Chest
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Two cases of airway foreign bodies involving the aspiration of component parts of commonly used respiratory therapy equipment are described. The first case demonstrated the accidental introduction of a washer from a closed catheter suction system into the airway of a patient. The second case involved the accidental introduction of a part of an intubating stylet into the lung. Improper use of this equipment can result in airway foreign bodies and potential respiratory compromise.
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Case Reports
Massive hemothorax associated with intrathoracic extramedullary hematopoiesis involving the pleura.
Intrathoracic extramedullary hematopoiesis rarely involves the pleura and is usually asymptomatic. We report a 73-year-old woman with myelofibrosis who had pleural involvement with extramedullary hematopoietic tissue that produced a massive hemothorax. Before the diagnosis of extramedullary hematopoietic tissue was established, sclerosis with tetracycline was attempted, which accelerated pleural bleeding and required surgical evacuation. The bleeding was ultimately controlled by low-dose radiation therapy.