J Formos Med Assoc
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There are numerous histologic variants of meningioma. Among the more uncommon are intracranial masses composed of meningiomatous and plasma cell-lymphocytic elements. We report a 22-year-old woman with lymphoplasmacyte-rich meningioma who initially presented with dizziness and progressive headache. ⋯ Histologic examination revealed a meningioma with massive infiltrates of plasma cells and lymphocytes. Brain computed tomography on the 6th postoperative day revealed total removal of the tumor with marked reduction of brain edema. Complete resolution of symptoms occurred with no evidence of tumor recurrence during 2 years of follow-up.
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Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) has a high fatality rate worldwide. We examined the epidemiologic and clinical factors associated with death for all laboratory-confirmed SARS patients in Taiwan. ⋯ Initial neutrophil count, CRP and LDH levels are important predictors of mortality from SARS.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Six-month nocturnal nasal positive pressure ventilation improves respiratory muscle capacity and exercise endurance in patients with chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure.
This study was designed to investigate the effects of 6 months of nocturnal nasal positive pressure ventilation (NNPPV) on respiratory muscle function and exercise capacity in patients with chronic respiratory failure. ⋯ The 6-month NNPPV treatment significantly decreased the partial pressure of carbon dioxide and improved daytime respiratory muscle function, thus contributing to exercise-capacity increase in patients with chronic respiratory failure.
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Injuries are major causes of mortality and morbidity in Taiwan. Alcohol involvement often plays a role in injuries. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of alcohol-related injuries at an emergency department in Eastern Taiwan and their associated factors. ⋯ Injuries were alcohol related in one out of seven patients this study from an emergency department in eastern Taiwan. Ongoing epidemiologic monitoring of the prevalence and nature of alcohol abuse among patients visiting the ED are urgently needed.
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Case Reports
Detection of right to left shunt by transesophageal echocardiography in a patient with postoperative hypoxemia.
Intracardiac right to left shunt through a patent foramen ovale (PFO) may result in the development of hypoxemia after cardiac surgery. Cardiac tamponade and mechanical ventilation with high positive endexpiratory pressure are the most common factors responsible for enhancing intracardiac right to left shunt through a PFO. ⋯ Surgical closure of the PFO was done without delay. This case illustrates the role of TEE in prompt diagnosis of intracardiac right to left shunting through a PFO causing postoperative hypoxemia after cardiac surgery.