Transient ischemic attack after mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy: A case report

BACKGROUNDThrombocytopenia with thrombosis syndrome has been reported after vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 with two mRNA vaccines. The syndrome is characterized by thrombosis, especially cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, and may lead to stroke. Pregnant women with stroke show higher rates of pregnancy loss and experience serious pregnancy complications. We present the case of a 24-year-old pregnant woman with a transient ischemic attack (TIA) that developed after vaccination with the Moderna mRNA-1273 vaccine (at 37 2/7 wk).CASE SUMMARYTIA occurred 13 d following the coronavirus disease vaccination. At 39 1/7 wk of pregnancy, the patient presented with sudden onset of right eye blurred vision with headache, dizziness with nausea, right-hand weakness, anomia, and alexia. The symptoms lasted 3 h; TIA was diagnosed. Blood test results revealed elevated D-dimer, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed no acute hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke. At pregnancy 37 6/7 wk, she was admitted for cesarean delivery to reduce subsequent risk of stroke during labor. Body mass index on admission was 19.8 kg/m². Magnetic resonance angiography and transesophageal echocardiography showed no abnormalities. The next day, a mature female baby weighing 2895 g and measuring 50 cm was delivered. Apgar scores were 8 and 9 in the first and fifth minutes. D-dimer levels decreased on postoperative day 4. After discharge, the autoimmune panel was within normal limits, including antinuclear and antiphospholipid antibodies. CONCLUSIONTIA might be developed after the mRNA vaccines in pregnant women.     

Acute ischemic Stroke combined with Stanford type A aortic dissection: A case report and literature review

BACKGROUNDAcute aortic dissection (AAD) is a high mortality disease that can lead to acute ischemic strokes (AIS). Some of the patients with AAD combined with AIS initially present with neurological symptoms, which can easily lead to missed or delayed AAD diagnosis. This is attributed to the lack of physician awareness or the urgency of patient thrombolysis. Intravenous administration of thrombolytic therapy (IVT) for AAD is associated with poor prognostic outcomes. We report a patient with AIS combined with AAD who developed a massive cerebral infarction after receiving IVT for a missed AAD diagnosis.CASE SUMMARYA 49-year-old man was admitted to a local hospital with an acute onset of left-sided limb weakness accompanied by slurred speech. The patient had a history of hypertension that was not regularly treated with medication. Physical examination revealed incomplete mixed aphasia and left limb hemiparesis. Cranial computed tomography (CT) scan showed bilateral basal ganglia and lateral ventricular paraventricular infarct lesions. The patient was diagnosed with AIS and was administered with IVT. After IVT, patient’s muscle strength and consciousness deteriorated. From the local hospital, he was referred to our hospital for further treatment. Emergency head and neck CT angiography (CTA) scans were performed. Results showed multiple cerebral infarctions, and aortic dissection in the ascending aorta, innominate artery, as well as in the right common carotid artery. Then, the CTA of thoracoabdominal aorta was performed, which revealed a Stanford type A aortic dissection and aortic dissection extending from the aortic root to the left external iliac artery. Laceration was located in the lesser curvature of the aortic arch. AAD complicated with AIS was considered, and the patient was immediately subjected to cardiovascular surgery for treatment. The next day, the patient underwent aortic arch and ascending aortic replacement and aortic valvuloplasty.CONCLUSIONClinical manifestations for AAD combined with AIS are diverse. Some patients may not exhibit typical chest or back pains. Therefore, patients should be carefully evaluated to exclude AAD before administering IVT in order to avoid adverse consequences.     

Thyroid storm in a pregnant woman with COVID-19 infection: A case report and review of literatures

