scholarly journals Pulmonary Cryptococcosis in the Immunocompetent Patient—Many Questions, Some Answers

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
John F. Fisher ◽  
Paula A. Valencia-Rey ◽  
William B. Davis
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Infection ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Immunocompetent Patient ◽  
Pulmonary Cryptococcosis ◽  
Polysaccharide Antigen ◽  
Prospective Data ◽  
Radiographic Findings ◽  
Oral Fluconazole

Abstract Background.  There are no prospective data regarding the management of pulmonary cryptococcosis in the immunocompetent patient. Clinical guidelines recommend oral fluconazole for patients with mild to moderate symptoms and amphotericin B plus flucytosine followed by fluconazole for severe disease. It is unclear whether patients who have histological evidence of Cryptococcus neoformans but negative cultures will even respond to drug treatment. We evaluated and managed a patient whose presentation and course raised important questions regarding the significance of negative cultures, antifungal choices, duration of therapy, and resolution of clinical, serologic, and radiographic findings. Methods.  In addition to our experience, to answer these questions we reviewed available case reports and case series regarding immunocompetent patients with pulmonary cryptococcosis for the last 55 years using the following definitions: Definite - Clinical and/or radiographic findings of pulmonary infection and respiratory tract isolation of C. neoformans without other suspected etiologies; Probable - Clinical and radiographic findings of pulmonary infection, histopathologic evidence of C. neoformans, and negative fungal cultures with or without a positive cryptococcal polysaccharide antigen. Results.  Pulmonary cryptococcosis resolves in most patients with or without specific antifungal therapy. Clinical, radiographic, and serologic resolution is slow and may take years. Conclusions.  Persistently positive antigen titers are most common in untreated patients and may remain strongly positive despite complete or partial resolution of disease. Respiratory fungal cultures are often negative and may indicate nonviable organisms.

A Case Series of SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR-Positive Hospitalized Infants 60 Days of Age or Younger From 2 New York City Pediatric Emergency Departments

2021 ◽  
Vol 60 (4-5) ◽  
pp. 247-251
Author(s):  
Ameer Hassoun ◽  
Nessy Dahan ◽  
Christopher Kelly
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Pediatric Emergency ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Vulnerable Group ◽  
Mild Disease ◽  
Young Infants ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

The emergence of novel coronavirus disease-2019 poses an unprecedented challenge to pediatricians. While the majority of children experience mild disease, initial case reports on young infants are conflicting. We present a case series of 8 hospitalized infants 60 days of age or younger with coronavirus disease-2019. A quarter of these patients had coinfections (viral or bacterial). None of these infants had severe disease. Continued vigilance in testing this vulnerable group of infants is warranted.

scholarly journals Repeated SARS-CoV-2 Positivity: Analysis of 123 Cases

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 512
Author(s):  
Szilárd Váncsa ◽  
Fanni Dembrovszky ◽  
Nelli Farkas ◽  
Lajos Szakó ◽  
Brigitta Teutsch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Individual Patient Data ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Disease Course ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Baseline Characteristics ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Meta Analyses

Repeated positivity and reinfection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) is a significant concern. Our study aimed to evaluate the clinical significance of repeatedly positive testing after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) recovery. We performed a systematic literature search following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline. With available individual patient data reporting on repeatedly SARS-CoV-2 positive (RSP) patients, case reports, and case series were included in this analysis. We performed a descriptive analysis of baseline characteristics of repeatedly positive cases. We assessed the cases according to the length of their polymerase chain reaction (PCR) negative interval between the two episodes. Risk factors for the severity of second episodes were evaluated. Overall, we included 123 patients with repeated positivity from 56 publications, with a mean repeated positivity length of 47.8 ± 29.9 days. Younger patients were predominant in the delayed (>90 days) recurrent positive group. Furthermore, comparing patients with RSP intervals of below 60 and above 60 days, we found that a more severe disease course can be expected if the repeated positivity interval is shorter. Severe and critical disease courses might predict future repeatedly positive severe and critical COVID-19 episodes. In conclusion, our results show that the second episode of SARS-CoV-2 positivity is more severe if it happens within 60 days after the first positive PCR. On the other hand, the second episode’s severity correlates with the first.

