Current opinion in critical care
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Cardiac troponins in serum have become the biomarkers of choice for the diagnosis of myocardial infarction. Yet, troponin can also be elevated by a multitude of causes in the absence of overt myocardial ischemia. Such nonspecific elevations are particularly common in the critically ill. This article aims to provide information on the significance of troponin elevations in unselected critically ill patients and in patients with sepsis or septic shock. ⋯ Troponin is frequently elevated in critically ill patients. More research is needed on the diagnostic and prognostic significance and possible clinical applications of troponin measurements in patients with sepsis and critical illness.
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Unilateral pulmonary edema (UPE) is an unusual manifestation of pulmonary edema that is frequently confused with other causes of unilateral alveolar and interstitial infiltrates. Until now limited data existed regarding the prevalence, cause, and outcome of patients presenting with cardiogenic UPE. The purpose of this review is to give insights into this rare entity. ⋯ UPE is not that rare as considered to be and is mostly related to severe organic or functional mitral regurgitation. Probably because of initial misdiagnosis and delayed appropriate treatment, UPE is related to increased mortality. History, absence of signs of infection, and elevated serum cardiac markers such as B-natriuretic peptide may help to differentiate UPE from other diagnoses. The key examination remains bedside transthoracic echocardiography, although transesophageal echocardiography can also provide additional information regarding the severity and mechanism of mitral regurgitation and documentation of the differential pressure between the right and left pulmonary veins.