Case Follow-Ups

Dr. Devries

47yo F with h/o IVDU, recent pericarditis, presents with CP and SOB found to have a large saccular aortic mycotic aneurysm caused by MSSA endocarditis. Mycotic aneurysms can be seen in all areas of the vascular system but are rare in the setting of appropriate antibiotic use.

Dr. Mann:

50yo M with asthma, tobacco use, schizophrenia who arrives satting 85% and admits to recently smoking crack. Crack lung is an acute pulmonary syndrome with hypoxia, cough, fever, hemotysis, pruritis, pulmonary/alveolar hemorhage. Symptoms worse in those with asthmatics resulting from bronchospasm/constriction. Imaging can show prominent vasculature and ground glass (tree and bud on CT). Treatment is with systemic steroids, bronchodilators, supportive care, usually reverses within 24 hours.

Dr. Latimer:

50yo AA F with EMS call for respiratory distress who arrives with CPR in progress. Intubated and found to have shark-fin appearance on EtCO2 and treated aggressively for likely asthmatic respiratory arrest with:, magnesium, IVP ketamine, albuterol in addition to standard code drugs. Despite ROSC, she re-arrested and was found to have bilat pneumothoraces with tamponade which was iatrogenic due to a PEEP valve being placed post-intubation.