated with poor prognosis. Low appetite and hypercatabolic states are common features. In dialysis patients, the former has been suggested to be secondary to inflammation; however, the evidence is not conclusive. Hence, the term malnutrition-inflammation complex syndrome (MICS) was coined to include this clinical entity, regardless the original causes. Possible causes of MICS include comorbid illnesses, oxidative stress, nutrient loss through dialysis, hyporexia, uremic toxins, decreased clearance of inflammatory cytokines, volume overload, increased blood phosphate and dialysis-related factors. MICS is believed to be the main cause of erythropoietin hypo-responsiveness, cardiovascular atherosclerotic disease, decreased quality of life, hospitalization and increased mortality in dialysis patients. Because MICS leads to a low body mass index, hypocholesterolemia, decrease in muscle mass, hypocreatininemia and hypohomocysteinemia, a "reverse epidemiology" phenomenon of cardiovascular risk factors can occur in dialysis patients. Therefore, obesity, hypercholesterolemia, and increased blood levels of creatinine and homocysteine, within certain limits, appear to be protective and paradoxically associated with a better outcome. There is no consensus about how to determine the degree of severity of MICS or how to manage it. Several diagnostic tools and treatment modalities are discussed in this paper. The correct management of MICS may diminish the cardiovascular disease, main cause of death in this population.

[Hutchinson and his history]

The prolific life of Jonathan Hutchinson is reviewed. The importance of triads, a set of signs and symptoms that lead to the suspicion of the presence of one or more clinical entities, that are a demonstration of associative thinking, is also discussed. Nowadays, when technology plays a very important role in medicine, we would like to underscore the value of history taking and physical examination as useful clinical tools.

[Interstitial cystitis. A challenge for the clinician]

Interstitial cystitis is characterized by over 6 months of chronic pain, pressure and discomfort felt in the lower pelvis or bladder. It is often relieved with voiding, along with daytime frequency and nocturia in the absence of an urinary tract infection. The disorder can be divided clinically into two groups -ulcerative and non-ulcerative- based on cystoscopic findings and response to treatment. Management follows an approach of applying the least invasive therapy that affords sufficient relief of symptoms. We report a case of a patient with interstitial cystitis. The diagnosis was performed by symptoms and lesion in the cystoscopy and excellent response to amitriptyline.

[Gastroesophageal reflux as a cause of vocal dysfunction]

Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD), is characterized by a paradoxical adduction of the vocal cords during inspiration, and occurs predominantly in young women. Common symptoms are cough, wheezing, episodic dyspnea, and inspiratory stridor. The true incidence and course of the disease are unknown, and it is usually self limited. It can coexist with, or mimic refractory asthma. Psychological disorders were thought to be the principal cause, subsequently multiple organic diseases have also been reported, like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Diagnosis is made by clinical suspicion and direct observation. The Gold standard for diagnosis is laryngoscopy with visualization of the paradoxical motion of the vocal cords when the patient is symptomatic. Speech therapy and psychotherapy have been used extensively without any prospective study. We report two cases of VCD associated with GERD, both with excellent respond to treatment.

[Thoracoabdominal periaortic lymphoma mimicking acute aortic syndrome. Report of one case]

Systemic lymphoma that involves the aorta is called periaortic lymphoma, and may be misdiagnosed clinically or in CT sean, mimicking a thoracic aortic aneurysm, dissection, penetrating ulcer or an intramural hematoma. We report a 70 year-old woman in whom a systemic non-Hodgkin 's lymphoma ivas diagnosed after she presented with the clinical features of an acute aortic syndrome. A CT sean showed the presence of a large thoracoabdominal periaortic soft tissue mass without aneurism or dissection. Later, a biopsy of the mass ivasperformed which showed a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Chemotherapy with CHOP-R was effective, with complete initial resolution of the mass, developing in the follow up chylothorax, malnutrition and death.

[Acute pancreatitis. Analysis of 97 patients]

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a disease with several causes and diverse clinical course. In our environment there are not many papers on this entity and they approach punctual features inside the broad spectrum picture. The aim of this study is to determinate clinical features, etiology, handling and evolution of patients diagnosed with AP admitted in our Hospital during a three years period. The clinical records of patients with AP admitted at the British Hospital of Buenos Aires between April 2004 and April 2007 were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic data, etiology, treatment, severity of the illness, morbidity and mortality were evaluated. Ninety seven patients were diagnosed with AP during the analyzed period. Forty nine were male (50.5%). The average age was 58.5 +/- 1.6 years (range 21-93). Ninety two patients presented only one episode of AP and five patients suffered two or more (recurrent pancreatitis). According to the etiology, 48 had a biliary origin, 23 were idiopathic, 11 post biliary tract procedures, 2 recognized an alcoholic origin and 13 other causes. The median hospital stay was 7 days. Twenty five percent required admission in Intensive Care Unit. Most of the patients (n: 66; 72%) presented mild episodes according to the Ranson Score. The median of beginning oral feeding was 3 days. Regarding to complications, 13% have multiple organ failure, 8% pancreatic necrosis (4 infected), only one patient had a pseudocist and another patient a peripancreatic abscess. Mortality rate was 7.2% (7 cases, all with Ranson = 3). Although this is a short series, the biliar origin is still the most prevalent etiology in our population. The low number of alcoholic origin caught our attention. Mortality was similar to that described in other series, but the number of local complications was lower. Our data are consistent with other papers regarding management and prognosis, and update the Argentine casuistic.

[Myelomatous ascites]

Ascites is rare in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). It may be due to diverse mechanisms, most frequently because of an increased permeability of the peritoneum or because of portal hypertension due to liver infiltration. Myelomatous ascites occurs more frequently in patients having Ig-G or Ig-A paraprotein and their prognosis is poor. It is submitted the case of a female patient aged 50 years with IgA-kappa MM, who evolved with cardiac failure (CF), plasma cells leukemia and ascites of mixed cause, because of peritoneal infiltrate of myelomatous cells, hepatic compromise and CF. A review of the different causes of ascites in patients with MM is performed. There are also summarized all myelomatous ascites cases published in the literature. Our report presents the first case of myelomatous ascites in a patient with plasma cells leukemia.