A&A practice
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The parasternal blocks cannot cover the T7 and lower anterior and lateral branches of the thoracoabdominal nerves. In the open heart surgeries, chest drainage tubes are generally outside the target of the parasternal blocks. ⋯ RIFPB targets the anterior and lateral cutaneous branches of the T6-T9 thoracoabdominal nerves. In this clinical report, we want to share our experiences about pectointercostal plane block and RIFPB combination (Medipol Combination) after cardiac surgery.
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Central neurogenic hyperventilation (CNH) is a rare disease, caused by chemical or mechanical disturbance of respiratory centers. It is characterized by the absence of extracerebral respiratory stimuli. A woman developed severe respiratory alkalosis and lactatemia after resection of a posterior fossa meningioma despite lack of cardio-respiratory or metabolic alterations. ⋯ Treatment with mannitol and dexamethasone reestablished normal breathing patterns. Lactatemia was likely due to reduced splanchnic lactate utilization. Intracranial pathologies should be suspected in case of hyperventilation without overt reasons. cCT to confirm edema or ischemia and prompt treatment is suggested.
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Case Reports
Unreported Source of Interference with the Bispectral Index During Liposuction: A Case Report.
Incorrect bispectral index (BIS) values have been reported due to interference with this monitoring system. We report a case of a 46-year-old woman who underwent liposuction and breast lipofilling, where we observed a misinterpretation by the BIS algorithm that has not yet been reported. Concurrently with abdominal and thigh liposuction, an increase in the BIS value was observed. The importance of examining electroencephalogram (EEG) and density spectral array (DSA) readings during liposuction procedures is highlighted in this case report, extending our observations beyond just the numerical BIS value, which is not always reliable.
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The ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane (ESP) block is an emerging fascial plane block, first described in 2016 for treating thoracic neuropathic pain. Since its introduction, it has been incorporated into multiple surgical procedures and has demonstrated proven benefits such as postoperative analgesia and reduction in opioid consumption. Being a superficial plane block, it avoids complications such as pneumothorax and hematoma, making it a safe mode of analgesia. We report a rare case of hematoma formation following ESP block in a patient who underwent mitral valve repair under cardiopulmonary bypass.
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Case Reports
Serotonin Syndrome After Prolonged Remifentanil and Propofol Infusion for Craniotomy: A Case Report.
Serotonin syndrome (SS) is a life-threatening condition caused by serotonergic medications. We describe a unique case of SS likely caused by prolonged exposure to propofol and remifentanil alone. A young male presented for vestibular schwannoma resection. ⋯ SS was diagnosed using Hunter's criteria and improved with supportive measures. While the patient endorsed a history of methamphetamine use, his urine drug screen was negative. The possibility of SS should be considered when administering propofol and remifentanil, particularly with prolonged infusions.