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The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic presents a challenge for healthcare worldwide. In this context, rapid, correct diagnosis and early isolation of infected persons is of great importance. Pneumonia as an expression of COVID-19 is responsible for the most part of morbidity and mortality. Lung ultrasound can provide valuable information about the diagnosis of a COVID-19 pneumonia in daily practice. A normal ultrasound excludes COVID-19 pneumonia. Conversely, finding abnormalities matching with a COVID-19 pneumonia can be useful for isolation policy. Follow up lung ultrasound visualizes the development of the pneumonia and a possible alternative diagnosis can thereby be determined in the event of a deviating clinical course.

Background: Ingestion of certain Cortinarius species may lead to renal failure. In the Netherlands, this type of poisoning has not been previously described., Casus: A 58-year-old female presented with headache, vomiting and oliguria, preceded by a few days of burning, painful thirst and malaise. She had acute and irreversible renal failure of unknown cause. History revealed that two days before the onset of her symptoms, she had eaten a ragout prepared with mushrooms that were picked in a forest. A renal biopsy demonstrated interstitial nephritis with proximal tubular necrosis. In the leftovers of the ragout two fragments of Cortinarius mushroom, probably belonging to the complex of Cortinarius cinnamomeus (cinnamon webcap), were found. First signs and symptoms, and the course are compatible with those described in the literature on Cortinarius poisoning. Despite haemodialysis and administration of acetylcysteine and glucocorticoids, her renal function did not recover., Conclusion: This case is the first description of mushroom poisoning by a species of the genus Cortinarius in the Netherlands.

Desmopressin is occasionally used to reduce the frequency of nocturnal toilet visits. We describe an 86-year-old woman with nocturnal incontinence due to a urinary tract infection, and a 49-year-old man with frequent toilet visits in the night, known to consume excessive amounts of alcohol. They were admitted to hospital with neurological symptoms due to severe hyponatraemia, 114 and 102 mmol/l respectively, while using desmopressin. After the desmopressin had been discontinued and the fluid balance restored, they recovered completely. Hyponatraemia is inherent to the mechanism of action of desmopressin. Desmopressin should be prescribed only on sound indication, and risk factors for developing severe hyponatraemia should always be taken into consideration. Proper instruction and follow-up are important to prevent severe complications.

A 20-year-old woman with borderline personality disorder was referred to the emergency department by a psychiatric clinic. After taking 10 g of nutmeg she complained of stomach ache and dizziness. A physical examination showed mild hypothermia and sinus tachycardia. She was admitted for observation and discharged after 24 h to the psychiatric clinic without sequelae. Nutmeg is a spice. Relatively unknown are the hallucinogenic and euphoric effects for which it is used by drug abusers and students. Symptoms appear 6 h after ingestion of at least 10 g of nutmeg and are related to its effects on the central nervous system. Use of the drug can lead to anxiety and feelings of doom and even to psychosis. Dry mouth, nausea and dizziness may also occur. A physical examination may show hypothermia, tachycardia or hypertension or, in rarer cases, hypotension and shock. Symptoms disappear without sequelae after 24-48 h. Treatment consists of supportive measures. In the event of haemodynamic instability, cardiovascular monitoring is indicated.

A lowering of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and/or the presence of albuminuria are signs of chronic renal disease. Both variables are for the most part independently associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Albuminuria is a marker of endothelial dysfunction. A decrease of the GFR is associated with non-traditional risk factors, e.g. renal anaemia, uraemic toxins due to a decrease of the renal clearance, hyperhomocysteinaemia caused by a diminished homocysteine metabolism, excessive activation of the sympathetic nervous system which is related to sleep apnoea syndrome, oxidative stress and dyslipidaemia associated with the formation of vasotoxic, oxidised LDL cholesterol. These non-traditional risk factors may, alone or in combination with traditional atherogenic risk factors (e.g. age, male gender, smoking, hypercholesterolaemia, hypertension, obesity, positive family history and diabetes mellitus), partially via endothelial dysfunction, result in harmful effects on arterial function, increasing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Different stages of chronic kidney disease are associated with specific risk factors, making a specific therapeutic approach essential.

A 56-year-old woman had bluish discoloration of the upper part of white cotton underclothing, caused by apocrine chromhidrosis.