We report an unusual evolution of turpentine-induced pneumonia due to accidental aspiration in a 21-month-old child. Chest X-rays demonstrated patchy alveolar densities evolving into large pneumatoceles. Follow-up CT optimally depicted the number, site and extent of pneumatoceles. To our knowledge, pneumatoceles developing in turpentine-induced pneumonia have never been reported in turpentine aspiration.
Hypercalcemia is one of the most commonly encountered laboratory abnormalities in clinical medicine. Various causes have been well established. However, it is likely that the novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), may be a newly found cause of this frequent finding, especially amongst those with a history of cosmetic surgery, specifically by means of silicone injection. In this case series, we describe 2 patients presenting with symptomatic hypercalcemia likely from their prior silicone injections. Interestingly, each patient only developed symptoms of hypercalcemia following infection with SARS-CoV-2.
Introduction
Sinus bradycardia is a common entity encountered in clinical practice. The differential diagnosis is quite broad; it can be an incidental finding in otherwise healthy adults or the first clue to a lethal pathology.
Case presentation
This case highlights a patient who presented with symptomatic sinus bradycardia, which resulted in syncope requiring admission for permanent pacemaker implantation and later found to have an underlying adrenal insufficiency (AI). Patient's underlying hyponatremia was corrected but bradycardia persisted and after the initiation of steroids, bradycardia resolved. Therefore, the likely culprit for bradycardia was AI.
Discussion
Multiple disease processes that manifest with sinus bradycardia are commonly due to the increased vagal tone or the presence of intrinsic conduction disorders. Sinus bradycardia is a common clinical finding with a broad differential including intrinsic and extrinsic causes of sinus node dysfunction or AV block.
Conclusion
It is imperative for clinicians to be aware of rare etiologies for underlying symptomatic bradycardia. While extremely effective at preventing symptomatic bradycardia, avoiding a pacemaker by correcting the underlying etiology of symptomatic bradycardia may improve quality of life and avoid an unnecessary procedure.
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