United States

Background: Catecholamine-secreting tumors are neuroendocrine tumors classified as intra- or extra-adrenal. Extra-adrenal paragangliomas are rarer and more often multifocal, recurrent, and metastatic, which is consistent with our patient’s presentation. Paragangliomas also have a 60% malignancy rate compared to the 25% rate of adrenal pheochromocytomas. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism (JCEM) determined that infra-diaphragmatic paraaortic paragangliomas have higher rates of metastasis compared to those in other locations. Surgical resection of metastatic disease depends on extent of metastasis and long-term goals of treatment. Adjuvant therapies such as chemotherapy, radiation, or targeted therapies should be considered to decrease disease recurrence and/or manage residual disease. 
Case Presentation: An elderly 68-year-old man presented with progressive lethargy, uncontrollable sleepiness, forceful vomiting, and wheezing. Upon admission, he was found to have hypertensive urgency, with a blood pressure of 187/110 and tachycardia. EKG revealed prolonged QTc. His labs showed elevated TSH, free T4, creatinine kinase, blood glucose, and leukocytosis. His urinalysis showed glucose above a thousand and an elevated specific gravity. His blood pressure and blood glucose remained elevated, requiring an increase in home metoprolol dose and the addition of amlodipine and hydralazine. Throughout admission, he was pale, and complained of overnight heat intolerance, diaphoresis, and anxiety regarding his hospitalization. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis with contrast revealed a 5.9 cm x 5.6 cm x 7.9 cm left para-aortic/retroperitoneal mass with central necrosis, most likely representing a paraganglioma. Bilateral pulmonary nodules and an 8 mm enhancing focus in the liver concerning for metastasis were also noted. Plasma and 24-hour urine normetanephrines were elevated at 16.25 and 10,904, respectively. Urine normetanephrine to creatine ratio was elevated at 4,948. The patient declined IR-guided biopsy. 
Discussion: For patients like this with extensive metastatic disease, excision is mostly a debulking procedure used to resolve the immediate symptoms and does not prevent recurrence or metastasis to other sites in the future. A retrospective analysis was conducted between 1995 and 2020 on patients who underwent resection of their paragangliomas, went into remission, and then had recurrence, defined as local or distant metastasis. The recurrence rate for paragangliomas was approximately 6.5-17.4% after initial surgery.  Long-term surveillance is necessary to monitor for disease recurrence or progression. 



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Malignant Paraganglioma: Long-term Considerations and Interventions

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Background
•Dulaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA), a second-line agent used after metformin in individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (Type 2 DM) for glycemic control.1
•In diabetic patients, weight loss reduces total mortality by 25% compared to those who do not lose weight, making it crucial in diabetic management. 2
•A meta-analysis showed that dulaglutide significantly reduced waist circumference, body weight, and BMI in Type 2 DM patients compared to placebo.3
•However, the applicability of dulaglutide for weight management is poorly explored for challenging patient profiles like morbidly obese patients with multiple comorbidities and concomitant antipsychotic use. 4

Case presentation
•We present a case of a 27-year-old ex-sumo wrestler with bipolar II disorder, morbid obesity, hypertension, and Type 2 DM, and a BMI of 49.66 kg/m².
•He was non-compliant with lifestyle modifications and resistant to conventional treatments, including metformin, and was also using multiple antipsychotic drugs. 
•After six months on dulaglutide, his daily calorie intake significantly decreased from 6924 to 2538, resulting in a 40 kg weight loss (-21%) and a BMI reduction of 10.3 kg/m² with no side effects and improved glycemic control
This reduction was primarily due to a notable decreased appetite and an increased satiety even after consuming a smaller amount of food. The subjective quantification of hunger and satiety was done using a visual analog scale. 

