Cardiorenal syndrome refers to combined cardiac and renal dysfunction that adversely impacts both organs and is also associated with severe clinical outcomes. The pathophysiology is believed to be multifactorial and complex. Increased central venous pressure and intra-abdominal pressure, overactivation of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS), systemic illnesses like sepsis, amyloidosis, diabetes are important factors in developing the cardiorenal syndrome. Our review article attempts to review the pathophysiology and treatment aspect of cardiorenal syndrome and explores potential therapeutic strategies that can be adopted for the management.We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar for relevant articles using different keywords and Medical Subject Headings, and finalized 38 articles to be included in our study. Cardiorenal syndrome management aims to eliminate venous congestion and fluid retention, which leads to improved cardiorenal status. This is usually achieved using pharmacologic agents like diuretics, vasodilators, inotropes, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs)/angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), neprilysin inhibitors, and extracorporeal methods like ultrafiltration. The use of therapeutic agents such as sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors and tolvaptan (a vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist), and cardiac resynchronization therapy has also been shown to have potential benefits in managing the disease. These agents can be instrumental in the management and require large-scale clinical trials specifically aimed at improving cardiorenal outcomes based on severity and type of cardiorenal syndrome.
Sarcoidosis causes granulomatous inflammation in multiple organ systems. Lungs are the most commonly affected organs. In 50% of the cases with lung involvement, other organs are also involved. The central nervous system is one of the rarer organ systems involved – comprising 5–15% of all the cases. Neurological involvement, when present, can affect virtually every part of the central and peripheral nervous system. We present an interesting case of a 30-year-old nonalcoholic, nonsmoker man who presented with a chronic headache of 6 years. He had a recent swaying of the body for 6 months and mild forgetfulness for 4 months. The patient had 2 episodes of facial nerve palsy in the past – which had responded to the treatment of Bell’s palsy; however, the patient had some residual findings on presentation. While CSF findings suggested meningeal tuberculosis, the radiological evidence and biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of neurosarcoidosis. On follow-up after 6 weeks of steroid therapy, the patient displayed a marked improvement in headache, cognitive function, and a good response on imaging studies. Our case emphasizes that neurosarcoidosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of chronic headaches and recurrent facial nerve palsy despite being very rare.
Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare form of CNS tumor. Immunosuppression is the most important risk factor of PCNSL, but few immunocompetent individuals are also affected. The most common clinical feature of PCNSL includes dizziness and ataxia. Our patient was a 71-year-old immunocompetent female who presented with progressive ataxia, imbalance, and dizziness for one year. A homogenous enhancing lesion was found in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head. One month later, on a follow-up MRI, a significant increase in the tumor size with surrounding edema was seen. The patient underwent craniotomy and resection of the mass. Subsequently, a diagnosis of diffuse large B cell lymphoma was made on pathology examination. Guideline-directed treatment options were discussed. This case highlights that the prognosis of patients with PCNSL highly depends on the factors such as age and physical status. Early diagnosis by accurate interpretation of imaging and management is crucial for better health outcomes.
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