United States

Abstract Title:
A Case of COVID-19 Vasculitis Complicated by Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis

Background
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is an acute and rapidly progressive systemic inflammatory disorder characterized by cytopenia, excessive cytokine production, and hyperferritinemia resulting in multi-organ failure. Primary HLH is mainly due to genetic inheritance whereas secondary HLH is due to malignancy, infection, or autoimmune stimulus. COVID-19 can involve all organ systems, including the circulatory system, causing thrombosis and vascular dysfunction leading to cutaneous vasculitis. Severe COVID-19 infection causes cytokine hyperinflammation, triggering an intense immune response that may be the mechanism of HLH development. We chose this case to review the clinical picture of HLH development in a patient with a history of COVID-19 vasculitis and its severe outcomes.

Case Presentation
A 67-year-old male presented with bilateral lower extremity ulcerated lesions. Patient had COVID-19 infection seven months prior and was treated with steroids, antibiotics, and oxygen support without complication. However, one month later he developed bilateral lower extremity vasculitis. Antibody panel was inconclusive and skin biopsy of the lesions showed medium and small vessel vasculitis secondary to COVID-19 thrombotic vasculopathy. Subsequently oral steroid therapy, rituximab and IVIG infusion were given. However, the lesions progressively worsened and the patient went into septic shock requiring vasopressors and stress dose of corticosteroids. He developed pancytopenia with ANC nadir of 900, thrombocytopenia (PLT: 29k), LDH of 1300 U/L, ferritin 20,000 ng/nL. Bone marrow aspirate revealed mostly non-viable cells, scattered megakaryocytes, and scattered macrophages with hemophagocytosis. Based on the clinical history and morphological findings, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis was diagnosed. The patient received filgrastim and dexamethasone, however, he clinically deteriorated and passed within four days of diagnosis.

Discussion
COVID-19 induces a wide range of clinical symptoms, including vasculitis. Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis is a very rare condition with high mortality and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with prolonged non-resolving fever and multisystem involvement. Due to its rarity and variable presentation, a high degree of clinical suspicion is warranted to diagnose HLH in the setting of COVID-19 vasculitis. We hope that presenting this case will result in earlier diagnosis and intervention to prevent long-term morbidity and mortality as seen in our case.

2022 AMA Research Challenge

A Case of COVID-19 Vasculitis Complicated by Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis

Welcome to the largest national, multi-specialty research event **featuring research from 750 medical students, residents and fellows, and international medical graduates.**


#### Event Details
The 2022 American Medical Association Research Challenge includes a poster symposium hall and a semifinals hall with the top scored research. Log in at any time throughout the event to:
* **View posters and presentations** on a variety of topics and specialties
* **Score posters in the semifinals** to help decide the top five finalists (AMA member exclusive opportunity)
* **Connect with participants** and provide feedback to help advance their research

At the conclusion of this event, the AMA will announce the top five finalists who will advance to the AMA Research Challenge finals, present their research to an elite panel of judges and compete to win a $10,000 grand prize sponsored by Laurel Road.
 

#### Attend Live Forums
**Oct. 20, 6 — 7 p.m. Central**
 **How to plan a career in academic medicine** 
 Learn how to plan a career in academic medicine and get your questions answered. [Access Here](https://underline.io/events/363/lounge)
 
 **Speakers**
![](https://assets.underline.io/uploads/markdown_image/1/image/d5adb133dfc58eb0a6d469e9cedcd5d4.jpg)
Ricardo Correa, MD, EdD
![](https://assets.underline.io/uploads/markdown_image/1/image/5f9437ab87861538bf02b9ca7c0d926e.jpg)
Stuart M. Greenstein, MD
![](https://assets.underline.io/uploads/markdown_image/1/image/05b1b637c99286d558c371f8e8b185ce.jpg)
Stephanie Strohbeen, MD
 
 **Oct. 22, 11 a.m. — Noon Central**
 **How to get published**
 Learn tips to get your research published and get your questions answered. [Access Here](https://underline.io/events/363/lounge)
 