Discussion
•Dulaglutide, a convenient weekly injectable with strong glycemic efficacy and potential for weight loss, emerges as a promising new GLP-1 RA for the treatment of obesity in patients with multiple comorbidities. 
•The 40 kg weight loss in our patient with dulaglutide is unprecedented and not previously documented. 
•This case supports the argument for dulaglutide’s FDA approval for weight loss, which could expand insurance coverage, reduce the financial burden, and provide an important new option for patients struggling to manage weight.5

Conclusion
This case emphasizes dulaglutide’s efficacy in challenging real-word cases, offering a promising solution for weight management in patients with multifaceted health issues, such as morbid obesity, non-compliance with lifestyle changes, and weight gain associated with antipsychotic use

Transformative Weight Loss with Dulaglutide: A Success in Challenging Patient Profile of an Ex-sumo

This report describes the case of an 85-year-old male with abdominal pain and signs of diverticulitis on physical examination and laboratory results. CT imaging initially demonstrated equivocal findings non-concerning for inflammation. Re-evaluation led to finding of diverticulitis with formation of an intrabdominal abscess. Being aware of atypical presentations of diverticulitis may help lead to timely intervention in the setting of potential misinterpretation of imaging results. 


An Unusual Presentation of Complicated Diverticulitis

Abstract Title
Beautiful, sweet-smelling, and poisoning: A rare case of Lily of the Valley intoxication

Background
We are presenting a Lily Of The Valley (Convallaria Majalis) poisoning case that we encountered in our clinic. This is a rare intoxication; few cases have been reported in the literature, mainly for accidental ingestion. 

Case Presentation
A 34-year-old Female with a PMH of anemia and anxiety presented at our FM Clinic complaining of nausea, multiple episodes of NBNB vomiting, dizziness, and weakness. Symptoms started two hours before her presentation to the clinic. The patient said she was hiking in upstate New York and picked up two stalks of an unknown plant. The morning of her presentation she mixed the plant with breakfast and ingested it along with her boyfriend. After one hour, she started feeling numbness in her tongue and thereafter started the nausea followed by vomiting six times. Her boyfriend also presented the same symptoms. The patient denied smoking, alcohol intake, or recreational drug use. On arrival at the clinic, her vital signs were T 97.8, HR 62 bpm, BP 77/49 mmHg, RR 18, SpO2 100% on RA. The cardiovascular system was remarkable for severe hypotension and sinus bradycardia. The Poison Control Center was contacted and confirmed from the description and picture identification that the plant was likely the Lily of the Valley. The patient was transferred to the ED, and her boyfriend was also contacted to come. ECG done showed normal sinus rhythm. Labs were remarkable for hypoglycemia (FS 57). CBC with neutrophilia 82.6%, VBG: pH 7.30. Digoxin levels <0.2. The drug screen was negative. The patient was on the cardiac monitor for two hours, had no more episodes of emesis, and was no longer nauseous or dizzy. Repeat a set of Vitals: T 98.8, HR 55 BP 95/54 mmHg, MAP 62, SpO2 94% on RA. She left against medical advice. 

Discussion
Convallaria majalis (Lily of the Valley) is one of the world's most poisonous plants. Cases of human poisoning are rare. The principal component of glycosides is convallatoxin. Manifestations of this poisoning are similar to those seen in digitalis intoxication in the elderly: digestive disorders, bradycardia, imbalance in the BP, and arrhythmias. The toxicity mechanisms are identical to those of digitalis. The patient presented in this case had bradycardia and severe hypotension, but because her partner was also presenting the same symptoms, it brought the suspicion of an intoxication.

Beautiful, sweet-smelling, and poisoning: A rare case of Lily of the Valley intoxication

