Internal medicine
-
Case Reports
Chest pain and ST segment depression caused by expansion of gastric tube used for esophageal reconstruction.
We describe a 76-year-old man in whom a gastric tube was used for esophageal reconstruction via the anterior mediastinum after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. Stenosis of the tube resulted in fluid accumulation, which directly compressed the heart and caused angina-like chest pain associated with ST-segment depression in lead V(2-3) on the electrocardiogram (ECG). ⋯ Drainage of the fluid in the gastric tube resulted in immediate relief of symptoms and normalization of ECG. Angina-like chest pain associated with ST segment changes were caused by expansion of the gastric tube and compression of the heart.
-
We present a 79-year-old woman with severe hyponatremia secondary to resumption of treatment with paroxetine, a selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor antidepressant. Confusion and fatigue followed re-initiation of paroxetine after a 3-month hiatus. ⋯ Hyponatremia was quickly resolved after discontinuation of paroxetine and initiation of intravenous normal saline infusion together with oral fluid restriction. This case underscores the importance of monitoring serum sodium in elderly patients taking paroxetine, whether this represents a new prescription or reintroduction of the drug.
-
Editorial Comment
Hyponatremia associated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.