September 3rd 2024
The updated COVID-19 vaccine targets the currently circulating Omicron variant JN.1 strain of SARS-CoV-2.
Immunologic Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
September 14th 2005A mother, fearing that her 4-year-old son had been abused at his day-care center, rushed him to the emergency department, where an evaluation revealed a platelet count of 1,000/µL. Except for bruises on the boy's face and legs, the physical findings were normal. Bone marrow aspiration showed numerous megakaryocytes and was otherwise normal. The youngster's history included treatment for bronchitis, sinusitis, and conjunctivitis 2 weeks earlier.
Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma in a 78-Year-Old Woman
September 14th 2005For several weeks, a 78-year-old woman had an intensely pruritic, diffuse, raised, slightly scaly, erythematous rash that persisted despite the use of several over-the-counter topical medications (such as hydrocortisone and clotrimazole cream). Since her last visit about 3 months earlier for a blood pressure reading, she had been well except for 2 episodes of night sweats. For several years, she had been taking levothyroxine and reserpine/hydrochlorothiazide; about 6 months ago, valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide had been prescribed.
Erythema Nodosum Erythema on Forearms and Legs of a 42-Year-Old Man
September 14th 2005A mildly painful, nonpruritic rash on the forearms and legs prompted a 42-year-old man to go to the emergency department (ED). The patient noted the rash when he awoke that morning. He had had joint pain and fever for the past 7 days and generalized malaise with chills that began about 3 days earlier. He had no significant medical history.
Unusual Presentation of Pneumocystis carinii Pneumonia
September 14th 2005A previously healthy 51-year-old man presented with weight loss and poor appetite of 2 months' duration. He was heterosexual and had many sexual partners. Except for a temperature of 38.3°C (100.9°F) and left basal rhonchi, results of physical examination were normal. A chest radiograph and CT scan, as seen here, showed large cavitary lesions in the lower left lobe.
Histoplasmosis-Induced Lung Calcification
September 14th 2005A 40-year-old man, originally an Ohio resident, underwent a chest x-ray study during medical clearance following surgery to repair a hernia. Although the patient had no pulmonary symptoms, the film showed multiple small, punctate calcifications in both lung fields.
Cyclospora cayetanensis and AIDS
A 32-year-old Hispanic woman with AIDS presented with a 1-month history of diarrhea; abdominal bloating and cramps; loss of appetite; and pronounced fatigue, malaise, and weight loss. She had no fever or chills and was not vomiting. Her CD4+ cell count was 12/µL. Results of a routine microscopic examination of stool for ova and parasites were negative; an acid-fast stain of stool demonstrated oocytes of Cyclospora cayetanensis measuring 8.8 mm in diameter (pictured, magnification ×1,000). This is about twice the size of the Cryptosporidium parvum oocyte, which typically is 4 to 5 mm.
Atypical Presentation of Visceral Leishmaniasis
September 14th 2005Fever occurring twice daily, accompanied by profuse sweating, anorexia, and malaise of 15 days' duration resulted in hospitalization of a 31-year-old woman. At this time, her temperature was 37.6°C (99.7°F); blood pressure, 110/70 mm Hg; pulse rate, 90 beats per minute; and respiratory rate, 18 breaths per minute. A palpable spleen was about 3 to 5 cm below the left subcostal margin. Neither lymphadenopathy nor hepatomegaly was noted.
Erythema Nodosum on Thighs and Anterior Tibial Areas of a 36-Year-Old Woman
September 14th 2005An otherwise healthy 36-year-old woman complained of multiple tender, hot, bright red nodules of acute onset on her thighs and anterior tibial areas. Antibiotics had been given for a suspected infection, but the rash persisted.
Secondary Syphilis From Boyfriend
September 14th 2005The widespread eruption of asymptomatic macules and flat, palpable, flesh-colored lesions prompted a 23-year-old woman to consult her physician. The lesions-some of which had dark centers-were concentrated on the patient's face, neck, and upper back; the palms, soles, anal mucosa, and genital areas were clear. The patient denied systemic symptoms. She was seronegative for HIV.
Purpuric Rash After Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
Two 7-year-olds show the purpuric rash of the lower body and legs that is typical of Henoch-Schönlein purpura. This disease is a vasculitis that chiefly affects small vessels of the skin, joints, gastrointestinal tract, and kidney.
Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma
September 14th 2005Shortly after arriving from Puerto Rico, a 59-year-old man presented with right-sided frontal head pain and decreased vision in his right eye. He was concerned about a “sore” that first developed 9 months earlier on his head. The patient denied fever, chills, and syncope.