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Query: UMLS:C0424790 (rigors)
 822 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

A case of cryptococcal meningitis in a patient with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is described, as well as the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and therapeutic management of the disease. In July 1987 a 38-year-old white man was admitted to the hospital because of confusion, disorientation, and headache. His medical history was notable for a positive human immunodeficiency virus test. Culture of the cerebrospinal fluid was positive for Cryptococcus neoformans. The patient was started on amphotericin B 16 mg/day (0.3 mg/kg/day) intravenously and flucytosine 2 g every six hours (150 mg/kg/day) orally. Despite premedication with diphenhydramine and acetaminophen, he experienced rigors that were treated with hydrocortisone and meperidine. Three weeks later he was discharged on flucytosine 2 g orally every six hours and amphotericin B 50 mg intravenously every other day. One week later the patient developed fever and chills; blood cultures were positive for methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus, and his peripheral leucocyte count was 1.8 X 10(3)/cu mm. Flucytosine was discontinued, and he was treated with intravenous nafcillin while remaining on amphotericin B. In October the patient complained of nausea, vomiting, weakness, and agitation. A CSF latex agglutination titer for cryptococcal antigen was 1:32. He was treated with amphotericin B 50 mg daily until symptoms resolved and then continued on amphotericin B 50 mg twice weekly. Cryptococcosis is the most common life-threatening fungal infection among AIDS patients. In contrast to immunocompetent hosts, this population invariably develops disseminated disease, with 85% having meningeal involvement. The most effective therapy for cryptococcal meningitis in patients with AIDS has not been established.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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PMID:Management of cryptococcal meningitis in patients with AIDS. 341 73

The Waterhouse-Friderichsen (WFS) syndrome, also known as purpura fulminans, is described as acute hemorrhagic necrosis of the adrenal glands and is most often caused by meningococcal infection. This clinical entity is more frequently seen in the pediatric than the adult population and is associated with a high morbidity and mortality. The initial presenting complaints for patients with the WFS usually include a diversity of nonspecific, vague symptoms such as cough, dizziness, headache, sore throat, chills, rigors, weakness, malaise, restlessness, apprehension, myalgias, arthralgias, and fever. These symptoms are usually abrupt in their onset. Petechiae are present in approximately 50-60% of patients. The clinical diagnosis of WFS may be relatively straightforward or extremely challenging. Patients who appear in the initial and nontoxic-appearing stage without any skin lesions may be difficult to distinguish from a benign viral illness. When a patient presents with fever and petechiae, WFS must be considered, even when the patient has a non-toxic appearance. Due to the rapid progression and often devastating consequences, therapy should be instituted as soon as the diagnosis is suspected.
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PMID:Rupert Waterhouse and Carl Friderichsen: adrenal apoplexy. 969 86