Extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma (EPSCC) of the breast is a very rare tumor. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) production from these tumors is extremely rare and seldom reported resulting in significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges and delays. We present a case of a 38-year-old female who presented with a breast lump and was diagnosed with primary EPSCC of the breast. Eighteen months later, she presented with refractory hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis. Ectopic ACTH production was found to be the reason for her metabolic derangement. Extensive diagnostic evaluation, including a comprehensive metastatic workup, is necessary to differentiate this tumor from other primary malignancies such as lung and other breast cancers. We review the literature and discuss the diagnostic approach and suggested therapies.
Histoplasmosis is usually a benign, self-limited disease with lungs predilection. However, it might manifest as a disseminated disease in immunocompromised individuals. The involvement of the central nervous system (CNS) accounts for about 5–10% of cases with disseminated disease. Isolated histoplasmosis of the CNS is rare, and the literature shows only a few reported cases. By imaging studies, it usually presents as an isolated ring-enhancing lesion. Its spectrum of symptoms ranges from acute severe infection to progressive chronic meningitis, which delays the initial diagnosis, correct work-up and initiation of appropriate therapy. We present a case of a 57-year-old man from the Midwest of the United States who misdiagnosed with Gliosarcoma in 2019, for which he underwent appropriate management for Gliosarcoma. Presented for follow-up after new neurological symptoms; worsening in ring-enhancing brain lesions was found on magnetic resonance image MRI. After a re-examination of surgical pathological cases, histoplasmosis of the CNS was diagnosed. Failure of diagnosis CNS histoplasmosis early can lead to poor outcome and decrease chances of recovery.
We describe a case of Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) in a 32-year-old female who initially presented with a several-day history of worsening rash. Diagnosis of cannabinoid-associated SJS was established following skin biopsy and detailed history-taking of medication and other recreational drug usages. The patient was treated with pain management, antihistamines, and topical steroids with no complications following discharge. There currently exists limited literature describing SJS due to recreational drug usage.
BACKGROUND
Colitis is one of the immune-related side effects of immunotherapy. Usually, such type of side effect was reported to develop within a few weeks of treatment initiation, our case started within a few days.
CASE SUMMARY
We present a case of a 37-year-old gentleman with bright red loose stools, abdominal pain, and tenesmus. A diagnosis of colitis was made based on endoscopic and histologic findings. Treatment was thereafter continued with oral steroids and discontinuation of the immunotherapy medications. Symptoms resolved after starting the treatment and the patient continued to be symptom-free on subsequent follow-up. The unique about this case report is that the patient developed bloody diarrhea within five days of the 1
st
immunotherapy cycle, and the patient was on combined ipilimumab and nivolumab.
CONCLUSION
Immunotherapy related complications might occur within days from being on immunotherapy; we need more research to open the way for future pathological and clinical research to further understand the pathophysiology behind it.
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