A&A practice
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Paragangliomas (PGLs) are rare tumors with an incidence of 0.007% in pregnant women. Patients with PGLs commonly present with hypertension and tachycardia. This case report describes the evaluation and management of a multiparous woman at 32 weeks of gestation with syncope, hypoxia, and tachycardia as unusual presenting symptoms of PGL. Her symptoms were attributable to paradoxical effects of circulating catecholamines on downregulated alpha-adrenergic receptors resulting in decreased systemic vascular resistance.
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The right supraclavicular fossa view allows for ultrasonographic visualization of the central veins. A preprocedural scan of an asymptomatic 38-year-old man referred for peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) insertion revealed a large thrombus in the right brachiocephalic vein. ⋯ Using the right supraclavicular view, the PICC was visualized in the left brachiocephalic vein, and the catheter was followed to its final position, avoiding contact with the thrombus. Thus, the right supraclavicular fossa view allowed for the detection of relevant pathology and facilitated an alternative feasible strategy with real-time catheter guidance during PICC insertion.
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The risk of aerosol transmission has been a key factor for the rapid dissemination of the coronavirus pandemic. Transportation of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-infected patients with active air leaks could expose unprotected health care personnel and other patients to aerosolized viral particles. ⋯ It involves placing an Ultipor100 viral filter on the suction port of the drain system as well as sealing off the safety valve. This mechanism allows positive pressure from an air leak to escape while on water seal while trapping viral particles.
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Effective rescue after failed intubation is important to limit the number of attempts and patient risk. Nothing is known about the Total Control Introducer's (TCI) effectiveness as an intubation rescue device. A single system's airway management database was studied. ⋯ First-pass success was 32 of 33 (97%). First-pass rescue was successful in 12 of 12 (100%) after video and direct laryngoscopy had failed. In this case series, the TCI was found to be a highly effective rescue technique after failed direct and video laryngoscopy.
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Bronchospasm in children is common; however, due to its sudden nature, radiographic correlation is uncommon. We planned a computed tomography (CT) coronary angiogram for a 5-year-old child for evaluation of Kawasaki disease. ⋯ Repeat CT scan documented well-aerated lung fields. The development of acute bronchospasm under anesthesia results in definite changes in the CT scan of the thoracic cavity as evidenced by this incident.