Title: Effective Management of Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders
Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) in a 15-Year-Old Girl: A Case Report
Authors: Varsha Kakani MBBS, Dwija Rajguru, Meet Singh MBBS
Keywords: Neuropsychiatric symptoms, Streptococcal infection, Antibiotics, Corticosteroids, SSRI
Background & Introduction: Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) is characterized by sudden onset obsessive-compulsive behavior, tics, and various behavioral issues in children with a history of streptococcal infections. Symptoms include personality changes, cognitive decline, motor disturbances, sensory sensitivity, behavioral changes, and psychosis. Linked to repeated streptococcal infections, PANDAS affects children aged 3 to 12 years, with an incidence of 1 per thousand. The disorder results from molecular mimicry, leading to the production of cross-reactive antibodies that can cross the blood-brain barrier and bind to neuronal antigens like lysoganglioside, dopamine receptors, and CAMK II (calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II), particularly in the basal ganglia, triggering rapid onset obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Diagnosis and followup relies on elevated Anti-streptolysin O [ASO] or Anti-DNAse B titers. Treatment involves antibiotics, corticosteroids, and SSRIs to prevent persistent symptoms into adulthood.
Case Report: A 15-year-old Puerto Rican girl presented with altered behavior over three weeks, including visual, auditory, and tactile hallucinations, discomfort from seeing numbers shake in class, nausea when looking at certain numbers and letters, and distortions in her reflection. She also experienced eye blinking tics, crawling sensations, significant anxiety, social isolation, and prolonged showers. Despite these symptoms, her sleep and appetite were undisturbed. Her father reported multiple streptococcal throat infections, decreasing after a tonsillectomy at age 10. Recent sore throat symptoms resolved with over-the-counter analgesics.
Elevated Anti-DNAse B antibodies (1070 U/ml) and ASO titers (342.1 IU/ml) suggested PANDAS. She was initially treated with Clindamycin due to a penicillin allergy but showed no improvement. The treatment was then switched to Azithromycin, which led to partial improvement. Subsequent treatment with methylprednisolone, naproxen, and sertraline significantly reduced her symptoms within one week, allowing her to refocus on schoolwork. Follow-up ASO titers decreased to 306.8 U/ml.
Discussion: This case highlights the diagnostic challenges and therapeutic response in suspected PANDAS. The acute onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms, along with elevated streptococcal antibodies, supported the diagnosis. Initial antibiotics provided partial relief, but significant improvement was achieved with corticosteroids and SSRIs, underscoring the benefit of integrated treatment.
Conclusion: PANDAS should be considered in pediatric patients with acute neuropsychiatric symptoms and a history of streptococcal infections. Early recognition and combined antibiotic, corticosteroid, and
SSRI therapy can effectively manage PANDAS symptoms.


Effective Management of Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (Pandas) in a 15-year-old girl: A Case Report

Background :
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common hemoglobin anomaly in the United States and has numerous complications. Intravenous (IV ) fluid hydration is a principal element in the management of pain crisis. Intravenous hydration is commonly used in the treatment of vasoocclusive crises , as dehydration promotes erythrocyte sickling. Potential complications of continuous fluid replenishment include weight gain, heart failure, pulmonary edema and lower extremity edema.

Case Presentation :
This is a case of a 25-year-old female with a past history of SCD who was admitted for an acute pain crisis. Her symptoms of generalized myopathy was precipitated after drinking 2 bottles of beer. On presentation, her vitals were T 97.5 F ,BP 104/75, HR 124, RR 27, SpO2 100% on room air. Blood alcohol level was 180, reticulocyte count 15.6, urine screen was positive for alcohol and THC, hemoglobin and hematocrit were 8.9 & 25.6. She received a bolus of normal saline (NS)
and was started on D5W 0.3%NS. Her pain was controlled with a multimodal approach using NSAIDS, heat patches, Duloxetine and a Hydromorphone PCA pump. Due to poor oral intake, she continued to be on maintenance IV fluids. On day 7 of admission, the patient reported chest pain with BP 88/53,HR 109, RR 28, sPO2 88%at room air. Chest x-ray revealed bilateral perihilar and basilar alveolar opacities with obscured hemidiaphragms, costophrenic sulci and portions of heart borders, which were new findings. Troponins drawn eight hours apart read 345> 408>160 respectively. The patient was started on Levofloxacin due to allergies to other antibiotics. An exchange transfusion improved her symptoms.

