Crit Care Resusc
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Dissection of the internal carotid artery is often caused by trauma to the face or neck. It usually has a delayed onset neurological presentation, a partial middle cerebral artery territory syndrome, 'normal' early CT scan, MRI evidence of middle cerebral artery occlusion, progressive partial or complete neurological recovery, and duplex scan evidence of a reestablished lumen in the internal carotid artery after 10 weeks. A case is reported of a dissection of the right internal carotid artery in a patient with severe facial trauma. ⋯ The patient was anticoagulated and over the next two weeks made a slow recovery, using her left hand effectively and walking unaided. Four months after the accident a duplex scan revealed that the right carotid artery lumen was patent with normal arterial flows. Five months after the accident the patient had returned to work.
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To review the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of digoxin in health and disease and the potential use and toxic effects of digoxin in the critically ill patient. ⋯ Digoxin is a therapeutic agent with unique effects. It should be considered in all patients with systolic heart failure, supraventricular tachycardia, and, in association with other treatment, as a single dose of 750 -1000 mug/70 kg in patients not treated previously with digoxin who have septic shock. It should be avoided in patients with critical coronary artery disease and ischaemic or hypertrophic diastolic failure.
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To review the pathophysiology and management of patients with clinical manifestations of fat embolism. ⋯ Fat embolism occurs in many traumatic and atraumatic conditions and is largely asymptomatic. Preventative measures include early immobilization of fractures and methods to reduce intramedullary pressure during surgical manoeuvres. Treatment is largely symptomatic with therapy for respiratory failure similar to that used in management of acute respiratory distress syndrome. Corticosteroids have not been found to be of significant benefit.