scholarly journals Extrapulmonary manifestations and complications of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection: a systematic review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
J Cho ◽  
J Lee ◽  
CH Sia ◽  
CS Koo ◽  
BYQ Tan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Late Phase ◽  
Cardiac Injury ◽  
Gastrointestinal Symptoms ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Venous Thromboembolic Events

Introduction: We aimed to describe the extrapulmonary manifestations of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, including their frequency, onset with respect to respiratory symptoms, pathogenesis and association with disease severity. Methods: We searched the MEDLINE and Embase databases for SARS-CoV-2-related studies. Meta-analysis, observational studies, case series and case reports published in English or Chinese between 1 January and 1 May 2020 were included. Reports with only paediatric or obstetric cases were excluded. Results: 169 articles were included. Early manifestations (preceding respiratory symptoms until Day 6 of onset) included olfactory and gustatory disturbance (self-reported in up to 68% and 85% of cases, respectively), gastrointestinal symptoms (up to 65.9%) and rash (up to 20.4%). From Day 7 onwards, hypercytokinaemia, paralleled multi-organ complications including acute cardiac injury (pooled incidence of 17.7% in 1,412 patients, mostly with severe disease and 17.4% mortality), kidney and liver injury (up to 17% and 33%, respectively) and thrombocytopenia (up to 30%). Hypercoagulability resulted in venous thromboembolic events in up to 31% of all patients. Uncommon disease presentation and complications comprised Guillain-Barré syndrome, rhabdomyolysis, otitis media, meningoencephalitis and spontaneous pneumomediastinum. Conclusion: Although the systemic manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection are variegated, they are deeply interwoven by shared mechanisms. Two phases of extrapulmonary disease were identified: (a) an early phase with possible gastrointestinal, ocular and cutaneous involvement and (b) a late phase characterised by multiorgan dysfunction and clinical deterioration. A clear, multidisciplinary consensus to define and approach thromboinflammation and cytokine release syndrome in SARS-CoV-2 is needed.

scholarly journals Systematic review and patient-level meta-analysis of SARS-CoV-2 viral dynamics to model response to antiviral therapies

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silke Gastine ◽  
Juanita Pang ◽  
Florencia A.T. Boshier ◽  
Simon J Carter ◽  
Dagan O. Lonsdale ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Viral Load ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Viral Clearance ◽  
Viral Dynamics ◽  
Viral Loads ◽  
Patient Level

Background: SARS-CoV-2 viral loads change rapidly following symptom onset so to assess antivirals it is important to understand the natural history and patient factors influencing this. We undertook an individual patient-level meta-analysis of SARS-CoV-2 viral dynamics in humans to describe viral dynamics and estimate the effects of antivirals used to-date. Methods: This systematic review identified case reports, case series and clinical trial data from publications between 1/1/2020 and 31/5/2020 following PRISMA guidelines. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model (Cox-PH) of time to viral clearance was fitted to respiratory and stool samples. A simplified four parameter nonlinear mixed-effects (NLME) model was fitted to viral load trajectories in all sampling sites and covariate modelling of respiratory viral dynamics was performed to quantify time dependent drug effects. Findings: Patient-level data from 645 individuals (age 1 month-100 years) with 6316 viral loads were extracted. Model-based simulations of viral load trajectories in samples from the upper and lower respiratory tract, stool, blood, urine, ocular secretions and breast milk were generated. Cox-PH modelling showed longer time to viral clearance in older patients, males and those with more severe disease. Remdesivir was associated with faster viral clearance (adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) = 9.19, p<0.001), as well as interferon, particularly when combined with ribavirin (AHR = 2.2, p=0.015; AHR = 6.04, p = 0.006). Interpretation: Combination therapy including interferons should be further investigated. A NLME model for designing and analysing viral pharmacodynamics in trials has been established.

scholarly journals Necrotising otitis externa in the immunocompetent patient: case series

2017 ◽  
Vol 132 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-74
Author(s):  
S Unadkat ◽  
T Kanzara ◽  
G Watters
Keyword(s):  
Otitis Externa ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Common Factor ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Immunocompetent Patient ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Radiological Findings ◽  
Patient Case ◽  
The Common ◽  
Specific Symptoms

AbstractBackground:Necrotising otitis externa can be a devastating form of otitis externa. It typically tends to affect patients who are immunocompromised or diabetic. To date, there is very little in the literature about necrotising otitis externa in the immunocompetent patient population.Case reports:The present paper discusses both the clinical and radiological findings in three cases of necrotising otitis externa in an immunocompetent patient cohort. The common factor among all three patients was their advanced age.Conclusion:Diagnosing necrotising otitis externa can be challenging because of the potentially non-specific symptoms and the absence of early radiological signs, particularly if patients are neither immunocompromised nor diabetic. Elderly patients should be considered in the same light as immunocompromised and diabetic patients in the context of necrotising otitis externa.

