Pericarditis With Cardiac Tamponade Mimicking Yellow Nail Syndrome in a Patient With Rheumatoid Arthritis and a Paucity of Joint Symptoms

Incidence of secondary pericardial effusions associated with different etiologies: a comprehensive review of literature

Pericardial effusion is a relatively common complication associated with inflammatory and non-inflammatory diseases. The primary etiology of this condition could be considered when choosing therapeutic options and factors such as effusion size and its hemodynamic consequence. In most cases, small to moderate pericardial effusions can be managed with observation and anti-inflammatory medications unless the effusion develops rapidly. However, in a small proportion of patients, large effusions lead to impaired cardiac filling with hemodynamic compromise and cardiovascular collapse due to cardiac tamponade. The rate at which fluid accumulates is the primary determinant of hemodynamic impact and thus guides the choice of treatment, irrespective of the effusion's size. Severe cases are typically treated with pericardiocentesis with echocardiographic guidance. More aggressive treatments may be necessary for cases due to purulent or malignant etiologies. These cases may require a pericardial window to allow for long-term drainage of the pericardial fluid. This comprehensive review focuses on the epidemiology of pericardial effusion and discusses pathophysiology, diagnostic approaches, and therapeutic options for different causes of secondary pericardial effusions.

Atlantoaxial Subluxation as the Initial Presentation of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Case Report

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is known for its diverse manifestations, although atlantoaxial subluxation is a rare complication. This case report sheds light on the complexity of RA diagnosis, especially in the elderly, and emphasizes the significance of primary care in identifying atypical presentations. A 68-year-old male with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, prior traumatic neck spinal injury, and lumbosacral stenosis presented to a rural community hospital with neck pain, bilateral numbness, and arm weakness. Initially diagnosed with degenerative cervical spondylosis, his condition later progressed to include swollen, painful wrists and metacarpophalangeal joints. Diagnostic tests revealed elevated rheumatoid factor and C-reactive protein, and hand X-ray showed bone erosions. An MRI confirmed an atlantoaxial subluxation. He was diagnosed with RA based on the American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism 2010 criteria with a score of 7. The patient underwent cervical fusion surgery and rehabilitation, leading to significant functional improvement. This case underscores the importance of a comprehensive diagnostic approach in primary care for elderly patients presenting with non-specific symptoms. It highlights the need for heightened awareness among general practitioners of atypical RA manifestations, such as atlantoaxial subluxation. The case advocates for continued research into early detection and management strategies for such rare presentations to enhance patient outcomes in RA.

Pericardial Effusion as a First Manifestation of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Case Report

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease that mainly affects the joints, which can lead to joint deformity. Since the disease is systemic, it affects many organs, including the heart, which can lead to pericarditis, coronary artery disease, and heart failure. We are reporting on a male patient, 34 years of age and Sudanese, who complained of shortness of breath and chest pain that started weeks before he came to the hospital, with no other associated symptoms. The patient was admitted to the hospital, and extensive work was done for the patient, which revealed that he had pericardial effusion secondary to RA, which is the first presentation of the disease. RA rarely presents as a first presentation with pericarditis and pericardial effusion. The patient was managed medically, and he showed significant improvement.

Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Vasculitis From Ischemic Change in Hands: A Case Report

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder with a wide clinical heterogeneity. Among its complications, rheumatoid vasculitis (RV) is notable for its severity and potential to involve multiple organ systems. A particularly serious manifestation of RV is ischemia, which is indicative of advanced vasculitic involvement and a significant risk of tissue damage. This case report describes an 83-year-old male with RA who presented with polyarticular joint pain and hand ischemia. Despite the initial diagnosis of RA exacerbation, worsening systemic symptoms without identifiable infectious causes and hypocomplementemia led to the diagnosis of RV exacerbation. Initial management with steroids showed temporary improvement. However, relapse after dose reduction prompted the administration of rituximab, an anti-cluster-of-differentiate-20 (anti-CD20) monoclonal antibody, which yielded favorable outcomes. This case underscores the importance of clinical vigilance in older patients with RA for signs, such as ischemic hands, emphasizing the pivotal role of early detection and intervention in RV management, particularly in community hospital settings.

