Chest
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Massive hemoptysis is a medical emergency with high mortality presenting several difficult diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. The origin of bleeding and underlying etiology often is not immediately apparent, and techniques for management of this dangerous condition necessitate an expedient response. Unlike hemorrhage in other circumstances, a small amount of blood can rapidly flood the airways, thereby impairing oxygenation and ventilation, leading to asphyxia and consequent cardiovascular collapse. ⋯ Bronchial artery embolization, rigid and flexible bronchoscopy, and surgery all serve as potential treatment options to provide definitive control of hemorrhage. Several adjunctive therapies described in recent years may also assist in the control of bleeding; however, their role is less defined in life-threatening hemoptysis and warrants additional studies. In this concise review, we emphasize the steps necessary for a systematic approach in the management of life-threatening hemoptysis.
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Transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound is a noninvasive method of obtaining bedside neurologic information that can supplement the physical examination. In critical care, this can be of particular value in patients who are unconscious with an equivocal neurologic examination because TCD findings can help the physician in decisions related to more definitive imaging studies and potential clinical interventions. ⋯ The value of this approach includes round-the-clock availability and a goal-directed approach allowing for repeatability, immediate interpretation, and quick clinical integration. This paper presents a systematic approach to incorporating the highest yield TCD techniques into critical care bedside practice, and includes a series of illustrative figures and narrated video presentations to demonstrate the techniques described.
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At the recent 6th World Symposium on Pulmonary Hypertension (PH), the definition of PH was redefined to include lower pulmonary artery pressures in the setting of elevated pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). However, the relevance of this change to subjects with PH due to left-heart disease as well as the preoperative assessment of heart transplant (HT) recipients is unknown. ⋯ Elevated PVR remains associated with a significant increase in the hazard for 30-day mortality after cardiac transplantation, even in the setting of lower pulmonary artery pressures. These data support the validity of the new definition of pulmonary hypertension.