BACKGROUNDThe severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been found to be responsible for the recent global pandemic known as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). SARS-CoV-2 infections not only result in significant respiratory symptoms but also cause several extrapulmonary manifestations, such as thrombotic complications, myocardial dysfunction and arrhythmia, thyroid dysfunction, acute kidney injury, gastrointestinal symptoms, neurological symptoms, ocular symptoms, and dermatological complications. We present the first documented case of thyroid storm in a pregnant woman precipitated by SARS-CoV-2.CASE SUMMARYA 42-year-old multiparous woman at 35 + 2 wk of gestation visited the emergency room (ER) with altered mentation, seizures, tachycardia, and high fever. The patient showed no remarkable events in the prenatal examination, and the nasopharyngeal COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test was positive two days before the ER visit. The results of laboratory tests, such as liver function test, serum electrolytes, blood glucose, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine, were all within the normal ranges. However, the thyroid function test showed hyperthyroidism, and the nasopharyngeal COVID-19 PCR test was positive, as expected. No specific findings were observed on the brain computed tomography, and there were no signs of lateralization on neurological examination. Fetal heartbeat and movement were good, and there were no significant uterine contractions. The initial impression was atypical eclampsia. However, the patient''s condition worsened, and a cesarean section was performed under general anesthesia; a healthy boy was delivered, and 12 h after delivery, the patient''s seizures disappeared and consciousness was restored. The patient was referred to an endocrinologist for hyperthyroidism, and a thyroid storm with Graves'' disease was diagnosed. Here, SARS-CoV-2 was believed to be the trigger for the thyroid storm, considering that the patient tested positive for COVID-19 two days before the seizures.CONCLUSIONIn pregnant women presenting with seizures or changes in consciousness, the possibility of a thyroid storm should be considered. There are various causes for a thyroid storm, but given the recent pandemic, it is necessary to bear in mind that the thyroid storm may be precipitated by COVID-19.     

COVID-19 presenting as complete heart block: A case report

Rationale: COVID-19 has a wide range of clinical presentations requiring a high index of suspicion for diagnosing patients presenting with extrapulmonary manifestations. Among them, patients with cardiovascular involvement have a high mortality. Patient's concerns: A 50-year-old male patient with COVID-19 infection presented with multiple syncopal episodes, myalgia, and mild respiratory symptoms. Diagnosis: Mild COVID-19 infection with complete heart block. Interventions: Temporary pacing followed by permanent pacemaker insertion 10 days after the onset. Outcomes: The patient was managed as per COVID-19 protocol in an isolation ward, and his condition improved but remained pacemaker dependent until a repeat RT-PCR for COVID-19 tested negative, after which he was shifted back to the cardiac care unit for permanent pacemaker insertion. The patient was discharged after inflammatory markers were normal and clinical condition was completely stable. Lessons: COVID-19 has a wide range of clinical presentations, and extrapulmonary manifestations, especially, cardiovascular involvement can not be ignored.     

Type A aortic dissection following heart transplantation: A case report

BACKGROUNDCardiac transplantation is considered the standard treatment for refractory end-stage heart failure. Worldwide, 5074 heart transplantations were performed in 2015. About 100 heart transplants are performed at the authors’ center each year. The usual complications of heart transplantation include graft rejection, infection, and graft dysfunction. Aortic dissection after heart transplantation is very rare and is a serious complication that requires a hybrid procedure.CASE SUMMARYA 58-year-old female patient was admitted to Union Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology in July 2020 because of unprovoked low back pain without precipitating causes. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography angiography showed type A aortic dissection with an aberrant right subclavian artery. After admission, urapidil was used to control blood pressure. Ten days later, the patient underwent ascending aortic and aortic arch replacement, subclavian artery reconstruction, and endovascular repair of abdominal and thoracic aortic aneurysms. A cardiopulmonary bypass was established through the right femoral artery and femoral vein. The aberrant right subclavian artery, innominate artery, left common carotid artery, and left subclavian artery were blocked, and the left and right common carotid arteries were cannulated for bilateral cerebral perfusion.CONCLUSIONThe right axillary artery could not be selected for cardiopulmonary bypass intubation because of aberrant right subclavian artery.     

Pulmonary contusion mimicking COVID-19: A case report

BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)is a major public health emergency with obvious characteristics of human-to-human transmission,and there are infective asymptomatic carriers.Early identification and proper management of patients with COVID-19 are important.Features in chest computed tomography(CT)can facilitate identifying newly infected individuals.However,CT findings of some lung contusions are similar to those of COVID-19,as shown in the present case.CASE SUMMARY A 46-year-old woman was admitted to hospital for backache and foot pain caused by a fall injury 1 d before hospitalization.She was suspected of having COVID-19,since there was a confirmed COVID-19 case near her residence.But she had no fever,cough,chest tightness,difficult breathing,nausea,vomiting,or diarrhea,etc.On physical examination,the lower posterior chest of both sides showed dullness on percussion and moist rales at the end of inspiration on auscultation.The white blood cell count and lymphocyte count were 10.88×109/L and 1.04×109/L,respectively.CT performed on February 7,2020 revealed that both lungs were scattered with patchy ground-glass opacity.The patient was diagnosed with pulmonary contusion with thoracic spinal fracture(T12),calcaneal fracture,and pelvic fracture.On day 9 after conservative treatment,her condition was alleviated.On review of the chest CT,the previous shadows were significantly reduced.CONCLUSION Differential diagnosis of lung contusion and COVID-19 must be emphasized.Both conditions require effective prompt actions,especially COVID-19.     

