1/39. Primary iliac muscle abscess due to Staphylococcus aureus.A 55-year-old man presented with a 3-day history of lower back pain and right thigh pain. A diagnosis of discogenic pain had been made at two other hospitals. He had been admitted to a medical center for acute hepatitis 5 months prior to this admission. Large doses of parenteral hydrocortisone were used for 13 days to treat acute hepatitis. At the present admission, he was unable to stand and refused to move his right leg. There was mild tenderness in the right lower abdomen on deep palpation. Passive flexion and rotation of the right hip produced mild pain, while passive extension of the right hip produced severe pain and resistance. The Patrick test was positive and the psoas sign was present on the right side. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was 66/hr. The c-reactive protein (CRP) level was 0.161 g/L. Abdominal sonography showed a lobulated mass in the right iliac fossa. magnetic resonance imaging showed severe swelling of the right iliac muscle with a central heterogeneous mass. debridement, drainage of the abscess, and application of a septopal chain were performed via an anterior retroperitoneal approach, and parenteral cephazolin and gentamicin were administered. A culture of the abscess grew Staphylococcus aureus. The ESR and CRP concentrations decreased to within the normal ranges 3 weeks later. awareness of this disease entity, careful physical examination, and appropriate imaging studies such as ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging are key to making a correct diagnosis.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = physical examination, physical (Clic here for more details about this article) |
2/39. A child with spider bite and glomerulonephritis: a diagnostic challenge.A previously healthy 7-year-old white boy presented to St. Louis Children's Hospital with a 1-day history of headache, malaise, temperature of 38.7 degrees C, and a progressively erythematous, tender calf with central dusky purpura. On the morning of admission, his mother noticed a 2-mm crust on the patient's right calf with a 3-cm x 3-cm area of surrounding erythema. No history of recent trauma or bite was obtained. He had suffered two episodes of nonbloody, nonbilious emesis during the last day. In addition, over the previous 12 h, he presented brown urine without dysuria. His mother and brother had suffered from gastroenteritis over the previous week without bloody diarrhea. On initial physical examination, there was a 6-cm x 11-cm macular tender purpuric plaque with a central punctum on the right inner calf, which was warm and tender to the touch, with erythematous streaking towards the popliteal fossa (Fig. 1). The inguinal area was also erythematous with tender lymphadenopathy and induration, but without fluctuance. Laboratory studies included an elevated white blood cell count of 20, 800/microL with 6% bands, 86% segs, and 7% lymphocytes, hemoglobin of 12.5 g/dL, hematocrit of 35.1%, and platelets of 282,000/microL. The prothrombin time/activated partial tissue thromboplastin was 10. 4/28.0 s (normal PT, 9.3-12.3 s; normal PTT, 21.3-33.7 s) and fibrinogen was 558 mg/dL (normal, 192-379 mg/dL). urinalysis showed 1 protein, 8-10 white blood cells, too numerous to count red blood cells, and no hemoglobinuria. His electrolytes, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatine were normal. The urine culture was negative. Blood culture after 24 h showed one out of two bottles of coagulase negative staphylococcus epidermidis. The patient's physical examination was highly suggestive of a brown recluse spider bite with surrounding purpura. Over the next 2 days, the surrounding rim of erythema expanded. The skin within the plaque cleared and peeled at the periphery. The coagulase negative staphylococci in the blood culture were considered to be a contaminant. cefotaxime and oxacillin were given intravenously. His leg was elevated and cooled with ice packs. The patient's fever resolved within 24 h. The lesion became less erythematous and nontender with decreased warmth and lymphadenopathy. The child was discharged on Duricef for 10 days. Because the patient experienced hematuria rather than hemoglobinuria, nephritis was suggested. In this case, poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis was the most likely cause. His anti-streptolysin-O titer was elevated at 400 U (normal, <200 U) and C3 was 21.4 mg/dL (normal, 83-177 mg/dL). His urine lightened to yellow-brown in color. His blood pressure was normal. Renal ultrasound showed severe left hydronephrosis with cortical atrophy, probably secondary to chronic/congenital ureteropelvic junction obstruction. His right kidney was normal.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 2keywords = physical examination, physical (Clic here for more details about this article) |
