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Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) is a challenging thrombotic diathesis which requires prompt diagnosis and therapeutic intervention in order to avoid life-threatening consequences. There are two forms of TTP, congenital and acquired, with the acquired form constituting about 90% of cases. Both forms are associated with a deficiency of ADAMTS-13, a metalloproteinase enzyme responsible for cleaving ultra-large von Willebrand factor (uLvWF), preventing its pathologic accumulation. Within the last year, many of the diverse and serious effects of the COVID-19 virus have come to recognition, with some of the most dire consequences involving devastating vascular and hematologic complications. As with many viruses, it seems that the endothelium and the vasculature are often prime targets. Here, we report a case of a 30 year old male who was diagnosed with TTP approximately one week after a positive COVID-19 test result. He responded appropriately to plasma exchange (PLEX), caplacizumab, and steroids. We believe it is important to investigate a potential link between these two conditions, as TTP has significant morbidity and mortality risk if left unattended. We hope that our report will contribute to a better understanding of this potential link.

Introduction Acute purulent pericarditis is an exceedingly rare entity most often caused by direct intrathoracic contamination or hematogenous spread of a bacterial infection. Mortality nears 100% when left untreated. We present here a rare case of idiopathic bacterial pericarditis caused by methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA). Case A 69-year-old male presented with chest pain and abdominal pain. He was found to have a pericardial effusion and tamponade and underwent emergent pericardiocentesis. Pericardial fluid culture grew methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. The patient required multiple pericardial washouts and was then treated with four weeks of intravenous antibiotics. Conclusion While uncommon, clinical suspicion for purulent pericarditis should remain high due to the associated high mortality.

Sickle cell anemia patients often present to the hospital with acute vaso-occlusive pain crisis. Symptoms can include, but are not limited to, chest pain, abdominal pain, and musculoskeletal pain. These symptoms are brought about due to the pathology of the disease. Abnormal hemoglobin S causes red blood cells to band together, otherwise known as "sickling." These patients also often present with very low hemoglobin levels on initial evaluation. In most cases, packed red blood cell transfusions are needed in order to replenish these patient's functional hemoglobin supply. Unfortunately, transfusing sickle cell patients can lead to an unwanted consequence, that of hyperhemolysis syndrome, in which blood transfusions prompt further hemolysis of the already sickled red blood cells. When this complication arises, caution must be exercised in deciding the next steps of treatment.