A patient with polycythemia vera developed chronic thrombosis of the superior vena cava and had life-threatening pulmonary emboli despite anticoagulation and chemotherapy for the blood dyscrasia. After angiographic evaluation, the superior vena cava was ligated cephalad to the azygous vein. There have been no further clinical embolic episodes nor adverse effects over a three-year period of observation.

Humans↗

PubMed1978

Severe thrombocytopenia after generalized herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) infection.

Our patient, we believe, experienced a primary HSV-2 infection manifested by fever, malaise, and orogenital mucocutaneous lesions. With resolution of systemic manifestations, and at a time of theorized rise in HSV-2 antibody levels, he had thrombocytopenic purpura which persisted for several weeks. An immune disorder secondary to HSV-2 infection similar to that of postrubella infection is postulated. If this theory is correct, severe immune thrombocytopenic purpura is yet one more of the many observed complications of HSV infection.

Adult↗

PubMed1978

Iron-containing plasma cells.

Iron in plasma cells has been described in patients with diseases characterized by iron overload. We observed iron-containing plasma cells in 21 anemic alcoholic patients admitted to the hospital for treatment of complications of alcoholism. The presence of iron-containing plasma cells is suggestive of alcoholism and its complications, and diseases associated with iron overload or inability of RBCs to utilize iron. The mechanism of entry of iron into plasma cells is unknown.

Anemia↗

PubMed1977

Venous hum of the Cruveilhier-Baumgarten syndrome: response to the Valsalva maneuver.

The response of the venous hum of the Cruveilhier-Baumgarten syndrome (CBS) to respiration, the cardiac cycle, and changes in posture is not predictable. The Valsalva maneuver may result in an increase in intensity of the hum rather than a decrease. The Cruveilhier-Baumgarten venous hum (CBH) is virtually diagnostic of portal vein hypertension. It may be mistaken for obscure cardiac murmurs. The Cruveilhier-Baumgarten venous hum, unlike the cervical venous hum (CVH), is never present in normal people.

Aged↗