European journal of internal medicine
-
Eur. J. Intern. Med. · Jul 2008
Prognostic significance of pleural fluid data in patients with malignant effusion.
To determine the effects of the biochemical and cytological properties of the pleural fluid (PF) on the survival of patients with malignant pleural effusion (MPE). ⋯ Tumor type as well as some biochemical features of the pleural fluid, such as pH and concentrations of proteins and LDH, influence survival in patients with MPE.
-
Eur. J. Intern. Med. · Jul 2008
Case ReportsWinging of the scapula: An unusual complication of needle thoracocentesis.
Needle thoracocentesis is a common interventional procedure and is generally considered to be safe. Major complications associated with this procedure are uncommon. Here we describe a rare instance of winging of the scapula following needle thoracocentesis.
-
Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare disease, of unknown etiology, affecting women almost exclusively. Microscopically, LAM consists of a diffuse proliferation of smooth muscle cells. LAM can occur without evidence of other disease (sporadic LAM) or in conjunction with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). ⋯ The prevalence of lymphangioleiomyomatosis is probably underestimated based on its clinical latency and the absence of specific laboratory tests. With the utilization of international LAM data registries the "classical" picture of the disorder appears to be evolving as a larger number of patients are evaluated. An increased awareness of LAM and its common clinical presentation may advance the development of new therapeutic strategies and reduce the number of mistakenly diagnosed patients.
-
Eur. J. Intern. Med. · Jul 2008
Case ReportsA misplaced surgical towel - a rare cause of fever of unknown origin.
Retained surgical towels, usually called gossypiboma, are rare, but can cause important morbidity and mortality. Usually they are discovered during the first few days after surgery, but may remain undetected for many years. ⋯ We report a case of a woman who presented with fever and weight loss three and half years after an abdominal surgery. After an extensive workup, a gossypiboma was finally discovered and removed, leading to a complete cure.
-
Eur. J. Intern. Med. · Jun 2008
Evaluation of Wells score and repeated D-dimer in diagnosing venous thromboembolism.
Patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of venous thromboembolism (VTE), i.e., deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), are common at the emergency departments. However, of those, only 15-25% actually have the disease. The aims of this study were to determine (1) if low pre-test probability (PTP) using the Wells score, together with a normal D-dimer, safely excludes VTE in outpatients and (2) if a follow-up D-dimer adds extra information. ⋯ A normal PTP using the Wells score and a normal D-dimer safely excludes VTE at the emergency department. A follow-up D-dimer test adds no further information.