A&A practice
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Case Reports
Novel Single-Needle Approach for Retrocrural Celiac Plexus Blockade Using Fluoroscopic Guidance: A Case Report.
Celiac plexus neurolysis has been shown to be an effective analgesic option for patients with visceral pain related to intraabdominal malignancies. In the setting of significant tumor burden, the celiac plexus may be inaccessible, limiting the efficacy of the transcrural approach. This case report describes a novel single-needle approach to retrocrural celiac plexus blockade, allowing for rapid blockade with a needle trajectory contralateral to the aorta in a 73-year-old woman with altered anatomy secondary to advanced metastatic colorectal cancer.
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We present the case of a primigravid patient, who developed cardiogenic shock during the early postpartum period in the setting of retained placenta, uterine atony, and hemorrhage. Focused cardiac ultrasound played a central role in identifying the cause of hemodynamic instability. The decision to initiate venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was instrumental in the successful outcome for our patient, characterized by a full recovery without major neurological and cardiovascular sequelae.
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Preeclampsia presenting as severe hyponatremia is an enigma of modern obstetric practice. The hyponatremia can cause severe maternal neurological morbidity, including cerebral edema and seizures. ⋯ Despite this, the literature remains ambiguous about its incidence, the pathophysiology is poorly understood, and guidelines on preeclampsia (including those of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) do not discuss the issue. This case of preeclampsia associated with severe hyponatremia in a laboring woman highlights these issues.
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Case Reports
Pulmonary Artery Catheter Thrombus in a Patient With Essential Thrombocytosis: A Case Report.
Essential thrombocytosis (ET) is a rare chronic myeloproliferative disorder characterized by elevated platelet counts. The management of patients with ET undergoing coronary artery bypass graft remains unclear. Often, patients who are deemed "high risk" for thrombotic events receive cytoreductive therapy before surgery, while patients deemed "low risk" do not receive cytoreductive therapy. Here, we present a case of a patient with ET with only a mild elevation in platelets deemed "low risk" for thrombotic complications who was found to have a small intracardiac thrombus around the pulmonary artery catheter before initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass.
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Case Reports
Relocation of an Infected Cardiac Pacemaker Generator Under Ultrasound-Guided Pectoralis Nerve Block: A Case Study.
Reports on pacemaker placement/relocation surgery under pectoralis nerve block are limited. We herein report a case involving a 74-year-old woman with an infected cardiac pacemaker generator who underwent pacemaker relocation surgery under an ultrasound-guided pectoralis nerve block. On preoperative evaluation, she had congestive heart failure, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and a pacer-dependent heart rhythm. ⋯ Thus, an ultrasound-guided pectoralis nerve block was planned. The surgery was completed successfully, without notable complications. Our findings might help in the management of patients who require pacemaker implantation/relocation.