 **Speakers**
![](https://assets.underline.io/uploads/markdown_image/1/image/8ce6235e957d31cb5e6f9097cc6f6972.jpg)
Jessica Li, MD/PhD Candidate
![](https://assets.underline.io/uploads/markdown_image/1/image/9950ef2e0237f54cb3d8280334d42491.jpg)
Charles Lopresto, DO

### Sponsor
AMA would like to thank Laurel Road for sponsoring a $10,000 grand prize for the winner of the AMA Research Challenge. Laurel Road is not involved in the judging or scoring process to select the winner. The winner will be announced on Dec. 7 during the AMA Research Challenge finals. Payment of the grand prize will be directly from Laurel Road. See the AMA Research Challenge Official Rules for terms and conditions.

![](https://assets.underline.io/uploads/markdown_image/1/image/611e331d4a0eba0920f240cfc04b4d77.png)

**There is no registration fee for this event! **

Register to explore research in a variety of topics. AMA members get exclusive access to score posters in the semifinals.

**Please use the link below to register for free if you have not already done so:**

https://www.ama-assn.org/about/events/ama-research-challenge

Registration Is Required

Welcome to the largest national, multi-specialty research event featuring research from 750 medical students, residents and fellows, and international medical graduates.


poster

Background
The differential for transaminitis in oncology patients includes ischemia, toxic ingestion, metastases, new malignancy, infection, vascular occlusion, autoimmune, and drug-induced etiologies. Temozolomide, an alkylating agent used first line with concurrent radiation to treat advanced gliomas is associated with improved patient overall and progression-free survival. Temozolamide has no hepatic metabolism and is rarely implicated in drug-induced living injury (DILI) (0.5% cases of a 1000 patient prospective study of DILI). Histologic assessment of temozolamide-associated DILI demonstrated bile duct loss and cholestatic or mixed liver injury pattern. 

Case Presentation
A 62-year-old male with a past medical history of urinary retention with a chronic foley, grade III astrocytoma status-post craniotomy with tumor resection undergoing chemoradiation presented to the ED after outpatient labs demonstrated new liver function test (LFT) abnormalities from a normal baseline 5-days prior. ALT=755, AST=300, ALP=166 and R-factor=13.4 consistent with hepatocellular liver injury. The patient endorsed drinking 2 standard drinks 4 times weekly for 20 years and denied tobacco use, drug use, tattoos, needle exposures, recent travel, or sick contacts. Workup was notable for negative alcohol, salicylate, and acetaminophen levels. Hepatitis A, B, and C serologies, EBV, HSV, VZV, CMV were negative. Anti-nuclear, anti-smooth muscle, and anti-LKM antibodies were negative. Ferritin and ceruloplasmin levels were normal. Right upper quadrant ultrasound demonstrated mild hepatomegaly and hepatic steatosis without focal masses and patent portal veins with forward flow and a normal gallbladder. Temozolamide was considered the likeliest cause of the patient’s transaminitis given the negative workup and 1-day time interval of LFT abnormalities from chemotherapy administration with rapid resolution (by >50% in 2 days and to baseline in 2 weeks) following therapy discontinuation. As such, chemotherapy was discontinued, and the patient continued outpatient radiation without issue.

Discussion
This case illustrates the importance of generating a wide differential for oncology patients presenting with transaminitis and an appreciation for idiosyncratic drug reactions. Alkylating agents like temozolamide while classically associated with cholestatic patterns of liver injury can also be implicated in hepatocellular liver injury such as in this rare case. However, DILI is a diagnosis of exclusion that requires a broad negative workup.


