The Journal of international medical research
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This study investigated the frequency of aspiration pneumonia in conscious stroke patients fed by a family member and examined the effect of introducing training in swallowing techniques by nurses. A total of 96 consecutive patients presenting with dysphagia due to acute stroke were included in the study. Patients presenting between January 2000 and July 2003 (n = 48) were fed orally by a family member given general nursing information (group A), whereas those presenting between August 2003 and March 2005 (n = 48) were fed orally by an experienced nurse trained in specific swallowing techniques (group B). ⋯ The incidence of aspiration pneumonia was 33.3% in group A and 6.3% in group B (P < 0.05). The incidence of aspiration pneumonia in dysphagic stroke patients who are orally fed is still high. Training in swallowing during oral feeding offers clear protection against pneumonia in conscious stroke patients.
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We present the case of a 37-year-old male patient with a multicentric myxoma admitted to hospital with dyspnoea, syncope and chest pain. Physical examination revealed a grade 3/6 systolic murmur at the left lower sternal border and diffuse bilateral lung rales. Transthoracic echocardiography and thoraco-abdominal computed tomography revealed a right atrial mass and a right ventricular mass obstructing the outflow tract. ⋯ The right ventricular free wall was repaired with a glutaraldehyde-treated pericardial patch. Histopathological examination of the tumours confirmed the diagnosis of myxoma. Post-operative recovery was uneventful and there was no recurrence after 1 year's follow-up.