3/39. Halo pin intracranial penetration and epidural abscess in a patient with a previous cranioplasty: case report and review of the literature.STUDY DESIGN: Report of a patient with an epidural abscess after halo pin intracranial penetration at the site of a previous cranioplasty. OBJECTIVES: To report a rare case of intracranial penetration at the site of a previous cranioplasty associated with epidural abscess, and to discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to its management. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The most serious complications associated with use of halo device occur when pins penetrate the inner table of the skull, resulting in cerebrospinal fluid leak and rarely in an intracranial abscess. However, no mention of intracranial halo pin penetration at the site of a previous cranioplasty was found in the literature. methods: A 64-year-old man with ankylosing spondylitis had a halo vest placed for management of a fracture dislocation through the C5-C6 intervertebral disc space associated with left C6 radiculopathy. One week later, the patient experienced fever and headache associated with pain, redness, and drainage at the site of the insertion of the left posterior pin. Computed tomography of the brain showed a 1.5-cm intracranial penetration of the halo pin through a previous cranioplasty of the temporal bone, associated with epidural abscess and cerebral edema in the left temporoparietal lobe. The pins and the halo vest were removed, the pin site was cleaned, and a philadelphia cervical collar was applied. staphylococcus epidermidis grew on the culture of drainage from the pin site. The patient started immediate intravenous antibiotic treatment for 2 weeks, followed by oral antibiotics for 2 additional weeks. RESULTS: The patient had gradual improvement of his symptoms within the first 48 hours. At the latest follow-up visit, he had fully recovered and his fracture had healed. CONCLUSIONS: The halo device should not be used for patients with a previous cranioplasty, especially if the pins cannot be inserted at other safe areas of the skull. A thorough medical history and physical examination of the skull are important before the application of a halo device. Computed tomography of the skull may be necessary before elective halo application for patients with concomitant head trauma, confusion, or intoxication and for patients with a previous cranioplasty to ascertain the safest pin sites.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = physical examination, physical (Clic here for more details about this article) |
4/39. Cases from the osler medical service at Johns Hopkins University.PRESENTING FEATURES: A 29-year-old woman with a history of rheumatic heart disease and one episode of endocarditis as an adolescent was admitted to the hospital after 1 week of headache, fever, and myalgia. Her past medical history was otherwise unremarkable and did not include illicit drug use. On physical examination, she had a previously noted 3/6 holosystolic murmur at the apex, which radiated to her back; a previously noted 1/4 diastolic murmur at the right upper sternal border; diminished strength in her right upper extremity; multiple painful erythematous nodules on her fingers (Figure 1); and red streaks under her nails (Figure 2). magnetic resonance imaging of the brain demonstrated multiple lesions; the largest was in the right frontal lobe with associated hemorrhage (Figure 3).What is the diagnosis?- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = physical examination, physical (Clic here for more details about this article) |
5/39. Infectious complications of old nonfunctioning arteriovenous grafts in renal transplant recipients: a case series.Occult infection of old nonfunctioning arteriovenous grafts (AVGs) is frequent among hemodialysis patients. It is a risk factor for bacteremia and serious AVG-related infection. Immunocompromised patients are at increased risk of dissemination of occult AVG infection. We present a series of five renal transplant recipients who developed acute life-threatening infections that originated in their old nonfunctioning AVGs. Their presenting symptoms were noticeably varied. In two patients, infection of the AVG was characterized by local physical signs of infection around the AVG. In three patients, no physical signs of AVG infection were detected by physical examination. Among these, two presented with bacteremia, and one presented with failure to thrive. Detection of AVG infection in the absence of local signs of infection requires a high index of suspicion. Surgical resection and antimicrobial treatment led to a complete cure in four of these patients. One patient developed recurrent bacterial endocarditis and died. Old nonfunctioning AVGs are potential sources of serious infection in renal transplant recipients. Renal transplant recipients with old nonfunctioning AVGs who present with unexplained bacteremia, fever of unknown origin, or failure to thrive should be investigated for occult AVG infection. Screening for occult infection of the old nonfunctioning AVG may be considered before kidney transplantation, especially if the candidate gives a history of previous bacteremia or fever of unknown origin.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1.2534796194754keywords = physical examination, physical (Clic here for more details about this article) |
