Search

Histoplasma capsulatum is a dimorphic fungus found in certain parts of North, Central, and South America. Transmission is primarily through airborne inoculation from inhaled fungal microconidia. Histoplasmosis is typically a self-limited mycosis; however, in patients with immunodeficiency, disseminated disease can occur and may lead to high disease burden. This report studies a case of disseminated histoplasmosis in a patient newly diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus. His presentation on admission was consistent with infectious pulmonary granulomatous disease, and further imaging and laboratory results showed evidence of multi-organ involvement. It is likely his presentation in Central California was a reactivation infection after inoculation in Central America many years ago.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been devastating to the elderly population, especially due to a lack of clear guidelines for treatment. Corticosteroids have been the mainstay in treating the cytokine storm caused by the virus. In the past, prolonged viral shedding of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) was noted in patients treated with high-dose corticosteroids. It is unclear whether this also holds true for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV2). To our knowledge, this case report highlights the longest reported disease course of SARS-CoV2, lasting approximately 210 days.

Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) is a life-threatening clinicopathologic condition caused by accumulation of intra-alveolar red blood cells (RBCs) after disruption of the alveolar-capillary basement membrane that is often seen as a complication of various diseases, but is rare in systemic sclerosis. A 46-year-old female with systemic sclerosis presented to the emergency department complaining of right-sided chest pain. Initially, her electrocardiogram and chest X-ray (CXR) were unremarkable; however, she progressively decompensated into acute respiratory failure resulting in intubation. Repeat CXR and computed tomography scan showed diffuse bilateral alveolar infiltrates and pleural effusions. Video bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage showed numerous RBCs, neutrophils, macrophages, and respiratory epithelial cells consistent with acute DAH. She was started on intravenous pulse-dosing Solu-Medrol 1 g daily for 5 days. One month later, the patient returned with intractable nausea and vomiting. Again, she went into acute respiratory distress with a PaO2 of 59 while on a 10-L non-rebreather mask. CXR revealed development of alveolar infiltrates in the right lung. A bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage again showed numerous RBCs and neutrophils along with staining positive for hemosiderin-laden macrophages. Systemic sclerosis with alveolar hemorrhage is a rare occurrence; however, most cases are single episodes of hemorrhage, whereas we present a case with 2 confirmed episodes within 30 days. Its life-threatening nature makes a systemic approach and aggressive treatment crucial to decreasing morbidity and mortality-making it a diagnosis that should not be overlooked, especially in patients with nonspecific symptoms.

Primary thyroid lymphoma is one of the rare and distinct type of extra nodal lymphomas originating within the thyroid gland. It accounts for less than 5% of all thyroid malignancies and 2% of extra nodal lymphomas. It predominantly affects older adults, with a higher incidence in women. Patients typically present with a rapidly enlarging thyroid mass, accompanied by clinical symptoms of compression such as dysphagia, dyspnea, and hoarseness. Diagnosis is established through a combination of fine-needle aspiration, core needle biopsy, and advanced imaging techniques. Standard treatment involves a multimodal strategy of chemotherapy, often with the addition of radiotherapy and surgical intervention. Herein presented is the first reported case of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma treated with Pola-R-CHP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]