A&A practice
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Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a rare but potentially fatal complication of exposure to certain anesthetic drugs. However, stress-induced MH, initially observed in pigs undergoing intense physical or emotional strain, has been reported in the absence of anesthetic exposure. In this case report, we describe a case of postoperative hyperthermia and cardiac dysfunction suspicious for stress-induced MH occurring after an endobronchial biopsy in a patient with recurrent undiagnosed fevers. We also examine our diagnosis of stress-induced MH and possible preventive measures to avoid this complication.
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Case Reports
Stellate Ganglion Block as a Diagnostic and Therapeutic Option in Chronic Pericardial Pain: A Case Report.
The underlying pathophysiology and treatment of chronic pericardial chest pain remains unclear. We describe a clinical case of a 38-year-old patient with chronic chest pain in the context of Marfan syndrome, status post-valve-sparing aortic root repair, and recurrent pericarditis. ⋯ A left-sided stellate ganglion block (SGB) was performed for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Postprocedure follow-up demonstrated significant analgesic benefit at 8 months after the procedure.
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Foreign body (FB) injuries of the airway and of the digestive tract are common in pediatric patients. Available literature cites small blunt objects as a common FB leading to FB aspiration or ingestion. ⋯ Airway management can be particularly challenging when access to the oral cavity is severely restricted. We present the anesthetic management of a child with complete oral cavity obstruction by a large fishing lure.
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Case Reports
The Anesthetic Challenges of Caring for a Pediatric Patient With Incontinentia Pigmenti: A Case Report.
Incontinentia pigmenti (IP) is a rare X-linked dominant disorder. We present a case of an infant with IP who was brought to the operating room for panretinal diode photocoagulation under general anesthesia. ⋯ Anesthesia for IP patients also poses challenges such as prevention of the oculocardiac reflex, obesity and airway management, and preemptive measures for intravenous access due to skin manifestations. Patients with IP may present with many challenges for the anesthesiologist during all phases of anesthetic management.