6/39. Management of complex multi-space odontogenic infections.The successful management of multi-space orofacial odontogenic infections involves identification of the source of the infection, the anatomical spaces encountered, the predominant microorganisms that are found during the various stages of odontogenic fascial space infection, the impact of the infectious process on defense systems, the ability to use and interpret laboratory data and imaging studies, and a thorough understanding of contemporary antibiotic and supportive care. The therapeutic goals, when managing multi-space odontogenic infections, are to restore form and/or function while limiting patient disability and preventing recurrence. Odontogenic infections are commonly the result of pericoronitis, carious teeth with pulpal exposure, periodontitis, or complications of dental procedures. The second and third molars are frequently the etiology of these multi-space odontogenic infections. Of the two teeth, the third molar is the more frequent source of infection. diagnostic imaging modalities are selected based on the patient's history, clinical presentation, physical findings and laboratory results. Periapical and panoramic x-rays are reliable initial screening instruments used in determining etiology. magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography are ideal imaging studies that permit assessment of the soft tissue involvement to include determining fluid collections, distinguishing abscess from cellulitis, and offering insight as to airway patency. Antibiotics are administered to assist the host immune system's effort to control and eliminate invading microorganisms. Early infections, first three (3) days of symptoms, are primarily caused by aerobic streptococci which are sensitive to penicillin. amoxicillin is classified as an extended spectrum penicillin. The addition of clavulanic acid to amoxicillin (Augmentin) increases the spectrum to staphylococcus and other anaerobes by conferring beta-lactamase resistance. In late infections, more than three (3) days of symptoms, the predominant microorganisms are anaerobes, predominantly peptostreptococcus, fusobacterium, or bacteroides, that are resistant to penicillin. clindamycin is an attractive alternative drug for first line therapy in the treatment of these infections. The addition of metronidazole to penicillin is also an excellent treatment choice. Alternatively, Unasyn (ampicillin/Sublactam), should be considered. The mainstay of management of these infections remains appropriate culture for bacterial identification, timely and aggressive incision and drainage, and removal of the etiology. It is usually preferable to drain multi-space infections involving the submandibular, submental, masseteric, pterygomandibular, temporal, and/or lateral pharyngeal masticator spaces, as early as possible from an extraoral approach. trismus and airway management are important considerations and may preclude the selection of other surgical approaches. The patients with multi-space infections should be hospitalized and patient care provided by experienced clinicians capable of management of airway problems, in administration of parenteral antibiotics and fluids, utilization of interpretation of laboratory and diagnostic imaging studies, and control of possible surgical complications.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 0.12673980973769keywords = physical (Clic here for more details about this article) |
7/39. Pyogenic sacroiliitis in children: report of three cases.We report three children who were treated for pyogenic infection of the sacroiliac joint. The disease, usually present in late childhood or adolescence, is uncommon and difficult to assess so that the diagnosis is usually delayed. The three patients were two boys and one girl, aged 14, 15 and 12 years, respectively. A detailed history and physical examination are very important for establishment of the diagnosis. All the three cases presented with typical clinical triad of fever, limping gait and buttock pain. pelvis compression maneuver, which directly stresses the sacroiliac joint, may aggravate the joint pain and suggest this diagnosis. On physical examination, this test is positive in all our cases. Nuclear scintigraphy is useful for localization of early lesions. For detecting abscess formation, magnetic resonance imaging was performed in two cases and computed tomography in one. In one of the patients, computed tomography failed to demonstrate an iliopsoas abscess formation, which was proved by magnetic resonance imaging later. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from blood in all three patients. Prompt antibiotic therapy reduces complication and operation is rarely needed. With rapid and appropriate medical treatment, all our patients recovered without an sequelae.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 2keywords = physical examination, physical (Clic here for more details about this article) |
