The American journal of the medical sciences
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Anion gap metabolic acidosis (AGMA) is commonly encountered in medical practice. Acetaminophen-induced AGMA is, however, not widely recognized. ⋯ Recognition of this entity facilitated timely diagnosis and effective treatment. Given acetaminophen is commonly used over the counter medication, increased recognition of this adverse effect is of important clinical significance.
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Pleural effusions in ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, whether transudative or exudative, can occur in up to 30% of cases. This disorder is always reversible but may have various clinical presentations and degrees of severity. Although assessing for risk factors to predict clinical severity is helpful, it is rare for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome to present as a massive pleural effusion requiring emergent intervention. In this study, such a case is reported.
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Case Reports
Pseudomyocardial infarction caused by expansion of colonic tube used for esophageal reconstruction.
Electrocardiography (ECG) is a useful tool for detecting ischemic heart disease. However, it has been pointed out that those ECG abnormalities resembling myocardial ischemia may be induced by extracardiac factors. ⋯ Coronary angiography revealed no stenosis of arteries. Decompression of the colonic tube by the nasogastric tube resulted in normalization of the ECG.
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Prosthetic vascular graft infection (PVGI) is an infrequent and potentially fatal complication of abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery and occlusive vascular disease. The predictive value of blood cultures in accurately identifying the causative pathogen (or pathogens) has not been determined. ⋯ The yield of blood cultures in late-onset abdominal PVGIs is low. Presence of microorganisms in blood cultures does not necessarily indicate a causal relationship with graft infection. An empirical broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy is advised in all suspected cases until a definitive etiology has been made.
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Podocytes play an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of glomerulosclerosis. Various elements of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system can induce podocyte apoptosis. However, little is known about the direct effects of renin on podocytes. ⋯ The authors conclude that the effects of renin are mediated through the activation of rennin receptor and are independent of angiotensin II generation.