Anaesthesia and intensive care
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Anaesth Intensive Care · Apr 2001
Case ReportsExcision of a giant hydatid cyst of the lung under thoracic epidural anaesthesia.
We present a patient with a large pulmonary hydatid cyst compressing underlying lung, with previous pulmonary tuberculosis, who presented in respiratory failure. After institution of thoracic epidural anaesthesia employing 0.25% bupivacaine, 1% lignocaine and fentanyl, the patient was placed in the sitting position and the hydatid cyst excised and drained after a limited rib resection. ⋯ A marked improvement in symptoms as well as in spirometly and arterial blood gases occurred, and the patient was discharged on the 20th day. Thoracic epidural anaesthesia may be a safer method than general anaesthesia for removal of a hydatid cyst in a patient with severe respiratory compromise.
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Anaesth Intensive Care · Apr 2001
Case ReportsLife-threatening cardiac failure in a healthy young female with Irukandji syndrome.
We present a case of a previously well 24-year-old female patient who developed severe and life-threatening Irukandji syndrome that required ventilation and inotropic support. This case provides further evidence that there are jellyfish other than the Irukandji jellyfish that can cause cardiac decompensation, and there is a suggestion that application of a pressure immobilization bandage may worsen the envenomation. We include our recommended treatment for the Irukandji syndrome.