A & A case reports
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We describe a patient who developed a hypopharyngeal mass (in the setting of a cervical osteophyte) while taking clopidogrel and aspirin for coronary artery disease. He had a 2-month history of progressive dysphagia and hoarseness. ⋯ A hematoma and cervical osteophyte were removed with scant bleeding. This case report emphasizes the need to consider the medication history of a patient when assessing the cause of an otherwise unexpected finding.
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Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is considered an option for patients with severe aortic stenosis who are not surgical candidates. We describe the case of a patient who presented with cardiac tamponade shortly after uneventful TAVR by a direct aortic approach. ⋯ Although TAVR is less invasive than traditional open aortic valve replacement, TAVR nonetheless poses serious risk. This case highlights a potential complication of the less commonly used transaortic approach for TAVR and the importance of taking a multidisciplinary approach when identifying and managing all TAVR-associated complications.
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Propionic acidemia is a congenital disorder of metabolism where the enzyme propionyl-CoA carboxylase is nonfunctional, resulting in an accumulation of propionic acid in the blood. It is important to avoid excess protein intake and a catabolic state to prevent acidemia. Additionally, it may be wise to avoid anesthetic drugs metabolized by propionyl-CoA carboxylase because use of these drugs may lead to acidosis. We present a case of a parturient with propionic acidemia who presented for induction of labor.
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The anesthetic implications of acute leukemia in pregnancy have not been reported. We describe the anesthetic management of a laboring primigravida at 34 weeks' gestation with new-onset acute myeloid leukemia. With multidisciplinary consultation, we recommend that neuraxial anesthesia be avoided in new-onset acute myeloid leukemia due to the risk of introducing malignant cells into the central nervous system, which can spread the disease and complicate management. We discuss the use of a fentanyl patient-controlled analgesia and dexmedetomidine as a method of labor analgesia, and the potential benefits of the latter medication in the obstetric population.