No abstract

Acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) represents gallbladder inflammation without evidence of gallstones. This typically results from gallbladder stasis and/or ischemia, which then causes a local inflammatory response within the wall. The condition is typically multifactorial and seen in critically ill patients, with associated risk factors that include trauma, burns, infections, total parenteral nutrition, and surgery. We present the case of a patient with acute-on-chronic hepatitis C infection leading to AAC.

This case describes a patient with development of radiation-induced morphea after irradiation to the femurs for osteoblastic metastases of breast cancer. This rare and underdiagnosed complication of radiation therapy is an important contributor to morbidity in oncologic patients. Increased awareness of this condition will allow earlier dermatologic consultation and may improve cosmetic and functional outcomes.

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a condition known for frequent and severe epistaxis, telangiectasias that form along various surfaces of the body, and potentially life-threatening arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) that may develop in major organ systems. Management of this condition begins with prompt diagnosis, followed by careful screening for systemic complications, and care to minimize morbidity associated with blood loss. We hereby describe a case of treatment-resistant HHT in a geriatric patient who suffers from recurrent and severe epistaxis warranting frequent hospitalizations and blood transfusions. The case underscores the need to recognize HHT early, begin treatment promptly, and closely follow these patients to minimize the risk of hospital readmission.

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a common medical condition that has numerous possible causes, which include reduced dietary intake, blood loss, or reduced absorption, and often results in a referral to a gastroenterologist for further work-up. Reduced absorption of iron is an uncommon cause of iron deficiency in healthy non-vegetarian individuals and resource-rich countries. We present an uncommon cause of IDA in the western hemisphere, secondary to Ascaris lumbricoides infection in a 65-year-old female without a history of travel to endemic regions.