Chest
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To determine the value of tonometrically measured gastric intramucosal pH (pHi) and accepted indices of systemic oxygenation in predicting multiorgan dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and death in critically ill patients with sepsis. ⋯ In patients with sepsis, indices of tissue oxygenation are better predictors of outcome than the hemodynamic and oxygen-derived variables obtained by invasive hemodynamic monitoring. These indices should be used to direct therapy.
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In order to assess the role of a staging fiberoptic bronchoscopy in the preoperative assessment of an indeterminate solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN), we reviewed our experience in 33 SPNs identified among 1,269 bronchoscopies performed at the Albert Einstein Medical Center between 1985 and 1989. All lesions were less than 4 cm in greatest diameter and were not associated with symptoms of weight loss, chest pain, hemoptysis, localized wheezing, or hoarseness. ⋯ We recommend the abandonment of a staging bronchoscopy in the evaluation of a patient with an indeterminant SPN in whom history, physical examination, laboratory, and imaging studies fail to document contraindications to surgery. No additional useful information is derived and a substantial cost savings to the patient can be realized if the procedure is eliminated.
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Case Reports
Worsening tricuspid regurgitation following pericardiectomy for constrictive pericarditis.
We describe two cases of worsening tricuspid regurgitation following surgical pericardiectomy for constrictive pericarditis. Both patients demonstrated hemodynamic profiles characteristic of constrictive pericarditis on cardiac catheterization. ⋯ The worsening tricuspid regurgitation observed was a result of postoperative right ventricular dilatation. These cases demonstrate the importance of determining tricuspid valvular function in patients with constrictive pericarditis prior to pericardiectomy; however, the hemodynamic changes that result in worsening tricuspid regurgitation may not be present for weeks.
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Cardiac tamponade, a potentially lethal complication following cardiac surgery, may present either early or late postoperatively and may be difficult to diagnose due to atypical clinical, hemodynamic, or echocardiographic findings. To determine the frequency and clinical features of postoperative cardiac tamponade, we performed a review of 510 consecutive patients who underwent cardiac surgery. The incidence of postoperative cardiac tamponade was 2.0 percent (10/510 patients) and occurred following valvular, bypass, and aortic surgery. ⋯ Eight of ten patients survived; all of these patients underwent surgical removal of fluid and/or hematoma in the operating room. We conclude that postoperative tamponade after cardiac surgery may have varied clinical and hemodynamic presentations, often due to selective chamber compression by loculated fluid or clot. Due to its frequently atypical features and presentation that may simulate other disorders, the diagnosis of tamponade should be considered whenever hemodynamic deterioration or signs of low output failure occur in the postcardiotomy patient.
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We studied whether inspiratory muscle training (IMT) changed respiratory sensation during exercise in 12 healthy women; IMT was performed twice daily, for 15 minutes, using a pressure threshold device and continued for 4 weeks. The inspiratory threshold was set to 30 percent of each individual's maximal inspiratory pressure (Pimax). Breathing effort was evaluated during a progressive exercise test using Borg scale. ⋯ The difference in the sensory score-exercise stage curves before and after IMT in the training group was not significant. No significant difference was noted in the relationship of the Borg score to minute ventilation before and after 4 weeks in either group. We concluded that IMT may not affect respiratory sensation during exercise in normal subjects, although IMT increases diaphragmatic strength.