Systemic sclerosis (SSc) represents a connective tissue disease, characterized by progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs, microvascular abnormalities, and alterations in cellular and humoral immunity. Renal impairment is a relatively common feature in patients with systemic sclerosis. It can take various clinicopathological forms, of which the most specific and severe manifestation is represented by scleroderma renal crisis. This presentation is characterized by acute onset of moderate to malignant hypertension and acute kidney injury. Although some progress has been made in management of scleroderma renal crisis with the introduction of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors therapy, a large population of patients still presents a poor outcome, with up to 50 percent needing renal replacement therapy. Further understanding of disease pathogenesis may lead to improvement in patient’s outcome and survival.

Degenerative aortic stenosis is an inflammatory process, affecting up to 12% of patients aged over 85 years. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has become the preferred option for symptomatic, high and intermediate risk patients, including those denied for surgical valve replacement. Aortic stenosis is associated with prolonged atrio-ventricular (AV) conduction time, as well as higher degree of AV conduction disorders. In addition, it was observed that TAVI patients have a higher incidence of conduction abnormalities during the procedure, as well as during the following days, many of them requiring the implantation of a permanent pacemaker. Definitive guidelines for management of the conduction disorders are not yet available, the burden of choosing the best approach being put on each individual clinician.

Cervical carcinoma of unknown primary site is a condition characterized by the presence of a metastatic lymph node neck mass in the absence of the primary tumor, despite extensive diagnostic procedures. This condition affects more often male patients with a history of tobacco and alcohol abuse or human papilloma virus (HPV) or Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) chronic infection. The detection of the primary tumor and identification of the histopathological type have a key role in the management of patients with unknown primary tumors. Treatment is multimodal, including surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome (PIMS) is a condition related to the previous exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. The pathophysiology of PIMS is not fully understood. However, it can be explained as a consequence of hyperactivation of the immune system. Clinically, PIMS usually follows 2-4 weeks after SARS-CoV-2 infection and its main symptom is fever that lasts for a few days. The diagnosis of PIMS is established by detailed anamnesis, clinical examination, and biological changes such as increasing levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), D-dimer, NT-proBNP and anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies. The intensive treatment should be quickly initiated, as the consequences could be fatal. The treatment is represented by a combination of intravenous immunoglobulins, corticosteroids and anticoagulants.