Acute Onset Rheumatoid Vasculitis With Polyarthritis and Erythema: A Case Report

We present the case of a woman in her 70s who was diagnosed with rheumatoid vasculitis (RV) after initially presenting with systemic joint pain and erythema. RV, a rare complication of rheumatoid arthritis, involves inflammation of blood vessels, leading to various skin manifestations. The patient's complaints included fever, generalized joint pain, and skin manifestations that initially resembled erythema multiforme. However, a skin biopsy revealed vasculitis, which guided the RV diagnosis. Although rheumatoid arthritis primarily affects the joints, systemic implications such as RV can arise in rare cases. This case underscores the importance of a holistic and meticulous diagnostic approach, especially in older patients, as early detection and treatment are crucial for managing disease progression and associated complications. Collaborative care involving multidisciplinary teams is vital to achieving optimal outcomes in complex cases.

Meningitis With Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia in an Older Patient With Nonspecific Symptoms: A Case Report

Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia has been associated with various symptoms that can spread to diverse organs, including the meninges, which can be challenging to diagnose given the nonspecific symptoms. Early examination, including assessment of the cerebrospinal fluid, is necessary when a patient is diagnosed with S. aureus bacteremia accompanied by unconsciousness. A 73-year-old male presented to our hospital complaining of general malaise without fever. The patient developed impaired consciousness immediately after hospitalization. Following the investigations, the patient was diagnosed with S. aureus bacteremia and meningitis. If a patient presents with symptoms of unknown cause and acute progressive disease, meningitis and bacteremia should always be considered. Blood cultures should be performed promptly, affording an early diagnosis, bacteremia treatment, and the establishment of meningitis.

A Case of Capillary Leak Syndrome and Intestinal Ischemia Caused by Rheumatoid Vasculitis

Rheumatoid vasculitis (RV) is a rare disease associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The incidence of RV has decreased with the development of treatment for RA. However, some patients still develop RV in rural areas, where medical care for autoimmune diseases is inadequate. In this report, we describe a case of RV complicated by an acute exacerbation of generalized ulcerative lesions and capillary leak syndrome in an 86-year-old woman with a severe joint deformity due to RA. RV is a systemic vasculitis characterized by various symptoms. When a patient with RA is diagnosed with poorly controlled joint deformities, general physicians should consider the possibility of RV. Urgent investigation and intensive treatment should be initiated for vasculitis to support the lives of older patients with advanced RA.

Refractory Immunoglobulin A (IgA) Vasculitis in an Elderly Patient: A Case Report

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) vasculitis is small-vessel arteritis triggered by autoimmunity and allergies. IgA vasculitis among elderly patients is rare, and there is a lack of evidence regarding the choice of medicine and treatment duration. The main treatment for IgA vasculitis is steroids which can be cured with a small dose of prednisolone without immunosuppressants. Here, we report a case of a 90-year-old patient with the chief complaint of appetite loss and purpura on the legs who was diagnosed with IgA vasculitis based on biopsy results. The patient was initially treated with prednisolone effectively but exacerbated with steroid tapering, eventually requiring the use of an immunosuppressant. This case highlights the importance of monitoring the symptoms of IgA vasculitis while tapering steroids and clarifying the timing of immunosuppressant initiation.

Secondary Failure of Tocilizumab in Treating Elderly-Onset Rheumatoid Arthritis With Systemic Symptoms Complicated by Diverticulum Perforation

The treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has advanced from the use of steroids to disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologics such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) inhibitors. Historically, steroids have been the mainstream in the clinical treatment of RA; however, the development of DMARDs has changed the RA treatment structure. In addition, biologics can alleviate RA symptoms. This case report describes the secondary failure of tocilizumab in treating RA with fatigue symptoms. Treatment with tocilizumab decreases C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, which may make detecting RA exacerbation difficult; therefore, obtaining the patient's precise history and thorough physical examinations are necessary. This case demonstrates the complexity of treating elderly-onset RA and reports practical methods for effective treatment.

