Search Results (4)

Background and Clinical Significance: Lemierre’s syndrome, also known as the “forgotten disease”, is a rare clinical syndrome of septic thrombophlebitis associated with morbidity and mortality. This study reports on a 6-year-old boy diagnosed with Lemierre’s syndrome, providing an in-depth case analysis and a comprehensive review of the current literature on this uncommon condition. Case Presentation: A 6-year-old boy was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) with septic shock, presenting with a high-grade fever of 39.5 °C for 10 days and swelling in the left leg for one week. Additionally, he had a history of swelling in the left mandibular area for five days and a skin rash. His recent medical history was unremarkable, except for decreased activity and oral intake over the past three days. Both his neonatal and past medical histories were unremarkable. Upon admission to the PICU, a multidisciplinary team was assembled to address his condition. Following a comprehensive history, physical examination, and relevant investigations, the child was diagnosed and managed as a case of Lemierre’s syndrome—the first reported case in Saudi Arabia. Treatment included antibiotics, unfractionated heparin infusion, and analgesics. Family members were counseled on the nature, severity, and prognosis of the disease. Despite the optimal treatment given to this patient, the patient died from multiorgan failure as a complication of the disease after an eight-day stay in the PICU. Conclusions: This paper reports the main presenting features and the workup of a 6-year-old male child diagnosed and managed as a case of Lemierre’s syndrome in the Saudi Arabian context. The early recognition of the symptoms of Lemierre’s syndrome and introduction of appropriate treatment in multidisciplinary teamwork are crucial to improve the outcomes of such a life-threating syndrome. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: A brain abscess, defined as a localized intracranial infection that evolves into a purulent collection encased by a vascularized capsule, has higher prevalence among immunocompromised populations. Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) are particularly vulnerable to bacterial infections due to their compromised immune systems, increasing their susceptibility to pathogens like Salmonella. While Salmonella is typically associated with gastroenteritis, osteomyelitis, and septicemia, its involvement in brain abscesses is exceedingly rare. There are few documented cases of Salmonella brain abscesses in the general population, and among patients with SCD, only one such case has been reported to date. In this report, we describe the second known case of a brain abscess caused by Salmonella infection in a patient with sickle cell disease, contributing to the limited literature on this rare and life-threatening condition. Case Presentation: A 32-year-old African American woman with sickle cell disease presented to the ER after a generalized seizure, reporting two weeks of worsening headaches, fevers, and left upper extremity weakness. Imaging revealed a right frontoparietal brain abscess, which was surgically drained, and cultures identified Salmonella enterica. After antibiotic treatment and a 23-day hospital stay, she was discharged. Four months later, she returned with another seizure during a sickle cell crisis, but follow-up MRI showed only minor scarring, and she was discharged on anticonvulsant therapy. Conclusions: This case emphasizes that Salmonella infections, though typically linked to osteomyelitis and sepsis, can also cause brain abscesses in immunocompromised patients like those with sickle cell disease. It highlights the need to consider infections alongside vascular causes in acute neurological cases and underscores the value of a multidisciplinary approach in managing such complex conditions. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute febrile vasculitis that primarily affects children and is associated with systemic inflammation, particularly in the coronary arteries. Coxsackievirus A6 (CVA6) has emerged as a significant agent in atypical presentations of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), raising the possibility of its involvement in KD. Case Presentation: This report presents the case of an 18-month-old Thai boy admitted with symptoms of high fever, sore throat, and ulcerative lesions, initially diagnosed with herpangina. As his condition progressed, additional KD symptoms developed, including conjunctival injection, rash, and elevated inflammatory markers, fulfilling the diagnostic criteria for KD. Notably, throat swab analysis confirmed CVA6 as the causative agent. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the CVA6 strain closely aligned with Chinese strains from 2023, showing a high nucleotide sequence homology of 98.4%. Conclusions: In conclusion, this case highlights a possible association between CVA6-associated herpangina and KD, suggesting that CVA6 infection may act as a trigger for KD in genetically susceptible children. These findings highlight the need for increased awareness among healthcare providers to promptly identify and manage Kawasaki Disease during peak enterovirus seasons, reducing its impact on children. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: Chryseobacterium gleum is a Gram-negative opportunistic and emerging pathogen able to induce systemic manifestations (e.g., peritonitis, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, meningitis) in immunocompromised patients. No data on children have been published. Case Presentation: A 2-year-old child presented in the pediatric ambulatory room with recurrent fever, submandibular lymphadenopathy, and skin rash. Laboratory findings revealed the presence of microcytic anemia with an increase in c-reactive protein. Chest X-ray reported mild accentuation of the bronchial structure, especially on the right side and middle–lower zone. In the peripheral blood smear, anisopoikilocytosis and elliptical red cells were evident. Clinical evaluation revealed the presence of conjunctivitis and polymorphic erythema, hyperemic pharynx and tonsils, SPO2 99%, auscultation of the chest, harsh vesicular murmur all over the area, and some wheezing. Microbiological analysis of sputum and throat swabs revealed the presence of numerous colonies of Chryseobacterium gleum confirmed using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS score > 2.2). Conclusions: This is the first case of Chryseobacterium gleum post-COVID in a child. We suggest that a quick identification and an appropriate treatment represent the critical factors able to prevent the adverse outcomes related to C. gleum infection. Full article