A curious case of transaminitis: evaluating LFT abnormalities in oncology patients

Background
Anemia is three times more common in African Americans than in Caucasians. 90% of anemia can be attributed to nutritional deficiencies, chronic inflammation, or bleeding. In young male adults and both males and females above 65 years of age, chronic gastrointestinal loss is the most likely etiology of iron-deficiency anemia. However, malignancies (not limited to gastrointestinal malignancies) should be considered in the absence of obvious bleeding.
Case Presentation
We present a 47-year-old African American incarcerated male patient with a past medical history of hypertension and peptic ulcer disease who presented to our hospital with a 1-month history of nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and alleged two-day history of coffee-ground hematemesis. His hemoglobin had dropped by 5-6 g/dl over two months; red blood cell indices were suggestive of normocytic normochromic anemia. He also complained of dark urine and left flank pain. Gastrointestinal workup, including esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy did not reveal
an obvious bleeding source. During the hospital stay, his hemoglobin continued to decrease, and extensive anemia workup was ordered. Lactate dehydrogenase was elevated, reticulocyte count normal, haptoglobin level decreased, and a differential blood count revealed 55.7% “other abnormal cells.” The peripheral smear report revealed acute myeloid leukemia (AML), later confirmed by bone marrow biopsy, and the qualitative glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) screen was noted to be deficient. The patient was promptly started on induction chemotherapy for AML: cytarabine 100mg/m2 for 7 days, daunorubicin 90mg/m2 for 3 days, and midostaurin 50 mg twice daily from day 8-21.
Discussion
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) can present with non-specific symptoms of anemia such as breathlessness, fatigue, and mucosal bleeding. It also commonly presents with fever and bone pain. Our patient’s history of peptic ulcer disease and initial complaints lead us to investigate gastrointestinal bleeding primarily. The concurrent diagnosis of G6PD in the setting of AML is significant since it has been reported to pose a higher risk for developing invasive fungal infections. From our experience, we recommend a broad approach to evaluating anemia, avoiding ascertainment bias, particularly in the African American population where anemia is more prevalent, and the etiology can be more variable.

Acute Myeloid Leukemia and G6PD deficiency in a 47-year-old African American Male Patient with Suspected Gastrointestinal Bleed

Background
Acute myeloid leukemia is a hematological malignancy arising from the myeloid cell line and characterized by the proliferation of abnormal, non-functioning blasts in bone marrow. Patients may present with anemia, recurrent infections, increased bleeding, or rarely an extramedullary mass as in myeloid sarcoma. Some patients have no symptoms at all. With fewer surgeons sending otherwise healthy patients for pre-operative screening laboratory tests, concerning findings representing an occult malignancy may be missed.

Case Presentation
A 50-year-old male presented with chronic sinusitis, with his most recent infection lasting three weeks. He underwent endoscopic sinus surgery, during which urgent labs were drawn due to abnormal blood loss (~800 mL), which revealed pancytopenia with lymphocytosis and monocytosis; he was admitted for acute leukemia work-up and treatment. Initial bone marrow biopsy analysis revealed acute myeloid leukemia with 70% blasts; cytogenetics negative for the PML-RARA fusion gene, and positive for inversion of chromosome 16 with presence of CBFB/MYH11 fusion transcripts. He was definitively diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia with inversion of chromosome 16. He received 7+3 induction chemotherapy plus gemtuzumab ozogamicin, with subsequent bone marrow biopsy demonstrating no evidence of leukemia. This was followed by three cycles of consolidative high-dose cytarabine plus gemtuzumab ozogamicin, resulting in disease remission. Treatment was complicated by hospitalization for neutropenic fever and Streptococcus mitis bacteremia during the second and third treatment cycles. Bone marrow biopsy after the third cycle of consolidative chemotherapy showed an erythroid predominance with increased monocytes and no increase in blasts. There were no chromosomal abnormalities and no CBFB/MYH11 fusion transcripts detected. The patient was determined to be in remission. 

Discussion
Sinusitis is a potential complication in leukopenic patients. Acute myeloid leukemia may present with a rapid onset of persistent infections or excessive bleeding during procedures. With modern pre-operative screening protocols emphasizing fewer routine laboratory tests, it is incumbent on surgeons to recognize unusual bleeding or other abnormal findings intraoperatively and consider rare conditions such as acute myeloid leukemia, and pursue a diagnostic evaluation urgently.


