BMJ case reports
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Spontaneous pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema (Hamman's syndrome) are rare but potentially dangerous complications of labour. The authors reported a case of a 23-year-old primigravida, admitted to our hospital for delivery after 40 weeks of pregnancy. ⋯ A chest X-ray and CT scan revealed pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema. The patient had been followed up for 3 days in our hospital, without specific therapy.
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A 48-year-old woman presented with a red, pruritic and painful skin rash on her legs bilaterally after she snorted cocaine. This was associated with fever and cough. Physical examination showed large violaceous plaques and large flaccid bullae, involving bilateral lower extremities. ⋯ Skin ulcers improved and she was discharged in stable condition. Ten days after discharge, she was readmitted with new lesions and worsening necrotic ulcers from the old lesions. The patient admitted to snorting cocaine again a few days after being discharged.
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Case Reports
Use of transoesophageal echocardiography in endovascular stenting for superior vena cava syndrome.
Endovascular stenting is a recommended primary treatment for superior vena cava syndrome in patients with tumours. We describe a case where the vena cava stenosis was located 1 cm above the cavoatrial junction. In order to avoid malpositioning of the stent and its potential complications, such as arrhythmia or cardiac tamponade, transoesophageal echocardiography was used for guidance during the stent deployment.
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The recreational use of novel psychoactive substances in the UK has increased markedly within the last decade. The variety of new substances synthesised and sold as 'legal', often under the pretence of being 'plant food' or 'bath salts' is similarly increasing. ⋯ He experienced renal, hepatic and neurological complications requiring critical care input. Our case adds to the current repertoire of knowledge regarding the effects of ingestion of novel cathinones.