תוצאת חיפוש

Cryptococcal Meningitis Following Cryptococcal Pneumonia in an Immunocompetent

N. Reichman, M. Elias, R. Raz, E. Flatau

Dept. of Internal Medicine B and Infectious Disease Unit, HaEmek Hospital, Afula and Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa

Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is common in the immunocompromised (especially due to AIDS), but also occurs in immunocompetent subjects. CM can complicate cryptococcal pneumonia (CP) not only in the immunocompromised but also in the immunocompetent. We describe a healthy 26-year-old man who developed a prolonged lung infection. Diagnosis of cryptococcal pneumonia was established from bronchoscopic washings. He recovered spontaneously, so no antifungal treatment was given.

4 months later he was admitted with cryptococcal meningitis and was treated successfully with amphotericin B. An extensive immunologic study revealed no abnormalities. Since CM can complicate cryptococcal pneumonia, it is recommended that patients with CP be followed, even if recovery is apparently complete.

Ferritin in Adult Still's Disease

E. Flatau, N. Reichman, N. Kaufman

Dept. of Medicine B, Central Hospital of the Emek, Afula and Technion Faculty of Medicine, Haifa

Adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) is characterized by a spiking fever and diverse clinical findings; the diagnosis is often delayed for months or even years. The only positive laboratory finding is neutrophilic leukocytosis. Since 1987, the diagnostic importance of elevated serum ferritin levels has been discussed in numerous papers, but is not yet among the diagnostic criteria for AOSD. We describe a case in which the finding of extreme hyperferritinemia enabled prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Purpura - an Unusual Presentation of Takayasu Arteritis

N. Reichman, N. Kaufman, R. Mader, E. Flatau

Dept. of Medicine B and Rheumatic Disease Unit, HaEmek Hospital, Afula and Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, The Technion, Haifa

Takayasu arteritis is an uncommon vasculitis, often referred to as aortic arch syndrome. It is most prevalent in young women. Physical findings such as the combination of pulseless arms and carotid bruits suggest the diagnosis. Associated skin manifestations such as pyoderma gangrenosum and erythema nodosum have been described. We present a 27-year-old woman with diffuse purpuric eruption and Takayasu arteritis. This appears to be the first description of such an association.

Acute Effusive Constrictive Pericarditis in Influenza A

N. Reichman, N. Kaufman, E. Flatau

Dept. of Medicine B, Central Emek Hospital, Afula and Technion Faculty of Medicine, Haifa

Constrictive pericarditis may complicate the course of several viral infections, mainly Coxsackie virus group B, as well as in rheumatoid disease, radiation and neoplasm. Perimyocardial involvement during influenzal infections is usually mild and does not progress to constriction or tamponade. A single case of cardiac tamponade caused by influenza A was reported in 1986. We report a case of acute effusive-constrictive pericarditis due to influenza A infection. Corticosteroids resulted in some benefit, but did not relieve constriction, which required extensive pericardiectomy.