Acute Myeloid Leukemia in a 50-year-old Male With Chronic Sinusitis

Abstract Title: Amiodarone-Induced Thrombocytopenia: Uncommon side effect of a common cardiac drug

Background
Thrombocytopenia is defined as decrease in platelet count below 150 x 103/mm3. Drug-induced thrombocytopenia (DITP) is considered to be due to direct toxicity or immune-mediated effect. Over 200 medications are listed as thrombocytopenia inciting drugs. In 1987, first case of amiodarone-induced thrombocytopenia was reported and there have been few published reports since. Amiodarone is widely known for side-effects on lungs, thyroid, skin, nervous system, and liver. We discuss a case of DITP immediately after receiving amiodarone, commonly used in atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response.

Case Presentation
66-year-old female with a past medical history of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, atrial fibrillation, and hyperlipidemia presented with chest pain and shortness of breath. In the emergency department, she was tachycardic at 150 beats per minute and had blood pressure of 121/88 mmHg. Electrocardiogram showed atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response. Home medications were, metoprolol and diltiazem for rate control, and apixaban for anticoagulation. On admission, oral and intravenous amiodarone was administered. Within three days, platelet count drastically decreased to 55 x 103 /mm3 and liver enzymes trended up. She was evaluated for causes of thrombocytopenia and elevated liver enzymes, and tested negative for disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, viral infection, and gallbladder/common bile duct disease. Amiodarone was then discontinued and diltiazem dose was increased. Platelets and liver enzymes gradually improved back to baseline, correlating with the long half-life of amiodarone. She successfully underwent AV node ablation with pacemaker implantation and was discharged home.

Discussion
Amiodarone-induced thrombocytopenia has been investigated to be due to platelet specific antibodies. DITP can take cause within 5-10 days of exposure to the drug. Any signs of thrombocytopenia after amiodarone administration should prompt possibility of drug-induced toxicity. Amiodarone must be discontinued. Another antiarrhythmic should be used while planning for ablation or pacemaker placement. Platelet counts must be followed till resolution to baseline, and amiodarone must be listed as a drug allergy. Given the frequent use of amiodarone, and lack of diagnostic immunoassays timely diagnosis is crucial to prevent life-threatening complications.



Amiodarone-Induced Thrombocytopenia: Uncommon side effect of a commoncardiac drug

Meningioma is the most common primary brain tumor with most of the cases having good prognosis (WHO grade 1). Higher grade meningioma (WHO grade 2) tend to show higher recurrence rate and worse prognosis. Multiple extra-cranial non-pigmented tumors showed melanocytic colonization e.g., dermatofibroma protuberans. However, melanocytic colonization in meningioma has not been reported except in only three cases. In this report, we are presenting a case of atypical meningioma (WHO grade 2) with melanocytic colonization and comparing our findings with the previous reports.

Atypical meningioma with melanocytic colonization: Histopathological, Radiological and Immunohistochemical findings

Background
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is a water-soluble vitamin required for normal DNA synthesis, myelination and function of central nervous system and development of hematopoietic cells. B12 isnaturally found in foods from animal but is also supplemented in many foods. However, even in high-income countries, 15-20% of individuals >60 years of age are likely deficient. Risk factors for deficiency include inadequate dietary intake and conditions that limit absorption such as autoimmune disorders, prior gastric surgery and use of metformin. Although most cases of 
deficiency are asymptomatic or mild, ~2.5% of cases result in a hemolytic anemia with pancytopenia termed pseudothrombotic microangiopathy (pTMA). The syndrome is often mistaken for other forms of true hemolytic anemia and therefore accurate diagnosis is imperative,as pTMA can easily managed by supplemental B12.