Discussion :
Alcohol is a diuretic that can worsen volume status and cause dehydration thereby promoting sickle cell clumping and triggering a crisis. ACS is a form of acute lung injury defined by new pulmonary findings on chest x-ray combined with ≥ 1 manifestation such as cough, fever, chest pain, tachypnea, dyspnea, sputum production, or new-onset hypoxia. The vital signs and new radiologic findings due to volume overload IV fluids were consistent with ACS. Prolonged periods and insufficient monitoring of hydration status could lead to complications of
hyperhydration that could present as an ACS. There are currently no guidelines for fluid replacement in patients with SCD. Taking this into account , the provider should guide clinical decision on choice and duration hydration. Improving the awareness of this potential effect among health care providers would also prevent complications.

Iatrogenic Acute Chest Syndrome in a Patient with Sickle Cell Disease.

Background: Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), recently renamed Metabolic dysfunction-associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), is the leading cause of chronic liver disease, contributing significantly to liver-related morbidity and mortality. Evidence indicates that lean individuals exhibit a higher rate of disease progression, liver fibrosis, cardiovascular morbidity, and all-cause mortality in advanced stages compared to obese individuals. Genetic factors significantly influence the prevalence of MASLD. This clinical scenario highlights a unique case of a lean patient with metabolic syndrome and hepatic steatosis, absent hepatic lesions.
Case Presentation: An Asian female in her mid-50s, weighing 124 lb, visited her Primary Care Physician (PCP) with complaints of right upper quadrant abdominal pain and bloating after consuming a high-fat diet. She had no vomiting or diarrhea history but reported occasional constipation and elevated systolic blood pressure. Laboratory results indicated borderline elevated HbA1C, high triglycerides, and cholesterol levels. Comprehensive testing, including SIBO, stool tests, H. pylori, anti-HbC, and pancreatic elastase 1, alongside upper and lower GI endoscopy, ultrasonography with elastography, abdominal X-ray, and CT scan, were conducted. Initially misdiagnosed with Functional Bowel Disorder, the patient received treatments for elevated triglycerides, cholesterol, blood glucose, and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. After four years of persistent GI symptoms, further diagnostics led to a diagnosis of Lean MASLD with hepatic steatosis but no hepatic lesions.
Discussion This case underscores that individuals with a normal BMI can still have abnormal metabolism, hepatic steatosis, and steatohepatitis. Preventing disease progression in such patients is crucial. Despite the rising prevalence and burden of MASLD, effective pharmacotherapy remains limited and evolving. Current treatments focus on addressing metabolic syndrome and promoting weight loss. Evidence supports a weight loss regimen involving a low-carbohydrate, hypocaloric diet aiming for a 30% calorie reduction, or 1200–1500 kcal/day, or a 500–1000 kcal/day reduction from baseline. For lean patients, the goal should be a hypocaloric diet combined with aerobic exercise. The case highlights an opportunity to enhance PCP awareness regarding MASLD, given the initial misdiagnosis of Functional Bowel Disorder. As PCPs and endocrinologists often serve as the first point of contact for MASLD patients in the US, they need to be well-versed in clinical care pathways and evidence-based guidelines to ensure accurate screening, diagnosis, initial management, and timely referrals for at-risk patients.





“Lean and at Risk” for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Case Scenario Urging Crucial Attention

Background:
Acquired hemophilia A (AHA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the development of autoantibodies against coagulation factor VIII (FVIII). AHA most commonly occurs spontaneously in older adults, but can be triggered by malignancy, autoimmune disease, pregnancy, infection, and drugs, particularly antibiotics. We report a rare case of AHA diagnosed in the setting of GI bleeding refractory to numerous endoscopic treatments.