Pneumocystis pneumonia causing cavitating lung nodules in an immunocompetent individual

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. e241061
Author(s):  
Olutobi Ojuawo ◽  
Thidar Htwe ◽  
Onn Shaun Thein ◽  
Adeel Sahal
Keyword(s):  
Case Reports ◽  
Pneumocystis Pneumonia ◽  
Immunocompetent Patient ◽  
Fibreoptic Bronchoscopy ◽  
Severe Malnutrition ◽  
Lung Nodules ◽  
Pneumocystis Jirovecii Pneumonia ◽  
Radiographic Findings ◽  
Radiologic Findings ◽  
Immunosuppressed Patients

Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) is a potential life-threatening pulmonary infection which commonly manifests in immunosuppressed patients especially with HIV, with underlying malignancies, severe malnutrition as well as those on immunosuppressive treatments. There have been case reports of symptomatic PCP in individuals with a normally functioning immune system with typical clinical features and radiologic findings of bilateral and diffuse interstitial opacities. However, PCP in immunocompetent individuals presenting with lung nodules had been rarely reported. We report a 53-year-old immunocompetent gentleman who presented with subacute cough, progressive shortness of breath and radiographic findings of multiple lung nodules with central cavitation. The diagnosis of PCP was made by detection of PCP DNA PCR in bronchoalveolar lavage sample following fibreoptic bronchoscopy. This case also highlights the atypical radiographic findings of multiple cavitating lung nodules as a presentation of PCP in an immunocompetent patient.

scholarly journals Pituitary Involvement in Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis: A Retrospective Analysis in a Single Chinese Hospital and a Literature Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Shixuan Liu ◽  
Yan Xu ◽  
Naishi Li ◽  
Shi Chen ◽  
Shangzhu Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Diabetes Insipidus ◽  
Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Systemic Disease ◽  
Immunosuppressive Agents ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Record System ◽  
Radiographic Findings ◽  
Pubmed Database

Purpose. Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is an anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) associated vasculitis that can involve virtually many organs, including the pituitary. Pituitary involvement in GPA is rare, with only case reports or small case series published previously. Methods. We used the electronic medical record system in our hospital to identify four patients of pituitary involvement in GPA. We summarized the clinical characteristics, radiographic findings, treatments, and clinical outcomes of the four patients. We further performed a systematic literature review of 66 GPA cases with pituitary involvement that were published on the PubMed database. Results. The four women in our report were between 57 and 73 years of age. All patients had pituitary abnormalities on radiology; three developed diabetes insipidus (DI). All patients had multisystem involvement. After treatment with glucocorticoids and cyclophosphamide (CYC), all patients showed clinical improvement but pituitary function did not resume. Literature review identified 66 additional patients with pituitary involvement in GPA; diabetes insipidus (57/66, 86.4%) and hypogonadism (34/66, 51.5%) were the most frequent pituitary disorders, and the most frequent imaging lesion was an enlarged pituitary (25/64, 39.1%). After treatment with corticosteroids and/or immunosuppressive agents, most patients (45/66, 68.2%) developed remission from systemic disease, 13 patients (13/57, 22.8%) showed remission of DI, and 8 patients (8/46, 17.4%) showed remission of hormone deficiencies. Conclusions. GPA should be carefully considered as a potential cause of pituitary dysfunction (PD), especially when multisystem dysfunction exists. Conventional treatment with corticosteroids and/or immunosuppressive agents improves systemic symptoms, but pituitary disorders persisted in most patients.

scholarly journals Plasmablastic Multiple Myeloma Masquerading Leukemia in an Immunocompetent Patient

