The Medical journal of Australia
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Peripheral ischaemia related to the inadvertent intra-arterial injection of crushed tablets in suspension, was seen in five drug addicts. Characteristic clinical, features were observed including pain, discolouration, oedema, immediate and delayed sensory and motor deficits, and pregangrenous and gangrenous changes distal to the site of injection. Definitive treatment remains to be established, but an approach to management, based upon probable pathophysiological mechanisms, is proposed.
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Low back pain, referred pain in the lower limbs, and spasm of the back, gluteal, and hamstring muscles are clinical features which can be induced in normal volunteers by stimulating structures which are innervated by the lumbar dorsal rami. Conversely, they can be relieved in certain patients by selective interruption of conduction along dorsal rami. ⋯ The pathophysiology, pathology, and treatment of this syndrome are described. Recognition of this syndrome, and its treatment with relatively minor procedures, can obviate the need for major surgery which might otherwise be undertaken.
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Two patients with mediastinal tumour and superior vena caval obstruction who, after general anaesthesia, experienced respiratory difficulties requiring intubation or reintubation are presented. Possible aetiological mechanisms are discussed in relation to these cases.