Case Presentation:
A 71-year-old man with coronary artery disease who was initially hospitalized for cellulitis that did not respond to multiple prolonged courses of outpatient antibiotics developed a GI bleed. On admission, he was placed on cefazolin and developed hematemesis 4 days later. Endoscopy identified an oozing gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) ulceration with a visible blood vessel. It was treated with epinephrine injections, hemostatic clips, and spray. The patient was readmitted twice shortly after discharge for recurrent bleeding, first for melena and then for hemorrhagic shock. He received four total endoscopies finding active bleeding at the GEJ, all with successful procedural hemostasis. Coagulopathy workup revealed a persistently elevated prothrombin time, with only partial correction in mixing studies. Further testing identified the specific FVIII inhibitor, quantified its high titer of 71 Besthesda Units, and confirmed extremely low FVIII activity (<1%) diagnostic for an acquired FVIII deficiency. Sulfasalazine was considered the most likely inducer. The bleeding stopped after fresh frozen plasma transfusions, and he was discharged home on corticosteroids, with plans to start rituximab.

Discussion:
This case underscores the consideration of coagulopathies as possible contributors to refractory anemia and GI bleeding. Recent antibiotics should increase suspicion of AHA, even without a prior history of abnormal coagulation. This approach can lead to timely and appropriate treatment interventions, such as immunosuppressive therapy and FVIII replacement, ultimately improving patient outcomes. Despite its rarity, awareness and suspicion of AHA can significantly impact the management and prognosis of affected patients.

Acquired Hemophilia A: A Rare Case of Persistent Peptic Ulcer Bleeding Despite Multiple Endoscopic Treatments


Background
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition that is defined by an overgrowth of normal flora in the small intestinal, causing symptoms similar to irritable bowel disease, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and frequent stools. Altered flora can arise from dysmotility, altered anatomy, such as surgery, or hypochlorhydria. A known condition that is associated with SIBO is auto-brewery syndrome, in that the intestinal flora metabolize carbohydrates into ethanol, which will, then, intoxicate the patient. However, alcohol abuse is a common condition worldwide. Patients that are addicted to alcohol often have financial, social, and interpersonal strain, and those patients often go to great lengths to hide their alcohol abuse to their spouses and family, often involving elaborate lies and trickery. Moreover, a patient that has a history of alcohol abuse is at greater risk of relapse following abstinence from alcohol.
Case Presentation
We present a case of a 48-year-old patient with a medical history of SIBO who is presenting to the emergency department acutely intoxicated. The patient is accompanied by his wife. She states that since he has been diagnosed with SIBO, he often experiences multiple “episodes” per month where he appears intoxicated, and that it is controlled by a specific diet that they have worked to develop. She endorses that he has a history of alcohol abuse, and that he has abstained from alcohol for about 2 years, with no possibility of the patient relapsing as they both work from home and the majority of their time together. Labs were significant for a blood alcohol level (BAC) of 0.47. He was then admitted to the hospital, and his BAC was trended, which showed a linear decrease of .02 per hour. The patient was not restricted in his diet and was seen to eat carbohydrates, with no increase in BAC, thus ruling out auto-brewery syndrome, leaving a relapse of alcohol abuse as his final diagnosis.
Discussion
This case provides an intricate display of SIBO, auto-brewery, and chronic alcohol abuse disorder. The endogenous production of ethanol by intestinal microorganisms results in intoxication symptoms. The differentiation of auto-brewery and alcohol use is crucial as management includes carbohydrate-restricted diet, antibiotics, and cessation of alcohol consumption. Psychosocial elements of this case highlight the interdepartmental teamwork from medical doctors, nutritionists, and psychosocial personnel and support systems.

Alcohol Abuse or Auto-Brewery A Case of Complicated SIBO and Addiction

Background
Emphysematous gastritis is a rare and lethal disease characterized by air within the gastric wall, caused by gas forming microorganisms such as Escherichia coli, streptococcus species, and clostridium species, to name a few. Even when identified early, it has a mortality rate of 60%. Here we present a rare case of emphysematous gastritis that developed while the patient was admitted to the hospital for an unrelated reason.

