Case Report Brodie's Abscess in a Patient Presenting with Sickle Cell Vasoocclusive Crisis

First described by Sir Nicholas Brodie in 1832, Brodie's abscess is a localized subacute or chronic infection of the bone, typically seen in the metaphases of long bones in children and adolescents. The diagnosis can prove to be enigmatic due to absence of clinical signs and symptoms of systemic disease. We report a very interesting case of Brodie's abscess masquerading as sickle cell vasoocclusive crisis in a 20-year-old female with sickle cell disease and review the literature

Understanding cardio-oncology and potential impacts on patients

Cardio-oncology is a new multidisciplinary field that involves the management of cardiovascular side effects in patients receiving anti-cancer therapies . Recent advances in clinical oncology resulted in an increased number of anti-cancer drugs that have a direct effect on the heart. Early diagnosis, prevention, risk stratification, early treatment and serial monitoring are the major principles of cardio-oncology. Although some patients experience cardiotoxicity secondary to anti-cancer treatment, the rest complete their treatment without any alteration in cardiac functions. Risk factors may have an effect on developing cardiotoxicity in patients receiving cardiotoxic anti-cancer drugs. Optimal management of cardio-oncology patients should be based on inter-professional collaboration. • To provide an overview of cardio-oncology and the role of the pharmacists to provide proactive care • To introduce the importance of real-world evidence and the possible impact of different risk factors in developing cardiotoxicity. • To showcase the risk of cardiotoxicity in people with lung and breast cance

Brodie’s Abscess in a Patient Presenting with Sickle Cell Vasoocclusive Crisis

First described by Sir Nicholas Brodie in 1832, Brodie’s abscess is a localized subacute or chronic infection of the bone, typically seen in the metaphases of long bones in children and adolescents. The diagnosis can prove to be enigmatic due to absence of clinical signs and symptoms of systemic disease. We report a very interesting case of Brodie’s abscess masquerading as sickle cell vasoocclusive crisis in a 20-year-old female with sickle cell disease and review the literature

Management of COVID-19 in cancer patients receiving cardiotoxic anti-cancer therapy. Future recommendations for cardio-oncology

Cardiotoxicity induced by anti-cancer treatment has become a significant threat as the number of cardiotoxic anti-cancer agents is growing. Cancer patients are at an increased risk of contracting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) because of immune suppression caused by anti-cancer drugs and/or supportive treatment. Deterioration in lung functions due to COVID-19 is responsible for many cardiac events. The presence of COVID-19 and some of its treatment modalities may increase the chance of cardiotoxicity development in cancer patients receiving potentially cardiotoxic agents. This review provides evidence-based information on the cardiotoxicity risk in cancer patients clinically diagnosed with COVID-19 who are receiving potentially cardiotoxic anti-cancer agents. Proposed strategies relating to the management of this patient cohorts are also discussed.</jats:p

Multiple cardiotoxicities during osimertinib therapy

Introduction The tyrosine-kinase inhibitor osimertinib is an oral anti-cancer agent that is used for the treatment of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer harbouring sensitising EGFR mutations. Patients receiving osimertinib are at higher risk of developing cardiac toxicity, and here we present the case of a 72-year-old male who developed multiple cardiotoxicities during therapy (i.e. QTc prolongation, atrial fibrillation, heart failure). Case Report A 72-year-old white British, ex-smoker male patient was admitted to our cancer centre with adenocarcinoma of the lung. Afatinib, gefitinib, osimertinib, and carboplatin plus pemetrexed chemotherapy were the treatments he received. At the 15th month of osimertinib therapy, the patient developed QTc prolongation. Two weeks after the first incidence of QTc prolongation, electrocardiography showed rate-controlled atrial fibrillation. In addition to his atrial fibrillation, echocardiography revealed severely impaired left ventricular systolic function (left ventricular ejection fraction: 30%). Management and Outcomes Baseline to osimertinib, an electrocardiography investigation was carried out as per the protocol. Baseline drug history was reviewed and rosuvastatin was discontinued before initiating osimertinib as both drugs contribute to QTc prolongation. Dabigatran, bisoprolol, and digoxin were started for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. Ramipril and spironolactone were prescribed for the treatment of heart failure but osimertinib continued uneventfully. The patient died of non-small cell lung cancer. Discussion Recommendations for practical and clinically relevant baseline and on-treatment assessments are considered which may reduce the risk of cardiac toxicity during osimertinib therapy. These include baseline cardiac risk stratification, consideration of concomitant medications that may result in additive cardiac risk, and use of electrocardiography and echocardiography surveillance. </jats:sec