INFECTIOUS DISEASEStories From the Field

Uncovering the Rare: Diagnosing Glomangiomatosis with VisualDx

During my clinical practice, I have frequently relied on VisualDx for various cases, and one particular instance stands out. I encountered a patient with persistent pain and blue-colored nodules on their extremities. The clinical presentation suggested a vascular anomaly, but the exact diagnosis was unclear.

After entering the patient’s symptoms and visual findings into VisualDx, the differential diagnosis included glomangiomatosis, a rare and often overlooked condition. VisualDx provided comprehensive information on glomangiomatosis, covering its characteristic clinical features, imaging findings, and histopathological aspects. This guidance led me to order the appropriate diagnostic tests, including an MRI and biopsy, which confirmed the diagnosis.

—L.M., The University of Bologna resident physician

Critical Care Insight: VisualDx Guides COVID Pneumonia Diagnosis

A 58-year-old male with a medical history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and asthma presented with a four-day history of fever, cough with sputum, and shortness of breath. During his hospital course, his condition worsened, and he required supplemental oxygen. Both his COVID PCR and flu tests were positive. Despite treatment, his fevers persisted, and his oxygen requirements increased. A chest X-ray revealed bibasilar opacities, and lab results showed an elevated white count. On the fourth day, he was placed on high-flow oxygen, saturating at 92%. However, on the fifth day, the patient decompensated and required intubation for hypoxia. He was transferred to the ICU and placed on multiple vasopressors. Although ECMO was considered, the patient was not a candidate due to acute kidney failure. After three weeks of intubation and multiple weaning trials, he was successfully extubated as his COVID pneumonia improved. VisualDx played a crucial role in diagnosing COVID pneumonia, providing valuable case examples that guided the diagnosis and treatment.

—A.D., Stony Brook University physician

Nailing the Diagnosis: How VisualDx Confirmed My Suspicion of Lichen Nitidus

I recently encountered a case labeled ‘rule out measles’ from a local health agency. While it clearly wasn’t measles, I noticed monomorphic Koebnerized papules scattered across the patient’s body. With some help from VisualDx, I arrived at a diagnosis of lichen nitidus. My attending was skeptical, so we decided to biopsy, and lo and behold, it was indeed lichen nitidus. I looked awesome!

—N.J., NYU physician