Concerns Following Splenic Infarct and Liver Issues in 2020
A 35-year-old female, standing at 5'8" and weighing 140 pounds, experiences well-managed anxiety, esophagopharyngeal reflux, and is currently under investigation for Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), as she presents with all the relevant symptoms. Additionally, she is dealing with hypothyroidism, scoliosis, cervical kyphosis, pectus excavatum, and possible endometriosis that remains unconfirmed through surgical procedures. Her current medication regimen includes 20 mg of Cymbalta, 5 mcg of Cytomel, and 60 mg of thyroid medication. In December 2020, she battled an unusual illness characterized by a week-long high fever, extreme fatigue, persistent headaches, and a general sense of weakness, with no gastrointestinal or typical flu-like symptoms such as a cough or runny nose. During this period, she felt so debilitated that she occasionally needed to crawl to the bathroom, leaving her with fragmented memories of that time. Once the fever subsided, new symptoms emerged, including significant swelling around the eyelids, intense itching of the feet, hands, and lower legs—especially at night—a sense of nausea, and an overall feeling of malaise. After visiting urgent care, her blood tests yielded the following results: - AFT: 180 - ALT: 431 - ALP: 360 - “Elevated” white blood cell count (exact figure undisclosed) The urgent care physician advised her to head to the emergency room if her condition worsened, but she was apprehensive about the risk of contracting COVID-19. Both COVID-19 and flu tests returned negative during her visit, and a week later, an antibody test also proved negative for COVID-19. A subsequent CT scan with contrast revealed that her spleen was enlarged, with several peripheral wedge-shaped and band-like hypodense lesions observed in the upper spleen. Additionally, a round, well-defined hypodense lesion measuring 11 mm in the anterior spleen was deemed too small to classify but might indicate either another infarct or a separate cystic lesion. Despite her slow recovery over the following four to five months, she was left without answers, as the healthcare system was heavily focused on COVID-19 at that time. Recently, with the diagnosis of scoliosis, pectus excavatum, and ongoing hypermobility issues, she finds herself concerned that the splenic infarct may signify an underlying condition, potentially linking to disorders such as Marfan syndrome or Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (V-EDS). She seeks guidance from medical professionals to determine if pursuing genetic testing is advisable or if her experiences can be attributed to a rare viral infection that impacted her organs. Thank you!
Answers (1)
3/30/2025, 10:40:38 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are dealing with a complex health situation involving multiple symptoms and concerns, particularly regarding your past splenic infarct and ongoing symptoms. Here’s a summary of the main points and some guidance on how to proceed.
Main Points:
- You have a history of splenic infarct and ongoing symptoms that could relate to various conditions.
- Concerns about genetic syndromes like Marfan syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (V-EDS) are valid, especially given your symptoms.
- Your recent illness and current health issues require careful monitoring and possibly further investigation.
Explanation:
The splenic infarct you experienced can sometimes indicate underlying vascular issues or connective tissue disorders, especially when presented alongside other symptoms such as scoliosis, pectus excavatum, and hypermobility. While you are understandably concerned that these could point to conditions like Marfan syndrome or V-EDS, each condition requires a specific set of criteria and tests for accurate diagnosis.
Your blood test results indicate liver function abnormalities, which together with your experience of persistent malaise, could suggest a post-viral syndrome or another underlying issue. It’s crucial to further explore the nature of these liver irregularities.
Next Steps:
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Genetic Testing: Since you have concerns about Marfan syndrome or V-EDS, consider discussing genetic testing with your healthcare provider. They can evaluate your symptoms in the context of these conditions to determine if testing is appropriate.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed log of your daily symptoms, such as fatigue levels, pain, swelling, and any changes. This can assist you and your healthcare provider in tracking any patterns or worsening conditions.
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Follow Up on Liver Health: Continue monitoring your liver function. If symptoms worsen (such as increased fatigue, jaundice, or abdominal pain), reach out for immediate evaluation, even if you feel apprehensive about COVID-19 risks.
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Seek a Specialist: If you haven’t done so already, consider requesting a referral to a specialist, such as a geneticist or a rheumatologist, for a comprehensive evaluation of your symptoms and potential syndromes.
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Stay Informed and Supported: Share your concerns with trusted friends or family members and consider connecting with support groups for individuals with similar health conditions, as they can provide emotional support and practical advice.
Remember, you're trying to piece together complex health issues, and seeking clarity and support is a positive step toward managing your health. Let me know if you have further questions or need additional assistance!
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