Autoimmune Vasculitis Causing Acute Bilateral Lower Limb Paralysis

Autoimmune vasculitis is an autoimmune disease that causes various systemic symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, joint pain, and night sweats. Its clinical course depends on the severity of the inflammation, which can cause acute clinical progression of symptoms. Moreover, when the inflammation of the arteries occurs in the deeper parts of the body, a biopsy may be difficult to perform. Here, we report a case of autoimmune vasculitis in an elderly man who visited our hospital with a chief complaint of muscle pain and fever triggered by a rapid paralysis of both lower limbs. Autoimmune vasculitis can cause a variety of systemic symptoms depending on the size of involved arteries, and its clinical course depends on the severity of the inflammation. Prompt diagnosis and simultaneous treatment of symptoms, excluding other likely diseases, prevent the development of severe and long-term complications of autoimmune vasculitis.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) in Cardiovascular Complications of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): What Is New?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is among the most prevalent and impactful rheumatologic chronic autoimmune diseases (AIDs) worldwide. Within a framework that recognizes both immunological activation and inflammatory pathways, the exact cause of RA remains unclear. It seems however, that RA is initiated by a combination between genetic susceptibility, and environmental triggers, which result in an auto-perpetuating process. The subsequently, systemic inflammation associated with RA is linked with a variety of extra-articular comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease (CVD), resulting in increased mortality and morbidity. Hitherto, vast evidence demonstrated the key role of non-coding RNAs such as microRNAs (miRNAs) in RA, and in RA-CVD related complications. In this descriptive review, we aim to highlight the specific role of miRNAs in autoimmune processes, explicitly on their regulatory roles in the pathogenesis of RA, and its CV consequences, their main role as novel biomarkers, and their possible role as therapeutic targets.

Hemodialysis-Related Pericarditis With Cardiac Tamponade

Pericarditis can cause chest symptoms in dialysis patients. Moreover, it tends to present with various symptoms other than chest pain in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) than in non-ESRD patients. Here, we present the case of an 86-year-old man on maintenance dialysis who was admitted to the hospital with chest discomfort and dyspnea, which led to cardiac tamponade due to unexplained pericardial effusion. The patient underwent pericardial drainage with an epigastric approach. Based on his medical history and pericardial fluid examination, his condition was diagnosed as dialysis-related pericarditis. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and prednisolone administration improved the patient’s condition. There are various causes of pericarditis in patients undergoing hemodialysis. It is crucial to examine the patient’s clinical presentation and pericardial fluid volume to clarify the cause of the disease.

Serotonin Syndrome Triggered by Overuse of Caffeine and Complicated With Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome: A Case Report

Serotonin syndrome is a rare complication occurring in patients with psychiatric disorders that are treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). There are various triggers for serotonin syndrome, including non-SSRI antidepressants. In rare cases, serotonin syndrome may be triggered by nonmedicinal foods, such as coffee. The patient described in this case report was a 65-year-old woman with a past medical history of major depression and a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease who presented to our medical center with chief complaints of nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness. She had previously been prescribed paroxetine hydrochloride hydrate for depression, and she was prescribed levodopa and carbidopa for Parkinson’s disease. She also drank 20 cups of coffee in a short period of time two days prior to admission due to excessive sleepiness. She was diagnosed with serotonin syndrome based on her clinical symptomology, which included diaphoresis, mydriasis, fine tremor, myoclonus, hypertension, and tachycardia. She was treated with diazepam and cyproheptadine hydrochloride hydrate. Later, she experienced muscle pain with increased creatinine kinase levels after she failed to take levodopa and carbidopa. These findings were suggestive of neuroleptic malignant syndrome. The patient was treated with supportive care. Excessive coffee intake triggers serotonin syndrome by promoting 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) secretion. Patients with psychiatric diseases that necessitate treatment with SSRIs should be educated regarding caffeine consumption. Moreover, patients presenting with agitation and drowsiness should be evaluated for serotonin syndrome within the differential diagnosis. Patients with depression and Parkinson’s syndrome should be evaluated for associated comorbidities, particularly serotonin syndrome and neuroleptic malignant syndrome.