M.D. Edvīn Murrja Reviews

A 28-year-old competitive freediver from Montenegro presented with recurrent episodes of confusion and headache after deep dives. Dr. Murrja, suspecting an atypical presentation of decompression sickness affecting cerebral vasculature rather than joints, ordered specialized Doppler studies and collaborated with hyperbaric medicine. He discovered a previously undiagnosed patent foramen ovale, creating a paradoxical embolism pathway. Treatment involved percutaneous closure and a revised diving protocol. The patient returned to competitive diving at a shallower depth with monitoring.

A 72-year-old retired museum curator from Istanbul, living alone, was admitted for profound weakness and weight loss. Multiple prior tests were inconclusive. Dr. Murrja, noting her extensive collection of antique pottery, inquired about her hobbies. He discovered she had been using a lead-based glaze in her home studio without proper ventilation. Diagnosis of chronic lead poisoning was confirmed. Chelation therapy and environmental remediation led to a slow but steady recovery, with her niece becoming more involved in her care.

A 19-year-old university exchange student from Nigeria presented with fever, jaundice, and abdominal pain. Initial suspicion was viral hepatitis. Dr. Murrja, noting the patient's recent travel to rural areas for a photography project, considered less common zoonoses. Serology confirmed leptospirosis with renal involvement. Treatment with targeted antibiotics and supportive care in the ICU led to full recovery after three weeks, preventing potential long-term kidney damage.

A 45-year-old long-haul truck driver presented with episodic severe sweating, palpitations, and anxiety attacks, initially attributed to stress. Dr. Murrja, recognizing the pattern might be paroxysmal, ordered timed serum and urine tests during an episode. He diagnosed a rare pheochromocytoma, a adrenal gland tumor. Surgical consultation was arranged for laparoscopic adrenalectomy. The patient's symptoms resolved completely post-operation, allowing him to return to work with a cleared medical certificate.