A lower extremity venous Doppler study was negative for deep vein thrombosis. A lumbrosacral CT imaging study showed mild to moderate curvature of the lumbar spine with no evidence of neural compromise. X-ray imaging study of the CYP inhibitor left foot was negative for fractures and found moderate hallux valgus. She received oxycodone/acetaminophen for pain and alprazolam for anxiety. A couple of days later, the patient

continued to have difficulty ambulating, even with the assistance of a roller walker. In addition, the patient exhibited dragging of her left foot when ambulating. She also complained of a numbness and tingling sensation in the toes of her left foot. MRI studies of the head and spine were negative for pathologies, and the X-ray imaging of the hips were also negative for fractures/acute phase of avascular necrosis. About a week into admission, she developed several episodes of diaphoresis and sinus tachycardia with a heart rate in the 200–220 bpm range. Electrocardiogram (EKG) revealed sinus tachycardia; carotid massage and adenosine only temporarily improved the tachycardia. As part of tachycardia work up, thyroid-stimulating hormone was done, which revealed a low level of 0.015; however, free T4 and total T3 were normal (1.2 and 1.36, respectively). Further evaluation with thyroid

scan showed low uptake of 1.2%, and thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin was also negative. The patient was transferred to the medical intensive care unit because of worsening symptoms. The patient’s home medications of mirtazapine and quetiapine, which she was taking for her postpartum depression, were held for possible serotonin syndrome. Her heart rate improved, but remained tachycardic in the range of 100–160 bpm, likely associated with her not-well-controlled pain.

Gabapentin was added to help control pain, thinking that diabetic neuropathy might be a comorbidity. Psychiatric consultation revealed that diagnosis of conversion disorder was not probable. In the intensive care unit, the patient had several episodes of generalized body Cilengitide jerking and stiffness, which were associated with severe pain. During each episode, she held the rails of the bed while jerking, shaking the entire bed. She was very diaphoretic and always awake, oriented but did not make eye contact as she stared at the ceiling. Each episode lasted two to three minutes. Elevated creatinine kinase was also noted; however, video EEG did not reveal any seizure activity. Her left foot was now found to be inverted, and bilateral lower extremities were fully extended and rigid on passive attempts to manipulate them; occasional twitch-like movements were also seen. Repeat X-ray imaging study of the left foot showed four angulated metatarsals with no evidence of fracture, arthritis, or osteomyelitis. As this diagnostic dilemma continued, a lumber puncture (LP) was done.