Southern medical journal
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Southern medical journal · Oct 2000
Review Case ReportsSpontaneous internal carotid artery dissection.
Once considered uncommon, spontaneous dissection of the carotid artery is an increasingly recognized cause of stroke, headache, cranial nerve palsy, or ophthalmologic events, especially in young adults. Even in the presence of existing signs and symptoms, the diagnosis can be missed by experienced physicians of all specialties. ⋯ Prompt anticoagulation was instituted, and the patient had complete resolution of symptoms. Cervicocephalic arterial dissection should be included in the differential diagnosis of the causes of cerebrovascular events.
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Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis is a thyroid-related disorder that is manifested as recurrent episodes of hypokalemia and muscle weakness lasting from hours to days. The periodic paralysis has been associated with thyrotoxicosis from various etiologies. Although the incidence of the disorder is relatively higher among Asians, it has been reported in many other ethnic groups. We review the literature and report the ninth and tenth cases of thyrotoxic periodic paralysis in black patients.
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Southern medical journal · Sep 2000
Transcutaneous lumbar diskectomy for internal disk derangement: a new indication.
Percutaneous diskectomy has been used effectively to treat lumbar disk herniation. The purpose of this review was to determine whether transcutaneous diskectomy is an effective surgical option for treating lumbar internal disk derangement. ⋯ The favorable results from this series illustrate the high success rate of transcutaneous lumbar diskectomy in a heterogeneous patient population. Coupling the rate of success with a low rate of complications, transcutaneous lumbar diskectomy appears to be an effective, minimally invasive treatment for internal disk derangement.
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Southern medical journal · Sep 2000
Case ReportsTraumatic asphyxia complicated by unwitnessed cardiac arrest.
We report a case of traumatic asphyxia complicated by unwitnessed cardiac arrest in which the patient has made a good, functional recovery. Traumatic asphyxia is an uncommon clinical syndrome usually occurring after chest compression. ⋯ When such features are observed, the diagnosis of traumatic asphyxia should be considered. Prompt treatment with attention to the reestablishment of oxygenation and perfusion may result in good outcomes.
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Formal "duels of honor" ruled upper-class conduct for centuries. That social pressure could compel a choice of "death before dishonor" seems nearly incomprehensible today. Physicians might have been expected to disdain dueling as contrary to professional ethics, but a few rather colorful physicians did enter the lists. Details of some of the most famous physician duels are summarized in this article.