A&A practice
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We report the perioperative course of a 75-year-old woman undergoing robotic-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy and tumor debulking. The patient developed severe, persistent hypertension after intraoperative methylene blue administration requiring a Surgical Intensive Care Unit admission with further investigative evaluation revealing a previously undiagnosed pheochromocytoma. Our discussion focuses on the differential diagnoses for her perioperative hypertension. We evaluate whether methylene blue triggered a pheochromocytoma crisis in our patient and emphasize the caution and critical thinking we all should demonstrate while providing anesthetic care.
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Non-paresthesia-free spinal cord stimulation (PF-SCS) has been successfully used in treating central pain syndromes in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. However, the efficacy of PF-SCS in MS is unknown. ⋯ Her concomitant central pain and spasticity failed multiple attempts of medical management despite escalating multimodal pharmacological regimens. A trial and subsequent permanent placement of dorsal column spinal cord stimulator with paresthesia-free programming was successful in managing her central pain, illustrating a potential role of PF-SCS in treating patients with MS.
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We report a 31-year-old woman with sickle beta thalassemia zero who presented at 21 weeks gestational age with multiple bilateral pulmonary emboli and no hemodynamic instability. Acquired antithrombin deficiency was suspected due to a refractory response to therapeutic anticoagulation with enoxaparin, unfractionated heparin, and fondaparinux, and a reduced antithrombin antigen level. ⋯ To avoid the use of alternative anticoagulants that may cross the placenta and impact the fetus, a planned cesarean delivery was performed without complication at 27 weeks gestation. Both mother and child experienced successful long-term outcomes.
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Case Reports
Laparoscopic Rectopexy in a Patient With Pulmonary Hypertension Associated With Scleroderma: A Case Report.
We report the perioperative management of a patient with pulmonary hypertension under new-generation treatments who underwent laparoscopic surgery. Preoperatively, arterial catheter, central venous line, and transesophageal echocardiography probe were inserted in addition to standard monitoring. ⋯ The prognosis of patients with pulmonary hypertension has evolved since the advent of new management strategies. Thorough preoperative assessment and multidisciplinary discussion in a referral center are essential for medical optimization.