Vol. 3 No. 2

Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte balance disorder, especially in the elderly and polymedicated population. The authors report the case of an 83-year-old man with symptomatic severe hyponatremia due to Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion (SIADH) related to pantoprazole. Pantoprazole was discontinued and serum sodium levels reached normal values in two months. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the second reported case of pantoprazole-related hyponatremia and, while most patients with hyponatremia related to proton pump inhibitors have mild symptoms, this patient had severe manifestations.

Percutaneous liver biopsy (PLB) is a common procedure in patients with liver disease. Bleeding after PLB is rare, with an incidence of 0.35%. Most bleeding complications present within 24 h after biopsy. A 56-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital due to severe and sudden right upper quadrant (RUQ) abdominal pain 10 days after ultrasound (US)-guided PLB. CT study revealed both intrahepatic and intraperitoneal bleeding, and Hb levels decreased by 3.2 g/dl within a few hours. Such a prolonged delay in PLB-related bleeding has not been previously described in the medical literature.

A 67-year-old woman developed severe edema of her right hand and forearm, for which she was treated with antibiotics, without benefit. The echography excluded a venous thrombosis. Subsequently, she referred a wasp sting before the development of the edema. Specific Hymenoptera venom immunoglobulin E (IgE) was found to be positive for paper wasp and yellow jacket. A large local reaction (LLR) was diagnosed due to the hymenoptera sting. Self-injectable epinephrine was prescribed for possible, though unlikely, systemic reactions following hymenoptera stings.

Multinodular goitre is the most common thyroid gland disorder. It can cause hyperthyroidism and mechanical complaints such as tracheal compression or dysphagia. We report a unique case of a patient with a toxic multinodular goitre presenting with a deep venous thrombosis of the left arm due to direct local compression of blood flow.

We present the case of a 55-year-old man, with a self-limited febrile condition associated to polyserositis with inconclusive investigation. Bilateral pleural and pericardial effusions resolved. The peritoneal fluid loculated and was compatible with an exudate. The patient remained clinically asymptomatic. Two years later, examination revealed a palpable and painless abdominal mass, which imaging study suggested a cystic lesion. Surgical resection was performed and the histological examination revealed a mesenteric pseudocyst.

Mesenteric pseudocysts are rare intra-abdominal cystic masses, mostly benign, without causing specific symptoms. Although imaging tests are useful for their differential diagnosis, the histology is mandatory.

Objectives: The Authors report the case of a 56-year-old man with celiac disease, who after ingesting a food containing gluten and experiencing a flu-like syndrome, developed severe diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss (15 kg), hypotension, renal dysfunction, hypokalemia and metabolic acidosis.

Materials and methods: Admission to the Intensive Care Unit and exclusion of an infectious cause was determined.

Results: After receiving noradrenaline, methylprednisolone and correction of ionic disturbances, the patient recovered rapidly and had no further complication.

Conclusion: The Authors intend to increase awareness of celiac crisis, because despite being extremely rare in adults, it is potentially fatal and an quick diagnosis and treatment are crucial.

Objectives: To report a case of idiopathic aortitis presenting with chronic cough.

Materials and Methods: the Authors describe the case of a 72-year-old man with dry cough, worsening fatigue, weight loss and elevated systemic inflammatory markers.

Results: A PET-CT scan showed diffuse thickening of the thoracic aorta and confirmed the diagnosis of aortitis. Systemic corticosteroid therapy was initiated and complete remission was achieved in six months.

Conclusion: Persistent dry cough of unknown origin, especially when associated with systemic inflammation, demands a thorough differential diagnosis and should not be underrated.