Case Presentation
A 62-year-old male with past medical history of type 2 diabetes mellitus and osteoarthritis with long-term naproxen use presented to the hospital for an elective left total knee arthroplasty, which he underwent successfully. On postoperative day 3, patient developed dyspnea and severe abdominal pain accompanied by nausea and multiple episodes of nonbilious emesis. On exam, abdomen was moderately distended with guarding and diffuse tenderness to palpation, but bowel sounds were preserved. Lab studies remarkable for white blood cell count 13.7x103/L, hemoglobin 9.7 g/dL, and lactic acid 1.5 mEq/L. An emergent CT scan with IV contrast showed evidence of emphysematous gastritis with portal venous gas. Due to the high risk of iatrogenic perforation from endoscopy, he was managed non-operatively with IV fluids, pantoprazole, antiemetics, and antibiotic coverage with vancomycin and piperacillin-tazobactam. Within 48 hours, the patient’s symptoms resolved, blood cultures were negative, and he was discharged shortly afterwards to finish a 14-day course of levofloxacin and metronidazole.

Discussion
It is often challenging to distinguish between emphysematous gastritis and gastric emphysema. Gastric emphysema is an asymptomatic non-infectious process that is associated with mechanical disruption of the gastric wall (i.e., surgery, endoscopy or nasogastric tube placement). In contrast, emphysematous gastritis is a life-threatening condition often caused by a bacterial infection that arises locally or spreads hematogenously from a distant focus. In our case, the major risk factors were diabetes mellitus and chronic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use, creating a favorable environment for bacterial invasion. Although the mainstay of treatment is supportive, emphysematous gastritis can lead to severe septic shock, gastric perforation, hemorrhage, or gastric wall necrosis if not identified promptly. In such cases, emergent surgical intervention is warranted.


Emphysematous Gastritis: A Rare but Critical Gastrointestinal Condition


Background
Hydatid cyst disease is amongst the most common zoonotic parasitic manifestations, caused by Echinococcus granulosus where humans act as an accidental host. Hydatid cyst of anterior wall (1-4%) has been observed in a few patients without primary involvement of the liver. 

Case Presentation
A 33 year old, young male presented with on and off dull aching abdominal pain with fever for 5 years but was misdiagnosed as anterior abdominal wall haematoma. The only significant history was possession of an unvaccinated stray dog. Physical examination revealed a cystic, tender swelling around 5x10 cm in the region of right hypochondrium to right lumbar region. Abdominal Contrast enhanced computed tomography revealed a slightly thick walled cystic appearing lesion 6.1x 9.6 x 5.5 cm suggesting a focal discontinuity of its antero-medial wall with surrounding relatively ill- defined hypo-dense collection seen partly insulating in the inter-muscular planes, suggesting a partly ruptured hydatid cyst without any evidence of any intraperitoneal extension. Serology of Hydatid cyst was positive. Patient was prophylactically started on Albendazole until surgical exploration. During surgery, cystic mass was found adherent to anterior abdominal wall muscles without any parietal peritoneum adhesions. En-masse excision was done from subcutaneous planes, keeping the cyst wall intact. The point of rupture was identified and the cyst fluid and daughter cysts suctioned with minimal spill to vicinity and irrigation was performed with hypertonic saline. Cetrimide soaked gauze was placed at operative site for 10 minutes. Gross and Histopathology examination confirmed Hydatid cyst. Patient was advised to take oral Albendazole and Praziquantel for 6 months. Patient had an uneventful post-operative course till 6 months follow up.

Discussion 
Echinococcus granulosus, the smallest of all tapeworms, a zoonotic cestode with humans being an accidental host infected by ingestion or direct contact with infected canines. The clinical course and symptoms of cystic hydatidosis depend upon site of infection, size of cysts and the pressure symptoms caused by enlargement of the cysts. Careful history taking, thorough examination along with the use of radiological and serological investigations aid in reaching a confirmatory diagnosis of the disease. Treatment modalities comprise of anti- parasitic drugs, PAIR (puncture-aspirate-inject- reaspirate) and surgery. Prevention of cystic echinococcosis includes public education, deworming of dogs and slaughter house hygiene. Early and prompt diagnosis with timely management is the need of the hour to decrease the global burden of the disease. 


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