DCR McGouran

DCR McGouran

Affiliations: (MBChB) Department of Medicine, Hutt Valley Hospital, Lower Hutt, New Zealand

All Journals from DCR McGouran

Lead Poisoning presenting as acute severe myalgia: Why was the diagnosis delayed and what lessons can we learn as acute physicians?

Abstract

Patients presenting to the “front door” with acute neuromuscular symptoms are challenging. Toxins need consideration as possible causative agents if there is the possibility of relevant exposure. This requires a thorough history1 and an awareness of local ethnic, social and industrial cultures within the practice locality. We describe a case of lead poisoning in a 35 year old man who presented with severe, progressive, myalgia. We consider that basic errors in clinical processing delayed a potentially difficult and serious diagnosis and these are discussed. The importance of maintaining a thorough initial clerking process within the Acute Medical Unit is highlighted. This should include a comprehensive occupational history. Acute physicians should familiarize themselves with local industry and the toxic syndromes they can produce.

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Mucositis, Conjunctivitis but no rash – The “Atypical Stevens –Johnson syndrome”

Abstract

The Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) classically involves a rash, conjunctivitis and mucositis. We describe the case of a young adult male with isolated mucositis and conjunctivitis . Previous rare reports of severe SJS like syndromes without a rash are confined to children, usually with mycoplasma pnemoniae infection.1 Terminology for this syndrome includes - “Stevens-Johnson Syndrome without skin lesions”, or “Atypical Stevens – Johnson Syndrome”.2 This case highlights the importance of maintaining an open mind when a “full house” of clinical features is absent. It also illustrates the use of a rapid electronic literature review as a clinical tool. The importance of updating records when a drug has been cleared of causing harm is highlighted.

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