Case Presentation
A 56-year-old woman presented to the emergency department complaining of two months of lethargy and anorexia. She had no significant medical history and took no medications other than intermittent acetaminophen. Laboratory evaluation revealed pancytopenia and serum markers (total bilirubin, LDH, and haptoglobin) consistent with hemolysis. Peripheral blood smear revealed schistocytes and dacrocytes. Following hospital admission, further work-up demonstrated undetectable serum B12, normal serum folate, a reticulocyte index of 0.43, and a serum methylmalonic acid of 20,701. The patient was transfused packed-RBCs and started on weekly intramuscular B12. Within two days of initial supplementation, the patient’s symptoms improved. Following discharge, direct and indirect antiglobulin and intrinsic factor auto-antibody testing confirmed the diagnosis of pTMA secondary to pernicious anemia.

Discussion
Although bibliometric analysis reveals an increasing proportion of publications over the past decade that discuss this clinical syndrome (n=93, 68%), pTMA continues to confound clinicians, leading to unnecessary diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. A systematic review of published cases found that of 321 patients with pTMA, 50 (16%) underwent bone marrow biopsy, 11 (3%) were treated with plasma exchange therapy, and 7 (2%) were treated with high dose glucocorticoid therapy prior to B12 supplementation. Such interventions are of limited benefit in pTMA and often confound the diagnosis, delaying therapy. Therefore, increased 
awareness is paramount for the practicing clinician in order to promptly recognize and reverse this illusive condition.

B12 Deficiency: A Curious Cause of Pseudo-Thrombotic Microangiopathy

Introduction: Renal oncocytoma (RO) is a highly differentiated tumor that accounts for 4.3% of solid renal masses and 16% of all renal masses. ROs have a benign clinical course with excellent long-term outcomes and 100% disease specific survival. Up to 30% of the small renal masses detected on routine imaging are benign, but most are still treated without a tissue diagnosis. Partial nephrectomy (PN) is suggested for patients with a renal tumor <4 cm, while radical nephrectomy is recommended for tumors 4 cm and larger. The patient is subsequently followed post-partial nephrectomy with active surveillance (AS), which includes routine imaging tailored to the patient’s profile and risk factors to monitor tumor growth after initial complete staging. Biopsy followed by AS can be considered as an alternative in cases of benign tumors as it avoids overtreatment. 
Case Presentation: A 66-year-old man presented with flank pain was diagnosed with bilateral ROs. Patient underwent left partial nephrectomy and received a histological diagnosis of RO. Subsequently, the patient elected to undergo partial nephrectomy to remove the contralateral right renal mass.
Discussion: In patients who have undergone partial nephrectomy with diagnosis of RO, there is an increased likelihood of benign neoplasm and decreased risk of RCC, similar to that of the general population. After our patient’s left partial nephrectomy, given the diagnosis of RO and the absence of constitutional symptoms or gross hematuria, the chance of RCC or hybrid tumor with RO was decreased. Because the left renal mass was 3.3 cm in size and undiagnosed prior to intervention, the mass was more concerning for RCC; however, with the diagnosis of RO in the left kidney and the decreased size of the right renal mass at 2 cm, there was a negligible risk of metastasis, which warranted AS rather than intervention. The patient could have undergone a confirmatory biopsy of the contralateral right renal mass with AS imaging protocols instead of undergoing a right partial nephrectomy. Given advancements in technology, AS with core renal biopsy is a promising approach to accurately diagnose and manage ROs conservatively.