Type A aortic dissection developed after type B dissection with the presentation of shoulder pain: A case report

BACKGROUNDAortic dissection (AD) is a life-threatening condition with a high mortality rate without immediate medical attention. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are critical in treating patients with AD. In the emergency department, patients with AD commonly present with classic symptoms of unanticipated severe chest or back pain. However, it is worth noting that atypical symptoms of AD are easily misdiagnosed.CASE SUMMARYA 51-year-old woman was first diagnosed with scapulohumeral periarthritis due to left shoulder pain. After careful examination of her previous medical history and contrast-enhanced computed tomography angiography, the patient was diagnosed with a new type A AD after chronic type B dissection in the ascending aorta. The patient was successfully treated with surgical replacement of the dissected aortic arch and remains in good health.CONCLUSIONNew retrograde type A AD after chronic type B dissection is relatively rare. It is worth noting that a physician who has a patient with suspected AD should be vigilant. Both patient medical history and imaging tests are crucial for a more precise diagnosis.     

Bronchoscopy for diagnosis of COVID-19 with respiratory failure: A case report

BACKGROUNDAlthough the imaging features of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are starting to be well determined, what actually occurs within the bronchi is poorly known. Here, we report the processes and findings of bronchoscopy in a patient with COVID-19 accompanied by respiratory failure.CASE SUMMARYA 65-year-old male patient was admitted to the Hainan General Hospital on February 3, 2020 for fever and shortness of breath for 13 d that worsened for the last 2 d. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 nucleic acid test was positive. Routine blood examination on February 28 showed a white blood cell count of 11.02 × 10⁹/L, 86.9% of neutrophils, 6.4% of lymphocytes, absolute lymphocyte count of 0.71 × 10⁹/L, procalcitonin of 2.260 ng/mL, and C-reactive protein of 142.61 mg/L. Oxygen saturation was 46% at baseline and turned to 94% after ventilation. The patient underwent video bronchoscopy. The tracheal cartilage ring was clear, and no deformity was found in the lumen. The trachea and bilateral bronchi were patent, while the mucosa was with slight hyperemia; no neoplasm or ulcer was found. Moderate amounts of white gelatinous secretions were found in the dorsal segment of the left inferior lobe, and the bronchial lumen was patent after sputum aspiration. The right inferior lobe was found with hyperemia and mucosal erosion, with white gelatinous secretion attachment. The patient’s condition did not improve after the application of therapeutic bronchoscopy.CONCLUSIONFor patients with COVID-19 and respiratory failure, bronchoscopy can be performed under mechanical ventilation to clarify the airway conditions. Protection should be worn during the process. Considering the risk of infection, it is not necessary to perform bronchoscopy in the mild to moderate COVID-19 patients.     

Successful treatment of aortic dissection with pulmonary embolism: A case report

BACKGROUNDAortic dissection (AD) and pulmonary embolism (PE) are both life-threatening disorders. Because of their conflicting treatments, treatment becomes difficult when they occur together, and there is no standard treatment protocol.CASE SUMMARYA 67-year-old man fell down the stairs due to syncope and was brought to our hospital as a confused and irritable patient who was uncooperative during the physical examination. Further examination of the head, chest and abdomen by computed tomography revealed a subdural hemorrhage, multiple rib fractures, a hemopneumothorax and a renal hematoma. He was admitted to the Emergency Intensive Care Unit and given a combination of oxygen therapy, external rib fixation, analgesia and enteral nutrition. The patient regained consciousness after 2 wk but complained of abdominal pain and dyspnea with an arterial partial pressure of oxygen of 8.66 kPa. Computed tomography angiograms confirmed that he had both AD and PE. We subsequently performed only nonsurgical treatment, including nasal high-flow oxygen therapy, nonsteroidal analgesia, amlodipine for blood pressure control, beta-blockers for heart rate control. Eight weeks after admission, the patient improved and was discharged from the hospital.CONCLUSIONPatients with AD should be alerted to the possibility of a combined PE, the development of which may be associated with aortic compression. In patients with type B AD combined with low-risk PE, a nonsurgical, nonanticoagulant treatment regimen may be feasible.