8/39. Septic emboli from a radial artery catheter with local manifestations of subacute bacterial endocarditis.Septic emboli, giving rise to physical signs similar to those of subacute bacterial endocarditis, are extremely rare complications of radial artery catheterization. A case is reported with splinter hemorrhages and Janeway lesions, resulting from an infected radial artery catheter. Five other cases with these signs are collected from among 21 patients with localized septic complications described in the literature. The duration of radial artery catheterization was 4 days or longer in all cases, and Staphylococcus aureus was the offending agent in all. We conclude that arterial lines should be removed as early as possible, and in any case they should be pulled out at the earliest sign of a local complication. In the presence of signs of local infection, antistaphylococcal treatment should be given until results of cultures are available.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 0.12673980973769keywords = physical (Clic here for more details about this article) |
9/39. Cases from the Osler Medical Service at Johns Hopkins University.PRESENTING FEATURES: A 70-year-old African American man was admitted with a history of fever, chills, and malaise of several days' duration. His past medical history was notable for end-stage renal disease requiring hemodialysis, coronary artery disease, and aortic stenosis requiring a bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement. On the day of admission, the patient was noted to have a shaking chill while undergoing dialysis through his catheter and was admitted to the hospital. He complained of pain at the catheter insertion site, shortness of breath, and dyspnea on exertion, but denied chest pain. On physical examination, the patient had a temperature of 100.4 degrees F, with a heart rate of 64 beats per minute, blood pressure of 127/72 mm Hg, and an oxygen saturation of 97% on room air. He was a mildly obese man in no apparent distress. He had shotty cervical lymphadenopathy and a right subclavian dialysis catheter in place, with erythema and pus at the entry site. His jugular venous pressure was 10 cm H(2)O. lung examination showed bibasilar rales. heart sounds were normal, with no rub or gallop. He had a 2/6 systolic ejection murmur best heart at the left sternal border as well as a 3/6 holosystolic murmur at the apex that radiated to his left axilla. Examination of the abdomen and extremities was unremarkable. The patient's neurological examination was unremarkable, and he was alert and oriented to person, place, and time. Laboratory studies showed an elevated white blood cell count of 16,700 cells/microL. His blood urea nitrogen level was 43 mg/dL and his serum creatinine level was 4.9 mg/dL. Multiple blood cultures grew methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus. An admission, chest radiograph showed no infiltrate. An admission electrocardiogram showed normal sinus rhythm with first degree atrioventricular block, left anterior fascicular block, and left ventricular hypertrophy. shows rhythm strips from lead II electrocardiograms 5 months before admission (top), on admission (middle) and 5 days after admission (bottom). What is the diagnosis?- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = physical examination, physical (Clic here for more details about this article) |
10/39. Multifocal pyomyositis in an immunocompetent patient.pyomyositis is defined as suppurative infection of the skeletal muscle and usually occurs in immunocompromized patients. We managed a 23-year-old man admitted for myalgia and evidence of infection, with onset after a strenuous physical activity. Numerous muscles were involved. Multiple abscesses were visualized by ultrasonography and computed tomography, with predominant involvement of the pelvic muscles. Examination of the aspirate from a forearm abscess recovered Staphylococcus aureus. No factors associated with immunodeficiency were found. Appropriate antimicrobial therapy ensured complete resolution of the infection. pyomyositis is rare in immunocompetent individuals. myalgia, fever, and rhabdomyolysis should suggest pyomyositis. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are the best investigations for confirming the diagnosis.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 0.12673980973769keywords = physical (Clic here for more details about this article) |
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