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Amrita Anand ◽  
◽  
Smita Singh ◽  
Kiran Agarwal ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Myeloma ◽  
Plasma Cell ◽  
Plasma Cells ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Immunocompetent Patient ◽  
Poor Survival ◽  
Plasma Cell Neoplasm ◽  
Plasma Cell Dyscrasias ◽  
Optimal Patient Management

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell neoplasm accounting for 1% of all malignancies. It is characterized by a monoclonal malignant proliferation of plasma cells accompanied by an increase in M-protein. Plasmablastic myeloma represents 5-15% of the cases of multiple myeloma. This morphology of a MM is an independent predictor of poor survival. Plasmablastic myeloma tends to have worse outcomes than other plasma cell dyscrasias. The median survival of these patients is around 1.9 years. Much of our knowledge on plasmablastic variant of MM is dependent on case reports and case series. Hence, an early identification of this aggressive variant of multiple myeloma and its differentiation from hematological malignancy like plasmablastic lymphoma is necessary for optimal patient management.

scholarly journals Semiinvasive Aspergillosis: A Diagnosis to Consider in a Seemingly Immunocompetent Patient with a Pulmonary Nodule, Haemoptysis and Structural Lung Disease

2009 ◽  
Vol 52 (3) ◽  
pp. 121-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francisco José Fernández-Fernández ◽  
Marcelino del Castillo-Fraile ◽  
María del Mar Used-Aznar
Keyword(s):  
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis ◽  
Pulmonary Fibrosis ◽  
Lung Disease ◽  
Pulmonary Nodule ◽  
Lung Diseases ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Immunocompetent Patient ◽  
Pulmonary Aspergillosis ◽  
Chronic Lung Diseases

Semiinvasive pulmonary aspergillosis is an indolent form of pulmonary aspergillosis, which is seen mainly in patients who are mildly immunocompromised with underlying chronic lung diseases. This syndrome is rare, and the available literature is based on case reports and small case series. We describe here a patient with a semiinvasive aspergillosis associated with a probable idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

scholarly journals Urinary viral shedding of COVID-19 and its clinical associations: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Observational Studies

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amir H Kashi ◽  
Jean de la Rosette ◽  
Erfan Amini ◽  
Hamidreza Abdi ◽  
Morteza Fallah-karkan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Disease Onset ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Adult Patients ◽  
Mild Disease ◽  
Viral Shedding

Objectives: To review the current literature on the presence of COVID-19 virus in the urine of infected patients and to explore the clinical features that can predict the presence of COVID-19 in urine. Materials and Methods: A systematic review of published literature between 30th December 2019 and 21st June 2020 was conducted on Pubmed, Google Scholar, Ovid, Scopus, and ISI web of science. Studies investigating urinary viral shedding of COVID-19 in infected patients were included. Two reviewers selected relative studies and performed quality assessment of individual studies. Meta-analysis was performed on the pooled case reports and cohort with a sample size of >= 9. Results: Thirty-nine studies were finally included in the systematic review; 12 case reports, 26 case series, and one cohort study. Urinary samples from 533 patients were investigated. Fourteen studies reported the presence of COVID19 in the urinary samples from 24 patients. The crude overall rate of COVID-19 detection in urinary samples was 4.5%. Considering case series and cohorts with a sample size of >= 9, the estimated viral shedding frequency was 1.18 % (CI 95%: 0.14 - 2.87) in the metaanalysis. In adult patients, urinary shedding of COVID-19 was commonly detected in patients with moderate to severe disease (16 adult patients with moderate or severe disease versus two adult patients with mild disease). In children, urinary viral shedding of COVID-19 was reported in 4 children who all suffered from mild disease. Urinary viral shedding of COVID-19 was detected from day 1 to day 52 after disease onset. The pathogenicity of virus isolated from urine has been demonstrated in cell culture media in one study while another study failed to reveal replication of isolated viral RNA in cell cultures. Urinary symptoms were not attributed to urinary viral shedding. Conclusions: While COVID-19 is rarely detected in urine of infected individuals, infection transmission through urine still remains possible. In adult patients, infected urine is more likely in the presence of moderate or severe disease. Therefore, caution should be exerted when dealing with COVID-19 infected patients during medical interventions like endoscopy and urethral catheterization.

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