Brit J Hosp Med
-
A Vascath dialysis line was inserted under direct ultrasound guidance into the left internal jugular vein for plasmapharesis to treat a 60-year-old woman admitted with a myasthenic crisis secondary to sepsis. A chest X-ray was arranged to check the position of the line and look for any complications, which revealed the presence of a left superior vena cava. Because of the uncertainty of the drainage of this vein a right-sided catheter was then inserted. The repeat chest X-ray (Figure 1) shows both lines, and the two vena cava.
-
Hypothermia, either accidental or therapeutic, is when the body's core temperature is less than 35.0°C. This article examines the pathophysiology, clinical features and management of both intentional and unintentional hypothermia with a focus on the current literature regarding treatment protocols.
-
Since the introduction of targeted biological therapies, the implications of a new diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis have changed dramatically. There are now several therapeutic options available for these patients and the target of treatment - remission - is now a realistic goal.
-
Spinal fusion has long been the standard surgical treatment for degenerative disorders of the spine, but clinical outcomes are often unpredictable. Lumbar disc replacement allows removal of the pain source while preserving motion. This article explores the role of lumbar disc replacement in the surgical management of low back pain.