Bilateral Renal Oncocytoma: Active Surveillance vs. Partial Nephrectomy

Introduction
Heart failure is the most common initial manifestation of infiltrative cardiomyopathies, which in many instances can remain underdiagnosed. In patients with oncological history, it can be due to cancer or its treatment complications. The incidence of metastatic disease to the heart is rare at less than <10% (most common with lung, breast, melanoma, and hematological malignancies). We present a rare case of recurrent breast cancer that presented as new-onset heart failure. 
Case description
81 y/o female with a past medical history of hypertension and breast cancer treated with lumpectomy and radiation without adjuvant chemotherapy in remission since 2004, presented with dyspnea on exertion and orthopnea. Noted to have elevated BNP, bilateral pleural effusions, and ejection fraction (EF) of 30 %, was treated for CHF exacerbation. During outpatient follow-up, a new echocardiogram showed an EF 40-45% with an apical thrombus, which resolved with apixaban. On cardiac catheterization, she was noted to have mild nonobstructive coronary disease. Her EF eventually improved to 55%, however, she continued with symptoms despite diuresis and heart failure treatment. She was readmitted 2 months later and found to be in CHF exacerbation, right pleural effusion, for which she had a thoracentesis and was discharged when stable. Cardiac MRI was done and showed normal EF with diffuse late gadolinium enhancement consistent with infiltrative disease. A Technetium pyrophosphate scan was performed and was negative for amyloidosis. The patient presented recurrent symptoms and pleural effusion a month later. She was referred to the hospital for a myocardial biopsy. The procedure was complicated with right ventricle perforation and pericardial effusion with tamponade and cardiogenic shock that warranted an emergent pericardial window. She was in the ICU until improved. Pleural fluid from prior thoracentesis, and myocardial biopsy revealed malignant cells consistent with breast cancer ER+. She was started on letrozole and would continue further oncologic workup with PET/CT as an outpatient. 
Discussion
Detection of Infiltrative cardiomyopathies has led to improved to better outcomes via disease-specific therapy. Heart failure in oncologic patients can be caused by different mechanisms including radiation, chemotherapy, and cancer metastases. Breast cancer gets to the heart by lymphatic spread most commonly in pericardium; myocardium metastases are rare. Treatment is symptomatic. In our case, the recurrent malignant pleural effusions, nonobstructive CAD, MRI suggestive of infiltrative disease, and negative PYP led to the suspicion of cardiac metastasis. Pathology is the gold standard for the diagnosis of cardiac metastasis.
Conclusion
Cardiac metastases should be considered in any individual with new cardiac symptoms and known malignancy. The prognosis of patients with breast cancer with cardiac metastases is poor.

Cardiac Metastases Mimicking Amyloidosis In New- Onset Heart Failure: A Rare Presentation Of Recurrent Breast Cancer 

Carotid sinus syncope in the setting of metastatic disease 

Background
Carotid sinus syncope, also referred to as carotid sinus hypersensitivity is a condition in which the stimulation of the carotid artery baroreceptors results in a greater than expected fall in heart rate and drop in blood pressure. In such cases, activities that stimulate the carotid baroreceptors such as turning the neck or looking upward stimulate the vagus nerve which results in significant reduction of heart rate. 

Case Presentation 
Our case involved a 65-year-old female with an enlarged right cervical lymph node. The lymph node was previously biopsied and found to be SCC with suspected SCC esophageal primary. Patient was admitted to our service for syncope. The patient had unresponsive with some body rigidity while in the car with her daughter who drove her to the ED. A similar event occurred in the ED on arrival and an RRT was called. She had received her second of fifteen fractions of 45 Gy to the lymph node three days prior to this event and after treatment, the swelling of the node had increased. Patient was admitted for syncope workup and continuous video EEG monitoring was negative for seizure activity. She had severe sinus bradycardia down to 43 upon the admission. Vascular imaging was obtained due to concern for carotid artery occlusion secondary to the mass. The lymph node was observed to be necrotic and encasing the carotid sinus. She was started on steroids considering her recent radiotherapy and concern for increased inflammation compressing the carotid sinus triggering a vagal induced syncope. The patient’s heart rate improved to the 70s initially with steroids before settling to between 51-61 prior to discharge. She was started on midodrine to increase blood pressure and maintain brain perfusion during syncopal events under the advisement of cardiology. Diagnosis was determined to be sinus syncope due to metastatic right cervical lymph node enlargement and right carotid sinus encasement.

Discussion
The case illustrates the diagnosis and management of carotid sinus syncope secondary to non-resectable metastatic disease. It further elucidates the importance of educating patients on symptom recognition and modification of daily life activities. 


Premium content

A Case of COVID-19 Vasculitis Complicated by Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis

Next from 2022 AMA Research Challenge

A curious case of transaminitis: evaluating LFT abnormalities in oncology patients

Similar lecture

Mosaic Chromosomal Alterations Increase Risk of MGUS and Multiple Myeloma