European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery : official journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Dec 1997
Case Reports Comparative StudyCritical illness polyneuropathy: a new iatrogenically induced syndrome after cardiac surgery?
Critical illness polyneuropathy (CIP) is a newly described severe complication after open heart surgery leading to tetraplegia for weeks to months. The purpose of the study was to gather further information on critical illness polyneuropathy developing in patients after cardiac surgery and to evaluate the hypothetical risk factors possibly related to the onset of this neurological disorder. ⋯ CIP, despite it's benign nature due to it's spontaneous remission in patients who survive, is a disturbing complication following cardiac surgery which is associated with high mortality, a prolonged stay in the ICU, as well as an extended time on ventilator support. Interventions like chronic hemodiafiltration, the application of corticosteroids and the administration of high doses of catecholamines are more frequent in patients with CIP. Whether this indicates a causal relationship remains to be elucidated.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Dec 1997
Case ReportsProgressive dysphonia and acute respiratory failure: revealing a bronchogenic cyst.
We report the case of a 17-year old girl presenting a 3-month history of progressive dysphonia, and ultimately acute respiratory failure. CT scan and bronchoscopy showed severe extrinsic compression of the carina and of the left main stem bronchus. ⋯ The post operative course was uneventful except a persistent dysphonia. Dysphonia is an exceptional early symptom of bronchogenic cyst located in the oesophageal wall.