Background: Since introducing the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, different adverse effects and complications have been linked to the vaccine. Variable neurological complications have been reported after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, such as acute encephalopathy. Case presentation: In this report, we describe a 32-year-old previously healthy man who developed acute confusion, memory disturbances, and auditory hallucination within 24 hours from getting his first dose of the COVID-19 Moderna vaccine.EEG showed features of encephalopathy, CSF investigations were nonspecific, and MRI head did not depict any abnormality. He received five days of ceftriaxone and acyclovir without any benefit. Discussion: Extensive workup for different causes of acute encephalopathy, including autoimmune encephalitis, was negative. Also, Our patient improved dramatically after receiving methylprednisolone, supporting an immune-mediated mechanism behind his acute presentation. Accordingly, we think the COVID-19 vaccine is the only possible cause of our patient presentation, giving the temporal relationship and the absence of other risk factors for encephalopathy. Conclusion: the clinician should be aware of the possible neurological complications of the different COVID-19 vaccines. Further research is needed to clarify the pathophysiology of such complications.
Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is a hematological emergency. This syndrome is characterized by metabolic derangements such as hyperkalemia and hypocalcemia, which result from rapid lysis of cells, especially rapidly growing tumors, after the initiation of chemotherapy. It is rarely seen in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and has not been previously reported to be triggered by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. We report a case of a 45-year-old male, a known case of CML in the chronic phase, who presented with fatigue and abdominal pain for four days. Initial laboratory results were consistent with leukocytosis and positive COVID-19 antigen. The patient was started on intravenous fluids and hydroxyurea; however, over the next few days, he deteriorated quickly and developed oliguric acute kidney injury (AKI) with electrolyte disturbance consistent with TLS. The patient was shifted to the intensive care unit and underwent one sustained low-efficiency dialysis (SLED) session and received rasburicase. Over the next few days, the patient started to improve and was discharged in good shape. Although CML rarely presents with TLS, physicians should monitor their patients closely, especially those who have concurrent COVID-19 infection, as this condition may result in lethal sequelae such as AKI, severe arrhythmias, and multiorgan failure. Additionally, early detection and treatment lead to a better prognosis.
Introduction: There are variable complications of hyperthyroidism, including atrial fibrillation, heart failure, osteoporosis, and thyroid storm. One infrequent complication of hyperthyroidism is non-diabetic ketoacidosis (NDKA). To the best of our knowledge, our case is the third report of NDKA related to thyrotoxicosis. Patient concern: We describe a case of a 41-year-old African lady with no past medical history presented to our hospital with severe abdominal pain and vomiting for three weeks. This was associated with decreased appetite and weight loss. Diagnosis: Laboratory findings were significant for high anion gap metabolic acidosis, positive ketones in the urine, and high serum B-hydroxybutyrate. The blood glucose readings and HbA1c were within normal limits. Also, serum lactic acid and salicylate levels were within the normal range. The diagnosis of NDKA was made. Later, the thyroid functions test (TFT) confirmed the diagnosis of primary hyperthyroidism. Intervention and outcomes: The patient was managed initially with intravenous fluid and antiemetics. Then, she was started on propranolol and carbimazole. After which, her symptoms improved dramatically, and the metabolic acidosis (with serum ketones) were corrected within a few days of starting anti-thyroid medications. Conclusion: Despite its rarity, NDKA can be associated with severe thyrotoxicosis. Vigorous intravenous hydration and anti-thyroid medication are the mainstay treatment. TFT should be requested in a patient with unexplained NDKA
The clinician should put MIS‐A at the top of differential diagnoses of a patient with febrile illness and multiple organ dysfunction during the early post‐COVID‐19 period. Also, facial nerve palsy might follow COVID‐19, related to the autoimmune phenomenon.
Thrombocytopenia is a common and serious complication that can occur following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), and it contributes to increased morbidity and mortality. The mechanisms of post-HSCT thrombocytopenia are multifactorial and complex. There are no clear consensus and guidelines for managing thrombocytopenia post-HSCT. Recently, there has been promising use of thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPO-RAs), particularly eltrombopag and romiplostim, as treatments for post-HSCT thrombocytopenia. Notably, that this indication is considered off-label, and data in this use are limited. Based on the existing body of evidence, romiplostim emerges as a safe and effective option for individuals with transfusion-dependent thrombocytopenia after HSCT. In this context, we present a summary of our experience at a single center, where romiplostim was used in the management of post-HSCT thrombocytopenia due to poor graft function. Notably, all four cases responded positively to romiplostim treatment, and no significant adverse events were observed.